Darkthorn's Vengence

## *~Prologue~*

A sleek and shimmering black she-cat swished through long pale grass. She approached a dark ginger tom and touched noses with him.

"It is so good to see you, Twilightdawn," the tom exclaimed.

"It is good to see you too, Sunstar," the she-cat replied unenthusiastically.

"What is wrong?" Sunstar asked worriedly, seeing the fire grow in his mother's eyes.

"A prophecy. A prophecy I never thought would come true, but it has to because of your mistakes." Twilightdawn gazed into her son's deep green eyes. Sunstar gulped.

*"The deadliest thorn shall pierce the heart of*

*every creature in the forest. Only four, one from each clan*

*will be able to stop it. But beware of the*

*crow that will rest on the thorn, screeching in anger.*

*Bury the thorn deep beneath the ground so*

*no one will see it."*

Sunstar gaped at Twilightdawn. "What is that suppose to mean? What mistakes have I made?"

Instead of answering, the she-cat turned her tail on him and stalked lightly away. The grass seemed to answer, but only to the breeze.

## ~*Prologue's Notes and Gallery~*

**Sunstar** - Fluffy dark ginger tom with green eyes *(Leader)*

**Shellfang** - Blueish gray tom with crooked jaw *(Deputy)*

**Speckledberry** - Brown and white tabby she-cat *(Medicine cat)*

*(Apprentice - **Hawkpaw** - Light brown she-cat)*

**Finchwing** - Sleek reddish brown tom *(Warriors)*

*(Apprentice - **Frostpaw** - White she-cat with black stripes)*

**Needlepool** - Light gray and white tom with darker gray flecks

*(Apprentice - **Junglepaw** - Light brown tom with darker spots)*

**Robinface** - Long-legged, brown she-cat

**Blossomstripe** - Brown tabby she-cat

*(Apprentice - **Marigoldpaw** - Light brown she-cat with darker spots)*

**Sharpfang** - Large, thick-furred tabby

**Deerskip** - Brown and white tom with small black stripes

**Feathergaze** - Blueish gray she-cat

**Hailfoot** - Dark and light gray tom with unusual yellow eyes

*(Apprentice - **Darkpaw** - Massive pure black she-cat with green eyes: Main Character)*

**Blackivy** - Black and white she-cat

**Silverheart** - Silver she-cat with black stripes (*Queens)*

*(Mother to **Frostpaw** and **Darkpaw**)*

**Emberstride** - Light brown she-cat with darker spots and piercing blue eyes

*(Mother to **Junglepaw** and **Marigoldpaw**. Expecting more kits)*

**Ratfur** - Hairless gray and pink tom *(Elders)*

***(Cats of Polarclan)***

* Sunstar
* Shellfang
* Speckledberry
* Finchwing
* Needlepool
* Robinface
* Blossomstripe
* Sharpfang
* Deerskip
* Feathergaze
* Hailfoot
* Blackivy
* Hawkpaw
* Darkpaw
* Frostpaw
* Junglepaw
* Marigoldpaw
* Silverheart
* Emberstride
* Ratfur
1/20
## ~*Chapter One~*

Step after step. Quiet and gentle, the she-cat placed her paws carefully in front of each other. She pounced on air and whirled around roaring, "I caught it!"

"Stop pretending to catch something and *actually* catch something," Hailfoot growled dangerously.

"Okay," Darkpaw sighed. *I was just having some fun...*

Darkpaw's thoughts were interrupted by Marigoldpaw's sneer. "She'll only be able to catch air... You know, like usual."

Darkpaw cuffed the ground angrily. Ever since she was a kit, Marigoldpaw would bully her for being "fat" and "useless."

Darkpaw sniffed the air. The scent of rabbit filled her nostrils. She followed the scent-trail and spotted a nice plump and white rabbit just a tail length away from the others. It munched on grass as normal and blocked the noise around itself.

Darkpaw crept quietly behind it, being as silent as possible. The rabbit cocked its head just as Darkpaw pounced. The dark feline landed squarely on it, rolling and clawing the bundle of fur. Darkpaw struck its head and it fell limp under her claw.

Gracefully, Darkpaw took the rabbit back to her mentor and dropped it at his paws.

"Very nice," Hailfoot said, impressed. "Pfft, I could do *way* better," Marigoldpaw muttered. "Shut up. It is not a competition," Junglepaw, Marigoldpaw's littermate, snapped. "I think she could've done better," Frostpaw, Darkpaw's littermate, agreed scornfully.

"Be quiet," Blossomstripe snapped. "We all watched how she killed it, right?" "Yes!" The three other apprentices said in concert. "Good. She did a swell job," Blossomstripe said and smiled at Darkpaw.

Darkpaw's stomach felt like butterflies were stuck inside. She was a bit embarrassed being praised by Blossomstripe in front of her mentor, Hailfoot, and Finchwing, Needlepool, and the other three apprentices.

"Good job, Darkpaw," Finchwing said. "Can we bring the prey back now?" He asked hurriedly.

"What's the rush?" Needlepool asked. "We still have time to teach them better hunting skills."

"I agree with Finchwing." Hailfoot nodded. "We should get back and have them do the chores they were *supposed* to do yesterday." Hailfoot glared at the apprentices. "Then stop chatting and go," Blossomstripe said and watched Marigoldpaw lift her starling and mouse in her jaws.

Needlepool grabbed Junglepaw's prey for him (a shrew and two mice). Darkpaw carried her chaffinch and her recently caught rabbit back.

Frostpaw was the only one who caught one thing. A rabbit just like Darkpaw but hers was scrawny and small which Finchwing scolded her for.

When they reached camp the four apprentices deposited their prey on the pile. Junglepaw and Marigoldpaw cleaned the nursery and Frostpaw wandered off who-knows-where, leaving Darkpaw to clean the elders den.

Darkpaw sighed with a chaffinch in her mouth and entered the den. When she spotted Ratfur cuddling in the corner she shook her head. No apprentice liked Ratfur. He was grumpy and always yelling commands ("I'm glad he yells at them. It teaches them to respect their elders," Hailfoot would say).

When Darkpaw placed her chaffinch down, Ratfur squinted at her.

"I've been waiting to eat for so long!" Ratfur said over-exaggerating. "Clean out the moss," he shouted at Darkpaw. "I know, I know," Darkpaw mumbled. Darkpaw scratched the old moss away, left, and came back with a bundle of fresh, bright green moss. She spread the moss over the den and made it nice and tight.

"Have a nice day!" Darkpaw said kindly as she stalked away. Ratfur grunted.

"Attending that ugly flea-brain are you?" Marigoldpaw teased as she stalked towards the nursery. "He isn't ugly," Darkpaw said, truly thinking he was okay. Marigoldpaw rolled her eyes. "Yes he is. Quit trying to defend that waste of space." Darkpaw was surprised to hear the rude words Marigoldpaw was saying about the elder. "Anyway, I came out to tell you that Silverheart wants you," Marigoldpaw told her and padded off.

Darkpaw ducked under the logs that covered the nursery. "Yes?" she asked her mother once she spotted her.

"Frostpaw told me you messed around in practice today," Silverheart growled. Frostpaw avoided Darkpaw's gaze by looking down at her paws.

"I was for about five seconds until Hailfoot stopped me," Darkpaw admitted.

"Five seconds? You should be listening *EVERY* second," Silverheart snapped.

"It wasn't long!" Darkpaw spat, now getting mad at Frostpaw. "What about Frostpaw? Did she tell you she didn't listen to Blossomstripe or her own mentor?" Frostpaw shot a dangerous look at Darkpaw but there was a glow of guilt.

"DON'T BRING YOUR SISTER INTO THIS!" Silverheart snarled. "Besides, Frostpaw is special and she may do whatever she wants."

"Now I don't think favoring one kit is okay," a voice behind them said. Emberstride was glaring at Silverheart. "Both of your kits are special."

"I think not," Silverheart sniffed, "we both know the prophecy of Frostpaw~~---~~" "Shh!" Emberstride quickly hushed her. "Prophecy?" Frostpaw and Darkpaw said together. "Get out, you two," Emberstride said gently. "I must talk to Silverheart about a few things." The two sisters immediately listened and ran out.

"You tattled on me!" Darkpaw hissed at Frostpaw when they were out. "I'm sorry!" Frostpaw said. "It slipped out when she asked me about hunting." Darkpaw calmed herself down and sighed. "No. I'm sorry for yelling at you. I'm just jealous Silverheart loves you and hates me." Darkpaw looked down as she spoke.

"Don't say that!" Said Frostpaw. "She loves you just as much. She is just having a bad day. And besides, father likes you."

"I guess so," Darkpaw said, thinking of her brave father, Sunstar.

"Darkpaw! Frostpaw!" Junglepaw came racing towards them like an angry fox. "Whoa, slow down!" Darkpaw ordered. "Sorry! Sorry! I just have good news," Junglepaw panted when he reached them. "Well, spill it," Frostpaw said, impatiently. "I overheard the mentors talking. They will take us to the Gathering tomorrow!"

"I can't wait!" Frostpaw bounced in excitement. "Our second Gathering in a row!"

"Cool," Darkpaw said, not as excited as Frostpaw. Darkpaw couldn't be happy. All she thought of was Silverheart.

What prophecy? How come Frostpaw was so special?

## *~Chapter Two~*

*Darkpaw crunched on dead leaves that had fallen down at the foot of the withering tree's roots.*

Where am I? *She thought.*

*Darkpaw sniffed. A scent; a stranger's scent washed over her. "Who's there?" Darkpaw demanded.*

*A soft voice brushed her ears. "Oh Darkpaw, you poor thing." The voice almost sounded as if it was mocking her. "I understand what it feels like to be left behind by an ungrateful fox-heart called a mother." The voice was of a she-cat. She sounded exhausted but her voice was high-pitched.*

*"You have the courage of a fox, but the strength of a mouse. Come to me and I'll show you how to become powerful, feared, and praised."*

*"Show yourself!" Darkpaw snarled more anxious than ever.*

*"I will do no such thing.," the she-cat said firmly. "Only listen for the name Hollowfleck in the breeze or in the flow of the river and perhaps then I will show myself."*

Darkpaw opened her eyes and the whole scene vanished. *It was only a dream,* Darkpaw thought happily. But it sure was a strange one.

Darkpaw sprang forward when she saw Junglepaw and Frostpaw stirring in their nests.

"Wake up!" Marigoldpaw's voice rang in Darkpaw's ears. "Blossomstripe has demanded you freaks to come outside so we can start training for battle!"

"Training for battle?" Junglepaw said in disbelief. "It is only dawn."

"Junglepaw's right," Darkpaw agreed. "I think it is too early."

"Shut up and let's go," Frostpaw snapped and followed Marigoldpaw. Junglepaw looked at Darkpaw and shrugged and they followed her out.

"About time!" Hailfoot stomped his foot on the rocky ground.

"I object to this battle training idea." Finchwing was arguing with Blossomstripe. "Frostpaw is not ready yet." "When I say she's ready, she is ready," Blossomstripe hissed. "Quit playing leader. I'm *HER* mentor. I decide what to do," Finchwing hissed back.

"She is ready!" Silverheart snapped from behind the two. "Darkpaw should be the one who isn't ready." Silverheart shot Darkpaw a rude glance.

"HEY!" Hailfoot snarled at the queen. "Don't you dare say my apprentice isn't ready! If anything, I'll do a better job at teaching than Finchwing." "No, it's fine. I don't care if I'm not ready," Darkpaw tried to explain but no one listened. "I can say whatever I want. I'm *her* mother," Silverheart growled. "Then start acting like one instead of throwing her in the dirt," Hailfoot barked.

"ENOUGH!" Sunstar's powerful voice rang in his clanmates' ears.

"Silverheart, I love you, but if Finchwing doesn't think she's ready, then she isn't ready," Sunstar said. Frostpaw looked down at her paws and Silverheart looked sullen.

"Silverheart, I promise I will teach her battle moves soon, just not now," Finchwing promised gently. Silverheart didn't answer and went back into the nursery pouting. "That's one stubborn she-cat," Needlepool whispered to Hailfoot.

"Blossomstripe, take your apprentice and the rest with you to the Great Oak to train. Finchwing, you teach what needs to be taught before battle training," Sunstar commanded. Finchwing nodded and beckoned Frostpaw with his tail to follow. When the two left, Blossomstripe gathered up her group and headed for the Great Oak.

"If we are not hunting, who is?" Junglepaw asked. "Duh! Other warriors." Marigoldpaw rolled her eyes. Blossomstripe cuffed her apprentice on the ears. "Be kind." "Feathergaze took a patrol with Shellfang, Blackivy and Sharpfang," Needlepool responded. "What about Deerskip?" Darkpaw asked. Deerskip usually hunted.

"Oh, he stayed behind just in case Emberstride would need him for the kits," Hailfoot said. "Are our new brothers and sisters coming today?" Junglepaw and Marigoldpaw said together and bounced joyfully. "It's a possibility," Hailfoot said.

The training patrol had reached the Great Oak. It was an enormous light brown oak tree covered in red and orange leaves.

"Okay. First, I would like to lay out some rules," Blossomstripe said when the apprentices we seated. "Remember, apprentices must have claws sheathed. This goes for mentors, too. Second, no gossiping about your moves to any apprentice at the Gathering tonight. Got it?"

"Yes!" The apprentices said in unison. "Okay, good," Blossomstripe said and dismissed them.

Hailfoot brought Darkpaw farther away from the mentors and apprentices.

"How come you don't want to be near them?" Darkpaw asked, watching her clanmates begin their training.

"I want to teach you something that no one else teaches," Hailfoot admitted. "It's an old trick my parents taught me."

Darkpaw's eyes glowed with excitement. "First, give me your best battle stance. It is almost like a hunting stance." Hailfoot demonstrated his stance to Darkpaw. He crouched slightly and left his tail up from swishing the ground. His forepaws were spread apart but his hindquarters were pushed close together so he could get a better pounce. Darkpaw mimicked her mentor's pose.

"Very good, Darkpaw," Hailfoot praised. "I would tell you to fluff up your fur but it would be useless since you are already my height." Darkpaw blinked at him. She never realized she was bigger than the other apprentices.

Hailfoot taught Darkpaw many moves. He even taught her how to block and balance on her hind paws. But the trick Hailfoot taught Darkpaw was her favorite. It was great for surprises.

"All right. Try the trick I have just taught you," Hailfoot said.

*He's going to play you...* A raspy voice pierced Darkpaw's ears. She looked around but saw no one. *Hollowfleck would be disappointed if you fail.*

*What does that mean?* Darkpaw wondered.

Darkpaw shook her head and focused back on the training. Darkpaw charged at Hailfoot, kicking the ground hard so she could bounce around him. Hailfoot ducked as Darkpaw pounced and she hit the ground roughly. Darkpaw could hear Hailfoot charging at her.

*NOW! Do the trick!* The voice commanded.

Darkpaw watched Hailfoot pounce. Darkpaw readied herself before ramming her head into his stomach, knocking the air out of him. Seeing that Hailfoot had been shot backwards and stunned, Darkpaw took the opportunity to pin him down by placing two paws on his back.

Hailfoot slipped away from under her paws and shook.

"Very nice, Darkpaw!" Hailfoot praised. "I didn't expect you to actually hit me in the stomach."

"Needlepool, are we done?" Junglepaw asked. Darkpaw noticed that he looked very exhausted.

"Yes. We just finished," Needlepool smiled warmly at his apprentice. "Oh, Blossomstripe and Hailfoot are done too."

"Time to go to camp and relax!" Darkpaw said. Junglepaw and Marigoldpaw gazed worriedly at each other and didn't share the excitement Darkpaw had.

"Is something wrong?" Darkpaw asked as they padded back to camp. "Well... We were just thinking..." Marigoldpaw drifted off. "What if Emberstride doesn't survive giving birth?" Junglepaw said, finishing his littermate's sentence. "I wouldn't let such a thought let you down. Besides, how could she die? She is strong. She will make it through," Darkpaw said, but something in Darkpaw didn't believe she would survive. Emberstride could die of blood loss or even a kit could die. Leaf-bare was coming soon too. Which meant that they might even die of starvation.

When the patrol got back, Deerskip was spotted pacing back in forth in front of the nursery. Silverheart sat outside of it too, looking worried. Frostpaw lay curled up next to Silverheart.

Marigoldpaw and Junglepaw pelted toward their father.

"Is she alright?" Junglepaw asked. Deerskip looked down at the two. "Yes," he said, but he was lying. Something was wrong.

"Out of my way!" Hawkpaw ordered from the nursery entrance and barged through.

Everyone stared at her. Wondering what she had to say.

Hawkpaw smiled. "Speckledberry and I want to inform you all... Emberstride has given birth to seven kits. Four tom-kits and three she-kits." But Hawkpaw's smile quickly switched to a frown. "However, due to them being born early, Emberstride doesn't have a lot of strength and she will need more milk to feed them. Two of the kits are very weak and may not survive the harsh winter."

The crowd fell silent and Deerskip looked down at his paws.

"Hawkpaw, fetch me some borage leaves," Speckledberry's voice suddenly came. Hawkpaw nodded and raced to the medicine cat den. Hawkpaw returned with three green, fuzzy looking leaves. She beckoned Deerskip, Marigoldpaw and Junglepaw to come inside the nursery.

"Can I see them?" Darkpaw asked. Deerskip nodded and she followed him into the den.

Newborn kits surrounded Emberstride's weary body as Hawkpaw had her eat borage leaves.

"Deerskip?" Emberstride lifted her head lightly off the ground. "Rest~~---~~" Deerskip began. "We have to name the kits though," Emberstride insisted. Deerskip agreed and eyed the kits carefully.

"The black and gray tom... He'll be Lightningkit," Emberstride said softly. "The other brown tom-kit's paws remind me of a birch tree," Deerskip chuckled, "he'll be Birchkit."

"Can we name one?" Junglepaw asked.

"Of course!" Emberstride said. "After all, you two are still my kits."

"I want this she-kit to be Violetkit. She reminds me of those beautiful violet colored flowers outside the nursery. And the she-kit next to her will be Shallowkit," Junglepaw said. Marigoldpaw stepped forward and nudged a small brown tom-kit. "I want him to be Lynxkit. The she-kit next to him will be Curlykit because of her curly fur."

"There's still one more that needs to be named," Deerskip said and turned his gaze toward Darkpaw. "Why don't you name one?" Emberstride said. "O-okay." Darkpaw felt a bit awkward being able to name somebody's kit but she nudged the last tom-kit. "He looks like a sparrow. He will be Sparrowkit," Darkpaw announced.

"They're all so beautiful," Emberstride said heartily.

"I'm afraid that Lynxkit and Shallowkit might not do so well," Speckledberry said. "They are too weak. Either they'd die of starvation, coldness, sickness, or they would be killed by another creature," Speckledberry continued, "or Starclan will perhaps have mercy. But I doubt it," Speckledberry growled and left with her apprentice trailing her tracks.

"Why does she doubt StarClan?" Darkpaw asked as her and Junglepaw and Marigoldpaw left the nursery.

"She says believing in dead cats is stupid," Junglepaw said. "What?!" Darkpaw couldn't believe her ears. "But she's a medicine cat! They are supposed to believe in our ancestors."

"Yeah, well, let her have her own opinion," Marigoldpaw hissed. "Darkpaw, I don't want you to rub all your ugliness on my siblings, so just stay away. Thank you."

Darkpaw blinked. "I named one of the kits, you know," she growled. "I know. Sadly, it means he'll turn out like you," Marigoldpaw snickered. Junglepaw said nothing but he looked just as furious as Darkpaw was with Marigoldpaw. Junglepaw never liked to argue with his sister, but he disagreed with a lot of things she said.

"Break it up," Frostpaw said. Marigoldpaw and Junglepaw left the two sisters alone.

"How was your day?" Darkpaw asked. "Okay, I guess." Frostpaw shrugged.

"Good! I had a really good day too~~---~~" "I didn't come here to hear you brag about the moves you learned!" Frostpaw snarled, cutting Darkpaw off. "I wasn't going to brag," Darkpaw growled. "I'm useless without battle moves!" Frostpaw complained. "It's so stupid how you get to train." "At least your loved by our mother," Darkpaw hissed. "I'm glad you can finally realize that your presence to Silverheart is killing her," Frostpaw said rudely and she stormed off.

Darkpaw stood still, speechless.

"Hey, Darkpaw, heads up!" Blackivy called and threw a plump mouse at her paws. Darkpaw nodded her thanks and began to eat her mouse.

"I heard you named one of Emberstride's kits," Sunstar's voiced sounded from behind. Sunstar trotted next to Darkpaw. "Yeah, I-I did. But Marigoldpaw thinks it was a stupid name." Darkpaw sighed. "Don't let Marigoldpaw hurt your feelings," Sunstar advised.

"Is Frostpaw special?" Darkpaw asked. Sunstar tilted his head. "What do you mean by that?"

"Well..." Darkpaw shuffled her paws. "Silverheart said she was special. I don't know how she would be special though. I think we'd all be special. Silverheart always loved her more, though. Will there be a day when Silverheart might leave me to die because I'm not important?"

Sunstar tensed at his daughter's questions.

"She heard a prophecy about Frostpaw but that doesn't mean Frostpaw is the only special one," Sunstar assured. "And Silverheart won't ever leave you." "I think she already has," Darkpaw said, staring at Frostpaw and Silverheart laughing together. A spark flew in Sunstar's eyes as he followed Darkpaw's gaze.

"Darkpaw, I'm sorry." Sunstar sighed. "It's my fault your mother doesn't love you. I told her a prophecy about Frostpaw and that's all she cares about now. I should've kept it a secret until the prophecy was fulfilled. But no matter what, I will always love you." Sunstar nudged Darkpaw on the ear. "I will always love you too," Darkpaw said. "But I don't think it was your fault. She just has her own opinion."

Sunstar left Darkpaw to eat and trotted back to his den. Darkpaw couldn't help but feel alone the rest of the day until the Gathering.

"I want all the apprentices, their mentors, Shellfang and Deerskip and Feathergaze to come to the Gathering." Sunstar announced.

"What about me?" Robinface protested. "I've always gone to the Gatherings." "Exactly why you are not going this time," Sunstar said. "It's okay. We'll tell you everything when we get back," Needlepool promised. "Oh, alright." Robinface sighed.

The PolarClan cats ducked under brambles and bracken that surrounded their territory. They reached the Four Trees that floated along the shore of the lake. ThornClan and CreekClan were already present but OakClan was just coming like PolarClan.

When the all the clans settled, Redstar, the leader of ThornClan began.

"Two apprentices have been made: Thistlepaw and Blackpaw," he announced and the clans cheered for him. After he had said his share, Brackenstar, the leader of CreekClan announced, "Fish has been plentiful and StarClan has been kind. We have made two new apprentices: Stormpaw and Sloepaw." Brackenstar eyed two small apprentices, who cowered away from all the cheers. When Brakenstar backed down, Sunstar went up. "Seven kits have been born," Sunstar said proudly, and looked down at Deerskip. Sunstar smiled as the clans congratulated them. Sunstar backed away for Sandstar, the leader of OakClan.

"OakClan will be expanding their borders," Sandstar announced.

"WHAT?" Redstar shouted, not believing what he had heard. "You can't expand your borders unless Sunstar and I say you can. And we won't," Redstar said, trusting that Sunstar would agree with him.

"Sandstar, might I remind you, that we all need our big territories to survive," Sunstar said calmly.

"We need a bigger border so we can get more prey," Sandstar growled.

"You're just greedy," Brackenstar said, glaring at Sandstar. "I have to live with the smallest piece of land and you don't hear me complaining about expanding borders."

"I'm expanding the borders no matter what," Sandstar said. "Over my dead body," Redstar growled dangerously. "That can be arranged," Sandstar growled back.

"If you expand your borders you will affect us all. If ThornClan and PolarClan get pushed back, CreekClan will have an even smaller territory. That, I know, they will not enjoy. We will fight to keep our borders the same. Stay on your moor," Sunstar snarled, loosing his temper.

Without another word, Sandstar, with a swish of his tail, beckoned his clan to follow him back to the moor.

"Way to ruin a Gathering," Bristlefur growled.

"Be alert, Redstar. He might decide to invade our camps," Sunstar warned. Redstar nodded saying, "I will. I never liked that fox-heart."

"What happens if he invades and we're not there?" Echoshade, the deputy of ThornClan asked. "You guys better hurry back," Brackenstar said and the three leaders separated quickly.

The PolarClan cats scrambled back to their camp.

"You got back quickly," Robinface said suspiciously when she saw Sunstar.

"Get prepared," Sunstar ordered. "Sandstar wants to push OakClan's borders farther onto our territory and ThornClan's."

"No fair!" Sharpfang hissed. "We should fight."

"We might have too," Shellfang sighed.

"But Sunstar!" Finchwing's voice echoed through the camp. "Frostpaw has no experience in fighting. Should I start training her now?"

"Yes. Just in case. Show her the basics. No fancy moves if you don't have time though," Sunstar replied. Finchwing nodded and Frostpaw followed him to train behind the nursery.

"I want Feathergaze and Shellfang to look out in case they see any sign of OakClan. Blackivy, Needlepool, and Sharpfang keep watch by the nursery. Robinface, protect the medicine den. Apprentices, stay with your mentors. Mentors~~---~~er~~---~~just be prepared," Sunstar commanded. The clan rushed to their places.

A few minutes passed by when suddenly Feathergaze yelled, "They're here!"

All the cats got ready to pounce, but what scrambled through the entrance was not OakClan, but ThornClan.

Only one ThornClan cat was there though. It was a white she-cat who looked as if she witnessed someone dying.

"Sunstar!" Her voice was pitched in a loud shout. "OakClan is attacking our camp! His clan is going to extreme measures. They're fighting for land and they are trying steal all our herbs!"

"Sandstar can't do that!" Shellfang protested. "I'll go there and confront that fox-heart myself."

"Please!" The she-cat pleaded. "We have to hurry. Sandstar even threatened kits."

"Shellfang, take Hailfoot, Blossomstripe, Needlepool, and their apprentices. Take Feathergaze and Sharpfang. Speckledberry, I'm leaving. You're in charge," Sunstar said.

"May I fight?" The sound of Silverheart's voice surprised them. "Look, I know you are worried about me, but please, Sunstar, I'll be fine," Silverheart said before Sunstar could respond. "Fine," Sunstar said with hesitation.

"I will protect and lead when you are gone, Sunstar," Speckledberry promised.

"Good. Now let's go,"

Sunstar and his patrol of cats, including the white she-cat, pelted towards the thick pine trees.

"What is your name?" Needlepool asked the she-cat as they ran. "Lilybloom," she said in a short breath.

When they reached the camp, fighting was everywhere. But Sandstar and Redstar were nowhere to be seen.

"Can you two come with me?" Lilybloom asked Hailfoot and Darkpaw. Hailfoot nodded and the three hurried off.

Lilybloom led them to the medicine cat den where their medicine cat, Bramblebush, was fighting two larger toms.

"Stay away from her!" Lilybloom yelled and jumped on a gray tom, clawing his back. Hailfoot pounced at the other tom who clawed Bramblebush across the face. Hailfoot pulled him down to the ground. The OakClan tom fought back and bit his paw. Darkpaw watched Hailfoot squeal. The tom struck bone.

Darkpaw, angered to see her mentor in pain, reared up on her hind paws and slammed down on the tom's unprotected belly. The tom shrieked in pain as Darkpaw dug her claws deep into his furry stomach.

*Do it! Slit his stomach and watch him twitch! He deserves it,* a piercing voice of this cat so called Hollowfleck, whispered in her ear.

"Darkpaw! DARKPAW! Stop!" Hailfoot's roar shook Darkpaw and she stopped what she was doing and backed up.

Darkpaw was so focused that she didn't realize she had slit the tom's stomach open. Blood poured out of him. He twitch repeatedly, staring at Darkpaw with glazed eyes.

"You taught your apprentice to kill?" Lilybloom blinked as she scared away the other tom.

"I didn't mean to~~---~~" Darkpaw began but something inside her wanted to say that she did mean it.

"It doesn't matter, we must hurry." Hailfoot shook his head and raced back into battle.

"It is okay," Bramblebush assured Darkpaw, but she was lying. Darkpaw could *sense* it.

Darkpaw ignored her and followed her mentor's tracks outside the den. But she couldn't see his dark fur. All she saw was cats she never knew fighting.

"DARKPAW!" Junglepaw's cry for help caught Darkpaw's attention quickly.

Darkpaw cocked her head just in time to see Junglepaw being flipped onto his stomach by an OakClan she-cat. Darkpaw raced to Junglepaw. She bit the long tail of the she-cat and pulled it. The she-cat turned on her and bared her teeth, as if trying to scare Darkpaw off. Darkpaw ducked under the she-cat's belly, flipping the she-cat off her feet. The OakClan she-cat hissed in frustration and smacked Darkpaw's side. The she-cat raked her claws along Darkpaw's side before getting tackled by Junglepaw, who batted her nose and ears, claws extended.

