Frost in our Hearts

This is going to be a Pretty long story Basing around Frost Clan and those Characters, Also noting if a Kit gets made an Apprentice then there page will be changed to that.

## Prologue

The young she cat paced around in her den worried about what was about to happen. She always knew that it would eventually happen but now that it was she was shocked and worried she wouldn't do good. The news had come only three sunrises ago and now she was worrying her tail off. Suddenly she heard the soothing voice of the tom breach the cave. He walked in and placed his tail on her shoulder giving her ear a swift lick making her calm down a bit. She then took a deep breath and nodded. Outside the medicine cat waited for her and they started their journey.

It wasn't long before they were were they needed to be. The cats slipped behind a waterfall and sat down. She placed her paw at the edge of the water and then used her other paw too slowly move onto her haunches. She then closed her eyes feeling all senses dissipate as she felt the ground move away from her and she floated up. Soon she felt soft grass on her paws and opened her eyes. She gras glittered of silverpelt and she looked around seeing the figures of many cats walk around her. She recognized all of them as she watched one walk up to her. She bowed down to the great tom. He swiftly placed his paw under her chin and lifted it up slightly. He then presses his nose against her head.

“My Love, you will do great.” He said barely more than a whisper. Suddenly she felt a wave of something go from the spot on her head were his nose rested and surges through her like a wave of fire till it lingered at her tail tip. She gasped trying to figure out what happened. She opened her clenched eyes and the tom was gone. She sighed but suddenly she saw another one walk up to her. She guled realizing that she would need to endure the pain 8 more times before she was done. But as the cat opened her mouth to speak their was a sudden outburst.

“She is not Fit to be a Leader!” A Tom cat yowled. The she cat quickly moved her muzzle away from her forehead and wiped it over too look at the tom cat. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was and she gasped slightly his scowling eyes making it clear that this was no joke. “She was never even fit to be a Warrior none the less a Leader!!”

## Chaper 1

Whitestreek lay in her den licking the two tiny kits that lay in her paws meowing quietly. Bluetooth smiled down at the kits and wrapped her tail around her paws. She was very proud, being this was the second delivery this day that she had helped with. Flurryface slept over in the corner her two kittens with her. Whitestreek sighed a bit remembering that Seastorm was out on patrol and wouldn't see the kittens till he was back. But she went back to licking the kits when she heard their mews get slightly louder. Bluetooth walked out of the den and was on her way over to the medicine cat den when suddenly their was a loud screeching sound coming from the opening. Seastorm and Foxtail burst through the opening ran too the Highstone. Seastorm jumped onto it and yowled loudly.

“All Cats Old Enough to Catch their Own Prey Please Join under the stone for a clan meeting!” The Cats Quickly shifted out of their Dens for the meeting. Flurryface left her kits too Whitestreek, who planned to stay in the nursery, and went out too see what was going on.

“What are you doing on the High Stone! That's Bitterstars Place!” Lostfoot growled up at the cat to stand firmly on the Rock.

“Yeah! Where is Bitterstar?” Stormtail added growling.

“Bitterstar is Dead!” Seastorm said. Silence quickly overtook the clan as they gasped in horror. “He was chasing a rabbit when he underestimated the height of a cliff, He fell and the rocks took his last life. Suddenly their was a pained screech from one of the cats.

“This can't be True!” Frosteye screeched from her place in the group of cats. The cats went silent the pain in her cracking voice echoing against the tall rocks. Stormtail walked over to her, knowing her feelings for the leader, and placed his tail on her shoulder. Her entire body shook as she took shallow breaths trying to calm down. Seastorm stayed at the top of the rock listening as the talking slowed down.

“Frosteye! Stormtail and Foxtail! You All will come with me too see if we can retrieve Bitterstars body!” He said. Stormtail got up and took a few steps forward and then placed his tail under her chin lifting it up. She got up slowly and followed his tail and walked along with him after Seastorm and Foxtail. It was not very long before Seastorm and Foxtail stopped looking over the edge of the cliff. Frosteye slowly padded forward and looked over. Bitterstars body was lying at the bottom of the ravine broken and bleeding. His last life gone with the wind. Frosteye reached a paw over the edge laying down and let her tears fall down the ravine. Stormtail walked over to her and placed his tail gingerly on her shoulder again and placed his paw on her shoulder hoping to help her calm down.

“We can't do it, I'm not risking any more Warriors down their.” Frosteye said.

“What gives you the right to make Orders?” Foxtail said glaring at her. Seastorm pushed Foxtails shoulder.

“She's the Deputy Mouse Brain!” He hissed at him. Foxtail swiped his tail and turned away.

“Hmpf!” He said raising his chin. Frosteye sighed.

“Come on let's go back, it's almost Sundown and tomorrow I will need to go too the Mooncave so I can get my nine lives.” Frosteye said getting up. Stormtail, Foxtail and Seastorm got up and slowly followed her. Seastorm padded up next to her.

“So, You know yet who you're going to make Deputy?” He asked the Shecat. Frosteye sighed looking down.

“No Idea.” She said sighing. And continuing to walk. Not many cats knew how close she was too their leader, she was a Senior warrior and had been close friends with Bitterstar for Moons. She knew he was on his last life but Bitterstar wouldn't let that slow him down and insisted that he act just as he would if he had all nine of his. Frosteye didn't want to argue with her leader so she let him hunt with the patrols while she took over leader duties. But now that she was actually the leader it would be a lot harder. She took a deep breath lifting up her head and stopping, puffing out her chest slightly, in her head she was thinking “I will do this Bitterstar, For you” but too Seastorm, Foxtail and Stormtail it looked slightly odd. Foxtail and Seastorm continued forward and placed his tail on her shoulders and slid it across them.

“Come on Frosteye, We need to go.” He said. She quickly snapped out of it and started walking again. Blushing in embarrassment.

“Sorry..” She whispered and continued to walk.

Frosteye walked into Bluetooths den. The Medicine cat glanced back at her and smiled a bit.

“Good Morning Frosteye.” She said and continued to place herbs in the bundle.

“Mornin Bluetooth.” She replied stretching and licking her paws brushing her face with them and wiping the sleep from her eyes.

“It wont be long until the herbs are ready.” Bluetooth said “Why don't you go Check on Flurryface and Whitestreeks kits?”

“Thats a good idea.” Frosteye said remembering that the commotion about Bitterstars death had caused her not to see the kits. She smiled and turned around. She took a few steps before a grey cat came streaking past her.

“Sorry I'm late!” He said quickly running up too Bluetooth.

“It's fine.” Bluetooth said sourly. Frosteye quickly continued her way to the nursery so she could see the new kits and find out if they have names yet. Frosteye walked to the Nursery and slowly went inside smiling as Flurryface and White Streak lifted their heads up.

“Hey Frosteye!” Flurryface said.

“Hey Flurryface.” Frosteye said softly. Slowly padding into the nursery were Frostface was curled up around two kittens sleeping softly on her. Frosteye sat down and looked at the two kittens sleeping softly.

“What are their names?” She asked the Queen. Flurryface brimmed having the chance to tell her the names.

“Me and Stormtail agreed on Everkit.” She said pushing her nose into a grey one with some white spots “and Harshkit” She said moving her nose onto the other one that was a mix of black and grey spots.

“Those are good names, And the kits look very healthy.” Frosteye said. Suddenly she heard some meows from across the cave and looked over to see that Whitestreek was sitting with two kits wrapped up in her tail.

“Hello Frosteye.” Whitestreak said.

“Hey Whitestreek, Have you and Seastorm decided on names yet?” She asked her. Whitestreek nodded and smiled looking down at the kits.

“The White on is Icekit and the Gray one is Greykit.” Whitestreek said.

“I see you're Telling Frosteye about our kits.” Seastorm said coming into the cave sitting next too Whitestreek and curling his tail around his paws. Frosteye smiled as she sat up.

“well I better go see if Bluetooth is ready too go too the Mooncave.” She said. Seastorm waved goodbye as Whitestreek gave her a curt nod. Frosteye was on her way to her den when she saw Bluetooths grey pelt out of the corner of her eye.

“You ready too go Frosteye?” Bluetooth said.

“Yeah..” Frosteye said taking a deep breath before shaking herself and then standing up strait. “I'm ready.”

## Chapter 2

Stormtail opened his eyes and got up slowly stretching out his paws as he got up feeling the energy rush into his body. He looked around to see that his clanmates were also stretching and waking up. The sun was just over the horizon when suddenly Stormtail heard a yowl from the top of the Highstone.

“All Cats Old enough to Catch their own Prey Gather here Under Highstone for a meeting.” Frosteye said from her perch at the top. The Cats all filed out of the dens down to the bottom of the rock and waited. Once all the cats were their Frosteye started. “As you all should know, Bitterstars death was a shocking tragedy, but due to the code of the clans the current Deputy was to be named the Leader.” Frosteye started. Stormtail looked up at her worried that she might not be able to finish but she took another deep breath and continued. “Last night me and Bluetooth took our trip to the Mooncave so I could visit Starclan and be given my Leader name and Nine lives, from now on I will not be known as Frosteye but I will be known..” She paused making Stormtail worry again but he quickly sighed as she opened her mouth “As Froststar, the Leader of Frostclan.” she finished. Soon the cats around Stormtail started to chant her name.

“Froststar, Froststar.” They Chanted as she stood at the top of the rock. As the chanting died down Froststar continued.

“As a warrior tradition I must now Appoint a new Deputy for our clan..” She stopped and looked as the cats eyes widened in excitement. “I Say These Words Before Starclan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestor Bitterstar may hear and approve of my choice, The new deputy of Frostclan is...” She paused and Stormtail could see some fear flash in her eyes as the two made eye contact before she continued “Stormtail!”

Stormtail was taken back when she said his name and gasped slightly. He felt the entire clans eyes on him as she slowly stepped up to the rock and took his place next to the rock where he had watched Froststar herself sit multiple times.

“Stormtail! Stormtail!” The cats chanted as he tried to fully process what was going on. He puffed out his chest and smiled as Froststar looked down at him giving him a small nod before looking back out at the crowd of cats.

“Thank you for joining me at the clan meeting.” She said before jumping of Highstone and then going too her den beside it.

The day went by fast as Froststar was busy making sure everyone knew what to do and now the stars were starting to show. Froststar slowly stretched and then took a few steps out of her den and looked around to see that all the cats were sleeping. She took slow steps trying not to make a sound as she snuck out of camp and made her way to the cliff were Bitterstars body lay. She looked down and saw his fur glittering in the moonlight as she looked over the edge. It was a steep drop off but she knew how to get down it. She turned around and placed her paws on the edge. She dug her claws into the ground and then slipped her back paws off the edge grabbing onto the cliff with her back claws. She slowly made her way down sliding at some parts making her claws Acke. Closer to the bottom she lost her grasp and hit the ground with a thud. She wasn't hurt though and she was able to get up easily shaking the fur from her pelt. She looked across and saw Bitterstars body laying next to the rocks the moonlight making his fur shimmer. She walked up to his body and placed her paw on his chest. A Small part of her expected too feel the slightly rise and fall of his chest but she knew she wouldn't. His body was cold and stiff as she took her paw off and looked at him again. He had so much to live for, so many more things he could do that he couldn't and so many things that they could never do together. She was so deep in thought that she couldn't hear the sound of another cat coming down the ravine as she continued to mourn his bent and broken body. When she opened her eyes she could see a starry figure above Bitterstars body.

“B-Bitterstar..” She said surprised.

“Yes Froststar, it is me.” He said. She Quickly jumped up her pelt bristling.

“How are you alive!” She said.

“I am in Starclan now, I have come to tell you something.” He said.

“Starclan? Arent those Reserved for Medicine Cats though?” She asked surprised knowing that Frostpaw and Bluetooth were supposed to be getting the message from Starclan.

“Froststar, This is for you.” He said. Froststar was surprised but she then bowed down to the former leader.

“Yes Bitterstar what do you have to say?” She asked.

“Though Times may be tough and you may feel alone, there will always be someone by your side ready to pick you up if you fall down.” He said. Froststar looked at him confused.

“What does that mean?” She asked but he was already starting to disappear. “Bitterstar!” She said reaching out but the cat had already faded into the darkness leaving Frosteye alone in the dark. “Bitterstar..Why?” She sighed laying down her head resting on the leader's neck. Suddenly she saw a movement in the corner of her eye and looked over. Surprised too see Stormtail sitting their with his head bowed down to the leader. “Stormtail!” She jumped up surprised her fur fluffing up making her look nearly twice her size. The tom was just as surprised at her sudden outburst.

“Froststar! Sorry I didn't mean to scare you.” He said apologetically.

“What are you doing!” She Hissed at him.

“Oh right.....” He said nervously “I was following you.”

## Chapter 3

“Fallowing me?” Froststar hissed at him. Stormtail shrunk back worried he may be attacked.

“I'm Sorry, I saw you walking out so I followed you..” He said. Froststar’s fur started to lie flat knowing Stormtail wouldn't hurt her.

“Oh...I Didn't know you saw me..” She said “Did anyone else?”

“No nobody else did..” He hesitated “I didn't know how close you were too Bitterstar.” He said. Froststar sighed knowing Stormtail wouldn't understand her pain. He had a mate and kittens now so he didn't need too worry about loving someone he can't have.

“I was...He was...amazing...” She sighed.

“I'm sorry for you're loss.” He said.

“I just, thought he might make it somehow...” She sighed “I knew he was on his last life...but I couldn't accept it..”

“It's fine, I know you will make it.” Stormtail said standing up and walking over to her. He then placed his tail on her shoulder. “I know you will.” he looked at her and smiled.

“Thanks.” She said standing up. When she looked at him she thought she could see something in his eyes but it didn't last long as he looked up in the sky too see the stars and moon shining down on them.

“We will be having a Gathering with Cloudclan soon, You better start thinking about whos going.” He said. She looked up at the sky and saw that the moon was close too full and realized that she would have too.

“Yeah...You Can help me right?” She asked him. He smiled sticking his tongue out at her and then replying.

“Of course I will, also I found an Easier way down here!” He said getting up and bounding over to a spot in the wall where the rocks were large enough for her and him too jump up together. She sighed at the top.

“Well that was a lot easier!” She said. Stormtail laughed and then ran ahead of her.

“Come on let's get back so you can get some sleep!” He said bounding ahead of her.

“Coming!” She said running ahead. As she watched his sleek fur against the wind she thought she felt something inside of her but it was short lived as she remembered that he had a mate and kittens. When Froststar got too her bed the last thing on her mind was sleeping but as she laid down she felt her eyelids get heavy as she yawned and curled up. Covering her eyes and falling asleep.

Froststar was jolted awake by a sudden hiss coming from the nursery. She jumped up her fur brisling as another screech sounded from the nursery this one of a kits. She quickly went over and saw that Flurryface and Whitestreek were both standing up glaring daggers at one another, their fur fluffed up to twice its size. Their kits cowered behind their mothers scared, Froststar quickly walked between the two queens.

“What is happening!” Froststar demanded. Flurryface was the first to speak up.

“You're trying too hurt my kits!” She snarled obviously at Whitestreek. Whitestreek glared at her.

“No, I was Protecting my own kits from yours! Harshkit tried too attack Icekit!” She growled showing her fangs.

“Why would one of my kits hurt yours!” Flurryface swiped her tail across her kits protectively as Harshkit sat up slightly looking as if he had something to say.

“Flurryface, Whitestreek please calm down..” Froststar said standing taller between the two. “Now Whitestreek please explain what you saw happen.” Froststar said. She watched as the she cats fur started to flatten.

“Me and Flurryface had left the den too go see Bluetooth when I heard a wail come from inside the den. Since Flurryface was getting her checkup done I quickly rushed in too see Harshkit pinning down Icekit atacking her. So I quickly ran over picking up Harshkit and that's when Flurryface came back.” Whitestreek said.

“Okay, Flurryface what did you see?” Froststar said looking at the black and white shecat who stood her ground.

“When I heard the wail Bluetooth and I sent Whitestreek to check on the kits, When I came back as soon as I could Whitestreek was hurting my kit!” She growled. Froststar watched the disapproval in Whitestreeks eyes as she stood up quickly.

“I was Politely removing him from my kit!” She growled. “And when you swooped in and nearly ripped his fur off taking him from me!” Whitestreek growled again. Flurryface looked like she was about to pounce when Froststar stepped between the two.

“STOP! Do you want you're Kits too think that this clan is run through bickering and arguing, are you're kits okay?” Frosteye asked. White Streak lifted her head too talk when Froststar cut her off “The KITS not you!” She growled and then looked past the Queen too see Greykit and Icekit were laying together. Greykit protectively over Icekit. “Are either of you hurt?” Froststar asked them. The two kits quickly shook their heads no.

“But if another cat thinks they can hurt my sister they better be talking to me!” Greykit growled standing up over his sister protectively. Icekit showed a sign of gratitude towards him as she lay under him. Froststar smiled then turned too see Harshkit and Everkit laying together talking surprised at the sudden appearance of Froststar.

“Are you two okay?”a Froststar asked them. The two nodded happily though she swore she saw some concern flash in his eyes but it was gone as fast as he saw it. Froststar sighed and got our from behind Flurryface. “Their fine, So now can we relax?” She said. The two she cats fur was already starting to flatten as Froststar walked out of the den and over to her cave. “It's not even Sunhigh and these mouse brains are giving me a migraine.” She grumbled to herself as she layed down on her moss and watched outside as the Apprentices played at the opening of their den. She then remembered that she would need to pick the cats too go too the Gathering tonight. She sat up stretching hoping to shake the sleep out of her system as she looked around the clearing and watched the cats come in and out with fresh prey. Some of them told stories to one another, she watched Foxtail walk over too Lostfoot and start talking with him and smiled. “I can lead this clan, It wont be hard at all.” She smiled when suddenly their was a yowl that came from the side opposite of the exit when Seastorm came bounding over the rocky wall and skidded to a halt in front of Froststar’s den.

