Burned Ashes

## **Prologue:**

Owl whisked his tail as he raised his head and looked up at the sky, watching the stars as they ever so slightly sparkled in the night. He watched closely as one star in particular shot across the sky. His ear twitched, and he grew stiff as a voice bellowed in his mind.

*Darkness in coming. And you must stop it before the first rain. The first rain?* He echoed silently. He titled his head. The first rain has only a few weeks away. Confused, he rose silently to his paws, turned around, and trotted back into the cave, careful not to wake any of the others as he walked over to his nest, which was besides Sunlight. Before he could reach his nest, paws sounded behind him. Before he could turn to see who it was, a set of paws slammed into his side, forcing him sideways. Shock pulsed his heart as he was knocked off his paws. He grunted, hitting the ground with a thud. Before he could get up, he felt claws dig into his fur. in panic, he lashed out a paw, claws out. Put he did not meet his target, to his very dismay. The claws dug harder as he fought. He lashed out again. This time he felt his claws met something. His enemy yowled. But did not let go. He squirmed more, but did not get anywhere. Then the cat spoke.

"Owl, stop!" Owl froze. *it knows my name!.* he thought in horror. This time, paws shook him.

"Wake up!" the voice sounded again. With a nip at his shoulder, he jerked awake, panting. Looking up, he saw the white glow of Star's pelt against the dim light. He sighed, fur rippling on his spine.

"Gosh Star, you scared me." Star didn't seem to acknowledge his words, for she was staring at the wall with hard eyes. After a moment of silence, she spoke again.

"Sunlight," She muttered. "Sunlight and the rest of the patrol are waiting for you, father." With a jolt, he remembered his conversation with Sunlight last night. She had wanted Owl to lead the hunting patrol the next day at dawn. And with a glance at the cave entrance, it was way past dawn. He sighed, and looked up at his daughter.

"Tell Sunlight I'll be there in a moment." He said. The white she-cat dipped her head, and turned around, tail whipping side to side, and walked over to Sunlight, who too was lashing her tail in annoyance. Owl groaned, watching for a brief moment as Star informed Sunlight of what her had said. Lowering his head to his paws, letting the memories of his dream flood his head.

## Chapter 1:

Star stretched, yawning as Sunlight stormed over to Owl, fur on end. Suddenly bored, she gazed around the cave, her gaze falling on an empty prey pile. *It needs to be stocked up.* After a moment, she jumped to her paws, and shook her pelt, feeling the heaviness of the rain water drain of her fur. Then she stopped. *Should I let Sunlight deal with the hunting?* She glanced over to the thin she-cat, who was standing nose to nose with her Owl, ear flat. Both cats looked like they wanted to pounce on each other. Star's whiskers twitched in amusement. *I'm going to take that as a no.* With a whisk of her tail, she turned, and headed for the cave entrance. As she walked out into the open, she spotted her two sister, Breeze and Swan gazing at the falling snow in awe, as if they had never seen snow before in their lives. With a tilt of her head, Star walked up to the two of them. She couldn't help but grimace when her paw pads meet the snow. But she ignored it and met Breeze's slightly annoyed gaze when she looked at Star.

"Want to go hunting?" She asked, halting between her sisters. Swan's head shot up, eyes glittering with excitement.

"Anytime!" She squealed. "I've been wanting to do that ever since I woke up," She paused, and flicked her ear. "But Sunlight has been yowling her head off ever since dawn about Father leading the patrol." Swan glanced at Breeze with a sideways glancing, whiskers twitching. "And trying to get Breeze to hunt with me didn't work. She just wanted to watch the snow fall." Breeze bristled. "I mean it's the snow!" She hissed. "Might as well watch it while we can, knowing how much of a slow hunter you are. Probably by the time you actually caught something the snow would have stopped falling." It was Swan's turn to get angry.

"Now wait just a minute," She snapped, ears flat. "It's not my fault! I have short legs."

"Short legs but big mouth." Breeze muttered under her breath. Swan lashed her tail, about to retort, but was interrupted when Star stepped forward, placing herself between her sisters."

"Hey, hey! Let's settle down." Star glanced sternly at Breeze. "We don't need to get worked up of hunting skills. Let's just focus on enjoying the hunt, okay?" Breeze flicked her ear, and lashed her tail.

"*Fine."* She grumbled. Without another word, the blue-grey she-cat turned and marched up the slope, tail raised and head held high. Star watched her leave. Once her sister left, Swan turned to Star.