"Thanks for the help," Junglepaw panted, watching the she-cat back off.

Darkpaw jumped forward snarling, scaring the she-cat.

"You're welcome," Darkpaw said with a grin. "Your size really scares them off," Junglepaw said, feeling small compared to his friend.

Suddenly, Redstar and Sunstar appeared taking turns lashing out on Sandstar.

Echoshade and Shellfang fought side by side, dealing with the OakClan deputy, Foxfoot, and another warrior.

Most of the cats stopped fighting to see their leaders battle.

Redstar was seen clawing Sandstar's ear, cutting off the tip. Sandstar dodged under Sunstar's blow to the head and stumbled backwards, falling on the ground where he did not get back up.

"Stay away from *MY* clan, *MY* borders, and *MY* cats!" Redstar yelled. "We are finished, Sandstar. Tell your cats to leave or they die," Sunstar warned. Sandstar didn't answer.

A tortoiseshell apprentice came sprinting towards Darkpaw and Junglepaw.

The apprentice tried to pounce on Darkpaw but she was brisk and ducked under the hurtling apprentice, twisted, and slammed a massive paw on the apprentice, smacking him face-first into the ground. Darkpaw held him there and watched him squirm under her paw. "I'd like to see you try that again," Darkpaw sneered.

"Let go of him!" The OakClan she-cat, the one Darkpaw and Junglepaw had fought, snarled. Before the she-cat could take one paw off the ground, Needlepool bit her hind leg and shook her off balance.

"So much for saving your apprentice," Blossomstripe said, rolling her eyes.

All eyes were on Darkpaw and Needlepool, holding down the two cats.

"Like I said, we are finished," Sunstar said icily, taking his eyes off Darkpaw.

"Retreat," Sandstar said weakly and Needlepool let go of the she-cat and Darkpaw lifted her paw.

"StarClan! You almost suffocated me," the apprentice gasped. "Quit talking before I do," Darkpaw growled. The apprentice ducked away and cringed against his mentor's leg.

Sandstar turned his tail on the two leaders and his clan slowly retreated.

"Fox-dung!" Foxfoot spat at Echoshade and Shellfang. Echoshade began to follow her but Shellfang stopped her. "Don't. That is what she wants," he told her.

"Thank you so much for your help," Redstar thanked all the Polarclan cats.

"Sunstar!" Marigoldpaw's voice sounded throughout the camp.

Hailfoot looked up at Darkpaw and gulped. He knew something Darkpaw didn't. But what?

Marigoldpaw's voice was filled with distraught. "Silverheart was battling an OakClan tom when two of OakClan's apprentices attacked her, giving the tom an advantage. Blossomstripe badly injured one apprentice but he, his mentor, and the other apprentice got away. Silverheart is dying!"

## *~Chapter Two's Gallery~*

OakClan cats & ThornClan cats will be listed next chapter.

***(Emberstride's kits)***

**Lightningkit** -Black and gray tom-kit with white

**Birchkit** -Light and dark brown spotted tom-kit with white hind paws

**Violetkit** -Tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat

**Shallowkit** -Brown she-kit

**Lynxkit** -Brown tom-kit

**Curlykit** - Brown and white tabby she-kit

**Sparrowkit** - Light brown and white tom-kit

***(Cats of CreekClan)***

**Brackenstar** -Light brown tabby she-cat with strange purple and gray eyes *(Leader)*

**Bristlefur** -Dark gray tom *(Deputy)*

**Thrushtail** -Pale brown tom *(Medicine cat)*

**Daisyburr** -Gray she-cat with blue eyes *(Warriors)*

*(Apprentice - **Sloepaw**- Golden she-cat with small black spots)*

**Ripplefeather** -Black and silver tom

*(Apprentice - **Stormpaw**- blueish-gray tom)*

**Leapingbreeze** -Dappled black and golden she-cat

*(Apprentice - **Bumblepaw** - Golden and black-spotted she-cat)*

**Barkfur** -Dark brown tom

* Lightningkit
* Birchkit
* Violetkit
* Shallowkit and Lynxkit
* Curlykit
* Sparrowkit
* Brackenstar
* Bristlefur
* Thrushtail
* Daisyburr
* Ripplefeather
* Leapingbreeze
* Barkfur
* Stormpaw
* Sloepaw
* Bumblepaw
1/16
## *~Chapter Three~*

"Will she be okay?" Sunstar asked worriedly.

"Sunstar, you need to calm down," Speckledberry said. "My apprentice is handling everything."

"Bad news," Hawkpaw's voice shook as she spoke, "Silverheart won't make it. Her stomach is ripped open and there is no way to stop it from bleeding." Hawkpaw bowed her head towards Sunstar. "Silverheart, will have to die."

Frostpaw buried her face into Sunstar's fur. Darkpaw looked down at her paws.

Darkpaw didn't feel that much emotion, especially since her mother didn't exactly love her. But it pained Darkpaw to see her father and Frostpaw hurt.

Sunstar and Frostpaw went into the medicine cat den to visit Silverheart one last time. Darkpaw watched them disappear through the dangling vines.

"You should go visit," Hawkpaw told Darkpaw. "Silverheart wouldn't want to see me," Darkpaw answered, knowing the truth. "How is Junglepaw?" Darkpaw asked, quickly changing the subject.

"Oh, he'll be alright," Hawkpaw said. "He will just have to limp for a while. That she-cat really tried to break his paw."

"I could have broken hers," Darkpaw growled.

"Go and visit Silverheart," Hawkpaw urged as Frostpaw and Sunstar emerged from the vines.

Darkpaw sighed but listened. She pushed through the vines and spotted Silverheart's body. She lay in a pool of blood, but lifted her head to see Darkpaw.

"Why are you here?" Silverheart growled weakly. "I wanted to see you one last time," Darkpaw said. "What makes you think I wanted to see *you* one last time?" Silverheart snapped. Darkpaw was taken aback by her words. "Well, I just thought~~---~~" Darkpaw began but Silverheart interrupted.

"No, Darkpaw. You are not special like your sister. You are wicked and ugly. I've seen it. Some day you will see what I mean," Silverheart hissed.

"You are a pathetic excuse for a mother," Speckledberry's voice sounded from behind. "Look at yourself. A non-believer in Starclan~~---~~" Silverheart didn't get anything else out because she suddenly started to cough up blood before falling on her side, breathing heavily. She twitched once and was gone.

Darkpaw's heart twisted inside. Not because of Silverheart's death, but because of her words.

"I'm not wicked! Or ugly!" Darkpaw roared.

"Darkpaw, I think you should leave." Speckledberry sighed.

Darkpaw raced out of the den with tears glistening in her eyes. She went to the apprentice's den and shoved her face into the ferns.

To Darkpaw's surprise, Marigoldpaw said nothing when she saw her. Darkpaw was half expecting her to tease her.

"Hey, Darkpaw," Junglepaw said gently as he limped to the den. "Thanks for saving my life. And sorry 'bout your loss," Junglepaw said. "No problem," Darkpaw said with a smile, "at least you care about me."

\* \* \*

Darkpaw opened her eyes to see the withering trees again. "Where am I?" She called out.

"Oh Darkpaw, you poor apprentice," the same high pitched voice said.

A black and brown she-cat stepped out from the shadows and stalked towards Darkpaw. "I am Hollowfleck," the she-cat said.

"Why have you brought me here?" Darkpaw growled. "I'm no use to anyone."

"You are not useless," Hollowfleck said softly. "Maybe to your mother, but I have a use for you. Darkpaw, you can become the greatest leader. But you'll need my help to gain such power."

"You aren't lying... are you?" Darkpaw asked suspiciously. "Of course not. Darkpaw, your mother was a fox-heart who didn't deserve to live," Hollowfleck said coldly. "But I know for a fact that you are not a fox-heart. You could rule the four clans if you just listen and train with me.

"I have seen your future. You will become a leader. But only if you train under my command," Hollowfleck said. Darkpaw stood quiet a moment. "Fine. I'll do it. Does Hailfoot know that you are my second mentor?"

"Hailfoot doesn't need to know," Hollowfleck said with a wide smile.

"I want to show you the others who are training here," Hollowfleck said and started to pad away. "There are others?" Darkpaw asked, but Hollowfleck just responded with a smile.

Hollowfleck led Darkpaw to a clearing with four cats. One cat, Darkpaw recognized, was the OakClan apprentice that tried attacking her and Junglepaw.

"Tulipstar, Houndleap, meet Darkpaw, my apprentice," Hollowfleck told the four. "It is nice to meet you, Darkpaw," said Tulipstar, a white she-cat who bowed her head and tilted it towards her apprentice, a golden and black spotted she-cat. "This is my apprentice, Sloepaw." "Hello," Sloepaw said nervously.

"You are lucky to have Hollowfleck as a mentor," Houndleap told Darkpaw. "Meanwhile, I'm stuck having a stupid apprentice who has no respect." Houndleap eyed the OakClan tom. "I'm Sunsetpaw," the apprentice introduced himself. "Houndleap said I will be the strongest cat ever known!"

"Not everything I say is true," Houndleap confessed, "you might die before you wake up." Sunsetpaw cringed in his fur when his mentor said this.

"We must start training," Hollowfleck said.

Tulipstar looked down at the apprentices. "You three are training under our command," she said firmly. "You train here, in the Place of No Stars, the greatest place to train. However, you must keep this our little secret. Others might get jealous and try to stop you from coming."

"We understand," Darkpaw said.

"We can speak for ourselves. We're not mute," Sunsetpaw growled. Sloepaw said nothing.

*Oh good. I hear another Marigoldpaw...* Darkpaw thought.

"We will start off with simple moves. Then, we will move on to working together," Tulipstar said.

"I have a question," Sloepaw said. "Is killing another cat allowed? Because Daisyburr says that we shouldn't kill unless~~---~~" "Killing is always allowed," Hollowfleck answered. "Not in my days," Houndleap commented.

"Any more questions?" Hollowfleck asked.

"Was it right for me to kill that OakClan tom?" Darkpaw tilted her head forward to hear the answer.

Sunsetpaw shot Darkpaw a dangerous look. "*You* killed Frogspot?" He asked in a hiss. "I didn't mean~~---~~" Darkpaw didn't finish her sentence because Sunsetpaw flung himself at her with a snarl.

Sunsetpaw hooked his claws on Darkpaw's ears and sliced them, leaving two bloody cuts. Darkpaw reared on her hind legs and slammed his back, making him lie flat on his stomach. Sunsetpaw twitched under her paws but couldn't move.

"You're crushing me!" He complained in a short gasp.

Darkpaw retreated backwards stepping off his back. Sunsetpaw shook his fur before again, leaping at Darkpaw. But Darkpaw didn't feel any sharp blows hit her. She watched as Sloepaw slammed into Sunsetpaw, tossing him sideways. Sunsetpaw thrust a paw at her but Sloepaw was swift and ducked before smacking him across the face with claws extended.

Sunsetpaw winced as pain burned though his face. Darkpaw gasped to see a long wound that went above his eye and across his nose.

"You mouse-brain!" Houndleap roared at his apprentice.

"I don't like the fact that Sunsetpaw is going to have a scar across his face, but I do like the fighting skills you two have," Tulipstar said, eyeing the two young she-cats.

"Thanks for helping," Darkpaw said. "You could have taken him on by yourself," Sloepaw responded and licked her paw, running it over her head. "With a cat your size, no one would be able to defeat you." Darkpaw blinked. "Size isn't everything," Darkpaw said. "It is when you try striking fear into your enemies," Sloepaw replied between licks.

Hollowfleck took Darkpaw alone to teach her. She showed her how to trick cats and showed her different ways of killing.

"I don't think we should be taught killing methods," mused Sloepaw after her training was done.

Darkpaw didn't argue because her eyes flickered open.

She woke up at the perfect time. The other apprentices were stirring in their nests. Darkpaw got up and stretched her legs. She was tired from all the training with Hollowfleck but she would have to get used to it.

"Finchwing and Frostpaw will be out training today," Needlepool told the apprentices.

"Do we get to train?" Junglepaw asked.

"Afraid not," Needlepool said. "Aw, man!" Marigoldpaw whined. "I was ready to beat Darkpaw," she said and glanced over at her. "How did you get those cuts on your ears?" She asked. "Uh~~---~~a twig snatched them," Darkpaw lied. "Uh-huh... sure," Marigoldpaw said, rolling her eyes. Marigoldpaw was suspicious of her but Darkpaw didn't care.

"Darkpaw, you must have grown over night!" Junglepaw chuckled. "You are bigger than Sharpfang," he said, as the tom stalked by.

"It is turning to Leaf-bare pretty quickly so we will need to stock up on prey," Needlepool informed them. "Like squirrels?" Junglepaw asked. Darkpaw giggled while Marigoldpaw sighed.

"Yes, like squirrels." Needlepool smiled warmly.

"Alright, you six ready?" Deerskip asked. "Are you going with us?" Darkpaw asked, excitedly. "Yep," Deerskip said shortly. "Shouldn't you be staying with Emberstride?" Blossomstripe asked. "I tried, but she wouldn't let me. She said I worry too much. And I do, now let us go!" Deerskip said and led the patrol out of the entrance.

"I think we should split up," Deerskip said and stopped the patrol. "We could find a lot more prey if we do that."

"I agree," Hailfoot said.

"Then it is final," Deerskip said."I will take Junglepaw and Needlepool with me near the lake. Marigoldpaw and Blossomstripe will hunt near the marsh border and you two can hunt near OakClan's border." Deerskip paused before looking at Hailfoot and saying, "And please, please don't get into a fight with them. *Again.*" Hailfoot rolled his eyes. "It was just that one time," Hailfoot said and led Darkpaw away from the others to hunt.

"Should we split up and hunt?" Darkpaw asked, assuming that Hailfoot would want that.

"I dunno," Hailfoot answered shortly. Darkpaw decided to hunt by the border alone. Hailfoot wouldn't mind it.

Darkpaw noticed mice scurrying along the roots of a tree. They didn't seem to hear or see her. Darkpaw took this as an advantage and crept slowly towards the gray mice. She slammed her paws down on the mice before they even noticed someone was there. Darkpaw lifted her paws to see four mice were motionless with claw marks slicing though their necks.

"Well that was easy," Darkpaw commented out loud.

Moments later, Hailfoot's voice echoed through the forest. "Darkpaw!" He yelled.

Darkpaw scooped up her mice before following the voice of her mentor. Hailfoot was seen in the river that separates OakClan from PolarClan. A broken stone bridge was over it, casting shade for anything that went under.

"What do you need?" Darkpaw asked.

Hailfoot pointed his nose silently towards a log that had fallen right into the river. Two bundles of fur were seen breathing in the log. The log was perfectly carved for the two to float in the river.

"Are those... kits?" Darkpaw asked. Hailfoot nodded. He trotted through the water, slowly approaching the log. Darkpaw set her mice down and followed.

When Darkpaw and Hailfoot reached the log, OakClan scent washed over them.

"These are Oakclan kits," Hailfoot growled as he looked at the two curled up kits in the log.

"We should leave them~~---~~" Hailfoot started. "No!" Darkpaw shouted, louder then she meant. "Just because they are OakClan doesn't mean we have to leave them."

Hailfoot blinked at Darkpaw.

"These kits were obviously abandoned. The cat that left them probably hoped they would drown." Darkpaw dug her teeth into the end of the log and dragged it out.

One of the kits popped its head out to see what was going on. The kit backed up against the other kit when he saw Darkpaw and Hailfoot.

"Are you going to drown us like she said you would?" The kit asked.

Hailfoot and Darkpaw looked at each other. "You were right Darkpaw," Hailfoot said. "Whoever 'she' is wanted them dead." Darkpaw narrowed her eyes back to the kits.

"Who is this 'she' and how long have you two been on your own?" Darkpaw asked.

"This 'she' is our mother," the kit replied. "She only kept our brother because he was somehow special. My brother, Pinekit, yelled at her not take us away but she wouldn't listen. At night, she took me and my brother" ~~---~~the kit gestured to the kit lying next to him~~---~~ "and dropped us into the log. She told us if anyone found us they would drown us." The kit shivered at the memory. "Me and my brother have been out here since yesterday. We miss Pinekit, but if we go back, she will kill us."

"What are your names?" Darkpaw asked.

"I am Wildkit, and this is my brother Goosekit. We have another brother, but like I told you, our mother won't let us see him ever again." The kit looked down at his paws.

"We have to take them back," Hailfoot said. Darkpaw protested before Hailfoot could speak, "These kits need help! They will starve to death, get eaten, or die from Leaf-bare. If they die, it will be your fault." Hailfoot hesitated for a while. "Fine. Emberstride will be able to nurse them..." Hailfoot snatched Darkpaw's mice and a rabbit he caught and started back for camp. Darkpaw hauled the log all the way back.

When they reached camp, the other half of their patrol was just returning. Blossomstripe and Marigoldpaw caught two rabbits and a starling. Needlepool brought back three shrews and Junglepaw had caught a chaffinch and a mouse. Deerskip had a squirrel and a chaffinch.

"Why do you have a log, Darkpaw?" Deerskip asked but immediately figured out why she had it. He bounced off toward Sunstar's den.

Deerskip came back with Sunstar when Darkpaw had rested the log in the center of the camp.

"Why have you brought OakClan kits?" Sunstar sniffed, smelling their scent.

Hailfoot explained everything before Darkpaw could get a single word in.

"I don't know about keeping them..." Sunstar said, thinking hard.

"We should keep them!" Emberstride said, peeking her head out of the nursery. "Think about it, Sunstar! Two extra warriors."

"But you have kits of your own!" Sunstar said."Two more kits is nothing," Emberstride said.

"As long as Deerskip agrees to everything," Shellfang said. All eyes narrowed toward Deerskip.

"I don't mind two extra kits. Even if they are from another clan, we will treat them as our own," Deerskip said and touched noses with Wildkit and Goosekit, who had just woken up.

"Then it is settled," Emberstride said. She beckoned her seven kits to come out. Emberstride padded towards Goosekit and Wildkit with her seven kits trailing behind. "Kits, this is Wildkit and Goosekit, your new brothers," the queen said.

"New brothers?" Curlykit mewed. "How exciting!"

Goosekit and Wildkit smiled warmly at Curlykit.

"They look big," Lightningkit said. "How old are you?"

"Well, our apprenticeship was suppose to start today, but it is okay if we have to wait longer to become one," Goosekit finally spoke. Emberstride looked up at Sunstar, as if waiting for an answer. Sunstar coughed loudly before looking at Shellfang, nodding, and trotting back to his den.

"Bringing back kits is good news," Shellfang said. "But our leader right now is not feeling well to do the ceremony."

Frostpaw, who returned earlier before Darkpaw, exchanged a worried glance with her.

"However," Shellfang continued, "if every cat approves of me giving these two kits their apprentice ceremony, they would not have to wait longer."

The cats were silent for a few moments.

"May you do the ceremony, Shellfang?" Emberstride asked.

Shellfang said nothing, still waiting for the rest of the clan to approve.

"I approve of the ceremony," Deerskip spoke. "I do too." Speckledberry's voice surprised them. "More apprentices means more warriors," she said with a smile. The rest of the cats muttered their agreements.

Shellfang hopped onto the curved stone above Sunstar's den, and called down from it saying, "Goosekit and Wildkit, you have reached six moons and are ready to receive a mentor. From this day forward you will be known as Goosepaw and Wildpaw."

The two new apprentices trembled with excitement.

"Goosepaw, your mentor will be Blackivy. She will carry on her creativity and keen eyesight on to you," Shellfang said. Blackivy touched noses with Goosepaw.

"Wildpaw, your mentor will be Robinface. She has mentored two cats before you. She will pass on to you her sneaky abilities and powerful fighting skills."

Wildpaw touched noses with Robinface who smiled at her new apprentice.

"There is another thing I want to mention," Shellfang pressed on, surprising the cats. "Speckledberry and Sunstar have talked it over. Hawkpaw, you will travel to the Moonpool with Speckledberry tonight to visit your warrior ancestors and become a full medicine cat of PolarClan."

The cats cheered for the two new apprentices and Hawkpaw.

Shellfang dismissed the clan.

"When shall we start training?" Wildpaw asked. "We will start tomorrow. Right now, you should get to know your brothers and sisters," Robinface replied. Wildpaw nodded.

"Hi! I am Junglepaw and this is my sister, Marigoldpaw," Junglepaw introduced himself and his littermate to Wildpaw and Goosepaw. Marigoldpaw said nothing. "How long have you been apprentices?" Goosepaw asked, not only wanting his step-brother and step-sister to answer, but also for Darkpaw and Frostpaw.

"We have been apprentices for three moons," Frostpaw said.

"So, Marigoldpaw, have you~~---~~" Wildpaw began but Marigoldpaw interrupted him with a snarl. "Don't talk to me!" She snarled. "Emberstride and Deerskip may have accepted you, but there is no way that I'm accepting you as my brother." With that, Marigoldpaw turned her tail on them and marched off.

"I'm sorry about her," Junglepaw said.

"We will never be accepted as PolarClan cats," Wildpaw said slowly. "There is no need to be ashamed of being from OakClan," Darkpaw assured them. "Marigoldpaw is a big bully. Just imagine she isn't there. That's what I do." Wildpaw smiled at Darkpaw. "I'll try to remember that," he said.

## *~Chapter Three's Gallery~*

***(ThornClan Cats)***

**Redstar**- Ginger tom *(Leader)*

**Echoshade**- Black and white she-cat *(Deputy)*

**Bramblebush**- White, long-haired she-cat *(Medicine cat)*

**Tigerleap -** Light-colored tabby tom *(Warriors)*

**Shortflower -** Small ginger tabby she-cat

**Crookedwhisker**- Brown tabby tom

*(Apprentice - **Thistlepaw*** *- Gray tom)*

**Lilybloom**- Beautiful white she-cat

*(Apprentice - **Blackpaw**- White she-cat with black ears)*

**Sorrelpatch -** Tortoiseshell she-cat *(Queen)*

***(OakClan Cats)***

**Sandstar**- Black and brown tom *(Leader)*

**Foxfoot**- Brown she-cat *(Deputy)*

**Sunberry**- Pale brown she-cat*(Medicine cat)*

**Fuzzywhisker** -Gray and white tom *(Warriors)*

**Mosspelt**- Gray and white curly tom

*(Apprentice - **Sunsetpaw** - Tortoiseshell tom)*

**Magpiefur**- Black she-cat

*(Apprentice - **Pinepaw**- Pale brown tabby tom)*

**Goosepaw** -Light gray tom *(former OakClan cat)*

**Wildpaw** - Brown tom with black stripes and white *(former OakClan cat)*

***(Dark Forest Cats)***

**Hallowfleck** -Black and brown she-cat

**Houndleap** -Light brown tabby tom

**Tulipstar** -White she-cat with one blue eye and one green eye

* Tulipstar
* Houndleap
* Hollowfleck
* Wildpaw
* Goosepaw
* Pinepaw
* Sunsetpaw
* Magpiefur
* Mosspelt
* Stormwhisker
* Sunberry
* Foxfoot
* Sandstar
* Sorrelpatch
* Blackpaw
* Thistlepaw
* Lilybloom
* Crookedwhisker
* Shortflower
* Tigerleap
* Bramblebush
* Echoshade
* Redstar
1/23
## *~Chapter Four~*

Three moons passed since Goosepaw and Wildpaw's arrival. Things had changed in those three moons.

Speckledberry's apprentice, Hawkpaw, was now known as Hawksight. She had received her full medicine cat name. Feathergaze and Sharpfang had recently become mates and Feathergaze was moved to the nursery.

"Apprentices and kits crawling all over the place!" Speckledberry complained. "If I see one more kit or apprentice in my herb store, I might have to drown myself in the lake." Hawksight chuckled. "Just be glad Feathergaze is finally having the kits she always wanted."

Darkpaw and the other apprentices were sitting in a circle.

"Medicine cats are weird," Darkpaw said. "They care more about herbs than anything!"

"The weirdest thing I can think of is becoming warriors toady!" Frostpaw said excitedly.

"Well, I think it is unfair." Marigoldpaw suddenly sniffed. "What is?" Junglepaw asked. "We have been training for six moons. Goosepaw and Wildpaw have only been training for *three.* Yet, they still are getting their warrior names today." Marigoldpaw glared at her step-brothers.

Goosepaw shifted awkwardly but Wildpaw just glared back.

A loud coughing from the nursery interrupted the apprentices conversation.

Darkpaw glanced at Junglepaw. He was looking at his paws and so was Marigoldpaw. "What's wrong?" Darkpaw asked worriedly.

"Emberstride has greencough. So does Sunstar," Junglepaw replied. Frostpaw gaped but said nothing. "Can't the medicine cats give them herbs to stop the cough?" Darkpaw asked. "They can. But they are running out of catmint," Junglepaw said.

"We are running out of food. Come on, we are going hunting." Hailfoot's voice surprised them.

"But we haven't had food for two days!" Wildpaw complained. Leaf-bare had come and all the prey was scarce. Wildpaw's ribs were slightly noticeable against his sides. Darkpaw's were very noticeable against her frame.

"We know that you apprentices are hungry," Needlepool said calmly, "but the kits and queens need it more than us." "I promise you guys will get food today," Blackivy said. "I doubt it," Robinface growled. "The kits are starving, can we go please? They haven't eaten in two days either," Blossomstripe hissed.

The apprentices followed their mentors out of the entrance and into the forest.

"Are you sure bringing all the apprentices out here is okay?" Blackivy asked. "What happens if the clan~~---~~" "We need food!" Hailfoot turned around and snapped. "We need all the prey we can get." "We won't get any if you keep yelling," Finchwing said. Hailfoot lashed his tail and said, "Darkpaw, come with me. I want to try near the lake." Darkpaw followed her mentor down the hills, leaving the hunting patrol behind.

Hailfoot suddenly halted when they reached the lake and made Darkpaw stumble forward.

"Shh!" He muttered. He pointed his nose at a wagtail.

The wagtail pecked the ground near the lakes lapping waters. Darkpaw slowly crept forward toward the black and white bird, cautiously placing each paw gently down on the grass. When she was ready, Darkpaw pounced with her claws extended. The wagtail flew up at the perfect moment, and Darkpaw missed the bird by an inch. Darkpaw watched the wagtail flap its wings, flying farther and farther away from her.

"Mouse-dung!" Darkpaw spat and cuffed the ground. "I had it right there! We just lost perfectly good prey!"

When Darkpaw started to stalk back, Hailfoot just shook his head in disappointment but said nothing.

*I'm a failure,* Darkpaw thought.

Suddenly Hailfoot started to run, leaving Darkpaw behind. "Wait up!" She gasped. She followed after her mentor, who was chasing something. But what?

Hailfoot turned back around, following a big brown... hare!

Darkpaw prepared herself for the hare. When the it edged closer, Darkpaw pounced, slashing the its side. But the hare didn't stop. It bounced farther away from the two cats.

"Why didn't you catch it?" Hailfoot snapped in frustration. Without waiting for an answer, Hailfoot lashed his tail and said, "There has got to be prey here."

"What about those two holes?" Darkpaw asked, pointing at two nearby holes with a claw. Hailfoot padded quietly up to the two holes. "Well something is in there. I can hear it."

Darkpaw went to one hole and Hailfoot went to the other.

"I will scare whatever is in there into your paws, okay?" Hailfoot said. Darkpaw nodded, and sniffed the air. There was no hare in there, but maybe a shrew.

Hailfoot reached into the hole, and exclaimed, "I clawed something!"

Four shrews popped out of Darkpaw's hole and scurried around her. Darkpaw smacked two on the top of their heads and watched the other two run away.

"At least we got two," Hailfoot sighed. "We should get back to camp."

When they got back, the rest of hunting patrol was just returning.

"Go take the shrews to the nursery," Hailfoot told Darkpaw. Darkpaw scampered off towards the nursery but was stopped by Hawksight.

"No one is allowed in the nursery," she growled.

The other apprentices came rushing by Darkpaw's side.

"I wanted to give the kits and Emberstride and Feathergaze my shrew~~---~~" Darkpaw began but Hawksight silenced her with a stern look. "Emberstride is the only one in the nursery. Her kits and Feathergaze have been moved to the elders den," Hawksight said.

"Why were they moved?" Goosepaw asked. Hawksight hesitated before answering. "Emberstride's cough is getting worse and worse. Speckledberry is out looking for catmint, but Emberstride is having a hard time staying alive."

"What about Sunstar? Is he okay?" Frostpaw asked. Hawksight blinked. "Don't visit him," Hawksight said shortly.

"What about my shrews?" Darkpaw asked.

"Take them to the kits. It seems like the rest of us will go hungry again," Hawksight muttered.

Darkpaw turned her gaze toward the other apprentices. "Did you five catch anything?" She asked.

The others shifted awkwardly.