“Blazefleck, Jaggedsky, Border Patrol, Attacking!” He let out wheezing coughs as he suddenly collapsed. Froststar looked down too see that he has a large scratch down his side that was bleeding pretty bad.

“BLUETOOTH! We need you!” She howled at the medicine cat den “Seastorm’s hurt!”

## Chapter 4

“Coming!” She quickly dove out of her den and slid up seeing SeaStorm on the ground bleeding she called her apprentice up. He quickly ran over.

“Yes Bluetooth, What do you need?” He asked her.

“Go Fetch me some cobwebs!” She said. Frozenpaw quickly ran back to her den as Bluetooth leaned down and licked the shoulder of Seastorm trying to pull clean it up before she was able to put the cobwebs on it. Froststar then jumped onto the Highstone and called for the cats.

“Whitefoot, Winterfur and Blizzardpaw! I need you guys too go and check out what SeaStorm saw!” Froststar yowled. Stormtail ran up to her before Whitefoot and Blizzardpaw showed up.

“Winterfur was on the Patrol!” He said. Froststar gasped and then continued.

“Whitefoot and Blizzardpaw! Go Winterfur needs you!” She said. The full grown cat and apprentice quickly got up and started to run out too find the cats. They weren't very far from camp when they heard hissing and screeching. They quickly sped up and crashed into a small stone clearing close to the border of Frostclan and Cloudclan. Whitefoot and Blizzardpaw took no time and quickly jumped the two cats who had pinned down Winterfur surprising them immensely. Before either of the cats were able to claw Jaggedsky he backed up surprised.

“Okay we're done! We didn't mean too come in your territory, Goldenstar sent us to get herbs and the patrol jumped us!” He gasped trying to catch his breath as he backed out of the fight. The apprentice stood up, having had been planning on attacking him, proud to know he scared the cat enough to back out of a fight. But it was soon made obvious that Blazefleck wasn't going to back down from this fight. Winterfur too weak to fight lay on the ground while Whitefoot and Blazespeck continued to hiss at each other.

“What are you doing Jaggedsky! Attack them!” Blazefleck yowled as Whitefoots claws scored down his back leaving a deep and stinging gash. Jaggedsky stood up as the apprentice challenged him. He didn't have the heart to fight an apprentice but he knew if he didn't fight this battle the Blazefleck would never let him hear the end of it. But he was brought a surprise as Whitefoot was kicked back and rolled out in front of him. As he struggled too get up Jaggedsky quickly jumped on him pinning him down and patting him with sheathed claws hoping Blazefleck would call defeat soon. He felt a gash on the cat's shoulder and felt the blood soak his pads. Suddenly he watched Blazefleck catch the Apprentice by surprise and crush him too the ground. He fell in his own bones the strain that the large cat must be putting on the small Apprentice but Jaggedsky was took by surprise as he saw the large warrior do something tragic. As the apprentice struggled under him he saw the warrior put his paw onto his head forcing it to the ground as he shifted his weight putting all of it on that one paw. Jaggedsky herd the cat under him yowl as he closed his eyes and looked away. The apprentice let out a weak cry of defeat before the snap echoed through the hallow. Everyone went silent for a few seconds as Blazefleck stepped back off the apprentices body and sat back, starting to clean the apprentices blood of his paws. Jaggedsky felt himself thrown off the warrior as he jumped up and raced over to his apprenticed body, his skull had been crushed under the large cats paws like a leaf on the forest floor in leafbare. He cried pressing his face into his neck fur. Jaggedsky finally came to his senses and Jumped up growling.

“What was that for!” He hissed at Blazefleck. Blazefleck simply let his tail rise and curls around his paws in amusement as he watched the warrior cry into his apprenticed fur. He watched as the warrior they had fought before struggled too get up his back leg bleeding immensely.

“Winterfur! We need to get Froststar!” Whitefoot gasped and quickly jumped up glaring at Blazefleck and Jaggedsky “Don't go anywhere!”. Winterfur struggled too get up and follow him when. Whitefoot ran ahead of him but Winterfur hesitated for a moment to hear what Blazespeck was going to say.

“Oh Jaggedsky, I'm So surprised you never saw my intentions.”

“Why did you do that! What did they ever do!” He hissed. Blazespeck stood up circling around Jaggedsky letting his tail graze his chin.

“It had nothing to do with them, you realize this is all for you.” He let a slight grin slip as he stood across from Jaggedsky smiling.

“What do you mean Blazefleck! Stop using riddles and tell me!” He growled. Blazespeck smiled and nodded.

“Fine Fine, It was simple, I wanted to get you out of Autumnclan.” He said.

“WHY!” Jaggedsky yowled defensively the fur on his neck and tail standing up.

“Oh you know why..” He grinned.

“Even so! How was killing Frostclans Apprentice going to get ME out of Autumn Clan.”

“Oh it's simple, Once Froststar and Goldenstar find out YOU Killed Blizzardpaw you get exiled from the clan.” He laughed slightly once he finished.

“But you killed him! Not me” He growled. “What proof do they have that I did it!”

“Oh Jaggedsky, It's not what proof they have.” He smiled and stood up quickly brushing his face with his paw “It's what Proof they don't have.” Before Jaggedsky could reply Blazefleck jumped into the undergrowth disappearing in Mere seconds.

## Chapter 5

“What Happened!” Froststar said bursting out of the bushes Winterfur and Whitefoot right on her tail. Jaggedsky looked away from the bushes and gasped as he saw the leaders eyes flare as her fur stood on end. Her eyes darting back and forth between the Apprentice laying in the puddle of blood and Jaggedsky.

“Froststar! I'm Sorry! I don't know why Blazespeck did what he did!” Jaggedsky said. His fear scent was strong against the scent of blood and the thick Frostclan scent that covered the area.

“You Were Both here! You had to have something to do with it!” Whitefoot growled. Froststars usually soft gaze darkened.

“It doesn't matter who did it! An Autumclan cat killed a Frostclan cat, that is against the Warrior code!”

“Froststar! Please Trust me!” Jaggedsky said his tail quivering as he sat there behind the apprentice shaking like a kit. Froststar wouldn't make Eye contact with him as she used her tail too point too Blizzardpaws body. Whitepaw walked over to it and grabbed the scruff.

“We Will Discuss this at the Gathering tonight.” Froststar said and turned away. Winterfur and Whitefoot followed her carrying the Limp body.

As they entered the camp Froststar quickly jumped to the Highstone and yowled “All cats old enough to catch their own prey join here under the highstone for a clan meeting.” She said. Cats soon started to gather under the stone. Murmurs rose as they questioned where Whitefoot and Winterfur, Who sat outside the camp with Blizzardpaws body, could be. Froststar silenced them with a hiss. “As you all know the Gathering is tonight, and I have decided who will be coming, Along with the Obvious Stormfur, Bluetooth and Frozenpaw I will be bringing Foxtail, Dovewhisker, Seastorm, Cloudpaw and to Celebrate your recent apprenticeship Snowpaw!” She said. The cats all cheered excitedly before she started again “Now I have another thing to report, our beloved apprentice Blizzardpaw has been killed.” There was a sudden silence when a cat rose out of the crowd.

“Who has killed our Apprentice!” Foxtail yowled. Dovewhisker lightly placed her tail on his shoulder.

“Foxtail, It's not certain this was intentional.” She said Calmly.

“Blizzardpaw was killed by an Autumclan cat, a plan by Blazespeck and Jaggedsky.” Froststar said. Foxtails tail puffed up as a growl rose in his throat.

“I Knew they were trouble!” He growled. Dovewhisker quickly pressed herself against him.

“It's okay Foxtail, Calm down.” She said politely. He let the fur on his neck flatten slightly as he hunched his shoulders and growled.

“The rest of the clan will be sitting Vigil tonight!” Froststar finished then jumped down walking outside to see Whitefoot and Winterfur over the dead Body. She picked him up by the scruff and carried him too the center of the clearing. Leaving a streak of blood as he was still bleeding immensely.

“Bluetooth, Can we have some Cobwebs?” Froststar said walking over to her daen. She walked back with the cobwebs and placed them where the bleeding was the worst. She then walked back to her den and laid down. Stormtail walked in and placed his tail on her shoulder.

“Something wrong Froststar?” He asked her. She tried to reply calmly but the dam broke and she broke down.

“I can't do this Stormtail! I'm not fit to be a leader!” She yowled in pain. He was surprised then he placed his paw on hers.

“Froststar, I Trust you, Bitterstar had to trust you as a good leader when he picked you as deputy and the clan...they need you too be strong.”

“NO! Bitterstar didn't trust me! He Pitied me! He knew what I was going through and thought making me Deputy would make it better! But I didn't die before him and now i'm Miserable! There's already one Dead cat and I haven't been a leader for more than one moon!” She yowled and collapsed on the ground sobbing “I Can't do this Bitterstar! I need you!” She cried.

“Froststar, Bitterstar is always in your heart.” Stormtail said trying to help her. She sat up and wiped her cheeks of the tears.

“I'm Sorry Stormtail, I needed to let that out, thank you.”

“You're welcome” He said placing his tail on her shoulder before standing up. “Come on almost time for the gathering.”

Froststar lead her clan down through the mountains passing Cloudclan’s scent markers. Though they were on a Truce Froststar was still worried that they might be jumped but it didn't take long before they were able to make it too the Threecave were Gioldenstar and Brightstar already sat at the top of the large stone their Deputies, Strongheart and Blazepelt sitting at the bottom of the rock. Stormtail ran over to them nodding politely at both of them and watched his warriors file into the clearing and start to mingle with the other cats. Cloudpaw was helping Snowpaw figure out were too go too find the other apprentices. Foxtail stayed closer to the edge with Dovewhisker not interacting with any cats. Suddenly a yowl came from the rock.

“I call all cats here for a Clan meeting, I Goldenstar will speak first!” He said sitting down. Froststar was pleased to have him speaking first while Brightstar seemed a little upset that she couldn't. “We are happy to say that we have had great hunting in our Forest and though Leafbare left us with little prey Newleaf is sure to bring us more, We are also happy yo announce we have two new apprentices!” He said. The cats parted to reveal two apprentices sitting their shocked by the sudden parting for them. “Swanpaw and Newtpaw!” Goldenstar finished as the two cats accepted their praise with pride. Brightstar walked up next smiling.

“We have also had good hunting and the Mountain has been giving us good shelter from the storms, We do not have any apprentices to announce but we do have two new kits, Sweetkit and Bravekit” Brightstar said then sat back down. Froststar walked up and Stormtail could feel the Frostclan cats around him tense up knowing what Froststar would say.

“We have also had good hunting along with Two Litters of Kits, Everkit, Harskit, Icekit and Greykit were all welcomed into the clan not many nights ago” She said. It seemed as if she stopped but then she continued “But we also have sad News to report, Blizzardpaw was killed....” She paused as the cats all went silent and most of them bowed to give their respects. She opened her closed eyes and they seemed like they had fire in them as she glared directly at Jaggedsky who was sitting closer to the edge looking away “This was no Accident though, Blizzardpaw was unmercifully murdered by an Autumnclan cat...By Jaggesky”

## Chapter 6

“What!” Goldenstar growled at Froststar “My Warrior Would Never do that!” He growled. Froststar growled back.

“What do you mean! Whitefoot and Winterfur witnessed it with their own eyes!” Froststar growled. Brightstar looked worried as the two warriors Glared at eachother on the ledge growling when she suddenly gasped when Goldenstar dived at Froststar knocking her off the rock and onto the ground.

“Don't Lie To me about my Warriors!” He growled clawing her. Froststar growled snapping back at him when suddenly Brightstar yowled.

“Strongheart Help me!” She said diving down and pinning Goldenstar down. Strongheart jumped over and dove onto Froststar pinning her down.

“Let me go!” Goldenstar growled. Brightstar stayed on him.

“We Don't Fight at gatherings” She Hissed at him and then jumped off. Strongheart got off Froststar and the leader brushed herself off. Goldenstar looked ready to pounce when a cat spoke up.

“Don't do it Goldenstar she's right!” Jaggedsky said walking out of the crowd.

“Jaggedsky! But I trusted you!” He gasped.

“I'm Sorry! I wanted to get Blazespeck out of the clan..and I guess I did...” He sighed. Jaggedsky was right though. Blazespeck hasn't returned to the clan since what happened to him and now Jaggedsky was taking the blame for him.

“You Killed another Clans Cat, You know what this means” Goldenstar said. Jaggedsky let his tail and head drop too look at the ground as Goldenstar finished “Exile!” He growled. Jaggedsky turned to walk away as the crowd parted. He Quickly sped up too a run as he disappeared into the Bushes. “If Jaggedsky returns to any of our camps then you may attack him” Goldenstar finished. Brightstar spoke up next.

“Does anyone else have anything to say?” She asked. Froststar rocked her head too say no and Goldenstar was already leading his cat's away.

“We Will meet again in a moon” Froststar said before they disappeared into the undergrowth and went on their way to the camp.

When they got to the camp Winterfur ran up too Froststar fear in his eyes.

“Wheres Bluetooth?” He asked.

“What do you need?” The Medicine Cat asked.

“We found a Cat! And He's Hurt!” Winterfur Said. Bluetooth followed and saw the cat laying on the ground Bleeding.

“What happened?” Bluetooth asked the cat.

“They Were everywhere, Attacking me, I barely made it this far, Help...” Was all he could mutter before his head fell down and he passed out.

“Froststar! Help me carry him too the den! Frozenpaw Get Cobwebs!” Bluetooth said grabbing his scruff and starting to carry him too the den. Froststar walked over and helped pick him up carrying him too the Den with Bluetooth. “I need your help too Clean off the Blood, Find the Worst scratches and Show them too Frozenpaw so he can put Cobwebs on them” She said as they carried him too the Den and set him down. Bluetooth quickly found the source of bleeding and started to wipe the blood away with her tongue seeing that the scratch wasn't welling back up very fast she went onto another one. She watched as Froststar followed her lead quickly finding a deep Scratch. Frozenpaw took over and placed the Cobwebs on it pressing it down.

By the time the sun was coming up again Bluetooth, Froststar and Frozenpaw had been up all night helping them deal with the hurt cat. He had stayed passed out for the entire night and was only just stirring. Froststar let out a loud yawn as she stumbled across the den trying to find the herbs Bluetooth had asked for. Frozenpaw quickly ran up beside her and showed her the right one she took them and brought them over too Bluetooth yawning again.

“You're Tired Frosteye, You had a Gathering and that's enough too tucker a cat out but after staying up till sunrise you need to sleep” Bluetooth said. Froststar gave her a sympathetic glance before walking to her den and laying down. Stormfur called up to her making her jerk her head up. She was about to sleep when he called her.

“Froststar?” He called. She yawned and replied asking him what “Do you want me to take over your duties today?” He asked. She smiled and nodded quietly saying yes before she laid her head down again feeling sleep grip her tightly as the black surrounded her and brought her away too sleep.

Stormfur ran out onto Highrock and let out a quiet yowl. Loud enough for the rest of the clan to hear but quiet enough as to not Disturb Froststars slumber. The cats quickly gathered around listening to him.

“Froststar has gone to sleep, She was up all night last night helping Bluetooth and Frozenfang with the Rouge that we found.” He said. The cats all nodded and some glanced back towards Bluetooths den but most kept their Eyes fixed on Stormtail. “Because of this I will be taking care of Patrol and Leader Duties For Today Only, Once Froststar wakes back up then she will resume her duties” He finished. The cats all continued on their ways and Stormtail jumped down from the rock. He smiled looking around the clan. “This is what the clan should look like” He said watching the cats all group off so they could have their own Private discussions “And this is what it will be like” He sighed smiling.

## Chapter 7

Froststar stretched and yawned. She felt very well rested as she had spelt through the day and the night. She glanced around and saw that all the cats were still asleep as dew glittered on the rocks and few bushes around the camp. She got up and decided to go for some prey to hunt quickly slipping out of camp and sniffing around looking for some kind of prey that she could get. Her ears flicked as she heard the sound of a rabbit in the undergrowth, She dove at it and sunk her claws into the rabbits flash killing it by a bite too the neck. She then picked it up and carried it back to the camp. When she walked in Stormtail walked over to her and placed his tail on her side.

“Glad you're Back, you should have told one of us before leaving.” He sighed. She smiled and set down the rabbit.

“Sorry, Nobody was up” She said then picked up the rabbit up again bringing it too the fresh kill pile. After that she went back to her den and jumped up into it smiling down while looking at the clan. Stormfur was talking with Flurryface their kits scampering around their paws. Bluetooth and Frozenpaw were still in the Medicine den trying too help the Rouge with his scratches. Whitefoot was helping Winterfur around as he limped around his left leg wrapped in cobwebs lifted off the ground. Seastorm was talking with Whitestreek as their Kits slept between them. Dovewhisker and Foxtail were sleeping together in the sun. She glanced over at the Apprentice den were Cloudpaw and Snowpaw were happily playing around the apprentice den rolling over each other. She smiled and then jumped down from her rock. “You can take care of Border Patrols and Hunting Patrols right?” She said looking back at Stormtail.

“Of course, That's my job.” He said. She smiled remembering it was the Deputy not the leader who did that and continued on her way to the Medicine cat den. She took a few steps in. Bluetooth greeted her while she put some herbs in the cat's scratched. He winced a bit but then realize his shoulder and then let Bluetooth continue with what she needed to do. Froststar summoned Bluetooth over with her tail.

“Frozenpaw can you finish giving him the herbs then give him some Poppy seed?” Bluetooth asked. The eagre apprentice jumped up and ran over to get some of the herb and came back. Froststar and Bluetooth walked over to the edge of the cave.

“Yes Froststar?” The Medicine cat asked her leader.

“Have you found anything out?”

“His name is Tiger and he was Attacked by the four clans.” She said sighing. Froststar growled under her breath then surprised it too continue talking too Bluetooth.

“That's good, Hopefully he will be better soon.” She said.

“Probably not, He was pretty battered up I was barely able to save his leg and it's going to be sore and in cobwebs for at least a moon or two.” Bluetooth sighed.

