Fighting to Survive

### **By Wolfmoon14**

 File:Fightingtosurvive.jpg  (I started this on a friend's account. Thanks Chickencats!)

*Ravenpaw is born into the most cruel Clan in the forest; TaigaClan. There, she must learn lethal tactics and battle moves that aim to kill other cats. She hates violence. But training for battles isn't the only thing on her plate. When she turns six moons old, she must participate in a Hunger Games-like Warrior Trial where she and an apprentice she grows up with will have to turn on each other. Only one cat will come out. Find out how Ravenpaw deals with the pressure of her Warrior Trials and how she and her friends, the other apprentices, cope with the fact that they will murder each other eventually along with many other dangerous and nerve-wracking events that will make this tale an adventurous story for you to read.*

### ***WARNING***

**This fanfiction is rated WORSE and contains blood, violence, and some descriptions and text may be disturbing to younger audiences. If you are not okay with these things, please do not read this.**

### Mistakes or Unreadable Context?

Please tell me in the comments! I make a lot of mistakes when typing because I've accidentally formed my own way of doing it. No, I'm not picking my keyboard. No, I'm not using the homerow. What have I done? iwi.

Well, if you notice mistakes, please tell me in the comments what part of what chapter you found it in, and what the mistake was. Plus, if the sentence doesn't make sense, like "Ravenpaw tried free." Idk where I got that either but it's a random example and please tell me in the comments so this story can be more enjoyable! Thanks!

## FIGHTING TO SURVIVE

### **ALLEGIANCES**

**TaigaClan**

Leader: Redstar- a dark ginger-red she-cat with light amber eyes. Very bushy. (Apprentice: Ravenpaw)

Deputy: Fernwater- brown she-cat with unnatural blue eyes and black paws

Medicine Cat: Silvercloud- a very pale gray tom with blue eyes

Warriors:

Dawnpatch- white she-cat with big ginger splotches and paws (Apprentice: Hawthornpaw)

Bearpelt- brown tabby tom with amber eyes and white ear-tips. (Apprentice: Wetpaw)

Waspwhisker- light yellow tabby she-cat with green eyes and white paws and tail tip (Apprentice: Owlpaw)

Silentpounce- gray she-cat with amber eyes and sleek fur (Apprentice: Shadepaw)

Sparknose- brown she-cat with white belly, chest, paws, and teal-blue eyes (Apprentice: Curlpaw)

Whiskerfur- black tom with long whiskers and amber eyes

Duckwillow- brown she-cat with a white belly and chest. Yellow eyes

Plumwing- white she-cat with green eyes

Loudstrike- tortoiseshell and white she-cat with green eyes

Spiderfoot- brown tom with black tabby stripes and legs. Amber eyes

Chestnutpelt- tortoiseshell she-cat with amber eyes

Appledapple- big russet furred she-cat with dark brown eyes

Apprentices:

Ravenpaw- fuzzy black she-cat with a blue tint and bright blue eyes

Curlpaw- gray tabby tom with warm green eyes and white paws. Has curled ears

Hawthornpaw- a white tom with a brown on his face, tail, legs, back, and ears. Icy blue eyes

Shadepaw- ginger tabby she-cat with black paws, belly, and tail tip. Green eyes and fluffy fur

Owlpaw- incredibly tiny cream she-cat with huge yellow eyes and big ears

Wetpaw- gray tom with daring yellow eyes and sleek fur

Queens:

Mellowspring- ginger she-cat with green eyes and white paws

Elmspeck- brown tabby she-cat with yellow eyes

Swanwing- white she cat with gray splotches and blue eyes

Petalstone- gray tabby she-cat with amber eyes and a white dash on her chest as well as a white tail tip

Elders:

Seedpelt- black she-cat with green eyes and white ears

**WadeClan**

Leader: Windystar- yellow tom with swirly tabby stripes and green eyes

Deputy: Beaverstep- brown she-cat with yellow-green eyes. White tail tip and chest dash

Medicine Cat: Smokeflight- dark gray tabby she-cat with amber eyes. (Apprentice: Grimpaw)

Warriors:

Dovepelt- gray she-cat with yellow eyes

Stagfur- brown tabby tom with amber eyes and white paws

Apprentices:

Sleekpaw- gray she-cat with blue eyes and a sleek pelt

Grimpaw- black she-cat with green eyes

Cobaltpaw- large tabby tom with yellow eyes and big paws.

**MeadowClan**

Leader: Harestar- cream she-cat with brown tabby stripes and a white underbelly. Blue eyes

Deputy: Kestrelwing- brown tabby tom with a cream underbelly and amber eyes

Medicine Cat: Stemwind- white she-cat with gray spots and blue eyes

Apprentices:

Turtlepaw- tortoiseshell and white she-cat with green eyes and a sleek pelt

### **CHAPTER 1**

 File:Untitled51.jpg
Ravenkit was shivering as the wind rushed over her flank, flattening her fur in some spots. The cold gripped her like a plant from the Alive Forest wrapping itself around its victim. Yet, she padded on, her legs twitching nervously as she walked, tripping her slightly. She walked up the stony path leading to the top of the Stonehill, where the leader of TaigaClan, Redstar, awaited. Behind, beside, and in front of her were other kits. Her friends. Her enemies. She would find out what they meant to her soon enough, she'd guessed.

"These kits gather here today to be made apprentices!" announced Redstar as the last of the kits had sat behind her. "Whether they are pure TaigaClan or are Brambles, they will serve this Clan."

A few murmurs of disapproval ran through the TaigaClan cats. Ravenkit could hear some muttering, "Brambles are weak. They can never be helpful."

Meanwhile, the Brambles stayed silent.

"Per my tradition of bringing up apprentices," Redstar meowed loudly. "I will now share the story of why Brambles are here, training among us."

Ravenkit's heart raced. She was excited. Kits were never allowed to hear the story of why she and the other Brambles were here. When she asked her elders, they only told her that Redstar wouldn't allow it. *It could influence or push you the wrong way,* one of them had told her. But now, becoming an apprentice, she would find out everything. She would find out why Brambles were lesser than TaigaClan cats.

"Seasons upon seasons ago," Redstar began, forcing the audience of cats to go dead quiet. "BrambleClan and TaigaClan were two Clans. We always fought, but naturally, TaigaClan usually won the battles. Many cats simply thought that out fighting was a rivalry, battles for no reason except to be proven stronger. I will admit, even I thought so too. That is, until the Great War." A look of sadness and regret swept onto Redstar's face. "Something- probably a badger or fox, but BrambleClan cats were so clueless, so they couldn't tell themselves- left some crow-food on the edge of our territories. BrambleClan suspected TaigaClan of leaving the mess. The deputy, a horrible cat, led his Clan straight into battle without even asking his leader! He endangered so many cats that day. His own daughter, Dovepaw, paid the price. This started a war between our Clans. We fought and fought, but the biggest battle of the war ended it. My great, loyal deputy, Paleclaw was fighting honorably for our Clan. We were mates. He was the best cat anyone could ask for. But Tundraheart, the BrambleClan deputy, murdered him brutally. I was so enraged... TaigaClan overpowered BrambleClan, and yes, we took them over. However, we did more of a favor. That Clan was too weak on its own. Now, we are the strongest Clan in the forest! WadeClan and MeadowClan wouldn't dare contradict us!"

Cries of victory broke out among the TaigaClan cats. The Brambles, however, let out forced cries.*That must be why cats like me are called Brambles,* Ravenkit realized. *We have BrambleClan blood. Are we really that weak, though? Aren't we just as strong as TaigaClan?*

"Now that you are mature and have heard the story of our Clan history," Redstar mewed. "You shall begin your warrior training. Your mentors will inform you of the trials coming. Now, who will be going first? Come along, now, a good reputation will help you out in your life."

However, all the kits were shivering, eyes wide, fur fluffed out. Next to Ravenkit, a kit named Curlkit was looking back and forth. He looked as though he was ready to go forward, but didn't.

"I said, come on." Redstar's voice went into a low hiss.

Ravenkit puffed up her chest, bracing herself. Maybe *she* should go first.

So she did.

"Ah, there's a brave one. Tell me if I'm right," Redstar meowed. "You're Ravenkit."

Ravenkit nodded. Some cats had whispered about Redstar being evil and vile, but her tone sounded pretty nice. She seemed like she could be a trustworthy cat.

"Okay, then. I've seen you. You're a smart and resourceful cat. I have faith in you," Redstar glanced at the crowd of cats watching. She raised her voice. "Ravenkit, do you promise to try your best during the Warrior Trials when you are ready for them?

Ravenkit swallowed. *I've heard of those, and from the sounds of it, it's not fun.*

In fact, the Warrior Trials were one of the only events in an apprenticeship that kits were allowed to know about. It was a dangerous task bestowed to all apprentices, Bramble or TaigaClan. Two cats would duel with one another in one of three environments. Only one would make it out. Only one would live on to become a warrior.

"I do." Ravenkit finally mewed.

"And Ravenkit," Redstar continued, seemingly pleased with Ravenkit's answer. "Do you promise to follow my orders no matter the consequence or work you'll have to do?"

Ravenkit breathed. "I do."

"Then you will become an apprentice of TaigaClan today," Redstar purred. "I have been thinking of mentors for all of the future apprentices, using your skills to match you with the cat that would teach you all best. I know the cat that's perfect for you, Ravenkit. One last question,"

Ravenkit nodded once more.

"Ravenkit," Redstar began. "Do you promise to follow the warrior code and to be loyal to TaigaClan despite your Bramble heritage?"

Ravenkit glanced at the crowd. The TaigaClan cats had strange expressions. Some looked like they wanted her to say yes, some no, and some were absolutely outraged with the attention she was getting. Meanwhile, the Brambles looked a little similar. Some looked proud of her, but some looked like they were willing her to cause a scene.

After a few moments, Ravenkit answered at last, "I do."

"Great, that's amazing, little Ravenkit. So young and yet so bold and wise. Now, you must begin your warrior training. I can see you doing great things in your future," Redstar paused. "Ravenkit, from this moment on, you'll be known as Ravenpaw."

A few moments of silence followed. *But who's my mentor?*

"And I will be your mentor."

### **CHAPTER 2**

 File:Untitled52.jpg
Ravenpaw gasped quietly. Redstar, the leader of TaigaClan and the Brambles, wanted to train her.

She felt many feelings mixed together. She felt great that Redstar had faith in her and wanted to train her. She felt scared because this cat took over her Clan. *I never had to be called a 'filthy Bramble.' If she didn't take over my Clan, I would be free.*

Yet, this cat seemed too kind to have done those things to the old BrambleClan.

Redstar leaned down, interrupting Ravenpaw's thoughts. Ravenpaw pushed away any worries and leaned into her mentor's nose. The two stayed like that for a few moments, then released. "I'll train you well, precious Ravenpaw."

"Ravenpaw! Ravenpaw!" shouted the audience of cats.

Ravenpaw padded over to the side of the Stonehill and sat. Now, she would have to watch the other kits become apprentices.

"Who would like to become an apprentice next?" Redstar mewed, staring at the kits who'd been waiting. "Come on, don't be shy."

A kit immediately walked forward and sat down next to Redstar. He had a slim white coat with brown markings over his head, back, legs, and his tail. He had handsome blue eyes and he stared at Redstar determinedly.

"Hawthornkit, I believe?"

"That's me."

"Yes, as brave as Ravenpaw, are you?"

"Braver." Hawthornkit promised.

Ravenpaw shifted uncomfortably. If she was going to do well as a Bramble under Redstar's training, she might need to remain the favorite. Hawthornkit could be competition. *But do I really want to impress Redstar? Maybe she's not as great as she seems...*

Hawthornkit was made an apprentice just like her. After Redstar made his mentor Dawnpatch, everyone cheered, "Hawthornpaw! Hawthornpaw!"

Then the other four kits were made apprentices. Curlpaw was given Sparknose as a mentor, Bearpelt for Wetpaw, Waspfleck for Owlpaw, and Silentpounce for Shadepaw.

"New mentors and apprentices will go explore the territories and explain more about TaigaClan expectations. We will go in groups of two. Curlpaw, Sparknose, Ravenpaw and I will go together, Bearpelt, Wetpaw, Waspfleck and Owlpaw will go together, and Hawthornpaw, Dawnpatch, Silentpounce, and Shadepaw will go together." Redstar continued, stretching and leading Ravenpaw down the steps. The other cats trailed behind them.

As the cats left the camp through the Fallen Trunk, the camp's main entrance and exit, the audience of cats cheered one last time. "Ravenpaw! Hawthornpaw! Curlpaw! Wetpaw! Owlpaw! Shadepaw!"

Then Ravenpaw stepped into the forest, the fresh woodsy air flooding her as a huge new world opened up around her.

\*\*\*

"Our main diet, as you may have noticed," Sparknose was saying. "is made up of squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Sometimes, however, we find other forest dwelling creatures to eat, like frogs or lizards."

Curlpaw and Ravenpaw listened, interested. Hunting would be one of the things they learned to do as apprentices. However, next to Ravenpaw, Redstar looked ready to interrupt, like she wanted to teach the two apprentices something other than prey to hunt.

"I say," the TaigaClan leader mewed after Sparknose finished her sentence. "Perhaps these young apprentices should see the battlefields they'll have to duel on when they are six moons old?"

Sparknose looked like she was taken by surprise. Or, maybe it was worry. Ravenpaw couldn't tell. "O-Of course, Redstar. I mean, they only just started and are only one moon old, but if you think it's necessary-"

"Perfect," Redstar purred, glancing at Ravenpaw and Curlpaw. "Come along now, we are going to show you the Warrior Trial battlegrounds."

Ravenpaw's heart raced. *I need to pay attention, now. The Warrior Trials can make or break me.*

The four cats padded along, Redstar leading them, until they reached a medium-sized pond with mellow, deep blue water. The sun sparkled off of the water, blinding Ravenpaw as she looked at it. "This," announced Redstar. "Is the Calm Pond."

Ravenpaw understood the meaning. The pond's water was deathly calm. Despite looking cool and serene, the pond gave her a dreadful feeling. A feeling of danger. A feeling that fate would be coming soon.

Sparknose must've noticed Ravenpaw's shivering. She mewed, "Yes, all apprentices feel that way when they see the pond. The water's so calm that it feels surreal, like today is the day you'll die."

"Very good description, Sparknose!" Redstar meowed. However, Sparknose didn't seem to enjoy the praise. "Yes, that is the feeling the pond gives off. However, I assure you, that if you work hard and train, you'll live to become a warrior if this is the battle field chosen for you."

Curlpaw was silent, staring at the glistening blue waters. He wasn't moving at all apart from the slow rise and fall of his chest. He looked petrified. *I wonder,* Ravenpaw thought. *If he's afraid of water.*

"Come on, Ravenpaw, Curlpaw," Redstar stretched, turning around. "Let us go see the Alive Forest."

After a short walk, they came upon a dark part of the forest. It looked huge, but looking at the rim of the vine-covered trees Ravenpaw saw that it was a small, perfect circle of forest. However, it still looked perfectly natural that it was in this shape.

Ravenpaw rushed ahead to take a peek. She observed the barrier up close, trying to tell why it was such a strange shape.

"Very observant, Ravenpaw," Redstar smiled, catching up to Ravenpaw. "No one knows why the Alive Forest battle field was cut so perfectly, but it was. I personally believe it was StarClan, seeing the future and approving of the Warrior Trials. That's what those cats who do not support the Warrior Trial must see."

Sparknose and Curlpaw finally arrived. "Now, let's be careful," Sparknose mewed. "The Alive Forest is called that for a reason."

Ravenpaw peeked inside the Alive Forest curiously. Everything seemed still but was moving all at the same time. All trees has long, dark vines trailing from them. The grass looked as though a giant cat has bit at them and stretched them out all the way, they were so long. Giant plants that looked like caved-in flowers sat in a hunch.

"Here, we must not endanger ourselves, but you must learn why this forest is dangerous," Redstar glanced around. "Ah, look it; that frog right there will be our test subject."

Redstar pounced on a spotted gray-green frog. It croaked dreadfully, but it was still alive. Redstar bit its right leg, immobilizing it. "Watch and learn, young ones."

She tossed the frog into the section of forest. Nothing happened immediately. The four cats watched the frog for a while. All of a sudden, everything seem to come alive. A large green plant seemed to open its mouth, showing its insides as pink and bright red. Yellow stems crawled and stretched into the horrifying creature's jaws. It lunged for the frog at the same time as what looked like weeds rose from the ground emerged. The two plants caught the frog at the same time. The vines wrapped tightly around the frog's throat and stomach, pulling hard. The carnivorous plant chomped on the frog's legs and back. In the end, the weeds pulled the frog underground and the pink, green, red, and yellow plant returned sulkily to its resting spot.

Curlpaw's curly ears twitched. "How come the plants waited to attack the frog? Why not right away?"

"Believe it or not," Sparknose began. "If you stay still too long, you'll get eaten. The key to winning on this battle field is to move more than your opponent. However, it does help to be a darker cat, too. The plants seem to be able to see but their vision won't carry them too far."

"Oh." Curlpaw mewed.

"Let's see the final area," Redstar meowed, beginning to lead the way.

The constant cracking of twigs under the cats' paws soothed Ravenpaw's ears. She also liked hearing the newly-grown leaves swaying, the birds tweeting, the squirrels chattering, and all of the forest's noises.

The trees began to clear away, hinting that they were either on the edge of MeadowClan territory or on the outer edge of TaigaClan territory. As the four cats stepped out of the forest, Ravenpaw could see that for many cat-lengths plains stretched across the land. It was slightly windy, so the fresh blades of grass waved along, as though dancing.

"There," Redstar lifted her paw, pointing it at a seemingly scratched circle. "Is the Plateau of Honor."

The cats arrived at the edge of the carved shape. It looked like it had taken multiple cats to scratch the dirt like that. It was a wide barrier.

"The apprentices who duel here are the most honorable. No outside forces. No hacks or cheats. Just pure and dignified fighting with all the skills you know." Redstar explained.

"Redstar," Ravenpaw asked. "Do we get to choose our opponents and battle field? How does that work?"

"Good question, Ravenpaw. There is a fair way battle fields and opponents are chosen," Redstar began. "On some stones, I will carve a symbol that represents your name. For example, I'd make a raven for you. There will be six stones. I will draw three teams of two and those will be your dueling enemies. Then, I will draw one from each group. That cat will get to decide where they want to fight."

Ravenpaw felt nervous. She had only been alive for one moon, but she knew these cats. Curlpaw was nice but quiet, Owlpaw was incredibly shy and feeble, Shadepaw was a loner who usually minded her own business, Hawthornpaw was arrogant but seemed really strong, and Wetpaw was absolutely dreadful. *I bet she won't like the fact that Redstar's my mentor,* Ravenpaw thought. *She was always bragging about she would have the best mentor of them all.*

"Now, back to camp," Redstar mewed. "We've explored the most important topics and places. Now we should all get some rest."

The sun was setting by the time the cats returned to camp. Ravenpaw was exhausted and could tell that Curlpaw was too. However, Sparknose and Redstar looked like they were just fine.

"Tomorrow, we will continue your warrior training. Curlpaw, Sparknose will decide what you work on. Ravenpaw, we'll work on your battle skills. Have a good night and sleep well." Redstar meowed, turning to walk towards her own den.

### **CHAPTER 3**

 File:Untitled53.jpg

"Wake up, Ravenpaw!" a whisper tingled in Ravenpaw's ear.

Ravenpaw woke up groggily, slightly annoyed. She felt more tired than usual. She noticed Curlpaw standing over her, prodding her flank.

"Come on, please get up. Redstar'll kill you if you're not up. She's coming right now, I think. You've slept in..."

"Okay, okay," Ravenpaw groaned, finally stretching and standing up.

Just then, a voice rang out from outside the den. "Ravenpaw?"

Ravenpaw looked at Curlpaw. "Thank you," she murmured.

The two proceeded to pad out of the den. Redstar was just arriving outside. "Are you ready for today's lesson? I have a tight schedule planned out."

"Of course, Redstar." Ravenpaw looked at Curlpaw. "See you."

Curlpaw smiled, nodded, and began to pad away.

"Let's be off," Redstar led the way out of camp. The two crawled into and out of the Fallen Trunk quickly and walked through the woods.

After a few moments of quiet, Ravenpaw mewed, "So, what will I be learning today? How to climb trees? That would be fun. I've always wanted to know how birds and squirrels feel."

"That is for another day, young apprentice. Today, we will begin the most important part of your warrior training; battle techniques."

Ravenpaw's heart sank. She was never excited for battle. However, she acted excited, waving her tail back and forth. "Sounds fun!"

"Yes, perfect attitude, Ravenpaw! Fighting is the most honorable thing a warrior could do. Honor is not eating squirrels or rabbits all day; no, honor is killing other cats for the sake of your Clan or being the best fighter."

Ravenpaw could only muster up half a smile. Redstar was bittersweet; one moment she was sympathetic and kind but the next she was praising murder and ripping the pelts off cats.

"We will be going to the Plateau of honor. Our territory is made up of woods and forest trees, but other Clan territories are made up of clearer ground than ours, especially MeadowClan. So, if you were to find yourself battling on MeadowClan or WadeClan territory you will need techniques to attack and to defend yourself."

When the two cats finally arrived to open and grassy battle arena, they padded over the etched barrier used to mark the edge of the battle field.

"While attacking is much more satisfying, and scars always looks cool, defense is important as well, so I will start by teaching you how to properly block and defend yourself from other cats' attacks." Redstar explained. "First, let's see what you need work on. I'm going to attack you and your job is to stop me from pinning you. Got it?"

Ravenpaw nodded with a quiet gulp.

She stared at Redstar, bracing herself. Redstar blinked and Ravenpaw relaxed as she did so. She guessed that the leader would not attack blindly. However, she guessed wrong.

Redstar swatted at Ravenpaw's face. Ravenpaw gasped, seeing her mentor's claws unsheated. She flung her should forward to block the she-cat's swipe. But, as she did so, Redstar sprang to the other side of Ravenpaw's shoulder, where Ravenpaw's blind spot was.

Ravenpaw felt a massive blow as Redstar rammed into her. The two cats rolled over one another. In a flash of fur, Ravenpaw was underneath Redstar. She moved her hind paws, trying to kick off the she-cat, but they were pinned by Redstar's own hind legs. The weight of the huge leader crushed her. Redstar's forepaw was pressed heavily on Ravenpaw's throat, choking her.

Ravenpaw waited for her mentor to release, but nothing happened. She struggled more, using her front paws to punch at Redstar, but all Redstar did was unsheath her claws and dig them into Ravenpaw's throat.

Ravenpaw couldn't breath. She gagged and choked. Her lungs screamed.

"Come on, Ravenpaw! In a real battle, your opponent won't stop attacking. You have to be ready!"

Ravenpaw tried harder but Redstar was too strong. Her eyes dimmed, her body weakened.

Finally, Redstar sheathed her claws. However, she kept pressing her paw on Ravenpaw's throat. "Go on, try to get me off!"

Ravenpaw mustered up whatever strength she had and kicked at her mentor with her front paws. When that didn't work, Redstar narrowed her eyes, angry at last. "Harder!"

Ravenpaw couldn't get her mentor off. She tried to speak, but Redstar's grip was too strong.

"Unsheath your claws! Come on, warriors aren't afraid to fight!"

So she did. She reached for Redstar's eye, her claws unsheathed.

Redstar blinked a moment before her eyes got clawed out, but Ravenpaw still scraped a small wound on the leader’s cheek. Finally, Redstar leaped off of Ravenpaw.

"I have to admit, I'm disappointed. What if I was a spy from a different Clan and I killed you? Good thing I'm not. I will say, I liked how you knew your shoulder could take the weight of my blow, but you shouldn't have left yourself vulnerable."

Ravenpaw was gasping for breath still.

"We will try again. This time, try not to let me out of your sight."

Ravenpaw began to get up. She was hard on her paws before Redstar leaped once more. Her mentor was on her back within moments, scratching and ripping tufts of fur off.

Ravenpaw screeched, her throat humming with pain and still throbbing.

She went on her hind paws, letting the weight of her attacker roll the two over. Ravenpaw swiftly flipped over and put her forepaw on Redstar's forehead. She unsheathed her claws but did not dig them in. Unlike her mentor, she knew that this was simple training and did not require giving the other cat a bad wound.

But, unexpectedly, Redstar's hind paws pummeled her belly. Ravenpaw tried to stick it out but Redstar paused her kicking, both her paws locked on Ravenpaw's throat wound.

"If I were trying to hurt you, I could rip open your wound even more by kicking you here. That is why you must your own hind legs to pin the other cat's." Redstar mewed.

"Okay," Ravenpaw breathed, still winded from her mentor's previous attack.

\*\*\*

The two cats practiced all day long. Ravenpaw's face was full of grit and she was banged up. She had her throat wound and another wound on her hind leg. Her back fur was still connected despite her initial beliefs, just ragged and dirty. She was incredibly thirsty and hungry all at once.

She learned some good moves of defense and offense, but she would've rather learned how to chase rabbits or how to stalk birds. She had always feared the day she would have to attack other cats or get attacked by them.

Now, they were heading, to Ravenpaw's greatest relief, towards the stream near TaigaClan's camp. When they arrived, Ravenpaw slurped up so much water that she thought the stream would go empty. Redstar simply took a sip and sat in wait.

Ravenpaw, when she was done drinking, dipped her paw in and wiped her face and back. She washed off her gritty paws until everything was clean. She saw Redstar grooming herself and doing the same next to her, most likely inspired by her apprentice's idea.

Then they headed back for their camp. As they arrived, the sun was setting. Despite having washed off, Ravenpaw still felt dirty and banged up.

She arrived and the first cat she saw was Fernwater, the Clan deputy.

"Redstar," The brown she-cat mewed. "What took you so long?"

"Training is the most important thing, as you know," Redstar answered. "So Ravenpaw and I trained throughout the day."

"Oh," Fernwater was a close follower of Redstar, but her expression looked surprised and a little disappointed. She kept looking at Ravenpaw's wounds. "Well, I saw Wetpaw tending to your nest. He told me that he put extra feathers in it, just like you always ask for. He's a great apprentice, you know. You should, err, go thank him."

"Yes, I'm sure Ravenpaw's just as good, even better. She learned quickly today, no matter how slowly she started. Well, I guess I'll go find the scrap. Farewell, Ravenpaw, today was a great session." The red cat padded off toward the apprentices' den.

"Ravenpaw, what happened?" Fernwater's whiskers quivered.

"I found out the hard way that just because we were training doesn't mean you have to have your claws sheathed." Ravenpaw muttered.

"Go see Silvercloud. He'll fix you up. Get some prey on your way." Fernwater paused. "You deserve it."

"Thanks, Fernwater," Ravenpaw mewed as she walked off. She crouched down by the fresh-kill pile and plucked up a baby squirrel. She lifted her food and padded over to the medicine den. She always loved the medicine den; when she was a kit, she would sneak out of the nursery when her mother, Mellowspring, was asleep and go to the medicine den. Silvercloud once asked her if she wanted to train as a medicine cat, but she had to decline. She felt great hunting and supporting her Clan. She hated Redstar's craze for battles, however.

*I wish I could be a medicine cat and a warrior at the same time,* she thought. *Then I could hunt and care for my Clan, skip fighting,* and *tend for the wounded.*

The medicine den was a huge tree trunk with extra rooms built on with vines, ferns, and brambles on the side. Ravenpaw knew that they were rooms for injured cats to sleep and recover in. The trunk was hollow with a relatively large hole for cats to squeeze through.

"Ravenpaw!" Silvercloud' muffled mew sounded from the den as Ravenpaw reached the entrance. "What happened? A fox? Badger? Dogs?"

"Redstar," Ravenpaw mewed grimly.

Silvercloud, despite how Ravenpaw believed he would react, which was disappointed, looked bewildered. "Mentors shouldn't play that rough. You need marigold; I can see infection coming by tomorrow."

The walls of the medicine den were lined with out-sticking wood that acted as shelves for herbs and other medicine cat needs.

The small silver tom bent over and picked up a red, orange, and yellow flower. He chewed it up in his mouth and then spat it into his paw. He picked up a big leaf and snatched some cobwebs. He padded over to Ravenpaw. "Lay down here," he motioned his paw at a moss nest. It was one of three that were in the medicine den's main room. "I'll tend to your wounds."

Ravenpaw obeyed. She lifted her neck up, ignored the flash of pain that spiked through her throat, and allowed Silvercloud to apply the herbs to her neck.

She was surprised when the herbs cool touch soothed the pain immediately. She loosened up and tried not to purr ridiculously as Silvercloud rubbed the rest of the fresh-smelling marigold to her worst wound. When he was done padding cobweb and leaves on top of the herb, strengthening the hold of the poultice, he mewed, "Now let me see your hind leg."

Ravenpaw rolled over and stretched out her injured leg. She could move it easily, but when she stretched out the deep claw marks Redstar left her, she couldn't suppress a yelp of pain. A trail of blood pooled out of the wound.

"Marigold again. I'll send some poppy seeds in a poultice. They'll help with the pain a little bit. Come see me tomorrow for some chervil. Now, get some good sleep tomorrow and make sure to be aware when training. I guess Redstar takes TaigaClan's future very seriously..." Silvercloud trailed off. He applied the marigold, leaves, and cobweb to her leg and then allowed her to stand up. He wrapped some beady seeds into a leafy bag and then handed it to her with his jaws.

"Thanks, Silvercloud!" Ravenpaw mewed as she took the poultice of poppy seeds. "I'll see you tomorrow. I appreciate it."