"I caught nothing," Junglepaw said. "I, too, caught nothing." Marigoldpaw sighed. "I gave my mouse to Sharpfang, who shared it with Feathergaze," Frostpaw said. Goosepaw and Wildpaw exchanged glances. "We caught nothing..." Wildpaw muttered. Darkpaw turned her tail on the other apprentices and rushed to the elders den.

Emberstride's seven kits were huddled together, their ribs bulging from their sides.

"I brought two shrews," Darkpaw announced and placed the shrews down by the kits' paws.

The kits tore into the shrew immediately. Darkpaw's stomach rumbled as she watched the kits eat the last of the prey.

"Any more?" Curlykit asked, as she finished off one of the shrews. Darkpaw shook her head. "But we're starving!" Sparrowkit complained.

"I don't think the kits can last another day without food," Feathergaze said. "Shallowkit and Lynxkit have barely gotten any food." Darkpaw eyed the two kits. They were smaller than their littermates and looked weaker.

"I'm sorry, Feathergaze," Darkpaw said, "but we couldn't find anymore prey."

"Can't Sunstar get off his lazy butt and send out more hunting patrols?" Feathergaze growled.

"Sunstar can't get up because he has greencough." Shellfang's voice surprised the queen. "We are all worried about the kits but the warriors and apprentices are worn out from looking for food and the cold is hurting their bones~~---~~("Tell me about," Ratfur put in)~~---~~and the apprentices will be turning into warriors today. I promise that tomorrow we will find prey for all the clan." Shellfang narrowed his eyes toward the kits.

"Is Emberstride any better?" Lightningkit asked.

"She will get better soon. I promise," Shellfang said with a smile, but Darkpaw could tell that he wasn't sure.

Darkpaw retreated from the elder's den and padded up to Wildpaw.

"I am worried about Emberstride," Wildpaw said as Darkpaw approached. "I hope she gets better," Darkpaw said. "But StarClan might have other plans."

"Starclan is always kind... Right?" Wildpaw asked, turning his gaze toward Darkpaw. Darkpaw stayed silent for a moment. "I really don't know." She sighed. "I lost my mother in a battle..."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Wildpaw said.

Speckledberry's brown fur was spotted by the entrance. She held a bundle of long purple flowers in her jaws.

Hawksight padded to her former mentor. "How much do you have?" Hawksight asked. "Not much," Speckledberry grumbled. The medicine cat laid out the flowers. She divided the flowers in two ways, four for Sunstar, and four for Emberstride.

"That isn't enough~~---~~" Hawksight began. "Do you think I don't *KNOW* that?" Speckledberry interrupted with a loud hiss. Needlepool and Finchwing snapped their heads around to see who yelled.

"I have searched *and* searched for catmint all around Polarclan's territory!" Speckledberry snarled. "Turns out, we don't grow catmint on our territory. I had to beg and beg for CreekClan to give me some. But they had a hard time sparing catmint because their cats caught the cough, too. Thrushtail was kind enough to give me eight flowers." Speckledberry gathered her catmint and stormed off toward the nursery.

Hawksight stood still, shocked by Speckledberry's explanation.

"Again. I worry about Emberstride," Wildpaw said.

Speckledberry stalked from out of the nursery and into Sunstar's den. Darkpaw stood up and waited for Speckledberry to come out.

A few minutes passed by and Speckledberry padded out from the den and whispered something to Shellfang. The Polarclan deputy just shook his head and sighed.

"All cats able to hunt for themselves gather around," Shellfang said. The warriors and apprentices raced to Shellfang.

Sunstar stalked out from his den and announced, "The greencough is making me weaker and weaker. But I will not delay the apprentices' warrior ceremony any longer. Apprentices, gather around me." ("Even though it was only three moons, I am still glad I got to be a mentor to Goosepaw," Blackivy whispered to Robinface. "Wildpaw was a great apprentice too," Robinface replied.)

"What about their apprentice assessment?" Blossomstripe called.

"I think they have already proven themselves worthy," Sunstar said with a smile.

"I, Sunstar, leader to PolarClan, call upon our warrior ancestors to looked down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I give them as warriors in return for your kindness. Apprentices, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend the clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

"I do!" The apprentices said in chorus.

"Then from this day forward, Frostpaw, you will be known as Frostwind. StarClan honors your determination to feed the clan and protect it. Marigoldpaw and Junglepaw, from this day forward, you two will be known as Marigoldshine and Junglestep. StarClan honors your energy and kindness. Goosepaw and Wildpaw, you two will be known as Gooseice and Wildfire. StaClan honors your loyalty. Darkpaw, from this day forward, you will be Darkthorn. StarClan honors your resilience and strength." Sunstar rested his muzzle on the newly made warriors, who in return, licked his shoulder.

"Frostwind! Marigoldshine! Junglestep! Gooseice! Wildfire! Darkthorn!" The clan cats chanted loudly, their voices ringing in Darkthorn's ears.

Sunstar coughed loudly before saying weakly, "The new warriors will sit a vigil tonight. Clan dismissed." Sunstar finished with another cough before retreating to his den.

*I'm proud of you, Darkthorn...* Hollowfleck's voice drowned out the clan's conversations.

*You taught me well,* Darkthorn replied.

## *~Chapter Five~*

*Darkthorn's vision blurred and suddenly her eyes cleared to see the Dark Forest.*

*"Hollowfleck, don't bring me here now! I am supposed to sit vigil," Darkthorn growled. "And besides, I am a warrior now. I don't need any more training."*

*"I brought you here not to distract you from your duty, but to quickly tell you exciting news." Hollowfleck's voice brushed Darkthorn's ears. "Since a Gathering hasn't been held, you haven't heard the latest news from the other clans. Sloepaw from CreekClan is Sloestalk. Sunsetpaw from OakClan is now Sunsetglow."*

*Darkthorn gritted her teeth. She despised Sunsetglow for always picking fights, taunting and teasing her.*

*As if Hollowfleck read her thoughts, the Dark Forest cat said, "Sunsetglow would not dare to fight you again. You are taller than any cat in the forest and stronger..." Hollowfleck paused before continuing. "You might be a warrior, but you are still learning... The worst is yet to come, Darkthorn. Death shadows over PolarClan like a vulture, so beware. Save only those who are most important to you, or else they will die... You must hurry before it's too late."*

With that, Darkthorn's eyes flickered open to see the sun rising just above her head.

Darkthorn caught the scent of Deerskip, who stalked passed her. Deerskip was soon greeted by Blossomstripe and Needlepool.

Darkthorn felt a twinge of pain for Deerskip. Just yesterday, Deerskip freaked out over Emberstride's cough, and now since it was getting worse, he was acting unusual.

"I want to take a hunting patrol," Darkthorn heard Deerskip tell Blossomstripe. "Right now?" Blossomstripe inquired, ears twitching. "Not all warriors are up yet~~---~~" "I could take the newly made warriors," Deerskip added hastily. "But they are sitting vigil," Blossomstripe argued. "Now, now, Blossomstripe," Needlepool meowed, "Sunstar won't mind Deerskip taking the new warriors. They have a perfectly good reason to leave: to hunt for the clan." Blossomstripe narrowed her eyes. "Fine. Needlepool and two of the new warriors will go with you," she said.

Deerskip thanked Blossomstripe before bounding up to Darkthorn's littermate, Frostwind and her friend, Gooseice.

Darkthorn couldn't hear him speak, for he spoke rather quietly, but whatever he said made Frostwind and Gooseice jump in excitement. Deerskip and his patrol marched out of the entrance to the camp, leaving Darkthorn disappointed she was not picked.

The sun rose higher in the sky, but was covered by puffy, dark gray clouds that blocked out the radiant sunlight. A cold, clear drop of rain hit Darkthorn on the muzzle. More drops started to pour from the sky, and suddenly, rain came down hard and fast, sousing Darkthorn. "Great," she mumbled.

The other warriors began to stir after hearing the beating rain. Shellfang poked his head out from under the bushes and laughed. "You warriors don't have to sit vigil anymore," the deputy said.

Darkthorn shook out her pelt, only for it to feel heavy again as more rain droplets settled onto her fur. "A wonderful first day of being a warrior," Wildfire growled sarcastically.

"Be careful not to stand in the rain for too long. Your flame might burn out," Darkthorn giggled. Wildfire chuckled, only to be silenced by a snort from Marigoldshine. "You guys are as stupid as mice."

"She-cats these days. They got some nerve," Junglestep mewed jokingly. Marigoldshine shot the three a dangerous look before trotting onward.

"Does she ever take a joke?" Wildfire asked Junglestep. "Nope," Junglestep said shortly. "And she calls us stupid," Darkthorn said, rolling her eyes.

"Where is Frostwind and Gooseice~~---~~" Shellfang began to ask. "They left with Needlepool and Deerskip to hunt," Darkthorn answered. Shellfang nodded. "I just hope they bring something back," he commented. "I doubt they will in this weather," Finchwing said from behind.

Darkthorn shivered, not just because of the cold rain, but because of Finchwing's words. Finchwing was right. What would they find on this rainy day?

Speckledberry was seen out of her den, gazing up toward the sky. It was hard for Darkthorn to tell what she was thinking because of the blank expression. *Probably questioning StarClan,* Darkthorn thought.

A few moments passed and Speckledberry turned her gaze toward the nursery. Now, her face twitched with worry.

"Speckledberry, do you want to look for more catmint?" Hawksight asked. To everyone's surprise, Speckledberry said, "No."

"No?" Hawksight echoed. "But Emberstride~~---~~" "Emberstride won't make it another day!" Speckledberry snapped. When Hawksight didn't respond, Speckledberry sighed. "I'm not sure if you heard, but Emberstride was hacking all night long. I went to go check up on her and she was begging for food. I fear the worst for her kits too."

"What about Sunstar?" Shellfang asked. Speckledberry's ears twitched. "He will make it," she said. Hawksight mumbled something before whipping around and storming into the nursery. Speckledberry only shook her head and padded to the elders den.

Deerskip returned with his hunting patrol shortly after.

"What did you bring back?" Shellfang asked when they had entered. "Only a scrawny squirrel and a mouse. It was hard to hunt in the rain." Deerskip sighed.

"All right. Bring that to~~---~~" Shellfang began but was interrupted by a loud wail from the elders den.

"Was that Feathergaze?" Meowed Sharpfang "No, no... That sounded like a kit," Marigoldshine said.

Darkthorn blinked the rain from her eyes to see Speckledberry return from the elders den with two kits in her jaws.

"NO!" Deerskip's scream made the clan jump. Marigoldshine, Junglestep and Deerskip rushed to Speckledberry. Wildfire and Gooseice approached slowly.

"I am sorry," Speckledberry choked as she placed the two kits at Deerskip's paws. "Lynxkit and Shallowkit starved."

"What about Emberstride?" Wildfire asked. "Emberstride didn't make it either," Hawksight spoke quietly and dragged Emberstride's limp body from the nursery.

Darkthorn's heart twisted. *Not the kits! Not Emberstride.* Darkthorn fought the urge to cry. Emberstride was so kind and sweet. She didn't even get to say goodbye.

Deerskip rested his head on Emberstride's body. Marigoldshine, Junglestep, Wildfire and Gooseice and the remaining kits all sat down to say goodbye to their mother and siblings.

Sunstar suddenly appeared from behind the mourning cats. "Emberstride and her two kits will be remembered," he said. Sunstar's tail twitched as he spoke, and Darkthorn could tell he was feeling sad too. The elder Ratfur came stalking towards the cats. "I will bury them, Deerskip." His voice was gentle and loving. Deerskip did not respond and only lifted his head off Emberstride. "You will not bury them alone," Wildfire said. Ratfur and Wildfire dragged the bodies out of camp to bury them.

"Is StarClan trying to punish us?" Deerskip shouted. "Calm down," Sunstar said softly. "I am pretty sure StarClan had a good reason to do this."

"They couldn't have waited at least one more day?" Deerskip spat and cuffed the ground. "Deerskip, you should probably rest. Marigoldshine and Junglestep and Gooseice~~---~~you should too," Shellfang said.

Feathergaze stalked toward Frostwind and scooped up the squirrel. "Take the mouse too," Frostwind offered. Feathergaze stalked back to Deerskip's kits and gave them the prey. "Eat," she ordered gently. The kits took slow bites, still shocked by their loss.

"I wish Lynxkit and Shallowkit were eating with us," Lightningkit sighed. Darkthorn saw Feathergaze flinch. *She is just as shocked as the kits,* Darkthorn thought.

"I would like to send out a hunting patrol," Sunstar said. "But we just went on one!" Frostwind protested. "Do you want anyone else to starve?" Gooseice hissed. Frostwind looked away from the gray warrior. "I never said I wanted others to starve," she said.

"Great. Then you will go," Sunstar said. Frostwind rolled her eyes but did not speak. "Darkthorn, Blackivy, and Sharpfang will go with you," said Sunstar.

The hunting patrol set out for the entrance. As they continued, Wildfire and Ratfur were spotted trying to dig a hole for Emberstride and her kits. "Curse this rain!" Ratfur was heard snapping. "The hole keeps filling up with water."

Frostwind halted abruptly. "Why are we stopping?" Darkthorn asked. Frostwind tilted her head toward OakClan's border.

Two cats were seen chasing a plump hare.

The hare zigzagged between the two OakClan warriors, dodging their fierce swipes. The hare jumped over the stream and landed on PolarClan's territory. As fast as she could, Blackivy raced toward the hare. Darkthorn helped her by chasing the hare straight into her paws. With one deadly swing, Blackivy clawed the top of the hare's head, killing it successfully.

"We caught it!" Darkthorn said proudly.

"That was ours," a cat growled. Darkthorn and Blackivy looked up to see the two OakClan cats glaring at them. One was a she-cat and one was a tom.

"I don't think so," Blackivy growled back. "It passed the border, which means it is *ours."*

"We injured it, which makes it ours," the she-cat said. "I never saw a scratch on it," Blackivy replied coolly. "And it looked pretty graceful to be injured."

"We have cats starving!" The tom suddenly yowled. "You think we don't?" Sharpfang's voice boomed from behind. "We just lost two kits from starvation. KITS!"

The tom looked shocked but the she-cat only lashed her tail. "It is ours," she hissed. "Then *fight* for it," Blackivy snarled. Both she-cats were ready to pounce on each other until Frostwind stalked between them.

"We will not fight over prey," Frostwind said. "OakClan, take the hare," the she-cat quickly snatched the hare from the border and she, along with the tom, stalked away.

"You rotten crow!" Blackivy snarled. "Frostwind, we needed that hare," Darkthorn said. "Shut up!" Frostwind yelled. "I am the leader of the patrol. You have to listen to me. And we didn't need it. They were much skinnier than us." "We needed that hare more than them!" Darkthorn snapped. "Sit down and respect your older sister," Frostwind spat. "Quit acting like our mother and start providing for our clan!" Darkthorn bellowed.

Frostwind's face twitched in anger. "I did the right thing," she said. "That's what you think," Darkthorn growled dangerously. It was Sharpfang's turn to step in between the two felines. "There is no point in arguing when the hare is gone," He pointed out. "However, we will have to tell Sunstar about what you did." He locked eyes with Frostwind for a moment.

Blackivy swished around before saying, "We need to start hunting... again."

The patrol rarely talked to each other after that. Blackivy caught another hare, except this hare was small and scrawny. Sharpfang and Frostwind both caught shrews. Darkthorn caught two mice and two starlings.

When the patrol reached PolarClan camp, they each headed in different directions. Frostwind shared her three shrews with Speckledberry and Hawksight. Sharpfang took his to Sunstar and Shellfang. Blackivy shared her hare with Hailfoot and Blossomstripe.

Darkthorn took her mice to Gooseice and Wildfire, and ate a starling with Junglestep. The other starling went to Marigoldshine, who shared it with Feathergaze.

"Frostwind is getting on my nerves," Darkthorn told Junglestep. "I could tell," he responded slowly. "I just~~---~~I just don't know how I can put up with her," Darkthorn meowed rudely. Junglestep sighed. "That is like me with Marigoldshine."

The two laughed. "Hopefully this rain will drown them," Darkthorn joked. "Well, I wouldn't wish death upon them," Junglestep said, sounding very serious. "Sorry. I am just tired of her acting like Silverheart... But a part of me misses Silverheart. I want to know who killed her..." Darkthorn trailed off.

Junglestep blinked at her. "You mean, you didn't see who killed her?" He sounded surprise.

Darkthorn looked up. "N-no."

"An OakClan apprentice named Sunsetpaw and his mentor attacked her. I couldn't reach her in time; otherwise I could have helped. I sent Marigoldshine to aid her, but I don't think Marigoldshine ever went to help," Junglestep explained. "So it is almost as if Marigoldshine was the cause of her death?" Darkthorn said half to herself. Junglestep shifted uncomfortably. "I guess," he said before hastily adding, "I tried sending Frostwind but she said, 'Silverheart can handle herself!' and started to help some other cat."

Darkthorn's ears twitched. *So it was basically Frostwind and Marigoldshine who caused her death...* She thought darkly. *But it was Sunsetglow who attacked with his mentor... I seem to have another reason to hate both Sunsetglow and Marigoldshine.*

Junglestep stood up and shook his pelt, splattering more droplets of water on Darkthorn and the ground. "I'm tired," he said and padded to the warriors den to rest.

Darkthorn lay in the center of camp, soaking up all the rain. She was so lost in thought that everything began to blur.

## *~Chapter Six~*

Darkthorn blinked up at Hollowfleck.

"I sense your hatred for Marigoldshine and Sunsetglow has grown stronger," Hollowfleck said with a grin. When Darkthorn did not respond, Hollowfleck continued, "I can assure you, Sunsetglow will die a painful death. But Marigoldshine's death is all up to you. Blossomstripe's and Needlepool's fates rest in your paws, too."

"Why bring Needlepool into this? He has done nothing to hurt me," Darkthorn said.

"I assume he hasn't... Oh well. You have a long future waiting for you, Darkthorn. Now remember what I have told you: *Save only those important to you..."*

Darkthorn rose up from her nest with a yawn. She didn't get a very good sleep that night. The sound of thunder and lightning and rain banging on the ground kept her awake for a long time. She peered out from the den to hear Finchwing say loudly, "I can not believe it rained all night! I couldn't get one minute of sleep."

"I know exactly how you feel," Robinface replied. "Only, I had a hole above me, so water kept dripping down on me."

Once Darkthorn took a step out of the den, her pelt began to sag with rain. *Great. Hope I'm not picked to go hunting.*

"Oh good! You're awake, Darkthorn." Deerskip's happy voice made her jump. "Wildfire and I are going to patrol the borders. Could you join?" Darkthorn sighed. "Yes. I will join," she said sourly. She didn't want to join, but she didn't want to hurt his feelings. *Especially since he has been through a lot.*

Deerskip bounded out the entrance with Darkthorn and Wildfire following close behind.

"Shouldn't the other warriors be hunting?" Darkthorn asked Wildfire quietly. Wildfire nodded. "They are hunting," he replied. "Robinface took Hailfoot, Needlepool, and Finchwing. Sharpfang was going to go, but Hawksight asked him to stay behind just in case."

"In case of what?" Darkthorn asked.

"In case Feathergaze has her kits. Feathergaze has been through a lot of pain and Hawksight said something bad might happen, such as the kits going blind, being born to early... you know, that kind of stuff," Wildfire answered.

The three felines traveled over their rocky and bramble-packed territory in order to reach the lake. Deerskip came to an abrupt halt as they neared it.

The two warriors behind Deerskip didn't need to ask why he stopped. They saw it for themselves. The lake had overflowed and was touching Deerskip's paws. It should have been five cat lengths away, but it was much closer now.

"We must go back and report this!" Wildfire said fearfully. "Not until we finish patrolling," Deerskip said, but his voice, too, was full of fear. The patrol ran to OakClan's borders to find the river overflowing. The water was much closer to the camp than the lake was though.

"OakClan isn't going to like that," Darkthorn said, watching the water slip through the moor.

"Let's go check ThornClan's border," Deerskip said. The patrol raced to ThornClan's border and watched closely as the lake's waters churned violently on the pine forest.

A ThornClan patrol approached the border cautiously. "The lake rose higher, as you can see," a gray tom on the patrol said. "It has risen on our side, too," Deerskip said.

"Two cats almost drowned today," a white she-cat~~---~~Darkthorn recognized her as Lilybloom~~---~~spoke quietly. Another she-cat from the patrol shook her head. "Neither of the cats were from ThornClan. One was from CreekClan and the other was from your clan," she said, and pointed her muzzle at Wildfire.

The three Polarclan cats tensed. "Who almost drowned?" Darkthorn inquired.

"A tom by the name of... er~~---~~Finchwing, I think? He slipped chasing a chaffinch and rolled into the lake. We were going to help but three other PolarClan cats had already reached him before he sank," the tom answered calmly. "We have been patrolling the borders all day to make sure no one else drowned," the unknown ThornClan she-cat said.

"Thank you so much for telling us... uh..." Deerskip started. "Thistleleaf," the tom replied, and he tilted his head toward the two other she-cats. "Of course you know Lilybloom... but this is my littermate, Blackear." The unknown ThornClan she-cat twitched at her name being spoken.

"Well, thanks for telling us, Thistleleaf," Wildfire meowed. "Do you know where our clanmates went after?"

Lilybloom shrugged. "We don't know. We stopped watching after we saw Finchwing safe."

Deerskip thanked the patrol again and the three hurried back to camp. "I really hope Finchwing is okay..." Darkthorn heard Wildfire mutter.

When the patrol reached camp, Sunstar was seen with other cats pacing around the clearing.

"Report now." Sunstar's voice was stern when he saw the border patrol return.

"The lake is overflowing and so is the river near OakClan's border," Deerskip replied. "How close is the water?" Sunstar asked. "If the rain keeps up, I would say the waters would reach camp in two or three days." Deerskip said.

The clan looked shocked by Deerskip's report.

"Is StarClan going to let us drown?" Feathergaze mewed fearfully. "StarClan would never let any clan drown." Hawksight's voice was firm. "Oh really?" Speckledberry's questioning voice echoed. "If Starclan is so 'kind' and 'powerful' how come they let two kits and a queen die?" The clan stayed perfectly silent, glancing at each other.

Darkthorn felt uneasy. It *was* true that Starclan was kind, but how kind? "It certainly didn't seem kind to take away two kits and a queen," she said aloud. Sunstar stared at Darkthorn, his eyes blazing. "Nobody questions StarClan or says anything rude about it," he said sternly.

"Prove StarClan is kind and powerful!" Speckledberry bellowed. "Tell them to take away this rain and save us from drowning or starving."

"Why are you even a medicine cat if you don't believe in StarClan?" Blossomstripe yelled.

"I did not become a medicine cat because I wanted too," Speckledberry hissed. "I became a medicine cat because I was *forced* to become one." Speckledberry changed the subject quickly before anyone could ask questions. "Finchwing is cold and hungry. Bring him a mouse," she ordered. Hailfoot skipped toward Speckledberry with a mouse dangling from his jaws.

"Darkthorn, do you really think StarClan took the kits and Emberstride without a reason?" Frostwind approached Darkthorn carefully, as if scared she might pounce. "What reason would StarClan have besides wanting to see us suffer," Darkthorn said. "I think in time you will learn not to say such rude things about StarClan," Frostwind commented. "I don't want you to talk to me anymore," Darkthorn hissed. "Suit yourself," Frostwind said and turned away.

*Everyday she turns more into a snob.* Darkthorn scratched the ground. *She'll learn to respect me someday.*

Darkthorn stalked toward, the prey pile and picked up a water vole. She began to scarf it down until Junglestep stopped by.

"I'm worried for Deerskip," he said quietly and sat on his haunches by Darkthorn. "Why?" Darkthorn asked, but she could already guess why. "If there *is* a flood, what if more of us die? He is depressed right now, and he will probably go insane if more of us die. He loves Wildfire and Gooseice as if they *are* his kits. And I love them as brothers, adopted or not. But I am just scared of what might happen if one of us dies," Junglestep blurted out. Darkthorn's nose twitched. It would be terribly painful for Deerskip to lose another kit or clanmate.

"I'm sorry to hear all that," Darkthorn said slowly. "But even if we do die, we will go to StarClan." Junglestep shook his head. "Deerskip is losing faith in StarClan," he sighed. "Wouldn't you if you were depressed?" Darkthorn said. Seeing the hurt in Junglestep's eyes, Darkthorn quickly added, "If StarClan is good, they will save us. But if they have abandoned us, let them. We can survive on our own."

"Do you really think so?" Junglestep mewed. "I know so," Darkthorn replied confidently.

*You're wise placing your trust in the Place of No Stars...* Hallowfleck's voice sounded from behind. Darkthorn tilted her head and saw a black and brown figure scramble under the brambles. *Have you been spying on us?* Darkthorn growled, slightly annoyed. *Of course. We* see *all,* said Hollowfleck.

Hallowfleck's voice faded and Junglestep stared at Darkthorn. "What were you looking at?" He asked. "The~~---~~the brambles looked like they were moving. It might have just been a mouse pushing them," Darkthorn said, not entirely lying because mice did tend to go there. Junglestep got up and padded through the brambles.

Darkthorn looked up to see Wildfire blinking at her. "We need to talk," he said quietly. Darkthorn and Wildfire moved to a small space between the elders den and medicine cat den.

"Have you been to the Dark Forest?" Wildfire asked. Darkthorn didn't know whether to tell him the truth or lie. "If I have visited, would you be mad at me?" She questioned. Wildfire chuckled. "No. I have been there, too. I just saw you looking at the brambles and wondered if you saw a cat named Tulipstar crawl under there."

"I saw my Dark Forest mentor, Hallowfleck, go under there. But not Tulipstar," Darkthorn said, as she didn't recall any white fur.

"Strange..." Wildfire said. "Tulipstar said to me, '*Remember time is precious... and so are cats. Save all you can. For the time for the Dark Forest to reign is near.'*"

"Hallowfleck just told me to save cats from drowning," Darkthorn said. The two fell silent after a moment. "If they told us to save lives ... then that probably means our camp will flood," Darkthorn said. "Should we tell Sunstar?" Wildfire asked. "I don't know. He can't stop a flood," Darkthorn answered shortly.

Darkthorn and Wildfire stepped out of the cramped space and parted ways.

"Hey, Darkthorn!" Junglestep came trotting towards Darkthorn. "You were right. A mouse was under those brambles," he said and dropped the mouse by her paws for proof.

The day went like usual, gathering as much food and patrolling more of the lake. But today would be a special day for five kits.

Sunstar's voice rang louder than the hard, beating rain. "Clan meeting!" He yelled. The cats gathered curiously around the highrock. "Five kits have been waiting eagerly for their turn to become apprentices," Sunstar said, gazing down at Emberstride's five beautiful kits.

"Kits, you have reached six moons, and it is time for you to train in the ways of the warrior code," Sunstar began. "From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you five will be known as Lightningpaw, Curlypaw, Sparrowpaw, Birchpaw, and Violetpaw. Lightningpaw, you will be mentored by Shellfang. He shall pass down his intelligence and quickness to you." Lightningpaw jumped gracefully to Shellfang and touched noses with him.

"Curlypaw, you will be mentored by Wildfire. He will most definitely pass down his loyalty and braveness to you," Sunstar announced. Wildfire looked completely dumbfounded by the leader's announcement. Curlypaw touched noses with her adopted-brother. "Sparrowpaw, you will be mentored by Hailfoot. Hailfoot, I assume you will pass down your cleverness and cunning ways," Sunstar said. Hailfoot nodded and touched noses with his brand new apprentice.

Darkthorn smiled at her former mentor, but it quickly vanished when she heard Marigoldshine whisper, "Great. I can't wait to see my younger brother be trained by a grumpy idiot." Darkthorn spun around and growled, "Glad to see Blossomstripe brushed off all her rudeness and stupidness down onto you." Marigoldshine glared at her, but said nothing more.

"Sharpfang, you shall mentor Birchpaw. Pass on your wisdom and carefulness onto him," Sunstar said.

"Darkthorn, you shall mentor Violetpaw. Your great strength and sneakiness will be passed on to your first apprentice, I hope," Sunstar said.

It was Darkthorn's turn be shocked. Violetpaw came scampering over and touched noses with her.

"Lightningpaw! Curlypaw! Sparrowpaw! Birchpaw! Violetpaw!" The clan cheered.

"Clan dismissed," Sunstar said. The crowd began to break up into groups, cats congratulating every apprentice at least twice. "I can't believe you're a mentor," Gooseice said as he and Junglestep approached Darkthorn and Violetpaw.

"I believe she will be a great mentor!" Violetpaw said. "I bet she will," Junglepaw laughed. Darkthorn twitched in embarrassment. "Marigoldshine isn't too happy about you mentoring Violetpaw," Gooseice sighed. "I don't care what she thinks," Darkthorn said, imagining Marigoldshine's sourness. "She should just be happy that her sister *has* a mentor."