“Well he will be staying with us until then.” She said before standing back up “Thank you Bluetooth, you're a Great Medicine cat.” Froststar said before leaving. She sighed hoping that they could get something more out of that cat someday then went back too her den laying down and falling asleep.

## Chapter 8

A Few Moons Passed and Nothing Interesting had really happened in the clan. Or any of the clans too that matter. Cloudclan had appointed a New Apprentice and Blazespeck had still yet to return to Autumnclan. Froststar was excited for that Afternoon though. Cloudpaw would be moving from the Apprentice Den too the Warrior's den. She jumped onto the highstone.

“I Call all Cats Old enough to catch their own Prey to the Highstone for a clan meeting!” She said. The cats all filed out slowly. Once all the cats were their. “As Cloudpaw knows he had his Assessment today and he showed great strengths while doing so.” She said. The small warrior started to quiver excitedly. Froststar continued on “I, Froststar, Leader of Frostclan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He has trained hard too Understand the ways of our noble code, and I commend him too you as a warrior in his turn, Cloudpaw do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?” She asked. The small Apprentice stood tall as he walked forward.

“I Do.” He said Proudly.

“Then by the power of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Cloudpaw from this moment forward you will be known as Cloudjump. Starclan honors your kindness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Frostclan!” She finished. Cloudjump looked around excitedly. Snowpaw started the chant.

“Cloudjump! Cloudjump!” He exclaimed. The other cats quickly joined in.

“Cloudjump! Cloudjump!” They all cheered as he looked around.

“You will sit you're Vigil tonight at the mouth of the camp” She said. The warrior was still astonished and excited as he ran to the Warrior den where he would be sleeping soon. Once the cats had filed out she jumped down making a slight thud as she walked over to the Medicine cat den too see Tiger and Bluetooth talking.

“Are you doing okay?” She asked the tom. His tail swiped across the dusty ground as he glanced at his leg wrapped in cobwebs.

“Better, Well Rested.” He sighed.

“Well Bluetooth is quite the medicine cat!’ Froststar said. Bluetooth looked away in embarrassment. When she saw Frozenpaw walk up she looked at him.

“If it wasn't for Frozenpaw Tiger probably wouldn't have his leg.” She said. The Apprentice stopped and puffed out his chest proudly.

“Thanks Bluetooth!” He said. Bluetooth smiled placing her tail on his forehead.

“I Should be thanking you” She said. He smiled again before continuing his walk over to the herbs too grab some for Winterfurs fast healing leg. He then walked out with the herbs Froststar went back to her den laying down.

She had been watching the sky for a while when suddenly she heard a She Cats growl. She looked down to see that Flurryface had grabbed Harshkit and was pushing him behind her leg.

“Mom He isn't Even mean Like you said he would be!” Harshkit wailed from behind her mother's paw but she simply glared at him.

“You're Just lucky he didn't hurt you, Now come on back to the Nursery.” She said picking up the kit and crying him back. She glanced at Tiger giving him a glare as if to say ‘don't touch my kits’. He returned the glare and then curled back up mumbling. Froststar quickly jumped down and walked over to the Nursery were Flurryface was vigorously washing Harshkit while Everkit watched slightly scared.

“Flurryface, what happened?” Froststar asked sitting in front of the Queen.

“That Rouge tried to hurt my kit!” She squealed. Froststar looked at the kit then glanced over at Tiger who lay in his bed sleeping.

“Flurryface you do realize that you're going to need to let your kids go, It's only two and a half moons until they become Apprentices.” Froststar said. Flurryface sighed.

“I know, But i'm worried they might get hurt..” She sighed “and I don't want too lose them..” Froststar suddenly realized what she meant and sighed.

“I know you miss Blizzardpaw like he was your own Kin, but I need you too stay strong, I Promise you that Harshkit and Everkit will be left in good paws once I chose their mentors.” Frostfang said. Flurryface face brightened and she smiled.

“Thank you Froststar, Thank you.” She said pushing her cheek into Froststars neck and then returning to her den were she picked uo Harshkit again giving him a thoural licking. Froststar went back to her Den sighing.

“If this is what every days going too be like, I don't want to be a leader anymore.” She groaned.

## Chapter 9

Bluetooth and Frozenpaw walked to the Mooncave the cold air chilled them too the bone. They soon got to the meeting place and waited for the other clans to join them. Frozenpaws ears shook and he looked around he soon smelt the familiar scent of cloudclan. He strained to see that Icefeather was making her way up the rocky slope. Bluetooth ran too the younger medicine cat and pressed her muzzle too hers. Icefeather smiled when she heard the familiar mews of Leafstep and Acornpaw as they crawled up the slope. The two Medicine cats were greeted by the three that sit their and then were brought to the Mooncave where they could share dreams with Starclan.

When they stepped into the small cave the familiar cold griped Frozenpaw like Icy claws. He sat down by a pool ready to lay down but Bluetooths mew stopped him.

“Frozenpaw, You have now been my Apprentice for eight Moons, I now believe it is time for you too be given you're Full Warrior Name” She said. Frozenpaw shook in excitement. He looked around he saw a small flash of envy in Acornpaws eyes but it quickly dissipated and the other cat showed that he was happy for him. He smiled also looking at Icefeather and Leafstep. “I, Bluetooth, medicine cat of FrostClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help he will serve his Clan for many moons. Frozenpaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do” Frozenpaw said Dipping his head.

“Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. Frozenpaw, from this moment you will be known as Frozenfang. StarClan honors your loyalty, and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of Frostclan.” Bluetooth finished. Acornpaw smiled.

“Frozenfang! Frozenfang!” He started to Chant. Icefeather and Leafstep joined in and at last Bluetooth.

“Frozenfang, Frozenfang” The Hallow echoed as the four cats chanted his name. It soon died down and the cats all layed by the waterfall the mist lightly hitting their fur as they slipped away too visit starclan.

Back at the camp Froststar lay in her den when Suddenly Foxtail jumped up onto the ledge outside of her camp.

“Froststar, I need to talk to you.” he said. She sat up Curling her tail around her paws.

“Yes Foxtail?” She asked the tom. She could tell something was wrong.

“We have an Intruder.” He growled. Froststar jumped down from her den to see Winterfur down with a cat whose scent she didn't recognize. The small grey and orange tabby looked frightened half to death when the leader walked up to her. Froststar took a deep breath of the air around the cat.

“This isn't Autumnclan or Cloudlclan..” Froststar started.

“That's because I'm nightclan!” The small cat growled at her irritated “Have you not heard of my clan or something?”

“You must not be a part of the four clans we know, we apologize for the mistake.” She said giving her a slight nod.

“Oh, I have been told of the four clans since I was a Kit...Were you Kicked out of being part of their clans or something?” She asked. Froststars gaze darkened at once.

“They gave no care of us...we left...and live here in the mountains.”

“O-Oh...But you Believe in Starclan right?”

“Yes, We Picked up the Traditions or Wind, River, Thunder and Shadow and we live under a starclan of our own”

“Oh...But you do not speak with them?” She asked curiously.

“The Four Clans, No we do not, We live too far away from them too speak with them” She said. Froststar quickly changed the subject before the stranger could find out more about them. “So where are you off too?” She asked.

“I'm heading to the Mountains, I got a dream from starclan that said I needed to go to the Mountains.”

“Interesting and Believable story” She said glaring at Foxtail “I'm sorry for Foxtail being so rude.”

“It's fine Warriors don't like Trespassers so I get it.”

“Anyway Where are you going, and if you want I can send you a companion, My warriors are very fit and know how to travel mountains the best”

“I'm not sure, all they said was too go too the mountains, so I don't know..” She said nervously flicking her tail.

“Well then I better send a cat with you, would you prefer an Apprentice of your own age or a Warrior too go with you?” Froststar asked.

“If you're sure it's okay, Either is fine.” Amberpaw said. Froststar smiled then jumped onto her ledge.

“Snowpaw! Can I please see you.” She called into the clearing. The small cat ran out of the apprentice den up to the ledge.

“Yes Froststar, What can I do for you?” He asked.

“I need you too take Amberpaw through the mountains, Starclan has sent her a sign that she must travel there and I don't want her getting lost” Froststar said. Snowpaw listened to all of it but lagged a bit at the end distracted by looking at Amberpaw.

“Of Course!” He said his tail fluffing up in excitement.

“I wish you two good travels” Froststar said as Snowpaw and Amberpaw had already started to leave camp. Froststar looked over to see that Winterfurs tail was dragging on the ground as he walked to his den. Froststar knew he would be upset for losing his Apprentice and she walked up to him. “I'M sorry Winterfur, But I knew Snowpaw would be the best cat for the job.” She said placing her paw on his. He sighed again.

“It's fine, Snowpaw will do great, I will just miss him” He sighed again.

“It's fine, As soon as Icekit, Greykit, Harshkit and Everkit become apprentices then you will mentor one of them, I Promise” She said. His tail raised up a little higher and he smiled.

“Thanks Froststar” He said. She smiled and then got up walking out of the den.

“You're Welcome”

## Chapter 10

Froststar was woken by the sound of a cat jumping up too her Den. She yawned rubbing her eyes and saw Seastorm sitting there his tail fluffed up in worry.

“Froststar, I need to talk to you about Tiger and Bluetooth” He said worried. Froststar motioned with her tail for Seastorm too come farther in.

“Seastorm what's wrong?” Froststar asked him. He looked troubled as he sat down.

“I saw them and they were holding paws and Tiger licked Bluetooths forehead” Seastorm said. Froststar cocked her head to the side confused.

“And what's wrong with that?” She asked. Seastorm looked taken aback.

“Froststar, Bluetooth can't have a Mate or Kits and Tiger seems to have some affections for her.” Seastorm continued. Froststar sighed wrapping her tail around her legs onto her paws.

“Thank you for telling me, Please do not tell any other cats about this Seastorm” She said “Me and Stormtail will work it out ourselves” She said. Seastorm nodded then jumped back down. Froststar sighed and walked over to the Medicine cat den.

“Bluetooth, Frozenfang I need you!” She called them out. Bluetooth and Frozenfang ran out.

“What's wrong?” Frozenfang asked.

“Dovewhisker and Foxtail came back from Border patrol attacked by Foxes, I need herbs so they don't get infected and cobwebs to stop the bleeding.” She said. Frozenfang ran back to grab the stuff while Bluetooth and Froststar went too go see Dovewhisker and Foxtail laying down together. She could smell the fear scent and fox mingled with blood as she stepped in. Dovewhisker looked scared half to death and Foxtail was comforting her.

“Foxtail, Dovewhisker, What happened?” Bluetooth asked. Dovewhisker was shaking so much she couldn't respond so Foxtail had too for her.

“While we were out on Border patrol a Fox attacked us, We were able to scare him off but Dovewhisker got bit in the leg and I got some bad scratches” He said. Bluetooth walked over and looked at Foxtails scratches then Dovewhiskers leg that was still bleeding. Frozenfang quickly walked in and set down the herbs and brought Bluetooth the cobwebs.

“Hold Still” Bluetooth said licking Dovewhiskers leg and then wrapping it on Cobwebs. Frozenfang quickly chewed up some herbs and put them in Foxtails scratches. Bluetooth then gave them each poppy seeds to help them calm down and went back to her den where Tiger still laid on his nest. She looked at his leg longing for it to heal so that Tiger could do what he needed then leave. But something else inside of her wished that Tiger could stay and live with the clan, but Bluetooth knew that he wanted to leave and the clan wouldn't enjoy him here. Bluetooth was suddenly jolted by Frozenfang.

“Bluetooth, Come on We gotta make some more Poultices.” He said. She quickly walked back still worried about the warrior that lay their injured.

Froststar sat in her den talking too Stormtail when suddenly a cat yowled from outside, Froststar looked down out of her den to see that Whitefoot was under the rock with something lying by his paws.

“Whitefoot, what are you doing?” Froststar asked.

“I need to talk too you!” He said growling. Froststar stepped back and motioned with her tail for him to come up. She saw him lean down to grab something and then jump up. Froststar watched as he clambered up and set the item down. Too Froststar and Stormtails surprise the small thing sitting in front of Whitefoot was a kit, and from the thick scent Froststar could smell this was no Frostclan kit.

## Chapter 11

Froststar was up and walking over to Whitefoot and sitting down in front of him and Wrapping her tail around her paws.
 “Whitefoot, Can I ask....What are you doing with an Autumclan Cat?” Froststar asked a hint of a hiss in her voice. Whitefoot was just as calm as he placed his paw next to the kit as he rolled slightly to the left.

“While me and Seastorm were on a Patrol I thought I heard something in the Bushes, Looking over I saw that this Kit had gotten himself stuck in the bushes right by the Border, Seastorm continued to patrol the border and I bought the kit here” He said. The small kit let out a squeak and stood up on wobbly legs. Froststar looked down, he could only be just off his mother's milk.

“What was he doing on our territory?” She asked. Whitefoot shrugged.

“I don't know, But he would have gotten hurt if I hadn't found him” Whitefoot said.

“When do we plan to bring him back?” Froststar asked laying down so she could nose the small kit back onto his feet after he had fallen down.

“We don't bring him back.” Whitefoot said. Froststar gasped.

“What do you mean?” Froststar asked looking up.

“Think about it, They Killed our own Apprentice, We are taking one of their Kits and letting him live too be a Warrior” He said “How can we be the Bad Guys?” He said. Froststars expression slowly drifted from dumbfounded too a smile. She let out a laugh.

“Bring the kit too the Nursery and tell Flurryface she's looking after him” She said pushing the kit back onto his feet again. Whitefoot picked up the kit and walked over to the Nursery. Froststar walked back too Stormtail who sat up straight again.

“Stormtail what do you need again?” Froststar asked.

“Froststar..” He started feeling the words stick in the back of his throat. When he opened his mouth again too tell her when suddenly their was a yowl from the middle of the camp. Froststar quickly ran her tail over Stormtails muzzle.

“Tell me later.” She said jumping down to see Winterfur jump into Camp.

“Help, Foxes!” He gasped falling down. Foxtail and Dovewhisker both immediately jumped out of the Warrior den.

“Their back!” They Hissed. Before they were able to dive into the undergrowth and attack the foxes themselves Tiger jumped back out.

“Winterfur, are you okay?” He said running over to the warrior.

“I'm Fine Tiger, thank you.” He said getting up.

“What Happened?” Foxtail hissed stepping between Winterfur and Tiger.

“Foxtail, Me and Tiger were..” Winterfur started but foxtail swiped his tail over the white cat's muzzle.

“Let Tiger speak.” He hissed not breaking eye contact with the larger warrior.

“Me and Winterfur were out hunting when the two foxes showed up again, I sent Winterfur too get more cats but I was able to chase them into Windclan territory.” He said. Froststar gasped and looked down at Winterfur.

“Are you okay?” She asked.

“For the last time, I'm fine just a little shaken.” He said then looked at Tiger. “I can't thank you enough, this crippled Leg makes it hard to fight” He said. Then realized his mistake “Sorry. I know you're legs still bad..”

“It's fine I..” he stopped mid sentence as Froststar walked up to him rubbing her cheek against his.

“Thank you Tiger, you saved the clan.” She said sitting down. Tiger bowed slightly.

“You gave me protection, I only did the same..” He said. When he looked behind Froststar he saw Stormtail sitting there, he saw something like hatred flash in his eyes but as soon as it was their, it was gone. Tiger shook his head and stood up.

“I'm ready to sleep, Goodnight Froststar.” He said turning to the medicine den.

“I need too talk too you nat Dawn tomorrow.” She said then turned to her own den.

The next day came Quickly and Tiger stretched walking over to Froststars den. She was already sitting up waiting for him. He jumped up and sat in front of the leader his tail lying behind him.

“Tiger, What you did yesterday was very brave” She said. Tiger gave her a nod as she continued “I Have an offer for you...will you join Frostclan?”. Tiger glanced behind him and froststar swore he lingered when he looked at the Medicine den but it wa sonly for a second as he continued to scan in then looked back.

“Ony if Everkit will become my Apprentice” He finally said.

“In two moons when her Apprenticing Ceremony comes then she will become her Apprentice” She nodded. She watched Tiger give her a nod to continue and she did “Now I must ask, Have you any request for your Warrior name” She said.

“Tigerflame if you don't mind.” He said.

“Then it's Settled, At Sunhigh We will have your warrior Ceremony” She said and then gave him a grin “And you will hold you're Vigil tonight”

## Chapter 12

Bluetooth walked over to Tiger and used her paw licking it and knocking some leaves off of Tigers fur. He looked back at her and smiled giving her a thankful nod. Bluetooth sat next too him and looked up at the Ledge seeing Froststar and Stormtail talking.

“You're Warrior Ceremony will be any minute now” Bluetooth said. Tiger looked up and Nodded. “You're lucky, You must be really excited.” Bluetooth said. He stifled a laugh.

“Yup sitting out in the cold in complete silence is fun.” He said. Bluetooth playfully glared at him.

“Hey, At least it's not leaf bare.” She said playfully pushing him.

“Yeah, That's great.”

“I couldn't tell if that was Sarcastic or not.”

“Both.” Tiger said when suddenly Froststar Walked out of her den and let out a yowl.

“All Cats Old Enough to Catch their own Prey gather here under the Highledge for a clan meeting.” She said. The cats all started to file out. Tiger saw that their were few cats that looked at him as if they knew exactly what was going to happen and didn't want it too. But before anything serious could happen Froststar continued.

“As you all should know we have been taking care of a Rogue found on our Territory.” She paused and could hear cats whispering, one of them saying ‘Maybe we're finally getting rid of them’. She let out a sigh and Continued. “I Have asked for him to Join our clan and he accepted, So now too welcome Tiger into our clan I will perform a proper naming ceremony.”

“I, Froststar, leader of Frostclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Tiger, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do” Tiger said standing up and walking to the center of the group were Froststar could see him easier.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Tiger, from this moment you will be known as Tigerflame. StarClan honors your Courage and Dedication, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Frostclan.” She finished. Their was a long pause when Bluetooth spoke up.