"So, where should we start?" Star barely heard her, as her attention moved to a squirrel that shot out between Swan's paws. Swan's head flashed towards the direction of the squirrel, jumping slightly as the squirrel ran over her paws. With a yowl, Swan surged forward, taking off after the small critter. Star purred with amusement as she watched Swan slip and slide across the ice covered stone, while the squirrel seemed to have no problem getting around. Star stepped forward.

"Need any help?" She asked her sister teasingly. "I can catch it for ----"

"NOOOOOO!" Swan shrieked, fur bristling and teeth bared. "I *will* catch that squirrel! I don't need you or anyone else catching my prey!" With that, Swan continued to skid across the ice, cursing under her breath as she tried to catch up with her target. Star couldn't help but grin. Not only with amusement, but with approval of how determined her sister could be. As much as she wanted to continue watching Swan, Star had to catch something herself. Slowly, she got to her paws, and glanced around, looking for any signs of wildlife. After a moment looking and not finding anything, Star padded quickly padded up the slope where Breeze had disappeared awhile ago. She saw her sister grappling with a snow owl. Before she could join the blue she-cat in her hunt, Swan let out a wail of horror.

"Star!" She shrieked. "Hawk!" Star jerked around to face her sister, but was forced to look up towards the sky, spotting to bird that was swooping down at her. Star bared her fangs, and crouched down as the hawk continued to approach her. The wind tore at her fur as the Hawk flapped it's wings heavily. Fear overcame Star, and she froze. Usually Star wasn't afraid of the mountain life. But the only thing she *was* afraid of was the large birds. The sound of an approaching cat rang in her ears at the last second, and she flinched as Breeze flew past her. She watched in horror as the blue-grey launched herself into the sky, lunging towards the hawk. Turning it's attention away from Star, the hawk focused on Breeze. But before it could react, Breeze had her fangs locked on it's left leg, and she thrust her front paws forward, flashing at the hawk's chest with determination. The hawk let out a squawk, flaring it's wings and flying back into the air with the added weight of the Cave-Guard. In that moment, Star broke out her state of shock, and let out a scream.

"BREEZE, NO!" Next to her, Swan paced the clearing, tail bushed out as she stared at the sky, stared at her sister who still had a grip on the bird's leg. Breeze glanced down at the two of them, before she released her grip on the hawk's leg, and quickly grabbed hold of it's right wing, and slowly hauled herself onto the bird's back. Not a second later, the blue-grey she-cat lunged forward, clamping her jaws shut on it's next, and twisting her head. The hawk's wings caved in as blood splattered against Breeze's chest. It didn't take long for panic to flood Breeze's eyes as she and the bird started to fall. Star tensed, eyes wide as she watched her sister fall. Then she bunched her shoulders, ready to help if needed. But Breeze seemed to know what she was doing for, she dung her claws into the back of the bird, and pressed against it. A moment later they hit the ground with a thud, and Breeze let a loud grunt as she rolled off the hawk and onto a patch a grass. Star and Swan rushed forward, surrounding the she-cat.

"Are you okay?" Swan burst out, brows bunched up with worry." Breeze lifted her head slowly.

"Yeah, I'm alright." She said, a slight bit of pain in her voice. She took a breath before rising to her paws. Star stepped forward, and pressed up against her sister's side. Breeze glanced at her, and nodded. She then walked forward and grabbed the hawk.

"Help me get this back to the cave." She mewed through a mouthful of feather. Star flicked her tail, and nodded, grabbing the other wing, while Swan closed her jaws around it's neck. Once they all had a tight grip on the bird, the three cats hauled it back to the tribe.

## Chapter 2:

Breeze flopped down on the cold stone and let out a tired sigh as she watched the Tribe gather around the hawk she caught. Her bones still ached from the fall, and never in her life had it felt so good to be able to relax. Pretty soon she had to relieve Fire from his shift and take over keeping watch for trouble, and to be honest, she wasn't looking forward. *Best enjoy my free time while I can for today.* She thought bitterly. With her eyes closed, she listened to her tribemates moving around rather quickly, and she opened her eyes, more annoyed. Pine, Sunlight, and Fire were gathered around Owl, who was speaking to them in a worried voice, eyes darting towards the cave entrance.