"Anyway, we should probably let you guys go," Junglestep said. Gooseice and Junglestep said their goodbyes and left to congratulate Curlypaw and Wildfire.

"What can we do first, Darkthorn?" Violetpaw asked, turning her large eyes toward her mentor. Darkthorn paused for a moment, thinking. "We have all the food we need right now, and I don't think it is very safe to go outside camp when it is raining so... Go check up on Ratfur. If he complains about anything, come straight back to me and report," Darkthorn told Violetpaw. "Yes, Darkthorn!" Violetpaw said in a sing-song voice and trotted to the elder's den.

"Ratfur said he would enjoy some new moss," Violetpaw reported after she came back.

"Alright. You see that great, green patch of moss on that tree?" Darkthorn said, pointing her nose toward a moss-covered tree. "Yeah...But that moss might be wet from all this rain," Violetpaw complained. "If it is a little wet, who cares? Ratfur will enjoy the water soaked moss," Darkthorn said. "Why would anyone like wet moss?" Violetpaw spat. "I don't know. Ask the cat who wanted it," Darkthorn replied.

Violetpaw and Darkthorn padded to the tree. The apprentice began to claw the moss.

"No, no," Darkthorn said softly. "If you claw it randomly, you will only get scraps. Claw like this." Darkthorn motioned her paws over the moss. She gently traced the edges of the patch with a claw and peeled it off and rolled it into a ball.

"Dang. That was smooth," Violetpaw said. She traced a circle (an odd looking circle, for it wasn't an exact shape) and roughly clawed it off before rolling it into a ball.

"Can we take this to Ratfur now? The rain mixed with a wet ball of moss is grossing me out," Violetpaw said. Darkthorn chuckled. "Yes."

The two went to the elder's den where Ratfur was accompanied by Feathergaze.

"Why aren't you in the nursery?" Darkthorn asked as Violetpaw took the two moss balls to Ratfur.

"Speckledberry said the nursery might still be contaminated with greencough," Feathergaze said. "I am pretty sure the nursery has been washed clean by this rain," Darkthorn pointed out. "Another thing Speckledberry is worried about," Feathergaze sighed. "The nursery may be filling up with water as we speak. I can't go in there. A she-cat holding kits may not make it out in time to escape if there is a flood," said Feathergaze and looked down at her round belly.

Darkthorn and Violetpaw exited the den.

"What next?" Violetpaw jumped. "Nothing much. Right now, we only have chores to do," Darkthorn stated. "Cool! I mean, I am cool with doing chores. Chores can sometimes be fun," Violetpaw said.

For the rest of the day, Darkthorn and the other mentors, with their apprentices, did all the chores needed to be done.

"I'm tired!" Birchpaw complained close by. "Well, you are in luck. We are all done with chores and it is getting dark. We should all probably go to sleep," Sharpfang said.

The mentors watched as their apprentices snuggled close together in their warm fern nests. The warriors returned to their den.

"Curlypaw is a pawful," Wildfire laughed before settling in his nest. "Lightningpaw wouldn't stop talking," Shellfang said, sounding a bit annoyed. "Sparrowpaw is just like Darkthorn. He is always pouncing on air and saying 'I will be the greatest leader ever!'" Hailfoot turned and smiled at Darkthorn. "Violetpaw is like Hailfoot. She is loud and willing to do anything that doesn't involve other cats," Darkthorn joked. The warriors shared more conversations about their apprentices, old and new, until they finally fell asleep.

## *~Chapter Seven~*

*"Darkthorn... Why haven't you visited me?" Hollowfleck's voice was loud in Darkthorn's ears. "It has been three days."*

*"Why should I?" Darkthorn responded. "All I need is answers for a dream Violetpaw had."*

*"The dream?" Hollowfleck almost laughed. "Darkthorn, it wasn't just a dream... it was a* vision.*" "A vision?" Darkthorn repeated.*

*"Oh yes," Hollowfleck said with a grin. "Darkthorn, you are a reincarnation of Thorn's sister, Shadow. Shadowthorn was suppose to be your name, but your father and Twilightdawn didn't want anyone to know. So they named you 'Darkthorn'."*

*Darkthorn could hardly believe her ears. She soon remembered Violetpaw's dream. As if reading her mind, Hollowfleck continued, "In your apprentice's dream, Thorn said her shadow was out to get her. Thorn's shadow is her sister, Shadow. You* are *Thorn's shadow. You must train your apprentice, here in the Dark Forest." "I don't have to bring her here," Darkthorn snapped. "I can teach her the killing bite and no mercy down on the ground."*

*"Darkthorn, if you won't train her, let me train her~~---~~" Hollowfleck pleaded.*

*"No! She is my apprentice, not yours. I lead her, you don't. You may be in my head, but not in hers," Darkthorn said. "Besides, you only want her to replace me. That is what Tulipstar did to Sloestalk."*

*"There are more apprentices than just Violetpaw," Hollowfleck had a twisted smile as she spoke.*

*"Then why haven't you claimed one yet?" Darkthorn pushed.*

 *Hollowfleck hissed, "I cannot get through Violetpaw's mind. It is blocked and her future is unclear. And I assume it is because you are still alive." She took a swing at Darkthorn, but the black she-cat was too quick, and Darkthorn ducked just in time.*

*Darkthorn growled, "You are going to kill me?" "If that is what it takes to get Violetpaw, then yes." Hollowfleck laughed. "I don't believe that will be necessary," a gray and black she-cat whispered from behind Hallowfleck. The she-cat was as big as Darkthorn, with the same piercing green eyes.*

*"If you want to fight, fight fairly. But only fight if Darkthorn agrees," the she-cat said. "I agree," Darkthorn said through gritted teeth. "Hollowfleck will pick the day she wants to fight," the she-cat meowed. Hollowfleck soon faded away and the two black she-cats were left alone.*

*"You are my reincarnation," the she-cat said. Before Darkthorn could say anything, the she-cat continued. "I am Shadow. I am the first ever cat to be treated as a traitor and be exiled. But I rose up to become a victorious leader. You will rise up to power, too. And before you ask questions, Violetpaw is not special. Hollowfleck is thinking she can reach out to her but she can't because Violetpaw's mind is clouded. Hollowfleck thinks she can get her if she kills you but that is surely, not the case.*

*"Darkthorn, you will suffer terribly, but when the time comes, you will kill all you need to become powerful. Trust me, Darkthorn. But I must go now. Hurry, before they drown~~---~~"*

Shadow's voice was cut off by an ear piercing screech that woke Darkthorn up. Water had filled the warriors den and every cat was scrambling to escape it. The icy cold water was up to each cats' ankles and rising even higher.

The warriors managed to get out, only to see the horror had just begun.

"THE CAMP HAS FLOODED!" Shellfang's voice echoed through the stone walls of the camp.

The lake and stream near OakClan's borders had finally reached the camp, dousing it in cold water, with hard raindrops still falling from the sky.

"Feathergaze!" Sharpfang's desperate voice made all the cats jump. The blue-gray queen was spotted frantically trying to climb a rock. Sharpfang ran to her and lifted her, with help from Ratfur.

"All cats, climb the rocks to escape! The water is rising!" Sunstar bellowed over the sounds of panicking cats.

Instead of heading for the rocks, Darkthorn raced to the apprentice den. "Violetpaw~~---~~" Darkthorn began. A tortoiseshell shape flung itself at Darkthorn with Curlypaw following behind.

"The others are already at the boulders. No one came for us but you," Violetpaw said. "Quick, let's go," Darkthorn said and picked Curlypaw up by the scruff and had Violetpaw climb her back.

Darkthorn pelted to the rocks with a lot of struggle. The waters were to her belly now and, before she could climb, she stumbled away as the waters pushed her. Blackivy and Wildfire, the two cats we didn't climb, each grabbed an apprentice from Darkthorn. "Hurry, Darkthorn!" Blackivy cried and pushed the black she-cat towards the rocks.

Wildfire and Blackivy placed the apprentices on the rocks. "Climb as fast as you can," Blackivy told them. "But what if you don't~~---~~" Curlypaw started but Wildfire interrupted saying, "We will make it, don't worry. I promise we will." Curlypaw nodded and she and Violetpaw began to climb the large rocks.

"Blackivy, you are the smallest. Go up first," Darkthorn ordered. "Right away," Blackivy responded and gripped the rocks tightly with her claws and lifted herself up. Wildfire went next, having to be lifted by Darkthorn and Blackivy. "Come on up," Wildfire said, reaching out a paw. "I can't," Darkthorn said. "Why not?!" Wildfire gaped. "I have to make sure no one was left behind," Darkthorn said.

"EVERYBODY MADE IT UP, DARKTHORN. PLEASE HURRY!" Blackivy roared as the water made its way up to the rock. Darkthorn found two cracks in the rock and dug her claws into them. Darkthorn desperately tried to lift herself but the water made the rock slippery. Wildfire and Blackivy dug their teeth into fur and lifted her up. "Thanks," she huffed.

The three cats made their way higher and higher, and each time they climbed, the water seemed to rise.

Finally the three reached three more cats, Hailfoot, Ratfur, and Frostwind. "We were looking for you," Frostwind panted. "We are alright," Wildfire said. "Did Violetpaw and Curlypaw come by?" "Mhm. Gooseice took them back up with the rest of the clan," Hailfoot said.

The six cats hurriedly climbed the rocks. Darkthorn sat behind Ratfur and watched him climb. "I can't c-climb," he said as he began to slip from the rocks. Before any cat could reach out and help him, Ratfur lost his grip and fell passed Darkthorn, clinging on to another rock, right below them. "I'll come get you!" Darkthorn said. "No! You will kill yourself if you try," Ratfur yelled. When the cats fell silent, Ratfur said, "It is my time." He let go of the rock, plunging into the waters down below.

"Does anyone see him?" Darkthorn asked and searched for Ratfur to come up from the waters. But he never did.

"He drowned, Darkthorn." Hailfoot's voice was filled with grief. "We must keep climbing..." Darkthorn turned around and climbed the rock Ratfur failed to climb. *I feel terrible,* she thought.

The cats finally made it up with the rest of the clan.

"Thank StarClan you guys are alive!" Deerskip cried out.

"Where is our father?" Feathergaze and Shellfang both stepped forward, with worry in their eyes. Hailfoot shook his head but it was Blackivy who spoke. "I'm sorry," she said, "but he slipped off a rock and fell into the water," Feathergaze gasped but Shellfang stood with a blank face, but in his eyes, you could tell he was hurt by the news.

"You are alive, Darkthorn!" Sunstar said and licked his daughter on the top of the head. "Thank goodness you are all alive," Junglestep said. "Did anyone else drown?" Wildfire asked. Every cat shook their head. "No. Ratfur was the only one we lost," Robinface said.

The rain had stopped and the waters seemed to calm down. Darkthorn gazed down and watched the waters stop rising. The waters just barely covered the roofs of the dens. Darkthorn shook her head and sighed. *Should I have helped Ratfur?* Darkthorn asked, not really suspecting an answer.

Darkthorn sighed again and turned back around.

"Was any of the prey rescued?" Finchwing asked. "Only this hare and starling," Marigoldshine sighed. "I'm surprised nothing else was saved." Marigoldshine rested her eyes on Darkthorn.

Immediately, Darkthorn was enraged and she stalked toward her growling, "I would have liked to see you try and save a cat. *I* savedtwo apprentices from being left behind while you ignored every cat. All you care about is yourself. If you saw Ratfur fall, you would have rolled your eyes and left without caring. I actually *offered* to help. I only left because he said it was his time." Marigoldshine stared at Darkthorn, surprised by her response.

Sunstar's voice rang over the cats. "We must send out a hunting patrol and find new dens," he said. "How can we find dens up here?" Blossomstripe inquired.

"There are two huge caves on each side of these rocky walls," Sunstar answered. "The warriors, including Shellfang, and apprentices will sleep in that cave to the right. Me, the medicine cats, and Feathergaze will sleep in the cave to the left.

"Sunstar, if you send out a hunting patrol, can we go with them?" Speckledberry said and flicked her tail at Hawksight. "We lost all our supplies but the borage leaves."

"You may go with them. But I want Hawksight to stay here just in case," Sunstar said. "Shellfang, Gooseice, Needlepool, and Blossomstripe, go and hunt. Shellfang, take Lightningpaw with you and Speckledberry you may go with them."

The hunting patrol along with Speckledberry climbed down behind the camp.

*This is going to be a long day,* Darkthorn thought.

The patrol came back after a while with three water voles and a squirrel. Speckledberry came back with a bundle of catmint and goatweed and burnet.

The rest of the day was quiet, except for the rushing water down below.

*Will we live another day? Or see our camp again?* Darkthorn cried out silently in her head.

*Yes, be strong,* came a voice, not Hallowfleck's, but Silverheart's.

## *~Chapter Eight~*

*Darkthorn opened her eyes to see all around her, PolarClan cats fighting each other. "Stop! Stop!" She cried out but no cat listened to her. Blood painted the grass and trees, and the cats who fought. Even Feathergaze was fighting, but she was fighting Sharpfang. Was this a dream?*

*Suddenly, whispers from cats brushed her ears. It grew louder and louder, until it sounded like the cats were screaming into her ears.*

*All Darkthorn could hear was, "You won't make it this time. You won't make it this time. YOU WILL DIE THIS TIME."*

*The screaming ceased and all fighting PolarClan cats stopped and locked eyes on Darkthorn. Darkthorn stood frozen, not on purpose, but because she couldn't move. It felt like her paws were glued to the ground and they were, by blood.*

*The cats started to storm after Darkthorn, laughing. Darkthorn struggled desperately, trying to get her paws unstuck from the blood. When the cats were only a claw length away, she was able to free herself. She tried to run, but as soon as she tried, claws raked her legs and back, pulling her down. Her shrieks for help were drowned out by laughter.*

*The screams started again:*

*"**YOU CAN TRY, DARKTHORN, BUT IT WILL NEVER WORK. YOU WILL NEVER ESCAPE ME OR THE FOREST. YOU WILL DIE A PAINFUL DEATH ALL BECAUSE I WANT SOME FUN.**"*

*Hollowfleck's screams were louder then ever, causing Darkthorn to scream louder too. "STOP!" She shrieked one last time, her vision fading. Hollowfleck's burning laughter was the last thing Darkthorn heard.*

Darkthorn sprang forward with tears beginning to roll down her face.

"Darkthorn? DARKTHORN?" Wildfire's voice came.

"What happened?" Darkthorn asked, her head pounding. "Did you have a nightmare?" Wildfire asked, ignoring Darkthorn's question. "Yeah," she said, slightly embarrassed. "Was I talking?" "Uh~~---~~Does screaming count?" Wildfire said. Darkthorn shook her head and smiled, "Is there a hunting patrol out already?" She asked. Wildfire nodded, "There is a hunting and a border patrol out already."

Darkthorn and Wildfire exited the cave the warrior's slept in. Darkthorn looked over the ledge of the rocks. The water had gone down slightly, with sticks and logs floating in it.

*All the sticks and logs from the dens down below,* Darkthorn thought. *Is it completely destroyed down there?*

Darkthorn's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of paws steps behind her. She turned around to see the hunting patrol and border patrol return.

Sunstar padded out of his cave to welcome the patrols.

"We caught everything we could," Blackivy said, placing her starling down. "There wasn't much to catch after the storm."

"Take your starling to Feathergaze. Take the rest to the apprentices," Sunstar commanded. The patrol listened and took their prey to whoever needed to eat.

"Border patrol?" Sunstar said. Robinface stepped forward to speak. "Nothing much unless you're looking for water," she growled. "If you want a report on the other clans, you'll have to ask during a Gathering. We couldn't get anywhere near the other clans.There was so much water,"

"Alright," Sunstar sighed. "Luckily there is a Gathering tonight."

The border patrol separated except for Sharpfang.

"Is Feathergaze okay?" Sharpfang inquired. Sunstar stayed quiet for a few moments. "Feathergaze... she might be kitting soon," Sunstar finally replied. "She isn't suppose to kit for another moon!" Sharpfang squealed.

Darkthorn flinched. Sharpfang sounded like a kit.

"What would happen if the kits were born early?" Sharpfang asked.

"The last time kits were born early, they died." This time it was Speckledberry who spoke. Sharpfang's eyes were full of worry and Speckledberry seemed to sense that. "However, not all kits die if they are born early," she quickly added. "Some kits live, perfectly healthy, others might end up blind, deaf, or the mother might end up dying."

Sharpfang sniffed. "Let's just hope for the best," he sighed.

"Speckledberry!" Hawksight called. Speckledberry quickly turned around and followed Hawksight back into the cave.

"I feel bad for the two," Wildfire told Darkthorn. "I do, too," Darkthorn said. She turned her attention to Violetpaw, who approached. "Sorry, Darkthorn. There wasn't enough prey for everyone to share; otherwise, I would have shared with you," she said. "No need to be sorry," Darkthorn said.

Rapidly changing the subject, Violetpaw asked, "Will I be going to the Gathering?" "I don't know~~---~~" Darkthorn began but Sunstar padded behind her, saying, "You should go. Your siblings are going, so you might as well."

"Thanks!" Violetpaw said, and scampered off.

"Well alright then," Darkthorn chuckled. "Sunstar, are you~~---~~" "I cannot talk now." Sunstar said and turned away swiftly.

*Why not?* Darkthorn wondered.

"Hey, Darkthorn!" Frostwind's voice surprised Darkthorn. "Are you coming to the Gathering?"

"Yes, why?" Darkthorn asked. "Just wondering," Frostwind said, not sounding sad. "I'm staying behind just in case Speckledberry and Hawksight need help," the silver tabby said happily.

"Oh, cool. Are you going to name a kit if they do come?" Darkthorn asked. "I don't know," Frostwind said. "I never thought about it."

Frostwind left with a goodbye and Hailfoot approached with his apprentice.

"Sparrowpaw here wanted to talk to you," Hailfoot said. "Deerskip told me you named me," said Sparrowpaw. "I thought that was cool since you are like, the *toughest* and *tallest* cat ever." Darkthorn shrugged. "Thanks, I guess." She laughed.

"Sparrowpaw!" Lightningpaw called. "Are you going to play with us or not?" He sounded impatient.

"Can I go?" Sparrowpaw asked. "Of course," Hailfoot said. Sparrowpaw bounded off to Lightningpaw, who already gathered every apprentice.

"He is exactly like you," Hailfoot commented to Darkthorn. "How so?" She asked. "He jumps on air, trying catch it, he wants to be a strong leader and father someday, and he complains about his siblings," Hailfoot explained. "Well, I only have one annoying littermate," Darkthorn snorted. "Did you have any siblings?"

Hailfoot stayed silent for a few seconds. "A sister and a brother who died at birth if that counts," he finally growled. "Oh... Sorry to hear that," Darkthorn said, regretting what she had asked. "It doesn't matter," Hailfoot lied and he got up to pad away.

Darkthorn sat quietly and watched the apprentices play.

"Ow!" Curlypaw squeaked. "You stepped on my tail." "Then move it out of my way," Birchpaw hissed. "If *you* don't move, I'm gonna~~---~~" Curlypaw didn't get to finish her threat, because Sparrowpaw dove down and lifted Curlypaw off of her paws and slammed her into the ground.

"Another point for our team!" Birchpaw exclaimed with Sparrowpaw. "I don't think so!" Violetpaw said and swiped at Birchpaw's ears. Lightningpaw and Curlypaw tackled Sparrowpaw until he gave up. "No fair!" Birchpaw spat. "Your team has one more apprentice. I say one of you should stay out."

"Oh, quit arguing," Marigoldshine said, rolling her eyes. "You five are pathetic."

"Get her! She's invading our territory," Violetpaw said.

All five apprentices teamed up and charged at Marigoldshine. Before she could react, Sparrowpaw and Violetpaw were already on top of her back, while Curlypaw, Lightningpaw, and Birchpaw attacked her paws and tail.

Darkthorn giggled as Marigoldshine tried to push them gently away and hurt them. "Oh, just get off me, mouse-brains!" Marigoldshine finally snapped. The five quit attacking her and the brown she-cat stormed off. "What a coward," Lightningpaw said, shaking his head. "Running away from a fight."

"I wish Marigoldshine would actually care for them," Junglestep sighed as he sat down next to Darkthorn. "She was just now being careful with them," Darkthorn said. "That is because Deerskip was watching; otherwise she would not have cared if she hurt them." Junglestep sighed again. "Trust me, I know my sister."

After that, another hunting patrol was sent out, with Darkthorn in it. Only Finchwing and her caught something. Finchwing had a hare which he gave to the medicine cats and Darkthorn caught a pigeon which she shared with Blackivy.

Later that day, Sunstar started to gather all cats.

"All mentors and apprentices will be going to the Gathering along with Hawksight and Needlepool."

All the cats going started to make their way behind the caves and onto higher land.

"Well, the water went down," Shellfang said. "Yeah, only an *inch* of it did," Hailfoot hissed. The cats pushed on carefully, trying not to fall into the water. They reached Four Trees after a while, only to see that water reached it. The water only reached the cats' ankles, though.

CreekClan was the only clan there besides PolarClan.

"Greetings," Brackenstar rasped. Sunstar bowed his head and jumped onto the dry rock next to Brakenstar. No cat said anything, except for Hawksight and CreekClan's medicine cat, Thrushtail.

Soon ThornClan came with very little of their warriors and OakClan came too with only two warriors.

Sandstar from OakClan was the first to speak. "Water has reached the moor, as you may know. Two kits have drowned," Sandstar said, and looked at a black she-cat. "Magpiefur's newest tom-kits died last night."

"That's my mother!" Wildfire growled quietly.

"However, there are two new warriors. Sunsetglow and Pinesmoke," Sandstar said.

Sandstar backed down and Sunstar went up. "We have good news and bad news. The good news is that five kits are now apprentices. Curlypaw, Sparrowpaw, Lightningpaw, Violetpaw, and Birchpaw. The bad news is that not to long ago, Emberstride and two of her kits died from greencough and starvation. Ratfur drowned last night." All the cats stayed silent except for a cat named Leapingbreeze, who mumbled, "Emberstride was a good cat."

"If you had paid any attention, I am not Redstar," said Thornclan's deputy, Echoshade. "Our dear leader, Redstar, died from greencough. I am no longer a deputy, but a leader by the name of Echostar. I received my nine lives four days ago. The new deputy is Thistleleaf." When Echostar ended her speech, every cat chanted her name. "We will always remember Redstar," Shellfang said.

Echostar stepped back and let Brackenstar speak.

"I know this may be shocking, but I am old and have lost eight of my lives already. I would like to spend the rest of my days with the elders. I am just too old to lead a clan. Bristlefur has waited long enough to become leader." Brackenstar gazed down at her gray deputy, who looked confused and surprised. "I will still be called Brackenstar, but just remember, after this day, Bristlefur will be leader."

The crowd of cats began to chant Bristlefur's name.

"Three warriors have been made, Sloestalk, Bumbletoe, and Stormheart," Brackenstar also mentioned.

"But that isn't the only thing I'd like to mention," Brackenstar said, her stare suddenly darkening. "CreekClan will no longer help any clan. We have our own problems, such as floods, and lack of prey. So if any cat wants to speak to my clan, do it now."

"That's outrageous!" Foxfoot from OakClan protested. "Are you still going to Gatherings?" Needlepool asked.

"Going to Gatherings isn't my choice," Brackenstar said. "It is all up to Bristlefur if he wants to go to Gatherings. But we must recover before we help any other clan. So no visiting us."

"What if we need herbs?" Sunberry, the medicine cat from OakClan asked. "And what if CreekClan is the only place that has those herbs?" Brackenstar shook her head. "Not even medicine cats are allowed to visit. If your cats are suffering, then they must suffer," she meowed."What?!" Thrushtail suddenly yowled. "You never told me I couldn't help out fellow clans!" "We must help ourselves before helping others," Bristlefur growled. "You can't just let other cats die," Bramblebush from ThornClan said. "It is no fair to keep herbs to yourselves," Hawksight said.

"We are not keeping herbs to ourselves," Brackenstar said calmly. "You technically are," Sandstar said. "Only the moor and CreekClan's territory have catmint."

"So?" Brackenstar said. "Can't *you* spare catmint?"

"*We* don't grow as much catmint as *you,"* Sandstar growled. "And it doesn't seem to me, that CreekClan had any trouble with greencough." "We had whitecough," Daisyburr said. "Whitecough isn't as serious as greencough!" Crookedwhisker snapped. "It does matter when your leader has it and when *all* the apprentices have it!" Daisyburr hissed. "Not to mention, a queen also had it!"

"I understand the frustration," Brackenstar gently spoke, "but if we can't recover from dying cats and no home, then how can we help you three?" Her deep purple eyes landed on the three leaders.

"At least let Thrushtail go to the Moonpool when he has to," Echostar said. Brackenstar thought for a moment. "Only if it is important, then I'll let him go," she said.

"I have heard enough from you," Sandstar hissed. He jumped down from the rock and he and his clan followed close behind him. "Well, that Gathering ended quickly," said Sloestalk. "Yeah, because your clan ruined it," Hailfoot snapped. "Don't blame us. Blame OakClan for leaving," Ripplefeather snapped back.

Echostar jumped down from the rock and said, "Suit yourself, CreekClan, but your making a mistake in not helping." "What do you know? You have only been a leader for four days!" Bristlefur roared. "She's been a leader longer than you!" Thistleleaf retorted. "Yeah! You don't even have your name or nine lives yet," Blackear called over her shoulder.

"I will not question your ways, Brackenstar," Sunstar said softly. "But you do what you must. Just don't expect PolarClan to help in the future." Sunstar leaped down and began to pad away.

"We won't need help in the future!" Stormheart yowled after them. "We shall see about that," Shellfang said.

PolarClan traveled silently back to their camp, and entered the way they had came out of.

"The Gathering was a complete waste of my time," Wildfire sighed. "At least we know CreekClan isn't always the nicest," Darkthorn replied. "They never were," Sharpfang said.

"Oh, thank Starclan, you are back!" Frostwind said, running towards the returning cats. "Speckledberry has good news."

"Is it about Feathergaze?" Sharpfang asked. Frostwind nodded. "While you guys were gone, she had her kits. Three healthy kits. Two tom-kits and a she-kit. The tom-kits are named Batkit and Sheepkit. The she-kit is Adderkit," she said.

"Go and see Feathergaze. She will be pleased to see you," Hawksight said. Sharpfang rushed to his mate with Hawksight following behind.

"Did you name one of kits?" Darkthorn asked Frostwind. "I named Sheepkit," she said. "I know, I know. It is a weird name. But I think it fits him because of his soft fur." "I think the name is just fine," Darkthorn said. "What happened at the Gathering?" Frostwind asked, changing the subject. "Nothing much besides CreekClan not letting anyone near them. ThornClan has a new leader, Echostar, and that is about it," Darkthorn said. "Nothing exciting?" Frostwind asked.

"Nope. Not at all," Darkthorn replied.

"That's it, I am tired," Frostwind said and got up to stretch. "I am, too," Darkthorn said and followed Frostwind back into the cave.

## *~Chapter Nine~*

*Tossing and turning, trying to escape Hollowfleck's blows.*

*But she couldn't. Darkthorn had no way out of this one. Hollowfleck raked her claws down Darkthorn's back and twisted around her to fling her onto her side. She pinned her down, laughing.*

*"**FIGHT BACK, WEAKLING!"** Hollowfleck jumped off her and bounced around her. Darkthorn took a swing and missed Hollowfleck by an inch. **"TOO SLOW, I'M AFRAID."** Hollowfleck jumped at the black she-cat, biting the fur around her throat, and swinging her around like a rag doll. Darkthorn slammed her paw into Hollowfleck's face, clawing her nose.*

*Hollowfleck backed off to hiss. **"YOU MUST DO BETTER THAN THAT TO KILL ME."** "I don't understand," Darkthorn panted. "Why are you treating me like this?"*

*"**ALL FOR THE FUN OF IT. NOTHING IS BETTER THAN WATCHING YOU STRUGGLE AND SUFFER."** Hollowfleck laughed.*

Before Hollowfleck could say anymore, Darkthorn jolted forward.

"Calm down," came Frostwind's voice. "It was just a dream." "You have never had a dream like mine," Darkthorn hissed. "Then tell me about it," Frostwind said, "because I probably have." "You would not understand," Darkthorn growled and pushed past her.

*Would it be a good idea to tell her?* Darkthorn wondered.

She looked over the ledge to see that the water had gone down a lot more, but the waves were rougher.

"Should I take a hunting patrol?" Darkthorn asked Shellfang as he passed by. "No," he said. "We already have a hunting patrol out." "Oh," Darkthorn said, disappointed. "Sorry, Darkthorn," Shellfang said, "but if you wanted to go on a hunting patrol, you should have woken up earlier." When Shellfang trotted away Darkthorn mumbled, "You could have woken me up."