“Tigerflame! Tigerflame!” She chanted. Slowly more cats joined in the chanting, but some of them continued to sit refusing to chant with their clanmates. Bluetooth looked around and smiled, despite Foxtail and Dovewhisker all the Warriors and Apprentices were Chanting for the Warrior. Soon the clearing quieted down and Froststar admitted everyone too back to what they needed to do. Froststar jumped down and walked up to Bluetooth.

“Bluetooth, Can you go get some Herbs too keep Tigerflame’s Strength up all night, even though he's better I don't want to work him too hard without giving him proper care” She said. Bluetooth nodded and walked to her den grabbing a mouthful of herbs and bringing them to Tigerflame to eat. Froststar smiled then jumped up onto her ledge.

“He will make a Great Warrior Froststar.” Stormtail said. She smiled at him.

“Yes he will!” Froststar said and sat down looking too see Tigerflame sitting at the entrance of the camp “Yes he will”

The night quickly passed and Froststar stretched letting out a long yawn. She sat up and looked around the camp around her was still, Tigerflames pelt glowed against the sunlight as he stood their motionless. She jumped down from her rock silently and walked over to him.

“Good Morning Tigerflame” She said. He looked back and blinked the sleep from his eyes.

“Morning Froststar”

“Want to go on some Morning Hunting?” She suggested her tail curling.

“Alright” He said standing up and yawning. She smiled and then ran back too Stormtail who lay near the entrance to the Warrior den.

“Hey, I'm going Hunting, I should be back soon.” She said. He sat up giving her a sleepy nod and then stretched sitting up completely. She smiled and ran back to Tigerflame “Alright, Ready!” The two of them left the camp, Tigerflame letting out a low purr as they walked. Froststar took the lead quickly and lead Tigerflame over to an Unknown part of the territory. “Very few of the clan knows of this Territory, But it's where I usual hunt”. He looked around taking in a deep breath of the crisp air. “It's nice here isn't it” She asked sniffing the air for Mice or Rabbits.

“It is.” He replied. Froststars earth twisted when she heard the sound of something behind the large pile of boulders next to the entrance. She dove over and behind the rocks, catching a mouse in her claws and quickly killing it. Tigerflames attention was shifted to a Finch sitting in a tree. Froststar saw this and nods the mouse in her jaws. She watched his flawless jump as he caught the bird and brought it down with a swift blow.

“Good job!” She said through her mouthful of fur.

“Thanks” He replied placing the bird under the tree and pushing some leaves over it. She put down her Mouse right next too it copying what he did with the leaves.

“Smell anything else?” She asked sniffing the air and looking around.

“Nothing Strong.” He said glancing around.

“Alright” Froststar said sitting down and starting to groom herself. Tigerflame let out a long yawn his tail stretching out.

“Still tired?” She asked cocking her head too the side.

“A little, but i've gone longer without sleep.”

“Alright...” She stopped and perked her ears “I think I hear something else..” She hissed. Suddenly she jumped up and onto a small ledge. “Let's go!” She whispered. He did the same following her movement as she jumped up the ledges when suddenly she jumped off into a tree landing on a branch gripping it with her claws as it swayed under her weight. He jumped after her landing on a branch right one her. She jumped on another one surprising a bird as it flew out of it's shelter suddenly. She dove after it killing it and crushing it too the ground as she lands on the side of a large ridge. Another bird followed and Tigerflame jumped out of the tree catching it and landing next to Froststar.

“Good Catch” She said picking her bird up again. “Ready to bring back our kills?” She asked.

“Might as well.” She said muffled by the birds feathers. She nodded and then jumped back down using the ledges again. She walked over to the other kills and digs them up picking up her mouse and waiting for Tiger too pick up his other bird before turning back to camp. When they entered the camp and dropped off their Kills Bluetooth walked up to Tigerflame letting out a sigh of relief.

“You should go get some sleep, going hunting right after Vigil must have tired you out..” Bluetooth said. Froststar couldn't hear the rest of what she said as she walked over and jumped onto her ledge stretching and looking over too see Stormtail.

“Hunting is so great, I feel like a kit again!” She said sitting and curling her tail around her paws “I should do it more often.” She said then looked at Stormtail realizing their was a look in his eye that she hadn't seen before “What's wrong?”

“Froststar....you're not going to feel like a kit anymore when you hear this...”

## Chapter 13

“What's wrong Stormtail?” Froststar asked worried. He sighed.

“Frozenfang told me he had a dream....” Stormtail started.

“Yes....and...” She asked worried.

“Well he said there was a lot going on, we would lose two strong Warriors...Something that brings joy bringing pain...Many things that he couldn't interpret...” Stormtail said shaking slightly as a chill clawed over his spine. Froststar looked around worried.

“What could it mean....what can bring joy...” She thought nervously.

“Fresh Kill....Maybe something will Poison us!” Stormtail jumped up. Froststar placed her tail on his shoulder.

“Stormtail, There's nothing to poison us here that we don't know, what else brings joy?” She asked.

“Kits....Love...” He started listing off things. Froststar sighed and looked around. “I'm not sure, but it's something...” She paused when suddenly their was the sound of yowling and hissing. She looked down from her clearing too see a group of cats suddenly burst into camp.

“What are you doing in our territory!” Whitefoot hissed circling a large group of cats. Froststar could see that they were an entire clan and from the looks of it, Autumclan.

“Whitefoot! Back up and let me talk too Goldenstar!” Froststar howled and watched as the golden tom shouldered his way out of the dense group of cats.

“Froststar, There's a Fire in the Forest close to us!” He hissed jumping up onto her ledge.

“And what do you plan to do about it here?” Froststar asked.

“We ask that you let me and my camp stay in your Territory incase the Fire spreads too our Forest.” He said. Foxtail suddenly piped up having overheard their conversation.

“More Unknown cats in our Territory!” He hissed.

“Can it Foxtail, Let Froststar Decide!” Stormtail hissed at the white tom. He swished his tail and walked back to the Warrior den were Dovewhisker waited for him also glaring at the large group of cats that sit in the center of their camp.

“Goldenstar, We don't have much room, But if you're Strongest Warriors Agree to sleep in the clearing and possibly outside of camp we might be able to make this work.” She said. Goldenstar dipped his head in thanks and then jumped down. Froststar walked to the edge of her ledge and let out a yowl. “All cats able to catch their own prey please gather under the ledge for a clan meeting” She said. She heard the howls of protest as cats started to see the large group of Autumclan cats and she hissed quieting them at once. “Me and Goldenstar have talked and there's a Chance that Fire may spread into Autumclans camp..” She was suddenly cut off.

“Let them Deal with it themselves then!” Foxtail hissed. Froststar continued on unfazed.

“We have talked and we will let them stay in our camp for a while till the Fire is no longer a threat.” She said. She watched a wave of satisfaction and relief sweep over Autumclan as they listened. “Autumclan Elders, Kits and Queens will be sleeping in their respective dens, Youngest Apprentices will sleep in our Apprentice den but the rest will sleep with the Warriors in camp or just outside, Autumclan cats will be expected to hunt just as much as they did in their own territory, I will make sure their are enough of our own cats to help you with mountain hunting techniques.” She finished. Goldenstar then jumped up next to her.

“Ratscar!” He called. The black tom limped forward. Froststar gasped at the scar covered cat, he was old and fragile as she watched him look up, one of his eyes glazed over.

“Yes Goldenstar?” He said.

“You will be staying in the Elders den with Lostfoot.” He said using his tail too motion towards the rock depression were the old cat who was missing a foot sat. He smiled a bit at the idea of some company for a while.

“Thank you Goldenstar and Froststar.” He said dipping his head then turning to the den and saying hello to the much older cat. Lostfoot smiled and waved with his paw. Moving his tail too let Ratscar in.

“Hayleaf, Cinderjaw!” Goldenstar called. The two she cats came up with kits rumbling around their paws. “You will be staying in the Nursery with Flurryface, Whistestreek and their kits.” Goldenstar continued. The two cats dipped their heads and then turned over to the Nursery and went inside. Being greeted happily by the four older kits that live in their and the single young kit who lay against Flurryface happily playing with her fluffy tail.

“You said Tornfern, Where is she?” Froststar asked glancing at Goldenstar when suddenly their was a surprised yowl from Frozenfang.

“Froststar! These cats have brought a sick cat here..” He said and was interrupted by a thick fit of coughing coming from a white and grey shecat who sit leaned over right next too Frozenfang. “And she smells of Greencough!”

## Chapter 14

“Greencough!” The camp suddenly exploded with sound of cats asking what was happening and why.

“Hush!” Froststars howl rang above quieting the cats quickly.

“Leafstep, Did you know of this?” Goldenstar asked his medicine cat. The brown and tan cat looked just as Bewildered as the rest of the clan.

“No I didn't, Acornpaw said nothing about Tornfern smelling of Greencough when he would check the nursery.” Leafstep said glaring down at her Apprentice. The small she-cat looked at her paws nervously.

“I'm sorry Leafstep I didn't mean too fail you, But I never smelt the Greencough and she never complained of it.” She said shuffling her paws. Leafstep sighed.

“I guess that's alright, but you need to watch better, if it got too her kits then they could be dead.” She said then looked over at Bluetooth who sat next to her.

“I'm sorry Leafstep but we don't have any Catmint, If you have any in your camp then I can send Frozenfang too go get it.” Bluetooth said. Leafstep thought for a few seconds then smiled.

“Acornpaw we have Catmint in our stocks do you know where it is?” Leafstep looked down at her Apprentice. Eager to fix her mistake she fluffed up her tail and got up.

“Of course I do!” She said. Leafstep pured.

“Alright, Frozenfang you and Acornpaw will go to our camp and fetch as much Catmint as you can, if any other cats get sick we need to be able to treat them.” Leafstep said. Acornpaw smiled and then looked over too Frozenfang.

“Come on Fang, Let's go!” She called. Frozenfang hissed and followed her.

“My name is Frozenfang, Keep that in mind!” He hissed and followed her outside of the camp. The continued to run, Skirting the Cloudclan camp so they didn't accidentally set foot in their territory and continued on happily chanting as they went. Suddenly Frozenfang slid to a stop and sniffed the air. “Acornpaw, I smell Smoke..” He said nervously.

“Yeah, The Smoke is coming this way but the fire is pretty far away.” She said and then dove into the bushes. Frozenfang figured this was the way to the camp and followed her into the bushes. They emerged into a large camp full of dens and a large fresh kill pile.

“Wow, you're camp is so pretty!” He said seeing the patterns the light that filtered through the trees left. The smell of the fresh kill made his mouth water even with the hint of smoke threatening to ruin his appetite.

“If you want some fresh kill have some, it's the least I can offer for our protection.” Acornpaw said looking from the Medicine den before running back in. Frozenpaw swiped his tongue around his jaws and then grabbed a small mouse from the top taking a bite out of it.

“Wow, You're fresh kill is so fat and Juicy, our Prey is never this thick.” He said through mouthfuls. Acornpaw laughed,

“That's what I would Expect from someone who hunts on a mountain.” She laughed walking out of the den with a large stem of Catmint. Frozenpaw finished the mouse and then walked over to the den. Walking inside he saw stack upon stacks of herbs.

“Wow..” He said looking around. The smells overwhelmed him till he could make out the strong scent of Catmint. He looked over and saw a huge clump of it on the cave floor. He leaned down and picked up a few stalks walking out too see Acornpaw sitting next to the kill pile eating a sparrow. The dappled light on her fur made her glow as her shoulder shifted when she leaned up too look back at Frozenfang. She picked up her stems and walked over to him.

“Come on let's get back to your camp..” She said whisking past and flicking his chin with her tail “Unless you want to spend the rest of the day staring at me.” He quickly came back to his senses and shook his head. He quickly picked up the stalks that he realized he had dropped and chased after her.

Back at the camp Goldenstar and Froststar were working together to see where every cat was staying. Tornfern, Her mate Halfleap and her kit Newtpaw were all in the Medicine den with Bluetooth and Leafstep. Ratscar and Lostfoot were already getting along well, Ratscar was also telling Greykit and Icekit a story about how he got his scars. The rest of the kits and their mothers were in the Nursery playing and talking while the rest of the Autumclan warriors and apprentices started working on sleeping arrangements. Froststars ears suddenly twitched and she glanced to the entrance were Acornpaw and Frozenfang were coming back.

“Welcome back!” she said as the two young cats came into the camp and ran straight for the Medicine den.

“Good you found it!” Bluetooth said but Leafstep had a grim look on her face.

“No...” She said looking up from Tornfern’s body.

“What's wrong Leafstep?” Acornpaw said. Leafstep stood up and used her tail too guide Frozenfang and Acornpaw out of the den.

“It's too late, she's too sick too save...” She said nervously.

“Why doesnt Bluetooth know that! She's the best medicine cat here!” Frozenfang hissed.

“Because I wouldn't let her see Tornfern, I couldn't show her I failed...” She said looking down at the ground. Before Frozenfang could say anything there was another fit of coughing.

“Bluetooth don't...waste those herbs on me....keep them for your clan..” Tornfern coughed. Frozenfang could tell immediately what was happening. Tornfern was dying and their was nothing they could do about it.

“Tornfern, Please we can save you!” Frozenfang could hear the pain in Newtpaw’s voice as he tried to get his mother too eat the life saving herbs but there was no response.

“Newtpaw, It's too late..” Halfleap said. Frozenfang knew, even though Halfleap sounded strong he was breaking on the inside.

“I'm sorry Tornfern, I'm sorry all of you” Leafstep said leaning down. Acornpaw suddenly hit her mentor across the head.

“This isn't your fault Leafstep it was mine!” She hissed “I had the job of checking the Elders and Nursery! I should have checked her for it!”

“What?!” Leafstep looked surprise at her Apprentices Choice of words.

“Um...” Acornpaw immediately noticed her mistake and shuffled her paws.

“What did you say about checking her?” Leafstep asked.

“Well...I was playing with the kits.....and I forgot to check her...” Acornpaw said nervously.

“Acornpaw! I could have saved this cat's life!” She hissed.

“I'm Sorry....I'm so sorry...” She looked down and Frozenfang felt pity for her. But the look her Mentor gave her showed no sign of pity before she turned away back into the Medicine den, Grabbing the Catmint and snapping the stalk crushing it into the ground and destroying it.

“Leafstep, Why did you do that!” Bluetooth hissed picking up what she could from the crushed leaves and placing them behind Tornferns body. Leafstep didn't respond but only clawed at the ground.

“This cat's death could have been avoided if an apprentice hadn't made a mistake she will never regret”

## Chapter 15

A few Sunrises passed and the camp was back to normal, the two clans were acting as one single clan and everything had been good. A patrol was just coming back from Autumclans territory too see if the fire was out and were now reporting too Froststar.

“You're completely sure?” She asked the two cats that sat in front of her.

“Of course we are, their was no more smoke and from the top of the trees we could see their was no more fire.” Whitefoot said. Firewillow, the she cat that sat next to him, nodded.

“Yes, the camp smells just like it did before and I feel that we need to go back” She said. Froststar dipped her head.

“Yes, I will tell Goldenstar now.” She said turning and walking over too the golden tom who sat by the Nursery playing with a few kits.

“Froststar?” He asked sitting up knocking a kit off his head.

“Goldenstar, I need to talk to you.” She said. He stood up and placed his paw on the kits head.

“Sorry I need to go now.” He said. The kit let out a squeak of protest but quickly went back to playing with his brothers and sisters. “Yes Froststar?” He asked as they walked to her den.

“Firewillow and Whitefoot just came back and they told me that you're camp is ready to go back too.” Froststar said. Goldenstar looked down sadly for a few seconds then back up.

“Then we will leave at once.” He said turning and jumping onto her ledge.

“Cats of Autumclan!” He called. Froststar watched as cats from Autumclan and Frostclan alike joined out in the center of the camp. “Two cats have just returned from our camp and said it was safe, it is now time to go home!” He said. The cats all broke out happy chatter but Froststar suddenly felt a thick wave of sadness hit her. She looked over to see Whitefoot and Firewillow sitting in a corner where they couldn't be seen. She couldn't hear what they were saying but by the way they looked at eachother and their tails intertwined Froststar could tell the two warriors had feelings for eachother. She sighed knowing they could never be together, neither she nor Goldenstar could allow it. She looked around to see that the kits were all saying their farewells along with the other cats.

It wasn't long before the Autumclan cats had all gathered up. Halfleap was carrying Tornferns body and they left the camp. As the last tail disappeared into the bushes Froststar sighed. The camp felt so empty and she did too. Suddenly a black tail swished by her and Flurryface sat in front of her.

“Froststar, I think Harshkit, Everkit, Greykit and Icekit are ready to be apprenticed.” Flurryface said. Froststar smiled realizing that the kits would be six months old tonight.

“You're right, Tell Whitestreek that they will be apprenticed tonight.” Froststar said “Once I pick their Mentors.”

The day quickly passed and soon the sun was soon too setting. Froststar jumped up onto her ledge and called out “All cats old enough to catch their own prey join here under the ledge for a clan meeting.” She called. She looked down and realized that her clan alone without Autumclan seemed very small. Her attention was then drawn too Whitestreek and Flurryface who sat together washing their kits. Bluetooth let out a smile and then continued on. “Six moons ago we were blessed with the birth of three kits, they are now at the age to move on from living with their mothers too taking on their duty to protect their clan!” She said. Her ears twitched as she heard Everkit gasp.

“She means me!” The small kit squealed rolling away from her mother's grasp and over too the clan.

“Harshkit, Everkit, Icekit and Greykit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Harshpaw, Everpaw, Icepaw and Greypaw. Your mentors will be. Foxtail, Tigerflame, Stormtail and Cloudjump. I hope these cats will pass down all he/she knows on to you” She paused and continued on “Foxtail, Tigerflame, Stormtail and Cloudjump, you are now ready to take on an Apprentice, I hope that you take this chance to pass down all you know too these young cats” She said. When she finished the now Named Apprentices and Mentors all came forward meeting their Mentors. Everkit seemed especially excited to be training under hers as she let out a loud happy squeaking noise thanking Tigerflame and saying he will teach her how to be a great warrior. She smiled and then swished her tail.