Silvercloud flicked his tail is farewell as Ravenpaw walked off, her squirrel and the poppy seeds both in her mouth. She was so tired. She would sleep for three days straight if Redstar would forget about training for a moment. *At least Redstar told me that I'm learning quickly,* she thought hopefully. *I just became an apprentice yesterday and I already know some good fighting moves.*

Ravenpaw arrived at the apprentices' den. However, she halted before entering. She decided she would eat outside. Otherwise, she could wake her denmates. So, she snacked on her squirrel. She ate until she was full. She had some leftovers; she decided to take them to the nursery. No more kits were in there, but the four Queens who had kitted her and the other apprentices still had to recover. So, she plopped the squirrel inside. All four cats were asleep except for Mellowspring; she looked up at Ravenpaw. "Thanks." she whispered, grabbing the squirrel remains and munching on them.

Ravenpaw smiled, yawned, and returned to where she sat down. She picked up her poppy seeds and finally padded into her den. She found a cat standing over her nest. In the dark, she couldn't identify it. "Hello?" she whispered.

The cat's fur ruffled. As the cat turned, Ravenpaw identified the cat as Curlpaw.

"Sorry," he mewed. "I thought I saw a thorn."

Before Ravenpaw could reply, the curly-eared tom leaped up with surprise. "Ouch!" he yowled. The other cats in the den stirred. "Yes, I guess there *is* a thorn."

"What is all that racket?" Shadepaw groaned.

"There's a thorn in Ravenpaw's nest. She must've gotten one on her pelt today." Curlpaw explained.

"No, I don't think so. I haven't been in my nest all day and the Plateau of Honor, where Redstar and I trained, doesn't possibly have any thorns." Ravenpaw was curious now. "I would've noticed if I'd slept with that last night," she added and Curlpaw held up his paw, a long, sharp thorn stabbed in his paw pad. He winced.

"Then someone slept in your nest, big deal, bed time," Shadepaw moaned, blinking red, tired eyes from the shadows.

"I think Ravenpaw's glad that Curlpaw fell victim to the thorn and not her," Wetpaw mewed with a grim smile in the corner. He was sitting with his tail wrapped carefully around his forepaws. "She thinks very highly of herself."

Ravenpaw opened her mouth to protest, but Hawthornpaw spoke up. "I think someone planted it."

"Huh?" Owlpaw's huge eyes buldged. "Like, someone tried to hurt Ravenpaw with that thorn by putting it in her nest? Why would anyone do that?"

"She's arrogant enough. I'm sure many cats don't appreciate her." Wetpaw growled.

"It's kind of obvious who did it, isn't it?" Curlpaw's back fur rose. "Everyone is here is worried except Wetpaw."

"Why should I worry? Why should I care if Ravenpaw gets a small thorn in her side?" Wetpaw argued. "What if I did put a thorn in her nest? What does it matter? Curlpaw was stupid enough to go digging in her nest in the first place."

Ravenpaw hissed at Wetpaw. "Curlpaw did something nice. He did something decent; something you'd never know how to do."

"Oh? Should I take lessons from Redstar's dear apprentice who comes limping into the apprentices' den with injuries she only got because she can't defend herself? Sure, I would be happy to learn how to do that." Wetpaw mewed sarcastically.

"Redstar would never choose you as an apprentice, Wetpaw," Hawthornpaw meowed calmly from the corner. "I think you're simply jealous."

Wetpaw growled and Ravenpaw saw his claws dig into the soft dirt floor of the apprentices' den.

"Hey, let's just stop and go back to sleep. Please?" Owlpaw pleaded.

"Yes, *please*," moaned Shadepaw, rolling about in her nest. "You cats are killing me."

Ravenpaw went to bed, her fur still risen in anger. However, she had to suppress a smile. All of the apprentices seemed to support her besides Wetpaw and Shadepaw. *Shadepaw has always been kind to me, though,* Ravenpaw reminded herself. *She's just tired. She's sort of a loner anyway.*

"Curlpaw," Ravenpaw whispered before she could fall asleep. "Maybe you should go to the medicine den. Silvercloud will get the thorn out and treat your paw pad."

Curlpaw shook his head. "I'll see him tomorrow. He's probably sleeping."

"But I was just-"

Curlpaw shook his head again. "I'm fine."

Ravenpaw sighed. She ate the poppy seeds before she could forget and, at last, closed her eyes. Then, the dark pelt of sleep she deeply needed crashed over her like a wave and she couldn't be more relaxed.

\*\*\*

Ravenpaw woke up early in the morning. She expected to be tired and sore, but she felt no pain. She guessed that it was the soothing work of the marigold or the numbing poppy seeds. She stretched, groomed her pelt, and then padded out of the apprentices' den. The sun was just below the ground, its yellow rays the only part of it visible.

She looked around the camp. Observing the only other cats that were awake, she padded over to them. These cats were Bearpelt, Fernwater, and Whiskerfur.

"Hi," Ravenpaw squeaked awkwardly.

The cats all turned. Fernwater was the quickest, Bearpelt the slowest. Whiskerfur, who was Ravenpaw's father, looked surprised. "What are you doing up so early? Mellowspring told me you were up late last night. Maybe you should take a nap..."

"No," Bearpelt mewed. "She's fine. She can join the morning patrol. Isn't that a good idea, Fernwater? You *are* the deputy. It's up to you, but I'd think it would be... good for her." Something about the amber-eyed tom made Ravenpaw's eyes twitch nervously.

Fernwater shook her head. "No, I don't think so," she replied sternly. "She, like Whiskerfur said, was up late. She can do what she pleases, and if that's rest, great."

Bearpelt simply nodded but Ravenpaw noticed his claws digging into the grass, ripping tufts of it out.

Ravenpaw felt like doing something helpful for her Clan, but she didn't know how to hunt, so she couldn't do that. Maybe she *should* do the morning patrol.

"Ah, Ravenpaw," A voice surprised Ravenpaw. "You're awake early. Great, we can get training immediately."

Redstar padded into the clearing from her den, a cave with moss hanging down and coltsfoot flowers decorating the entrance. "I was thinking we should try some more-"

"Hunting techniques?" Ravenpaw begged.

Redstar didn't look angry but it looked like she was trying to hide disappointment. "Yes, I suppose you should learn to hunt."

"I need to see Silvercloud first."

"Hm?" Redstar asked. "Why?"

Ravenpaw was startled. *Of course Redstar thinks nothing is wrong.*

"Oh, nothing," Ravenpaw mewed. "Curlpaw just accidentally got a thorn in his paw. I was going to get him some... some dock leaves." She had no clue how she remembered the herb that healed cracked and injured paw pads, but she did.

"Good, Ravenpaw," Redstar nodded, sitting patiently. "It is good to help Clanmates; though, it's exhausting how cats injure themselves and make more work. If it's a battle injury, fight harder! If it's a silly thorn, watch your paws! But yes, it's too late now, so go get some... dock? Yes, dock."

Ravenpaw didn't like Redstar's view on injuries; she acted like accidents happened on purpose. *Plus, she didn't know, but Curlpaw was just trying to help me. It was Wetpaw that was trying to bring harm.*

But, Ravenpaw ignored her leader's gaze and padded toward the medicine den. "Silvercloud?" She called out.

"Hello, Ravenpaw," A silver tom looked out at Ravenpaw. "It's early."

"Sorry. I'm here for chervil? Oh, and dock, for Curlpaw's paw. He got a thorn in it..." Ravenpaw wanted to tell the true story for the thorn in Curlpaw's paw, which was helping her, but her instincts told her not to tell anyone. *What if Silvercloud talks to Redstar about it? I've already told Redstar that Curlpaw got a thorn in his paw, but I haven't told her why.*

"You knew dock was needed for Curlpaw's paw?" Silvercloud mewed as he searched for the herbs.

"Erm, yes."

"Impressive. Where did you hear that?"

"I'm not sure... Probably last moon when I was still a kit." Ravenpaw stuttered.

"Hm. Nice." Silvercloud pulled some smooth green leaves from the shelf followed by some slightly clover-shaped leafs with rough-looking edges. "The shaped ones are your chervil. The dock are these smoother ones. See you, Ravenpaw."

"See you, I'm sorry if I woke you," Ravenpaw felt bad.

"No, I've been awake. I've been observing Duckwillow from here. She's over there," The medicine cat flicked his tail, pointing at a sleeping warrior who was napping in the dawn light. "I believe she's expecting kits!"

"Oh wow, that's great!" Ravenpaw tried to be enthusiastic, but couldn't help but think, *these poor kits will be born into a Clan in which they'll be trained to murder. Then, they'll do the Warrior Trials where they have to kill each other, no matter how close they are.*

She purred with laughter quietly as she thought about how wise she sounded. *I sound like I've gone through the Trials myself. Like I've grown and have lived a long and challenging life.*

*But I've only just begun.*

### **CHAPTER 4**

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Ravenpaw thought about her upcoming Warrior Trial.

She was worried. She didn't stand a chance against Redstar. Even though she would be the same age as whoever her opponent might be, she had the right to be scared. She might not win.

*Probably not,* she thought grimly.

"Look out, Ravenpaw!"

Ravenpaw heard what it was as Hawthornpaw shouted. A loud crack. The sound of something falling.

She simply lunged for a nearby bush. A crash signaled that it had hit the ground.

She gasped for breath and lifted herself out of her bush hiding spot. Where she was just a second ago a large tree branch which had broken off the tree it was on lay there, its leaves blowing as though still recovering from the tumble.

She turned to say thanks to Hawthornpaw, but before she could even open her mouth, he was already gone. She saw his brown tail tip trailing into the woods. They were on a hunting patrol and they had all split up. She had gone alone, so Hawthornpaw must've found her. *Glad he did, too. I might've noticed the branch before it hit me, but I might not of had enough time to fully dodge it.*

She decided to be done hunting. After circling back to grab her magpie bird, she headed for her patrol's set meeting spot. Waiting there was Sparknose, Hawthornpaw, and Dawnpatch. Ravenpaw was embarrassed. *I took the longest and I only caught a magpie.*

"Sorry. There was a tree branch. Hawthornpaw warned me just on time." She turned toward the white-and-brown apprentice. "Thanks for that."

Hawthornpaw didn't respond.

"Let's head back," Dawnpatch mewed, dropping her rabbit to lick her chest fur.

\*\*\*

"Want to eat some fresh-kill?" offered Curlpaw later that day.

"Sure," Ravenpaw was hungry, too. The two padded over to the pile of fresh-kill and Curlpaw picked up a mouse. It was small, but the two apprentices were small, too, so it would be perfect for them.

"Here," Curlpaw allowed Ravenpaw to take the first bite.

Ravenpaw blinked in thanks and took a bite out of the mouse's back. The warm taste of fresh-kill washed over her, giving her some relaxation and energy all at once.

The two shared the rest of the mouse until the sun set. Then, Curlpaw mewed, "Let's go to bed. We need some sleep for tomorrow; Sparknose told me that you and Redstar will be training with us. She said that Wetpaw and Bearpelt would be there too."

Ravenpaw frowned. Training with Curlpaw would be fun, but Wetpaw would be there, too. Curlpaw didn't sound thrilled about it either. "Yeah, I guess so."

The two padded over to the apprentices' den. Ravenpaw curled in her nest and saw Curlpaw do the same in the nest next to her. She let her eyes close, and felt sleep try to come for her. It might've. Yes, it did, but Ravenpaw awoke to darkness. It was still nighttime, she noticed.

She wondered what had woken her. She still felt tired, so it wasn't on her own accord.

She looked outside her den. A voice was whispering just outside the apprentices' den. Wetpaw.

Wetpaw was saying, "WadeClan? Which border is that?"

"You pass by the Alive Forest and then cross the river." A gruff voice replied. It was Bearpelt. "I'm coming with, mind you. I believe in you but I'm not losing my apprentice to a fox in the forest at night."

"Okay, fine."

"Let's go, then."

Ravenpaw needed to know what was going on. Nagging fear nearly made her stay put, but she slowly rose. She tiptoed out of her nest and watched as Wetpaw and Bearpelt padded toward the Fallen Trunk.

Ravenpaw knew the best way to follow the cats; if she followed their trail directly, they would scent her on their way back. So, she would have to follow from a different trail.

She finally began to walk out of the den. Her paws slowly tapped the ground with each step she took. Every cat in camp was asleep. There was a cat circling the camp from the outside, guarding in case of a sneak attack. Ravenpaw was careful to listen and wait for this cat to pass the exit before she crouched and crawled through the Fallen Trunk.

With a sharp sniff on the forest floor, Ravenpaw knew where to go. She crouched and quietly began to sneak through the trees, swiftly avoiding brambles and twigs. She followed the scent trail of Bearpelt and Wetpaw.

The two cats came into view. They were absolutely silent as they padded through the woods. The Alive Forest battle field came into sight, its mysterious teal glow visible through the trees.

Bearpelt and Wetpaw dodged aside the arena and walked a few tail-lengths from the edge of it. Ravenpaw followed from a little bit behind, closer to the Alive Forest than the two cats.

She followed the apprentice and mentor until she saw them stop in a small clearing.

"Hello, fellow warriors," Bearpelt mewed. Ravenpaw suppressed a gasp. Multiple other TaigaClan cats, including some Brambles, were gathered around in a circle not far ahead. She crouched carefully in a bush that surrounded the clearing. *I need to be close if I want to hear the conversation.*

"We are gathered here today for a very good reason. What we do will not only please Redstar but give TaigaClan yet another boost in the Clans' hierarchy." Bearpelt announced. "So, are we ready?"

Quiet but supporting cheers erupted from the other TaigaClan cats. The loudest mew was Wetpaw's by far.

"Then follow me." The cats began stalking toward the border. *We're pretty close. What if they cross the border?* Ravenpaw wondered as she followed the cats.

*Maybe that's their goal,* Ravenpaw thought. *Get to the border... maybe they want to mark inside WadeClan territory! That would make them mad.*

But then again, Ravenpaw thought, *but WadeClan would have no power to do anything about it. Technically, TaigaClan is the largest Clan, especially because they took over BrambleClan. Plus, even if WadeClan got MeadowClan's support, Redstar teaches us fatal and more lethal moves than the other Clans practice. We'd shred them.* Ravenpaw wasn't glad for this, though. She'd hoped in the past that the other two Clans would come and save the Brambles from having to live this lifestyle. Most importantly, she wanted them to stop the Warrior Trials. She was growing close to all the apprentices except Wetpaw; even the loner among the apprentices, Shadepaw, had fun times with her. But, even if these were all cats she hated, she wouldn't want to kill them. She didn't want to hurt or draw blood from anybody, leave *killing* them alone.

But as the cats reached the WadeClan border, they kept padding on. They didn't stop to mark it at all.

Ravenpaw followed some more. Reeds, rushes, cattails, and soft, mushy, and wet ground made up WadeClan's territory. Then she realized where they were going; the WadeClan camp.

The camp was basically a big wall with trees providing shelter around the edge. It looked like it was made with the natural contents of the Clan's territory. *That's a cool camp,* she thought. However, her instincts screamed, *you shouldn't envy your enemy.*

*But I don't want WadeClan to be my enemy.*

*But Redstar will force you to be their enemy.*

"You'll be going first," Bearpelt demanded quietly at the entrance in the camp, pointing at Wetpaw. "It should be pretty obvious where it is. I bet they'll be huge since they wait until they're six moons old to become apprentices! Wow."

"Then he'll come after me, right?" Wetpaw asked, blinking at a tom who was sitting next to Bearpelt.

Bearpelt nodded. He instructed the rest of the cats. Ravenpaw didn't get too much information from the conversation, but she could tell exactly what their plan was. *He mentioned something about 'them' waiting about 'they' were six moons old... he must mean WadeClan kits. What if... what if they're going to the nursery?*

Ravenpaw gasped silently. *What if they're stealing kits?*

The cats went into action. Wetpaw padded quietly into the WadeClan camp and the tom followed her. Ravenpaw could no longer see the apprentice and the tom, but a yowl of alarm, which was cut off suddenly, erupted. The rest of the cats ran into the camp. Ravenpaw needed to know what was going on. She leaped from her bush hesitantly and walked stealthily into the WadeClan camp.

To her surprise, no WadeClan cat had woken at the cut-off scream. The only cats in the camp's clearing were the TaigaClan cats.

Ravenpaw gasped with horror. Her mouth stay open, gaped at the horrifying thing she'd just noticed. A brown tabby queen lay dead with a slit in her throat outside what she thought was the nursery. Her mouth was open, blood dripping from it as if forever stuck in her last sound; a terrified yowl.

Standing over her was Wetpaw, claws unsheathed and dripping liquid. Ravenpaw didn't need to guess what had happened. The queen was killed trying to protect her kits.

But Ravenpaw's earlier guess, about the TaigaClan cats trying to take kits for their own, was wrong. She saw and watched, her whole body swaying at how sick she thought it was, as Wetpaw, Bearpelt, and the rest of the cats crept in the den and crept out with more and more blood dripping from their jaws.

*They aren't here to take kits to our Clan.*

*They're here to murder WadeClan's kits.*

### **CHAPTER 5**

 File:Untitled55 20230523202614.png

Ravenpaw ran out of WadeClan's camp.

She wanted to help the kits. If there were any left and not killed brutally, she wanted to help them. But, she wasn't brave like that. No, she scampered away, in fear for her own life.

She didn't like being that way. However, it was instincts. She couldn't turn back if she bit her own paws and drug them back. No, she kept on running. Through the reeds, through the cattails, through the marshy WadeClan territory. Through the bracken and trees at the border.

Then she made a mistake.

A big one.

She heard paw steps following her. She had no choice but to keep going straight.

Straight into the Alive Forest battle arena.

Tripping and falling to the floor, she felt grit and dirt shower her face. She tried to stand up, but even while they held back their fire, the plants in the Alive Forest were long and tripped her.

That's when she felt it.

*I thought it took longer for it to happen!* She thought with desperation.

But apparently, she wasn't as lucky as the mouse she had seen eaten alive by plants the first time she came here.

She felt long vines wrapping around her fore paws. Then her hind paws as she tried to escape. She was officially trapped.

She wanted to yelp, to try and get help, but she thought about something else. *If whoever was chasing me was Wetpaw, Bearpelt, or one of those other evil Clanmates of mine, they might use this to their advantage and kill me. I can't even call for help.*

Another vine whipped out from nowhere and wrapped around her waist. One around her tail. One around her throat. One around her snout. She was completely bound up; now she knew for sure that she was as good as dead.

But then something happened.

A slicing noise erupted and the vine around her tail came off.

She tried to turn and see what was going on, but the vines around her neck and head immobilized her. *I'll just have to wait.*

Then, the vines around her hind paws came off, one after the other. Then her fore paws. But, as her fore paws became free, she could see the source of her freedom.

Curlpaw.

"Curlpaw!" She yowled hoarsely.

Curlpaw kept going. He slashed his claws along the rest of the vines, fully freeing her. "Let's get out of here, quickly!" he mewed.

She didn't need to be told twice. Her legs still twitching nervously, she ran off with Curlpaw toward the TaigaClan camp. She was almost at peace, even after seeing those horrible things, running through the forest with Curlpaw. It was nice. The teal glow of the moon hitting the trees made it serene and surreal all at once.

Then they arrived. Back at the TaigaClan camp at last.

"Thanks, Curlpaw." Ravenpaw mewed, looking into the gray tom's knowing and warm green eyes. "You saved my life."

"I had to." Curlpaw replied awkwardly, staring down at the ground. Ravenpaw felt bad. Maybe the tom was embarrassed at the praise.

She quickly changed the subject. "Did you see... Did you follow them, too?"

"No," he meowed. "I followed you. But, yes, I saw... they killed the queen and her kits... terrible..."

The tom shook his head and continued, "We have to tell Redstar."

"She'll care so much, won't she." Ravenpaw responded with sarcasm.

"You're right." Curlpaw nodded, defeated. "What'll we do? We can't let them get away with it... I don't think they saw either of us, but if they did, they'll kill us for sure."

Ravenpaw thought about this for a moment. "Maybe... but then again, what reason would they have for doing it besides Bearpelt being a grumpy senior warrior and Wetpaw being a stuck up apprentice? It's not like they won't tell Redstar their 'great acheivement' as soon as the sun rises. We don't have any information they won't already give Redstar."

"So what?" Curlpaw, despite his words, didn't sound angered. "We go back to sleep?"

"Maybe we should. Remember what you said a few hours ago?" It was crazy to think that it was only that long ago that she and Curlpaw shared fresh-kill and spoke their nightly farewell, when they'd go to sleep in the apprentices' den. "We have training. Unfortunately, I don't think our Clan will mourn those poor kits and that queen at all. They might praise it and use it to the Clan's advantage, actually."

"Okay, then... it's just a shame, that's all. Those poor kits..."

\*\*\*

"Up and at them, Ravenpaw." Curlpaw mewed enthusiastically, probing Ravenpaw's shoulder. "We've got training."

Ravenpaw stretched and yawned as she slowly rose from her ever-so-comfortable nest. "Yay." she mewed in the same tone. She was not quite ready to face Redstar, not after her imagined response of the leader whenever Bearpelt would share the news of his night attack on WadeClan's nursery.

But outside, Ravenpaw saw the Clan leader padding out of her den, her fluffy coat puffed.

Ravenpaw and Curlpaw walked of their own den, meeting Redstar halfway.

"Hello, apprentices!" Redstar was in an extra good mood. *I can guess why.*

"Hey, Redstar." Ravenpaw mewed, trying to speak at the same level of excitement. It didn't work too well, but she hoped Redstar didn't notice.

"Where's Sparknose?" asked Curlpaw.

Just then, the brown and white warrior padded up to the three cats. "Greetings, Redstar, Curlpaw, and Ravenpaw. I apologize for taking a while. Shall we be off, then?"

"Not quite. I was going to have Bearpelt and his apprentice, Wetpaw, join us."

*Great,* thought Ravenpaw, tensing up. Curlpaw did the same next to her.

When Bearpelt and Wetpaw arrived, Wetpaw was walking in a proud stride, his tail high in the air. Bearpelt was doing the same thing. The brown tom spoke, "We're ready, Redstar."

"Perfect." purred Redstar, beginning to lead the way out of camp.

When they finally reached the sandy clearing, another place besides the Warrior Trial arenas where apprentices and mentors trained, Redstar meowed, "You know, Curlpaw and Ravenpaw, Bearpelt and Wetpaw led an attack on the WadeClan nursery. While I wish they would've notified me first, they did a great job killing off young cats that could've grown into opposing warriors. So, congratulations, Bearpelt and Wetpaw, and good job!"

Wetpaw and Bearpelt couldn't have been more arrogant. They sat down and held their chins high, their chests puffed.

"Yeah, nice job, you two!" Curlpaw made a fake excited voice. If he would've stepped it up one more level, he would've sounded very sarcastic. Fortunately, he did not. *That's good. Redstar would've been mad.*

"Let's start with some duels. Who will go first? How about... Ravenpaw verses Curlpaw. Yes, let's try that. Winner faces Wetpaw." Redstar mewed.

Ravenpaw braced herself. She would have to win. She didn't want Curlpaw to have to face Wetpaw.

Curlpaw leaped at her suddenly, pinning her. He pretended to lean his head down for a killing bite, but Ravenpaw used her hind paws to kick him off. She leaped on his back before he could recover.

She, with her claws sheathed, ripped at his pelt and then pawed his neck. Expectantly, she looked Redstar. If her claws were unsheathed and she hit with a little more pressure, she would've won this battle.

However, Redstar shook her head. "Keep going! Come on, fight harder!"

Curlpaw threw Ravenpaw off. She went flying and landed in the soft sand. As she tried to recover quickly, she felt Curlpaw ram into her, rolling her a few times. He pushed her onto her back and used his hind paws to pin her. He wrapped his fore leg around her neck and left his paw on her throat, a lethal position where the opponent would be able to kill the cat underneath it on command.

Redstar mewed, "Keep going some more. That was too short and you both got some good swipes and attacks, but you need to fight some more."

Ravenpaw sighed, throwing her fore paws up and bouncing Curlpaw off her back. He jumped off before he got blown off by her force. She stood up all the way and leaped with her paws sprawled out at the other apprentice.

Curlpaw dodged, but Ravenpaw was ready. She swatted his ear as a distraction and used her other fore paw to swipe his paws from beneath him. He fell with a slam, his legs buckling.

Ravenpaw leaped on top of his head and reached forward onto his back. She unsheathed her claws only to get a grip of his back fur and pull herself up and onto his back. Then, she sheathed them once more. Curlpaw lifted his neck and rolled over, spinning Ravenpaw right off of him.

She rolled once and then tried to recover, but her paws hit a sand-filled spot and she tripped. Not a moment later Curlpaw was already on top of her again, his paw high in the air, ready to swipe down at her spine. However, she wouldn't allow Curlpaw to sacrifice himself into battling Wetpaw. She lifted her hind paws and slammed them down with even power to throw Curlpaw off of her.

Curlpaw flew and Ravenpaw took the opportunity. She stood and raced over to where the tom landed. He tried to recover quickly, but Ravenpaw flew and laid on top of his back. She rolled him over and then pinned his head with one paw. Remembering Redstar's technique of using her hind paws to pin the opponent's hind paws, she did that and used her final free paw as the killing weapon. She pretended to slit his throat.

"Okay, okay," Redstar announced. "We have a winner! Ravenpaw will face Wetpaw."

Ravenpaw smiled but then frowned. She was scared to fight Wetpaw. She didn't expect this out of herself, defeating Curlpaw just so she could fight Wetpaw instead of him having to suffer through it. She knew she wasn't brave. Last night she left some innocent kits to die to save her own pelt. *They were already dead. Plus, what could you do against a ton of grown cats? You'd have been mauled,* she let her thoughts defend herself.

Perhaps she was more willing to fight Wetpaw because the apprentice was just one cat, not a group of trained cats. Perhaps she wasn't as scared since Sparknose and possibly Redstar, too, were there to protect her if Wetpaw got out of hand. Or, perhaps she hadn't even though about this at all.

"Ready, precious Ravenpaw?" Wetpaw teased as Ravenpaw situated herself.

"Yes," Ravenpaw mewed. Hopefully, she wouldn't fail miserably against Wetpaw. Maybe she would get some revenge for the apprentice being a jerk to her and for murdering a queen and her kits.

Wetpaw leaped first, but Ravenpaw was quick enough to dodge to the side. She noticed Wetpaw's claws were unsheathed halfway through the movement, so she unsheathed her claws as well. She slid under the gray tom and ripped at his belly. He screeched but cut himself off, probably embarrassed. *Good,* Ravenpaw thought, suppressing a grin.

When she slid out from underneath Wetpaw, she saw only a flash of fur before she realized that he had bulldozed into her. Claws hit her neck and face as she was pinned. She kicked out her hind paws, which were also unsheathed, but they got pinned right after by Wetpaw's hind paws.

She tried to move her neck, to lift her head and try and blind Wetpaw so she could find back, but the tom pushed his claws deeper into her forehead and throat. His eyes were evilly shining with joy as he did so. "What're you going to do now, Ravenpaw the Great?"

The wound Redstar had given her throat a few moons ago was gone, but the spot where the wound used to be was tender and painful as Wetpaw did the same thing she did.

Ravenpaw screeched with anger and used her shoulders to wiggle Wetpaw off. The tom slipped but didn't fall completely, but that was all Ravenpaw would need. With Wetpaw's hind paws off balance, she kicked out her hind paws once more until his own hind paws slipped off completely. She then pummeled the tom's scratched belly until he flew off of her.

Using her opportunity to the fullest, she leaped on top of the tom, rolled him over onto his back, and placed her claw, unsheathed, on his spine near his neck. A fatal blow if she duck her claws in any deeper.

"Good job, Ravenpaw!" Sparknose called. "I'd say she won, especially with her great comeback, right, Redstar?" Something about the warrior's tone told Ravenpaw that she didn't like seeing training done with unsheathed claws. Or fighting in general, but that was just what Ravenpaw had guessed.

"Yes, yes, I totally agree! That was great on Ravenpaw's part! However, Wetpaw, I expected better from you, especially after hearing about your performance last night. Allowing a simple slip to leave the opponent in a perfect position to kick you off? No, that's not good. Bearpelt, teach Wetpaw some good defensive moves next time he trains." Redstar mewed.

Ravenpaw was actually pretty satisfied by the leader's praise toward her and the scolding she gave Wetpaw. Next to her, the battered and bloody tom's back fur rose and all his earlier pride faded completely.

Bearpelt growled. However, it wasn't Redstar he was mad with. "Yes, Wetpaw, that was disappointing. Come on, back to camp. Now!"

The two trailed off. The rest of the cats began to follow, but Redstar, who stayed behind, mewed, "I believe we should train some more. I would like to see Curlpaw's best defensive moves. Ravenpaw, please try and attack him."

They trained for hours until Sunhigh came. Then, Sparknose suggested that they get back to camp, eat some prey, and then join a patrol later. Redstar, to Ravenpaw's surprise, agreed. "Yes," she'd mewed in reply to Sparknose. "These two have done great today. I'm proud of them. They deserve an extra treat; perhaps they can be excused from apprentice chores a quarter-moon."

It took all of Ravenpaw's power to not yell in excitement. Curlpaw smiled at her and she did the same in return. "Thanks, Redstar." she mewed.

"You earned it," Redstar smiled as they entered the camp through the Fallen Trunk. "Now, go on, enjoy the rest of your day."

### **CHAPTER 6**

 File:Untitled56.jpg

Ravenpaw and Curlpaw took Redstar's treat to their advantage. No more elders with their ticks and tales of why TaigaClan deserves to rule the forest, no more Silvercloud bugging her about being a medicine cat when she truly trying to be a warrior when she went to help him sort in the medicine den, although, she did kind of want to work with herbs, as well as being a warrior, and no more stuffing sharp brambles into the nursery to keep it strong for up and coming 'lethal warriors' from Duckwillow.