"Darkthorn, have you seen Feathergaze's kits?" Sparrowpaw asked. "No. Have you?" Darkthorn questioned. "Of course!" Sparrowpaw exclaimed. "Come on, let's visit together." "A~~---~~alright," Darkthorn said and she followed the apprentice to the cave.

The blue-gray queen looked up to see who was approaching. "Welcome Darkthorn and Sparrowpaw," she said.

"Hi!" Sparrowpaw squeaked.

Darkthorn looked down at Feathergaze's three, suckling kits. "They are beautiful," Darkthorn said, staring at their fluffy pelts. "Thank you," Feathergaze said and licked the top of Sheepkit's head. "Sparrowpaw, why are you here? Shouldn't you be out hunting with Hailfoot''s patrol?" The queen asked. "Hailfoot wanted me to stay just in case you needed help," Sparrowpaw replied, rather dull. "Why does every tom feel the need to protect me?" Feathergaze sighed.

"Well I gotta go," Darkthorn said. "Violetpaw needs to know how to patrol borders."

"Can I come with you?" Sparrowpaw pleaded. "Please?" "I don't know..." Darkthorn said, thinking. "I promise I'll be good!" Sparrowpaw cut in. "Fine. You can come. But, *please,* do not distract Violetpaw from her training," Darkthorn said. "I won't," he promised.

"It was nice seeing you!" Feathergaze said as the two left.

"Violetpaw, we are going to patrol the borders," Darkthorn called into the cave. Violetpaw came prancing out happily. "I can't wait!" She said. "Sparrowpaw is coming with us since Sharpfang left him behind," Darkthorn said. "I don't care," Violetpaw growled, "as long as he doesn't bother me." "Oh, I will make sure he won't," Darkthorn meowed.

"Darkthorn, may we come with you?" Wildfire asked with his apprentice, Curlypaw.

"Sure," Darkthorn said, slightly annoyed. "Thanks," Wildfire said. "What about Lightningpaw and Birchpaw?" Sparrowpaw asked. "They are on the hunting patrol," answered Wildfire. "Will we be able to hunt?" Curlypaw asked. "If we find anything," Darkthorn growled.

"Let's go," Wildfire said, and the cats carefully crept onto the dry land. "I say we go to OakClan's border first," Darkthorn said. "I think that is the best idea, too," Wildfire agreed.

The patrol reached OakClan's border shortly after. The river that separated the two territories was still overflowing and getting the cats' paws wet. Darkthorn looked up to see Magpiefur and Pinesmoke next to her.

"Is everything okay in OakClan?" Darkthorn asked. "Why do you need to know?" Magpiefur spat. Darkthorn felt Wildfire tense. "Hold on," Pinesmoke said, and stared at Wildfire. "You look very familiar..."

"It's me! Wildkit! Your brother. But I am no longer a kit. I am now Wildfire," Wildfire suddenly said. Darkthorn could see a spark of fire light in Magpiefur's eyes.

"That can't be," Pinesmoke shook his head. "My brother was..." Pinesmoke glanced at his mother.

"You're lying. You are not my son," Magpiefur growled. "It's true!" Darkthorn snapped. "We can bring Gooseice over to show you."

"Goosekit is alive?!" Pinesmoke turned to Magpiefur, who wouldn't look him in the eyes. "You told me they drowned!" "They should have," Magpiefur muttered.

"Your plan didn't go well," Wildfire hissed at his mother. "Darkthorn saved me and Gooseice from dying. She brought us to PolarClan and they took us in like family. We were adopted by two wonderful cats, Deerskip and Emberstride. These three apprentices you see here, two more apprentices on a hunting patrol, and two warriors are our step-brothers and step-sisters."

Magpiefur only glared but Pinesmoke was completely shocked.

"You and Gooseice must come back to OakClan," Pinesmoke begged. "Mosspelt will be so happy to see you two again."

Wildfire shook his head. "We can't go back," he said. "We would be treated like outsiders and I can't leave Deerskip and my family here in PolarClan."

"We can take them with us!" Pinesmoke said. "You and the apprentices, and~~---~~" "No, Pinesmoke!" Darkthorn suddenly snarled. Pinesmoke quit speaking. "He can't go back no matter how much he wants to," growled Darkthorn.

"I understand," Pinesmoke mewed. "What if I want them back?" Magpiefur said with a grin. "We would never go back with you," Wildfire hissed. "Oh, come on, we will take good care of you guys," Magpiefur said with a twisted smile and blinked at Curlypaw.

"I wouldn't want to go," Violetpaw said and Sparrowpaw nodded in agreement. "I would only go if Wildfire did," Curlypaw said. "I am not going," Wildfire assured the apprentices. "It was nice seeing you, Wildfire," Pinesmoke said. "And I am sorry about Emberstride."

"It's okay," Wildfire said, but he hid the pain. Magpiefur and Pinesmoke whipped around and left the border.

"You won't go with them, will you?" Curlypaw asked. "StarClan, no," Wildfire replied. "I would never leave you." The patrol continued forward, leaving the river. ThornClan's border was blocked off by more water that no cat wanted to go through.

"Can we start hunting?" Violetpaw asked. "No. We are just patrolling the borders," Darkthorn said. Violetpaw cuffed the ground but didn't complain. *Thank Starclan she didn't complain,* Darkthorn thought.

The patrol made their way back up to camp before being greeted by the cats.

"Sparrowpaw, where have you been?" Hailfoot demanded. "Out patrolling the borders while you *left* me," Sparrowpaw said coolly. "Don't worry, Hailfoot. He was just fine," Darkthorn said. "Yeah, well, he is my apprentice," Hailfoot snapped.

"Excuse me. You were too lazy to take him on a hunting patrol," Darkthorn retorted. "He wasn't lazy," Needlepool said before Hailfoot could. "He was just worried about Feathergaze." "Feathergaze isn't his mate," Darkthorn growled. Needlepool and Hailfoot backed down and left the border patrol.

"Why was he so mad?" Wildfire asked. "I don't know," Darkthorn confessed. "Violetpaw, go get some prey to eat." "May I share it with you?" Violetpaw asked. "Only if there is enough," Darkthorn said. Violetpaw and her two siblings scampered off to the prey pile.

"Good, you are back," Sunstar welcomed the border patrol.

"Yes, we~~---~~" Darkthorn stopped talking when she realized Sunstar was already talking to Wildfire.

"An interesting border report," Sunstar said after Wildfire had finished speaking. "Sunstar, I~~---~~" again Darkthorn tried to speak but Sunstar held up his paw. "I don't need another report," he growled and padded away.

"Why won't you let me talk to you?" Darkthorn called loudly, but Sunstar only ignored her. "I don't ever remember him being so stubborn," Wildfire said. "I don't either," Darkthorn said. *Why won't he talk to me?*

Sparrowpaw returned with a hare dangling from his jaws. "Violetpaw's mouse is too small to share," he said. "But we can share this hare." "Share it with Birchpaw. I am fine." Darkthorn sighed. "Oh, alright..." Sparrowpaw said and dragged his hare back to his littermate. "He seems to really like you," Wildfire commented. "Yes, I agree. And it's strange." Darkthorn laughed.

A few seconds passed and clouds formed over the bright sun. A drizzle of rain started to pour down on the cats ("So much for sun bathing," Robinface rasped). The rain started to pour harder, hitting Darkthorn in the eyes.

The five apprentices hid in the cave, falling away from the rain.

"Come on, let's go inside," Wildfire said to Darkthorn. Before the two cats went inside, Marigoldshine, who was in the cave, said, "Are you just going to leave the prey out so it gets wet?"

Wildfire rolled his eyes. "Fine. I will go get the prey," he said and sprinted towards the pile. "Please don't run," Darkthorn begged. "I won't slip," he promised through a mouthful of fur. Wildfire carefully placed his paws down, trying not to fall on the slippery rocks as the rain smacked down.

Marigoldshine suddenly bounced away from Darkthorn's side to the pile. She picked up three mice and began to bounce back.

"Be careful!" Darkthorn shouted. Marigoldshine looked behind her to see Wildfire. Not paying attention to where she placed her paws, she slipped on the cold rocks and began to fall.

Marigoldshine fell into Wildfire, knocking him off his paws and dropping the prey. Instead of trying to help Wildfire from falling, Marigoldshine completely ignored him and gripped the rocks to pull herself up and run. Darkthorn, with all the apprentices, pelted out of the den to help Wildfire.

Wildfire was already holding on for his life. He dangled right above the thrashing, cold waves.

"Help me!" He shouted. Darkthorn reached down for him, trying to grasp his paw. "Trust me, Wildfire, it will be alright," Darkthorn said calmly.

Wildfire tried desperately to lift his paw from the rock and hold onto Darkthorn, but it was too dangerous. "I can't!" Wildfire cried out.

Before Darkthorn could do anything else, the rocks gave in under Darkthorn, throwing her into water with Wildfire, as he had to let go before he got hit with rocks.

Darkthorn plunged into the deep, cold waters, her eyes burning even when they were closed. It was so quiet under the water, all she could hear was the beating of rain.

Darkthorn's head bobbed above the water.

"StarClan, save m~~---~~" Darkthorn was pushed back under, breathing in more water. Darkthorn flung her paws everywhere, twisting and turning, trying to get back to the surface. Her body crashed into another rock and she was suddenly being lifted from out of the water. She was lifted very slowly, but still made it onto the rocks.

"Darkthorn! Wake up!" Birchpaw's mew made Darkthorn jump. She coughed up water and her vision cleared. The five apprentices were staring at her, their round eyes filled with worry.

"Where~~---~~where is Wildfire?" She stammered. The five glanced at each other. "We don't know," Sparrowpaw confessed.

Darkthorn scanned the water, trying to spot brown fur. And she did. Before any of the apprentices could stop her, she dove back into the water, trying to reach the tom. No matter how hard it was to swim, or how hard it was to see, Darkthorn still made it to Wildfire. She gripped his scruff in her teeth and tried to pull him. The crashing waves made it harder for her to move as she swam opposite of the current.

She pulled his heavy body onto a low rock that was stable in the water. The water only lapped at the heels of the rock. Other than that, it was safe. Wildfire did not move when Darkthorn pushed him.

"Get up! Wildfire, please," Darkthorn said and pushed down on his side and stomach. "Get up!" She said much louder this time. The apprentices watched from the opposite side, pacing back and forth.

*StarClan, please! Please, let him live another day,* Darkthorn begged silently. Wildfire's tail twitched but that was the only movement he made.

***"I had faith in Wildfire."*** Hollowfleck's voice brushed Darkthorn's ears. Darkthorn looked up to see the Dark Forest she-cat standing on a higher rock, staring down at her with a cruel smile. ***"All good things must die,"*** Hollowfleck cackled. Her brown and black fur faded away, and she left Darkthorn to cry.

Darkthorn's heart twisted inside, and it felt like a cat had just clawed it out.

*It wasn't Hollowfleck's fault Wildfire is dead... It's Marigoldshine's,* Darkthorn thought darkly.

"Is he okay?" Violetpaw shouted. Darkthorn didn't answer. She stared at Wildfire's limp body, his eyes glazed with horror.

*She killed him on purpose,* Darkthorn reflected. She turned around when she heard paw steps.

Blackivy, Junglestep, and Gooseice were up on the rocks that Hallowfleck was on.

"I'm sorry!" Darkthorn suddenly wailed. "I never got to him in time." Tears rolled down her face as she watched the three cats' expressions change. Blackivy jumped down and lifted the body up with Darkthorn. Gooseice and Junglestep took the body from the two she-cats and carried Wildfire themselves. "It wasn't your fault he died," Blackivy assured Darkthorn. "I know," she growled.

"Where are the apprentices?" Darkthorn asked. "Deerskip and Finchwing went down to get them," Blackivy replied.

When the cats got back up, every cat was looking to see if they were okay.

Deerskip ran up to the cats and shook his head. "No... NO!" He shouted, tears beginning to form in the corners of his eyes. "I tried to save him," Darkthorn said. "I tried." The apprentices ran up to Wildfire's body, nudging him.

Marigoldshine stared at Wildfire's body with a shocked expression.

*Kill her... Kill her... She will ruin your whole life if you don't...* These words rang loudly in Darkthorn's ears.

Darkthorn pounced on the brown she-cat, slamming her massive paws on her chest, knocking the wind out of her.

"Darkthorn, stop!" Sunstar's voice was loud and filled with anger, but she ignored him.

Marigoldshine struggled under Darkthorn's weight. Darkthorn raised her head to strike but she was pulled off by Junglestep and Shellfang. "I'LL KILL YOU!" Darkthorn shrieked in rage. "I WILL RIP YOUR THROAT OUT!" "DARKTHORN!" Frostwind and Sunstar silenced her by calling her name.

"You just tried to kill her," Frostwind snapped. "Of course I did," Darkthorn panted, still being held back by the two toms. "You cannot kill a clanmate!" Sunstar bellowed. "She killed Wildfire!" Darkthorn snarled. "We have to get rid of her! She never liked Wildfire or Gooseice. She wanted them dead for so long. When the flood happened, she finally had a chance to kill them."

Marigoldshine blinked at Darkthorn with the same shocked expression.

"He told me... He told me to kill her!" Darkthorn suddenly shouted. "Who told you?" Hailfoot asked. "Wildfire! I heard his voice," Darkthorn growled.

"You are insane," Frostwind hissed. "You are wicked and should not be trusted!"

"You sound just like Silverheart." Darkthorn laughed, amused.

"Sunstar, she just tried to kill Marigoldshine," Shellfang said. "What should we do? I believe she will most likely try to kill more of us." Sunstar thought long and hard for a moment. "I don't want to see my own kit banished," he meowed at last. "But if we don't banish her, I don't know what else to do."

"Should we cast votes on whether to banish her or not?" Shellfang asked.

"No! Don't! I don't want to be exiled!" Darkthorn shouted, her rage slowly fading.

"We shall cast votes," Sunstar announced. Darkthorn stared at her father. *No! My life is falling apart!*

"I vote Darkthorn is exiled," Shellfang said, standing at Darkthorn's right. "I vote she isn't exiled," Sunstar said, standing on Darkthorn's left side. Frostwind went straight to Shellfang, voting she be exiled. "Traitor!" Darkthorn hissed under her breath.

Speckledberry went on Shellfang's side. Hawksight hesitated before going on Sunstar's side. Finchwing slowly padded to Shellfang. Robinface and Needlepool, without hesitation, went on Shellfang's side. Thoughts snapped back to Darkthorn. *Hallowfleck warned me about Needlepool,* Darkthorn thought and scratched the ground. Blossomstripe went to Shellfang, while Sharpfang with Feathergaze and her three kits went to Sunstar's side. Marigoldshine of course went straight to Shellfang's side with Junglestep following reluctantly behind, but Deerskip went on Sunstar's side. Gooseice went on Sunstar's side.

Lightningpaw and Birchpaw went on Shellfang's side. Blackivy, followed by Curlypaw, Violetpaw, and Sparrowpaw all went to Sunstar. Hailfoot gazed among the crowd of cats. He paused for a long time, thinking hard about his decision. "I want Darkthorn to stay," he finally spoke, and marched to Sunstar's side.

"Now we are tied," Deerskip said.

Darkthorn stared at the clan, frozen in place. Her ears twitched as she watched each cat mumble a word or two to each other. *They can't exile me, they can't. They won't,* Darkthorn thought, but the clan made her uncomfortable as they spoke of her.

Junglestep stood up and began to pad to Sunstar's side. "You want her to stay?" Blossomstripe's sharp mew made Darkthorn twitch in anger. "I understand what you are thinking," Junglestep said, "but I trust Darkthorn. I can forgive her for what she had said and done."

Darkthorn smiled warmly, her fur no longer bristling.

"So it is clear. Darkthorn stays," Sunstar said. Shellfang bowed his head. "I may not agree with your decision"~~---~~ Shellfang glanced at Darkthorn before continuing~~---~~"but you are the leader." Sunstar nodded and the cats separated.

"I am so glad you aren't leaving!" Violetpaw said. "You are not mad at me for almost killing your sister?" Darkthorn asked curiously. "I know you were just angry, and your mind was clouded with sorrow. I can forgive you. And if you left, who would be my mentor? I trust you, Darkthorn." Violetpaw's response surprised Darkthorn. "I am sorry for all the trouble," Darkthorn replied with a sigh. Violetpaw smiled before returning to her littermates.

"You are lucky this time," Shellfang growled from behind. Darkthorn looked at him, her smile vanishing almost instantly. "I don't trust you. But I can't do anything to stop you from staying," he said. Darkthorn spoke gently, "I promise I won't attack another cat." "We shall see about that," Shellfang hissed and padded off.

Darkthorn trotted to Sunstar, blurting out, "I am sorry for everything. I know that~~---~~" "Stop, Darkthorn," Sunstar said softly. Darkthorn clamped her mouth shut. "I know you are sorry. But I am worried that you won't be able to control your anger," Sunstar said. "I might have saved you from leaving, but I will not save you next time."

"I understand," Darkthorn said. "I fear you do not," Sunstar sighed and stalked away without another word.

"Why won't you tell me why? Tell me why you fear me!" Darkthorn yowled after him. "Is it not obvious?" Marigoldshine sneered. "You tried to kill me."

"That is not the reason why," Darkthorn snapped. "He has been ignoring me for so long." "Calm yourself. We wouldn't want another attack, would we?" Marigoldshine said loudly. "Quit trying to make her attack you," Blackivy growled. Marigoldshine glared one last time at the two she-cats before prancing off.

"Thanks for~~---~~" Darkthorn started but Blackivy cut in rudely, "You don't have to mention it." Blackivy turned away from the black feline. Darkthorn stormed towards Hawksight, who didn't make eye contact with her. "Are you going to ignore me, too?" Darkthorn demanded. "No, Darkthorn. I know you do not like how everyone is treating you, but you did attack Marigoldshine. It will be harder to fit back in now," Hawksight said.

"Fit back in?" Darkthorn echoed, "Are you telling me I didn't already *fit* in?" Hawksight hesitated before answering. "There was a prophecy that involved you. Sunstar was and still is worried if you are what the prophecy says you are," Hawksight said. "He thinks I am wicked," Darkthorn growled. She stormed off, her mind and thoughts dark and twisted.

*I am not evil, I am not evil,* Darkthorn continuously told herself. She padded into the cave, the rain finally clearing. She laid down, resting her head on her paws. *What should I do? What am I suppose to do?* She screamed silently at the sky. *Tell me StarClan! Tell me!*

A soft, echoing voice whispered, "*You must fight back... You must fight the evil within your head before you can get your revenge."*

"I must kill Hollowfleck?" Darkthorn questioned quietly.

"*Indeed, young one. Kill her before she kills you."*

Darkthorn realized the voice wasn't just one cat, it was many others. And two of them were Wildfire and Houndleap.

*I will kill her,* Darkthorn promised. *I will make her beg for mercy. I will make her pay for trying to make me suffer.*

## *~Chapter Nine's Gallery~*

**Adderkit -**Light gray she-kit

**Batkit -**Tortoiseshell tom-kit with green eyes

**Sheepkit -** Pale brown tabby tom-kit with soft fur

* Adderkit
* Batkit and Sheepkit
1/2
## *~Chapter Ten~*

Two moon passed since the votes had been cast.

Every night, Darkthorn tried to visit the Dark Forest but something was blocking her from entering. Every morning, Darkthorn woke Violetpaw up and the two focused on hunting more than training for battle.

*But it is time now,* Darkthorn thought to herself. Violetpaw needs to know how to kill, and when to kill.

It was only dawn when Darkthorn had woken Violetpaw up.

"We must train now, Violetpaw," Darkthorn said. The apprentice looked up, squinting. "Can't I sleep a little longer?" Violetpaw sighed. "We have been waking up at dawn for two moons now."

"Do you want to be trained or not?" Darkthorn growled. "Okay, I am getting up," Violetpaw finally said. She stood up and shook her pelt.

"I am tired of sleeping in the cave," Violetpaw said. "When will the water go down?" Darkthorn shrugged. "I don't know. I can't really see much because of this fog." The two felines exited the small camp on the rocks and leaped on the grass behind them. A light haze blanketed the ground, making the air chilly.

"Where are we going?" Violetpaw asked. "We are going to the Great Oak," Darkthorn replied, remembering her first time training.

The two she-cats reached the enormous oak. Darkthorn blinked up at the large trunk and twisted roots. The tree was now covered in small green leaves. "That is huge!" Violetpaw said. "Do I have to climb it?"

"StarClan, no," Darkthorn laughed. "We will just train by it. This is the training hollow."

"Cool," Violetpaw said as she gazed around the hollow. "So, why am I training so soon?" She asked. "You need to be trained for battle as soon as possible," Darkthorn said. "I have only been an apprentice for two moons," Violetpaw pointed out. "I still have four more moons until I am a warrior." Darkthorn sighed. "I know you do. I promise we will hunt after, but for right now, I want you to focus on battle moves." Violetpaw shrugged. "Alright," she said.

Violetpaw got into her hunting position, crouching low to the ground.

"No, no, no," Darkthorn said. "Stand up a bit more. You will be able to lift yourself and attack faster. If you use your hunting crouch, it might delay your attack. And make sure one paw is in front of the other, it will help if you need to run or make a long jump."

Violetpaw took a deep breath and lifted her body slightly off the ground. She hung her head low and kept her right leg stretched out and her left one behind it. She did the same for the back legs. Her tail quit swishing and she stayed completely silent.

"Excellent job," Darkthorn praised. Violetpaw grinned a bit, feeling happy after she was praised.

"Now, fluff up your fur. It will make yourself look bigger than your enemies," Darkthorn said. "Fluff up my fur?" Violetpaw echoed. "But that is what CreekClan cats do."

"Not all the time," Darkthorn said. Violetpaw didn't say anything else. Instead, she shook her pelt, trying to look more fierce, she flexed her claws.

"Nicely done," Darkthorn said. "Now, when attacking your enemy, aim for their weak spots, such as the tail, paws, ears, and nose. You can easily stomp on a cat's paw and claw their nose. However, you must realize that it may only stun them for a second, so you must act swiftly and take down your opponent. If you attack from behind, it is important to realize that clawing a cat's tail won't do much. Biting and pulling the cat's tail will most definitely hurt them. Or, you attack the flanks or lower back.

"However, you must choose you opponents wisely. Some may be bigger and cause more damage, while others are smaller and can do less. It is also important to fight with your clanmate. Two cats is better than one. If there are two cats, your enemy might give up and run away, seeing that it cannot defeat you both. When pouncing at a cat, aim mostly for the face, throat, or shoulder. If you weaken the shoulder, you weaken the leg. If you claw the face, they might lose an eye or get a scar. If you are successful and are able to pin your enemy down, you may snap the cat's neck, claw or bite it's throat, or slit it's stomach. Any questions?"

Violetpaw blinked. "Yeah, um, just one. Is it really necessary to kill?"

"It *is* necessary for survival," Darkthorn growled. "And we must survive. Violetpaw, there is still a lot to learn, but for right now all you need to know is either kill or be killed. Never give your opponent the chance to kill *you*." Darkthorn stared her apprentice directly in the eyes. Violetpaw blinked and looked away.

For a few more minutes, the two felines worked on battle stances and ways to attack. After the two had finished, they hunted and returned back home with a rabbit and two voles.

"How was training?" Sunstar asked. "It was great!" Violetpaw said and began to scarf down her vole. "She learned a lot today, I suppose?" Sunstar said. Darkthorn nodded. "She still needs to learn a lot." Sunstar eyed his daughter. "Are you trying to rush her training? She still has four more moons to go," he said. "I know!" Darkthorn snapped. "Four moons is not far away. She must learn as much as she can." Sunstar sighed but left without saying another word.

*I am doing what is best for my apprentice,* Darkthorn thought.

"I heard you took Violetpaw out training," said Finchwing, Curlypaw's new mentor. "Curlypaw really wants to start training. I might wait another moon."

"If she is ready, then why not start her now?" Darkthorn questioned. Finchwing didn't reply. "Finchwing, you are putting off her training like you did with Frostwind," Darkthorn growled. "So? I am her mentor, I know what is best," Finchwing said. Darkthorn nodded.

"Hey! The water has gone down!" Junglestep roared happily. All the cats, including Feathergaze, leaned over the edge of the rocks to see that all the water had left the camp. "It looks perfectly dry," Robinface said. "Should we go down there and see if it is safe?" Blackivy asked.

Sunstar thought for a moment. "No. It should be safe," he said. "I will go down there first. Everybody help each other. Feathergaze, you take Batkit and Adderkit. Sharpfang will take Sheepkit. Be *very* careful."

Sunstar headed down the sharp slope with caution. Shellfang let everybody else go, making sure every cat got down there safely. When Sunstar reached the dirt, he gazed around the hollow, making sure nothing was wrong.

"The medicine cat den is still up," he said, "and so is my den. The nursery surprisingly doesn't have any water in it. The elders den is okay. The warriors den and apprentices den are completely wrecked."

Darkthorn was a bit shocked by the report. She looked slowly around their camp and sighed. The rocks and bramble bushes that made up the warriors den was no longer a den. The rocks had shifted and had fallen on the bushes, squishing and breaking them. The ferns that made the apprentice den were all dead and no longer standing. Only the lanky tree that hovered over the den was standing.

Feathergaze rested her two kits at her paws. "May I go and rest my kits in the nursery?" She asked. "Of course," Shellfang said.

"There is something strange.... A scent I don't recognize," Sunstar said as he watched Sharpfang and Feathergaze approach the nursery. "The scent... It~~---~~it is~~---~~a fox!" Sunstar shouted. Before Feathergaze could react, an orange blur slammed it's body against her, making her drop the kits.

Sharpfang gently, but hurriedly, sat Sheepkit down and raced to his mate's side. Feathergaze batted the fox's nose, trying to defend her and her fallen kits.

"Sharpfang, watch out!" Darkthorn shouted as another fox jumped from behind, going in for an attack. Sharpfang quickly turned around but wasn't fast enough to escape the fox's snapping jaws. The fox gripped Sharpfang's leg tightly and swung him around. Sparrowpaw and Violetpaw suddenly bounced over to the foxes.

Darkthorn watched as Sparrowpaw immediately raced to Feathergaze and pounced on the first fox's head to bite its ears. Violetpaw pounced on the other fox, biting its ears and clawing the back of the fox's neck.

Darkthorn suddenly realized why the foxes were attacking. Two fox cubs were spotted behind the one Feathergaze was fighting. *They're trying to protect their young,* Darkthorn thought.

"Don't kill them! Only drive them away," Sparrowpaw shouted, seeing the two cubs.

The vixen suddenly turned on Sparrowpaw trying to scare him off her mate. Darkthorn quickly jumped into action and pulled the fox's tail, making her yelp. Violetpaw and Sparrowpaw jumped down and headed for the two cubs. Violetpaw took one and Sparrowpaw took the other. "Stop!" Feathergaze begged the two apprentices but they didn't stop. Instead, they ran with the squealing cubs and taunted the adult foxes until they followed.

"Stop them!" Deerskip yowled. Sunstar gathered Junglestep, Marigoldshine, Darkthorn, and Hailfoot. "Let's go after them. Now!" Sunstar snapped and the cats pelted away, following the scent of the foxes.

*Please don't be hurt,* Darkthorn thought as she ran, thinking of her apprentice and her brother.

The cats weren't too far away from the camp when Violetpaw and Sparrowpaw were spotted, stalking towards them.

"You idiots!" Hailfoot snarled at the apprentices. "You could have been killed."

"Why are you so mad?" Violetpaw growled. "Without your training and Darkthorn's training, neither of us would have made it out alive."

When the cats got back, Deerskip trotted to his kits and licked them on the top of their heads. "You're alive!"

"How did you make it out alive?" Lightningpaw asked.

"Well, as you all probably saw, we took the cubs and distracted the foxes. We quickly threw them into a ditch not far from here. Before the two older foxes could reach us, we climbed up the trees and rushed back. When the foxes didn't follow, that is when we deemed it safe to come back," Sparrowpaw explained.

"The foxes may come back," Marigoldshine growled. "I don't think so," Violetpaw said. "The foxes were taking their cubs to OakClan's border."

"You guys are so stupid! But brave," Curlypaw said. "I agree," Birchpaw said. Darkthorn noticed Sunstar studying the apprentices quietly.

"I was thinking," Sunstar suddenly spoke, "after this brave act, maybe the two apprentices are already ready for their warrior names." Gasps of surprise rose from the clan. "You can't be serious!" Blossomstripe protested. "The two apprentices are only three moons. They haven't had enough training."

"Oh, yes they have," Darkthorn growled. "I taught Violetpaw as much as she needed. I am pretty sure Hailfoot has done the same for Sparrowpaw." Darkthorn glanced at Hailfoot, who nodded. "But it isn't fair for their siblings," Robinface said. "No! We will not be jealous if they are warriors. Right guys?" Curlypaw said, and blinked at her brothers. "Of course not!" Lightningpaw said. "Maybe just a little jealous," Birchpaw sighed.