“Thank you, This clan meeting is now over” She said turning and going back into her den.

## Chapter 16

“Stormtail, Why do you keep following me out at night!” Froststar growled turning around to a bush. It shook for a few seconds and then Stormtail jumped out swishing his tail. It was only a few nights after Harshpaw, Everpaw, Icepaw and Greypaw were Apprenticed and Froststar had left the Hallow during the night too go on some night hunting. While outside of the camp she had realized she was being followed by none other than her deputy. “Well!” She growled again. Stormtail suddenly stopped swallowing hard.

“Because...” He started but the words stuck to the back of his throat.

“Just spit it out!” She hissed “You have been doing this for long enough I deserve to know why!” She spat. Stormtail suddenly felt the buried break and everything spilt out.

“Why! Because I love you Froststar! And you had to be mouse brained too not notice it! I love you Froststar!” He hissed the fur on his neck standing up and his haunched stiff. She turned and growled back.

“That's no reason...” She started when what he said hit her like a wall of bricks.

“I Love you Froststar and I have since before you were leader!” He hissed.

“But what about Flurryface?” She asks still dumbfounded.

“What about her? I may have loved her once but I don't anymore, My heart belongs to you!” He hissed. Froststar sighed and looked down.

“Stormtail you're great...” She started and Stormtail felt a flutter of home but it was quickly crushed as she finished. “But I don't see you in that way, you're my deputy and nothing more, my heart will always belong too Bitterstar.” She finished. Stormtail felt like his entire clan had just left him as he sat their. He got up and hissed at her.

“Fine, I don't need your love then!” She hissed and then turned back to the camp running through the bushes. Froststar felt an emotion pulse through her but she couldn't tell what it was. Suddenly a cat walked out of the bushes. Froststar growled thinking it was Stormtail but when she looked up she saw Bitterstar standing in front of her.

“Bitterstar?” She said cocking her head and trying to read the expression he was portraying.

“You Fool!” He hissed and Froststar lifted her front paw of the ground gasping.

“Bitterstar what do you mean?” She asked.

“You're a fool! You had the chance to love someone!” He hissed.

“But I love you!” Froststar hissed back swiping at him, though she knew she could deal him no damage.

“Well that's a waste of your time Froststar, Stormtail really loves you but now he thinks you hate him!” He hissed.

“I didn't mean...oh no!” She said jumping up and starting to run but Bitterstars yowl behind her stopped her dead in her tracks.

“It's too late Froststar! You were a Fool and lost both him and me!” He hissed. Froststar turned back around but Bitterstar had already left her standing in the clearing alone. She let out a sigh and sat down in the clearing. Her tail falling limp on the ground. She looked to the ground and as she closed her eyes she saw something flash, a heart freezing over but the sign was gone in seconds and froststar leaned over letting her tears fall to the ground.

Stormtail straitened his tail out and landed on the ground lightly.

“Alright Icepaw, You ready to try it?” He asked. The small apprentice smiled.

“Yes I am!” She squeaked in excitement.

“Alright, Show me.” He said and leaned down into hunting crouch. Icepaw darted under him and hooked her paw on his back paw as he reared up on his hind legs. She then launched herself in the air slamming into his side and feeling him shift and fall down. He laughed getting up and shaking the dust off his fur.

“Are you okay!?” She asked worried. He laughed and cuffed her over the ear lightly.

“I'm fine, you did a good job.” He said and wrapped his tail around his paws “You're sure this is my first training session?” He asked Playfully. Icepaw was surprised at his praise.

“Yes it is I Promise!” She said. he laughed and stood back up.

“Come on, you seem to have your attacks down so we should try some hunting.”

“Alright that sounds fun!” She said jumping up. Her tail fluffing up in excitement. Stormtail laughed and lead her into the trees.

They spent a while on hunting training and Icepaw had successfully caught a mouse and a finch.

“I'm going to go try for some bigger prey, meet me back at camp.” He said. Icepaw waved with her tail when an unfamiliar scent wafted into her nose. She looked back too make sure Stormtail wasn't following her and then went on to find the strange scent she smelled. Too caught up in the unfamiliar scent she didn't see the string of brambles and tripped over them rolling over in the undergrowth and bumping into another cat.

“Whoops sorry, I was following a scent trail and I tripped and...” She paused taking in a wiff of the cat's scent realizing it was the one she had scented.

“It's okay little one.” The large male cat grumbled.

“Who are you!” She hissed and jumped up looking and seeing a large white and grey tabby tom sitting a few paces away from her.

“My names Jaggedsky.” He said and she saw something flash in his eyes, like he regretted something “And I need to speak with Froststar.”

## Chapter 17

“Why should I bring you to Froststar! You're a Rogue!” Icepaw jumped up fluffing her fur up and glaring at him.

“Because, I need too talk too her.” The large cat said calmly not seeming fazed by the apprentice.

“What do you need to tell her.” Icepaw asked calming down and swishing her tail. The large cat sat down.

“Make yourself comfortable, This is a long story.” He said laying down and moving his legs so they sat comfortably under him, he then launched into the tale of how Blazelfleck killed Blizzardpaw and blamed Jaggedsky for it. Icepaw gasped.

“I have heard stories about this..” She said when suddenly she jumped up. “How do I know you don't plan to come into our clan and kill Froststar!” She hissed. Jaggedsky swished his tail.

“And risk being attacked by your entire clan, I have no clan behind me, they would surely kill me.”

“They'll kill you anyway, They think you killed Jaggedsky, and that's why we need to go find Blazefleck.” Icepaw said avoiding making eye contact with the large warrior. It was Jaggedskys turn to be surprised.

“What! How?” Jaggedsky asked. Icepaw had already thought this all through.

“You know what way he went, you we can probably find him.” She said. Jaggedsky looked wary.

“It's almost leafbare, what would your clan think of you running off helping a rouge?”

“If we found out the real murderer behind Blizzardpaw the clan will be grateful i left.” Icepaw said. Jaggedsky sighed and stood up.

“Alright, We can do this.” He said and swished his tail “But were going to hunt and then stay the night.” He said

“Alright” She said jumping up and fluffing her tail up in surprise that he agreed so eagerly. He smiled down at the young apprentice and led her farther up the mountains. “where are we going?” Icepaw asked. Jaggedsky let out a laugh.

“I know a Place where we can hunt and stay the night without being caught.” He said. Icepaw nodded and followed him.

Jaggedsky showed her a small cave and close by was a small valley full of things for them too hunt. As soon as they were fed Jaggedsky let out a sigh and laid down curling his paws underneath him.

“Goodnight Icepaw.” He said laying his head down. Icepaw yawned stretching and laying next to him. When she lay down on the cold stone floor she let out a shiver and moved closer too Jaggedsky feeling his warm body against her own made her smile as she drifted off into her own sleep.

Icepaw was jolted awake at the crack of dawn when Jaggedsky prodded her with one of his large paws.

“What do you want?” she hissed getting up.

“Come on miss grumpy pants, We need to get a move on if we don't want the morning Patrols catching us.” He hissed. Icepaw stretched and then shook her paws out.

“Alright fine, Lead me the way Blazefleck went when he first left.” Icepaw told the older tom. Jaggedsky lead Icepaw down by the training hallow were Blazefleck has left the scene and ran off. Jaggedsky sniffed the ground but it had been moons since Blazefleck had left and all traces of his scent were gone.

“What do we do now?” Jaggedsky asked the apprentice but she wasn't paying attention. She had stalked ahead too a bush and was pushing her nose into it sniffing something. “What is it?” Jaggedsky asked. Icepaw let out a sneeze and used her claw to hook something and pull it out.

“Does this happen too be Blazeflecks fur color?” She asked. Jaggedsky looked down and saw a piece of brown/red fur hooked on her claw.

“It looks like it!” Jaggedsky exclaimed. Icepaw puffed her chest out.

“He went this way, See how the grass is crushed and the bush separated?” She says. Jaggedsky looked down and sure enough she was right.

“Wow, I guess Frostclan apprentices aren't as dumb as they say.” He said leaning down too take a look. Icepaw hissed at him and cuffed his ear.

“Keep your snide remarks to yourself or i'm bringing you back too my clan.” Icepaw hissed crawling down into the bush and following the Crushed grass and chunks of Fur till she pulled herself out. Looking behind her she laughed as the much larger warriors fur snagged on the branches as he lumbered out and growled licking the spots were the most fur was pulled from his pelt.

“Blazefleck’s small size seemed to have helped him.” Jaggedsky growled and stood back up looking around “Where are we? That tunnel seemed to go on forever.” He said looking around. Icepaw only just looked up and gulped realizing nothing around her looked like her territory.

“I-I don't know...”

## Chapter 18

Stormtail strode into camp his tail raised high. A Few Birds and a Mouse dangling from his jaws. He walked to the fresh kill pile and placed his kill on the pile walking over to the Apprentice den and sticking his head in.

“Icepaw!” He called but their was no response. He looked inside and saw that their were no cats in the den. Stormtail pulled his head out and looked across the camp and Graypaw who was training with Cloudjump. “Graypaw!” Stormtail called. Graypaw was caught off guard by his name being called and Cloudjump knocked him over.

“Come on Cloudjump! Stormtail called me!” Graypaw said growling and trying to push the bigger cat of him. Cloudjump obliged and let him go and the fluffy grey cat ran over too Stormtail. “Yes Stormtail?” He said looking up at the much larger warrior.”

“Have you seen Icepaw?” He asked. Graypaw looked concerned as the deputy asked him.

“No I haven't, She should have been with you.” Graypaw said. Stormtail let out a worried sigh.

“It's alright, Go back to training.” He said hoping to not worry the young apprentice. He fluffed up his tail and ran back to Cloudjump. Stormtail continued too looking around worried. He jumped up to Froststars perch and called her name. “Froststar?” He called.

“Yes Stormtail?” She asked dryly. Stormtail winced at her tone and continued inside.

“I can't find Icepaw have you seen her?” He asked. Froststar hissed at him and unsheathed her claws.

“She's you're Apprentice, And you're duty.” She hissed.

“I just wanted to know if you had seen her, sorry.” He hissed back and turned away. Froststar sat up and bared her teeth as he walked away.

“You're Apprentice isnt my problem.” She growled when suddenly she saw Bitterstar sitting in front of her, the trees behind him tinted white from his fur.

“Froststar, You need to help your clan, Even Stormtail.” Bitterstar said sitting in front of her.

“I'm sorry Bitterstar, But last night made me so mad! He shouldn't chase after me like that..” She said growling at the floor of the cave scraping her claws across it.

“Sound like anyone familiar?” Bitterstar asked and cocked his head too the side slightly. Froststar took a few seconds and then gasped.

“M-Me?!” She gasped in surprise. Bitterstar nodded “But! But you liked me back! You just never had the chance to tell me!”

“Froststar, I never loved you back, you're the one who convinced yourself that I did.” Bitterstar said.

“Bitterstar....But....” She stopped and looked at the floor “you're right...”

“And Stormtail did the same thing, he convinced himself you liked him back, even though he had a mate.” Bitterstar finished.

“No....Bitterstar...Stormtail....But...” She paused and looked straight at Bitterstar “You can't force me to love someone.” She growled.

“No you can't, But if someone loves you, don't shoot them down, He can't chose not to love you either.” Bitterstar finished. He looked at her with a blank stare and Froststar glanced him up and down worried.

“Bitterstar?” She asked when she looked down at his paws gasping. He watched as he slowly froze turning into Ice and when all that sat in front of her was an Ice cat he shattered. The pieces disappearing into the sky and leaving Froststar looking at the space he sat in, worried. “Bitterstar, I Promise.”

## Chapter 19

“What do you mean you don't know?” Jaggedsky growled walking up next to her.

“That bush went a lot farther than I though it would, So I guess we have to go off instinct now...” She said Nervously. Jaggedsky seemed to understand and nodded.

“I guess you're right, Unless starclan sends a sign...” He said.

“You believe in starclan?” Icepaw asked.

“Of course I do! I was a loyal warrior once like you, and I plan to prove it as well!” Jaggedsky snapped at the Apprentice. Icepaw nearly jumped out of her fur in surprise.

“Sorry, I just didn't know.” Icepaw replied and then stood back up leaning down too smooth some of the fur on her chest out.

“It's fine, I'm a Rouge, I Understand.” He said and looked at the sky. “Nothing out of the ordinary, Just birds.” He growled and took a step forward. “Follow me, I'm bigger and if something tries to attack you will need to hide.” Jaggedsky said. Icepaw obeyed and followed Jaggedsky as he lead them across a long grassed meadow.

As they walked Icepaw perked her ears and let them swivel listening around for other cats hoping that maybe something would lead them to Blazespeck and his treachery. Icepaw flinched when she saw movement in the grass beside her. She looked over and saw some of the grass was swishing. Jaggedsky didn't seem to notice so Icepaw took a few steps off his path to see who was in the grass with them. Icepaw jumped in sudden surprise when she saw a large Calico She-cat dive out of the tall grass at her. Icepaw reared up on her back legs just at the right time to give the cat a chance to knock her onto her back placing her paw on Icepaws chest and growling in her face.

“What are you doing outside of the Territory where you come from, I recognize you're Scents and you aren't supposed to be out here.” She hissed in a gruff voice. Icepaw shook in surprise when Suddenly Jaggedsky came pushing through the grass and hissed at the she-cat. She jumped in surprised and quickly got off Icepaw.

“We came looking for a brown and white tom, Big and burly have you seen him?” Jaggedsky asked. The Calico suddenly looked very small as she shrunk against Jaggedskys large build. The small cat quivered.

“I-I think so, He came through a few moonrises ago...why are you looking for him?” She asked.

“I need to prove my innocence.” Jaggedsky continued. Icepaw got up off the ground and shook herself off.

“Can you help us find him?” Icepaw asked. The calico looked surprised then smiled.

“Of course I can help you, My Names Willow by the way, and Yours?” She asked. Icepaw smiled.

“I'm Icepaw and this is Jaggedsky” She said and Gestured at the larger tom. Willow looked slightly surprised at his size then smiled.

“Alright, Well come on I can try to lead you to him!” She said and ran ahead of Jaggedsky. Jaggedsky waited and let Icepaw go ahead of him. Leaning down he hissed into Icepaws ear.

“I don't trust her, but she's our best bet right now.” He growled. Icepaw frowned and lifted her tail up.

“Well I trust her, She has no reason to turn on us so i'm going to follow her.” Icepaw stalked ahead after Willow, not looking back at Jaggedsky. He sighed and fallowed.

“youngsters these days.” He grumbled to himself and treked through the long grass after the loner and Icepaw.

## Chapter 20

Stormtail paced outside of the camp worriedly sniffing around. The apprentice scent lay all around him. Cats had been practicing all day and Icepaws scent was indistinguishable. Stormtail flinched when he felt a tail tip touch his shoulder. He waited a second and let the scent of the cat flood into his nostrils. He growled, it was the she-cat who had torn out his heart and thrown it away like nothing. He whipped around and growled.

“What do you want?!” He hissed. Froststar took a deep breath and then sighed

“I want to apologize..” She said. Stormtail let what she said process and then looked at her.

“Really?” He asked

“Yes, I was being selfish and not thinking about your feelings” Froststar continued. Stormtail let a pur escape his throat

“Thank you Froststar, even if you don't love me I can't hate you for that” Stormtail said

“Oh course, and you will always be my loyal deputy!” Froststar said. Stormtail suddenly looked worried

“Well, call you're loyal deputy a mouse brain because I lost an apprentice.” He said. Froststar raised her tail up and her eyes shined

“Come on, now it's time that we find her!” Froststar smiled at her Deputy and her encouragement seemed to cheer him up as he strode after her.

“Alright, Where do you think she went?” Stormtail asked Froststar. She looked at him puzzled.

“She's you're apprentice, Where did you last see her?” Froststar asked. Stormtail lifted his tail and thought back too when he sent her off on her own hunting trip.

“This way! I remember!” He gasped and jumped through the bushes. Froststar streaked after him feeling a purr ruse in her chest as they ran through the forest together. Though she never thought she could see Stormtail as a mate, he would always be her friend and her loyal deputy. Suddenly Stormtail stopped and Froststar bumped into his tail.

“What is it?” She asked him confused. Stormtails ears twitched.

“I heard something. This way!” He called and jumped over a bush landing only inches away from the river. Froststar followed and gasped when she saw Tigerflame standing next too a tree holding moss in his teeth. He dropped it in surprise as well and looked at Stormtail and Froststar.

“The Deputy and Leader both out at the same time! Is something wrong?” He gasped. Froststar stifled a laugh as Stormtail explained what they were doing.

“So, Have you by chance seen Icepaw?” Froststar asked. Tigerflame rocked his head too the side and picked up his moss.

“No I haven't.” He said his talking muffled by the moss. “Hope that you find her.” He said before going and sliding under a bush out of sight.

“I wonder what all that Moss is for?” Stormtail asked. Froststar shrugged.

“Probably for the elders.”

“But wouldn't Tigerflame have Everpaw do that instead of doing it himself?”
 “Well, Tigerflame is a very helpful cat, he's probably just trying to pay back for all the Moss and Food we gave him when his leg wasn't working.”
 “I guess...” Stormtail glanced off into the distance then snapped back to reality. “So, Were too next?”

“It's getting dark, If Icepaw is nearby she will go back to camp when she gets cold.” Froststar said. Stormtail sighed and looked back at her.

“Alright, I guess that's fair.” He said then fluffed up his tail giving her a mischievous look.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Froststar asked. Stormtail smirked.

“Race you back.”

“Oh you wish you could beat me.” Froststar replied in a sneery tone and got down on her haunches.

“Three.”

“Two”

 “GO” They said at the same time and raced off spraying up dust and leaves as they shot off towards the camp. Leaving all their worries behind them.

## Chapter 21

“Who's Mr. Grumpy Pelt back their?” Willow looked down at Icepaw questioningly. Icepaw stifled a laugh.