## Chapter 3:

Tail lashing, Star stalked down High-cliff and headed outside and into the morning sun. Climbing up a hill, she marched over to one over to one of Stoneteller's main resting places. She lowed her muzzle at sniffed at the flatted grass in front of her paws. She quickly picked up Stoneteller's scent. Even though it was stale, she could detect the smell of fear. Star's hackles rose. She sniffed harder for an intruder, but smelled nothing but Stoneteller and the strong scent of wild garlic. She grunted, rubbing her paws against her nose. Her eyes burned, and the wild garlic smelled filled her nose. irritated, she made to turn around and had back but the rustle of grass behind her made her freeze. Panic rose inside her, but she did not run. Slowly she turned her head and looked behind her and the thin grassy stalks. She saw no sign of movement. *It must just be my imagination getting the best of me again.* With a grunt, she turned and padded out the hollow. At the same time, the rustling was louder, and paws met her shoulder. With a yelp, she tumbled across the clearing. *What in the world!.* She whipped her head around and caught sight of white fur. *Wind!* Her hackles rose again as she got up and glared at Wind.

"What you doing here?!". she spat, eyes narrowed.

"Doing the same thing you are doing". Wind replied, sounding amused. Star huffed in anger.

"That doesn't mean you have to scare me like that". Star mewed, turning tail and walking out the hollow. Wind followed, falling in beside her. every so often he would glance her like he wanted to say something, but he remained quiet as they entered the cave. She reluctantly left Wind's side and dashed over to High-cliff. She quietly climbed up it and gave a soft call. she watched as the cats gathered around High-cliff and watched her nervously. Then she spoke.

"Has anyone found any sign of Stoneteller yet". There was no response. After a few heart-beats, Owl rose two his paws

"No one has seen him yet, but I have smelled his scent over by the hollow at dawn. There was also the reek of wild garlic too". Star grunted softly, irritated.

"I've been to that place too. And I want a patrol to go down to that area and investigate some more.... Owl, Amber, Sunlight, Fire, and Leaf"

As soon as they said their names, they jumped to their paws and raced outside. Star watched them as she joined her Tribemates. She made eye contact with Wind as he padded up to her.

"Do you think they'll find him?" He asked her. Star hesitated.

"I hope they do. But if they don't, I don't know what's going to happen." She flicked her ear nervously, turning to stare out at the snowfall.

## Chapter 4:

Breeze watched the tribe sadly as they moved away from High-cliff and went to different areas. *Oh Stoneteller, where are you.* She headed across the clearing and headed over to Star, who had her shoulders hunched.

"Hi Star". She mewed.

"i'm sorry about our fight".

"Oh no, Breeze!". Star exclaimed.

"It's alright!. I understand that the tribe is worried about Stoneteller. I just hope we can cope until he comes back". Breeze could not help but to agree with Star. *But will we be able to cope?.* She thought as she sat down close to Star, who was now rested her head on her paws. *And if we are to survive the first rain, we need to stop this darkness.* Breeze glanced at Star.

"Should i take out a patrol?". Star shook her head.

"No, Amber and the others should be back soon. She glanced back behind Breeze and at the cloudy sky.

"I just hope the find him soon. Stoneteller has never been gone for so long". Breeze followed her gaze slowly. She flicked her tail. *Stoneteller is out there somewhere. I know it.* She thought. *I think i am going to help the others on their search.* she trotted out the cave and followed the patrols scent. heading past the meadow, she turned sharply to the left when the trail ended. confusion bolted in her. she lifted her head, starting to get uneasy. *where are they.* panic rose inside her. Just as she was about to turn around and head back, fangs dug deep into her neck. Pain shot though Breeze. With a squeal, she struggled to fight of her attacker, but it was too strong. Then a paw slammed hard against her head, causing her world to spin. Her paws buckled before she fell to the ground. Pain washed over her, but she forced her eyes to stay open. In her blurred vision, she could just make out to bloody gray paws, and she saw a flash of blue eyes. *Stoneteller?.* She thought. *Please, don't.* But she watched as a paw came crashing down on her neck before falling in complete darkness.

## Chapter 5:

Star woke up with a jolt. She leaped to her paws, heart pounding. Her back fur bristled along her spine like flames. She glared around the area until she was sure there was no threat.

"Star, Star!" Wind's voice calmed her, but her fur didn't fall flat.

"Star, are you alright?" this time Feather spoke. Star soon came aware that every cat was staring at her.

"Something happened". she finally rasped. She glanced around.

"Has the patrol returned yet?".

"No, they have not". Swan muttered. Star barely heard her. Her mind raced, and her vision blurred. Swaying on her paws, she numbly turned and dashed out into the snow. *I don't know whats happening! First the prophecy, Stoneteller's gone, and now this! I don't know what to do!.* She bit back a wail. She didn't know how far she had run. But she knew she was way past the border. she glanced at the hills ahead of her, debating weather or not she should continue on, or head back. *I could just leave. Have sometime to think. But then the tribe needs me.* she shook her head. *I should just leave.* She began to head forward. but after two paw-steps she couldn't bring herself to go any further, and she whipped around and charged back the way she came.