"Darkthorn, Hailfoot, do you approve of them becoming warriors? Or do you want them to train more?" Sunstar inquired. "I think Sparrowpaw is ready," Hailfoot decided. It took Darkthorn a little longer to decide. She still felt Violetpaw needed a bit more training, but she didn't want to disappoint Violetpaw. "She is ready," Darkthorn finally meowed.

"Then it is final," Sunstar said. The warriors spread out, giving Sunstar and the two apprentices space.

"I, Sunstar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. Violetpaw and Sparrowpaw have shown their bravery and speed today and have understood the ways of the warrior code, including protecting others. Violetpaw and Sparrowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend your clan even at the cost of your life?"

"I do!" The apprentices said in unison.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Violetclaw and Sparrowwing, Starclan honors your bravery and speed."

The cats cheered loudly for the two new apprentices. *I taught her well,* Darkthorn smiled warmly.

"Clan, dismissed," Sunstar announced.

"Your mother would be so proud," Deerskip told his kits and he congratulated them.

"Darkthorn, you don't look so happy," Junglestep said as he padded next to her. "I am fine," she replied, "I am just not sure Violetclaw learned all she needed to learn." "You could have taught her more~~---~~" "No!" Darkthorn said, interrupting Junglestep. "No~~---~~I mean, I just didn't want to say no and disappoint her," Darkthorn added. "I understand," Junglestep said and trotted away.

Violetclaw headed for Darkthorn. "I honestly don't think I deserved to become a warrior so soon," Violetclaw said. "No, no. You did," Darkthorn assured her. "I truly believe you are ready to serve the clan as a warrior."

Violetclaw smiled.

"What I don't understand is why the foxes were here. And how long were they here?" Darkthorn heard Needlepool say.

"Maybe they were hiding from the flood," Blossomstripe said. "I just don't feel safe, knowing that foxes were here," Needlepool said. "I understand completely," Blossomstripe replied. "Something obviously drove them to our camp," Shellfang said. "I want a patrol to figure out why they were here. I will lead the patrol. I want Sharpfang, Finchwing, and Blackivy. Bring your apprentices too." Shellfang gathered Curlypaw, Lightningpaw and Birchpaw and they headed out of camp.

Hawksight, accompanied by Marigoldshine and Gooseice, went out of camp to look for herbs.

"Feathergaze, bring your kits into the nursery," Sunstar ordered. Feathergaze nodded, picking up her three kits and ducking under the nursery roof.

"Speckledberry, clean up in the medicine cat den and try to see if any herbs were left after the flood," Sunstar said. "I doubt I will find any herbs," Speckledberry mumbled.

"Violetclaw and Sparrowwing, see what you can do for the apprentices den. Warriors, help me move the boulder," Sunstar said.

Darkthorn, Deerskip, Blossomstripe, Hailfoot, Junglestep, Frostwind, Robinface, and Needlepool followed Sunstar closely behind as he approached the boulder that had crushed the warriors den. "On three, push the boulder off the brambles," Sunstar said. "One, two... three!" Sunstar yelled, and with all her strength, Darkthorn pushed the boulder. After a few seconds, the rock shifted and slowly moved off the brambles.

"So? We moved the boulder," Needlepool said. "We still can't sleep under the brambles. They are completely squished."

Sunstar stayed silent for a moment. "The brambles will grow back. New-leaf will be coming shortly. In the meantime, you can sleep in the elders den since Ratfur is... dead," Sunstar said. "It won't fit all of us!" Robinface complained. "Violetclaw and Sparrowwing will have to sit vigil tonight," Frostwind pointed out. "Yeah, but they will be in the den after tonight," Darkthorn said.

"Everyone, please calm down and listen," Sunstar growled. The warriors mumbled but didn't argue. "New-leaf will be coming soon. New healthy brambles will grow and the boulder will provide shade from the sun. The tree to the left of the warriors den will shield some of the rain. But we must be patient," Sunstar explained.

"What about the apprentices?" Junglestep asked. "Even though the ferns are dead, they may still sleep in them. The boulder resting against the standing tree and tree stump will provide shade and protection form the rain," Sunstar said.

"Hey, Sunstar!" Speckledberry called. "Surprisingly, chamomile, dock leaves, and lavender plants were left behind after the storm."

"That is great!" Sunstar said. He looked back at the warriors and said, "Dismissed."

The day went on like usual, helping to fix broken things and find prey. Three mice, a rabbit and a chaffinch were caught but nothing more. Shellfang's patrol couldn't locate the foxes and just assumed they left. Hawksight brought back thyme and juniper berries.

"Ever notice how Sparrowwing's been following you around?" Frostwind asked as she and Darkthorn lay sprawled out on the boulder. "Uh~~---~~no...." Darkthorn said. "Oh, come on," Frostwind said, and rolled her eyes. "He has been on two patrols with *you*. He wanted to share the rabbit with *you.* He keeps staring at *you* from below this rock which is kinda creepy," Frostwind added as she stared back at the brown tabby.

"Are you saying he likes me?" Darkthorn asked. Frostwind shrugged. "It's a possibility," she said. "I doubt it. He's just being kind," Darkthorn said. "That is what everyone said about Feathergaze and Sharpfang. Now look at them, they have three kits." Frostwind chuckled.

Darkthorn stayed silent. *Does Sparrowwing actually like me?* Darkthorn wondered. Frostwind stood up and stretched. "Well, I'm tired. I will leave you lovebirds alone," Frostwind said and left Darkthorn.

"Lovebirds?" Darkthorn echoed, and looked to see Sparrowwing slowly approaching.

Darkthorn quickly jumped down from the opposite side and stalked to the elders den. "Why did you leave him?" Frostwind growled when she saw her. "Because you purposely left me with him," Darkthorn hissed. The silver tabby laughed. "All right," she said. "I am going to sleep. Wake me up at dawn for the patrol," she added to Deerskip.

Darkthorn shook her head and curled up next to Hailfoot.

"May I sleep here?" Sparrowwing asked Darkthorn. "Go ahead," she replied softly. Sparrowwing slowly rested his head on his paws and slept right next to the black she-cat. Frostwind gave Darkthorn a smirk before turning away. Darkthorn shook her head again and closed her eyes, exhaling deeply.

\* \* \*

Darkthorn's eyes flickered, her head spinning in circles. Loud chants filled the warm air, but she couldn't understand what they were saying. Her eyes were fully open now, seeing the rows and rows of cats chanting her name and... Hollowfleck's name.

Hollowfleck was three tail lengths away from Darkthorn, her pelt bristling.

Hollowfleck held up a paw and the crowd of cats immediately shushed. Darkthorn glanced at her sides, seeing that her and Hollowfleck were in the center of them all.

"I have waited for this moment," Hollowfleck snarled. "The prophecy is being fulfilled and I don't like it. I am the leader of all these cats, but as long as you live, they start to doubt me. You used to be my apprentice, but I see now, it was a mistake to let you think you would ever become as powerful as me."

Darkthorn tilted her head, trying to act puzzled.

"If I die, someone must take my place as leader, and that cat is you," Hollowfleck snapped. "I know your plans, Darkthorn. I know everything. You were planning to kill me in order to receive power. But I don't think you can handle it."

"It doesn't look like you are handling power so nicely," Darkthorn sneered.

Hollowfleck cocked her head and hissed, "I want to fight, Darkthorn. I want to see you suffer. I want to show these cats that I am capable of taking the four clans."

Darkthorn unsheathed her long claws and flexed them. "I will fight you. If you win, you get to kill me and have the four clans all to yourself. If *I* win, I will take the role of being leader of PolarClan, and better yet, *all* the clans. Anyone who votes against me will die."

The crowd of cats cheered and begged for their show.

"Don't expect me to show mercy," Hollowfleck snickered.

Darkthorn got into her pouncing position and so did Hollowfleck.

*This will be the day,* Darkthorn told herself. *This will be the day I gain power. I will kill Hollowfleck and rule PolarClan in my own way, not by the stupid warrior code or the ways of StarClan. And if I am successful, I might consider ruling the others. But this isn't just for power, no. This is for* revenge. *For all the pain Hollowfleck, PolarClan, and the others have caused me. This is for you, Silverheart. I will show you I am powerful.*

## *~Chapter Eleven~*

In a flash, Hollowfleck was jumping into the air and ripping her claws through Darkthorn's shoulder. Darkthorn snarled and jumped away from her. Hollowfleck followed, leaping once again to her bleeding shoulder. Before Hollowfleck could bite her, Darkthorn reared on her hind legs and slammed her front paws down on Hollowfleck's lower back.

In return, Hollowfleck clawed at her face, tearing her right ear. Darkthorn ducked under another furious blow and sunk her teeth into Hollowfleck's neck. But Hollowfleck was quick in defending herself and she grasped Darkthorn's, sinking her claws into Darkthorn's soft, black fur.

Darkthorn backed off hissing. The marks were enough to make her bleed, but not enough to kill her.

The two felines locked gazes for a moment before charging again.

Darkthorn pounced, claws extended. Hollowfleck bunched low to the ground before waiting for the perfect moment to strike. She sprang upwards, knocking Darkthorn on her side. Hollowfleck raked her claws down Darkthorn's side. Darkthorn yowled in pain and almost ran.

*I can't run,* she thought to herself. *I... can't... run!*

Darkthorn retaliated and swiped her paws, clawing Hollowfleck just above the eye. Darkthorn briskly got up and turned to face her former mentor once more.

Hollowfleck zigzagged around Darkthorn, but the black feline knew what she was planning. Darkthorn stood still and waited for Hollowfleck to act. And she did just as planned.

Hollowfleck jumped to Darkthorn's left side, ready to dig her claws through her fur. Darkthorn was swift and thrusted into Hollowfleck, stunning her. Darkthorn then clamped her jaws around Hollowfleck's scruff, and swung her violently. Hollowfleck pulled away, shaking her head. Darkthorn lunged, knowing she could not lose this chance. But Hollowfleck was no longer dazed and she was fully aware of Darkthorn's attack.

Hollowfleck darted out of the way, leaving Darkthorn to attack the air. Hollowfleck jumped from behind, biting and clawing her back. Darkthorn reared upwards, roaring in frustration, but it wasn't enough to stop Hollowfleck from pulling her down by the scruff.

Darkthorn landed on the cold dirt with a thud. She could see Hollowfleck at the corner of her eye and held up a paw, blocking Hollowfleck's swinging paw.

Darkthorn looked Hollowfleck directly in the eyes, keeping her distracted. She kicked Hollowfleck in the chest with a hind leg, making Hollowfleck gasp. In a second, Darkthorn was launching herself at Hollowfleck, teeth bared. Darkthorn forced her fangs deep into Hollowfleck's throat and shook her.

Darkthorn dropped Hollowfleck, licking the blood from her mouth. She blinked and watched in satisfaction as dark blood flowed from the wound in Hollowfleck's throat. The blood bubbled like a river, leaving Hollowfleck to twitch in a gory pool.

Loud gasps and acclaims broke the silence as Darkthorn stood triumphantly over Hollowfleck's limp body.

"Darkthorn! Darkthorn! Darkthorn!"

"From now on, I lead all you cats to victory and power! I can promise you right now, we will take over PolarClan, and if we are successful, we will take the other clans. Any questions?" Darkthorn shouted.

A brown she-cat yelled, "How do you plan on taking PolarClan?"

A cruel smile appeared on Darkthorn's face. "I want Shellfang dead. He is more of a threat then my father, Sunstar. I will find away to kill Shellfang. And when Shellfang is dead, Sunstar will have to find a new deputy."

"What if Sunstar doesn't pick you as deputy?" Another cat asked.

"Then Sunstar is going to pay," Darkthorn sighed. "You would kill your own father?" A tom laughed. "If it means power, then yes," Darkthorn said firmly. "Then let Darkthorn be our new leader!" Tulipstar sang.

"Does anyone object to my ruling or plans?" Darkthorn inquired loudly.

Sloestalk, a golden she-cat from CreekClan, stepped forward saying loudly, "I object."

Darkthorn's ear twitched, wanting to hear more. "I object to the whole thing," Sloestalk growled. "I don't think we should kill anyone. This is not what StarClan would want."

"StarClan!" Sunsetglow snapped contemptuously, stepping forward. "You think we care about StarClan's thoughts on this?" Sloestalk turned to face the OakClan tom. "It was a mistake to come here and train," she said. Sunsetglow glanced at Darkthorn, expecting an answer. "I am sorry, but I cannot have you spoiling everything by telling the clans of our plans," Darkthorn said, edging forward. "You are going to kill me?" Sloestalk asked.

"No, no," Darkthorn laughed. "I have done enough today. Would anyone else like to?"

A few cats stepped forward, including Sunsetglow and Houndleap. "Will killing her show my loyalty to the Dark Forest?" Sunsetglow asked. "You have already shown your loyalty," Darkthorn said, "but do as you please."

Sloestalk crouched low to the ground, her eyes fixed on the tom. Sunsetglow did the same, his tail lashing back and forth. "You will pay for turning your back on the Dark Forest," Sunsetglow hissed.

Darkthorn's vision blurred and she couldn't tell if Sloestalk and Sunsetglow had started fighting.

"Are you alright, Darkthorn?" Wildfire asked.

*No... No! I am waking up.*

"I am waking up," Darkthorn explained. "Tell me who kills who. If Sloestalk lives Sunsetglow's attack, kill her. I want her dead. I promise I will visit every night and~~---~~" Darkthorn was cut off as her eyes opened. *Fox-dung!* She cursed.

"Good, you are awake." Shellfang's firm voice surprised Darkthorn. "It is time for the dawn patrol. Frostwind and Deerskip are already up. Are you coming?" Shellfang added with a bit of annoyance. Darkthorn got up and stretched, her legs aching from fighting.

"Dear StarClan, what happened to your shoulder?" Shellfang asked when Darkthorn headed out of the den.

"Er~~---~~I don't know," Darkthorn said, trying to think of an excuse. Shellfang stared at Darkthorn, his gaze hardening. "You're lying," he growled dangerously. "Come on!" Frostwind called. Shellfang turned away, but not before glancing one last time at Darkthorn.

*That was close,* Darkthorn thought and followed the three. *I can't let Shellfang live.... He might tell Sunstar I am hiding something....*

"I say we check OakClan's border first," Deerskip said, interrupting Darkthorn's thoughts. "Just in case the foxes come back."

The patrol headed for OakClan's border, keeping a quick pace. "Their scent is stale," Frostwind said. "But they might come back," Shellfang pointed out. The patrol moved forward to ThornClan's border. They returned shortly after and watched the hunting patrol move out.

*I need get rid of Shellfang... but how?* Darkthorn couldn't relax. Her fur pricked with anxiety and fear. She decided to sit out in the sun and think. She was alone at first until Sparrowwing approached.

"I thought you were out hunting," Darkthorn said. Sparrowwing shook his head. "No. Violetclaw is on it, though. I just came over to see if you were okay. You look stressed," he said. Darkthorn closed her eyes and sighed. "I'm not stressed," she lied. Sparrowwing blinked but didn't argue. "I gotta go," Darkthorn said and turned her tail on the tom. *I am sorry, Sparrowwing, but I can't talk right now.*

Darkthorn exited the camp entrance, her mind swirling. *What can I do? How do I... I kill...* Darkthorn suddenly stopped. Her eyes slowly drifted to a bush with multiple round, bright red berries.

*Deathberries...* Darkthorn recognized the berries from when she was a kit. She had almost eaten one but Silverheart had stopped her. But she didn't remember them being so close to camp. *Deathberries... I can put deathberries in his food....* A twisted smile touched the corners of Darkthorn's lips.

*It'll be hard trying to hide these berries in the prey the hunting patrol brought home,* Darkthorn thought. *I'll have to catch my own prey and give it to Shellfang.*

Darkthorn lifted her nose and breathed in. *Mouse,* Darkthorn thought as the scent washed over her. She stalked through the bushes and finally found four mice, scurrying along the roots of a tree.

Her eyes only focused on the plump mouse who seemed to inch closer to her. She took one swipe at the mouse and it fell flat on its stomach. Darkthorn gently took the mouse in her jaws and went back to the deathberry bush.

Darkthorn started to pry the mouse's mouth open. She picked off four berries with her claw and shoved it down the mouse's throat. As she carried her mouse into the camp, the hunting patrol returned with their prey.

Darkthorn hurriedly set her mouse on top of all the prey when she saw Shellfang approach.

"What are you doing?" Shellfang asked. Darkthorn slowly looked up at the deputy. "I was going to take this mouse, but I'm actually not that hungry," Darkthorn lied, trying to keep herself from jumping at the tom. "If you are not going to eat it, may I?" Shellfang asked. "Sure. Go right ahead." Darkthorn smiled. *My plan is working....*

Shellfang took the mouse and sat next to Needlepool.

Darkthorn stared at the two toms, chanting in her mind, *Eat it. Eat it.*

Shellfang took a bite from the mouse but nothing happened.

Darkthorn looked down and sighed. *It didn't work~~---~~*Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp screech from Shellfang. Darkthorn lifted her head to see that Shellfang had collapsed and he was convulsing violently.

Darkthorn drowned out Needlepool's cries for help. All her thoughts were on Shellfang. *It* did *work,* she thought.

Every cat crowded around Shellfang, all asking questions and begging the medicine cats for help.

"Shellfang, look at me. Look at me!" Speckledberry meowed. Shellfang's eyes slowly lifted. "We can get you help," she promised. "To~~---~~l-late~~---~~" Shellfang gasped and his eyes rolled back. "He's dead!" Lightningpaw screeched.

Feathergaze budged through the group of cats with her three kits following by her side. "Oh, Shellfang!" She wailed. "What happened? How was he killed?"

"Is that blood?" Birchpaw asked, pointing to the red juice from the berries that dripped from Shellfang's teeth.

"That isn't blood," Hawksight growled. She sniffed the mouse Shellfang had bitten and she flinched. "Shellfang was poisoned! He ate deathberries!" She yowled in surprise. Gasps were loud and Darkthorn faked a shocked expression.

"*Deathberries?"* Sunstar repeated. "Who caught this mouse?"

Violetclaw took a small step forward. "I did, Sunstar." Before Sunstar could speak, she quickly added, "But it was not poisoned when I caught it! I swear I didn't do it!"

Darkthorn looked back at the prey pile and saw the actual mouse Violetclaw had caught.

"Someone stuffed deathberries down this mouse's throat," Sunstar meowed, as if imagining the whole scene. "Somehow, that cat knew he would pick that mouse. But how?"

"Do you think it was a cat from ThornClan or OakClan? Or even CreekClan?" Junglestep asked. "I don't know... Violetclaw, what did you do with your mouse after catching it?" Sunstar questioned.

Violetclaw shuffled her paws. "Well, I-I dug a hole and buried it so I could hunt more," she explained. "The prey was closer to ThornClan's territory when I buried it. When I got back from hunting the starling and vole, the dirt did look a bit messy. I didn't think anything of it until now."

"So a cat must have crept onto our territory before you left and stuffed the mouse with the berries..." Sunstar said. "Or it was a *traitor."*

"Are you accusing us of killing our own clanmate?" Blackivy gasped, angered. "I'm not accusing anyone," Sunstar said calmly, "but I am just wondering if any cat here would want Shellfang dead."

"But who hated Shellfang so much that they felt the need to kill him?" Darkthorn asked, trying to sound as sad and innocent as possible.

Sunstar sighed. "I will have to find a new deputy...." He trailed off, deep in thought. "We shall bury Shellfang's body," he said. "Then I shall decide the new deputy." "One more question," Feathergaze asked, still staring at her littermate's motionless body. "How do we know who to trust?"

"You should trust each other. But be aware, darker things might lure in the shadows," Sunstar said. "Feathergaze, I know he was your brother, but you have kits, so may Sharpfang and I bury him along with Lightningpaw?" Sunstar asked. The queen finally looked up, tears running down her face. "Do as you must," she said and stalked back into her den with her three kits following close behind.

Sunstar and Sharpfang began to drag the deputy's body with Lightningpaw close behind, his tail drooping.

Low conversation broke out and the cats began asking themselves questions.

"Who could possibly kill Shellfang and be successful?" Darkthorn heard Hailfoot ask Deerskip. "I wonder if Feathergaze will be alright?" Finchwing said, half to himself. "Do you think it was ThornClan?" Needlepool asked. "I personally think it *was* ThornClan," Marigoldshine hissed. "It can't be ThornClan," Frostwind growled. "Violetclaw would have smelled their scent on our territory." Robinface sighed. "Who will be Lightningpaw's mentor now?"

"Do you think it was one of us?" Blossomstripe asked Hawksight. "Yes. But who?" Hawksight said. "I think Darkthorn killed him," Marigoldshine spat and locked eyes with Darkthorn. "Why would *I* kill Shellfang?" Darkthorn snapped back. "I don't know," Marigoldshine admitted, "but you and him didn't seem to get along very much."

"That doesn't prove anything," Darkthorn hissed. "I think it does," Marigoldshine growled. "Where were you when he was killed?"

"I was sitting right there!" Darkthorn snapped again, pointing towards the prey pile. Marigoldshine opened her mouth to speak, but Sparrowwing cut her off.

"She didn't kill him," Sparrowwing said rather softly. "She was getting prey from the pile to share with me. She was going to pick that mouse but Shellfang asked if he could have it instead. She kindly gave it to him and it turns out, it had the deathberries in it. Darkthorn could have been the one who was *killed.*"

*He's defending me because he loves me,* Darkthorn thought and scratched the ground, *and he truly believes that is what happened.*

"I'm sorry you saw me as a murderer," Darkthorn said, going along with Sparrowwing's story, "but I am not. Just like Sparrowwing said, I was going to share prey with him."

Marigoldshine squinted at the two, as if trying to see if they were lying. Several murmurs of "I believe them" were heard.

*Next, I have to get rid of her. She is too close to knowing the truth,* Darkthorn thought darkly.

Sunstar, Sharpfang, and Lightningpaw were spotted at the entrance. They stalked quietly, not saying a single word.

Feathergaze popped her head out of the nursery and watched what was going on.

"I would like to request a mentor for Lightningpaw," Deerskip said to Sunstar. Sunstar blinked, waiting for him to continue. Deerskip whispered into Sunstar's ear, so no one heard. Sunstar nodded and Deerskip backed away.

Sunstar looked up and gazed at the crowd. "We shall all miss Shellfang greatly." He sighed. "I promise we will find the killer who is behind this, but he is in StarClan now. It is time to pick a new mentor for Lightningpaw. At Deerskip's request, Lightningpaw shall be trained by Blossomstripe. She will teach him all he needs to know."

Blossomstripe licked Lightningpaw on the top of his head. Lightningpaw sighed, but smiled at his new mentor.

"I have finally decided who will be the new deputy," Sunstar said.

Darkthorn's heart stopped. Sunstar blinked at her for a moment.

Sunstar opened his mouth to announce, "The new deputy is"~~---~~(*You will be deputy. I will be deputy,* Darkthorn told herself, with a slight grin appearing)~~---~~"Frostwind. Frostwind shall be the new deputy. I believe my daughter is strong enough and smart enough to lead PolarClan after my death."

Darkthorn's heart dropped as the clan cheered her littermate's name. She opened her mouth to scream in anger but bit her tongue and held it back. She stood cold and bitter, loathing Frostwind for her success and new rank. Darkthorn clamped her mouth shut, not chanting her sister's name with the rest of the cats. She didn't make eye contact with her either.

"I hope to be as great as Shellfang when he was deputy." Frostwind said.

*That rat doesn't deserve to be deputy!* Darkthorn wanted to yell but she only rolled her eyes.

"Clan dismissed," Sunstar said and returned swiftly to his den. The cats separated, leaving Darkthorn and Frostwind in the center of the clearing. Darkthorn avoided Frostwind's burning gaze by looking at her paws.

"Congratulations," Darkthorn said, still not looking up. "Darkthorn, are~~---~~are you jealous?" Frostwind asked. "Jealous?" Darkthorn echoed, lifting her head. "No. I'm not jealous," she said with a dull voice.

"You *are* jealous," Frostwind teased. "Come on, Darkthorn. There is nothing to be sad about~~---~~" Darkthorn interrupted with a snarl. "I told you, I am *NOT* jealous!" Frostwind blinked at her, frowning. "Quit teasing me like I'm a kit and go brag about being deputy to someone else," Darkthorn hissed and stalked away from her. Frostwind rolled her eyes and mumbled something Darkthorn didn't understand.

"Hey, Darkthorn!" Sparrowwing called. Darkthorn groaned in annoyance. "Yes, Sparrowwing?" She asked in a sweet sounding voice. "I was wondering if you wanted to share some prey with me," he said. Darkthorn thought for a moment. "Alright," she said.

The two padded to the prey pile but were stopped by Robinface.

"Robinface, move out of the way!" Darkthorn growled. The she-cat shook her head. "I can't. We must get rid of all the prey," she said. "Why?" Sparrowwing asked. "Frostwind ordered it. She doesn't want any more cats dying from the deathberries," Robinface replied. "We worked hard to catch that prey!" Blackivy protested from behind with Gooseice and Finchwing and Curlypaw at her side. Again, Robinface shook her head.

Robinface picked up the two voles, Blossomstripe took the rabbit, and Lightningpaw took the chaffinch. "That was my chaffinch," Curlypaw hissed. "I *know* it had nothing bad in it." Lightningpaw sighed. "It was Frostwind's orders, not mine."

"What else is Frostwind going to do? Send us out again and declare the next prey as 'infected?'" Blackivy growled. "That is exactly what I am going to do," Frostwind growled back as she padded by. "However, I want Finchwing and Curlypaw to do training. Darkthorn and Sparrowing will hunt with you and Gooseice," Frostwind said, staring the black-and-white warrior directly in the eyes.

"But we already trained on battle moves!" Curlypaw complained. "I never saw it," Frostwind sniffed. "That's because Shellfang was still alive. We reported to *him*," Finchwing said. "Go train," Frostwind snapped. Finchwing didn't say another word because his annoyed expression said it all. He lashed his tail and Curlypaw reluctantly followed.

"You're just bored and want to boss everyone around," Blackivy snapped. "I don't see what Sunstar saw in you. In my opinion, you fit the description of a rat. *Rude* and *weak.* Come on, patrol, I don't want to talk to a rat anymore." Blackivy whipped around and stormed out of the entrance. The other three cats followed.

Darkthorn looked back at Frostwind to see her marching towards Sunstar's den.

"She's gonna report you," Darkthorn said. "Let her," Blackivy growled.

"Where are we off to?" Sparrowwing asked, changing the subject. "Well, you two can go hunt near ThornClan's border," Blackivy said, "while we hunt near OakClan's border. Meet us up near the entrance of camp."

Sparrowwing nodded and he and Darkthorn were off.

"I might sound crazy, but I think they like each other," Sparrowwing said. "Blackivy and Gooseice?" Darkthorn said, half to herself.

Darkthorn turned towards the lake, leaving Sparrowwing to go directly to ThornClan's border. If he saw, he didn't say anything. Darkthorn had spotted a wren by the lake. It hopped around, singing for everyone to hear.

Darkthorn kept a close eye on the wren. She very quietly stepped out from the tall bracken and onto the pebbles that surrounded the lake. She pounced, landing directly on the bird. Darkthorn clawed the top of its head, killing it. She placed the wren in the bracken bush, hiding it.

Darkthorn looked around, another smell drifting by. She raised her head and cocked it to the right and watched four water voles on the pebbles. She went back into the bracken and stalked towards the prey. Once the water voles were close enough, she jumped out, claws slicing through the air, and killing two. Darkthorn's whiskers twitched with triumph. She picked up all three of her prey and found Sparrowwing waiting for her.

"I caught a wren too." Sparrowwing smiled and nudged his wren. "I didn't catch anything else though. I tried catching a wagtail but it flew onto ThornClan's territory." Darkthorn shrugged. "That's okay," she said. "I am sure Gooseice and Blackivy have caught something."

The two grabbed their prey and met up shortly after with the two other warriors and they entered the camp.

"I am taking my rabbit to Hawksight and Speckledberry," Gooseice said. Blackivy placed her old, but massive crow in the pile.

Birchpaw and Lightningpaw gazed up at Blackivy in awe. "I can't believe she caught that!" Birchpaw said. Curlypaw, who was already back from training, joined her brothers. "Come on, we should share the crow," she said. "That crow could be eaten by a fourth cat," Lightningpaw said. Curlypaw turned to Blackivy. "Would you like to share? After all, you were the one who caught it." Curlypaw said. Blackivy laughed. "All right. We can share it."

Sparrowwing took his wren and Darkthorn's wren to Finchwing and Robinface.

Sunstar came out from his den and approached Blackivy. He spoke in a soft tone so no one else heard, but Blackivy's angry expression told it all.

"She's in trouble," Darkthorn told Gooseice when he came back. "No matter what Sunstar says, it won't stop Blackivy from hating Frostwind," Gooseice meowed with a chuckle.