“That's Jaggedsky, The Reason that I’m on this journey!” She smiled. Willow looked down still confused.

“Why are you on this journey exactly?” Willow asked. Icepaw laughed again.

“Well it's a long story, I was out training you see, when I ran into Jaggedsky, he then explained to me that everyone thinks that He killed our Apprentice Blizzardpaw but Blizzardpaw was actually killed by another cat named Blazespeck, the one that we're looking for, so Jaggedsky wants to find Blazespeck and prove his innocence!” Icepaw finished.

“Wow.. I see why you need to find him now.” Willow said. Icepaw smiled.

“Yup thats why, So what about you, what are you doing out here?”

“I was just wondering around, trying to find a place to stay.”

“Why don't you join a clan?”

“I prefer being free and able to govern my own rules!”

“Thats cool, I really like the clan life though, everyone protecting everyone, making sure everyone's safe..”

“I guess, Though by the sounds of it Blazespeck didn't seem too want to help the clans.”

“Yeah, He never followed the Warrior code.”

“Ahh the Warrior Code, I need to brush up on it I guess.”

“Brush up on it, Haven't you always been a loner?”

“That would be wrong, I used to be an apprentice!” She smiled proudly “Willowpaw was my name, My Brother Seapaw was also in the clan but he stayed while I left the clan for the loner life I live”

“Seapaw.....” Icepaw looked up at Willow longingly, could this cat be talking about her Father.

“Yeah, Is there something wrong?”

“What clan we're you in?”

“One of the clans that move over there.” She said using her tail to point towards the mountains “Frostclan it was.” She finished. Icepaw gasped.

“Seastorm! You're Brother is my Father!” Icepaw exclaimed looking up at Willow. The large cat looked down at the small white Apprentice and smiled with lovingness in her eyes.

“You're Probably right.” She said. Suddenly Jaggedsky walked up to the two interrupting their conversation.

“What are you two talking about now?” Jaggedsky hissed. Willow purred.

“This young cat is my kin.” She smiled. Jaggedsky looked surprised then let out a rumbling hiss.

“Thats Pretty neat I guess..” He paused glancing at Willow her light green eyes shining. He looked down at Icepaw and saw the same beautiful shimmer come from her large round eyes. “Yeah, You guys must be kin.” he said and then glanced over both Willow and Icepaw too see a forest sitting not very far away.

“What are you looking at” Willow asked.

“It looks like we have a place to stay!” Icepaw purred her tail fluffing up. Willow looked at the forest and smiled.

“You're right, that forest must be rich with prey!” She gasped and ran forward. Jaggedsky and Icepaw ran after her into the forest. The grass turning too thick leaved and short grass on a moist dirt ground. Willow ran deep into the forest leading Jaggedsky and Icepaw through the thick foliage till she stopped at a dead tree. Looking inside she came back out with moss sticking to her fur.

“If we can clean it out a bit this place will make a great den for tonight!” Willow said. Icepaw hadn't noticed on the trip but the sun was already starting to make shadows cast longer and turn the grass a dark red. Icepaws tail fluffed up in excitement.

“If you two hunt I will clean out the log!” She smiled. Willow glanced at Jaggedsky getting a nod of approval then looked back at Icepaw.

“Alright Deal! Come on Jaggedsky let’s go!” She said jumping off into the forest. Jaggedsky ran after her trying to match her strides but his big bulky build against her small fragile build made some of her moves impossible. She suddenly took a swift right and jumped onto a tree grabbing it with her claws. Jaggedsky looked up at her in astonishment.

“wow.” He gasped. Willow looked back down at him and laughed.

“One thing you learn from being a loner is how to survive in all different territories.” She laughed and clambered up too a branch sitting down on it. “Come on, You're turn!” She looked down at Jaggedsky. He gulped and looked up at the tree. “Come on, You can do it!” She teased, Jaggedsky let out a hiss and dove at the tree clinging on with his claws. Willow looked surprised that he actually did it, and even more surprised as he started to climb up the tree and make it too the branch right across from her sitting down on it and using his tail too steady himself.

“I know how to climb too!” He hissed back at her playfully. But Willows eyes were rested past him across the open land.

“Wow..” She muttered looking across the long stretch of land, the mountains that him and Jaggedsky had been in only this morning we're barely specks against the dark red sky. Jaggedsky looked back at Willow and found himself mesmerized in her light green eyes as they gazed past him. He smiled feeling his heart do a flip. Could he have feelings for this looner, maybe he did, and maybe after the trip they could start something new together, something just for the two of them. Willow shook her head and smiled at Jaggedsky. He was knocked out of his daze and glanced away nervously.

“Come on, Let's go hunt.” He said and jumped down a few branches and landed on one sideways sending him down the tree slamming against branches and hitting the ground with a thump.

“That was graceful.” Willow laughed as she jumped down the branches and landed next to Jaggedsky as he shook leaves out of his fur.

“Thanks.” He muttered and ran off deeper into the forest leaving Willow purring before running off in a different direction.

## Chapter 22

Icepaw wiggled her way into the log and glanced around. She was surprised at how little moss they're actually was and figured that Willow must have taken most of it out with her fur when she checked to see if it was suitable. Icepaw continued to claw moss from the roof and sides onto the middle so they had something comfortable to sleep on. She got out of the log and shook some moss from her pelt picking some leaves off the ground and bringing them into the den to use as bedding.

Jaggedsky and Willow came back too the tree dragging a few birds and a squirrel. Icepaw cambered from the back of the log too look down at them appreciating.

“Thanks for hunting, the logs all clean!” She said. She saw Willow’s eyes widened as she smiled trying not to drop her bird. Jaggedskys eyes also widened happily. Icepaw cocked her head sideways.

“What is it?” She asked. Willow dropped her birds and let out a pur.

“You look like you we're pulled through a thorn barrier backwards then rolled in fresh moss” Willow said. Icepaw turned her head around to glance at her back and laughed realizing she was covered in bits of moss and wood.

“I guess I didn't have time to groom myself” She purred and jumped down. Jaggedsky laughed and brought his Squirrel into the log laying down. Icepaw followed and last Willow.