But, the quarter-moon of freedom came and went. Now, she and Curlpaw were back to those old chores.

Ravenpaw didn't mind, to her own surprise.

What she missed was feeling like she was in a normal Clan. One where everyone is cared about and the only thing on your mind is helping your Clan.

She supposed that helping the Clan was the goal here too.

But in order to do that, cats in TaigaClan and even some Brambles believed that they must murder and kill other cats for 'honor.' *That's not what honor means to me at all. Honor is caring for the cats that support you. Honor is hunting for your Clan, caring for sick and injured cats, taking ticks off elders no matter how boring it is. That's what I think honor truly means.*

"All cats old enough to kill gather beneath the Stonehill for a Clan meeting!" Redstar's announcement cut into her thoughts.

So, the Clan shuffled out of their dens and padded up to the Stonehill. Almost every cat was in camp; it was Sunhigh, meaning that everyone was getting back from patrols and training.

"I have gathered you here today to discuss our quarrel with WadeClan. A quarter-moon ago Bearpelt led an attack on WadeClan's nursery. Thankfully, they made it out without being noticed and successfully killed the queen and kits WadeClan currently has. They also killed the queen that was expecting kits, so we've defeated plenty of future competition to our warriors!"

Some cheers broke out. However, many cats stayed silent. *I bet they're both glad and sad. Glad because of the competition being gone. Sad because kits were murdered to do it.*

"But now WadeClan has assumed correctly that we have done it. So, we will attack them before they strike us. The whole Clan besides our elder and queen will be coming." Redstar mewed.

"But Redstar," Curlpaw called out. "What will happen to Seedpelt and Duckwillow if we leave them unguarded? What if WadeClan invades and kills our elder and queen?"

Ravenpaw first flinched, remembering her mother, Mellowspring, and the other queens. *What about them, too? Are they coming to fight? They're still weak from kitting us a few moons ago, though!*

Redstar looked conflicted. Ravenpaw guessed that she wasn't scared for Seedpelt, but she didn't want the Clan's only future kits to be at risk. *She probably has some good killing moves to teach them so they can eventually use them on each other,* she thought grimly. "I suppose Duckwillow and... yes, Seedpelt too, I guess, will have to come with us and try to stay safe in the back lines of the battle."

Ravenpaw suppressed a gasp. What if the queen or elder got killed? Seedpelt was a great, friendly elder who'd served her Clan well as a warrior and Duckwillow was a young queen with kits in her future. Ravenpaw remembered that the kits would have to face the Warrior Trials.

"And what about Mellowspring, Petalstone, Elmspeck, and Swanwing? They're still recovering from kitting the apprentices." Whiskerfur, to Ravenpaw's surprise, spoke this time.

"They're battle-worthy," spat Redstar. "Now come along, everyone. We must attack WadeClan before they can attack us. I will lead the way."

\*\*\*

The WadeClan camp came into sight. Ravenpaw was nervous for many reasons. For the cats that would inevitably die today. For herself, having to face other cats and being forced to hurt them.

The camp got closer and closer until Ravenpaw realized they'd been spotted. A brown tom was guarding, staring wide-eyed at the approaching cats. He opened his jaws to yowl but claws met his eyes, scratching them viciously. The cats screeched but was cut off when his spine was bit. He fell limp to the ground. His chest rose and fell once until he died.

Ravenpaw already felt sick. The brown tabby warrior lay there as the TaigaClan cats marched forward.

"It's TaigaClan! They're here! We're being invaded!"

Screeches and battle cries erupted and the battle truly began. Ravenpaw looked everywhere, searching for Owlpaw. She was nervous how the small apprentice would do in this battle.

Then something barreled into her, knocking her to her side. A cat leapt on top of her. A gray WadeClan apprentice. "Evil TaigaClan cat!" she spat.

"I don't want to hurt anybody!" Ravenpaw whispered to the cat. She ended up letting feelings that she'd never told anyone. "I have never wanted to. I wish BrambleClan was never taken over. Then I could be learning to be a medicine cat who also hunts for her Clan, somehow, and learning to acre for my Clan above all rather than learning to murder cats!"

The gray she-cat stared, sheathing her claws. "You're a BrambleClan cat, or a Bramble thing, whatever TaigaClan calls you all now?" Ravenpaw could hardly hear the apprentice over the battle cries of TaigaClan and WadeClan cats.

"Yes, Whiskerfur and Mellowspring are my father and mother. They're still young; they haven't talked to me about it but they must've been kits when BrambleClan was invaded and taken over."

"Have hope," the apprentice released her and allowed her to stand. "We're going to help you. When our Clan is strong enough, we plan to help the Brambles. Please, don't repeat this."

"I won't, thank you," Ravenpaw breathed, her back fur settling down. It was up so high. She was mad. Not at this apprentice. Not at WadeClan. No, she was mad, enraged, at Redstar and TaigaClan.

The apprentice ran off. Ravenpaw did, too. She needed to find out what to do; she couldn't attack another WadeClan cat. She wanted to disobey Redstar for once and now that she knew that WadeClan was not only an innocent, caring Clan, but they were planning on saving the Brambles, she couldn't hurt a fur on any WadeClan warrior's pelt.

*Maybe I should try to find the queens or Seedpelt. Especially Mellowspring, my mother, and Duckwillow, the queen expecting innocent kits who haven't even breathed a fresh breath of air and they're already in danger.*

So, she crept along the edge of the battle that was raging in the center of WadeClan's camp. She looked everywhere, but it took her a while until she stumbled upon Mellowspring.

"Mellowspring!" she yowled. A fresh, bleeding claw mark was carved on the queen's side.

"Huh? Who's-" Mellowspring turned, angry. "Oh, Ravenkit-paw, sorry, Ravenpaw."

She was used to her mother's forgetfullness. "Are you okay? Come on, Silvercloud should be next to Seedpelt or Duckwillow-"

"Yes, I'm fine." Mellspring interupted, staring as a WadeClan tom glanced in their direction. She screeched and leaped. Ravenpaw desperately wanted to stop her, to tell her what she had just learned, but she stayed silent. *I can't tell anyone.*

A force rammed into her. She tried to roll over, to throw her opponent off, but she couldn't. Whoever was on her was too big. *A warrior.*

Then she recognized the scent of TaigaClan. This wasn't even a WadeClan cat that was attacking her.

"Stop, it's me, Ravenpaw!" the warrior flung himself off her.

It was Whiskerfur!

"Whiskerfur?" she mewed.

"Sorry, Ravenpaw. I can't recognize any cat in this battle!"

Ravenpaw nodded. It was hard to tell which cat was which here. It was a mistake on Whiskerfur's part but Ravenpaw understood. "We need to help Mellowspring. She's hurt and is trying to keep fighting."

Whiskerfur gasped at Mellowspring as she fought the WadeClan warrior. She pinned the tom, but after simply battering the cat's ear, she released him. Ravenpaw was numb with relief. At least her mother wasn't a ruthless killer. The cat ran off.

"Mellowspring!" Whiskerfur called. "Go, you need Silvercloud!"

"No!" hissed Mellowspring.

"But you need to recover from kitting-" Whiskerfur glanced halfheartedly at Ravenpaw.

"You know very well that Elmspeck had to nurse her for me. My milk didn't come." She gave what seemed like a look with deeper meaning than Ravenpaw understood. "I'm perfectly fine and the longer I sit in the nursery, the angrier Redstar will get that I'm contributing nothing to the Clan, rather, stealing all its prey."

Mellowspring and Whiskerfur stared at each other for a few moments before jumping back into the battle together. Ravenpaw was now alone in the middle of the fight.

"Ravenpaw, watch out!" a voice screamed from somewhere Ravenpaw didn't know. Just then, before she could react, she was pinned on her belly, feeling a large cat digging its claws into her back.

Then the force released. The cat landed with an thud on the ground beside her. She scrambled to her paws and saw the TaigaClan deputy, Fernwater, standing over the tom. She looked up and glanced around, her eyes locking in on something.

What happened next surprised Ravenpaw. The Clan deputy, while Ravenpaw did not know her well, probably would be just like Redstar. Why else would the cruel leader choose her to be next in line for the leader position? So, she expected Fernwater to kill the cat then and there.

However, she noticed Fernwater sheathing her claws, then swiping them across the cats's eyes. No damage was left. The cat seemed to understand what was happening, somehow. He fake-screeched and scrambled away, his paws sheltering his eyes.

Fernwater smiled evilly at the tom, but that looked fake, too.

Then she saw what Fernwater had looked at before pretending to attacking the tom's eyes. Over there, while pinning a gray cat by her throat, Redstar was smiling with a glimmer in her eyes at Fernwater. She turned back to her cat, her paw ready to swipe down and kill the she-cat.

*No!*

Ravenpaw ran forward. Redstar jumped back. "Ravenpaw?" she yowled in the chaos.

"I'll handle her, you keep fighting!" Ravenpaw offered desperately.

Redstar shrugged, looking a little disappointed. *Maybe she was excited to murder yet another cat.*

However, as Redstar ran off, she leaped on the cat for safe measure. Despite the size difference, it was pretty easy to keep the cat pinned realistically. The she-cat was weak and probably dying already. *I need to help her.*

The cat gagged, blood trickling from her mouth.

*Now.*

She reached down and grabbed the cat's scruff. She was limp and heavy, but she needed to help her. She would die in moments. She couldn't wait until after the battle. She would die.

The medicine den was in sight. It would take a lot of effort, but she could make it if she tried hard enough. She dragged the cat further and further. She heaved with effort and might. The gray warrior was much bigger than her.

Blood made a path from where Redstar had attacked the she-cat to where Ravenpaw dropped her scruff inside the medicine den. She searched frantically around the reed-packed den; vines wrapped around the structure for support and holes were dug with vine walls for sorting. She looked and looked all around; somehow, she knew marigold treated wounds, probably from when Silvercloud treated hers a moon and a half ago, and that chervil fought and prevented infection.

There *was* marigold, but not nearly enough. But, it would have to do.

She used a big dock leaf to wrap the marigold and chervil into a poultice. Shoving the leaf wrap in her mouth, she chewed like a rabbit on its plants and them spat it out into her paw. It felt wet and gross as she rubbed it on the warrior's bleeding throat. Blood immediately soaked into the leaf, coloring it reddish-brown with only a slight tint of green.

"Come on!" Ravenpaw yowled. "Hang in there!"

The she-cat's yellow eyes sparkled with effort, still wide and scared.

Ravenpaw looked around. Cobwebs completely filled a larger-than-normal sorting dip. She lunged for the pile and grabbed a ton of it. Rubbing hard, she made a tourniquet around the cat's neck. She was careful to make it loose enough so the she-cat could still breathe, but tight enough so it was stem the bleeding.

"What are you doing?" A voice made Ravenpaw jump.

*Owlpaw.*

"I'm not- I mean-" Ravenpaw looked desperately to the small cat. She'd probably tell Redstar and Ravenpaw would be doomed. *Helping a cat from another Clan? That's like murdering your own Clan leader in Redstar's point of view.*

"No, I-" Owlpaw stuttered, backing up. "Sorry, I meant to say- good job. You're really talented; I know nothing about herbs. We're both training to be warriors and you know both professions; well, to be honest, I know nothing about herbs *or* fighting... I'm bad at everything."

"No you're not," lied Ravenpaw, still trying to treat the dying cat beneath her. Her paws sweaty and blood-stained.

"Can I help?"

"This is marigold," Ravenpaw held up the last petal of the plant. "I need more or this cat will die." She handed the flower to the tiny cream apprentice. "Please find as much as you can."

Owlpaw nodded, running off into the battle once more. She's need to go all the way through the fighting cats to get out of the WadeClan camp. *I hope she'll be okay.*

She wondered where the WadeClan medicine cat and her apprentice was. She'd remembered a TaigaClan warrior talking to another warrior about the last gathering; apparently the two cats had made a scene about the Brambles being trapped like prisoners in the TaigaClan camp. *That's probably why WadeClan is number one on Redstar's enemy list. I bet MeadowClan is glad to have escaped first place.*

She was pretty sure they were called Smokeflight and Grimpaw.

The cat mumbled something, her throat vibrating with effort. "Wh-y-y-"

"I'm a Bramble. I know what WadeClan is going to try to do for us. I never wanted to hurt any cat, and I'm not even a medicine cat! Never tell anyone about this, please."

Ravenpaw wondered how the she-cat would explained her treated wound to anybody without saying some random Bramble did it, but that was something the she-cat would have to find out.

Blood flooded out of the she-cat's throat. Ravenpaw felt slightly nauseous. However, she stayed strong and continued to try and stop the flowing redness.

It felt like days passed as the battle raged on, as the she-cat's blood continued to spill, but it was probably much shorter than that. Then a voice signaled Owlpaw's return.

"Here," Owlpaw dropped some golden-orange flowers with long, leafy stems attached. "I didn't know if you'd need the leaves or not, so I brought them all just in case... sorry, I should've known whether..."

"No, Owlpaw, this is great!" Ravenpaw mewed, excited and relieved as she picked up the fresh-smelling marigold flowers. "Thanks."

Owlpaw nodded stiffly, backing up to give Ravenpaw and the dying she-cat space.

"Stay with us," Ravenpaw murmured to the cat as she chewed up the marigold. When the herb was ready, she used some of the marigold leaves, which she'd hoped would give extra healing benefits being from a marigold stem, to wrap the flowers into a poultice. When it was ready she pressed it back onto the she-cat's throat.

A voice yelled something above the chaos of battle outside the den.

Ravenpaw couldn't understand the voice, but she knew who it belonged to. It wasn't Windystar, the WadeClan leader.

It was Redstar.

"Surrender, Windystar!" she yowled, the battle cries dying out. "You're losing already. Don't make me kill her."

Ravenpaw peeked out of the den. Owlpaw was shaking, moving to the back of the den, hiding.

The cats of TaigaClan and WadeClan had circled around four cats. Redstar, who Ravenpaw believed was Windystar, although, she'd never met him or gone to a gathering yet, a cat Ravenpaw didn't know, and Bearpelt.

Redstar was on top of the brown she-cat Ravenpaw didn't recognize, her paw on the back of the she-cat's neck, ready to dig in and hit the she-cat's spine in order to kill her. Bearpelt stood behind Windystar, his back fur risen.

Windystar seemed only half-aware of the big brown warrior ready to leap at him at any moment. His gaze rested on the she-cat. "You can't. It's against the warrior code!"

"She's already broke the code!" A WadeClan cat screeched from the crowd.

"She's taking over BrambleClan!" Other voices shouted, too.

"She's murdered a young apprentice, remember, Tundraheart's daughter, Dovepaw!"

"She's still murdering apprentices! The Warrior Trails!"

"She holds executions for cats who annoy her!"

"Silence!" Redstar yowled very loudly. Ravenpaw backed up, gently pulling the she-cat by the tail with her, until she was next to Owlpaw. If Redstar saw her, she might be the next one executed. *In the medicine den, helping the so-called enemy instead of killing her.*

She let the she-cat's tail plop onto the ground when she was lying next to her.

"I do not break the warrior code."

Silence followed. Faces and looks of disbelief were held throughout the watching cats.

"The warrior code is following a leader's orders. The warrior code is following StarClan's wishes. I am a leader and I also believe StarClan supports me." Redstar mewed swiftly.

"That's mouse-dung!" The cat beneath Redstar growled, making a quick effort to wiggle out from beneath her.

It didn't work, however.

"Fox-dung!" The she-cat hissed, but Redstar dug her claws closer to the she-cat's spine. She was claw-lengths from killing the she-cat.

"So, Windystar. What's your choice? I would like to have another Clan to fight alongside." Redstar grinned.

"Never!"

"Don't do it, Windystar!" The she-cat yowled. "I'm not worth the whole Clan."

"But- I-I can't-lose you." The yellow tom replied hoarsely, his eyes clouding up. "Beaverstep, you're my mate- and my deputy. We can't afford to lose you."

"What we can't afford to lose is the *whole* Clan!" Beaverstep argued, her eyes sparkling with pain as blood trickled down her face.

"Enough chit-chat! I hate waiting. Windystar, what is it, your mate, your future, or your Clan? You know, it's much more worth it, giving up. You won't die. Beaverstep won't die. No one will have to die!" Redstar mewed enthusiastically. Despite her jolly tone, she looked disappointed at the thought of not killing anyone. "Your Clan will have a peaceful transition to our camp. All they'll have to do is help us build a bigger camp. They'd have a better home. More fresh-kill. More supporting Clanmates. More power."

"We aren't getting more power!"

"We're getting less!"

"Brambles aren't supported by your cats at all!"

"You'd probably starve us!"

"We like our home, anyways!"

Ravenpaw knew what Redstar was doing. All along, she planned to take over WadeClan today. She had taken over BrambleClan out of pure hatred and greed; but now that she's realized what owning so many cats can do, she wants more. The only thing standing in her way of owning BrambleClan forever is the thought of WadeClan and MeadowClan teaming up to stop her; if she were to take one of them over, she would not only crush that reality but also have even more power. Then there would be nothing standing in her way. Nothing at all. She could take over MeadowClan too.

Then life wouldn't be like it should for anybody.

More Warrior Trials.

She'd probably make cats fight for her enjoyment, too.

No one would be happy.

No one would be safe.

"What's it going to be? You're almost out of time." Redstar's mew echoed around the silent, nervous aura of cats.

Silence once more.

"Well?" Redstar probed, sounding more excited than impatient.

"I'll-I think... I'll..." Windystar looked torn. He looked as though he'd been through a physical fight; *well, he was. There was just a battle.*

No, he looked worse than that. He looked as though he'd been attacked by hundreds of cats at once. Pit against impossible odds. Pit against an impossible choice.

Redstar flicked her tail. It took Ravenpaw less than a moment to realize that she was done waiting. That was a sure signal. She knew what was happening next.

Bearpelt leaped with a roar and rolled over Windystar. The two toms battled until one was on top, dust scattering the clearing. When the dust finally cleared, the silent, waitingcats could see the winner.

To Ravenpaw's surprise, it was Windystar who'd won the duel.

"Neither, Redstar. My answer it neither. I'm not going to be your tiny, weak play-thing. WadeClan is meant to be its own Clan. BrambleClan is meant to be its own Clan. TaigaClan is meant to have a good leader!"

"I *am* a good leader! Why would I be trying to get power for my precious Clan if-"

*Crack.*

### **CHAPTER 7**

 File:Untitled57.jpg

A soaring sound like wind rushing.

Ravenpaw had heard it before. A memory flashed through her mind. Something falling. A warning calling out. A sharp dodge from her and a loud slam. A tree branch where she'd stood.

But this was no tree branch.

She saw it. A tree, a massive oak, the main tree that signaled where the WadeClan camp lay.

It was surreal, watching the brown branches and bark blend into the sky as it crashed down.

Crashed down on the whole WadeClan camp.

Sent shockwaves and screams of terror into every cat in the camp.

Crashed down on multiple cats, cutting off screeches from those unlucky cats.

Ravenpaw strained, coughing as dust became the only air the WadeClan camp had. Owlpaw coughed and rolled into a ball next to her. The injured warrior squeaked with effort as she tried rheardreathe as well.

She was scared. Not for herself, but for the Brambles and innocent TaigaClan cats beneath that tree, dead or dying slowly.

When the dust cleared, Ravenpaw needed to leave the den.

"Owlpaw," she whispered ever so quietly. "Hide with this she-cat here. Don't leave."

Owlpaw didn't respond. She just nodded.

Ravenpaw crept out of the den. Right away, she could see six cats under the tree.

Redstar. Dead.

Windystar. Alive, his hind paw the only thing under the tree, but coughing and suppressing tears.

Beaverstep. Dead.

A WadeClan cat, the size of an apprentice, his body in the position of a jump. Ravenpaw guessed he'd tried to save either his leader or his deputy but failed. Dead.

Bearpelt. Alive, hind tail under the massive trunk. He looked unconscious, his eyes rolled back.

And- to Ravenpaw's utter shock and horror- Curlpaw.

"Curlpaw!" Ravenpaw screamed, running up to the apprentice. She gasped with relief, choking on her own saliva, as she realized that only Curlpaw's tail, like Bearpelt, was under the log. However, the relief didn't last. Curlpaw was unconscious, too, and bleeding profusely. "I'll get you out, don't worry!"

She thought that everything was silent. That she was the only cat making a scene for the crushed cats. But, there were so many cats, yowling, crying, and yelping around her. She hadn't noticed; she was too shocked and worried for Curlpaw.

*I can't lose him.*

Scratching filled Ravenpaw's ears. She glanced over.

Redstar.

Alive.

*But how?*

Ravenpaw then realized. *She's a leader. She has nine lives.*

Ravenpaw didn't know how many of those lives were used, but obviously, the red she-cat had more.

Redstar seemed to be digging a hole for herself so she could escape. *That's it! I can free Curlpaw that way.*

"Stop her!" A voice shouted.

"Keep the tree on top of her, she'll keep dying! StarClan can heal her but they can't make her body invincible!"

Redstar dug faster. Ravenpaw dug to get Curlpaw out, too. She debated rushing over to her leader, to stop her, but Curlpaw was more important. She couldn't think of anything but helping Curlpaw.

Then the red-furred leader was out. Ravenpaw was only vaguely aware of what was going on. That is, until she looked over and saw a black she-cat charging at Redstar. It was in slow-motion; Redstar grinned, her whole body dusty, but seemingly boosted at her new opportunity, and swiped at the she-cat's throat. She was dead in moments.

"Who's next? I'm not done! WadeClan will be mine!" She yelled.

"How many lives do you have left? How many warriors to defend you? One of your closest followers is half-buried and another ran for her life! You're almost all alone. Give up." A big WadeClan she-cat with glossy fur stepped away from observing the dead body of Beaverstep and the wounded, limp body of Windystar.

As the cats spoke, Ravenpaw noticed other cats digging out the dead bodies and alive bodies of the buried cats.

Redstar looked a little worried; a surprise and unseen look from what Ravenpaw had seen of her leader.

"TaigaClan, retreat! We will be back, WadeClan. Mark my words. Your deputy is dead. Your Clan leader is wounded for life. Your Clan is weak. Within a short amount of time, you will be mine!" Redstar began to run for the camp's exit.

Some cats ran after her, some cats stayed, retrieving the limp, but thankfully, alive bodies of their wounded Clanmates. Shadepaw grumbled, coming over. "Let me help," she mumbled, beginning to help Ravenpaw dig Curlpaw out.

Ravenpaw wanted to smile, but couldn't, as she was so scared, as Hawthornpaw and Owlpaw arrived to help as well. All apprentices, beside the wounded one himself and Wetpaw, who Ravenpaw hadn't seen during the whole battle.

WadeClan cats sat in watch. Having more cats, they easily got the dead bodies of Beaverstep and the WadeClan warrior along with Windystar's battered, but still alive, body.

"We're going to stop this," A warrior looked with sympathy at the apprentices, walking up to help. Others followed. "We're going to make BrambleClan a Clan once more. Just be patient."

When Curlpaw was dug out enough, Ravenpaw grasped his scruff and dragged him with strength she didn't know she had to the medicine den. She expected to see Owlpaw and the she-cat there, but then she remembered how Owlpaw had helped dig out Curlpaw. Only the she-cat was in the medicine den, along with the Clan's medicine cats. Smokeflight and Grimpaw. They were staring bewildered and confused at the somehow-healed, resting cat on the floor. Then they saw her.

"What are you doing here, TaigaClan fox-heart?" yowled Grimpaw.

"I'm not-"

"Get out of here. You've done enough." Smokeflight growled.

"But I'm not here to-"

"Get! Out!" Grimpaw screamed, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Listen, please!" Ravenpaw begged. "I'm a Bramble. I hate being in TaigaClan. I support WadeClan and I know what they're going to try to do for us. I- I was the one who helped her." she motioned toward the injured she-cat.

"You helped Dovepelt?" Smokeflight asked calmly.

"Yes."

"But you're not a medicine cat. Even if you're not lying right now, you wouldn't know how to treat her!" accused Grimpaw.

"I don't know how I did it, either, but I knew to use marigold as the main treatment. Redstar did this to her. I stopped her from killing her and then brought her here."

Smokeflight smiled. "We're thankful, young apprentice."

"I need to help my friend. He was one of the cats that got hit by the tree. His tail is crushed and it could spread throughout his body-"

Smokeflight's eyes were wide. "Y-yes, that's something that could happen. You sure know a lot about herbs... Well, yes, we treat that sort of injury with something called-"

"Comfrey," Ravenpaw was already grabbing the herbs.

Grimpaw's eyes were as wide as Smokeflight's. Ravenpaw didn't understand how she knew all this, either. She ignored her curiosity and chewed the purple flowers of the comfrey plant until they were a pulp. She spat it out and used some catchweed leaves, which were used solely to keep herbs in a poultice tightly without hurting the patient, and pressed it onto Curlpaw's flattened tail. She cringed. It was so obvious he would have to live with a tail; but how would she take off the tom's whole tail?

She had an idea, but it would be a long and painful process.

But as she opened her mouth, she was interrupted by Grimpaw. "I see that you're no longer a danger to us, but you must return to your camp. I wouldn't put it past Redstar to hold some executions for taking too long to get back to your home."

"I understand," Ravenpaw nodded, but alarm spiked her pelt. What if the infection began to spread through Curlpaw's whole body on the way there? What if he dies on the way?

She grabbed her friend by the scruff and began to drag him out of the medicine den. Smokeflight and Grimpaw watched her go, not saying a word. She raced toward the camp exit. The brown tom guarding the WadeClan camp before they got invaded was still lying there, dead. Dishonored. Murdered. Ravenpaw tried to ignore her feelings as she continued to run. She needed to save Curlpaw.

"Ravenpaw! Slow down!" She was hardly aware of the racing paw steps behind her. All the apprentices, with the exception of Wetpaw, were chasing after her. "What's going to happen to Curlpaw?"

"Comfrey won't work. We need... stinging nettle. And... and a sharp stick or a sharp stone."

"Why?" Owlpaw seemed to know the answer already, her eyes wide open and her ears flat against the back of her tiny cream head. Her fur was ruffled with fear and blood was trickling down her forehead from a large wound.

"We need to amputate his tail."

### **CHAPTER 8**

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Ravenpaw was relieved as she entered the TaigaClan camp. Curlpaw was alive, but yes, he still needed treatment.

"Quick! I need to get to the medicine den! Owlpaw, Hawthornpaw, Shadepaw, come with me, I need your help!" she shouted.

Cats peeked out of their dens. A lot were already lined up outside the medicine den. She shoved through the crowd, causing some cats to stare bewilderingly at her and Curlpaw.

She saw a silver-ish head poke out of the medicine den. Silvercloud. He was staring, too, eyes wide. He beckoned with his tail and turned back into his den. Ravenpaw raced for the den, dragging Curlpaw as fast as she could.

At last, she was in the den. "A tree fell on the WadeClan camp. Bearpelt is injured, Redstar lost a life, Beaverstep is dead, Windystar didn't die but might be wounded for life, some other WadeClan cat died, and this happened to Curlpaw." Ravenpaw reported, slurring her words at the rate she was speaking.

Silvercloud nodded once, taking everything in. He grabbed some spiky leaves, which Ravenpaw recognized as stinging nettles, and some more comfrey. Then he turned to Ravenpaw and the rest of the apprentices, who'd just arrived. "You do know," he mewed quietly. "That he can't live with that tail still attached?"

"Yes." replied Owlpaw grimly. Ravenpaw remembered that Owlpaw and Curlpaw were littermates, like Hawthornpaw and Wetpaw were. She and Shadepaw were both only kits; except Ravenpaw never had any littermates. Shadepaw had two, but they died shortly after being born. Maybe that was what turned Shadepaw into a loner within her own Clan. Mourning some kits who barely were born. Perhaps she blamed herself; perhaps she didn't care at all.

Silvercloud didn't reply. He simply observed Curlpaw's tail closer.

"Shadepaw," Ravenpaw mewed in a whisper. "Can you go find a sharp stone? Or a sharp stick?"

The ginger and black she-cat nodded, padding away. Ravenpaw watched her leave the camp through the Fallen Trunk, and when Shadepaw was completely out of sight, Ravenpaw turned back to Curlpaw and watched as Silvercloud added stinging nettle to the comfrey poultice. "Together, comfrey and stinging nettle mends broken bones. It won't help too much in this case, as his bone... well, it's completely crushed, destroyed, but it also prevents infection. It could help give Curlpaw some relief, however. We could use some poppy seeds, too."

\*\*\*

Hours later, Curlpaw was conscious, but sleeping. Shadepaw had brought a stone and the tail was already cut. Curlpaw seemed to be in intense pain. *And to think Redstar would've left him there. She just ran as soon as* she *was okay!*

She ignored her rage and left the medicine den to get some prey for Curlpaw. The moon was high in the sky, and to think that not long ago she was battling WadeClan cats was crazy.

Bringing a mouse back from the fresh-kill pile, she saw Silvercloud padding out of his den. "Can you stay the night in the den? I think I have to go out on a herb-gathering expedition. It could be a day or two. I need you to take care of Curlpaw. I have to talk to Redstar first, though," he paused. "Also, I still think you should rethink your choice of being a warrior. I do not doubt your warrior skills at all, but you would make an extraordinary medicine cat as well."

Ravenpaw frowned. "I'm not sure where I learned herbs. But, I do know, that no matter how much I'm interested in tending to Clanmates, I belong in the forest, catching prey and making sure my Clan is fed. If I could be both, I would."