"I am taking my two water voles to Feathergaze and her kits," Darkthorn said and picked up her prey, prancing over to the den. She ducked under the logs that hid the den and found Feathergaze watching her kits play-fight.

"Here are two water voles," Darkthorn announced. Feathergaze thanked her, but her eyes didn't leave Batkit.

"Feathergaze, is~~---~~is something wrong?" Darkthorn asked. Feathergaze looked up at Darkthorn, her eyes round and full of sorrow.

Feathergaze gulped. "Darkthorn," she began with a sigh, "Batkit is deaf."

"How are you sure he is deaf?" Darkthorn asked.

"Speckledberry and Hawksight have already tried talking to him and calling his name. He only sees us opening our mouths. You can tell he is confused because he always tilts his head. He hasn't even opened his mouth and talked like his littermates, Adderkit and Sheepkit!" Feathergaze explained, sounding rather angry. "Let me show you," she added.

Feathergaze picked up one of the water voles.

"Kits, Darkthorn caught you a water vole," the queen said with a smile. "Can I have it?" Adderkit begged. "No! We have to share, silly!" Sheepkit meowed. Batkit stared at the water vole. His eyes smiled, but he didn't say anything. As the kits began to eat, Feathergaze looked back up at Darkthorn.

"What did Sunstar say about this?" Darkthorn asked. "He doesn't have high hopes for Batkit." Feathergaze sniffed. "Sharpfang and I have tried to convince Sunstar that Batkit will be able to train and hunt like a warrior or be an apprentice to the medicine cats, but he just shook his head. He thinks Batkit will die before he reaches six moons."

Darkthorn left the queen and her kits and sighed. Would it be possible to train Batkit as a warrior?

Violetclaw distracted Darkthorn from her thoughts. "Sunstar is making another announcement," she informed. "What kind?" Darkthorn asked. Violetclaw shrugged. "Beats me."

"I was talking to the mentors," Sunstar began, "and they think their apprentices are ready for their final assessment. I know Blossomstripe hasn't trained Lightningpaw for a long time, but she truly believes he is worthy of receiving his warrior name. But before they receive their name, they will hunt alone and bring back their prey. This will prove if they are worthy or not."

Curlypaw and Birchpaw exchanged worried glances. Lightningpaw kept a blank expression.

"What if we don't catch anything?" Curlypaw asked. "That is up to your mentor to decide," Sunstar said. "Now, do as you're told."

The three apprentices turned their tails on the clan and stalked out of the entrance.

Sharpfang, Blossomstripe, and Finchwing secretly followed their apprentices out of camp.

"I never had the final assessment," Darkthorn said. "This will be interesting."

A few minutes passed by and the three apprentices were back. Curlypaw came back with a chaffinch, Birchpaw had a mouse, and Lightningpaw had a squirrel. The apprentices stood proudly with their freshly caught prey.

"How did they do?" Sunstar asked when the mentors showed up.

"Lightningpaw did amazing," Blossomstripe said. "Curlypaw did great," Finchwing said. "Birchpaw did just as well," Sharpfang agreed.

"So then it is final." Sunstar smiled. "Apprentices, step forward."

Hailfoot took their prey and they padded forward.

"Apprentices, you have trained hard to learn the ways of the noble warrior code. I call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these apprentices, and I commend them to you in their turn. Apprentices, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan even at the cost of your life?"

*"*I do!" The three said in concert.

"Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Birchpaw, from this day forward, you will be known as Birchfang. StarClan honors your energy and forethought. Curlypaw, from this day forward, you will be known as Curlyfawn. StarClan honors your kindness and dedication. Lightningpaw, from this day forward, you shall be known as Lightningcloud. StarClan honors your strength and courage." Sunstar rested his muzzle on the new warriors, and in return, they licked his shoulder.

"Birchfang! Curlyfawn! Lightningcloud!" The clan chanted.

"I'm so proud of you three!" Deerskip said softly. "I just wish Emberstride was here to see this," Birchfang sighed. "She *is* watching," Junglestep assured, "from StarClan."

"If the clan did more then just sit around, she would be here, *alive*,*"* Marigoldshine growled.

"Er~~---~~congratulations, you three," Sparrowwing said. "May I go out hunting?"

"You just went hunting," Violetclaw said, staring at her littermate suspiciously. "I know, I know. But I kinda want to hunt again," Sparrowwing said. "I guess we could get more prey~~---~~" Lightningcloud began. "No! I mean, I would rather it just be Junglestep and Darkthorn with me," Sparrowwing rudely cut in.

"Why them two?" Deerskip asked. "I-I feel more comfortable with them," Sparrowwing said.

*He is lying,* Darkthorn thought, *but why?*

"I will go with him. As long as Darkthorn goes," Junglestep said with a smile. "Of course," Darkthorn said and smiled back. "Alright, let's go," Sparrowwing said.

The three marched out of the camp.

"Did you hear Batkit is deaf?" Darkthorn asked the toms. "Yeah, I heard. It's sad," Sparrowwing said, not sounding sympathetic at all. "I heard, too," Junglestep said. "Maybe Sunstar might change his mind and at least *try* to train him." Darkthorn shrugged. "We can only hope."

"Okay, I say we split up~~---~~" Sparrowwing started. "Why split up?" Junglestep argued. "If we stay together, we can catch more prey." Sparrowwing shook his head. "I want to try hunting near the Twoleg dens. And I assumed you both wouldn't want to go there."

Junglestep exchanged worried glances with Darkthorn. "But the Twolegs might try to~~---~~" Darkthorn shut her jaws when Sparrowwing turned his back on them and headed for the Twoleg dens.

"Something suspicious is going on," Darkthorn said through gritted teeth. Junglestep nodded in agreement. "I'm going toward OakClan's border to hunt," he said. "I'm following Sparrowwing," Darkthorn said shortly and followed the tom's scent.

His scent led her to these giant fences that protected the dens. Darkthorn sniffed the air. Sparrowwing's scent lingered along all the fences so there was no way of telling where he was or where he went.

*Was he meeting up with a kittypet?* Darkthorn wondered.

Suddenly, she heard voices from beyond the fence and she hid in a fern bush that was four cat-lengths away.

Sparrowwing had jumped up from the fence with a white she-cat next to him. The two jumped down, approaching the forest.

"I can't wait for you to join our clan," Darkthorn heard Sparrowing say. "I know! I can't wait either," the she-cat replied.

*A kittypet! Joining our clan?* Darkthorn couldn't believe her ears. *Kittypets don't have warrior blood!*

"Come over, Snowflake. I think my clanmate went towards the lake. That is where she always hunts. I can't wait for her to meet you!" Sparrowwing said. *He's talking about me,* Darkthorn thought coolly. *I am not letting a kittypet join.*

Darkthorn made sure Sparrowwing and the she-cat, Snowflake, were far enough away, so she could silently follow them. They arrived at the lake shortly after and Darkthorn crept behind the two.

"Where is this Darkthorn at?" Snowflake asked. "I don't know," Sparrowwing confessed.

"Oh, I'm right here," Darkthorn growled from behind. The two cats whipped around, slipping on the pebbles by the lake. "Darkthorn! This Snowflake. We have been seeing each other since I was an apprentice," Sparrowwing said. *And Frostwind said he loved me,* Darkthorn thought.

"Wow. You look much~~---~~er~~---~~stronger than I thought," Snowflake gulped.

"May I speak to Sparrowwing in private?" Darkthorn asked kindly. "Sure," Snowflake said. Sparrowing and Darkthorn moved a tail-length away from the kittypet.

"Are you out of your mind?" Darkthorn hissed. "Bringing a *kittypet?* I am not letting you bring Snowflake back into camp. After we leave her and we get back to the hollow, I am telling Sunstar what you have been doing."

"I never heard of Sunstar turning down warriors," Sparrowwing growled. "She isn't a warrior," Darkthorn growled. "She is a kittypet, and she deserves to be with her Twolegs or dead."

"You're insane!" Sparrowwing snapped. "You want to kill her." Darkthorn snarled, "I will if it means protecting my clan. We can't have weak cats in PolarClan."

"I'm going back right now to tell Sunstar what you are saying," Sparrowwing said. "He will exile you. You *should* be exiled for talking like that and trying to kill~~---~~" Darkthorn interrupted the tom with a roar of anger.

Darkthorn pounced at the tom, slamming him onto his side, and he gasped for breath. Snowflake shrieked from behind, but didn't move. Darkthorn raked her claws along Sparrowwing's side. Sparrowwing kicked her in the chest, knocking the wind out of her. He charged at Darkthorn, ready to talk. But Darkthorn was faster. She rolled out of his way, got back on her paws and headbutted the tom in the side, knocking him into the lake.

Darkthorn leaped at him again, dunking him under the water. She held him under the water, with her front paws on his throat. Sparrowwing clawed at her legs, but that was all he could do.

"STOP! YOU'RE KILLING HIM!" Snowflake bellowed from behind. Snowflake jumped at Darkthorn's side, tearing at her wounded shoulder. Darkthorn only lifted one paw and smacked her across the face, leaving bloody claw streaks from her eye and down her muzzle. Darkthorn looked back down to see Sparrowwing's paws drop and she felt him stop struggling. Darkthorn stepped off of him and watched his motionless body float to the surface. Sparrowwing was dead. Darkthorn had drowned him.

"MURDERER!" Snowflake screamed. Suddenly, a dark brown tom appeared, pouncing at Snowflake and locking his jaws tightly around her throat. The tom dropped her and looked up at Darkthorn, licking the blood from his mouth.

Darkthorn recognized the tom to be Houndleap. She looked behind him to see Tulipstar, Wildfire, and many, many more toms and she-cats, all their gazes burning into her.

"Is Sunsetglow alive?" Darkthorn breathed, remembering the fight at the Dark Forest. Houndleap shook his head. "Sloestalk and Sunsetglow killed each other. They both ripped out each other's throats," he said. "Great," Darkthorn sighed. "I assume you are all here because you want to attack now." The Dark Forest cats nodded. "We have waited long enough," a tabby she-cat yelled. "Good," Darkthorn growled.

"I want three groups," Darkthorn said. "I will lead a group straight through the entrance. I want the two to be on opposites sides of the hollow and jump out if any cat tries to escape. We will kill *anyone* who tries to stop us."

Darkthorn whipped around and stalked forward. Behind her, cats cheered and chanted her name.

"I will take back what is ours!" Darkthorn shouted over her shoulder, "No longer will we be weak. We shall take over the clans *my* way."

*This is for you, Silverheart,* Darkthorn thought darkly. *You were right. You were* always *right. I am a monster.*

## *~Chapter Eleven~ (Notes and Gallery)*

The important Dark Forest cats. (The amount of Dark Forest cats at the lake is around 30-35 cats.)

* Blackmist
* Badgersnout
* Acornstem
* Grayfur
* Newtblaze
* Volenose
* Brightfern and Mousetail
1/7
**Blackmist** - Black and white tom

**Badgersnout** - White tom with a black muzzle and black ears

**Acornstem** - Small pale ginger she-cat

**Grayfur** - Gray tabby tom

**Newtblaze** - Big ginger tom

**Volenose** - Brown and black tabby she-cat

**Brightfern** - Solid gray she-cat with green eyes

**Mousetail** - Light tabby tom

## *~Chapter Twelve~*

Darkthorn's group consisted of Wildfire, Blackmist, and five more Dark Forest cats. Her group stalked quietly through the forest and they soon reached the camp. It was dusk so it would be harder to see them. Darkthorn signaled the other two groups with her tail and they crept silently around the dens. She marched straight into the center with her cats.

Frostwind, who was by the prey pile, stared at Darkthorn with round eyes. "Sunstar!" Frostwind called.

More cats came to see what was going on and to look at who was there. The warrior cats surrounded Darkthorn and her group, but that didn't matter much.

"Wildfire!" Gooseice shouted in joy. Wildfire smiled back but he didn't move.

Sunstar stepped out of his den and gaped. "Darkthorn! What is this?" He demanded.

Darkthorn took a step forward, her eyes narrowing. "I have waited for so long for power. Now I have it," she snarled. "But I am not the only one who wants revenge. These cats behind me want revenge, too. All the cats around you want revenge. We want to take back what is *ours.* I'm doing this for the future of our clans. We will make things right once and for all. We will unite the clans and there will be no more fighting."

"You're with the Dark Forest!" Sunstar said, not believing anything Darkthorn said. "Revenge? What revenge?"

"I want revenge on every cat that has ever crossed me or any cat that has crossed *them."* Darkthorn pointed to the cats behind her.

"You don't scare us, Darkthorn!" Blossomstripe yowled. "You and your cats don't stand a chance!"

"Oh really?" Darkthorn laughed with a twisted smile. The two groups, led by Volenose and Tulipstar pounced out from their places, all with grins. Blossomstripe shrunk back, her eyes widening. The rows and rows of cats behind the dens, and outside the camp, shocked every cat.

"Sunstar, I am giving you a chance. Either you step down, or you die," Darkthorn hissed. "I will never step down," snapped Sunstar, his tail lashing from side to side. "So be it," Darkthorn sighed. Her ears twitched and she stomped her foot.

Tulipstar, Volenose, and Houndleap launched themselves at Sunstar.

Mousetail, Newtblaze, Wildfire and three more cats blocked any cat from helping the leader. Darkthorn lunged at Frostwind, gripping her scruff and slamming her down on her side and dragged her away from Sunstar.

Darkthorn watched as Tulipstar raked Sunstar's shoulder, Volenose slid under his stomach, clawing it, and Houndleap clawed his other shoulder. Sunstar kicked Volenose in the face, leaving a few scratches and whipped at Tulipstar, biting her ear. Houndleap found his chance and he clung onto the right side of Sunstar neck, sinking both his claws and teeth into it. Sunstar was about to ram Houndleap into a boulder but he was stopped by Volenose, who tugged on his back leg. Tulipstar tugged on his front leg, making him lose his balance. Houndleap jumped off him, and they watched him fall. Then, Houndleap hastily clamped his jaws around the leader's throat, and ripped it out. The three Dark Forest cats watched the river of blood flow out and lap at their paws.

"NO!" Frostwind screamed, kicking and struggling, begging to be released. Darkthorn let her go and she raced to Sunstar's body. Frostwind laid her head down on her father's bloody shoulder and cried.

"Now you all see," Darkthorn laughed. "This is our clan now. And let me ask you all, does anyone disapprove of us leading?" Darkthorn looked around the hollow to see most of the cats looking down at their paws. "That's great news. No~~---~~" The black feline was interrupted by Acornstem behind her.

Acornstem was dragging a tom by the back leg. She threw his body to Darkthorn's left side. Darkthorn looked down to see Junglestep, who was still recovering from shock. "He was spying on us," Acornstem growled.

Darkthorn nodded at the pale ginger she-cat.

"Where is Sparrowwing?" Junglestep asked as he slowly stood up. "He drowned," Darkthorn said shortly. "Did *he* drown? Or did *you* drown him?" The brown tom growled. Darkthorn smiled. "Fine. I drowned him," she said, "because he didn't listen. And he was going to bring back a weak kittypet to our clan. He wanted a *weak* cat to join. I'm not letting any weak cat stay."

Darkthorn turned to her right. "Which reminds me, Feathergaze, please come out with your kits."

The blue-gray queen padded out of her den with her three kits trailing behind. "Yes, Darkthorn?" Feathergaze asked in a dull tone. "Has Batkit made any progress?" Darkthorn asked. Feathergaze shook her head. "No. Do you wish to kill him?" She inquired, still showing no emotion. Sharpfang padded close to his mate's side. He said nothing, but he was clearly sorrowful.

Darkthorn nodded and Feathergaze pushed Batkit forward. She stepped back and sniffed, keeping Adderkit and Sheepkit close. "What is going on?" Adderkit asked. "Shh," Feathergaze silenced her kit, and tears began to swell up in her eyes.

Darkthorn stared at the kit, her eyes burning into his. She lifted a paw and unsheathed her claws. The kit didn't move, Batkit didn't even seem to breathe. With one swipe, Darkthorn raked the kit's head. Batkit fell on his side, his eyes wide.

Sharpfang whispered something to the crying queen, probably something comforting.

"You're a monster," Frostwind shouted. Darkthorn moved around Feathergaze and Sharpfang to reach Frostwind.

"By the way, you are no longer deputy," Darkthorn said with a smile. "You can't do that!" Frostwind snapped.

"Oh, but I can. Wildfire is now deputy. And I will be leader. StarClan may not approve of me, but I don't care. This is *my* clan now. So step down, or die," Darkthorn growled. Frostwind stared back, her eyes narrowing. "Fine," she growled, "have it your way. But mark my words, Darkthorn, you will pay for your insolence." Frostwind flicked her tail and padded toward the rest of the warriors.

Darkthorn looked among the warriors.

"I am your leader now," she announced, "you shall refer to me as Darkthorn, because I do not have nine lives... yet."

"What makes you think StarClan will grant you nine lives?" Needlepool asked coolly. "There isn't a leader. A *strong* leader for that matter," Darkthorn said. "I am the strongest here. So StarClan *will* grant me nine lives. I will be going to the moonpool tomorrow at dusk."

"I have a question," Curlyfawn said, her ears twitching. "What if there isn't enough room for all your cats?"

"Good question," Darkthorn said. "We aren't just taking over PolarClan. No; we are taking over *all* the clans. And I lead all of them. Tulipstar, come here." The white she-cat approached, holding her head high. "Take Acornstem and Grayfur and fifteen more cats with you. Take them to CreekClan while they are still weak," Darkthorn ordered. Tulipstar bowed and meowed, "Yes, Darkthorn."

Tulipstar gathered her seventeen cats and they stalked out of the camp.

"Why did you choose her to lead?" Brightfern asked, a bit bitter she wasn't picked. "She is CreekClan, you are ThornClan. Tulipstar knows the territory perfectly well. After all, she used to be the leader of it," Darkthorn explained.

"Now, I want two hunting patrols. Blackmist, you lead one. Take Birchfang, Mousetail, and Gooseice. Newtblaze and Badgersnout, take Finchwing and Robinface and another Dark Forest cat," Darkthorn instructed. Badgersnout turned and nodded to an unfamiliar pale brown Dark Forest she-cat. The hunting patrols left camp and Hailfoot approached Darkthorn.

"You shouldn't be doing this," Hailfoot said softly. "You can't stop me," Darkthorn growled. "Now, I want Blackivy and~~---~~" "You can't have Blackivy," Speckledberry growled from behind. "Blackivy is expecting kits. She must rest and not work."

Darkthorn eyed the medicine cat. "How long has she been expecting?"

"Two moons. We moved her into the nursery today after she finished hunting. Did you not notice she had gained weight?" Speckledberry added and tilted her head. "If she was expecting kits, why did she hunt?" Darkthorn asked. Speckledberry shrugged. "She wanted to go hunting, so I let her." Darkthorn sighed. "Fine. Forget any more duties. We will wait for Tulipstar to report back to me."

The cats broke up into two groups, the clan group and the Dark Forest group. Only Curlyfawn and Wildfire were talking to each other.

"Who is her mate?" Wildfire asked the she-cat. "Gooseice is!" Curlyfawn said with a smile, clearly excited that Wildfire had asked. Lightningcloud whispered something that made both her and Wildfire frown. "I'm *so* sorry," Curlyfawn said sarcastically. "You should be glad to see him. He looks perfectly well and happy."

Lightningcloud hissed, "He is dangerous and should not be trusted." A yellow tom and a white she-cat along with Wildfire glared at the black and gray tom. "You acted so sad when he died and now you are acting like he is going to kill me," Curlyfawn spat.

"I am warning you," Lightningcloud growled. "He isn't who you think he is. He is evil. Don't say I didn't warn you." Lightningcloud dramatically walked away and Curlyfawn continued to talk to Wildfire in a low voice.

"Wildfire, sorry to interrupt but could you and Frostwind bury these bodies?" Darkthorn asked, glancing at them. "Sure," replied Wildfire. Frostwind unwilling followed and dragged her father's body outside of camp with Wildfire, as he took Batkit.

"I don't understand," Sharpfang said heavily, looking up at Darkthorn. "Are you planning on killing Sheepkit and Adderkit too?" The black she-cat shook her head. "That won't be necessary," she said. "Batkit was weak. Adderkit and Sheepkit are perfectly healthy. They will train as warriors as usual."

"Oh, thank you," Sharpfang sighed, relieved. "However," Darkthorn continued, "the kits will train at three moons." Sharpfang hissed dangerously, "Three moons? That isn't enough time~~---~~" "Silence!" Snapped Darkthorn. "I have made that my final decision. And the kits will be warriors at six moons." Sharpfang gaped at the feline, but didn't argue any longer.

The two hunting patrols returned shortly after with plenty of prey.

"Well done," Darkthorn said. She watched as Robinface carried her two sparrows toward the nursery.

"Shouldn't you eat first?" Mousetail asked Darkthorn as he watched the brown she-cat. "Not until Feathergaze and Blackivy have eaten," Darkthorn said gently. "The two queens must realize that they are still PolarClan cats. We must respect them if we want them to respect us."

Darkthorn picked a shrew and tore into it hungrily. She watched the other cats pick prey and share.

As Violetclaw reached for a plump mouse, Blackmist snatched it from her. "I was gonna take that," growled Violetclaw. "I don't care what you were going to take," Blackmist said calmly. "I took it first which means it is *mine*." Violetclaw snapped loudly, "I was reaching for it. You know it was mine. I am not dealing with a fox-heart who can't share prey~~---~~" Violetclaw was cut off when Blackmist swiped his claws across the she-cat's muzzle. Heavy drops of blood dripped from her face.

Darkthorn immediately got up, her lip twitching. Violetclaw blanched, her eyes wide with fear. "I'll take what *I* want to take," Blackmist hissed. "Stand down, Blackmist," Darkthorn snarled. "Violetclaw, go to Hawksight and Speckledberry." Violetclaw nodded and raced to the medicine cat den.

"That's right, run!" Blackmist laughed. "You should have let me taken care of her!" Darkthorn whipped around and raked her claws down Blackmist's face.

Bloody claw streaks went down from the tom's forehead down to his right eye. Blackmist's eye was dark red, blood circling around it and in it. He shrieked, surprised by his leader's rage. "When I say stand down, I mean, *stand down,"* Darkthorn roared. Blackmist stalked toward the medicine cat den in a quick pace. "You just blinded him!" Brightfern snapped. "Only in one eye," Darkthorn corrected, "and if you say one more thing, you might lose both of yours." Darkthorn stared at the gray she-cat for a few seconds before returning to her meal.

"I'm going to CreekClan to see what is taking Tulipstar so long," Darkthorn said. "Wildfire's in charge." She marched through the crowd of cats. CreekClan and OakClan shared territory by a small Twoleg den. Darkthorn jumped between the wooden fences and trotted toward the camp.

*How can a cat live near so much water?* Darkthorn wondered as she spotted the large land that was surrounded by a stream. Darkthorn went straight through the entrance that was hidden behind a tangle of reeds. She spotted the white leader pacing back and forth by another white Dark Forest she-cat and Grayfur.

"Why didn't you report on your progress?" Darkthorn asked when she saw the CreekClan cats being watched carefully. "Well, I~~---~~er~~---~~we have their territory and camp now but...." Tulipstar trailed off, not wanting to speak. "Talk, Tulipstar," Darkthorn growled dangerously.

"During the attack, two cats escaped," Grayfur informed and Tulipstar shot him a challenging glare.

"Two cats escaped?" Darkthorn repeated icily. "Tulipstar, do you realize your mistake?" The black she-cat spat. "I do! I do! Please, give us a little more time to find the missing cats," Tulipstar pleaded. "Time? There is no time!" Darkthorn hissed. Darkthorn turned to Grayfur. "Which cats escaped?" She asked. "The deputy, Stormheart, and his littermate, Bumbletoe," Grayfur said. "Any cat here you'd consider weak?" Darkthorn asked. Grayfur shrugged. "They seem pretty strong to me."

Tulipstar stayed silent, looking at her paws.

Darkthorn looked at the CreekClan warriors. She spotted their leader, Bristlestar, struggling under the weight of a yellow and white Dark Forest she-cat. "I will give you a choice," Darkthorn growled at the tom. "Join us or die."

"I'll never join you!" Bristlestar snapped. Darkthorn blinked at the she-cat and nodded. "Kill him," she ordered.

Darkthorn turned away and heard the CreekClan warriors gasp in horror. She looked over her shoulder to see Bristlestar's throat had been cut open. The leader gasped every few seconds and twitched violently. He lost a life every few seconds.

"By any chance is Brackenstar still alive?" Darkthorn asked. A white CreekClan tom shook his head. "No," he said, "she died three days ago in her sleep."

"Good," Darkthorn growled.

Darkthorn looked back at Tulipstar. "I'm sorry," Darkthorn said softly to the white she-cat. "Look at me, Tulipstar."

Tulipstar slowly lifted her head and stared blankly into Darkthorn's eyes. "You must be punished for your mistake," Darkthorn said. "I know," Tulipstar sighed. Without any warning, Darkthorn sprang forward and sliced Tulipstar's ears, cutting the tips off. The white she-cat screeched in pain.

"Find me those two missing cats," Darkthorn snarled. "Yes, Darkthorn," Grayfur said shortly. He turned, looked at the other white she-cat, an orange tom, and a black tom, and they raced out the entrance.

"Was any cat killed during the attack?" Darkthorn asked Acornstem. "A queen, an elder, and a warrior," Acornstem said. "Are there any kits or apprentices?" The black feline asked. "No," Acornstem admitted.

"Tulipstar will still lead CreekClan," Darkthorn said loud enough for every cat to hear. Tulipstar mumbled something in anger but Darkthorn just ignored it. "I'm heading back to the PolarClan camp," Darkthorn said. "The next time I visit, those missing cats better be dead," she added.

Tulipstar nodded and watched Darkthorn sprint out of the CreekClan entrance.

Darkthorn made it back shortly after.

"How is CreekClan?" Deerskip asked.

"They are fine. Bristlestar is dead and Tulipstar is now leading it," Darkthorn explained. "But two cats ran from the attack and are *alive."* Darkthorn was pretty sure she saw a flash of relief in Deerskip's eyes. "I sent out Grayfur on a patrol to go get them. If they aren't dead by tomorrow, we are taking over OakClan."

"It is beginning to become night," Darkthorn announced as she looked up at the darkening sky. "I want four guards out, guarding the entrance from any escape. Badgersnout, Houndleap... you and you. Go guard the entrance while we sleep," Darkthorn said and pointed to a black tom and a brown she-cat. "If all the cats can't fit in the elders, the warrior den is open."

Twelve cats, including Birchfang, Hailfoot, and Finchwing, went to sleep under the well growing bramble bushes.

Darkthorn trotted through the vines and into the small den for the leader. She stayed awake for a few more minutes before falling into a deep sleep.

## *~Chapter Thirteen~*

Darkthorn's eyes fluttered open, hearing the shouts of a clan. *Are we being invaded?* She wondered. But it was still dark.

She emerged from her den to see the guards not at their posts. Instead, they were climbing the rocks above Darkthorn's den, chasing... cats!

In an instant, Darkthorn recognized the escaping cats. The cats attempting the escape were Frostwind, Robinface, Lightningcloud, Junglestep, Needlepool and surprisingly, one of the medicine cats, Speckledberry.

"Catch them before they escape!" Darkthorn screeched, realizing they were going to escape through the rocks just like the other cats did during the flood. Frostwind, of course, was at the very top, making sure the other five cats made it up safely. *If anything, Frostwind probably organized this escape group,* Darkthorn thought.

Houndleap pounced at the medicine cat, gripping her back leg and pulling her down. He let go, expecting her to fall from the rocks, but Speckledberry gripped the boulder tightly. Her back legs tangled as she desperately tried to climb back up.

Frostwind took a step forward, about to rescue the she-cat but Speckledberry stopped her. "Run!" She screamed. "Go and save the others!" Badgersnout jumped at Frostwind, but she was swift and ducked under his blow and she shot for the rocks.

The dangling medicine cat clawed at the rocks, determined to lift herself up and not fall. The brown Dark Forest she-cat sunk her claws into Speckledberry's paws. Speckledberry shrieked in pain and she let go. The whole forest seemed frozen. Speckledberry plummeted silently. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound was heard. She twisted her body in all angles, trying to grasp something as she fell, but nothing was near. Speckledberry slammed into cold dirt, sending a small wave of dust. The last thing from the she-cat was a short gasp. Her body lay motionless at Darkthorn's paws.

"I want those PolarClan cats found! NOW!" Darkthorn bellowed in anger. Houndleap gathered the guards and two others and bolted after the escaped cats.

Hawksight ran towards Speckledberry's body. "What happened?" She asked. "You didn't know anything about this?" Darkthorn hissed. "Of course not!" Hawksight snapped. Darkthorn sighed, "She fell to her death." Hawksight gaped at the black she-cat in shock but said nothing.