“Here, Eat while I groom you.” Willow said setting one of the birds in front of Icepaw. She smiled gratefully at her and started to eat. The rhythmic feeling of Willows tongue against her pelt made her tired as she gazed up through a crack in the log. She saw the moon was split in half meaning Frozenfang and Bluetooth would be going too the Mooncave tonight to share dreams with starclan. Suddenly Icepaw felt a wave of homesickness and didn't want to eat anymore of her bird. She pushed it out in front of her and laid her chin on her paws, wondering how the clan was doing without her.

~~~

Froststar quickly walked over to Bluetooths den. Stormtail had just told her Frozenfang was fretting and he asked for their leader. She stopped at the entrance and called in.

“Frozenfang! Stormtail said you needed me?” She called. Frozenfang walked out, his fur standing on end. “what's wrong?” Froststar asked.

“Bluetooth isn't back yet, She hadn't been back since two sunsets ago..” He said. Froststar gasped. She had been so indulged in trying to make it up with Stormtail and find Icepaw that she hadn't noticed the medicine cat's disappearance.

“Oh no, do you know where she was last?” Froststar asked feeling her fur rise.

“She said that she was going out to collect herbs and didn't come back, and i'm starting to worry she got lost or worse.”

“I better send out a patrol.” Froststar said turning around. Tigerflame strode up too her worry in his gaze.

“Is something wrong Froststar?” He asked. Froststar looked down.

“Bluetooth is missing, I'm going to send out a search party too look for her.” She said. She noticed Tigerflames fur rise in surprise as he opened his mouth.

“We have very few Warriors, And with Leafbare coming up we can't waste any of you're strong warriors” He said.

“We can't waste our medicine cat either.” Froststar said. Tigerflame looked up at the sky and then back at her like he had an idea.

“Send me.”

“What, Alone?”

“Yes, I'm still weak after being attacked but I can search for her.”

“Alright, Get traveling herbs from FrozenFang and Eat something while I tell the clan”

“No, Don't worry you're clan, Tell Stormtail and I will tell Frozenfang but that's all, Nobody else needs to worry about Bluetooth.”

“Alright, If you're sure..” Froststar said and then walked back to her den jumping up and walking over to Stormtail.

“Hey Froststar.”
 “Hey, Stormtail, I have something to tell you.” Froststar said. Stormtail curled his tail around his paw and swiveled his ears showing he was listening “I sent Tigerflame out too look for Bluetooth since she disappeared.”

“That's a very good idea Froststar, You're a very smart cat.” Stormtail said sitting next to her. Froststar dipped her head before looking up at the sky.

“But it wasn't my idea Stormtail, it was Tigerflame, He's the Smart cat, Not me.”

## Chapter 23

Jaggedsky shifted in the log. Looking up through the long crack in the top too see that the moon and stars were still high in the sky. He let out a silent sigh and glanced at Icepaw the soft rise and fall of her chest telling him that she was sleeping soundly.

“Can't sleep either?” He heard a whisper from the front of the log. He glanced over and saw Willow sitting up. Jaggedsky nodded.

“Yeah, Something's keeping me awake.” He grunted moving his leg out. Willow purred.

“Well since we're both up, want too go for a walk?” Willow asked him. He felt a pur rise in his throat and lifted up his tail.

“Sure, sounds fun.” He said. He watched her slowly get up and out of the log. Carefull not to disturb Icepaw he followed her stepping tenderly over the sleeping apprentice. He scooted out and stood next to Willow taking in a deep breath of the fresh forest air. He shook himself letting moss fall beneath him then looked over at Willow expectantly. “where too?” Willows ears twitched.

“I think I can hear a river.” She said and pointed towards the sound with her tail. Jaggedsky shifted his ears that way and let out a pur.

“I hear it too!” He laugh and then gave Willow a mischievous look. “I bet I can beat you there!” He exclaimed

“Oh yeah! Beat this!” Willow hissed playfully and shot off into the trees. Jaggedsky stood stunned for a few seconds before running after her.

“Hey no fair! You got a head start!” He called ahead but she didn't seem to notice as she continued to run forward. Suddenly her pelt disappeared and Jaggedsky heard a splash. He stopped running but in a few seconds he felt the ground under him disappear and he was flying through thin air. A few seconds later he felt himself hit water and started to paddle. It took him a few seconds but he soon pulled his head above the water “Willow! Willow!” He called for the she-cat worried. Suddenly he was splashed from the side.

“Gotcha!” She laughed. Jaggedsky looked over and saw Willow standing above the water just her belly fur touching. He stretched down with his legs and found that he was right by a ledge and grabbed onto it pulling himself up next to her and spraying her with water as he shook himself dry.

“I was worried you got hurt.” He said licking some of the freshwater off his paws.

“Well, I'm not hurt.” She said lifting a paw out of the water too flick some droplets on Jaggedsky.

“I can see that.” He said and flicked some of the water off his whiskers at her. “Come on, let's get out and dry off before we turn to icicles.” He said and crawled past her too the edge of the water finding a small dry bank and sitting down. He glanced back at her as she stood in the water. “You coming?”

“Yeah” She said and walked over by him sitting next to him. Jaggedsky ran his - now drying - paw over his head sending some water back into the river.

“Well, It looks like we found the river.”

“Yeah, No Joke.” Willow replied licking some of the water from her paw. Jaggedsky looked around trying to think of what to do next.

“It's beautiful out here isn't it.”

“Yeah. Look at those stars! It looks like a badger!”

“Really!” Jaggedsky said following her paw too see the cluster of stars she was pointing at.

“Yeah, Just pretend all you can see it the outline of the Badger.” She said. Jaggedsky cocked his head too the side and folded one of his ears when he saw it.

“You're Right! A Big, Ferocious, Badger!” He said jumping up onto all fours. Willow jumped in surprise and playfulness turning too Jaggedsky and hissing.

“I will protect this clan with my life against you mangy old badger!” She mocked.

“A Cat beating a Badger! Maybe in Starclan!” Jaggedsky mockingly growled fluffing his fur up too make him look nearly twice his size. Willow got into a hunting crouch and jumped at Jaggedsky surprising him. He reeled up onto his haunches as Willow hit him rolling them both backwards back into the river. Willow squeaked in surprise as the water hit her and Jaggedsky. He quickly started to paddle grabbing Willows scruff and bringing her to the shore. He let her go and she stopped squirming.

“A Badger Saving a Cat?” She asked jokingly. Jaggedsky looked down at her purring.

“I'm not a Badger anymore, Just a regular old cat.” He said laying next to her. Willow scooted closer to him purring.

“Just a Regular Old Cat? Is that what you think of yourself?”

“Well that's what I am, Isn't it?”

“No, You're not just an ordinary cat” Willow purred scooting closer to him.

“Well then, What am I?” He said turning to look at her.

“you're...Nice, Playful, Funny, Cute...” Willow stopped covering her muzzle with her paw. Jaggedsky leaned towards her ear giving it a swift lick and purring.

“You can continue.”

“Umm...Adventurous....Helpful....Caring..” She continued, saying each one slowly and pausing between each one.

“Well if i'm not Ordinary, neither are you.” He whispered only inches away from her ear “You're Sweet, Playful, Helpful, Caring, Compassionate, Fun to be around and all together great.” Jaggedsky said. Willow let out no more than a squeaky mew as she laid next to him completely flustered. “Willow, Can I ask you a question?” He asked. Willow noded purring. “Do you know if there's somewhere here I can make my dirt?” He asked a playful tone in his mew. Willow sighed and sat up frustrated.

“Yeah right over..” She paused when she felt his tail rest lightly on her shoulder.

“I was kidding, the real question I think you will like.” He said. Willow gave him a hopeful look as he continued “When we get back, If we get back, I wanted to ask you...” He sat nervously and finally spit it out “If you would be my mate?”

“Yo..Imean..Yup...Imean..Yup....I mean......Yes.” She finally finished sitting up. Jaggedsky smiled and intertwined his tail with hers.

“Come on, Icepaw will be waking soon and we want too make sure she knows we're okay.” Jaggedsky said and then took the leap to the top of the ravine. Willow followed him and they walked back to the log.

## Chapter 24

Frozenfang placed a paw firmly on Dovewhiskers stomach.

“Yup, It's time that you move too the Nursery.” Frozenfang said. Foxtail sat next to his mate and purred.

“Our kits will be amazing.” Foxtail said nuzzling Dovewhisker. She purred and licked her mate affectionately.

“Come on let's go, Flurryface will be their with Gullkit already.” Dovewhisker said getting up and walking across the camp too the cave nestled deep into the rock face. It had been a few Moons since Bluetooth has gone missing and Frozenfang had decided that she must have been attacked by a fox. Tigerflame hadn't returned after going on a search party either and everyone assumed he must have been killed also. Frozenfang was brought back into the moment when he heard Foxtails sneer.

“Don't worry Dovewhisker, That Autumclan Kit wont be in the Nursery much longer.” He growled.

“I don't really worry about him, He seems like a nice kit.” Dovewhisker said but Foxtail didn't seem to notice as they walked to the Nursery. Suddenly Froststar jumped up onto her den and stood out ready for a clan meeting.

“All Cats Old enough to catch their own Prey, Please Gather under my den for a clan meeting.” She called. Quickly all the cats come out of their dens and gathered in the clearing. Stormtail sat right behind her. “As you all know, we have lost an Apprentice, our Medicine cat and A Warrior.” Froststar said and looked up at the sky as if talking too Starclan “I wish to starclan that they will come back safe and sound.” Froststar said. The cats all murmured below her before she continued. “But in better news, A Kit in our Nursery has finally reached the age to be apprenticed.” Froststar continued. She glanced over at the nursery too see Flurryface furiously washing Gullkit as he tried to struggle out of her grasp. Froststar purred and continued. “Gullkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Gullpaw. Your mentor will be Winterfur. I hope Winterfur will pass down all he/she knows on to you.” Froststar said “Gullkit and Winterfur please stand forward.” she called. The large white and black tom and small Kit both came striding up. Froststar turned and looked at Winterfur “Winterfur, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from Berrysplash, and you have shown yourself to be Endurance and Loyalty. You will be the mentor of Gullpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know too Gullpaw” She finished. She watched Winterfur and Gullpaw touch noses. She perked her ears as Greypaw, Harshpaw and Everpaw started the cheering.

“Gullpaw! Gullpaw!” They called to him. He lifted his tail as the rest of the clan slowly joined in on the chanting and then ran over to his new denmates. Froststar lifted her chin too her clanmates and purred.

“This clan meeting is now over!” She finished and turned back to her den sitting down and glancing at Stormtail, a Great deputy. Her gaze followed down to the Medicine den were Frozenfang sat, a Great Medicine cat. She saw warriors leaving food on the fresh kill pile. Flurryface going back to her den being welcomed by Whitestreek. Winterfur and Cloudjump walking side by side as their apprenticed followed them out of the camp too go train. She smiled and then looked back in her den. Seeing herself and purring loud. A great clan, for a great leader she thought. Perfect.

## Chapter 25

Willow, Jaggedsky and Icepaw treked along the hills. They had left the forest a few sunrises ago and were continuing their journey what way they thought best. They had stopped every night somewhere different, once at a barn, once at a large log build in the river and another time in a smaller, pine, forest. Now they we're on the trail again trekking across a long grass meadow.

“Come on, can we stop for a bit, please” complained Icepaw.

“Fine, but we need to get moving again by sunhigh” Jaggedsky said.

“Do you think we can eat soon, I’m kinda hungry?”asked Willow

“Fine, there's a rabbit” Jaggedsky chased down the rabbit until he finally caught up too it pinning it down under his large forepaws killing it with a swift bite to the neck. He picked it up and carried it over to Willow and Icepaw as they purred in joy.

“Thank you!” They said in unison and gathered around the rabbit to eat it.

It wasn't long before they had filled up on the rabbit and felt they we're ready to get moving again.

“Alright, Come on it isn't long until sunhigh.” Jaggedsky said and stood up. Willow got up after him but Icepaw let out a complain.

“But i'm so full!” She said stretching out her legs. Jaggedsky walked over to her and pushed her from her side up onto her legs.

“Come on and get up!” He hissed at her. Suddenly Jaggedsky heard a screech from Willow.

“JAGGEDSKY!! There's a SNAKE!” She hissed wildly. Jaggedsky turned but it was too late as the snake dug its fangs into his shoulder. Jaggedsky whipped around to pull the snake off but the venom quickly took over and he fell down. Icepaw jumped up looking at him. The snake had let go but there were two red holes streaming blood on his shoulder and Jaggedsky laid on the ground his eyes glazing over.

“Willow! What Happened!” She gasped. Willow didn't move staring down at the white and grey tom.

“The snake's Venom killed him...He had no chance...” Willow muttered half to Icepaw and half to herself. Icepaw gasped and ran over too Jaggedsky Pushing her paws against his fur.

“He can't be dead! Jaggedsky!” He wailed like a kit. Willow took a few steps towards her placing her tail on her shoulder.

“I'm sorry Icepaw, it was my fault, I didn't warn him in time.” She said solemnly.

“No it's not Willow, It's none of our faults!” She said. The Loner looked down at the Warrior sadly.

“I'm sorry...” She whispered. Suddenly Icepaw felt the fur on her neck rise.

“Oh Starclan...” She Muttered “This must be a sign.”

“A Sign? For what? don't let snakes bite warriors?” Willow growled at the younger cat.

“To turn back, If we keep going we will all end up like Jaggedsky, Dead and Lifeless on the ground, Never to be seen.” Icepaw said. Willow looked down at her then at Jaggedsky and lastly up into the sky.

“You're right, We don't have time to Grieve, We must go back to your clan.” She said. Icepaw noded and took it upon herself to lead them back. Willow looked back once more pain in her voice as she looked at Jaggedskys lifeless corpse.

“Goodbye Jaggedsky..” She muttered and then turned back too Icepaw. She caught up too the apprentice and they started on their way, back home.

## Chapter 26

Froststar and Stormtail walked past the ridge. Their tails lifted and ears perked as they tried to catch a scent. The ground had a thin layer of frost on it and the wind was crisp with the warning of Leafbare coming soon. Suddenly Stormtail rushed forward. Froststar sniffed the air and smelt Rabbit, she pushed herself forwards trying to keep up with Stormtail when suddenly she saw him falter, his paw hitting a patch of Ice and flattering too the side. Froststar watched in Horror as his back legs also took a turn and fell off the edge of the ridge. Stormtails claws grabbed lightly onto the stone and he continued to slip over the edge.

“Froststar help!” He called. Froststar stood there in front of his staring down at him. She took in a swift breath when she saw her mother's fur reflected in Stormtail. Her fur standing on end. Stormtail hissed again. “Froststar! Quick!” But Froststar couldn't hear him, she could only look down at him and try not to cry, seeing her mother clinging to the edge with her life. She blinked it away but when she looked back it still wasn't stormtail. This time laying in front of her was Bitterstar clinging on with his life. “FROSTSTAR!” Stormtail hissed loud. Froststar suddenly came to the realization and ran up to him reaching forward and grabbing his scruff. She felt all his weight as she pulled him up. She gasped as she felt the ground under her crumbling. Using all of her strength she pulled Stormtail the rest of the way up, nearly throwing him over the edge as the ground crumbled under Froststar and she fell down. Feeling the rocks beat her as she fell down and tear her pelt. When she hit the ground with a thud she tried to sit up but her vision blurred and she dropped her head down again. When she opened them again she was looking around in a starry field.

“Starclan's Hunting Grounds! Am I Dead!” She gasped. Suddenly a cat she recognized walked out of the shadows. Stars glittering her pelt.

“Froststar you are not dead yet, you are simply losing a life.” She said.

“Mom!” Froststar said running up to her and pressing herself against her fur. She felt her mother purr as they stood their for a few seconds before Froststar backed up.

“Go back, Stormtail is waiting for you.” Berrysplash said and pressed her nose too Froststars. Froststar suddenly felt a rush and sat back up. She was back in the ravine with Stormtail washing her.

“Froststar, Please wake up.” He muttered and Froststar sat up.

“It's okay Stormtail, I'm okay.” She said. Stormtail jumped up and then purred.

“Oh you're safe.” He said pressing his nose into her neck fur. “You were cold as Ice, I was so worried!” He said. Froststar purred and looked up at him.

“Thank you Stormtail.” She said. He seemed surprise at the tone o her mew.

“Well you're my Leader and one of my Closest friend.” He said placing his tail on hers. Froststar let out a light laugh and wrapped her tail around his.

“Stormtail, I think I'm ready to take a Mate.” She said. The fur on Stormtails neck raised as he glanced away his eyes glazing over.

“Who” He asked dryly wiping his tail away from her tail and wrapping it around his paws away from her.

“Mouse Brain!” She said sitting up and cuffing him over the ears with her tail “I mean you.”

“R-Really.” Stormtail stuttered feeling everything within him warm up.

“Yes, I do.” She said and wrapped her tail around his. Suddenly their was a hiss from above them.

“Stormtail! Froststar I found you! We need you quick!” The cat called down. “Icepaws back!”

## Chapter 27

Willow and Icepaw had left a few Moons and we're now getting close to the camp. Icepaw took a deep breath and prepared herself for the storm of questions she would be getting once they entered the camp. Willow took the lead and Icepaw followed her right behind her. Willow stepped into the camp and stood silent till there was a sudden hiss.

“A Loner in our Territory!” Foxtail hissed as he walked out of the nursery. Seastorm popped his head out of the Warrior den and gasped running up too Willow.

“Willowpaw! Is it really you!” Seastorm gasped.

“It's just Willow now, But it's great to see you Seapaw!”

“It's Seastorm now, I'm a Warrior and a..”

“Father!”

“How did you know?”

“I found your Kit, that's how.’ Willow said and Icepaw took a few steps out from behind her.

“I'm...Back..” She said nervously. Quick as a gust of wing Seastorm ran over and picked up Icepaw curling her up into a small cat cocoon.

“Icepaw! I was so worried about you!” Seastorm gushed. Greypaw and Whitestreek were the next cats out.

“Icepaw!” They said in unison and ran over. Seastorm moved his tail and showed that Icepaw was safe and sound.

“I was so worried about you!” Greypaw said and climbed up next to her “Where did you go!’

“It's a long story, I can tell later.” Icepaw said. Suddenly there was movement at the edge of the camp. Froststar and Stormtail burst in.

“Icepaw!” They called in unison and ran over. As Stormtail gushed over Icepaws return Froststar suddenly looked at Willow her mouth wide.

“Willowpaw, Is it really you?” Froststar asked. Willow let out a groan.

“It's just Willow now.” She said and then recognized Froststar.

“Frosteye! My Mentor!” Willow gasped.

“Froststar now.” She said puffing out her chest. Foxtail was the next too speak up.

“You know these cats?” He growled. Stormtail shot him a dirty look.

“If you hadn't been such an Ignorant brat as an Apprentice you would recognize Willow as Seastorm’s sister and one of our lost Apprentices. She left too be a Loner when we got too these mountains.” Stormtail growled. Foxtail just lifted his nose and walked back to the nursery.

“Icepaw, You have a lot of explaining to do.” Froststar said turning from Willow too the Apprentice.

“Alright..” Icepaw said and told the cats waiting around her what happened.

“And That's how me and Willow got back.” She finished.

“I See, Well we will need to talk about this later but right now i'm just glad you're back, and Willow, I want to offer you too join our clan as a Warrior.” Froststar said. Willow looked taken aback and then placed her paw down and looked at the ground

“That is a really big offer Froststar, But I must decline, My heart lies in being free as a loner.” She said, Seastorms heart sunk but he respected his sister's decision and rubbed his cheek against hers placing a paw on her back as well.

“I will miss you just as much as I did when I was an Apprentice Willow, Thank you for saving my daughter.” He said. Willow hugged him back then let go of him.

“At least have a piece of fresh kill.” Icepaw said and carried a small bird too her.

“Alright one more with my brother before I leave again.” She said sitting down.

“Let me share tongues with you one last time Willow.” Seastorm said and lay down next to Willow starting to groom her. Willow let out a loud purr.

“Thank you.” She said and started to eat. Foxtail walked back out of the nursery and over too Froststar.

“Is this entire clan going to be made of Rogues!” He hissed using his tail too refer to Willow laying down and eating.

“She is simply staying for a meal after her long travels, She will leave tonight.” Froststar hissed. Foxtail walked back to the nursery satisfied with his answer. Froststar ignored him and continued too the fresh kill pile taking a bird. She sat down when a rustling in the bushes alerted her. She sighed and relaxed when she noticed it was just a hunting patrol coming back. Whitestreek laid her catch down then glanced over at Seastorm and noticed Icepaw and Greypaw. Froststar purred watching Whitestreek run over and start to lecture Icepaw. Then turn too Willow and hiss. Froststar imagined it would take a while for Seastorm to convince his mate that Willow was just his sister. Suddenly Stormtail came up beside Froststar and laid his tail over her.

“I'm so glad Icepaw came back, She had me really worried.” He said.

“Yeah, Now we just need Bluetooth and Tigerflame.” Froststar sighed.

“If they don't want to freeze they will need to come back soon.” Stormtail sighed. Suddenly if on Stormtails command. Froststar felt a small flake of snow land on her nose.

“The first snow of Leafbare.” She said and watched as the white flakes started too land on the ground and on cats alike.

## Chapter 28

A Moon has Passed since Icepaw had returned and she had been training twice as hard. The clan was excited and thought it might have been a sign that their medicine cat and warrior might be returning but so far Bluetooth and Tigerflame still hadn't come back. Froststar was suddenly brought back to her senses as Frozenfang pressed his paws too her stomach.

“Yup, Froststar, You we're right.” He said. Froststar sighed and got up.

“Thank you, I will be making an announcement too the clan later.” She said “After telling my mate.” She finished. Frozenfang noded. Froststar walked to her den then looked over at Stormtail. Using her tail too summon him inside she added.

“I need to talk too you.”

“Alright.” He said and jumped up onto the ledge after her. Going into her den. Froststar sat down and curled her tail around her legs. Stormtail sat next to her and placed his paw on hers placing his nose against her head.

“What is it Froststar, You seem shaken up.” He asked her quietly.

“That’s because I am.” She said slowly. Stormtail waited for her to continue “Frozenfang told me my assumptions we're true, we're having Kits.” She said. Stormtails eyes lit up at this news.

“Really!” He gasped.

“Yes, I wouldn't lie about something like that.” Froststar said and found herself curling her tail around his “I'm just worried about how the clan will react.” She sighed.

“Don't worry, You should just announce it so we wont be keeping secrets.” Stormtail said. Froststar noded.

“That’s what I planned to do” She said and then stood up walking to the ledge where she gave clan meetings. “All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather under the highledge for a clan meeting.” She called. Cats came out of their dens looking around and murmuring.

“Is she making Icepaw a warrior?”

“She couldn't, She's only four Moons old!”

“But what else is their?”

“Will she announce Bluetooth and Tigerflame are dead?”

“But they aren't!”

“They must be, they have been gone for nearly three moons!”

“Yeah, You're right..”

“Cats of Frostclan, I have an announcement.” Froststar said. The murmuring died down as the cats stopped too listen too Froststar. She took a deep breath and continued. “I'm bearing kits!” She called. Their was silence then the clan burst out with questions.

“Who’s the father!”

“Was it Tigerflame! Maybe that’s why he left!”

“He left too long ago for that.”

“Maybe he's hiding!”

“Who will take your place!”

“Silence!” She called then continued “The father, along with the cat who will take my place until the kits are Born and old enough to live without milk is none other than my Loyal Deputy Stormtail!” She said. Stormtail walked out beside her and the clan erupted in more questions. But one grief stricken yowl was louder than the rest.

“Stormtail!? How could you abandon me!” Flurryface hissed. Froststar noticed the shock on her face and realized Stormtail had never properly broken up with Flurryface leaving her too only find out now “We had beautiful kits! Do you not care about me or them!” She hissed protectively wrapping her tail around Harshpaw and Everpaw. Stormtail let his tail untwine from Froststars and looked down at his former mate.

“Flurryface, there was a time I loved you with all my heart, but that time is not any longer and my heart belongs too Froststar, Harshpaw and Everpaw, you will always be my kits and I will always be your father.” he said and let his eyes fall on his two kits sitting by Froststar. “But that does not mean I am any less a father too Froststars kits.” He finished and stepped back. Froststar stepped forward.

“I will be moving to the nursery any day now, and till the kits can live on their own Stormtail will be taking my place as leader.” She said and jumped down from her ledge. Before any of the cats could split up Stormtail walked forward.

“Till my kits are born I will be unable to take care of my Leader and Deputy duties alone, I say these words before starclan, So the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The deputy of Frostclan until Froststar can serve as leader again will be Cloudjump” Stormtail said and used his tail too summon the Cloudy warrior.

“Thank you Stormtail.” He said walking up and sitting next too Froststar at the base of the rock. As the clan started to break up Stormtail and Froststars ears twitched as two cats came walking from the forest into camp. Froststar gasped as she noticed who it was, two recognizable pelts with a powdering of snow on them. In each of their jaws a kit dangled along with another on the orange Warriors back.

“Tigerflame and Bluetooth!”

## Chapter 29

“Tigerflame and Bluetooth!” Froststar repeated running through the crowd over too the two adult cats. Bluetooth set down the kit in her jaws and looked at Froststar.

“I got lost while looking for herbs and found these kits.” She said referring too the two on Tigerflame. Tigerflame set down the other kit and then grabbed the one on his back setting it down as well.

“I found her only a few sunsets ago and helped her care for the kittens till we were able to  bring them here Safely.” Tigerflame said as the kits started to crawl around at his paws. Froststar walked up and looked down at the kits laying at the two cats feet then back up at them.

“Well, it is great too see you back, I will bring these kits too Dovewhisker and she can take care of them with her five kits till they can live on their own.” Frosysyat said picking up one of the kits. Tigerflame picking up another and Bluetooth lifting up the last. They carried them over and Froststar was the first to enter the den setting down the kit. Dovewhisker looked up and gasped.

“Bluetooth! Tigerflame!!” She gasped a hiss guiding her second word. Froststar nodded.

“They found these kits and we ask that you will feed them till they can feed themselves.” Froststar said. Bluetooth set down her kit and glanced at Dovewhisker.

“Wow, I'm proud of Frozenfang helping you deliver that litter.” Bluetooth said looking at the five kits nustled up against Dovewhiskers stomach. She smiled up at Bluetooth and used her tail too refer to them all.

“Thank you, Frozenfang did a really good job, This is Sagekit, Flykit, Dawnkit, Slatekit and lastly the runt Smallkit.” She said referring to a small kit nustled against her stomach, much smaller than the rest, Bluetooth glanced over at the three kits and saw they we're much bigger. But they still needed milk. Dovewhisker used her tail and guided them over to her stomach.

“Froststar, once your milk comes can you take them, I can take them till you can but with my five kits it will be hard.” She said, Froststar nodded and then looked over at the empty space in the nursery.

“I will need to get Everpaw and Icepaw too make me a nest.” She said and then glanced at Bluetooth noticing the shock in her eyes.

“Froststar, Are you having kits?” She asked surprised. Tigerflames face mirrored the same reaction.

“You just missed a meeting, Froststar and Stormtail are having kits.” Dovewhisker said as she lied back down. Bluetooth shook the shock and purred.

“More kits for the clan means more warriors.” She said. Froststar nodded and then looked down at the kits.

“They will need names wont they?” She asked. Bluetooth glanced down at the kits then at Tigerflame and lastly at Froststar.

“We named them while we cared for them, Silverkit, Ferretkit and Squeakkit.” She said using her tail too show Froststar which ones she meant.

“Ferretkit, Silverkit and Squeakkit it is.” Froststar said and then turned out of the nursery walking over too Everpaw and Icepaw laying down next to the fresh kill pile.

“Before you get back to training Everpaw, can you and Icepaw please make me a next in the nursery?” Froststar asked them. The two apprentices got up cheerfully and gladly noded running over to the nursery. Tigerflame stayed at the nursery too watch Everpaw while Bluetooth walked back to her den. Suddenly their was a yowl from the warrior's den.

“Frozenfang Quick! Winterfur isn't getting up!” Seastorm yowled. Frozenfang ran out of the medicine den and Bluetooth caught up after him worrying.

“What happened!” Frozenfang demanded waking inside and seeing Winterfur peacefully laying down. But the stench of death hit him hard.

“Frozenfang! Have you given him anything recently?” Bluetooth demanded.

“I gave him Poppy seeds a few nights ago for his leg but that's all.” He said. Bluetooth used her tail too summon him back too the medicine den.

“Show me the Poppy seeds!” She hissed. Frozenfang glanced down and placed his paw in a pile of black seeds and brought them up too Bluetooth. She took a wiff and then looked down horrified.

“Those aren't Poppy seeds Frozenfang....” She said quietly “Those are Foxglove seeds.”

## Chapter 30

“F-Fox g-g-glove s-seed-d-ds” He stuttered looking up at Bluetooth in worry. “What do those do?”

“Foxglove seeds can lead to paralysis and heart failure.” Bluetooth said as if she was a recording turning away from Frozenfang and going back to the Warrior den.

“Bluetooth i'm sorry.” Frozenfang called after her but she didn't turn around to respond.

“Whitefoot must have eaten some bad prey Seastorm and he walks with Starclan now.” Bluetooth said coldly. Seastorm nodded grimly.

“Poor Winterfur...Poor Gullpaw...” He said nervously when like on command the small apprentice came bursting into the den.

“Winterfur!” He called when he saw Bluetooth and Frozenfang in the den he looked at them in worry. “Is Winterfur here? You aren't here because he got hurt did you!” He gasped. Bluetooth looked to the ground and Frozenfang took it upon himself to show the small cat his mentor laying down. “Oh phew he's just sleeping.” Gullpaw sighed.

“No, Gullpaw, Winterfur ate some bad prey and he walks with starclan now.” Frozenfang said solemnly.

“No! But my Training! I want to be a great warrior like Winterfur!” Gullpaw gasped and pushed his nose into Winterfur’s fur, feeling nothing but the cold of death.

“Don't worry, Stormtail will make sure that you have a new mentor.” Seastorm tail wrapping his tail around Gullpaw protectively. Gullpaw moved away his claws unsheathing.

“I don't want a new mentor! I want Winterfur!” He hissed at Frozenfang and then ran out too the Apprentice den. Frozenfang looked down and sighed, knowing how hurt he would be if Bluetooth died. He was brought back when he saw Bluetooth lean forward and grab Winterfurs scruff he ran forward helping her lift him up and helping carry him out.

“Get ready for lots of questions.” Bluetooth said dryly too Frozenfang.

“Yeah...” He snapped and continued forward trying to take the most of Winterfurs weight.