"But Ravenpaw," Silvercloud went on. "You'd get out of the Warrior Trials. You'd get to shine with all your unexplained knowledge. You wouldn't have to battle anybody; and you'd be accepted on any Clan's territory. You'd have freedom you would never get to have as a warrior."

"No thanks, Silvercloud. I'm sorry."

Silvercloud nodded respectfully, walking away toward Redstar's den. Ravenpaw padded into the medicine den, laid down by Curlpaw's side, and fell asleep.

### **CHAPTER 9**

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Curlpaw recovered faster than Ravenpaw thought he would.

About two and a half moons had gone by since the battle with WadeClan. Curlpaw was fully prepared to continue his training in half a moon. Surprisingly, Redstar had not provoked another battle with any Clan yet. Perhaps she saw at last that TaigaClan needed to recover. Perhaps she would scared to lose another life; *StarClan knows how many she* *has left to lose.*

Now that she was getting to be an older apprentice, she could now attend gatherings. Many cats doubted her and the other apprentices, claiming they were too young. Ravenpaw wondered how she was able to keep up with the rest of the Clans' apprentices if she was so much younger than them; she just guessed that TaigaClan apprentices were more serious than others, especially after finding out what they would face in they wanted to become a warrior. The Warrior Trials still made Ravenpaw shiver, especially since they would come in just over a moon. She would need to be ready. With a pang, she thought of the other apprentices. Wetpaw was dreadful but she loved the rest of them. Even Shadepaw, who, hence her name, enjoyed shadows for company more than other cats, had become a friend.

Owlpaw wasn't much of a fighter. Not to mention her small size. She might not make it out.

Shadepaw is stealthy and cunning. She could be okay, but what if she's pit against Wetpaw? Wetpaw is one of the strongest apprentices.

Curlpaw is injured. He's a good fighter, but what if someone uses his weak spots?

Hawthornpaw could be okay. It depends who he's against; would he give up if he was put with Wetpaw and allow his brother to kill him?

Ravenpaw didn't mean to be harsh, but she wouldn't mind if Wetpaw was killed in his Trial.

And then there was herself. She knew three apprentices would make it out. She knew three would lay dead on the battle field. The noble thought would be to die so that her friends could live. But she wasn't noble. She hoped and prayed to StarClan that she wouldn't die.

"The gathering's tonight." A voice mewed, and a cat sat down beside her in the apprentices' den entrance. It was Shadepaw.

"Yeah. Are you going?"

"Probably not. I'd prefer to sleep in. Silentpounce is taking me training right away tomorrow morning. Speaking of which," Shadepaw mewed. "Could you fill me in on how it goes? I want to know if there's a battle *besides* the Warrior Trials that I've ought to train for."

"Sure," Ravenpaw understood the feeling. "But first, we have to see who Redstar allows to come."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you were out hunting, but she told us that any apprentices can come if they'd like." Shadepaw chimed.

"Hm. Then I can go. I'll tell you all about it, okay?"

Shadepaw nodded, padding off. Ravenpaw sat and watched as the moon rose, its eerie glow calming to her. When Redstar finally announced a Clan meeting, she heaved herself up from her spot and walked to the Stonehill.

"The cats staying here tonight, and if you are not one of these cats, you can still choose to stay, are Bearpelt, Loudstrike, Whiskerfur, and Plumwing." Redstar called out, stretching as she prepared to leap down from the Stonehill. When she did, she beckoned with her tail for the Clan cats who were attending the gathering to follow her.

Ravenpaw had been to one other gathering; two moons ago. That one was quite short, as TaigaClan was hesitant to announce their defeat in their last battle against WadeClan. WadeClan seemed too nervous of what Redstar would do if they said anything either, so they were quiet. Windystar was still the leader of WadeClan; he ended up dying from infection, but after losing a life StarClan healed all his wounds. However, his deputy and mate, Beaverstep, was dead, so WadeClan had a new deputy. Ravenpaw believed his name was Whisperfang.

The journey was short. The Great Tree came into sight. This was where the four warrior Clans- *three, now, thanks to Redstar,* thought Ravenpaw grimly- gathered to share news.

The cats climbed up the hill that the Great Tree rested on until they reached the top, where a huge clearing provided space for cats to sit and share tongues with other Clans while they waited for the gathering to begin.

It looked like MeadowClan had already arrived.

"TaigaClan is here!" A warrior shouted from the crowd. Ravenpaw looked to the top of the Great Tree. Sitting on one of the branches was the MeadowClan leader, Harestar. Her deputy, Kestrelwing, sat beside her. She nodded at TaigaClan with respect, but Ravenpaw knew that she was scared deep down. Nervous that Redstar would someday take over her Clan like she did to BrambleClan.

Redstar glanced to her side, where Fernwater padded beside her. Fernwater nodded and the two raced toward the tree. Ravenpaw was impressed as the two she-cats climbed with intense speed until they reached the branch dedicated to TaigaClan's leader and deputy.

Ravenpaw didn't realize that MeadowClan was so small; then she remembered, TaigaClan was technically two Clans big, so of course a regular Clan looked smaller. *If they found out about us losing the battle with WadeClan, they'd laugh. We're twice as big and we still lost.*

Ravenpaw had pride for her Clan, but at the same time, she was glad TaigaClan lost. WadeClan could've been taken over and more cats would have to suffer. Plus, the reason they'd lost was because of Redstar's error. It was TaigaClan's fault at all.

*What am I thinking?* Ravenpaw shook her head. *It's a* good *thing we loss. Why am I angry that Redstar 'ruined' it? I know what I think, and that is that battles are the worst. I just wish these random thoughts would go away.*

"Hey, you're... um... I think you were Ravenpaw? I remember your name being announced a few gatherings ago, Redstar announced that you were made an apprentice." A cat mewed, surprising Ravenpaw.

"Yeah, that's me." Ravenpaw observed the cat. She was a tortoiseshell and white she-cat with green eyes. Her dappled pelt was bright in the moonlight.

"I'm Turtlepaw. My father thought it would be funny to name me after being a 'tortoiseshell cat." Turtlepaw snorted with amusement. "My mother only agreed because she'd already named my siblings. My father deserved a turn."

"I was named after my pelt and, I suppose, my curiousity for the world. I was always sneaking out of the nursery to watch Silvercloud sort herbs, or to see warriors pad into camp with their prey hanging from their jaws. My mother, Mellowspring, was the one who named me. I'm an only kit." Ravenpaw explained. She liked having a conversation with a cat that's not from TaigaClan, not that she didn't like the other apprentices.

"That's cool. Yes, there really is a big world out there and exploring it seems like a fun idea!" Turtlepaw exclaimed.

"I like how much we Clan cats get to explore the outside world. The forest is so big and us cats are so small! Unfortunately, we usually go out to battle train... Redstar is my mentor. I have to beg her to let us go hunting or to let me learn to climb trees and big hills."

"Redstar is your mentor?" Turtlepaw looked surprised.

"Yeah. She's bittersweet sometimes..." Ravenpaw trailed off.

"I bet. She's so controlling... it must be terrible, being a TaigaClan cat."

"It's even worse for me. We've been accepted for the most part, but us Brambles aren't always the most welcomed. Hence the name..." Ravenpaw frowned.

"You're no Bramble." Turtlepaw mewed firmly. "You're a BrambleClan cat. I think my Clan and WadeClan should band together and save you. But, Harestar's always nervous and twitchy. She's scared that if we resist we'll all end up dead."

"She has the right to worry." mewed Ravenpaw grimly.

"Yeah..." Turtlepaw looked at the ground.

"WadeClan is here! It is time to begin!" Redstar roared across the clearing.

Ravenpaw sat stiffly beside Turtlepaw. The MeadowClan apprentice was so much bigger than her; older. How was she still an apprentice? Then, Ravenpaw remembered. TaigaClan didn't wait to make their kits apprentices. Other Clans waited until kits were six moons old to apprentice them. TaigaClan waited until they were one moon. It was crazy for Ravenpaw to think that in a moon, she could be a warrior, and meanwhile, some kits in the nursery who were her same age in MeadowClan or WadeClan were just about to begin their journey as an apprentice.

Windystar and Whisperfang were already up the Great Tree when Ravenpaw glanced over.

"We have great news to report. Our whole Clan is doing well and the fresh-kill pile is always full. We give our thanks to StarClan for the prey still being plentiful this close to Leaf-Fall." reported Windystar. "And, we have seen a hint of new life beginning to form. Our medicine cat has confirmed that one of our warriors, Dovepelt, is expecting kits of her own!"

Ravenpaw couldn't suppress a gasp. That was the she-cat she'd tended to during the battle with WadeClan. What if she hadn't saved her? Would these kits never have been born?

Ravenpaw had another thought. Maybe that idea was for the best. These kits would be born into constant battle. By the time they're born, Redstar could already be leading the whole forest.

Cheers rang out across the clearing. Redstar was smiling deviously. Did she plan to take over WadeClan and force these kits to participate in their own Warrior Trails?

"That's great news, Windystar," Harestar mewed after the cheers died out. "We all wish Dovepelt good luck in kitting. Now, for MeadowClan," the she-cat wrapped her tail around her paws. "We are also doing well. Prey is plentiful on the moor and rabbits couldn't be any tastier."

Whisperfang was twitching beside Windystar. Ravenpaw could tell he was irritated at something; was it the MeadowClan leader? Or something else?

"Thank you, Harestar," the WadeClan deputy mewed. "Now, let's hear from BrambleClan; oh, wait, I'm sorry. You can all see that they have been taken hostage by TaigaClan. My apologies. Even now, I still forget."

Windystar bristled beside his deputy, but he seemed unable to suppress a smile. He probably hated Redstar just as much as his own deputy.

"Yes, but we must forget the past," Redstar replied calmly. "BrambleClan was doomed on its own. They were a bunch a cheeky, soft cats; they believed they could battle us. They lost miserably. Now look at them; part of the strongest Clan in the forest! TaigaClan's young participate in the Warrior Trials and become stronger than ever before. Which is why these Trials have been opened to all this year! MeadowClan and WadeClan are welcome to come. I would like them to view the Trials so that they can see how strong their Clan could be; I can make the forest great again. And, if you think I'm doing it for the power, for the glory, you're wrong. I just want the Clans to be unified. I want peace. I want full bellies. I want the best cats there can be in my home."

"Peace?" screeched a cat from WadeClan. "You want peace? Then how come you're forcing apprentices who should still be in the nursery to murder each other?"

"Why have you taken BrambleClan hostage?" A MeadowClan warrior spoke up, his voice ringing across the clearing

"You don't want peace, you want to kill more cats! If we are all under your paw you can make us do whatever you want!" A she-cat from WadeClan screamed at Redstar.

"Dear Clan cats," Redstar purred loudly. "You don't understand. I care about you all. I love the feeling of being part of a true Clan. I won't feel that the forest is the best it can be until all the Clans are together, united, prepared to survive as one."

"I think this gathering is over." growled Windystar.

"Oh, but TaigaClan has yet to share their news." Redstar mewed. "We are doing simply marvelous in our territory. Like the rest of the Clans, we have plentiful prey. Come to think of it, we always do, even in Leaf-Bare." Ravenpaw guessed that the comment was meant as a jab. Redstar wanted the other Clans to give in to her rule. "But what's even more exciting, and some of you may have been keeping track, is that TaigaClan's annual Warrior Trials are nearly here. In about one more moon of training, the Trials will begin. As I mentioned earlier, I have opened the TaigaClan Warrior Trials to all to view. I suggest you come."

Silence filled the crowd until some TaigaClan warriors cheered loudly.

"We have six apprentices participating this year. Their matchups and battlefields are yet to be drawn. This is our second year, but as it is the first year visitors are welcome, I shall explain the rules and information now." Redstar straightened her back. "All apprentices will have a symbol representing them drawn on a stone. Ravenpaw will have a raven. Curlpaw will have one of his curly ears. Hawthornpaw will have a thin, spiky branch. Wetpaw will have a splash of water. Owlpaw an owl. And, at last, Shadepaw will have a dark circle. Opponents will be drawn at random. I will pick three teams. The cats on the same team are actually the two who will duel each other. Then, I will announce the first team to decide battlefields. If I draw a stone with a pond etched on it, that is where the team will fight, at our battlefield called the Calm Pond. Then the next team might be matched up on the Plateau of Honor, a grassy field on the border with MeadowClan. The final team would automatically be in the Alive Forest, a section of our forest with the scariest, most aggressive plants. Then all that's left is to watch as these apprentices fight to prove their worth."

Turtlepaw was shivering next to Ravenpaw. "You're not nervous for your Warrior Trials, Ravenpaw?"

"Of course I am," whispered Ravenpaw. "I just can't show it."

Turtlepaw frowned sympathetically. The two turned back up to look at the leaders up on the Great Tree.

"I look forward to these Trials. Hence the name, they are Trials that will test the strength, courage, honor, and skill of our future warriors. It will entertain the Clan at the same time as training strong TaigaClan cats." Redstar finished.

"I think we ought to end the gathering now. The moon is beginning to sink lower in the sky." Harestar mewed.

"Right. I have spoken all that I need to. Thank you for your time and I look forward to the Clans' future," Redstar beckoned to Fernwater and the two shimmied down the tree, followed by Harestar, her deputy, Windystar, and his own deputy.

Ravenpaw prepared for the journey home. She was tired. Weak. Scared.

Nervous for her Warrior Trials.

Not prepared to kill a friend or be killed.

### **CHAPTER 10**

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"Ravenpaw, are you ready?" Redstar's mew rang out through the apprentices' den. She would be training with Hawthornpaw and his mentor, Dawnpatch today.

"Yes, I'm sorry Redstar. I was checking Curlpaw's tail again."

She waved Curlpaw goodbye with her paw and padded out of the den. *Lucky,* she joked in her mind. *He get's to rest because he and Sparknose trained late last night.*

A few days ago, after the gathering, Ravenpaw had returned and went straight to Shadepaw. As usual, the she-cat was expressionless and seemed unphased by her words. However, Ravenpaw could almost smell the fear radiating the apprentice's pelt. *Poor Shadepaw.*

"Are we going to be working on defense or offense?" asked Ravenpaw.

"Offense. You'll need it most of all in your Warrior Trial." Redstar led the way to the Fallen Trunk, where Dawnpatch and Hawthornpaw sat in wait. "Are we ready?"

The red she-cat got nods in return, so the four cats padded out of camp and headed for the Calm Pond, where they'd be training for the day. The sky was clear, the wind as mellow and calm as the pond. Birds tweeted in the trees. They tweeted as though they had nothing to worry about. No death was hanging over their head. No battles. No Warrior Trials. Ravenpaw envied them. She wished she could be an actual raven, one that could flutter around all day, crowing and investigating anything that made it curious.

"We're here." Dawnpatch announced, staring head at the crystal blue waters.

Hawthornpaw raced forward and splashed into the calm pool, causing a rare ripple to wave through the water. This was Ravenpaw's second time visiting the pond up close. Redstar seemed to enjoy battles on the Plateau of Honor much more. As a result, Ravenpaw needed more training for the other two battlefields.

"Ravenpaw, go attack him." whispered Redstar. "Try to pin him on the sand."

Ravenpaw nodded hesitantly. She slowly padded up to the pond, acting casual. When Hawthornpaw wasn't looking, she pounced. The tom gasped for a moment, and Ravenpaw smiled with pleasure. Although battling wasn't fun, and Hawthornpaw was a friend, showing him that she was better at him at training was fun. Plus, fighting can be funny if claws are sheathed. Ravenpaw just hoped that Hawthornpaw wouldn't unsheathe his.

"Hey!" screeched Hawthornpaw, bucking like a stag. Water splashed into Ravenpaw's face, but she ignored it. She used her forepaws to heave him with a mighty push to the edge of the pond. Just then, she fell off the apprentice's shoulder, falling face first in the sand.

"Get her, Hawthornpaw!" Dawnpatch yowled.

Before Ravenpaw knew it, her scruff was in Hawthornpaw's jaws. He should her around a few times before tossing her. She hit the sand with a splash, but before she could scramble to her feet. Weight landed on her. Hawthornpaw set his paw on her spine, pretending to claim victory. *Dang it,* Ravenpaw thought playfully.

"Good job, Hawthornpaw!" yelped Dawnpatch.

"Now, Hawthornpaw, attack Ravenpaw again. She'll learn some good water defense before she does her offense." Redstar mewed.

\*\*\*

The day dragged on as she and Hawthornpaw trained. She felt a little more comfortable than before, but she could tell that Dawnpatch had brought Hawthornpaw here to train much more than Redstar had taken her. She didn't feel completely ready; what if the Alive Forestor the Calm Pond was her elected battlefield? Even if the Plateau of Honor was chosen, Hawthornpaw or Wetpaw could easily overpower her. Shadepaw and Curlpaw were about her same level, so that was even chances, and she could easily pin Owlpaw, but she's rather take a swipe to the throat than hurt her little friend.

"I say we head back, Redstar," Dawnpatch mewed. "Sunhigh was a while ago. Sunset will be here soon."

"Okay, then," Redstar nodded. "Good job, young apprentices. I think you will both succeed in your Warrior Trials. That is, unless you're put against one another. Then, it'd be a good, interesting match!"

Ravenpaw was queasy on the way to camp after hearing that. What if she got put against Hawthornpaw? He was such a good friend. He could be arrogant and occasionally an annoying furball, but he had a softer side, too. An adorable side that Ravenpaw loved to see.

When the four got back to camp, Redstar mewed, "Hang around. I have a Clan announcement to make."

So, Ravenpaw and Hawthornpaw sat down under the Stonehill together, prepared to hear whatever Redstar had to announce. Dawnpatch sat behind them.

"May all cats of TaigaClan, big or small, gather beneath the Stonehill for a Clan meeting!"

*Huh,* thought Ravenpaw. *That's new. All cats, big or small. Even kits and elders. This must be another of Redstar's big ideas.*

"I have gathered everyone here today to discuss the Warrior Trials a little bit more," Redstar announced when every cat was seated. "Most of you heard a little more information at the gatherings. Nothing new, but I do hope you shared it with your Clanmates who were chosen to guard the camp. Anyway, this year, we do have some changes and helpful additions to the rules. Please listen closely."

Ravenpaw's whiskers twitched. What would it be this time?

"First of all, all cats, even those of WadeClan and TaigaClan are now welcome to attend the three days of the Warrior Trials. Please allow them in with open paws. Second of all, I have decided that the apprentices who are destined to win deserve more honor that they got last year. So, we will be displaying the stones of the fallen along out empty Clan walls. Fortunately, I saved the stones from last year. We have four participants last year. Let's hear some cheering for our survivors, Spiderfoot and Chestnutpelt!"

Cheers erupted from the cats. "Spiderfoot! Chestnutpelt!"

The crowd of cats stepped aside to reveal the two cats, a brown tom with dark stripes and a black she-cat with orange flecks, a tortoiseshell. The two stared around, bewildered. If Ravenpaw had a guess, they were twice the age of Turtlepaw. Still young, especially being warriors.

"Yes, we have your stones too. You are welcome to keep them." Redstar mewed.

Ravenpaw recognized the two cats, but there were a few TaigaClan cats she had yet to meet, even now. *Why didn't I think of asking the last participants for help? They can give me advice.*

*Maybe I shouldn't.* Ravenpaw noticed Spiderfoot's hostile look. "We're fine without, Redstar." his tail wrapped tightly around Chestnutpelt's. Ravenpaw wondered if they became mates after the Warrior Trials.

"That is fine. May you, Bearpelt, go and grab the stones that belonged to Applepaw and Fawnpaw?" The brown warrior, like Curlpaw, had recovered from his wounds fast. He too had a short tail, which made him look eve more like a ferocious bear, what he was named after.

"Of course, Redstar," Bearpelt raced for the leader's den. Ravenpaw shivered. What kind of leader would keep mementos to remind her of her own Clanmates murdering each other? *This one,* Ravenpaw answered herself grimly.

When Bearpelt returned, he was juggling two medium-sized stones with marks etched on them. It was very clear; one had an apple fruit and one had a young deer. As soon as he climbed up the Stonehill, he dropped them at Redstar's paws. Then he leapt down and sat to watch.

"Thank you, Bearpelt." Redstar stared at the stones. "As you can tell, Applepaw and Fawnpaw never gained their warrior names. In fact, they went down in history as the 'apprentices who couldn't win.' I still believe they fought honorably. This year around, I will be honoring not only these two fallen apprentices, but this year's before they perish. So, I will be giving these two their warrior names."

Silence stretched across the clearing. It was a surprise to Ravenpaw to think that just about a year ago cats were in the same situation as her.

Redstar grabbed one of the stones. It was the on with the young fawn drawn on it. "Fawnpaw, while you are no longer here to share this moment with us, I honor your courage and effort in the Warrior Trials. When she was here, Fawnpaw was calm and collected but still took everything seriously. You will go down in history not as the failed apprentice, but rather, as an honored warrior named Fawnheart."

After she set down the fawn stone, she pressed her head to it, a few rare tears trickling down. Ravenpaw wondered if Redstar had faith in that apprentice. Maybe they were close.

Grabbing the other stone, with the beautiful apple on it, she mewed, "Now for Applepaw. When he was alive, Applepaw was lively and eager. While he did not live to see the rest of his life, he will be honored as well. Applepaw, you and Fawnheart should most certainly be honored, even if you failed in your Trials. Your name will no longer be a forgotten echo. From now on, we'll call you Appleshine."

"Fawnheart! Appleshine!" Roars came from TaigaClan cats, BrambleClan cats, elders, queens, kits. Everyone. Ravenpaw never heard everyone on the same page before, especially in TaigaClan with half of it being BrambleClan cats, but everyone here agreed that the two fallen apprentices deserved to be honored.

Ravenpaw liked this moment. She didn't want it to end. Redstar might be half evil tyrant, but she is also half caring and honoring.

Redstar spoke when the cheering finally ebbed to silence. "To further honor apprentices participating in the Warrior Trials, I will give warrior names for this year's participants as well. Except, I will do it the day of the first Trial so that the loser shall not have to die a loner. They will die in honor, knowing that they showed courage no matter what and died a warrior even if they weren't destined to win their Trial."

Ravenpaw smiled. So, if she or her friends all died, they had something to look forward to first. She would have her full name before she died at the very least. However, this comfort was short lived. Ravenpaw was still very nervous and worried.

After that Clan meeting, so many more cats supported the Trials. Ravenpaw thought that at one point, Redstar set up that Clan meeting so that less cats complained. Then she could do what she wanted. But then, she thought back to Fawnheart and Appleshine's warrior ceremonies during the meeting. Her tears were so real. Her words were so genuine. Perhaps her leader had done it so that more cats agreed with her, but maybe she was trying to kill two birds with one stone. It had worked. She honored the fallen apprentices and got every cat on her side. Maybe there was nothing wrong with that.

Not that Ravenpaw was excited for the Trials, now that she'd heard the news. All that happened was she trusted Redstar a little more and she was glad she'd be honored if she died.

Ravenpaw went for the apprentices' den. Even though sunset had only just arrived, she was ready to sleep.

She was just drifting off to sleep. She was surprised that she was the only one in there; wasn't everyone else tired?

Then a voice proved her wrong.

"At least I'll get my warrior name."

"Owlpaw?"

"I want to be honored. I'm glad Redstar did this." Owlpaw was shuffling her paws and her tail was curled. She was standing next to Ravenpaw's nest.

"Owlpaw, don't talk like that. You're not going to die."

"Literally any apprentice you can name is stronger than me. I'm so little... I just thought you all were bigger than normal kits, but it's just me. I'm not meant to be a Clan cat... at least these Trials will end my misery."

"Owlpaw!"

"Sorry. You can sleep if you'd like."

"No, just, please, stop. You're going to be okay." Ravenpaw couldn't bare this. And she thought that *she* was nervous for the Trials. Owlpaw seemed to have already given up.

"Let's talk about something else," Ravenpaw mewed.

"What do you think our warrior names will be?" Owlpaw asked.

Ravenpaw didn't like how it was related to the Trials, but at least it wasn't death. "Probably Ravenpelt or something basic." She joked.

"I'll be Owlslip."

"What makes you think that?"

"Because I'll probably trip and fall on my way to get my warrior name," Owlpaw replied, smirking.

Ravenpaw laughed. "It'll all be fine. You're not going to be called Owlslip."

"I'm fine with that name. I just hope you're not called Ravenslip. That suffix sounds much better with my name."

The two giggled and talked for a little while more. Then they both fell asleep. Ravenpaw let the darkness consume her. She was content.

But how long would she stay that way? She had told Owlpaw to stop talking about it, and it was sad, but it was true. Owlpaw would most likely die in her Warrior Trial and Ravenpaw didn't know what to think.

But, at least Owlpaw had a sure answer. Ravenpaw didn't know what would happen to her.

Not one clue.

### **CHAPTER 11**

Sunlight filtered through the trees. The leaves swayed in the Leaf-Fall wind, threatening to begin their annual progression toward the ground. It was beautiful. Their colors were bright and yet the ground was still green like it was Greenleaf.

But the scenery wasn't the only factor today. The beauty seemed fake.

Today was the day. Ravenpaw would find out her fate today. Three days from today the Warrior Trials would begin. Redstar would give them their opponent and battle field. Then she'd let the apprentices train the next three days. The day before they'd get their warrior name. Then the Trials would begin.

Any moment now, it would be Sunhigh. It would be time to find out her fate. She was torn. Who would she be pit against? Having to fight any of her friends would be horrible. Shed rather tear apart Wetpaw. But she and Wetpaw had dueled before, training. While Ravenpaw had won the occasional duel, Wetpaw was incredibly strong. Who would she be up against? Would she win? Would she die? This was the worst day of Ravenpaw's life.

Then it was time.

"May all cats, big or small, gather beneath the Stonehill for a Clan meeting!"

Every apprentice walked side by side on the way to the Stonehill. It was exactly the same as when they were becoming apprentices in the first place. Climbing up the Stonehill. Together. Ready to face the challenges ahead.

Redstar sat in wait, smiling. When every cat was sitting in the camp's clearing and all the apprentices were seated at her side on the Stonehill, she finally spoke.

"Welcome, apprentices. Soon, you shall be warriors. But first, let us see who your opponents will be." Redstar pointed to six stones which were laying at her paws. They all had markings on them to represent the six apprentices. Ravenpaw noticed the battle field stones behind Redstar.

She flipped them each over so that they face down.

"Ravenpaw, Curlpaw, Hawthornpaw, Wetpaw, Owlpaw, and Shadepaw. May you mix up the order of your stones? You'll know which one is yours. Put them in any order and I will drawn the dueling partners."

So they did. Redstar closed her eyes. Barely aware of the whole Clan watching her, Ravenpaw grabbed the stone with a graceful bird etched on it, it's wings spread in flight. Ravenpaw wondered if Redstar made these claw marks herself. She also wondered how long the leader had them. Did she make them over night or did she just start?

Ravenpaw saw Curlpaw set his on the very end. Hawthornpaw set his on the opposite end. Shadepaw went next to Hawthornpaw. Wetpaw next to Curlpaw. Ravenpaw set hers next to Shadepaw's, on the left side of the ginger and black apprentice's stone. Owlpaw squeezed hers in between Wetpaw's and Ravenpaw's. The stones were in order, from left to right. Curlpaw, then Wetpaw, then Owlpaw, then Ravenpaw herself, then Shadepaw, and at last Hawthornpaw. Now they would find out their fate. Ravenpaw was so tense, she thought she would explode.

The apprentices made sure the stones were still facing down and then sat down, officially complete with their task.

She felt like her ribcage was trapping a fluttering bird, its beak stabbing her heart and its wings pounding against her bones. This was so nerve-wracking.

Redstar seemed to know they'd finished. Her eyes opened. "Perfect. Now the drawing shall begin."

"The first battle in this year's Warrior Trials will feature these cats..." Silence took over the camp. The songs of the morning doves outside of camp were the only thing Ravenpaw could hear. Redstar grabbed a stone. "Curlpaw." Redstar set down the stone. The curly ears drawn to represent Curlpaw sparkled in the sunlight. "And," Redstar padded in a circle around the stones. She grabbed one. Ravenpaw knew who it belonged to. "Hawthornpaw."

She set the stone with the spiky hawthorn branch next to Curlpaw's stone.

"Let us honor these two apprentices. Curlpaw! Hawthornpaw!"

"Curlpaw! Hawthornpaw!"

Ravenpaw felt sick. How would she live without Curlpaw? How would she live without Hawthornpaw? The thought of losing either felt like being stabbed by sharp claws. But she would have to lose one of them.

Redstar waited for the cheers to die out. When they did, she spoke again. "Now, for the second battle."

She grabbed a stone immediately. "Participating in this battle will be..." she turned the stone over. "Shadepaw." Redstar grabbed another stone. "And," she went so slow it felt like time itself slowed down. Like the world would be forever slow-moving. Even Redstar's mouth moved slowly as she mewed, "Owlpaw."

"Shadepaw! Owlpaw!"

It felt like a slam. Shadepaw was kind but Ravenpaw knew that deep down she would most likely kill Owlpaw so that she could live. Curlpaw or Hawthornpaw would kill the other. And one of the worst parts?

No matter what.

Wouldn't matter if StarClan itself came down and demanded a redraw.

She was against Wetpaw.

The cheers died out at last.

"And for the last battle." Redstar flipped over the two remaining stones at once. "Wetpaw versus Ravenpaw."

"Wetpaw! Ravenpaw!"

Ravenpaw looked into the eyes of every apprentice in that moment. She needed to get some good looks of them all. She would lose some of them. She could lose herself.

Shadepaw looked slightly relieved but had deep sorrow in her gaze.. She must've realized that even though she got the easiest opponent, it wouldn't be easy to kill a good friend.