"Darkthorn, this cat was trying to escape with Frostwind and the others," Mousetail called as Brightfern dragged Marigoldshine from her den. Once Brightfern stopped dragging her, Marigoldshine stood up and glared at the cats around her. "She was trying to escape from behind the dens," Mousetail informed.

"Always causing trouble," Darkthorn taunted. Marigoldshine's hackles rose, her eyes narrowing. Darkthorn's eyes glowed in amusement, causing Marigoldshine to hiss. "You should be dead," Marigoldshine snarled. "You should have drowned with Wildfire." At the sound of his name, Wildfire stood by Darkthorn's side.

Darkthorn winked at Wildfire. In a flash, he was pouncing on Marigoldshine. The two clawed each other, ripping clumps of fur and flesh from each other. Marigoldshine was pinned to the ground by Wildfire, who sunk his teeth into her neck. The crack of bone echoed off the hollow walls. Marigoldshine stopped struggling, and her breath abruptly ceased.

"You killed her!" Birchfang yowled. "Silence!" Darkthorn snapped.

Houndleap's patrol appeared at the entrance of the camp.

"Well?" Darkthorn spat. "Only one cat was found and killed," Houndleap announced. "Needlepool. Badgersnout killed Needlepool." Blossomstripe wailed from behind but she was ignored.

"I don't care if it is dawn, we are attacking OakClan, *now,"* Darkthorn roared. "Houndleap, your patrol will come with me. I want Blackmist, Brightfern, and ten more cats," she demanded. "Wildfire, stay here with the rest and don't let any cat escape. Bury Speckledberry and Marigoldshine if you want."

Sixteen cats gathered around Darkthorn as she marched out of the entrance. Her tail swayed behind her, growling in anger. "I don't care who attacks who, as long as Sandstar dies," Darkthorn snapped. The cats nodded and separated into groups, leaving Darkthorn and Houndleap alone. The cats splashed through the stream as they raced to the camp on the moor.

Darkthorn didn't care if the OakClan cats saw her. She and Houndleap stormed straight through the entrance.

But to their surprise, no cat were there. Not a single cat was in sight.

"Search the dens!" Darkthorn ordered. A few moments passed when Houndleap reported, "There is no one here."

*OakClan left... Stormheart from CreekClan left with his littermate... Frostwind left with some of the warriors.... Were all the cats warned about my coming?* Darkthorn couldn't help but ask herself. *What is it that StarClan has against me? I can unite the clans! One big clan! Is that a problem? Is it because revenge isn't your way?* Darkthorn snarled in anger, alarming some of the cats.

"We are returning to camp," Darkthorn sighed. "Shouldn't we attack ThornClan?" A yellow tom asked. Darkthorn shook her head. "No. Not yet. We need more cats to join us, and I know for a fact Feathergaze's kits and Blackivy's kits will join us," Darkthorn said. The patrol dashed back to the hollow, greeting the cats.

"That was fast!" Blossomstripe teased a little.

"OakClan wasn't there," Darkthorn explained. "They must have heard of us and they ran from camp. I would attack ThornClan but that will have to wait. If we attack now, they will be ready. I want more warriors," Darkthorn added with a growl, locking gazes with Sharpfang.

"Get Adderkit and Sheepkit," Wildfire hissed at the tabby tom, as if reading Darkthorn's mind. Sharpfang got up with a sigh and padded toward the nursery. Feathergaze trotted out with her two kits following close by her side. "You said in three moons they would train," Sharpfang pointed out. "The rules have changed," Darkthorn growled. "Obviously," Feathergaze muttered.

The clan gathered around them, ready to see what would happen. Adderkit and Sheepkit stepped forward, unaware of what was going on.

"Adderkit and Sheepkit, you two have waited eagerly to become warriors and now is your chance," Darkthorn announced. The two kits smiled, their eyes shining. Feathergaze's eyes glowed in anger, never seeming to forget about Batkit.

"From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Adderpaw and Sheeppaw," Darkthorn continued. "Adderpaw, your mentor will be Curlyfawn. Sheeppaw, your mentor will be Newtblaze. I hope these warriors will pass on all they know to you."

Newtblaze stepped forward with a smug smile and Curlyfawn padded next to him, sending him an awkward glance.

"Newtblaze and Curlyfawn, you two are ready for your apprentices. Newtblaze, you received excellent training from your old mentor in OakClan and you have shown great confidence in yourself and others. Pass this on to Sheeppaw. Curlyfawn, you have received excellent training from Wildfire and Finchwing and you have shown great kindness and dedication to your clan and toward others. Pass this on to Adderpaw."

Adderpaw touched noses with Curlyfawn, and Sheeppaw copied, touching noses with Newtblaze.

"Sheeppaw! Adderpaw!" The clan cheered, mostly PolarClan cats chanting the loudest.

"Congratulations!" Sharpfang told his kits. Sharpfang's happy mood surprised Darkthorn, leaving her to wonder if Feathergaze was actually happy for her kits, too. Feathergaze licked Sheeppaw on the head and smiled warmly. "Treat him well," Feathergaze told Newtblaze firmly. Newtblaze bowed, surprising the queen. "I promise I will," the ginger tom replied. "I promise she will do great!" Curlyfawn promised. Feathergaze nodded, but she didn't seem to believe the young cat.

"Go out and teach them hunting. After that, I want only battle moves to be taught," Darkthorn ordered. Newtblaze nodded, but Curlyfawn was taken aback. She didn't argue, but she wanted to. The two mentors stalked away with their apprentices tailing right behind.

Hawksight slowly approached, looking at the ground.

"Where have you been?" Darkthorn growled. "I was with Blackivy," Hawksight answered quietly. "Blackivy had her kits."

"How many?" Darkthorn asked. "Five kits if you want to include the dead one." Hawksight sighed. "The *dead* one?" Darkthorn echoed. Hawksight nodded. "Let me take you to Blackivy."

Hawksight slipped gently through the entrance of the nursery while Darkthorn had to squeeze herself through.

Gooseice was sitting in the corner of the nursery, next to his mate. Blackivy was stretched out with four of her kits suckling. One kit was curled up next to her, dead. Blackivy lifted her head and gave the two a weak smile. "How did the kit not make it?" Darkthorn asked. Hawksight shrugged. "We don't know. The kit stopped breathing the second it was born." Darkthorn turned her eyes back to the four alive kits.

"They are lovely," Darkthorn commented. "Thank you," Blackivy said. "What will you name them?" Darkthorn asked, tilting her head.

Blackivy and Gooseice looked at each other. "This tom-kit will be Fallenkit," Blackivy said and nudged one of the kits. "This black tom-kit will be Shadekit. And the two she-kits will be Willowkit and Petalkit." Gooseice smiled. "Those are beautiful names," he said. Blackivy smiled back.

Darkthorn soon left the queen with Hawksight, who held the dead kit in her jaws. "I'm going to bury this kit behind the nursery."

Hawksight left Darkthorn's side and began to dig a grave behind the den. "What is she burying?" Wildfire asked. "Blackivy had five kits. But one of them died, so Hawksight is burying it," Darkthorn explained. Wildfire shook his head and sighed. Darkthorn changed the subject. "I'm sending out a hunting patrol," she said. "Brightfern, you will lead it. Take Blossomstripe, Mousetail, and Finchwing. And check up on ThornClan's border." The gray she-cat nodded and left with her patrol.

The day went on as usual. Brightfern's patrol came back and brought plenty of food. Newtblaze and Curlyfawn brought their apprentices back to eat.

"What about ThornClan?" Darkthorn asked Brightfern. "We didn't spot a single cat near the border," Brightfern growled. "And their scent was even stale! As if they hadn't been near the border at all. There was a hint of OakClan, but no PolarClan." Darkthorn cuffed the ground. "They are running to ThornClan for protection," she said. "No matter, we have CreekClan." At the mention of CreekClan, Brightfern's muscles twitched and her eyes were round.

"Brightfern..." Darkthorn growled. "What happened?"

Brightfern slowly made eye contact with the black feline. "We checked on CreekClan too and..." Brightfern gulped. "And they were gone! The whole clan was gone. The only cat left behind was Acornstem, and she was dead! She was sprawled out perfectly in the center of the camp. Her stomach had been ripped out and her blood was cold. Our scent and CreekClan's scent wasn't stale, but it wasn't fresh either."

"How long do you think Acornstem was dead?" Darkthorn inquired. Brightfern shrugged. "Maybe two days." Darkthorn suddenly burst out into a loud snarl, "*Two* days! Why didn't Tulipstar or Grayfur report back?" Brightfern cringed back. "Maybe they were attacked and had to leave," Brightfern said.

"The CreekClan cats probably took our cats by surprise and killed Acornstem. Tulipstar, hopefully, chased the remaining cats. But where to?" Darkthorn was suddenly pacing and every cat was watching her.

"Newtblaze and Curlyfawn, train Adderpaw and Sheeppaw battle moves, *now,*" Darkthorn commanded. "I want every cat to prepare for battle. As soon as the mentors get back, we will attack ThornClan and take over." The Dark Forest cats cheered while the others stayed silent. Newtblaze and Curlyfawn left the hollow with their apprentices.

"Hawksight, I want you~~---~~Hawksight? Hawksight!" Darkthorn shouted, but she didn't see or hear from the she-cat. "When you were talking about CreekClan, Hawksight, Hailfoot, Blossomstripe and Deerskip went into the medicine cat den," Blackmist said.

Darkthorn stormed into the medicine cat den with rage beating loudly in her ears. She peered through the den and roared, "No one is in there! They escaped! They ran away!" Darkthorn turned to the remaining PolarClan warriors: Feathergaze, Sharpfang, Violetclaw, Birchfang, Gooseice and Finchwing. "If you even dare try to escape, I will slit your throats," Darkthorn hissed. The cats stared back at her with wide eyes.

"Should we follow the missing cats?" Houndleap asked. "No, no. We will still wait to attack ThornClan," Darkthorn said. "What about Tulipstar?" A brown she-cat asked.

"What about her?" A cat called. Every cat turned to see who said it. Tulipstar, at the entrance of the hollow, was panting and her eyes were red. Instead of seventeen cats at her side, there was only twelve. Grayfur was still with her.

"We were attacked by ThornClan!" Tulipstar protested. "But wait! Not only was ThornClan there to kill us, but OakClan was there, and so was Frostwind and Junglestep! Five cats died! *Five!* I tried running back here, but they were chasing me. I didn't want them to attack PolarClan too. So the rest of us twelve cats split up and ended up finding our way back to each other at dawn. I want *revenge,* Darkthorn. I want it *now*."

"Will you still go to the moonpool?" Grayfur asked. Darkthorn shook her head. "There is no time to go," she said. "We will go and fight them tomorrow," she confirmed.

## *~Chapter Thirteen~ (Gallery)*

* Shadekit
* Fallenkit, Petalkit, and Willowkit
1/2
**Shadekit -**Small black tom-kit with unusual, beautiful blue eyes

**Fallenkit -**Dark tabby tom-kit with white paws

**Petalkit -**Very pale ginger she-kit

**Willowkit -**Gray and brown tabby she-kit

## *~Chapter Fourteen~*

Darkthorn woke up at dawn. She watched Newtblaze and Curlyfawn wake their apprentices at dawn and leave camp to train.

Curlyfawn certainly didn't seem very pleased by the plan to attack ThornClan, but she still taught her apprentice how to kill. *And that's what she should do,* Darkthorn thought darkly.

She sent out an early hunting patrol that included Violetclaw, Tulipstar, Volenose, and Gooseice. She also sent a border patrol that had Feathergaze, Grayfur, Wildfire, and a red-and-brown Dark Forest she-cat.

A little after dawn, the hunting patrol returned with prey. Two rabbits were caught as well as three mice, a wagtail, and two sparrows.The border patrol came slightly after.

But Darkthorn didn't eat. She was too busy and frustrated to eat. Her mind was only set on the attack. Plus, she believed that her clan needed to eat to get their strength before the attack. Newtblaze and Curlyfawn came shortly back after everyone.

They took one rabbit and the mentors shared it with their apprentices.

"Go back and train again after your done eating," Darkthorn ordered.

"But, Darkthorn, they will be exhausted when~~---~~" Curlyfawn stopped complaining after she saw Darkthorn's slightly aggravated face. "Yes, Darkthorn," she meowed. Newtblaze didn't argue. Sheeppaw glanced at Adderpaw, but they stayed quiet too.

Darkthorn swung around and padded away from the four, who got up and raced out of camp.

"I have a plan for the attack," Darkthorn announced when the cats were done eating. All their gazes rested upon the black feline.

Darkthorn cleared her throat. "Tulipstar and I will lead a group, and so will Wildfire. Tulipstar will attack from the left side of ThornClan, I will attack from the right side, and Wildfire will attack from the entrance. I will take ten cats, Tulipstar will take ten and so will Wildfire. The rest of the cats will stay here to make sure no one else escapes. I want all leaders dead, maybe even a few warriors, apprentices and a medicine cat or two dead. We still want a few cats left alive so we can lead them."

"Darkthorn! I want to fight with your group," Gooseice admitted. "You're crazy!" Birchfang hissed at the gray tom. Gooseice ignored him. "I feel like your ways will bring peace," he added. Wildfire turned to Darkthorn. "He is my brother. I believe him," he said. "Gooseice, I welcome you to our group. You will join Wildfire's group. Newtblaze and Sheeppaw will join mine, and Curlyfawn and Adderpaw will join Tulipstar's," Darkthorn responded as she spotted the mentors approach.

"We did a little more training," Newtblaze said. "Good. Now let's go," Darkthorn growled. Each group picked their cats and sprinted out of the camp. Darkthorn had Mousetail and Brightfern panting at her heels as the cats jumped over and around the brambles and bracken, the trees and streams.

The cats finally reached ThornClan's border without a halt. They continued forward, following Darkthorn's steps. Darkthorn remembered the way from the last time she was at ThornClan's camp.

As soon as they neared the camp, the faint scent of OakClan and PolarClan and CreekClan filled the air.

*They* are *here,* Darkthorn wanted to yell. "When I swing my tail two times, that's when we attack," Darkthorn whispered. The cats nodded, passing on her words to the cats in the back.

Darkthorn's group positioned themselves right behind the nursery and the medicine cat den. Tulipstar's group positioned themselves behind the warrior's and apprentice's dens. Darkthorn waited a few seconds, the sound of her heart drumming in her ears. She could see Frostwind speaking to ThornClan's deputy. Darkthorn swayed her tail once, and then a second time.

In an instant, the cats jumped out, pinning and attack anyone in sight. The camp exploded into loud screams for help. Darkthorn landed on Lilybloom, a ThornClan she-cat she had once helped. She grabbed the she-cat's shoulders with her claws and threw her onto her back. Lilybloom rolled, but caught herself by sinking her claws into the dirt. Lilybloom got back up and charged at Darkthorn. Darkthorn slipped out of the way and smacked the back of her head with her claws.

Mosspelt, an OakClan tom, jumped on Darkthorn's side, raking his claws down her shoulder. Darkthorn snapped at the tom's face, making him back off. Darkthorn pounced at Mosspelt, slamming him with her huge paws and flipping him over onto his side. Mosspelt quickly got up, shook himself and dashed off.

Echostar and Sandstar were there, defending themselves against Wildfire, Tulipstar and another white Dark Forest she-cat.

"Darkthorn, this is enough!" Frostwind bellowed from behind. Darkthorn whipped and released a loud snarl, turning almost every cat's head.

"We knew you would come," Frostwind said with a smile. "It didn't seem like it," Darkthorn snapped back. "The border patrols are back!" Thrushtail, the medicine cat of CreekClan cried out. More cats filled the clearing, attacking any Dark Forest cat in sight. And Darkthorn, was one of them.

Shortflower and Ripplefeather jumped at Darkthorn. Ripplefeather jumped on Darkthorn's back, tugging at her scruff and pulling out clumps of fur. Shortflower clawed at her wounded shoulder. Darkthorn reared on her hind legs, making Ripplefeather let go. He fell on his side as Darkthorn slammed her paws on Shortflower's back. The she-cat shrieked in pain as Darkthorn ripped flesh from her shoulder. Ripplefeather tugged at Darkthorn's scruff again, this time, pulling her off of Shortflower.

Gooseice shoved Ripplefeather, making the CreekClan tom let go and stumble sideways. Soon after, Gooseice and Ripplefeather were ripping fur and flesh from each other. Darkthorn turned to see that Shortflower had disappeared. Darkthorn scanned the clearing and spotted Blackear and Robinface were taking turns biting and clawing Volenose.

Darkthorn raced towards the fighting she-cats. As soon as she reached them, Darkthorn sliced Robinface's ears, drawing blood. Robinface turned her attention to Darkthorn, and her ears laid back on her head as she hissed. Robinface swiped at Darkthorn, but the black she-cat was quick and she ducked. Darkthorn soon retaliated by swinging her claws through the air and striking Robinface on the muzzle. While Robinface was stunned, Darkthorn pounced at her and locked her jaws around Robinface's throat. She swung her around before slamming the she-cat into the dirt.

Robinface gasped as her head hit the ground and she fell limp. Blood dripped slowly from the she-cat's torn throat.

"Darkthorn!" Curlyfawn suddenly gasped. Darkthorn spun around and licked her jaws. "You never told me we had to kill," Curlyfawn said. Before Darkthorn could reply, Stormheart grabbed Curlyfawn by the scruff, dragging her away from Darkthorn.

Curlyfawn squealed as Stormheart sunk his teeth into the back of her neck. Darkthorn rushed after the two cats but before she reached them, Wildfire bit Stormheart's tail and pulled it. Stormheart let go of Curlyfawn and snapped at Wildfire. Curlyfawn shook her pelt and prepared herself for another attack. Bumbletoe, Stormheart's littermate, leaped at Curlyfawn.

Curlyfawn jumped over Bumbletoe. She was prepared and fast. Curlyfawn clawed Bumbletoe's haunch as she landed on the ground. Darkthorn pounced on Bumbletoe, placing her jaws over the she-cat's neck. She forced her into the ground, and listened to the crack of bone. Lightningcloud bit Darkthorn's leg, and pulled it, tripping her.

In a panic, Darkthorn swung her paws and hit Lightningcloud just above the eye, making him release her. Darkthorn looked back and watched as Stormheart flipped Curlyfawn onto her back. Wildfire was on his side, blood dripping from his neck and face. He struggled to get up, and cocked his head to Stormheart, blinking blood from his eye.

Lightningcloud pulled on Darkthorn's tail but she ignored it. Her attention was on Curlyfawn.

Curlyfawn kicked Stormheart in the nose with her hind leg. Stormheart clawed her stomach, drawing a river of blood. Curlyfawn shrieked in pain and she curled up.

"NO!" Wildfire screamed and lifted himself up, panting. Stormheart ran off with Wildfire at his heels. Lightningcloud let go of Darkthorn's tail and ran to his littermate's side. Darkthorn stood frozen, shocked.

"We'll get you help," Lightningcloud assured, but his voice shook with fear. "Bramblebush! Thrushtail! Sunberry! Hawksight! Any cat please!" Lightningcloud called. He tried pulling Curlyfawn away from the fighting cats but she couldn't move. Curlyfawn gasped, her eyes slowly opening and closing. Lightningcloud looked up at Darkthorn. "Why did you bring her here?" He growled.

Adderpaw came trotting toward them.

"I came as fast as I could~~---~~Curlyfawn!" Adderpaw shouted. "Where are the medicine cats?" Lightningcloud asked the young cat. "I-I don't know!" Adderpaw stammered, her eyes clouded with grief. "Curlyfawn was my mentor, I should have stayed to fight with her."

Lightningcloud growled at Darkthorn.

Suddenly, the sounds of screaming and hissing cats stopped and Darkthorn turned around to see what had happened.

Frostwind stumbled toward her, dragging Tulipstar along by the scruff. Frostwind dropped the white she-cat by Darkthorn's paws.

"You are going to pay for what you have done," Frostwind panted. "Because of you Robinface, Grayfur, Tulipstar, Blackmist, Sandstar, Echostar, and many more are dead. Curlyfawn is dead now, too. Is this what you wanted, Darkthorn? Do you want every cat to end up dead?"

Darkthorn slowly steadied herself into a pouncing position. "None of this would have happened if you didn't run from me," Darkthorn hissed, "I tried giving everyone a chance, but you all ran. Now, there is no turning back."

"No one will ever listen to you," Frostwind growled. "Everyone might have to," Darkthorn said. The Dark Forest cats outnumbered the clan cats. Frostwind shook her head. "This is the last time you will ever step foot here," she growled. "Are you saying you will kill me?" Darkthorn laughed. "If that is what it takes," Frostwind said slowly.

The other cats stepped back.

"Just you and me," Darkthorn said. "If any cat interferes, they will pay with their lives." Frostwind nodded her head, agreeing. "This shouldn't be your battle alone," Pinesmoke growled. "We can help," Thistleleaf said. "No," Frostwind meowed, "not right now." Stormheart narrowed his eyes but didn't say anything.

Frostwind got into a similar attacking position. The only difference was that her paws were tucked under her chest, so she could get a better jump. The two littermates locked gazes, each cold and hard. A few moments passed by, and Darkthorn finally jumped.

Frostwind slid out of the way and scratched Darkthorn's ear as she passed her. Darkthorn quickly jumped again, landing on Frostwind. Frostwind fell, and rolled on the ground. When she rolled, she was on top, clawing Darkthorn's throat. But it wasn't deep enough to kill her. Darkthorn snapped at her left foreleg and clamped her jaws shut. She started to get up, pushing Frostwind to the ground and shaking her violently.

Frostwind shrieked as Darkthorn hit bone.

Frostwind swiped her paw through the air, cutting Darkthorn's nose. Darkthorn backed off as blood dripped and her nose stung. Darkthorn reared on her hind paws as Frostwind pounced. She pushed down, flattening Frostwind on the ground. She sunk her claws into Frostwind's shoulders as she held her down. Frostwind struggled under her weight. She finally went limp, and her breathing slowed. Darkthorn bit the side of her neck, and lifted her before shaking her. Frostwind clawed at Darkthorn's chest, making her let go. The two she-cats circled each other, hissing.

This time, Frostwind reared on her hind legs, Darkthorn pelted at her littermate and slammed into her stomach before she could slam down on her. Frostwind fell on her side with a great thud. Darkthorn raked Frostwind's flank. Frostwind gave a great kick and hit Darkthorn in the ear as she tried to duck. Darkthorn hissed in pain as blood spilled from her ear. Frostwind had almost split Darkthorn's ear into two.

Frostwind sprung at Darkthorn, tearing flesh from her neck. Darkthorn snapped at Frostwind's neck and gripped it tightly. Frostwind shrieked, struggling. Darkthorn banged Frostwind's head into the ground, forcing her to stop struggling. Frostwind fell limp, and her eyes close. Darkthorn let go. Frostwind stopped breathing.

*I killed her!* Darkthorn thought in triumph.

More fighting exploded through the clearing after every cat had realized Frostwind was dead. Suddenly, Thistleleaf, Pinesmoke, and Stormheart all pounced on Darkthorn. Pinesmoke jumped on her back, sinking his teeth into the back of her neck. Stormheart and Thistleleaf tore at Darkthorn's shoulders. Darkthorn roared in rage as she reared on her hind paws, falling down on her back and crushing the Oakclan tom.

Darkthorn swung at Thistleleaf's face, completely clawing his eye. Thistleleaf gave a small shriek and backed down, shaking droplets of blood from his face. Darkthorn stood up, ducking under Stormheart's furious blow. Darkthorn ripped his shoulder and shoved him into Pinesmoke, who collapsed again.

"You haven't won yet!" A voice from behind yelled. Darkthorn spun around snarling.

Frostwind was back on her feet, panting. "But~~---~~how~~---~~I killed you!" Darkthorn growled in disbelief. Frostwind gave a her a wide smile. "I went to the moonpool yesterday," she explained, "and Starclan granted me my nine lives. You got to take eight more away if you want me to die." Darkthorn snarled, "I'll do just that."

Frostwind staggered forward, baring her teeth and getting into a weak stance. Before Darkthorn could pounce, Stormheart was clawing at Darkthorn's left flank. Distracted, Darkthorn swiped at the CreekClan tom, before being clawed in the right flank by Pinesmoke. Thistleleaf pulled her tail from behind, ignoring the pain in his burning eye. Frostwind jumped at her, clawing near Darkthorn's eye. Darkthorn reared on her hind paws again, only to be knocked down by Pinesmoke. Darkthorn bit Stormheart's back paw as he turned around. She didn't let go of his paw, no matter how many times he shook. She got up and swung him at Frostwind, who surprisingly held her ground after Stormheart was thrown at her.

Darkthorn ducked under Pinesmoke as he jumped at her. Darkthorn turned on him and snapped at his neck. She shut her jaws tightly around the left side of his neck, drawing more and more blood. Pinesmoke screeched as he struggled. Frostwind batted at Darkthorn's face. Darkthorn let go of Pinesmoke and quickly snapped Frostwind's left ear. Stormheart and Thistleleaf attacked both her shoulders, making Darkthorn snarl in rage.

*I will win!* Darkthorn wanted to scream as she slipped away from the toms. She stood still and gasped. Her shoulders and back had both been severely wounded. But she wouldn't give up now. *Shadow, give me the strength to get rid of them!*

A quiet voice brushed her ears; it was Shadow. *You have failed all of us Dark Forest cats,* Shadow hissed. *You were suppose to lead us to victory, not kill us and drive yourself mad. I did the same thing and realized my mistake. I thought maybe you would have more control over yourself and your actions, but I was wrong. You are a failure and a fool. I want nothing to do with you anymore.*

"I'll show you!" Darkthorn screamed at the sky. The four cats stared at Darkthorn, as if waiting for her to attack.

Darkthorn charged at Frostwind, gripping her throat tightly with her teeth and dragging her down to the dirt. Frostwind clawed Darkthorn's nose and she rolled away as the black she-cat let go. Thistleleaf grabbed her hind leg and pulled it while Pinesmoke took her other hind leg and pulled it. Darkthorn fell on her stomach and grunted. She twisted her body so her back was to the ground. She kicked both her legs, smacking both the toms. Darkthorn reared on her hind legs and snarled. Darkthorn was about to slam down as she saw the fear in Thistleleaf's eyes. But she was stopped by Frostwind, who knocked her over.

"Enough of this!" Frostwind yelled. She raked her claws down Darkthorn's stomach, leaving the blood to paint her underbelly.

Darkthorn gasped, her eyes widening. Instead of screaming, she started to laugh in pain. Frostwind stared at her with round eyes. "You're laughing...!" Frostwind growled in disbelief.

Darkthorn curled up with tears falling down her face. The pain was burning as she lay in her own pool of blood. The world became silent for Darkthorn, as she slowly faded into death. The pain was excruciating, but somehow, she was still able to laugh. "I'll... come back... again!" Darkthorn said in short breaths. "Just you... wait," she growled. Blood steadily creeped up her throat and she gagged.

"Darkthorn is dead!" Someone yowled. All the Dark Forest cats retreated, for they were now outnumbered by the clan cats. Dead cats were scattered across the ThornClan camp. The only remaining Dark Forest cat that was still breathing was Darkthorn.

The cats gathered around Darkthorn, some glaring at her while others had to look away.

"Kill her," Stormheart growled into Frostwind's ear. Frostwind hesitated for a moment, deciding if she should kill her or let her suffer.

Frostwind slowly approached Darkthorn. Darkthorn didn't lift her head, but she lifted her eyes. Her gaze burned into Frostwind's.

"You can't get... rid... of... me," Darkthorn gasped.

Frostwind clamped her jaws tightly around Darkthorn's throat. Frostwind twisted her head. Darkthorn could feel in her neck, the bones beginning to turn.

In a second, the loud snap of bones echoed throughout the forest. Everything went black for Darkthorn. But for the clan cats, they saw an evil monster, finally dead at their paws with her blood lapping at them. Her glazed eyes and the river of blood relieved every cat, knowing that they would no longer be threatened by Darkthorn.

"From now on, we go back to living our lives like we should," Frostwind announced. "The prophecy was true. Us four knew we had to kill Darkthorn. And now, we have."

"Should we bury her?" Stormheart asked.

"No," Frostwind said firmly. "Take her body out of the camp and let her rot. Let the crows devour what is left. She would have done the same if I died." The cats dragged Darkthorn's body behind the leader's den and left her resting up against a tree stump. A trail of blood followed right to her body.

A crow landed on her and screeched. It never ate the remains, but only perched on her head. It screamed at the cats who ignored it. The prophecy was not entirely fulfilled, for the remains of Darkthorn were not buried like they should have been. But the day would come for Darkthorn, for when she would finally reach out to others, and get her revenge.

***~The End~***

Go check out The Hidden Storm and Finding Hope by **ShatteredXFeather!**

Go check out my other story about dogs, Howls At Dawn! And check out my newer story on how my clans started. It is called Rising Clans!

Go check out my sister's stories, ~ Azure's Loss ~ and Born to Slaughter!