As she walked back, she looked at the undergrowth, hoping to catch sight of Stoneteller. She then stopped to sniff at a bush. Her thoughts wandered. *Maybe the patrol has returned. Maybe Stoneteller is back and safe.* The thought comforted her. Leaving the bush, she headed towards the cliff that led to the cave. But a groan in the bush next to her made her freeze. Slowly she turned and headed to the bush. Once she was a mouse-tail away, the strong scent of blood hit her nose, making it so she could only use her ears. She raised her chin, tying to act confident even though she really wasn't. She walked up to the bush, and sniffed the air once more before and she stepped forward and behind the bush, and just to find something she'd never have expected to see. Star found herself staring at a bloody body. Then under it, she spotted the Breeze's blue-gray fur. *Breeze, no.* Star felt sick. Who would want to kill her sister? Bile rose in her throat as she looked at the blood, which now staining her own paws. Star shuddered, before stepping forward, and digging her teeth into Breeze's scruff and dragging her backward. But a low snarl behind her made her stop in her tracks. Slowly, she let go of Breeze, and turned around, finding herself face to face with a gray and white tom, who's face was covered in mud. Suddenly nervous, angry, and scared, Star's mouth quivered as she drew her fangs into a furious snarl. She glared at the tom.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here!" She spat. The tom flicked his tail from side to side, watching Star with narrowed eyes. "Who are you?" Star repeated, ears laid back against her head, tail bushed out. The cat met her gaze with cold eyes.

"You know very much who I am, Star." Star froze for a second, now more confused then ever. *How does he know my -- wait...*

"Stoneteller?" She gasped in horror. But he didn't respond. Star watched as he sprang at her, claws out. Panic began to rise in her chest and she batted his muzzle and neck, causing him to stumble with a hiss. Anger washed over her once more, and with a low snarl, Star leapt at him, landing on his back and digging her claws into his shoulders. But to her dismay, he was much stronger than she. With one violent shake, her shook her off. Star landed on her back, and automatically struggled to get up and face Stoneteller once more. But she wasn't quick enough. The next second, Stoneteller had his claws at her throat, slashing through her fur and into her skin. Pain seared though her body, and she let a hiss of rage before falling back again. The pain was overwhelming, and she no longer had the energy to fight. As she watched Stoneteller raise his already bloody paw, pictures of her family flashed in her mind. *Star, Breeze, and Swan watching the sun rise over the mountains. Pine leading her kits around the cave, her father walking in the cave proudly after a successful hunt.* She groaned. *I love you all..."* Stoneteller's paw came flying down, and Star then was greeted by darkness.

## Chapter 6:

Swan paced around the cave, fur prickling. *Where was the patrol?* She waited for several minutes, although they seemed like moons. Finally, paw-steps sounded at the mouth of the cave. She looked up, ears pricked and expecting to see Star and Breeze and all the others. But her hopes were quickly crushed as she saw the two limp bodies the patrol were carrying. The rest of the Tribe clustered around them, firing questions.

"What happened?"

"Why are they dead?"

"Who killed them?"

"Where's Stoneteller?"

The head of the patrol, Owl, raised his tail for silence.

"We will explain, but you must stop crowding us. But first, we must bury our fallen Tribemates before their bodies get cold." The Tribe fell silent, heads bowed for a brief moment, taking in all that happening. Swan felt as if her paws were frozen to the cave floor. *Star and Breeze were dead? No! How can they be?* She swayed on her paws, and she flinched as a cat pressed up against her. She recognized Squirrel's scent. He glanced at her, green eyes filled with concern.

"Would you like to help spread the herbs onto them?" Still numb with shock, Swan nodded.

"They were my sisters," she whispered. "Why did the Tribe Of Endless Hunting have to take them?" Squirrel nodded his head solemnly.

"I'm sure they're watching over the Tribe in peace. Come, we will gather the herbs." As she followed Squirrel to the gathered cats, Swan saw her mother, Pine, licking her sisters' fur and positioning them to look as if they were sleeping. Swan paused, staring at the limp bodies. *Why did the have to die?* She breathed deeply, head bowed for a second, before she continued on, gathering the herbs and helping Pine apply them to Breeze and Star's bodies, washing away the scent of death. They each took a body, and carried them out of the cave as a patrol dug two holes. They gently placed them down and stood back as Owl approached, standing over his daughters' graves. After a moment of silence, Owl raised his head.