Curlpaw had a peculiar look on his face. Nerve but also hope. Did he plan to prove himself against Hawthornpaw? Why would he need to? Isn't Hawthornpaw his friend?

Hawthornpaw, meanwhile, looked expressionless. He was staring dully at the crowd of cats as they watched in silence.

Owlpaw had wide eyes. She was scared. Ravenpaw felt sorry for her. But she could almost read Owlpaw's mind; she guessed that she was glad she got a good friend as an opponent. If she were to die, at least she'd be doing it for a friend.

Then there was Wetpaw. He looked evil. Truly evil. He also looked glad. His grin was so wide. He turned slowly to look at Ravenpaw. He grinned even wider. Then he turned and looked at the crowd once more. Ravenpaw bet that Wetpaw was excited at the chance to rip apart his nemesis.

"And now," Redstar announced. "For the battle fields."

She paused, padding toward the three stones with the arenas drawn on them. After pushing the three stones forward to the front of the Stonehill, she sat and curled her tail around her paws.

She mixed these up herself and when they were flipped around and upside down, she began.

"Curlpaw and Hawthornpaw. You will be fighting at..." a long pause. Redstar grabbed a stone, flipped it over, and finally mewed, "The Plateau of Honor. This is the battle field dedicated to those who honor bravery and the true feeling of being a warrior. Here, nothing but your skills with carry you to victory."

Curlpaw and Hawthornpaw touched noses. Somehow, they knew they had to do it.

"And Owlpaw and Shadepaw. You two will be fighting at..." another long pause. Another drawn stone. Then another mew, "The Alive Forest. This arena is dedicated to the stealthy, as staying out of the sight or smell of the nasty plants here will guarantee you a win."

Owlpaw and Shadepaw also touched noses. Shadepaw mouthed something to Owlpaw. It might've been 'I'm sorry.'

"At last, we have Ravenpaw and Wetpaw. You're automatically destined to at the Calm Pond, the battle field of swiftness and vigilance. Be prepared and keep an eye out for your opponent here." Redstar overturned the last stone.

Ravenpaw was doomed. She was against the strongest apprentice at the battle field she was the least amount trained with.

She and Wetpaw did the same as the last apprentices. They touched noses. Wetpaw smiled as he did so. He was ready for this fight, Ravenpaw could tell. He was excited for it.

"Now you apprentices and your mentors may go train for these Trials. I wish you all good luck."

\*\*\*

Redstar had gone with Ravenpaw to help her train.

They had worked all day long and Ravenpaw was very tired. The two had done offense. Defense. Techniques. Battle moves.

They would usually be effective and great things to learn, but Ravenpaw kept begging Redstar to teach her about moving and battling in water.

"If I'm fighting Wetpaw in the Calm Pond," she'd mewed. "I need to learn how to defeat him there. Can we learn some water defensive and offensive moves?"

"It is also important to know how to battle your opponent with general TaigaClan moves." Redstar had replied. "If you survive to become a TaigaClan warrior, you need to learn out ways above all things."

That was true, but Ravenpaw just wished they could focus on one thing at a time. Her Warrior Trials were coming in a matter of days and Redstar was thinking of her future after the Trials.

What if she didn't win? What kind of future would she have then? Not one where she is alive, that's for sure.

But now, she was heading back to camp, the sun setting, unsure of how much she'd actually accomplished today. She was still nervous. She was still worried. She was still doomed.

She padded into the apprentices' den. Hawthornpaw was in his nest, his tail covering his nose. He wasn't asleep quite yet.

"Hey Hawthornpaw,"

Hawthornpaw looked up right away. "Oh, Ravenpaw, hey."

"Did your mentor teach you anything useful? Mine couldn't care less." Ravenpaw joked.

"Yes, Dawnpatch is a good mentor."

"Redstar isn't," Ravenpaw continued. "She tried to teach me regular TaigaClan battle moves. Doesn't she understand that fighting in water is different than on land? The only time I've gotten to train in the Calm Pond was with you."

"You were pretty terrible there," Hawthornpaw laughed.

"Hey!" Ravenpaw play-swatted Hawthornpaw.

Curlpaw padded in. He looked upset.

"Oh, what's wrong Curlpaw?" Ravenpaw asked immediately, worried for her friend. Was he having a tough time, too?

"Nothing." Curlpaw padded over to his nest and plopped down, closing his eyes immediately.

Ravenpaw frowned, looking at Hawthornpaw. The apprentice shook his head but she guessed he knew more than he would let on.

So, Ravenpaw ignored it and walked back to her nest. She crashed and fell asleep right away.

### **CHAPTER 12**

The apprentices trained on over the days, their mentors trying their best to ensure their victory. Time went by so fast. It was already time for the first Warrior Trial.

The thought of losing Hawthornpaw hurt.

The thought of losing Curlpaw hurt.

But it would happen. She was bound to lose one of them. Today.

"May all cats, big or small, gather beneath the Stonehill for a Clan meeting!" Redstar's mew make Ravenpaw's heart leap. It was Sunhigh. Time to prepare for the match.

Ravenpaw sat next to Curlpaw. Hawthornpaw came ans sat on her other side. The other apprentices filed in and did the same. More and more cats pooled from the dens until the whole Clan was in the clearing.

"Now, the rules are very similar to last year," Redstar began when every cat was ready. "The cats duel. One wins. But, as audience members, we must be respectful as well. You may not step foot into the arena. You may cheer however you'd like, but again, no interfering with the battle. Your job is to stay entertained, so have fun!"

Some cats roared and cheered. Some cats nodded solemnly. Some were silent. Some dug their claws into the dirt. This included Swanwing and Petalstone were included among those angered and worried cats. Swanwing was the mother of Hawthornpaw and Wetpaw, while Petalstone was Owlpaw and Curlpaw's mother. Ravenpaw understood how they felt. One of their loved ones could die today.

"Now, Hawthornpaw, Curlpaw, Ravenpaw, Wetpaw, Owlpaw, and Shadepaw. It is time to give you all your warrior names." Redstar smiled at the six apprentices. They all stood up and began to walk to the Stonehill. Ravenpaw had nearly forgotten that she would get her warrior name today. When they were at the top, sitting beside Redstar, the TaigaClan leader began.

"Hawthornpaw and Curlpaw shall go first. Hawthornpaw, please come here."

Hawthornpaw stepped toward Redstar. He stood in front of her. "Do you promise to be the best TaigaClan warrior you can be, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do."

"Then I call upon our warrior ancestors up in StarClan to honor you as a warrior, whether you pass your Trial or not. From this moment on, you shall be known as Hawthornfur."

"Hawthornfur! Hawthornfur!" screamed the crowd.

"Curlpaw, your turn."

Curlpaw was named Curlheart.

"Curlheart! Curlheart!"

Then Owlpaw went. She was named Owlfeather.

"Owlfeather! Owlfeather!"

Wetpaw was next. He was named Wetpelt.

"Wetpelt! Wetpelt!"

Shadepaw was named Shadeflower.

"Shadeflower! Shadeflower!"

Then it was Ravenpaw's turn to be named as a warrior. What would her name be? How would she go down in history? She was about to find all of that out right now.

"Ravenpaw, do you promise to be the best TaigaClan warrior you can be, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." Ravenpaw swallowed.

"Then I call upon our warrior ancestors up in StarClan to honor you as a warrior, whether you pass your Trial or not. From this moment on, you shall be known as Ravenlight."

"Ravenlight! Ravenlight!"

Ravenlight. She liked her name.

"Hawthornfur! Curlheart! Owlfeather! Wetpelt! Shadeflower! Ravenlight!"

When the cheers died out, Redstar continued. "We have a tradition from last year that I would like to continue. The apprentices are to get some alone time in the camp while we get going to the Plateau of Honor. They can say good luck. Goodbye if they need to. Whatever Hawthornfur and Curlheart would like. Meanwhile, we shall head to the borders and see if any WadeClan or MeadowClan cats have come to watch. I sent a few warriors to tell them that the Warrior Trials were today. Then, we shall head to the arena and wait. Take your time, apprentices."

The Clan left fast. Everyone became so quiet fast. The apprentices slowly padded down the Stonehill and sat in the clearing.

"Owlfeather and I are going over to the apprentices' den to chat," Curlheart mewed to Ravenlight. "Then I'd like to talk to you."

Curlheart padded away, Owlfeather following him. Wetpelt was sitting next to Hawthornfur. He turned and stared at Ravenlight, his eyes narrowed angrily. He turned back to his brother. "I can't believe you."

Wetpelt spat at his brother, walking away toward the warriors' den. "I have to get a taste of my future home, now." he mewed. "You'll never be there, you're head in the clouds, thinking of *you know what."*

Ravenlight saw Shadeflower go to the medicine den. She what the she-cat was doing. She wanted to see if the herbs were similar to the Alive Forest. Maybe she wanted to get an advantage. *Just because she's against Owlfeather, and Owlfeather isn't much of a fighter, she isn't safe. The Alive Forest is dangerous.*

Hawthornfur was frowning. He looked at Ravenlight and smiled. Glancing around, he padded up to her. "Ravenlight, please, come with me. I-I have to tell you something."

"Sure, Hawthornfur." Ravenlight was confused.

She followed Hawthornfur. He was heading toward the leader's den. He must've wanted privacy. They arrived. Hawthornfur sat near Redstar's nest in the very back of the den.

"Listen,"

Ravenlight interrupted. "No, I know what this is about."

"You-you do?" Hawthornfur trembled.

"Of course. You're nervous. That's okay. I'm scared out of my fur for my Trial. No offense, as he's your brother, but I *am* excited to rip some fur off of Wetpelt. However, he's strong. Powerful. I feel like I'm not going to come out on top."

"Well, yes, Ravenlight." Hawthornfur mewed. "I am worried. Curlheart will be a strong opponent. But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about... pleas, listen to me."

"I'm sorry." Ravenlight meowed. She was curious now. What else could Hawthornfur have to tell her? They were friends but Hatwhornfur usually kept to himself, training everyday. He also liked proving himself as the strongest apprentice. However, sometimes his brother tried to prove him wrong. But, he was a pretty funny cat, aside from the arrogance.

"I can't leave this world without telling you this," Hawthornfur mewed.

"You're not going to die!" Ravenlight yelped. Her heart was racing. Either Hawthornfur or Curlheart would die. He *could.* But she didn't want that to happen. Not to either of the toms.

"Ravenlight, just in case! I need to tell you. You need to know." Hawthornfur sighed. "I always tease you. I try to prove I'm better."

"You don't have to say sorry. I don't care. I did the same to you," Ravenlight mewed, assuming that's where the white and brown tom was going with his words.

"Ravenlight? Are you in the leader's den? Curlheart would still like to speak with you. We're all done with our own conversation. I would like to talk to you as well, after he's done speaking with you." Owlfeather's voice echoed from just outside the den. Ravenlight glanced at Hawthornfur. He was looking frantic.

"I can't let anyone else here. But this can't wait, either..." he whispered ever so softly.

"Owlfeather, I'm just thinking about something. I'll be out soon enough," Ravenlight called. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Hawthornfur, what is it?"

"Curlheart had said he wants to speak to you as soon as possible," Owlfeather's voice echoed once more. "He's on his way across camp right now. Please, I think its important."

"Okay, okay," Ravenlight mewed frantically. "I'm just going to be in here a few more moments."

"Ravenlight?" Curlheart was there now.

"One moment!"

"Quickly, Hawthornfur," Ravenlight whispered.

"Okay, I'll try to be quickly. Apologizing for the teasing, that's not it, though, I am sorry about that too," Hawthornfur shook his head. "There's a deeper meaning. I've always tried to impress you. I tried to tease you to make me look like the better individual. I wish I didn't do it that way. I wish I'd have done it the right way, the way that would make you feel the same way I do. I hope you do. I want that, even now that I might die and it would be ripped away from me like a leaf from a tree in Leaf-Fall."

"What are you talking about? What's 'it?'" Ravenlight could usually guess situations pretty well. She found it fun, knowing what everyone was up to. But with Hawthornfur, in this moment, she couldn't guess what his next words would be. She had no clue at all.

"Ravenlight," Hawthornfur looked uncomfortable but happy all at once. His eyes glimmered in the darkness of the leader's den. "I love you."

It was a shock to Ravenlight. Those three words hit her like a gush of wind, slamming into her with such shock and force that she nearly stumbled for footing. *What?*

"Hawthornfur, I-"

"You *what?*" Curlheart's voice struck Ravenlight's heart like a chunk of pure ice.

Curlheart was standing right there, just a few tail-lengths away from Hawthornfur. His eyes were sparkling with sadness and anger mingled together. "You knew. You must've. How could you have done this? I thought *everyone* knew by now."

"Knew? Knew what?"

"You know!" Curlheart screeched, his claws unsheathed and digging into the floor of the leader's den. Tears trailed from his eyes, slipping down his face onto the soft dirt below.

The gray tabby tom turned and ran, his short tail tip sticking straight out.

Silence. Hawthornfur didn't say anything. Ravenlight didn't say anything.

Then Owlfeather padded in, slowly. "What did you say to Curlheart?" she asked, sounding hurt. "He really likes you, you know. I'm not observant but I knew. He told me a long time ago. He was going to tell you today. I guess he got denied... Ravenlight, I thought you were better than this."

The cream she-cat seemed to ignore Hawthornfur's presence completely.

Ravenlight couldn't think. No words registered in her mind. All that filled her brain was complete shock and feelings she couldn't explain, even if her life was on the line. *Hawthornfur* liked her. *Curlheart* liked her. *Two toms* liked her! And she hadn't guessed anything about it. Never got the hint. She wasn't as smart as she thought she was at all...

"She didn't deny him!" Hawthornfur yowled. "He didn't get to tell her. It was my fault."

"Huh?" Owlfeather mewed.

"I like her too. He overheard."

Owlfeather's eyes widened. "You must be popular, Ravenlight," she mewed in a daze.

"I need to talk to him, Hawthornfur. I need to think." Ravenlight stared into Hawthornfur's icy, but warm, blue gaze. Her feelings were betraying her; had she liked Hawthornfur this whole time as well? Every time she teased or laughed at him, was that just her trying to make him think she was a good cat? Did she love Hawthornfur?

Hawthornfur nodded. "Take your time, Ravenlight. I'll wait forever."

Ravenlight ran out of the leader's den. Did she like Curlheart, though? Was Curlheart destined to be her mate? She felt bad as she realized that the fire in her heart that burned for Hawthornfur was, just a tad, but still, stronger than the fire for Curlheart. Was that just how her heart reacted to hearing that Hawthornfur liked her? Or was that how she truly felt? Ravenlight was torn right now.

"Curlheart!" she screamed out.

Curlheart came padding out of the apprentices' den, teary eyed. He stared at Ravenlight. There was rage in his eyes. But somehow, Ravenlight could tell, the hatred wasn't for her. It was for Hawthornfur.

"I'm ready for the Trial!" screeched Curlheart, alerting all the apprentices in camp.

Hawthornfur and Owlfeather padded out of the leader's den. Wetpelt trailed out do the warriors' den. Shadepaw peeked out of the medicine den before finally walking out. Ravenlight stood in the middle of camp, staring with sadness.

The apprentices had no choice but to follow Curlheart out of camp.

### **CHAPTER 13**

"I see them!" A cat yowled. Their fur had cattails stuck to it, so Ravenlight guessed that she might've been a WadeClan cat.

"The apprentices are here!"

"Let's see them fight!"

"Welcome, apprentices." Redstar greeted them, padding over. "Are we prepared for battle?"

"Yes," Curlheart replied immediately in a stiff voice.

"Then let the Warrior Trials begin!" Redstar mewed loudly. Some cats cheered loudly, while some were silent. The whole of TaigaClan was here, along with half of WadeClan and half of MeadowClan. Ravenlight guessed the other two Clans jumped at the opportunity to please Redstar. If Redstar was happy with them, she might not attack or try to take over their Clan.

Curlheart speed-walked to the edge of the Plateau of Honor. He waited on the scratched barrier, the tip of his shortened tail flicking back and forth in a frightening fashion. What was the apprentice planning? Could he actually be excited or prepared at this moment? Was he really the cat Ravenlight believed he was?

Hawthornfur caught up and sat on the edge.

"Remember, you may only fight within the arena. Stepping out will result in the match restarting. There is no getting out of the Trial. Only one cat will leave alive today," Redstar recalled the rules to Curlheart and Hawthornfur. She spoke loudly, perhaps wanting everyone in the crowd to know not to interfere. Then she lowered her mew to a whisper. "And please, no matter how you feel, make this interesting for your audience. Stretch the fight out long. Have last words to speak? Say them loud."

"Don't worry, Redstar," soothed Curlheart in an icy tone. "I was planning on it." Ravenlight was chilled as the tom glared at Hawthornfur with an unusual, mean green gaze.

"The two opponents are ready. They may get in position. Face one another but do not move until my countdown is complete." Redstar announced. "The Warrior Trials will begin in..."

Redstar began to count down.

"Three!" Owlfeather's eyes darted around, her back fur rising and her tail straight up with tension.

"Two!" Wetpelt was grinning, seemingly excited for the battle. Shadeflower stared dully.

"One!" With a rush of wind and dirt, the two apprentices moved at once. Ravenlight could see nearly everything; she and the other apprentices were given front row seats, forced to watch as their friends dueled.

Curlheart screeched an angry battle cry and leaped at Hawthornfur's face. Hawthornfur dodged to the left just in time and circled around Curlheart. He aimed a swipe at the gray tom's flank, but had to duck as Curlheart flung his claws at Hawthornfur's ears.

Curlheart growled, his face full of pure hatred. He prepared to pounce, but Hawthornfur did it first. The white and brown tom slid under Curlheart and managed to tear a tuft of fear from Curlheart's chest. He tried to scramble to his feet but Curlheart leaped off of Hawthornfur and slashed at his back. Red lines scored as his claws ran through Hawthornfur's pelt.

Hawthornfur screeched in pain and scrambled to his feet at last. Using his shoulder he rammed into Curlheart and barreled full-force into him. Curlheart fell to the ground but managed to get up before Hawthornfur could act. He leaped at Hawthornfur, his claws unsheathed so far that Ravenlight thought they might pop out.

The gray tabby apprentice pinned Hawthornfur, his hind paws on Hawthornfur's belly and one forepaw covering his shoulder along with one choking him by his throat.

"You knew!" He screamed, glaring at the tom beneath him. "You knew I loved her! You'd thought you'd play a game! Well guess what? You won't survive to play it!"

His claws dug deeper into Hawthornfur's throat, staining everything scarlet.

Hawthornfur made a gurgled cry and pummeled Curlheart's belly with his back paws. Curlheart flew off, landing with a thud. Hawthornfur stood up and breathed for a few moments, catching his breath. Pure fear took over Ravenlight. What if Hawthornfur failed and died?

Curlheart, despite being beat up, got up immediately and flew at Hawthornfur. He grabbed his shoulders with both claws and sank to the ground, bringing Hawthornfur with him. The two toms threw claws at each other while they lay until Hawthornfur hoisted himself up and scratched at Curlheart's curled ears. A crimson scratch was etched on Curlheart's ear, dripping blood.

"I didn't know. I love her too." Hawthornfur breathed.

"Well, no! She's mine!" Curlheart screeched, swatting at Hawthornfur with an unsheathed forepaw.

Hawthornfur swung his head to the side, dodging the blow. He leaped to the right and threw a blow at Curlheart's forepaw, swiping it from beneath him. Curlheart was thrown out of balance and fell to the side. He reacted immediately, striking out with all of his paws, but Hawthornfur jumped aside and rolled him onto his belly so that Curlheart's back was exposed.

With a great leap, he landed on Curlheart's back, his claws on the tom's spine. He could end the battle now if he wished.

"Kill him!"

"No! Drag it on! We want to see more fighting!"

"I won't! I'm not going to kill him! I've beat him, can't you see? Exile him. Make me a warrior. Warriors do not need to kill to win battles, remember?" Hawthornfur pleaded.

Ravenlight was nervous as she glanced at Redstar. She expected the leader to have an angry, enraged gaze. However, the red she-cat's expression was far from it. She looked excited to have interesting turns on the battle field. Was that what she wanted all along? To watch cats with glee as they murdered each other? Ravenlight had a little bit of respect for Redstar. Most of it was gone. That little respect came from Redstar's reasoning for battles; for honor, for courage, for the Clan. But now she could see that it was all fake. Redstar only loved to see claws ripping flesh. Teeth delivering a death blow.

Just then, a screech of anger erupted and many blurred movements blinded Ravenlight.

Gray tabby fur slamming into snowy white and brown fur. A cat hissing with aggression but also sympathy. Then Ravenlight could see.

As though the Trial was just about to start, the two apprentices stood face to face. It might've just been starting, that's if they weren't panting and bleeding from multiple wounds.

"I've loved her. She's loved me. I know it. I've hoped it. I've dreamed it. I've had a vision; we were in the nursery. Years after completing our Warrior Trials successfully, we are laying next to each other, tails wrapped, watching over a black she-kit and a gray tabby kit with curly ears. They look just like us. I'm meant to be with her. That vision was real!" Culrheart screamed, his voice breaking.

Silence took over the arena.

"I didn't know. I never knew. I don't think Ravenlight did either. She didn't know that I liked her. I think she was surprised when she found out you did too," Hawthornfur mewed softly but hoarsely.

"Liar! You knew! I love her. I'll love her for eternity. She supported me. She helped bring me up when I was maimed of my tail. She's beautiful. She's quick and agile, not to mention her skills in both hunting and fighting. Herbs too. We're meant for each other. Don't get in the way of that! I thought we were friends!" Curlheart screeched, bracing himself to leap.

"Curlheart, I never meant-"

Another flash and blur. An echoing yowl with pure rage and hatred bellowing into the air. A tabby pelt flying through the air.

A swift dodge from the other tom.

A slow-motion flight.

A crack and a snap.

And the crooked, broken, and very dead neck of Curlheart.

### **CHAPTER 14**

"Curlheart!" Ravenlight couldn't hold back her scream. She ran onto the Plateau of Honor. She didn't care if Redstar yelled at her. She didn't care if Redstar exiled her or even held her an execution.

She didn't care if hearing Hawthornfur's confession forced Curlheart to go crazy or insane. He was her friend. While it took her a while to notice, she *did* like him. Sure, maybe Hawthornfur was the cat for her, but Curlheart was a great tom. A great friend. A great Clanmate.

And now he lay, neck twisted, broken and limp.

Ravenlight looked into his eyes. She expected to see the echoed hatred for Hawthornfur stuck in his gaze or to at least see his jaw wide open in an ever-lasting scream of rage, but none of that happened. Instead, Curlheart's eyes were open in the slightest bit, their green-gray hue showing nothing but love. Maybe in his last moment he was thinking of her. The thought hurt. This sight hurt. Everything hurt. Ravenlight felt as though she'd participated in hundreds of Warrior Trials.

"What is she doing?"

"Get out of the battle field!"

"Calm down," Redstar mewed above all other cats. She padded into the arena. "He is already dead. Hawthornfur has won!"

"But I didn't kill him! I didn't mean to! He leaped at me, so I dodged to the side. I think he landed on his head and it snapped his neck with the pressure." Hawthornfur stuttered, gasping.

"You've still won. Your opponent is dead and you're still standing. I am proud of your skills and courage, Hawthornfur. It is time for you to become an official warrior of TaigaClan!" Redstar announced, standing tall next to the tom. "Hawthornfur, you have already sworn your oath and have received your full name. But now, you've completed your Warrior Trial. That means you are now a full warrior of TaigaClan. Hawthornfur! Hawthornfur!"

"Hawthornfur! Hawthornfur!" The cries echoed into the forest.

Ravenlight looked into Hawthornfur's blue gaze. His sparkling eyes were the last thing she saw before everything else that happened that day turned into nothing but a blurry memory.

\*\*\*

Ravenlight trembled as she walked toward the apprentices' den. Hawthornfur would be in the warriors' den. Without him or Curlheart to sleep beside, the apprentices' den would be much cooler.

"Shaky from losing one of your lovers?" An evil voice chuckled from the darkness. Bright yellow eyes stared back at Ravenlight. Wetpelt.

Ravenlight felt a surge of anger but didn't reply. Instead, she padded over to her nest and began to circle. She was about to lay down when Wetpelt's voice startled her. "Wait! Ravenlight! Oh, sorry. I just wanted to remind you; you have no one to check your nest for thorns in case I slipped another one in. Apologies, just thought I should let you know."

Ravenlight's heart pounded with grief. Curlheart might've seemed crazy in him last moments but he was just heartbroken. Some of his last few words rang in her ears.

*I've loved her. She's loved me. I know it. I've hoped it. I've dreamed it. I've had a vision; we were in the nursery. Years after completing our Warrior Trials successfully, we are laying next to each other, tails wrapped, watching over a black she-kit and a gray tabby kit with curly ears. They look just like us. I'm meant to be with her. That vision was real.*

Her heart panged. Had Curlheart truly seen a possible future? All possibilities of it were gone now. If she'd ever take a mate, it would be Hawthornfur. Regret at this fact seemed to slap her but some seemingly evil part of her liked it. She *did* love Hawthornfur too. He was handsome and courageous and also knew how to do the right thing. During the Trial he'd tried to show mercy for Curlheart.

But then... *Liar! You knew! I love her. I'll love her for eternity. She supported me. She helped bring me up when I was maimed of my tail. She's beautiful. She's quick and agile, not to mention her skills in both hunting and fighting. Herbs too. We're meant for each other. Don't get in the way of that! I thought we were friends!*

Then he'd leapt. His paws left the ground for the last time. He cried his last words. Breathed his last breath. And he died. His neck was snapped, the bone broken in two, his eyes showing nothing but his love for Ravenlight.

But then there was Hawthornfur. The time tried his best not to hurt his friend but fought hard too. His icy-colored gaze was loving during the battle, too. When he swiped at Curlheart, Ravenlight could almost see his expression in slow motion. His jaw in a justified position. His eyes warm with his heart shining through them. His claws lashing out with purpose.

Ravenlight was still staring at Wetpelt. Her sadness knew what was about to happen. It subsided momentarily so she could do it. Then it came, strong as thunder and as daunting as lightning. Rage.

"We'll see who's torn apart when we fight! I can't wait to tear your ears off!" Ravenlight roared, her throat humming. "You think you're so slick, so clever, winning a few battles against some other apprentices. Well, guess what? No one cares about you! Your mother looks at Hawthornfur lovingly while glaring at you. Your father's dead. He probably didn't care about you either."

Ravenlight knew her words were harsh. Wetpelt was a stupid, jerky idiot but he didn't deserve this. But Ravenlight was too far gone. There was no taking control of her anger. It had a mind of its own.

Wetpelt stared back. Ravenlight was prepared for a hurt, scarred expression. But, to her surprise, she got a look of contempt and yearning mixed with an evil grin. Perhaps *he* was the one who was excited to rip *her* ears off.

"Sleep well, Ravenlight," he murmured. "For this night will be one of your last."

Ravenlight didn't need to be told twice. She was exhausted. As she lay down a wave of worry washed over her. Had she just provoked her enemy past the breaking point? She recalled Hawthornfur's confession. Curlheart went half-insane. Maybe she'd just said the few words that could possibly trigger Wetpelt to act the same way. Enraged. Deadly.

Then, to her utter relief, a dark blanket of sleep landed on top of her and she drifted into her dreams.

### **CHAPTER 15**

Ravenlight woke up from her dream in a gasp. She panted in her nest for a while. The sun was no where near the horizon. She would have to do with being awake for a while.

Her dream still made her shiver. It took place in the Calm Pond.

Her Warrior Trial had begun. She and Wetpelt had thrown claws at each other, but Ravenlight now had him pinned. To her horror, she saw her claw lift to deliver a death blow. Killing others was something Ravenlight would never bring herself to do, even to a cat like Wetpelt. But there she was, about to end the battle.

Then with a heavy blow, a flash of scarlet fur, she was at the bottom of the Pond. The very bottom. It seemed so deep, the beautiful blue colors of the water replaced by a deep sea-green. Above her was a red cat, her eyes were bright white and lacking irises and pupils. Everything was shaded and dark besides those glowing eyes. They stared into Ravenlight's soul. The cat was pinning her by her head and throat, drowning her. She struggled but nothing worked. She wondered if the cat wasn't afraid to drown, being so deep for so long, but then she realized that the cat seemed to be breathing just fine. Like a fish.

"Stop!" her muffled scream died out quickly under the water.

A mystical voice called out to her. It was muffled as well. She could not understand.

Then it got louder. It got more clear.

"Beware she who is scarlet-furred. She can only bring more blood."

Those words echoed and echoed in Ravenlight's mind. She snapped back to reality. The cat drowning her was digging their claws deeper. Ravenlight's own blood pooled into the water. Soon the water was purple. Then it was filled to the brim with nothing but blood.

Ravenlight wondered how she was still alive. It felt like she was under the water- now blood- for eternity.

But, as if answering her question, whatever light she *could* see faded into a dark black. She was dead. But then, thankfully, she woke up, alive and as dry as she could possibly be.

She knew who the cat was immediately. Redstar. It was not too hard to tell. She recognized the red fur. The words she'd heard; they fit Redstar so well. Ravenlight no longer respected Redstar, not after finding out the harsh truth about the she-cat. But now she could see; Redstar was more than dangerous. Redstar could destroy the whole Clan. The whole forest.

"Ravenlight?" Owlfeather's voice whispered in the nest next to hers. "Are you okay? Bad dream?"

Ravenlight gasped for the last time and then nodded. "Yeah. Sorry for waking you.

"Don't feel bad. I was already awake; had a bad dream too. It was about Curlheart." Owlfeather's eyes teared up.