"You have taken two fine cats this night," he yowled. "But their spirits will live on as long as the Tribe stands. Grief is strong, but love is stronger and we now know the stars have only become wiser." After he finished, he nodded his head and the cats scraped earth over the bodies. Swan watched them sadly, tail trooping. *Goodbye, Breeze and Star. I will be a better cat because of you and for you. Thank you for influencing me as you have.*

Swan padded numbly into the cave, flanked by Squirrel and Pine. She and the rest of the Tribe slowly gathered around Owl, who was sitting in front of the high-ledge.

"I will now explain," He began grimly, eyes dark with grief and anger. "We were looking for Stoneteller, and as we approached the bushes on the west side of our territory, we smelled blood. Lots of it. We found Breeze's body, and she had no wounds except for one to the neck. That was the same with Star. But we know who killed them, for we found his fur in the blood." Everyone looked around uneasily, exchanging nervous glances before gazing back up at Owl who was now perched upon Stoneteller's ledge.

"I wish I could say a different name, but I cannot. It was Stoneteller." Silence gripped the crowd, before once was silence was commotion The crowd of cats let out small gasps of surprise and anger. Pine wrapped her tail around her kits, gazing wide-eyed up at Owl as he continued. Swan stared at her father in horror. But by judging her father's expression, he was serious. She started to tremble, and tears welled in her eyes. *It can't be true! It's not true! Stoneteller would never!* As much as she didn't want to believe it, she knew it was the truth. Stoneteller took the lives of her beloved sisters.

"We found his fur in their claws too. I do not know why he did it," He paused, looking down and flexing his claws. "But what's done is done. Now we must choose a new Stoneteller. The cats were silent, but Pine spoke up.

"I think you should be the new Stoneteller. Not just because you did this, not because you're my mate, because you have saved *all* of us so many times in the past. You have the courage of a leader, Owl." The cats below murmured their agreement. Owl actually looked flustered for once, Swan thought, but he quickly rid of it.

"Very well. I will talk to our ancestors tonight to receive their approval. For now, all cats are dismissed.

Swan padded out of her nest. Even though was night, she couldn't bring herself sleep. Too much had happened last night. It was extremely dark, and she carefully wove between nests, trying not to step on any stray paws or tails. Positive that no one was awake, she walked down the path out of the waterfall, and sat down on the rocky ledge. Breathing deeply, Swan looked up at the stars. *Is the Tribe Of Endless Hunting going to accept Owl as our new leader? Who will lead us if they don't?* She whisked her tail. Of course they would! They had no reason not to. But with all that had happened, doubt was a common feeling.

"Hey, Swan." She jumped at the voice behind her. She whipped around to see Squirrel standing behind her, his green eyes catching the starlight.

"Oh, hi Squirrel. You startled me!" Squirrel purred in amusement. "Sorry." He sat down next to her and looked up at the stars. "You know they're going to accept Owl, right?" Swan couldn't help but gasp. *How did he know what I was thinking?* Then she sighed sadly.

"I know," She paused. "I just...so much has gone on recently. Star and Breeze were murdered by Stoneteller, he ran away, and we still have no clue what the prophecy means. It's so frustrating!" she yowled. She snapped a twig with her paws. She stopped, paw raised. She could feel Squirrel staring at her. "Sorry..." she muttered. Squirrel shook his head.

"No need to apologize," he meowed. "I'm just as frustrated as you are. But I'm better at hiding it!" he purred. Swan flicked him with her tail

"Hey!" She sighed. "I just don't know if things will be the same without my sisters. None of my kin is alive, except my mother. And her new litter of kits are too young to understand. I don't have anyone." After a moment of silence, Squirrel gazed at her, his green eyes locked with hers.

"You have me," he murmured. "Day or night, green-leaf or leaf-bare, I'll be here for you." Swan's ginger and brown pelt prickled. She felt hot with embarrassment. She laid her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you," she murmured. Before she could stop it, she purred and their tails twined. *I have my mother, but now I also have Squirrel. Everything will be alright. At least I hope so...*

## Chapter 7:

Stoneteller padded to the river. He couldn't believe what he'd just done. He'd killed two fine cats of his Tribe. No---his former Tribe. He was no longer their leader. A new cat was. He didn't know who, but he couldn't go back there. Not after what he did. They had probably told everyone what he did. They didn't know why though. He had a reason. But that didn't mean he wanted to kill Star and Breeze. They could have lived many, many seasons more, brought new kits into the world, been by their kin's deathbed, and lived long and happy. But no. He took away that chance. Stoneteller dipped his paws in the river, washing the blood away. The water turned a faint red. *That's how much blood I've taken from their bodies...* He shook his head. *No. You had to kill them because of the prophecy. You did what was right.* But the other voice spoke differently. *You took the lives of two young she-cats because of a stupid prophecy. You could have just simply run away and* not *have killed them. But no. You're a murderer.* He sighed. *How do I know if that was the right thing to do?*

Stoneteller was growing tired. He had walked for days. He needed to escape Tribe territories. But there had been no shelter anywhere. Stoneteller sat down to take a breath, then heard a voice behind him.

"Tired?"

He gasped.

"Who are you?" Stoneteller meowed, narrowing his eyes. The tom shrugged.

"Just a cat like you." Stoneteller scoffed.

"Obviously. What's your name? I haven't seen you around here." The cat sat down.

"My name is Hawk," he mewed. Stoneteller nodded.

"If you want," Hawk continued. "I can take you back to where I live. We have plenty of places to rest and eat," the gray and white said. After a hesitant second, Stoneteller accepted.

"How far is it?" he asked.

"Not too terribly far," Hawk reassured him.

After they had walked a while, Hawk led him through hanging willow branches near a river. Hawk glanced at him over his shoulder.

"This is...oh I never asked your name." Stoneteller purred.

"My name is Stoneteller." Hawk tipped his head.

"That's an interesting name. Where are you from?" Stoneteller paused. *Should I tell him? Yes, it's fine. I'm far away now from the Tribe, anyways.* "I'm from the mountains," he replied.

"Wow." Then he called out, "Briar, Sun! Rocky! We have a new cat here." Three cats padded out from brambles and bushes. A white she-cat narrowed her amber eyes.

"Who is he?" she asked. "He doesn't smell like a rogue." A small brown she-cat padded out from behind her, and a bulky dark gray tom.

"This is Stoneteller. He comes from the mountains far away." The dark gray tom gasped.

"Cool!" The white she-cat flicked him with her tail.

"Quiet, Rocky. Let's make Stoneteller welcome. And Sun, don't be so hostile," Hawk scolded the white she-cat. He turned to Stoneteller.

"Sorry, that's my mate, Sun. She's a bit hostile. And those are our kits, Briar and Rocky." The dark brown she-cat peeked out from behind her mother.

"Are you going to hurt us?" Stoneteller looked surprised.

"No, of course not." *Really?* He thought. *Says the cat that just killed two of his Tribemates.* Hawk interrupted.

"Why don't we all get some fresh-kill, and then Stoneteller can rest. You don't mind right?" he asked. Stoneteller shook his head.

"No, of course not." Hawk led him over to the fresh-kill pile. Sun was still glaring at him, distrust in her eyes. They all seemed to trust him except Sun. *But would they trust me if I told them what I did?*

## Chapter 8:

Swan padded into the gloom of the cave with her mother. Pine was flicking her tail from side to side, clearly on edge. Her mother has been a wreck over since the deaths of Star and Breeze. The whole tribe was a wreck, stilling mourning their fallen tribemates. If anything, her father was hit the hardest. He'd always tell her and Pine that it was his dream to become Stoneteller. But who would imagine that you'd lose two of you're kits before being promoted to Stoneteller. Swan couldn't imagine. The only thing she knew is that Star and Breeze should still be among them at this moment. Swan's tail fur bushed out. *But they aren't, thanks to the old Stoneteller.* She thought bitterly. Swan couldn't help but snarl, feeling tears willing in her eyes. And the hardest part of it was, is that if Star were here, she'd knew how to cheer Swan and the rest of the tribe up in a heartbeat. That's what everyone liked about her. *Well, everyone expect for her murderer.* Her thoughts were interrupted when Squirrel approached her. She straightened her posture, giving her chest fur a few nervous licks as he sat down beside her.

## Chapter 9:

Star spat out earth, wet soil spilling from her jaws. She let out a loud gasp, struggling to breath. Where was she? She was scared, but told herself not to panic. *It'll only use up your air,* her mother had once told her. She took a deep breath, and started digging what she believed was upwards. Her neck ached, and she had a few scratches that stung, but she kept digging and she finally poked a paw out of the ground. Star pushed herself up, clawing at the dirt as she did so, and took many deep breaths as she managed to get her head above the dirt and stones. *It feels so good to finally be able to breathe again! And now I can go back to the Tribe!* Taking a deep breath, Star got to her paws and headed in the direction of the cave. She noticed that she and Breeze were buried not far from the cave. She came to a halt, hesitating to go in. What was she waiting for? *But what if they don't want to see me? I don't even know how long I've been unconscious. My kin may be dead already, and Swan too. Wind may have already found a new mate. Stoneteller might deny he tried to kill me, if he's even back.* But she pushed her paws to move forward and padded into the cave. As she entered, heads turned in her direction.