"I'm so sorry." Ravenlight felt a pang of sorrow. She hadn't been able to talk to Owlfeather since before the Trial started, even though the she-cat had wanted to speak to her. She couldn't help but adding, "I miss him, too."

"Ravenlight, I'm so nervous. I've already lost my brother. When the sun rises, it'll be beautiful. But it'll also be the last sunrise I ever see. I'm not ready to be a Clan cat. I don't think I'll ever be. But I'm also not ready to die..." Owlfeather trembled.

Ravenlight wished she could help her friend. Poor Owlfeather didn't have a chance. She could die in a matter of just hours.

"I don't want to be a warrior anyway. I thought about becoming a medicine cat but I'm afraid I'll mess up a remedy and hurt a cat. Or fail on a cat. I'm not good at anything." Owlfeather vented on.

Then something in Ravenlight's mind snapped. An idea. "Owlfeather," she mewed.

"Huh?"

"You don't want to be a Clan cat?"

"No. I mean, if I have to be a warrior in order to survive, I will, but I'd rather die and let Shadeflower shine." Owlfeather shook her head.

"What if you both could live?"

"Impossible, Ravenlight. I'm sorry and I'm glad to see you care about me but it hurts to think you'll be mourning me by the end of the day." Owlfeather let her head fall to the ground, her amber eyes half-way shut.

"But I know a way. Shadeflower will become a warrior and you'll survive, too. Except, since you don't like the thought of being in the Clan, you could be something else."

Owlfeather looked confused.

"Owlfeather, you could become a kittypet." Ravenlight breathed.

Owlfeather's head shot up. "I never thought of that!" She whispered slightly loudly.

"Shadeflower would win by default and you'd be safe, plus, you wouldn't have to be a warrior. You'd get fed and treated nicely. I mean, I'd hope. That's what I've heard about how Twolegs treat their kittypets." Ravenlight mewed.

"This is perfect! Well, almost. What would Redstar think? She'd go looking for me the moment she found out that I left. If she found me, she'd probably kill me on the spot." Owlfeather shivered.

Ravenlight breathed in and out. Then she knew what to do. "I'll tell everyone that you're dead. I'll say we went out hunting because we were bored and you got hit by a monster."

Owlfeather trembled again. "That could work... but, what about my mother and father? Can you tell them in secret that I'm okay? Please? I love them and while I don't want to leave them, I can tell this is the path for me."

Ravenlight hesitated, but then told herself that even though her parents hardly seemed interested in her she'd want them told as well if she were Owlfeather. "Okay. I will."

"Thank you, Ravenlight."

"We have to leave right now."

"Now?"

"What, do you want to do it in front of everyone at your Warrior Trial? 'Hey everyone, I'ma pop out and become a kittypwt and never return really quick. Okay, see ya!'" Ravenlight joked.

"Okay, I get it. I just wish I could say goodbye, that's all..." Owlfeather trailed off. Ravenlight felt bad, but she knew it had to happen right now. Otherwise, some cats might wake up and spoil their plan. Then Owlfeather would be as good as dead.

Owlfeather stood all the way up and stared at Shadeflower. "Bye, my friend," she whispered to the sleeping ginger and black she-cat.

Then the cream apprentice turned to Wetpelt. "We were never close but we could've been friends one day, just maybe."

"Now my parents," Owlfeather mewed, padded toward the den's exit.

"I'm sorry, Owlfeather, but we need to leave right now." Ravenlight felt her head sink a little. She felt so bad for Owlfeather right now.

"Okay, I get it. Thank you Ravenlight."

The two padded out of the apprentices' den quietly. Once they reached the Fallen Trunk, Ravenlight listened as well as she could. If she could rely on her hearing right now, then the cat who was supposed to be guarding camp right now was on the opposite edge of the camp.

"Goodbye, TaigaClan. Thanks for raising me, but this is my destiny." Owlfeather waved her tail solemnly as the two apprentices padded out of camp.

The walk through the forest was the shortest walk it could be. Ravenlight knew very little about the life of kittypets; at her first gathering, she overheard some gossiping apprentices. She knew from that conversation that kittypets were a bit lazy and pampered, but what was important was that Twolegs took care of them. It *was* dishonorable to become a kittypet if you were born in a Clan, but no one would know besides Ravenlight and Owlfeather's parents that Owlfeather turned her back on the life of a warrior. *Plus, she's not dishonorable. Honor isn't fighting. Honor is the person you are deep down. Owlfeather is a kind cat.*

Both apprentices knew where Twolegplace was. It was always necessary for their mentors to show them where the large Twoleg settlement was so they could watch the borders and make sure no kittypet, loner, or rogue tried to sneak onto Clan territory. She and Owlfeather trailed along the Ravine, two big stone cliffs facing each other that resembled the border between WadeClan and TaigaClan. *That's not the only border between us, though,* Ravenlight thought, remembering the river and land that also separated the two Clans a tad further down.

The Ravine was huge but didn't stretch forever. There were more obstacles to cross on either side of it; on the left, not far from the Alive Forest, there was land that faded from pine trees and oak trees to reeds, rushes, and marshy wetlands.

On the right was the river, which curved around WadeClan territory not far from the Ravine's edge and eventually made its way to the other end of the Ravine. Many cats in TaigaClan complained that the Clan had too much natural defense even though the Alive Forest route was easy to cross. Ravenlight herself believed it wasn't something to complain about; the Clans shouldn't be trying to invade one another anyway. Plus, WadeClan could hardly defend themselves, so why would they think about trying to take over TaigaClan? They were too scared to even mention the murdered kits and the battle that occurred all those moons ago to MeadowClan. They were afraid of how TaigaClan would react.

Then the river itself came into view. Within moments, the cats were padding on the smooth and soft sand that edged the river. It got caught in between Ravenlight's paw pads, making her paws ache. She tried to ignore it. She and Owlfeather needed to be gone before the dawn patrols came.

The river came and went. Twolegplace was in sight, bearing tall structures that pierced the clouds and sky above. Gray smoke rose from some of the structures. It made Ravenlight nervous. She wondered if this place was actually safe for Owlfeather.

She glanced at her friend and then back at Twolegplace. There was a small section just visible to Ravenlight; a gleaming section with colorful structures that were short but peaceful. Perhaps that place was safe for Owlfeather.

Then the two cats finally set foot on the smooth stone marking the Twolegs' territory. Ravenlight explained her plan to the little apprentices beside her, trying not to tear up. She'd known Owlfeather her whole life and had always felt it was her duty to protect. Now, she might never see her again.

When the cats finally arrived to the colorful Twoleg dens, Ravenlight sat down. Owlfeather did the same beside her. In front of them was a tan den with a dark roof. Clear squares lined the sides of the den, and Ravenlight guessed they were for seeing into the outside world. Even though Owlfeather was going to become a kittypet she'd always get to see the outside world.

"This is it." Ravenlight mewed.

"Goodbye, Ravenlight," Owlfeather had cloudy eyes. The sun was only just starting to peek up above the horizon, casting a low glow and shine into the cream she-cat's eyes.

"I'll miss you, Owlfeather. Forever."

"Wait," Owlfeather stared at the Twoleg den. "I can't be called Owlfeather. I'm not a warrior. I'll be Owl from now on."

Owl smiled one last time before padding off. Ravenlight watched as her friend left. "Farewell, Owl."

\*\*\*

The walk back to the TaigaClan camp was much longer than before. Ravenlight allowed her eyes to let all her tears out. She'd need to look sad if her fake story was going to be convincing.

Ravenlight considered, just for a moment, turning around to become a kittypet herself. She'd get out of her Warrior Trials. She'd never have to say goodbye to her friend. But so much dragged her on toward the TaigaClan camp. Hawthornfur. Her parents. Then there was something else. An invisible pull dragging her on. Like something was unfinished. No, not her Warrior Trials. She didn't care if she never finished those. Something not even she herself knew.

Then she padded through the Fallen Trunk. The sun was now fully above the horizon line, but no more than that.

"Ravenlight?" up ahead was Mellowspring, sitting next to Whiskerfur near the warriors' den.

"What happened?" asked Whiskerfur.

"Owlfeather," Ravenlight mewed, allowing more tears to pool out of her eyes. "We went hunting. We were bored. She was chasing a- a rabbit. It crossed the Thunderpath. She's been hit by a monster. She died."

Whiskerfur and Mellowspring glanced at each other, shock in their expressions. "Oh no."

"Oh no is right!" an aggressive voice growled from behind Ravenlight. Bearpelt. "Now we can't host the Warrior Trial today. Look what have you done, immature apprentice."

"I didn't-"

"What is going on, Bearpelt? You've woken me." Redstar's mew was grim.

"Owlfeather and I went hunting. We woke up early and were bored. She got hit by a Twoleg monster chasing a rabbit." Ravenlight explained before Bearpelt could complicate it.

"What?" Redstar stiffened. "Owlfeather's dead? But her Warrior Trial is today!"

"Redstar, there's a simple solution to this," Fernwater, the Clan deputy, appeared. "The Warrior Trials will just have to be canceled for the day."

"No! I will not have this! WadeClan and MeadowClan are already planning on coming, anyway. I was expecting a Trial today and I'll get one," Redstar growled. She turned with a grim smile at Ravenlight. For some cold, chilling moments, the leader stared and stared. Then she spoke again. "Today we will hold Ravenlight and Wetpelt's Warrior Trial."

Silence took over the gathered cats. Ravenlight tried to ignore her shaking. She expected she would have more time. Have more time to think and process her Trial. But no. Within hours she'd be face to face with Wetpelt, who'd have no intent other than tearing her apart.

"Fernwater? Do you agree? I need your support as my deputy. Plus, you will need to inform the other Clans of the change in fields and opponents, so I need you to make patrols to spread the word." Redstar broke the silence.

Fernwater stayed silent. She looked at Ravenlight and stared with an unreadable expression. She glared at Redstar. "Personally, no, I do not agree that we should throw the poor apprentices onto the battle field sooner than they expected."

Redstar looked surprised at her deputy's reaction. She frowned. "Apologies for putting that pressure on you Fernwater. I suppose we all have different opinions, but I really was counting on you to help me out today. Oh well. I suppose there will always be Bearpelt; perhaps he will make a better deputy for the day."

Bearpelt, right on que, padded up and sat next to Redstar. "Yes, I believe I shall be of great help. I believe my apprentice is very ready for the Trial. He has trained hard. As for your apprentice, we shall see how well she does against him. I'm sure you've passed much skill down to her."

Ravenlight expected Redstar to be annoyed or to maybe even stand up for Ravenlight, her own apprentice, but she just grinned. "I do believe Wetpelt has so much potential. He will make a good warrior."

A shiver spiked through Ravenlight. What was Redstar mewing about? Ravenlight was her own apprentice! She should have more faith. Yet, here she was, speaking matter of factly as though Wetpelt would kill Ravenlight.

Ravenlight shifted uncomfortably as she watched Bearpelt send Whiskerfur and Mellowspring to wake up other warriors so that he could make patrols. Redstar padded over to her den, disappearing into the dark cave. With a pang, Ravenlight remembered how just yesterday she had been with Hawthornfur and Curlheart in that den, learning with certainty about things she could only have ever guessed on.

Ravenlight didn't wait for warriors to spill out of the warriors' den and make the camp chaotic. She squeezed herself through the Fallen Trunk and went for a walk in the forest.

The walk was peaceful. Like the silence before a storm. Like the Calm Pond that she could murder a cat in within hours. Like the Calm Pond that could be soaking up the blood of her dead body within hours.

But the birds still tweeted. The squirrels still threw acorns in warning. The bees still buzzed and the fish still swam. The clouds still passed by and the grass still swayed in the slow-moving breeze. The warriors still hunted and the apprentices still picked ticks off of elders. The leaders still led and the deputies still guided. The elders still complained gingerly and the queens and kits still sat quietly, but also loudly, in the nursery. Life went on even though Ravenlight's life may very well be ended. It wasn't fair. Everyone would go on as normal as though her presence didn't matter. Not one bit.

She felt a pang for Curlheart. The apprentice died and yet Ravenlight went on. He died and the forest continued to host singing birds and twitching squirrels. The three Clans continued to patrol and care for one another. But that wasn't quite true. TaigaClan was a hostile place. Ravenlight never brought to mind the many times cats would stare at her and whisper 'Bramble.' She just ignored them. She wouldn't let them get their way. But yes, Curlheart was gone and the cats went on, doing what they usually do as though he never even existed. Everyone and everything went on as though Ravenlight, no matter how much danger she was in, wasn't something to worry about.

It was just frustrating.

A twig cracking signaled that Ravenlight was being watched. She whipped around. In the bushes she saw glowing yellow-amber eyes staring back at her. Another set of eyes, this time plain amber, appeared next to them.

The two cats whispered to one another. Ravenlight stood still with fear.

She heard words like "strong" and "possibly," as well as "beat him."

The more-so amber eyes ducked under the bush and disappeared. Ravenlight watched like a hawk as the yellow-amber eyes sunk below the bushes, too.

She stared and stared, not moving a muscle. What was going on? What was happening? Who were these cats? She wasn't able to see their pelts before they crouched down, only theircreepy, glowing eyes.

A sound erupted from behind her. Like a leaf ripping from a big plant.

Then, before she could turn, a cat landed on top of her back and brought her to the ground. Before she could react to that, darkness enclosed her eyes. Her guess of the noise may very well have been correct; a leafy bandage covered her eyes, blinding her. Maybe the cat ripped a leaf of a bush and was using it on her right now. It didn't matter. She was dead meat now. At the cat's mercy.

She screeched and fought back. The cat on top of her pulled her head forward and seemed to claw the leaf bandage. It seemed to be tightening the leaf, making a tie to keep it on her head.

In hopes of alerting her Clan that she was in danger, she screamed and screamed louder and louder. Then, as her mouth opened once more to yell, a big paw struck her head to the ground. Pain spiked through her skull, especially around her jaw and forehead.

She felt blood pool inside of her mouth and it eventually begin trailing out. Ravenlight imagined the ground becoming red-brown, blood-stained, but she couldn't see. She probably would never see again. This cat would kill her.

Then a voice screamed, "Ravenlight!" It was Hawthornfur. She heard twigs and leaves cracking, signaling that the warrior was on his way. He was like a big buck crashing through the thickets.

"Can't let him see us," a gruff male voice mewed. It sounded as though he was trying to distort his own voice.

"Distract him. We need her gone for the good of my Clan." A female hissed. She also sounded distorted.

"He's too close,"

Ravenlight wanted to fight back, to stop these terrible cats from killing her before it was too late, but every bone in her body felt broken. Her head pounded and ached like a monster on the Thunderpath had hit it.

"Fine. Wetpelt'll finish her easily now anyway." The female growled.

The pressure of the tom cat on top of her released and she heard the earth thud as the two cats ran. She felt the leaf slide off her face. A pop of colors hit her eyes along with red blood dripping down her face. The world was so bright. Everything was white. Little silver speckles danced in her eyes until that was all she could see.

Then everything went black.

### **CHAPTER 16**

Icy blues eyes met Ravenlight's. They were cold-colored but welcoming and warm all at once. A white shimmer reflected off of the eyes, shining into hers.

"Ravenlight, who did this to you?" The cat asked. It took Ravenlight a dazed moment to recognize Hawthornfur.

Ravenlight couldn't reply. Her throat was hoarse and all she could taste and smell was blood. Her fur felt sticky with dried blood. Everything was blood. A silver cat padded into the den, his deep blue eyes dark with worry and fear. Silvercloud. Ravenlight was completely still as the medicine cat observed her.

"Yep, it was a cat. Big one by the looks of it... but still a cat." Silvercloud noted. He was trying to act serious and professional, Ravenlight could tell, but he was quivering and holding back his emotions.

"Ravenlight, please speak. I know it hurts but we must find out who did this. I'll make sure they pay." Hawthornfur's claws unsheathed. Ravenlight believed she saw his eyes begin to cloud up.

"Hawthornfur, look here." Silvercloud held up a bloody leaf with one claw. Ravenlight recognized it instantly. "The attacker blindfolded her. Evil but smart, that cat."

Hawthornfur's back fur spiked. "The nerve! That coward couldn't fight a fair fight, could they?"

A red head poked into the den. Redstar stared for a few moments with an unreadable expression before bringing the rest of her body into the den. She sat down and began to speak.

"Ravenlight," she mewed. "I trust you're feeling well? Well, I'd hope so. Despite your condition it is required that you participate in the Warrior Trial scheduled for today."

"Actually, Redstar," Silvercloud hissed. "There was one Trial scheduled for today and that Trial was for Owlfeather and Shadeflower. Owlfeather is dead and the Trial has to be canceled for that reason. There is no Trial scheduled for today."

"Well, Silvercloud, I am TaigaClan's leader and I see the most fitting decision for our situation, which is Owlfeather's death, is to host Ravenlight and Wetpelt's Trial today," snapped Redstar. "If Ravenlight were to be a true warrior of TaigaClan, she'd would be able to get back up and fight her way to victory."

"If you were in her paws right now, you would not be able to do that. She is injured. She needs rest. She cannot participate in the Trial today. As your medicine cat, I am *telling* you that Ravenlight will be resting today and the next few days as well. Your silly Trial can wait." Silvercloud's back fur rose and his claws were out, digging toward the ground.

"Silvercloud, I would hope that a loyal TaigaClan cat would see that these Trials are not for fun. They are most definitely not 'silly' as you so rudely put it. They are honorable; essential to be a strong warrior. True, Trials can be avoided. That is, if TaigaClan's own medicine cat believed we should all be as weak as kittypets and roll over for the other Clans." Redstar stood up. "Case closed. The Trial will happen today. Ravenlight had best be ready by Sunhigh."

Redstar left the den. Hawthornfur glared after the she-cat. He'd looked as though he'd barely kept his temper in while the argument was ongoing, and especially now, all he wanted to do was rip off the leader's ears.

"Feel free to take a breather, Hawthornfur," Silvercloud offered kindly.

Hawthornfur nodded gratefully, seemingly happy with that idea. He padded out of the den silently. However, his back fur was spiked with anger and frustration for Redstar.

Silvercloud was silent as he pawed up some black, pebble-like seeds from the herb stores. Poppy seeds. He padded toward Ravenlight. "Eat these."

When Ravenlight was finished swallowing the tiny seeds, she saw Silvercloud holding a green succulent-like plant. She was usually good as guessing and identifying herbs, but she was lost with the herb inside the medicine cat's paw.

"This is called lamb's ear." Silvercloud meowed quietly. "It's a strength-bringing herb. I found it near the Mountain Path."

"Save it for an emergency."

"This is one." Silvercloud pushed the herb into Ravenlight's paws.

Ravenlight obeyed her medicine cat at last and chewed down the herb. It tasted slightly funny and had a fuzzy feeling, but she ignored the taste. "I have to train." she mewed right after the soft, fuzzy herb was completely swallowed.

Silvercloud frowned, but nodded. "I'm afraid you're right. Train well. Be prepared. I'm counting on you to win this battle. Ravenlight, please, take this seriously and do not give up. You need this for yourself."

Silvercloud looked like he had more to say, but he cut himself off.

Ravenlight smiled, standing up. She expected to be weak or to heave with effort, but she was strong. For a moment, she wondered if the herb was already kicking in, but she figured that perhaps she'd already recovered pretty well. "Thanks again." she walked out of the den and headed straight for Hawthornfur, who was sitting, lashing his tail, just outside the warriors' den.

"Hawthornfur," she meowed.

"Ravenlight? Are you okay?"

"Yes. I need to train. At the Calm Pond," Ravenlight looked toward the Fallen Trunk. "Can you help me?"

\*\*\*

It felt strange to think that just a few hours ago, Ravenlight was walking through the forest toward Twolgeplace with Owlfeather.

But it was true.

And now, she was walking through the forest once more, this time on her way to the Calm Pond with Hawthornfur. She knew she'd have to make this journey again in another few hours. But, she tried to ignore that fact. Right now, her only goal was to train until she was sure that she'd be the winner of her Trial.

Within what felt like moments, they arrived. Ravenlight sat next to Hawthornfur for a few moments, staring into the Calm Pond's crystal-like water. It was a deep blue color, not as clear as she thought it would be. But, it was still pretty. Ravenlight hoped she'd live through the battle that would occur here in not too much time. It was hard to think that this pond would be the site of a huge duel, viewed by all the warrior Clans in a matter of hours.

"I'm worried, Ravenlight. I don't know if you'll make it, and if you don't-"

"Oh, shut up you big mushy mouse-head. I'll be just fine." joked Ravenlight.

The two giggled. Hawthornfur's laugh faded back into a frown. "I'm actually worried, though. i know, we're barely six moons old. But, I really do like you."

Ravenlight frowned, too, but said nothing. She sighed and after a few moments, she finally mewed, "Let's get training. Then, maybe I'll stand a chance."

The two padded into the water. It was actually pretty warm, unlike Ravenlight expected. She enjoyed it, but was still afraid. She was a terrible fighter when it came to being in the water. It was almost like Redstar believed she was going to be on the Plateau of Honor, so she focused all of her apprentice's training for a fight there. But she was wrong. Now Ravenlight was in great danger and had almost no idea how to get out of it.

*You could become a kittypet, rogue, or loner.*

*But the Clan's calling for me.* Something's *calling for me. But what?*

"Okay, should I attack you first, or-" Ravenlight's mew was cut off as Hawthornfur leaped for her.

Hawthornfur's blow blew her under the water, and she gasped for air. She wouldn't be able to hold her breath for very long at all. Was she doomed? She pulled herself above the surface and breathed for a few moments, soaking and frustrated.

"I'm sorry... I just wanted to see how much you needed to learn." Hawthornfur sympathized.

"A lot." murmured Ravenlight, shaking her head back and forth to dry herself.

The two cats trained on. Ravenlight was pretty nervous when they called it quits, realized how close Sunhigh was. She wasn't ready at all, and somehow, she just *knew* that Wetpelt was even better at water-fighting than Hawthornfur, and Hawthornfur had beat her every time. It was fair to say she was doomed.

Now, they were padding back to camp, the sun almost in the middle of the sky. On the way, they met Wetpelt.

"What are you doing?" Hawthornfur had demanded.

"Heading to the Calm Pond. None of your business, though."

"Alone? Also, you were about to turn right. That's the way to the Alive Forest."

"I can train alone if I'd like to!" Wetpelt hissed, shoving past Ravenlight and walking on. He stopped and turned before aadding, "And as for turning? You're as blind as a bat."

Ravenlight and Hawthornfur continued walking. However, Ravenlight turned her head as she walked, watching Wetpelt as he padded on for a few moments. She was pretty sure Hawthornfur had done the same and was watching his brother, but Ravenlight was focused on Wetpelt. He *did* take a right turn, when he was nearly out of sight. Why did he need to go to the Alive Forest? Ravenlight ignored it and padded on toward the camp with Hawthornfur.

When they arrived, Ravenlight led the way gloomily through the Fallen Trunk. She was pretty sympathetic to others, so why couldn't the world be sympathetic in return? Her life was on the line and nobody cared. Well, besides Hawthornfur, Silvercloud, Fernwater, and her other friends. But they were friends. Shouldn't *everybody* in her Clan care about her well-being? Wetpelt was included, too, she supposed. While the tom was evil in her opinion, not to mention the fact that he'd murdered kits, maybe he was the way he was *because* no one seemed to like each other in TaigaClan. It was a hostile place.

"Ravenlight! You're here!" A voice surprised Ravenlight.

Fernwater.

"Um, yeah, I'm here," Ravenlight mewed, confused. She hoped Fernwater wasn't in support of Redstar's latest choice, which was making Ravenlight fight her Warrior Trial early because Owlfeather died. Or well, Ravenlight had *said* she'd died. It was comforting to know that her friend was alive, now called Owl, and was being taken care of by a Twoleg who hopefully was treating her well.

"I just wanted to say, good luck. I'm rooting for you, you hear? I'm here for you." Fernwater stared warmly into Ravenlight's eyes.

Ravenlight appreciated her deputy's kind words. "Oh. thanks, Fernwater! I appreciate that. I'll try my best."

Fernwater was about to say more, but the words Ravenlight was dreading ever since she found out that her Trial would occur that day were called out by Redstar. "May all cats, big or small, gather beneath the Stonehill for a Clan meeting!"

When every cat was gathered, from the elders to the kits, from the warriors to the apprentices, Redstar began. "Some of you may know that our warrior apprentice, Owlfeather, has died at the paws of a Twoleg monster. We will miss her. Furthermore, she cannot participate in her Trial if she is dead, so we have rescheduled Ravenlight and Wetpelt's Warrior Trial to today to replace that Trial until a plan is figured out for Shadeflower!"

Ravenlight felt a growl rise in her throat. *You mean that* you *have rescheduled my Trial. You're the evil one here.*

"The Warrior Trial for today will begin now. Again, apprentices may stay in camp for as long as they'd like and conversate until they feel ready to head to the battlefield. Now, we shall head to the Calm Pond. MeadowClan and WadeClan should arrive shortly after us. We've sent messengers to inform them of the change." Redstar went on.

"Ravenlight! Wetpelt!" The cats of TaigaClan cheered as they exited the camp.

\*\*\*

Their talk time was short.

Wetpelt demanded they get going straight away, no talking. He claimed it would make them look good, like they were professional and strong. But Ravenlight wished she'd argued. The two cats who are fighting get the say on when they leave the camp, so she should've cut in. But, knowing Wetpelt, it might not have worked anyway.

So now the apprentices were walking through the forest. Ravenlight was surprised that her paws didn't ache or crack. She'd walked through the forest three times today. Plus, she wasn't *that* old. If she were in WadeClan or MeadowClan, she'd just have become an apprentice. But here, she was almost a warrior.

But she never would be a warrior.

Wetpelt would kill her.

She just knew it.

It was like a gut feeling; something that couldn't be changed no matter what. Even if StarClan came down and demanded for Ravenlight's survival, it might be too late. Wetpelt seemed *excited* to kill her. She thought back to his attack on WadeClan's nursery. Seeing his blood-stained muzzle... Seeing him standing over the dead kits and queen with pride and joy. It was too horrifying to un-see.

Then they all arrived. They arrived to a crowd of cats with evil, *evil* expressions on their faces. Arrived to a crowd of cats who were awaiting Ravenlight's death. Could she even handle stepping onto the battlefield? Was *that* going to be too much?

Ravenlight tried to clear her mind and let her paws do everything for her.

Redstar motioned to Ravenlight and Wetpelt with her tail, beckoning them to her. Ravenlight had one more thing to say. She had to. what if these words were the last ones she ever spoke? She knew what her feelings meant now. She needed to let them out.

She turned to Hawthornfur, who was standing next to her.

Ravenlight stared into his eyes for some time. He stared back.

"I love you, Hawthornfur."

"I love you too."

Then, Bearpelt, the temporary deputy, motioned to Shadeflower and Hawthornfur. They had no choice but to obey. She and Wetpelt obeyed Redstar at last and padded up to her. They sat down to listen to their leader's words.

"Remember, you may only fight within the arena. Stepping out will result in the match restarting. There is no getting out of the Trial. Only one cat will leave alive today." Redstar mewed.

Wetpelt nodded vigorously, grinning. "I understand, Redstar."

Redstar whispered, "You two get ready on the field, then."

Wetpelt went first, leaping into his spot on one shallow side of the Calm Pond. He sat and grinned at Ravenlight, his tail tip twitching back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. Slowly and amused. It angered Ravenlight, but it also made her scared.

She finally followed after him, padding over to the opposite shallow side, facing his greatest enemy and the apprentice that could very well end her life within moments.

Redstar smiled, then looked to the crowd of TaigaClan, MeadowClan, and WadeClan cats. "The two opponents are ready. They may get in position. Face one another but do not move until my countdown is complete." Redstar announced. "The Warrior Trials will begin in..."

"Three!" Wetpelt stood up and stretched his forepaws forward.

"Two!" Ravenlight caught Hawthornfur's eye in the apprentices' row.

"One!" Ravenlight could hear nothing but the pounding in her heart as Wetpelt leaped for her with a splash. She tried to dodge to the side, but Wetpelt only used her position to shove her under the water and into the soft sand.

She screeched and kicked out with her hindpaws, managing to graze Wetpelt's hind leg.

He yelled in anger and lifted his right claw, unsheathed it tightly, and swung it down onto Ravenlight's ear. Ravenlight screamed in pain and felt blood drip down her face.

She finally managed to kick Wetpelt off and faced the gray tom with her haunches high in the air. She was gasping, but held her ground.

"It's not fun, is it?" Wetpelt mewed, standing up tall. "Not getting what you want?"

Ravenlight just stared with frustration and fear at the tom.

"I know the pain." Wetpelt screeched after his words and leaped at Ravenlight once more. He barreled her over and she landed in the shallowest end of the pond. She tried to scramble to her feet, but Wetpelt jumped on top of her and put his claws on her neck. "I'm not done with you! You thought this was going to be quick, did you? You. Were. Wrong!"

Wetpelt reached down, his jaws open. Ravenlight feared he was going to bite her throat and kill her, but with a powerful blow from his forepaw, he rolled her over and grabbed her scruff.

He bit down hard on her scruff as he dragged her across the pond. When they were in the middle, Wetpelt dropped her into the water. She immediately started to swim, her paws lashing up and down with all of her energy. She tried and tried, knowing that if she could just get away fast enough, she could make it.

But Wetpelt used his right forepaw and hooked it around her throat. He squeezed it hard, choking her. He used his left forepaw to push her back down and hold her still. She struggled and threw her jaws and unsheathed paws everywhere, in hopes to strike and stop Wetpelt, but nothing worked. But, she still had her paws! She kicked out more but then something strange happened.

Something wet and slimy.