"Star!"

A flurry of cats rushed towards her. Star jumped in surprise, fur bristling slightly as her eyes adjusted to the gloom of the cave. But she regained her cool when she recognized the pelts of her Tribemates. She could see Swan! And Wind! And Pine! Then she sighed with sadness. *Too bad Breeze couldn't be here too...* she thought heavily. Pine, Squirrel, Sunlight, and Wind surrounded her.

"Are you okay?

"We thought you were dead!"

"How are you even *alive?"*

"Why did Stoneteller try to kill you?"

Suddenly, Owl padded up and signaled with his tail to clear the cats. Several cats grumbled.

"Yes, Stoneteller..." they muttered. *Stoneteller?* Star thought. *Is my father Stoneteller now?* Pride swelled up in her chest. *He's Stoneteller!* She smiled.

"Hello, father." Stoneteller dipped his head, emotion filling his eyes. He was quite good at keeping his emotions inside his head, and not letting them leak out of his eyes or onto his face. He was truly happy Star was back. Star broke into a purr and pressed against her father. Stoneteller's deep purr rumbled in his chest, licking his daughter's head.

"I'm glad you're back Star. Why don't you go wash yourself off and then you can explain what happened? I'm not blaming you, no. But you can explain better what happened then I can." Star dipped her head. She started to clean, wrinkling her nose at the smell of musty dirt all over her.

"Star!" She heard a familiar voice. She looked up, and smiled tiredly.

"Swan!" Star purred, and trotted up to her sister. She noticed Squirrel standing nearby, gazing at Swan with affection.

"I'm so glad you're back. We...we thought you were dead," Swan swallowed. Star smiled.

"It'll take more than a raggedy old cat to take me down." she replied. Swan gave a small smile, before glancing at Squirrel.

"Come on, you can come and say hi too." she giggled, eyes shining with affection. Squirrel padded up and dipped his head.

"Hello, Star. We're glad you're back." Star nodded.

"It's good to be back." She replied. Swan purred and burst out, eyes filled with something that Star rarely saw in her expression. Love.

"Squirrel is my mate now! I'm expecting his kits!" Star's heart leaped with joy. At the same time, she felt a twinge of sadness. *I wish this could be me and Wind.* Star shook her head. *No. I'm not going to let my fantasies ruin Swan's day.*

"Congratulations! Did you tell Pine?" Swan shook her head.

"Not yet. Should we now?" Star nodded again, glancing over at her mother, who has talking to her younger sister, Glimmer.

"Okay! See you later, Star!" She and Squirrel padded off, tails twined. As Star finished grooming herself, and heard the yowl of joy from Pine. She rose to her paws, and padded towards the back of the cave, searching for Wind. At last she saw him. She walked nervously over to him.

"Star!" He exclaimed, with a purr. He pushed his head into her shoulder. Star's pelt prickled with embarrassment, and happiness. Even though she tried not to, she couldn't help herself from purring.

"Yep! How long...was I unconscious for?" Wind's eyes darkened.

"A...about a half moon." Star widened her eyes. "Really?" Wind nodded uncomfortably. "Shadow...he...died too. He wasn't killed by Stoneteller, though. He died of age." Star gasped.

"That's horrible! And I wasn't even there to honor him!" Wind shook his head violently.

"Shadow would have understood," he mewed. "You were unconscious. It's Stoneteller's fault, not yours." Star bristled.

"He doesn't even deserve to be called Stoneteller anymore," she snapped. With that, she whisked her tail and padded off to the *real* Stoneteller. As she approached him, her stomach lurched. What would he say?

"Father?" she asked nervously. Stoneteller turned around.

"Yes, Star?" Star took a deep breath. "Should we even call him Stoneteller anymore? I don't know what his name was before...but you're Stoneteller now. There can't be two." Stoneteller looked thoughtful.

"Let's talk about it. Come up onto the Stone Ledge. We'll talk about it. But you still need to tell everyone...what exactly happened." Star nodded. She neatly leaped up onto the ledge, with her father behind her.