It wrapped around her paws and hooked them together, tying her forepaws and tying her hindpaws. She couldn't move her legs anymore. *What is that? Is that a weed plant? But the Calm Pond shouldn't have any!*

"Redstar always chose you. I was clearly the strongest apprentice, but she chose you." Wetpelt shoved Ravenlight's head under the water and held his right forepaw tighter against her throat. For some long, painful moments, Ravenlight was forced to endure her lungs' constant screaming and her head's pounding.

Then, when she thought she'd die, then and there, her head was pulled up to the surface by Wetpelt's paw. "Again, I'm not done with you. You deserve a long, painful death." He hissed into her ear with a grin and an evil voice. "I've done everything to prove myself. Everything. Invaded WadeClan's nursery. Killed competition to our Clan. Defeated every other apprentice in dueling at least once. But Redstar always went straight to her precious Ravenlight. But you've never worked hard in your life!"

And with that, her head was back under the water. It was surreal and painful all at once.

Then she could breathe again.

"You're about as hard-working as a kittypet. I don't know how my brother fell in love with you. Incompetent fool! Well, I don't need him. He's as soft as you, anyway." Wetpelt growled, shoving her head back under again.

It went on forever. Up, some kind of cruel confession or statement, down, repeat. She was exhausted, her lungs tired and her head was burning with pain.

It was the worst experience of her life.

Her head went under.

Then back up. "Have you had enough, Raven*paw?*" Wetpelt teased. Ravenlight could see his evil grin and hear his laughter as he shoved her head under again, pulled in back up, and repeated until Ravenlight's throat hurt from being dragged up and down. "Does it hurt? Do you want me to end it? Let's ask the audience; should Raven*paw* fight some more? Or should I make this boring for everyone?"

"Kill her now! This has gone on long enough!" A warrior's voice rang out.

"No! Drag it on! We want to hear and see it all!" Ravenlight recognized Bearpelt's voice with horror.

Then Ravenlight heard something bone-chilling. "Yes, we wouldn't want something uninteresting. Drag it out, Wetpelt, make this fun for your audience!"

That was Redstar.

She knew her mentor was evil.

terrible.

Cruel.

But she wanted her own apprentice to suffer.

*What if she never wanted me to win?*

Wetpelt roared with manical laughter. "Great, I'll give you more, then!"

And with that, she was under the calm waters once more. her head was oulled back up and Wetpelt put his head next to hers and yowled into her ear. "You hear that? You've got more coming! Your pain isn't over! You deserve *all* of this!"

"Stop!" That was Shadeflower.

More cats yelled in agreement.

Wetpelt replied, "Oh, fine! I'll stop!" he grinned and lifted his head high and proud "I'll kill her!" He put his mouth back by Ravenlight's ripped-up ear. "Are you ready? These are the last words you'll ever hear."

Then she was under.

### **CHAPTER 17**

She wasn't coming back up.

But she wouldn't let her story end like that.

Summoning all her might, Ravenlight kicked out and lashed her head around. But it didn't work. The slimy things that bound her paws kept her still and so did Wetpelt.

Nothing worked.

Nothing.

Everything slowed down.

Until she opened her eyes to the teal-blue hues of the water. She saw something enter the pond with a rush. A cat.

She heard muffled screeches coming from above her as the two cats fought. But, as Wetpelt's weight lifted off of her, she felt those same old slimy things hungrily take over.

They wrapped around her belly and back. More wrapped around her paws.

One decided to end it then and there. It wrapped around her throat and squeezed down so hard, Rvenlight almost thought her head would pop off. *Wait a second,* Ravenlight could just barely hear her thoughts through all the blurriness. *I remember these things... they're... they're...*

Then she heard slashing noises. Cutting noises. She forced her eyes open again, fighting the sting of the water. She saw white and brown paws cutting the green seaweed-like things.

Hawthornfur was the cat. He was there to save her.

But he was too late. Maybe he didn't notice the seaweed-thing wrapped around her throat, choking her.

But he did.

He slit that one too. She felt him grab her scruff and lift her from the water.

She could breathe at last. Hawthornfur dragged her to the shallows. That's when Ravenlight's senses focused once more and saw Wetpelt, gasping on the grass just outside the Calm Pond. Then she heard the screaming and cries of protest from the crowd.

"That's not allowed!"

"Wetpelt, you big lump of fur, get up and stop Hawthornfur and Ravenlight *now!"*

"He cheated!" spat Hawthornfur. "Look!" he grabbed a seaweed-thing that was still hooked on Ravenlight's paw. "Earlier, we passed him on the way back to camp. He went to the Alive Forest and must've come here afterwards. Recognize this? These are killer vines from the Alive Forest! He used them to immobilize Ravenlight's paws so he could drown her!

"He has the nerve to *cheat*?"

"Doesn't matter! That Hawthornfur interfered, which is also a rule!"

Ravenlight was able to stand up. She could feel that lamb's ear coming back to her. She looked into Hawthornfur's eyes. "You saved my life," she mewed, leaning into his soft fur. "Thank you."

"Stop this nonsense!"

Then a force barreled into her suddenly, taking her back into the water. She saw red fur.

Redstar.

*Beware she who is scarlet-furred. She can only bring more blood.*

"Die already!" Redstar had Ravenlight pinned by her head. "Why can't you just die? Nothing works! Oh *StarClan,* please just let me end this miserable excuse for a cat!"

Ravenlight felt betrayed. She knew Redstar was evil, but now she knew her own mentor and leader wanted her dead. She couldn't help but repeat the words she'd heard from her dream; well, she'd thought it was a dream, but perhaps it was an omen.

*Beware she who is scarlet-furred. She can only bring more blood.*

Then Hawthornfur rammed into Redstar, throwing the she-cat off of Ravenlight. Ravenlight stood immediately but found that she and Hawthornfur were facing not one, not two, but three enemies. Wetpelt had recovered, Bearpelt was now at Redstar's side, and Redstar herself.

Ravenlight glanced at Hawthornfur. They exchanged a knowing look. In order to simply survive this moment, they'd need to show *no mercy.* It was like a Warrior Trial of its own. Except now, even though Ravenlight had help, two big, fully-grown cats had come to Wetpelt's aid.

Bearpelt leapt first. He tackled Hawthornfur and tore at his belly fur, ripping tufts of hair out. Hawthornfur screeched and Ravenlight began to run toward him, but she was tackled and pinned on her side by Wetpelt and Redstar.

"I thought you liked this piece of mouse-dung," Wetpelt laughed as he slashed a wound along Ravenlight's already bloody flank. His grin was evil and Ravenlight was scared at his expression.

Redstar's expression and grin matches Wetpelt's. She replied, "She's very gullible, you know," she paused. "You need to work on that, too, Wetpelt, you stupid mouse-heart."

Wetpelt took the words as a joke. He continued to slash at Ravenlight and Redstar did as well.

All she could feel was pain as Wetpelt and Redstar went to town on her, scratching, slashing, tearing... bleeding.

So much blood.

So much pain.

So. Much. Hatred.

Everywhere. It filled the air. Ravenlight hated Wetpelt. Wetpelt hated Ravenlight. Ravenlight hated Redstar. Redstar hated Ravenlight. The crowd hated seeing Ravenlight alive. Ravenlight hated seeing the crowd.

Could the world ever be anything *besides* hatred? Was the world made of blood and hate alone?

What about WadeClan and MeadowClan?

Those Clans were peaceful but tensions are high because of TaigaClan's hatred. TaigaClan invaded WadeClan's camp, right after murdering their queen and kits. MeadowClan cats can't control their shaking at gatherings. Now, here they are, watching as TaigaClan apprentices battle to the death. Supporting the hate.

So.

Much.

Hate.

Ravenlight didn't want to keep hating. Maybe if there were less cats hating, the most hateful ones would quit.

But she needed to do one last violent act.

It could save her and Hawthornfur's lives. Bearpelt was as strong as the animal he was named after and Wetpelt and Redstar would beat Ravenlight easily. She and Hawthornfur were as good as dead if she didn't do this.

With all her might, she kicked out both hind legs at once. Surprisingly, her paws met a cat's flank and sent them flying. With a thud, they were far away from Ravenlight. Whetehr that cat was Redstar or Wetpelt, it didn't matter. Her next victim could be either one.

Turns out she had struck Redstar. Now all she needed to do was deal with Wetpelt while Redstar recovered.

Then everything turned into slow-motion.

Her paw rose into the air, unsheathing as she did so.

She saw Wetpelt's gleaming yellow eyes turn from hateful and angry to terrified and frightened. He knew what she was going to do to him.

Maybe he expected worse, however, worse meaning death.

But Ravenlight wasn't going to kill him, for one thing. On the other paw, she considered this wound would be *worse* than death. But that's just what she thought.

It depends on who one asked.

It could be Wetpelt. He'd have to live like this. Maybe one who was curious could ask him. But what if the wound got infected? Then he'd die for sure.

Ravenlight didn't know. At this point, she didn't even care.

Then the blow was landed. As soon as her claws followed through with the blow, regular-motion came back and the slow-motion aura that had swallowed everything was gone.

"My eyes!" screeched Wetpelt. "I'm blind! What have you done? Oh... oh.... oh...."

Everything else was silent. The birds stopped tweeting. The wind stopped blowing. Every cat had their attention focused either on Wetpelt's clawed eyeballs or Ravenlight's blood-stained paw.

"Help! Someone! Silvercloud, get over here *now!* Heal me!" Silvercloud's face was peeking out from the crowd, but he stayed sitting there. He wasn't going to move.

"My apprentice!" Bearpelt was the only other cat to speak. Kicking aside Hatwhornfur, he ran over to Wetpelt and observed his eyes. He growled. "Useless! You're useless! Two cats and that measly apprentice beat you! She *blinded* you! You deserve this."

Ravenlight motioned to Hawthornfur. He nodded and the two stared at the audience. It was so crowded. How could they escape?

"We'll barge through!" Ravenlight shouted.

She and Hawthornfur, side by side, charged straight through. Some cats moved aside and some yelped as they were rammed into. Ravenlight felt slightly bad, but she knew that she and Hawthornfur *needed* to get out of there.

Then they ran. Ran. Ran. Ran. Ran.

Was that all her life would be now?

Did she want to live on if all she did was run?

She'd never see Owl. Or Shadeflower. Whisker, Mellowspring... anyone in her Clan again.

At least she had Hawthornfur.

But cats don't live forever. What if she found herself on her own? Would *that* last forever?

She was too tired to think. She focused her energy on running once more.

The sun began to set. She and Hawthornfur were exhausted. They needed rest. So, they found a tree with a trunk that might have been a fox den at one point.

All she knew was that the fox was gone and they were no longer on TaigaClan territory. Both of those things made this place safe. When they padded inside the den, they realized it was unfinished. Maybe the fox had given up building the den. Didn't matter. Small or not, it was a safe resting place. Somewhere to escape the rain that Ravenlight could smell coming.

They both collapsed and fell asleep within moments.

### **CHAPTER 18**

Ravenlight was hoping she wouldn't dream that night.

She just wanted sleep. A long night of nothing but rest. In fact, she wouldn't care if she and Hawthornfur slept all night, all of the next day, and only then woke up.

But sometimes, things didn't work that way.

She woke up in a dream, somewhere where stars were everywhere.

Wait.

*Wait.*

"Is this StarClan?" she called out. "Am I *dead*?"

Her wounds were pretty bad. She could've died of infection or blood loss over the night... While she was saddened by the situation down on the earth, she didn't to die.

"No," a glorious white she-cat with inky black patches faded in to sight. "But yes, you are in StarClan."

More cats appeared behind her. All of them sat down besides one. "I'm Moonsnow," the white and black she-cat mewed. "And we have some visions to show you."

"Was I meant to be a medicine cat all along?" Ravenlight wondered. "Was Silvercloud right the whole time? Is that why I know herbs really well? What's going on?"

"You'll find out all of that and then some." Moonsnow explained. "The cat you're about to meet will show you a vision first."

Moonsnow padded away and joined the other cats, sitting down on the very end. A large tabby tom who, despite his size, looked about the same age as Ravenlight, came up to her.

"I was Cobaltpaw," the tom looked *so* familiar. "Remember me?"

Ravenlight grasped inside her mind.

She gasped.

"Wait; you're that WadeClan apprentice who got killed by the tree along with Beaverstep!"

"Ouch," Cobaltpaw mewed. "But yes, first try. I'm Cobalt*heart* now! StarClan made me an honorary warrior."

"I'm sorry you died, Cobaltheart," Ravenlight mewed somberly.

"It's okay. I'm happy up here, and I still get to watch over my Clan. Now, I have a vision to show you." Cobaltheart leaned in and touchd his nose to Ravenlight.

Immediately Ravenlight's vision turned into a bright white. She'd thought she'd go blind just looking at it. She wanted to yelp but felt like she wasn' truly there... Like she was in the crossing way to another world.

Then she could see again. She was in the TaigaClan camp but everything was so much smaller. The warriors' den. The apprentices' den. The nursery. Everything.

The moon was just rising and every cat was already in their dens. Perhaps a night patrol had gone out, but only two cats were out of their den apart from that possibility. One was Silvercloud, the other Fernwater.

Ravenlight wasn't *there*; it was like watching some kind of show, knowing that it was happening but that you were not there in the moment. She watched closely.

Fernwater was padding after Silvercloud as he left through the Fallen Trunk. "Wait, Silvercloud," she mewed. "Where are you going? It's going to get late soon and our medicine cat needs some sleep."

"So does out deputy," pointed out Silvercloud. "I'm getting catmint. It's Greenleaf now, but Leaf-Fall and Leaf-Bare will be here too fast, and that means Greencough. Would you... Like to come with?"

"Of course!" Fernwater jumped gingerly as the offer.

Within a short time, the two were nearly to Twolegplace, where catmint was found. "We really have to go into Twolegplace to find catmint? Doesn't it grow anywhere on our territory?"

"Yes, but not enough... Twolegs grow them just outside their dens. Though, I can't for the life of me think of why. They never use it. The Twolegs plant it, water it once in a while, then leave it." Silvercloud mewed.

"Maybe..." began Fernwater. "Maybe Twolegs plant catmint for decoration."

"Great idea! I've never thought of it that way."

"Yes, catmint *does* look pretty." Fernwater smiled.

"How'd you know catmint was pretty?" asked Silvercloud.

"I saw you use it last Leaf-Bare. Back when Paleclaw was deputy and when we weren't ever fighting any Clan... Redstar had just become leader and then she started wreaking havoc." Fernwater mewed, sad.

Silvercloud frowned. "Now all I do is heal unnecessary wounds."

"And I'm forced to assign patrols to attack BrambleClan patrols, steal prey, and run off..." Fernwater trailed off. "I wish she didn't make me deputy. It looks like I'm a bad cat who supports the most evil cat in the forest."

The two sympathized for each other until they reached Twolegplace. The dens were just on the other side of a Thunderpath.

"We must cross carefully," mewed Fernwater, observing the stony-covered path. "The monsters that call this place home are very fast, even at nighttime when they slow down a tad."

"Trust me, I've got this," Silvercloud began to pad onto the Thunderpath. Halfway, he stopped and turned to face Fernwater. "I've been here a lot more than other cats, to collect catmint and other flowers planted solely by Twolegs. I've crossed many Thunderpaths-"

"Silvercloud!" Fernwater ran with the speed of a wild cheetah. She barreled into Silvercloud, sending both cats rolling to the very edge of the Thunderpath. Just then, a huge white monster white huge black paws zoomed by, crossing over the spot where Silvercloud had been standing, bragging about his past success with Thunderpaths.

He gasped, then looked into Fernwater's surreally blue eyes. "You saved my life,"

"You were being a stupid furball," Fernwater teased, smiling with relief. "I had to."

"Fernwater, we both know how we feel," Silvercloud looked serious now. "We don't have to tell anyone. We can just be together... we can be mates! Oh, please, Fernwater. I love you."

Fernwater looked torn. Like she would be ripped apart if she said no, or if she said yes. Instead, she leaned into Silvercloud and he hugged her back. The two layed next to each other for hours upon hours. Soon, the moon was in the middle of the sky. That's when Fernwater finally stood up. "We must return to the Clan."

"We have yet to gather catmint," Silvercloud offered hopefully.

"This is wrong, Silvercloud," Fernwater's eyes teared up. "We can't be mates. The warrior code bans it."

"But love is love," Silvercloud pleaded. "Don't you love me back?"

"More than you could ever know," Fernwater mewed.

Ravenlight's vision turned back to the blinding white color. Soon, she was back in StarClan. "Silvercloud and Fernwater are in love with one another?" she asked Cobaltheart, who was sitting in front of her.

"Yes," he answered. "Gladeberry will show you more. Faer vision will be important, so watch as closely as you can."

Ravenlight nodded. A sleek brown cat approached. Faer pelt had inky and messy patches, some black and some gray. Faer eyes were hazel-like, with a greenish-blue color being main color but some muddy tint was there as well. Fae sat down in front of Ravenlight.

"I am Gladeberry," the cat mewed. "I was of WadeClan." Fae paused. "That's all you need to know." Fae added briskly.

Gladberry leaned into Ravenlight and the two touched noses.

The period of whiteness faded faster than normal. She was staring at something heart-warming; Silvercloud, standing over Fernwater, who laying on the ground, chewing a stick. She was birthing her kits.

"You're lucky I'm a medicine cat," Silvercloud mewed, trying to settle the mood.

Fernwater shifted the stick over in her mouth so she could speak. Groaning, she meowed, "Yeah, let's see how the Clan reacts to the medicine cat's kits! Not like that's breaking the code!"

"Fine, I'll let a squirrel help you give birth, then," Silvercloud teased.

"Point taken," Fernwater moaned as she shifted her stick back in place. Ravenlight knew that sticks were used to help with the pain while queens kitted.

Ravenlight noticed that Fernwater's belly was swollen, but not as swollen as most queens. That would mean fewer kits. But, it also meant that some cats might not have noticed she was pregnant, which would've been necessary to hide the fact that Silervcloud had taken her as a mate. Ravenlight could tell Silvercloud and Fernwater knew that as well, and were thankful.

The birthing was short and very quick. Silvercloud would say soothing things, like "Remember being in Twolegplace all those moons ago? When You saved my life? That was about a year ago."

Fernwater had replied to that, "Yeah. We hadn't taken over BrambleClan then. Now we have all these strange cats in our camp and we look evil to WadeClan and MeadowClan."

"Think about the kits, please," Silvercloud pleaded. "Think about how beautiful and handsome they'll be... It'll feel better, I promise... Hang in there, Fernwater."

Silvercloud was in the way, so Ravenlight couldn't see the kits.

"There is only one," Silvercloud mewed. "But she's beautiful."

*I was the only one in my litter, too,* Ravenlight recalled.

Then Silvercloud moved, padding behind Fernwater. He layed down and acted as a warm, fluffy blanket to Fernwater and the kit. That's when Ravenligh saw it.

*No.*

*No.*

*No.*

*No.*

*No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.*

But no wouldn't change anything.

The kit that lay suckling milk from her mother was a blue-tinted, black she-kit.

The kit that lay suckling milk from her mother was Ravenlight.

\*\*\*

"No!" Ravenlight shouted, unaware of the fact that she was already back in StarClan.

Gladeberry was staring at her from somber eyes. "I'm sorry," fae mewed, padding away to sit down.

A icy white tom padded up to Ravenlight. He had a dark blue-gray back and head. "I'm Icepike. I don't have a vision for you, but I'm here to soothe you... I guess."

"No! They're not my parents!"

"Ravenlight, they obviously are." Icepike mewed calmly.

"But look!" Ravenlight yowled, turning sideways to show her pelt to Icepike. "My black pelt. I got it from Whiskerfur, my father. And Mellowspring once said I had a personality just like hers when she was little."

"That was one of the only times your so-called parents even *spoke* to you." Icepike pointed out. "Even if they were your real parents, would you really want parents like that your whole life?"

"No," admitted Ravenlight. She hated how uninvolved her parents- or well, her fake parents- were. "But do they know the secret then? Do they know I wasn't their kit?"

"I'll be back, then," Icepike responded. "Applespots will show you. Then I will be here to speak with you again."

A brown tom who looked slightly skinny padded up to Ravenlight. He flicked his black ears. "I am Applespots. I was of MeadowClan way long ago. I used to be a kittypet, but I worked hard to earn a strong warrior title. You had to do the same, under the nickname of Bramble," Applespots meowed. "Ackowledge everything you see. It will answer a lot of your questions."

Applespots touched her nose with his and she had yet another vision. The white brightness faded once more and Ravenlight found herself with Silvercloud and Fernwater once more.

She was still a day old, about. Silvercloud grabbed some herbs form a bush and put them near Ravenkit's nose. "These are dock," he mewed. "Good for soothing scratches, healing wounds, heal sore and cracked paw pads..."

He grabbed another herb, a bright-yellow sun-shaped herb. "And this is marigold. Prevents and treats infection."

He went on, showing Ravenkit a lot of herbs.

Fernwater watched with a smile on her face. A day passed by. Then another. She was three days old and her eyes opened. "Ravenkit!" Silvercloud exclaimed when he saw her blue eyes for the first time. "Can you see me?"

"Yeah!" chirped Ravenkit excitedly.

"She has our blue eyes," Fernwater noticed proudly.

Silvercloud smiled, but then frowned. "How are we going to introduce her to the Clan without Redstar finding out?" Silvercloud had gone back to camp over the days, checking in so that it didn't look suspicious that he was gone. But, Fernwater stayed with Ravenkit. Their plan was to claim that Fernwater had gone missing but returned. However, what they'd do with Ravenkit was still a mystery.

"Maybe," Fernwater mewed. "We give her to a queen."

"All of the queens have already given birth," Silvercloud pointed out. "And kits don't usually come late without consequences, like disabilities to the kit or damage to the queen. The queens have already given birth healthfully and our precious little Ravenkit is perfect as well. Why don't you just nurser her in the nursery?"

"I have to control Redstar,"

"She's controlling you most of the time," Silvercloud frowned.

"But what if she asks me for advice? Like, let's take over MeadowClan and WadeClan, too. Then I can suggest we do not do that." Fernwater mewed. "If I become a queen, she'll choose another deputy and I'll never get the chance to hold her back."

"Maybe we give her to a random she-cat,"

"The milk? Ravenkit needs milk, remember?"

"One of our current queens could give her milk. We can just say the she-cat we chose had her but the milk never came,"

"That-" Fernwater thought for a moment. "-might actually work."

Ravenlight saw white once more. Then she was back in StarClan.

"I understand, now," she mewed to Applespots. "Silvercloud taught me herbs over the few days when I was still with them. I didn't remember learning about them, but I remembered the use of them by heart. That's why I know so many herbs."

"Yes," Applespots nodded, beginning to turn around. "Tinytuft will show you more,"

A small white tom with swirly gray tabby stripes padded up to Ravenlight. "I-I'm Tinytuft of BrambleClan," he mewed timidly. "Here's my vision for you."

The two touched noses, and after a white layer of sight again, Ravenlight was in the TaigaClan camp. The modern one with big dens and an expanded camp. Silvercloud had Ravenkit in his mouth, holding her by her scruff as gently as possible. Under the cover of moonlight, he padded into the warriors' den.

"Mellowspring," he prodded the she-cat, whispering. "Mellowspring, wake up."

The she-cat opened her eyes lazily and slowly got up. She looked curiously at Ravenkit. Silvercloud motioned her outside of the den, padding out of it himself.

"What is that? A kit? Where'd you find it?" Mellowspring asked quietly.

"I've seen you around Whiskerfur. You're unannounced mates, aren't you?"

"Yes," Mellowspring mewed. "So what?"

"Listen, I really need your help. This is Ravenkit," Silvercloud sighed. "I'm her father and Fernwater's her mother. I know, I know, it's wrong. I'm a medicine cat, I can't have kits. Or, rather, *a kit.* Can you please," Silvercloud' voice broke. "please take care of her? Be her mother."

Silvercloud explained how she'd have to pretend her milk hadn't come and have one of the other queens, Elmspeck or Swanwing, feed Ravenkit milk. There was another queen, Petalstone, but she was still waiting on birthding her kits. Silvercloud didn't want to have Ravenkit wait until her kits came, however.

Mellowspring sighed when Silvercloud was complete with his plead. "Okay, Silvercloud. I'll be the mother to your kit."

"Thank you, Mellowspring." Silvercloud looked so relieved. "Fernwater and I will never forget this."

Ravenlight was back in StarClan.

"And then Elmspeck gave me her milk," Ravenlight explained for herself. "And Mellowspring's milk never came because she's never had kits..."

Tinytuft nodded shyly.

"Thanks, Tinytuft," Ravenlight thanked the small, shy tom.

He nodded again, padding off. Another white she-cat stood up from the gathered cats and padded over to Ravenlight. "I'm Nettlescratch. I was from TaigaClan, like you,"

Ravenlight was about to argue, about to say she was a Bramble, but that wasn't true, not anymore.

"You've learned about your past. Now you must prepare yourself for your future." Nettlescratch leaned in and the two touched noses.

When Ravenlight could see herself in Redstar's den, the very place where Hawthornfur confessed his love for her. The place where the cruel TaigaClan leader, Redstar, slept every night.

And there she was, Redstar, lying in a puffy, feathery nest with coltsfoot flowers lining the rim. She was awake, but her eyes were blinking heavily. Soon, she fell asleep.

Ravenlight found herself in the dream with Redstar.

A tortoiseshell and white she-cat with amber eyes appeared. They were in StarClan, but Ravenlight knew this was part of the vision. Redstar glared at the approaching she-cat.

"Can't I rest in peace? I must wake early in the morning. I need to think of mentors for the upcoming apprentices." Redstar muttered.

"There will come a raven." The she-cat's eyes turned white. "Who's curiosity and wit will help her achieve her ambitions. She will have the power to mend one of the broken pieces."

"What kind of nonsense are you mewing about?" hissed Redstar, her claws unsheathed now.

Another cat appeared. A lilac-brown tom appeared. "Watch out, Redstar. She might end your reign."

Redstar's dream ended.

Ravenlight could hear Redstar's thoughts. *A raven, huh? A piece of prey, ending my reign? As if!*

Redstar paused. *Unless... the raven represents something else....*

She padded out of the den. Playing in the camp's clearing were all of the kits. Wetkit. Hawthornkit. Curlkit. Owlkit. Shadekit.

And Ravenkit.

*That kit,* Redstar thought. *Couldn't possibly ruin my leadership.* She padded back into her den, laid down, and thought once more. *But she'll be my apprentice and I'll keep an eye on her.*

The vision ended. Ravenlight was back in StarClan.

Nettlescratch was already walking away. Coming toward Ravenlight was a tortoiseshell and white she-cat with green eyes. "Ravenskip,"

"Ravenlight," Ravenlight corrected.

"Yes, Ravenskip," the cat mewed. "I'm.... Ip? Yes, I'm Ip."

Ravenlight thought it was slightly funny how bad at names this he-cat was. "What are you going to show me?" she asked, trying to draw away from the topic of named.

"You'll see; wait, will you? Well, it's called a vision, so-" Ravenlight leaned in as fast as she could and touched Ip's nose before the miserable she-cat could go on.

White covered her eyes until it faded away and she was at the Warrior Trial naming ceremony, where her and the other apprentices heard where they'd be fighting and who they'd be fighting.

"Ravenpaw, Curlpaw, Hawthornpaw, Wetpaw, Owlpaw, and Shadepaw. May you mix up the order of your stones? You'll know which one is yours. Put them in any order and I will drawn the dueling partners."

Redstar watched eagerly. Ravenlight was seeing through her eyes, like she *was* Redstar at the moment. Redstar closed her eyes as the apprentices re-sorted the stones. When they were done, she opened her eyes.

That's when Ravenlight noticed something.

Redstar had cheated the drawing.

While the faces of the stones had the drawings of the apprentices' symbols facing down, Redstar had put mini, barely visible copies of the drawings on two of the stones so that she could see who those two were and where they were places.

Ravenpaw's and Wetpaw's.

"The first battle in this year's Warrior Trials will feature these cats..." Silence took over the camp. The songs of the morning doves outside of camp were the only thing Ravenpaw could hear. Redstar grabbed a stone, one without the cheat-drawings. She observed the drawing on it. "Curlpaw." Redstar set down the stone. The curly ears drawn to represent Curlpaw sparkled in the sunlight. "And," Redstar padded in a circle around the stones, and grabbed another one without the cheat-drawings. "Hawthornpaw."

Then she did Owlpaw and Shadepaw's.

Then she drew the last two. Ravenpaw and Wetpaw.

The fields were also cheated. She'd drawn a mark on the bottom of the Calm Pond stone and drew the other two fields on purpose, knowing that Wetpelt was not only the strongest apprentice but also the best at training in water. That's why she'd never really trained Ravenlight in the Calm Pond. Because she wanted Ravenpaw to be killed without getting the blame and mistrust from her Clan as a result.

Finding herself back in StarClan, she yelled, "That snake-heart!"

Ip padded away and another cat, a golden she-cat with spots of dark orange, padded toward Ravenlight.

"I am Spottedsight," The she-cat mewed. "I was BrambleClan's last medicine cat. A TaigaClan killed me in the last battle of the war."

Ravenlight frowned. "I'm sorry."

"BrambleClan has been ripped from the forest. They have been in peril for a while now. But your Clan is, too. TaigaClan will be torn apart by their ruthless and uncaring leader." Spottedsight meowed on, the stars spangled her pelt twinkling bright.

"How? I can't do anything about Redstar."

"You can do more than you think, Ravenlight. Now, listen closely," Spottedsight mewed.

Suddenly, every cats' eyes went blank white. The stars twinkled so bright Ravenlight thought she'd go blind.