"All cats old enough to leap from peak to peak gather beneath the Stone Ledge for a Tribe meeting!" Stoneteller's call rang out across the cave, echoing off the walls. The cats sat in a bundle below, their eyes wide as they gazed up at Stoneteller and Star.

"Star has something to say," Stoneteller began. He nodded to Star. Star hesitated, looking down at her tribemates, who looked back at her with wide eyes. She breathed deeply, before raising her chin, suddenly feeling confident.

"We should no longer call our previous Stoneteller his honorable name anymore. He murdered his Clanmate, my sister. We shall now call him his name before." She stepped back. Her father nodded.

"I agree with Star. All in favor?" The cats below murmured and nodded. "Then we will no longer refer to him as Stoneteller. We will now call him Storm! But now, Star, please, tell us what happened. Our patrols must be aware what tactics he may use." Star nodded.

"When I woke up a half moon ago, I felt something was wrong. I ran out of the cave, and I ran really far. That's...that's when I saw Breeze's body." She flinched, pictures of her sister's dead body on the cold grey stone in a pool of blood. Paws shaking, Star continued. "I started to take her back to the cave, and Stone---er, Storm saw me. He started to attack me...and then...he tried to kill me..." Star's voice shook. "I don't remember anything else. When he attacked me, he wasn't violent per say. He just clung on with his claws until..." Star stopped. "I don't remember anything else." Stoneteller nodded.

"Thank you, Star. We will look out for Storm in the future." Star nodded and leaped down the rock, where she was greeted by Wind.

"You did well. I know it's hard, talking about things like that." Star grimaced.

"It is. Thank you, though." She leaned her head against his shoulder. Wind stiffened for a moment, then relaxed. "Let's listen to see if there is anything else Stoneteller needs to say," Star meowed.

## Chapter 10:

Storm yawned. He stood up arched his back, giving it a nice, long stretch. He padded from the shade of the rocks to the little fresh-kill pile. He'd taught Hawk, Briar, and Sun the ways of the Tribe. Sun was warming up to him, but she was still quite wary of him. She never left Briar or Rocky with him alone, although they were nearly to-be age. He picked a plump vole off the pile and settled down to eat it. As he was eating, he saw brown flash at the edge of his vision. He looked to the left where he had seen it; nothing there. He was about to take another bite, when he realized it wasn't there.

"What the---" Storm looked back to the right, and saw Briar attempting to creep off with the vole. "Er, Briar? That was my vole...?" Briar froze. She sighed and padded back to him.

"I'm sorry. We know nothing other than to steal." Storm nodded, sympathy in his eyes.

"I understand." Briar was about to drop the vole when a yowl rang out.

"Are you taking my daughter's food?" hissed Sun. She seemingly teleported out of nowhere and batted Storm away with outstretched claws.

"Mother, he wasn't---" Briar started, but stopped when Sun glared at her with fiery eyes.

"Silence!" She snapped, before turning on Stoneteller. "How dare you! Hawk must be feather-brained to accept a cat who steals prey out of others' mouths like that! I will not tolerate it!" Storm took a breath and forced himself to be calm.

"Sun, I did not steal her prey. She and I were..." Storm didn't want to give away Briar, so he said "...playing a game." Sun did not look consoled and Storm wouldn't have been surprised if she murdered him right them and there. *I would deserve it...* he thought.

"I don't care." Sun broke into his thoughts. "Briar, pick some prey and go back into your den. I will not let you be influenced by *him."* Briar sighed and picked a rabbit.

"It was a good trick, at least," Storm whispered. Briar just nodded glumly and padded away. Sun followed close behind. *What's gotten into her fur?* Storm asked himself. He padded under the shady willow tree. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hawk sleepily walk out of the rowan bush.

"What's all this yowling about...?" he mewed, his voice slurred. Sun bristled and shot a deathly glare at Storm, causing him to look down at his paws.

"This so-called *friend* of yours stole our daughter's prey. Hawk cast a curious glance at Storm. Storm shook his head pleadingly. Hawk turned back to Sun.

"I don't know exactly what happened, but Storm seems nice. He wouldn't steal." Sun grumbled and cursed under her breath, padding away with a twitching tail.

## Chapter 11:

Sun's fur bristled along her spine as she watched her mate and Storm vanish into the bushes. *There is no way I'm letting that rogue anywhere near my kits.* She thought bitterly. How can Hawk possibly be certain that Storm is a good cat? He hasn't even been with us very long. And if he really did live in the mountains, why didn't he just stay there, instead of wander this far from his home? Suddenly she was curious. *I'm going to have to ask him that when he and Hawk get back.*