*"Raven. Stoat. Wolf. Cheetah. Four skilled animals with the ability to repair what is on the verge of becoming lost forever... They are coming. They will bring light to the darkness. They will make what has been broken complete."*

Before Ravenlight could ask any questions, she was booted from StarClan. Instead of white, she only saw matt black. Then she was swallowed, eaten alive by the darkness of sleep.

### **CHAPTER 19**

"Hawthornfur," Ravenlight awoke and spoke his name the moment her eyes opened.

She knew what she was to do. What she had to try, no matter how perilous. It was her destiny.

"Hawthornfur," she poked at the white and brown tom's flank, trying to avoid his bloody wounds from yesterday's tramuatics and battles. "Please, wake up."

Hawthornfur stirred, muttering as he hauled his body up. He heaved with effort and hoarsely mewed, "Ravenlight. What's wrong? Have they discovered us?"

"No," Ravenlight mewed. "But we're going back."

"Why, for StarClan's sake, would we go back there?" Hawthornfur was more awake now, his eyes wide with concern. "Last time I checked, everyone wanted us dead for existing."

Ravenlight explained everything.

The StarClan cats visiting her, showing her visions of everything.

The fact that Silvercloud and Fernwater were illegally mates and that they were Ravenlight's true parents. That Mellowspring and Whiskerfur had pretended to have been her parents.

Then she explained Redstar's own vision. *There will come a Raven, who's curiosity and wit will help her achieve her ambitions. She will have the power to mend one of the broken pieces.*

She explained Redstar's growing hatred and evil plots against her, including scamming the Warrior Trial to get her pit against the strongest opponent at the battlefield where she was trained the least.

And at last, she finished with the prophecy she'd been told by all of the StarClan cats who'd visited her. *Raven. Stoat. Wolf. Cheetah. Four skilled animals with the ability to repair what is on the verge of becoming lost forever... They are coming. They will bring light to the darkness. They will make what has been broken complete.*

"Woah," Hawthornfur mewed when Ravenlight had let her mouth-full out completely. "That's... a lot for us to take in."

"My parents *aren't* my parents. I know about herbs because my real parents broke the code and Silvercloud, my father, taught me herbs before I could recognize him and Fernwater. Redstar has been plotting to murder me my whole life. She's always had hatred toward me. Apparently I'm supposed to end her reign. Oh, and meanwhile, I have to repair something, bring light to darkness, make something broken complete, you know, the usual stuff." Ravenlight vented, stressing out of her mind.

"So... You think we need to head back to camp? To.. confront her? Redstar, I mean?"

Ravenlight was stressed, sure, but she knew what she had to do. She nodded. "Yes.

Ravenlight treated their wounds before they left. She would've the night before, but the most reasonable option at the time was resting and calming their bodies down.

Then they set off, beat us, tired, one thing driving them forward.

Hope.

Hope that Ravenlight could put an end to the Warrior Trials.

Hope that Ravenlight could save BrambleClan. Her Clan.

*No.*

BrambleClan *wasn't* her Clan. Mellowspring and Whiskerfur were both BrambleClan cats. But Silvercloud and Fernwater were not. They were purely TaigaClan.

*But I will save my Clan, which is TaigaClan apparently,* she thought. *It's a terrible place. The Brambles are upset. TaigaClan's always upset. We have to fight and send warning patrols to the other Clan. Who knows when the next battle would be?*

*I'll save BrambleClan. TaigaClan.*

*WadeClan and MeadowClan, too. They were in danger of being invaded now that Redstar had all the power in the forest. A bad cat with that much control needed to be stopped.*

And then, just like that, it was yet another walk through the forest.

Another short one.

Ravenlight felt like birds were inside her ribcage, a feeling that was all too familiar. Their beaks were etching marks on her bones, begging for an escape. To be free of all the nerve and worry.

But there was no turning back. Only two possible futures lay ahead, and both were on this path.

One. She defeated Redstar, somehow, and the Clans lived in peace, BrambleClan its own Clan again. Peace and serenity for moons upon moons. Everlasting.

Two. She died trying and the forest became a constantly blood-soaked and dangerous place for every cat. Warrior Trials with every apprentice in the forest. Bloodshed forever.

Ravenlight's job, no, her *destiny,* was to make sure option one became the reality.

And then she and Hawthornfur cross the TaigaClan's border.

And then they crossed the Plateau of Honor. They were on the MeadowClan border route, hugging the border tightly in hopes they wouldn't be spotted by a border patrol, which usually came around at Sunhigh. Right now, the sun was just rising.

And then, there it was.

The TaigaClan camp with its bramble and gorse barrier, which similar to the WadeClan camp, surrounded the TaigaClan camp like a dome without a roof.

As she and Hawthornfur became to climb a tree to get a better view on who was and wasn't in the camp, she met the eyes of a black tom standing inside the camp.

It was Whiskerfur.

He looked shocked to see her, his jaws parted in a surprised expression.

Something in Ravenlight heart echoed, *my father,* but StarClan knew that wasn't true. Next to him, Mellowspring was looking to her right, mewing something distractedly to him. He gave her shoulder a shove and pointed at Ravenlight and Hawthornfur, who were now sitting on a thick tree branch with his tail.

Mellowspring gasped and almost called out, but decided, to Ravenlight's relief, against it.

Instead, she whispered something in Whiskerfur's ear. Whiskerfur nodded and the two headed for the Fallen Trunk. *No!* Ravenlight thought. *I'm here to end Redstar's reign, not chat with the cats who lied to me about being my parents my whole entire life! Please, don't come over here!* But of course, that's exactly what they did.

Mellowspring climbed the tree first, Whiskerfur trailing behind.

"What are you doing here?" Whiskerfur mewed. "You'll get killed on sight. Redstar ordered it. You too, Hawthornfur."

"Did I actually blind Wetpelt?" Ravenlight cut in. She would usually feel horrible for blinding a cat, but Wetpelt was the exception. Maybe Redstar would have been, too, if she was the cat she'd ended up striking.

"Yes," Mellowspring let out a *mrrow* of laughter. "Our daughter gave that tom one serious wound."

"Our daughter?" A surge of anger rushed through Ravenlight. "Are you *sure* about that?"

"What do you mean, Ravenlight?" Whiskerfur questioned, his claws unsheathing in a nervous way.

"You lied to me!" Ravenlight exclaimed, trying to keep her voice low. "Silvercloud and Fernwater are my parents. You never told me once. I would rather have had you tell me to the truth but I'd have to hide it than have you two excuses for warriors parent me in the worst way possible! I wish I could forgive you, but that's kind of difficult."

Mellowspring's expression dropped. "I'm sorry, Ravenlight. We really tried."

"Apparently not that hard," Ravenlight couldn't contain her anger. "You treated me like spoiled fresh-kill. You were nice, I suppose, but hardly even spoke to me! Especially when I left the nursery! Now I know why you're milk didn't come. You've never had kits. I suppose I can't blame you, in that case. You don't know how to parent."

"Who told you?" Whiskerfur demanded.

"Wow. How about a sorry, Whiskerfur? Don't have the decency of your mate? Not that she has much more," Ravenlight glared at the two cats. "I found out about your lies and your first question is 'who told you?' Wow. Just wow. Well, guess what? I'm not here to have a friendly conversation with my two fake parents. I'm here to mend one of the broken pieces. Now, please. Get. Out. Of. My. Sight!"

Ravenlight didn't expect that level of anger for herself. It was like someone had taken over her body. But she felt it. She knew anger and betrayal was real.

Mellowspring and Whiskerfur obeyed her wishes, climbing down from the trees like startled rabbits

Then she and Hawthornfur could finally observe the camp like they'd wanted to. She saw a patrol preparing to head out. Shadeflower sitting outside the apprentices' den. Then she saw something horrifying.

Whiskerfur stomping away from a worried Mellowspring, heading toward the leader's den.

"Whiskerfur!" Ravenlight whispered. "He's going to tell Redstar we're here, I'll bet!"

Hawthornfur gasped. "We need to run."

"We can't run."

"Come on, we'll complete your destiny later. I'd prefer you'd stay alive, however,"

"We can't run forever!" Ravenlight repeated.

Hawthornfur's blue eyes clouded. "Okay." He gave in. "Okay. But we need to be careful. And, what are we going to do? About Whiskerfur, I mean. If he's going to reveal our location, we can't really stop him. Charging into camp will get us killed anyway."

Whiskerfur was now in the leader's den.

"We have no choice," Ravenlight meowed. "We'll be surrounded if we wait for them to come to us. We need to go. Now."

"And do what?" Hawthornfur was staring wide-eyed at Ravenlight as she prepared to leap down to the ground. "Ravenlight, wait, please don't do anything reckless- well, this *is* reckless- oh, Ravenlight, *don't do this."*

But Ravenlight had already leapt. She felt herself gliding through the air, feeling even more like a raven with wings, flying through the sky. She hit the ground as softly as she could and stared back up at Hawthornfur. "Stay here."

Hawthornfur leapt down anyways. "No way. This is suicide, but I'm not letting you get yourself killed alone."

Then they walked toward the Fallen Trunk.

Through that hollowed log was one of two things.

Lasting peace and serenity for the Clans for centuries to come.

Or certain death.

### **CHAPTER 20**

This was it. The final showdown.

Her Clanmates met her with horrified gazes, but they stayed still, frozen in their tracks.

Perhaps they were scared of her after seeing what she'd done to Wetpelt unexpectedly, yesterday at the Warrior Trial. Or maybe they truly cared about her and wanted her to live. *Or* maybe they *knew* she was walking toward a very obvious, certain death and were shocked.

Ravenlight padded on, Hawthornfur just behind her.

The leader's den was just ahead. That den could be the place she died.

Hope overtook her.

*But it could also be the place I mark the end of this tragedy-based lifestyle. For every cat.*

She ran. Hawthornfur sped up, trying to keep up. The den was just ahead of her.

"So," Redstar's voice was heard just ahead. "You've spotted Ravenlight and Hawthornfur, the traitors. Where are they? Take me there. *Now.* I want to kill her with my own paws, if you haven't already."

Ravenlight peeked around the bend in the cave, spotting Redstar laying down in her nest, staring at Whiskerfur who was sitting in front of her. He was shivering, but Ravenlight couldn't tell is he was cold or nervous.

"She's..." Whiskerfur seemed angry but still hesitant to give away his adopted daughter's hiding place. He sighed and came back stronger. "She's hiding on a tree branch with Hawthornfur just outside of camp, somewhat near the Fallen Trunk."

"Bring me there. We'll fetch some warriors on our way. That scoundrel won't escape me this time," Redstar paused, a suspicious edge to her tone the second time she spoke. "Say, why are you telling me this?"

"She's a traitor, Redstar."

"She's your daughter. Doesn't seem very kin-like... don't get me wrong, I appreciate your loyalty. This just seems a little... off." Redstar probed, staring at Whiskerfur suspiciously.

"I promise you, Redstar, she's here. I just hope she hasn't ran off."

Redstar stood up. Ravenlight knew this was her chance. She backed up so she was hidden behind the corner once more. When she heard a cat padding closer, she turned. But it wasn't Redstar. It was Whiskerfur getting a headstart.

"Redstar!" He shouted. "She's right here!"

Ravenlight began to run, Hawthornfur beside her, but a force barreled into her, tackling her and rolling her across the stone. When the dust cleared she could see Redstar standing over her, claws locked on her throat.

"Well, look what we have here. Ravenlight decided to return." Redstar grinned.

Hawthornfur growled and leaped for Redstar. Redstar ducked and Hawthornfur flew right over her. "Move again and she's crow-food." Redstar threatened.

Hawthornfur sat, his back fur spiked like a pine tree and his claws unsheathed. He was hissing.

"Now, Ravenlight," Redstar mewed. "Shall we hold a live execution? That'd be much more thrilling than killing you right now. I remember Tundraheart's. It was a hit; after that, no cat dared question me. Besides you."

Ravenlight screeched and kicked out hard with all her paws. She *did* hit Redstar, but the she-cat took the blow and jumped off of her. She shoved Ravenlight over and bit down on Ravenlight's scruff, beginning to drag her out of the den.

"I'd suggest you followed, Hawthornfur," she mewed. "Don't worry, you're next, but don't make your death come any sooner."

"Run, Hawthornfur!" Ravenlight yelled. "Get away! Don't let her win!"

Hawthornfur stuck his ground. "No. I'm not leaving your side."

Whiskerfur had disappeared. he must've weaseled his way out of the den. Redstar dragged Ravenlight all the way out of the den, Hawthornfur following slowly, then spat out the she-cat's scruff at the edge of the Stonehill.

"May all cats, big or small, gather beneath the Stonehill for a Clan meeting!" She shouted.

The cats obeyed her, gathing around the Stonehill.

"Clear me a spot there, would you," Redstar pointed with her claw at the spot just on the other edge of the Stonehill. "Thank you," she mewed whent he cats obeyed and migrated away from that spot. "I've gathered you all here for a very special event. Yesterday, instead of following his leader's commands, which were to stay off of the battlefield, Hawthornfur tried to interfer with the Warrior Trial. Ravenlight, who was one of the participating apprentices, joined in and together she and Hawthornfur attempted to fight Bearpelt, Wetpelt, and I."

Redstar paused, probably expecting some sort of shocked or disappointed reaction from the crowd, but she got silence. She growled under her breath but continued. "So now, they shall die in front of their Clanmates. As always,"

She grinned, staring at Ravenlight. Wait... Ravenlight recognized those eyes. Yellow-amber in color. *She was one of the cats who attacked and weakened me before my Trial!*

She looked to the crowd. Bearpelt. He had those amber eyes... he was one of those cats as well!

"She-cats first." Redstar lunged for Ravenlight.

Ravenlight screeched and swiped at Redstar's face. This was her chance.

But her swipe missed and Redstar ducked down, swatting out with her forepaw and knocking Ravenlight off of her feet. Before Ravenlight could recover, Redstar grasped her scruff. She lifted her up high, holding Ravenlight over the edge of the Stonehill.

Ravenlight saw the bottom. It was a long way down. A really long way. She'd never remembered it being so far down...

"No!" a voice called out. That was Appledapple, a TaigaClan warrior. "There's no need to kill her. Make her tend to the elders. Make Hawthornfur to the same... just, don't hurt them! They're just apprentices!"

"Appledapple," Redstar mewed in a muffled voice through Ravenlight's scruff. "She betrayed me. And you. She won't live to see the sun rise anymore. She's as good as dead."

Appledapple stared down, her gaze dark.

"This is what happens," Redstar yowled. "To cats who anger me!"

And with that, Ravenlight was suddenly plummeting. Soaring through the air. But she didn't feel like a free raven. She felt her certain doom which awaited her at the bottom.

She threw out her paws, kicked, anything she could do to get a grip hold or to get to safety, she would do. But she couldn't. The STonehill was completely flat.

All that lay below.

Was cold. Hard. Ground.

Then she met it.

And everything went black.

\*\*\*

Ravenlight awoke in a familiar, starry place. StarClan.

But she knew this time.

She was actually dead.

"No! I failed!" she cried. "No... the Clans are doomed. It's all my fault..."

"Not quite, Ravenlight," a voice mewed. A tom with a gray pelt and black patches appeared. "The Clans are not doomed."

"But I died!" Ravenlight burst out. "I was supposed to stop her. To end this."

"Ravenlight," The tom spoke calmly. "I am Spikecloud. I am here to grant you a life."

"What?" Ravenlight exclaimed, shocked. "But I'm not a Clan leader. I'm barely the age of a regular apprentice from WadeClan or MeadowClan, no matter what Redstar has to say. I'm six moons old!"

"StarClan has deemed you worthy of a second chance. Go back. Use this life well. End Redstar's reign." Spikecloud mewed. "With this life, I give you courage. You'll need it now.

He leaned in and touched Ravenlight's nose with his.

Instantly pain spiked through Ravenlight. She was red hot, like she was struck by lightning. She suppressed a yelp of pain, seeing something as she closed her eyes. A raven was flying in the air, its wings spread wide. The raven faded to a cat, engulfed in flames. She wasn't in pain, though. The she-cat was thriving. Then the vision faded away.

"You are the raven in the prophecy. Save the Clans. We're counting on you." Spikecloud faded away and Ravenlight found herself somewhere in between StarClan and the real world.

\*\*\*

Wind rushed through Ravenlight's fur, blowing her dead body's pelt around. She was there, inside of herself, but StarClan was currently healing her broken wounds with the life they gave her.

She could still see everything, despite her eyes being closed. It was like she was a ghost, hovering just above her body, waiting for it to be ready for her.

Then see saw something. A cat was standing over her. But he was dead. A StarClan cat.

And she knew who it was.

"Curlheart?" Her mew was only audible to him, no other cat.

Curlheart stared at the ground. He was translucent with a star spangled pelt, his eyes a very pale see-through gray.

With a *poof* a white tom appeared beside him. That tom looked straight at Ravenlight. "I am Tundraheart, the last deputy of BrambleClan. While you are saving your own Clan by doing this," he mewed. "I am here to help. I am here to save the very Clan I'm at fault for losing."

Tundraheart and Curlheart, at once, leaned in and touched their noses to Ravenlight's flank. Life pulsed through her and she felt energy course through her body, from nose to tail tip. Her legs felt powerful and her heart pounded healthfully. She was now alive again.

Making sure she still looked dead, she squinted her eyes open.

Cats were staring at her body with somber gazes. They truly thought she was dead. Or, *still* dead, rather.

Above, on top of the Stonehill, she heard Redstar's voice. Her tone was triumphant, like she'd just beaten her greatest enemy. Why would StarClan have told Redstar about Ravenlight? If they wanted Ravenlight to succeed, why would they set her up for failure? When Redstar found out that Ravenlight could end her reign, they pretty much gave away her biggest advantage.

Hawthornfur let out a loud cry from on the Stonehill. He was a big and strong tom, but it didn't take Ravenlight much to know that Redstar had him pinned. He was barely six moons old. He didn't stand a chance against Redstar.

Ravenlight knew she had to take action then. Before Hawthornfur died. She leapt to her paws and darted for the Stonehill's steep path, fighting the wind on her way up. Fighting the wind the same way she'd been forced to when she was gaining her apprentice name. Fighting the wind like she was fighting to survive.

"Ravenlight's alive!" shocked cries erupted from the Clan.

Redstar let out a roar of anger. Then Ravenlight could see her. Standing face to face with the evil she-cat. Redstar stared with shocked, angry eyes at Ravenlight, not moving a muscle. Hawthornfur took the opportunity and pummeled his hind paws into Redstar. It was a tough job with the size difference, but he managed to throw Redstar off of him.

Redstar recovered quickly, but in sync, Ravenlight and Hawthornfur leapt on top of her at the same time. She swiped at the she-cat's eyes, in an attempt to immobolize her, and, at this point, she didn't care if the leader went blind like Wetpelt.

Redstar dodged and scratched Ravenlight's cheek with her claws digging deep. Ravenlight cried out slightly but leaped onto Redstar's back. Hatwhornfur slid under Redstar at the same moment and dug his claws into her belly. Redstar screeched in anger and pain and purposefully tumbled to the ground.

Hawthornfur was pinned under Redstar's weight. Ravenlight leapt off the red she-cat and jumped over her, extending her forepaws to claw at Redstar's belly.

Redstar kicked out her hind paws and Ravenlight heard a heavy *thud* as the breath flew out of her and she landed on the very egde of the Stonehill, gasping for air.

Then paws thumped on the Stonehill and Ravenlight saw a hopeful sight.

Multiple cats with courage in their eyes approached. Some Ravenlight recognized. Some Ravenlight didn't even know the names of. But they were here.

They screeched and leaped at Redstar, throwing her off of Hawthornfur. A ball of cats formed and all Ravenlight could hear was angry screams from Redstar.

"Traitors!" her cry became gurgled with blood and fur.

Hawthornfur ran up to Ravenlight and pulled her up by her scruff. She could finally breathe now.

"We can do this," Ravenlight mewed, her pelt touching Hawthornfur's as they ran toward the fight where about four TaigaClan cats were attacking Redstar. "We have supporters."

A cat rammed into Ravenlight's back, rolling her over until he'd pinned her by her throat. *Redstar has them too.*

More cats ran up the Stonehill until the whole entire Clan was fighting. Every single cat was on the Stonehill. Ravenlight felt a surge of hope and pummeled the cat on top of her with her hind and forepaws until he flew off. She joined the fight, swiping at the cats she knew supported Redstar. She wondered how every cat was on the Stonehill at once and how no body had fallen, but part of that was wrong.

Cries of cats erupted and some stumbled off the edge. Some were pushed. Some dragged others with them and jumped. It was horrifying. Ravenlight wanted peace, and this battle would earn that, if she won, of course, but cats would die before peace came.

"We're outnumbered!" A cat screeched, pinned by Redstar and another cat. Her eyes were wide as Redstar viciously swiped down to kill her.

Another cat barreled into Ravenlight. Her cheeks hit the stone, her forepaws pinned under one hindpaw and her own hindpaws pinned by the cat's other hindpaw. The she-cat on top of her also had unsheathed foreclaws on her cheek and throat, digging in deep.

The she-cat was barely visible between dirt and blood, but Ravenlight caught a glimpse of scarlet. *Redstar?*

No.

It wasn't Redstar.

"I'm sorry, Ravenlight," The she-cat mewed. Ravenlight felt chills and shock crawl up her spine like a spider at the voice. She knew who this cat was. "But Redstar will make me re-do my Warrior Trial. The one that never happened. She'd put against Hawthornfur if he survives or Wetpelt. Wetpelt might be blind but he'll kill me."

"What does that to do with me, Shadeflower?" Ravenlight cried. "I've been your friend!"

"If I kill you, Redstar will deem me a full warrior. She'll be so proud, I'd never need to do a Warrior Trial. This is like a Trial in itself, you know? Killing you is like killing Owlfeather like it should've happened. However, that poor little kitten got murdered by a Twoleg monster instead. I've never wanted to kill. I want peace, like you. But if I stand with you, I'll get killed. I just want to live. Please understand."

*Beware she who is scarlet-furred. She can only bring more blood.*

"You're the scarlet she-cat." Ravenlight gasped.

"I prefer orange. But sorry, I have to do it now. Just say some memorable last words or something." Shadeflower mewed.

"Redstar might've contributed to that omen," Ravenligth realized. "But maybe there was more than one. I should've seen you coming. Shadeflower, don't do this."

Shadeflower frowned. "Shadeflower, don't do this? Is *that* your final sentence? Come on, one last opportunity. I'm trying to make this less painful for you. You *were* pretty nice to me. I remember that."

Then, out of nowhere, Ravenlight heard heavy paw steps. No, they were light paw steps... but there was many of them.

Screeches erupted as cats entered the camp. WadeClan cats. MeadowClan cats.

Leading them was Fernwater and Silvercloud.

The cats turned to climb the Stonehill. Ravenlight wanted to yell to them to stop. Too many catsup on the small platform would result in a waterfall of cats falling to their doom, but Shadeflower leaped off of her in fear, accidentally, perhaps on purpose, slamming Ravenlight's jaw into the thick, cold stone.

Ravenlight shook it off and leapt to her paws.

*Maybe we can win this battle after all.*

"Off the Stonehill! It's too small!" Ravenlight cried.

But Fernwater and Silvercloud were already leading the cats in a circle around the Stonehill. Fernwater whispered in the cats' ears, and they nodded in turn. Then Silvercloud yelled out for all acts to hear. "Quit your quarreling! Listen up!"

Surprisingly, the TaigaClan cats obeyed and sheathed their claws, sitting to listen. Ravenlight viewed Redstar. She was blood-soaked with her enemies' blood, but also banged up herself. Perhaps she'd already lost a life or two in this battle.

"TaigaClan has been is great peril for seasons!" Fernwater yowled. "*All* of the Clans have!"

"It is time the she-cat who started all has her reign taken away from her!" Silvercloud stood by his mate, claws digging into the ground as he stared at Redstar, who padded to the edge of the Stonehill.

"What are you two doing?" She hissed. "My own medicine cat and deputy, trying to form a rebel group. How pitiful. You truly think I've hurt TaigaClan? I've doubled it's size. I've made it stronger. What more could you possibly want?"

"Sure, you've made it stronger. You've made it feared." Ravenlight burst out. "Clans are supposed to live in harmony and peace. Yes, they should say separate and alert of one another to be safe, but we cannot constantly fight and look at one another with fear. We must have four Clans, not two small ones and one large one."

"Look at that, TaigaClan," Redstar spat. "You're defending a tiny Bramble who believe that Brambles would be best suited on their own, in their own territory. Look what the last BrambleClan did. Started a war with the wrong Clan. What makes you think Brambles could thrive like that?"

"BrambleClan was doing just fine until you forced it to start a war. You know what I'm talking about. BrambleClan is meant to be it's own Clan! Not part of our Clan!" Ravenlight yowled. "It's best for TaigaClan as well! We need to focus of ourselves!"

Redstar smirked. "Big words from such a small kit. You speak as though you're actually loyal to TaigaClan, as though you know what's best for it. You don't even carry TaigaClan blood!"

Ravenlight took a few steps toward the red she-cat. "Oh yes I do."

She risked a glance at Fernwater and Silvercloud. They were exchanging alarmed looks.

"Say that one more time, Bramble, I dare you. Do not disrespect TaigaClan. For your own good." Redstar grinned.

"I am a TaigaClan cat. My mother is your deputy and my father is your medicine cat. We all agree that TaigaClan is a dangerous place because of you. Kits are being forced to become apprentices at a very young age and eventually have to kill each other. That's the kind of place this Clan has become due to your rule." Ravenlight was now in Redstar's face.

The crowd made shocked gasps when Ravenlight revealed her true parents, but hushed quickly. It was against the code for medicine cats to have kits. But, it was also against the code, at least in Ravenlight's mind, to force kits to kill each other.

Redstar first glared at Ravenlight's true parents, her eyes sullen with even more hatred. She turned back to Ravenlight and stared with the most evil eyes Ravenlight had ever seen.

Fear shocked through Ravenlight. She was supposed to be brave in this moment. Great StarClan, she had three Clans supporting her versus Redstar's few cats and herself. But Redstar could do anything she wanted to Ravenlight now. Redstar would die either way, whether she harmed Ravenlight or not. If she leaped at Ravenlight and killed her, she wouldn't be losing anything and Ravenlight would be dead before any cat could spring to her aid. Redstar might die, but she would still be getting some twisted form of revenge.

Ravenlight hadn't been paying attention to the fact that Tundraheart and Curlheart had left her side in the first place, but they appeared beside her again.

Curlheart's blank eyes were full of tears, dripping down his starry pelt. Tundraheart looked like a true warrior of LionClan, preparing to give his life once more to save his Clan. "Now, Ravenlight. The Clan needs you."

Ravenlight blinked. She stared into Redstar's eyes. Her yellow-amber eyes that caused blood and fear. Her yellow-amber eyes that gleamed with self-pride whenever she killed, lied, or did something terrible. Those eyes needed to go for the Clans to be truly safe.

"I'm not scared of you." Ravenlight felt her words try to cling onto her tongue, but she forced them out. She straightened her twitching legs and flattened out her tail.

"I have lives and claws," Redstar grinned. "You have nothing. I'll kill you."

Redstar leaped. Ravenlight jumped. Claws grasped her flank and dragged her to the ground. She felt those claws dig into her throat.

Ravenlight kicked out and felt a sudden surge of strength bubble through her. She dove through Redstar's paws. and stood face to face once more with her opponent.

Blood dripped from her pelt, slapping the cold stone with a glistening noise. Over and over. Redstar watched, grinning.

*It's time to end this.*

*This is your chance.*

*Take it.*

Voices filled her brain. She recognized all of them as the StarClan cats who'd given her those visions.

"Ravenlight! Ravenlight!" A cat screamed out. Appledapple, a TaigaClan cat.

More cats followed in her chant. No cat was going to help Ravenlight in this moment and there was a reason for that. This was her challenge. Her path. This was her task and she needed to complete it.

"This is it, Redstar," Ravenlight stood strong. "Today will have been the last day you ever bring havoc to the Clans."

She wasn't going to let Redstar know her next move. Like a swift, graceful raven, she swooped her whole body to the left, feinted right, then rammed full force, into Redstar. Then it was a tumble.

A fall to the ground. Off the Stonehill.

For just a split second, Ravenlight was fearful. Fearful that she was going to die. Well, she was, but that wasn't her biggest concern. Redstar *did* have nine lives at one point. What if killing her this one time was enough?

But something deep in her mind reassured her that she would fine. That this was Redstar's last day too.

A smack.

A terrible noise that Ravenlight would never want to describe.

She felt half-dead. She allowed her eyes to open one last time. Redstar was dead. No where near this world but no where near StarClan. Ravenlight wondered if there was a place for those kind of cats. The evil ones.

Redstar was long gone. But Ravenlight was still clinging on. Perhaps she didn't have to die after all.

"No, she can't die!" Cats were exclaiming. "She's just a kit. Hardly the age of a usual apprentice."

Hawthornfur was at her side. *How could he have gotten down the Stonehill that fast?* But another thought reached her mind. Perhaps time was moving in slow bits and fast bits.

Yeah, it seemed like that was it.

Hawthornfur was mournful, but understanding. "If this is your time, it's your time. I loved you, but we're just kits I suppose. I'll see you in StarClan someday."

Ravenlight could feel blood trailing from her wounds. Bruises from her bones aching. She spoke up. These could be her last words. "I didn't die a kit. I died a raven."

Before everything could go black on her, she told herself one last thing.

*I did it.*

She, a kit, no, a raven, had defeated the great evil that broke TaigaClan. The Clans would be safe now.

Then, she allowed a thick black darkness to swallow her like a snake swallowing its prey. Everything was gone. But everything was good. She was no longer fighting to survive.