~~~

Icepaw ran ahead of Stormtail. They we're on a border patrol along with Tigerflame, Everpaw, Cloudjump, Greypaw, Foxtail and Harshpaw. Just a few nights before Winterfur had falled ill in his sleep and left the clan. Gullpaw had been re-apprenticed to Whitestreek and they have been training hard since. Tigerflame and Everpaw had also been training hard to catch up after Tigerflame’s road trip. Icepaw suddenly slid to a stop and her ears twitched.

“I Smell another cat!” She gasped. Stormtail placed his tail on her shoulder.

“Icepaw, We're at the Cloudclan border.” He laughed flicking her ears. She looked down embarrassed.

“Whops...Sorry...” She said nervously. Everpaw ran up next to her.

“Hey it's alright, We all make mistakes.” She said. Suddenly Cloudjump paused.

“But he's right, I smell another cat and it's closer than Cloudclans sen marker.” He hissed his claws unsheathing. Stormtail sniffed the air and felt the fur on his spine rise.

“You're right, Come on Icepaw me and you will go ahead, the rest of the patrol please stay back.” Stormtail said and pulled himself on the ground. Straightening out his tail and walking forward like he was stalking prey. Icepaw followed him and they moved through the undergrowth slowly. Icepaw suddenly stiffened when she watched a small grey pelt flash before her. She sat up suddenly and saw a much smaller apprentice then her jump from a tree and land on a bird bringing it to the ground.

“Look! Jetfoot I caught a bird!” She said lifting her tail and looking around. Icepaw suddenly felt Stormtails tail press against her and tell her to go forward.

“Go on, you're bigger than her and need practice.” He said. Icepaw fluffed her fur up and jumped out of the bush catching the small apprentice under her paws. She squealed in surprise and turned over.

“Hey what was that for!” She hissed up at Icepaw, Surprised by her size she gasped.

“You're on my Territory.” Icepaw spat at the small cat.

“I was?” She said nervously her tail lashing out from under her.

“Yes you are, Get up.” Icepaw demanded and got off the apprentice. The small apprentice sat up and shook herself. Her fluffy fur showing she was only just over six moons old.

“I'm sorry, I didn't sent the markers and didn't know I was, I can leave now.” She said and turned around but Stormtail walked out from the bushes and used his tail to pull her back.

“No you're not going back, we're bringing you back to the clan and we will figure out what to do then.” He said. Icepaw looked at her apologetically. She knew what it was like too get lost on her first day of apprentices. But Stormtail continued to lead her.

“What's your name?” Icepaw asked walking up next too her.

“My names Mousepaw, I was apprenticed right after last moon.” She said. Icepaw purred.

“Thats a nice name, My names Icepaw and This moon will be my fifth as an Apprentice.” She said. Suddenly Icepaw noticed the presence of the rest of the patrol.

“What did you find!” Harshpaw said running up too Icepaw. She purred and used her tail to point at Mousepaw.

“We found her.” She said. Greypaw was next to run up.

“Who are you!” He asked. Mousepaw shrunk away from his demanding niss and Icepaw hissed at him playfully.

“She accidentally strayed onto our territory and we're bringing her back to the clan to talk with Froststar.

“I see.” Greypaw said and then ran back to the front again too talk too Everpaw. Icepaw sighed.

“Soon Greypaw will be asking Everpaw to be his mate.” Icepaw sighed. Harshpaw purred in amusement.

“I'm not so sure about that, his attempts to woo her aren't exactly working, and she's pretty fed up with him.” Harshpaw laughed. Icepaw purred in amusement.

“Don't tell Greypaw that, he already has their kits names planned.” She said jokingly making Harshpaw purr. Mousepaw was the next too speak up.

“Are their any other apprentices in your clan?” She asked.

“Frostclan, and yes Gullpaw who is only a little older than you!” Icepaw said and purred. She felt the ground under her paws turn to stone and looked ahead to see that they were coming up on the camp.

“Come on Mousepaw! Let's go see Froststar!” Icepaw said and ran towards the Nursery.

“You're leaders in the nursery?” Mousepaw asked. Icepaw let out a sarcastic pur rolling her eyes.

“She's having kits.” She laughed.

“Oh Cool! I wonder if Brightstar will ever have kits.” She said and let her tail lift up. Suddenly Bluetooth and Frozenpaw came running into the camp from the forest. Herbs scattered around them as they stopped and Bluetooth yowled.

“Fire! There's a Fire in the Forest!”

## Chapter 31

Stormtail gasped and lead Mousepaw out of the nursery. He quickly jumped onto the highrock and let out a yowl loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Listen everyone! There's a fire in the forest! I need everyone's help, All Warriors need to help Dovewhisker, Froststar and the Kits! Apprentices! I need you too go too the medicine supply and have Frozenfang and Bluetooth give them what they can that you need to save, Mousepaw, Gullpaw and Cloudjump! I need you three too go too Autumclan and tell them that we are coming. Whitefoot, Foxtail, Tigerflame, Flurryface and Whitestreek help Dovewhisker, Froststar and the kits, Icepaw, Harshpaw, Everpaw and Greypaw! Go with Frozenfang and Bluetooth too the medicine den and scavenge what you can. Once you have done everything you can go too the Autumclan camp! I will be helping lostfoot!” He finished and then jumped down. Cats emediatley started too do what they needed but the first thing he noticed before going over too Lostfoots den was Tigerflame and Bluetooth we're missing. He couldn't worry about them now though, he could smell the smoke getting stronger and when he looked at the forest he could the the flickering orange. He burst into the den and saw Lostfoot sleeping peacefully in his nest. Stormtail quickly ran up next too him and pressed his nose into his neck.

“Wake up Lostfoot! Wake up.” He said. The elder slowly sat up and yawned stretching.

“What is it Stormtail, why are you so urgent?” He asked stretching his long leg.

“Get up, there's a fire we need to leave the camp Lostfoot!” Stormtail said. Lostfoot yawned and stretched.

“Stormtail I’m old and frail, it might be my time.” he said.

“What do you mean?”
 “I mean leave me here, go, help your mate and you're clan. The flames may take me they may not take me but if they do I wont be upset, i'm bound to join Starclan sometime soon.” He rasped. Stormtail looked down and saw determination in the elders eyes and knew he couldn't persuade him. He placed his paw on the older cats paw and sighed.

“Bye...” Stormtail paused and looked down “Dad.” He finally sighed. He suddenly felt a rush and opened his eyes looking around too see the camp. But when he saw the cats around him he recognized his friends and suddenly a familiar face came running into the camp.

“Quick! Littehawk has been hurt!” Berrysplash burst into the camp. He looked over and saw Littleblossom burst out of her den with Bluetooth following close behind. She looked small, just older then an apprentice. Suddenly Berrysplash ran straight up too him. “Come on Stormtail!” She gasped and then turned tail. Stormtail quickly picked himself up and ran after her. Suddenly he remembered. He wasn't much older then an Apprentice and had only just been given his own Apprentice Seapaw. He gasped when he saw his father on the ground. Bleeding from a wound on his back leg along with some smaller scratches. Littleblossom ran up to his leg and gasped when she looked at it.

“His leg is gone! Where is his leg!” She gasped looking around. She rested her gaze on Briarswirl.

“The fox must have taken it!” She gasped.

“There's nothing I can do to salvage his leg, Bluetooth give me some Cobwebs!” She said looking over at the much younger blue russian. She nodded and ran off, coming back seconds later with cobwebs in her jaws. “After I cover his leg I need help carrying him back so I can give him herbs and make sure he doesn't lose too much blood.” She said as she wrapped the stump where his leg was with cobwebs. Stormtail felt another rush and he was sitting down. He looked up at the highledge and saw Bitterstar sitting their.

“Spirits of StarClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what he is. By my authority as Clan leader, and with the approval of our warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this moment on he will be known as Lostfoot, for his lost foot to a Fox” He called. Stormtail looked in front of the leader and saw his father looking solemnly down. “Because of his disability he will also be moving the Elders den.” Bitterstar said. Stormtail watched helplessly as his father picked himself up and limped away to his shame. Walking to the elders den and laying down. Not looking at his Denmates. Stormtail felt the world shift around him and then came back to reality.

“Hurry up Stormtail, Go save your clan, I will see you in Starclan.” Lostfoot said and laid back down placing his tail over his nose and laying down. Stormtail prayed his father would be okay and survive the Fire when he ran back out over too the Nursery. Not nearly as long time as he thought had passed and he watched Froststar pick herself up picking Dawnkit up in her jaws and walking towards the entrance. Stormtail ran in and picked up Sagekit.

“What are you doing save Lostfoot!” Dovewhisker gasped and picked up Smallkit placing him on her back and picking up Flykit. Stormtail looked away and walked ahead of them. He looked behind him and saw that the camp was empty. He quickly ran and checked every den, refusing to go into the Elders den he finished and then turned away looking towards the entrance going towards Autumclan. He heard the kit in his jaws squeal and ran back with his clan. ‘You will be okay Lostfoot, I promise’ He said to himself and caught up behind Icepaw and Everpaw.

## Chapter 32

Stormtail followed the apprentices into camp and quickly found Dovewhisker setting down her kit by her. Her four other kits along with the mystery kits mewed gleefully at the kits return and continued to roll around her tail batting it and playing with it. Stormtail then turned towards Goldenstar’s den too see him standing there looking down at Frostclan worried.

“Stormtail thank goodness you are here, Did you all make it here safely?” He asked.

“Yeah we all made it here safe...” He said pausing to think about his father then coming back. “Thank you very much for letting us stay.” Stormtail said dipping his head too the leader. Goldenstar dipped his head as well.

“With your leader in the Nursery and many kits just born it must be hard.” Goldenstar said. Then his Deputy walked up next too him and whispered something in his ear. Goldenstar looked nervously over at the Nursery were Two worried cats sat talking.  “I have to check on something.” Goldenstar said worried and jumped down walking over to them. Blazepelt followed his leader over to the Nursery. Stormtail walked over and made his way farther in were Froststar laid down, Dovewhisker sat next to her using her tail too play with the older kittens.

“They are adorable, They opened their eyes when we got here.” Dovewhisker said. Stormtail looked down in awe at the three Kittens whose eyes were wide open. One that caught his eyes was the mostly blue one with dark brown stripes down his back. He had one dark green eye but the other one was a misty white. Stormtail used his tail too get the smaller kits attention and pulled it towards him. The small kit followed his tail and then looked up squeaking in surprise.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“I'm you're deputy, i'm also Froststars mate!” He said purring as the little kits eyes widened.

“Stormtail!” He squeaked in surprise.

“Yup.” He said and watched the small kit scramble over to his litter mates.

“Stormtails here look!” He said and pointed to him with his tail. The two other kits squeaked in surprise and ran over to him.

“So you're leading the clan right now!” One of them asked.

“Yes I am, but once Froststar has her kits and they are about as old as you Dovewhisker will be taking care of them and she will be resuming her duties as leader.” Stormtail said.

“I want to be leader one day!” The girl said jumping up and pushing her brothers head down.

“Hey, What if I want to be leader!” He hissed back playfully.

“Now come on, Mabey both of you will be leader one day.” Stormtail said rounding up the kits with his tail. He looked down at the one with the misty eye.

“Whats you're name.” He asked him specificly.

“My names Ferretkit! Silverkit is the blue one and Squeakkit is the loud one!” He said purring. Squeakkit pushed his head down.

“Hey i'm not that loud!” He growled playfully. Stormtail purred.

“Well Ferretkit can you come with me, Just you please.” Stormtail said getting up. Ferretkit looked shocked then got up.

“Alright Mister..” He said following Stormtail. He walked over to the medicine den and saw Acorncrest mixing herbs alongside Frozenfang and Leafstep. Frozenfang turned around and beamed at Stormtail.

“What do you need Stormtail?” He asked “I have been helping Acorncrest and Leafstep mix herbs.” He said and turned to see the kit.

“Yeah Frozenfang, could you take a look at Ferretkits eyes.” Stormtail said. Frozenfang looked down at the kit then back at Stormtail.

“Why is that?” He asked.

“Because his right eye is misty and i'm worried there might be something wrong with it.” He said. Ferretkit looked up at Stormtail glaring slightly.

“I can see fine, what are you talking about!” Ferretkit hissed fluffing up his soft fur trying to make himself look bigger.

“Come on, I bet you can but I want too make sure, better safe than sorry.” Stormtail said and then used his tail too bring Frozenfang closer.

“Alright Ferretkit, I'm going to cover your eye and I need you too tell me what you can see.” Frozenfang said grabbing a leaf on his claw and draping it over Ferretkits misty eye.

“I can still see fine, Se Stormtail I told you!” He said turning and sticking his tongue out at the deputy. Frozenfang purred in amusement.

“Come on, Let me cover your other eye.” He said. The kit turned back and opened his eyes wide puffing out his chest. Frozenfang draped the leaf over his eye and Ferretkit’s face flipped from being proud too being scared in seconds.

“What are you doing!” He gasped “You covered both my eyes! I can't see!” He said backing away from the leaf and looking around blinking as his expressions slowly calmed down.

“Ferretkit, let Frozenfang tell you what he knows.” Stormtail said wrapping his tail around the cat.

“Ferretkit, I'm sorry but it seems like you might be blind in one eye.” Frozenfang said. Ferretkit scrunched up his nose and looked away.

“No i'm not!” He said and moved Stormtail tail out of the way “You're just a bad medicine cat!” He yowled and ran back to the nursery. Stormtail got up too follow him Frozenfang’s tail stopped him.

“Let him talk too Dovewhisker and Froststar, they will help him.” He said. Stormtail sighed.

“If only he had his own parents to help him.” Stormtail said. Frozenfang sighed as well.

“Yeah, If only...”

## Chapter 33

Stormtail turned away from the medicine den and walked over too Whitefoot who was sitting outside the warrior's den. Seeming too wait for something.

“Hey Whitefoot.” Stormtail said walking over to the den and sitting next to him. Whitefoot glanced at him and worry flashed in his eyes for a second before he went back to his unreadable expression.

“Hey Stormtail.” He said looking away.

“Something wrong?” Stormtail asked. Whitefoot sighed and looked at him.

“Stormtail, Is it wrong too....Love....” He said slowly. Stormtail cocked his head slightly to the side.

“Well...I guess it really isn't wrong if you love someone...” He said. Whitefoot perked up slightly.

“Thank you.” He said. Stormtail watched his tail fluff up when he looked across the camp and saw a red and orange she-cat coming back from hunting. “Hey Firewillow!” He called. The she-cat looked at him and jumped in surprise. He couldn't read the rest of her expression when suddenly he felt a splash of water on his nose. He looked up and saw their was a thick cloud cover coming in and with it came rain. He sighed in relief and walked over to the Nursery were Froststar lay down sleeping. He smiled and layed down next to her falling asleep.

Stormtail woke too the sound of pawsteps and another cat's yowl.

“I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.” Stormtail heard Bluetooth against the rain.

“Maplekit! No!” a Shecat gasped running up too Bluetooth who dropped a small scrap of blackened fur on the ground in front of her.

“Maplekit!” A Tom gasped and jumped out of the Nursery. He looked over and saw his mate sitting in front of the dead kit. “What happened!” He gasped.

“I'm sorry, I tried to save them.” Bluetooth said looking down Tigerflame sat down to her awkwardly trying to hide the burn scars on his back legs.

“I tried to save it, but it was too late.” Tigerflame said.

“Her...You Tried to save her.” The she-cat said.

“And failed!” The tom hissed.

“Newtnose, They tried to save her the best they could.” The shecat said placing her tail on her mate's shoulder “Maplekit is in starclan with Snakekit and Breezekit.” She said.

“You're right Swandive..” He sighed and placed his nose against her neck fur “May Starclan honor her playful spirit.” He said and closed his eyes, Swandive did the same and sighed.

“She was almost an apprentice to.” Goldenstar said padding up too the couple. “Thank you Bluetooth and Tigerflame for trying to save our cat at the risk of you're own lives, now both of you go too the medicine den and get yourselves checked.” Goldenstar said and padded away. Bluetooth and Tigerflame picked themselves up sleepily and walked over to the medicine den too tired too wash the water off their pelts as they fell asleep in the den. Stormtail wasn't tired and he sat down outside the nursery letting the water wash over him and keep him awake.

Soon the rain parted to reveal the sun starting to come over the horizon and light up the camp with bright colors as if the fire never happened. Stormtail stretched and started to lick his drenched pelt. He lifted his tail and waved too Tigerflame as he stumbled out of the Medicine den. Only now noticing how badly burned he was. When he sat down he winced slightly as the dirty ground pressed against his flank and made his scars burn. Another warrior walked out of the warrior den his tail held high when he glanced over at Tigerflame and stopped dead in his tracks. The orange and brown tom hadn't noticed the cat staring at him as he washed his paws until he said something.

“You! We killed you!” He hissed. Tigerflame’s head shot up at this, his tongue still hanging out mid-lick. He placed his paw on the ground and scowled at him.

“You left me too die! I dragged myself too Frostclan’s camp and they brought me in, saved me from the horrible injuries you gave me!” Tigerflame growled. The cat still looked just as surprised.

“You were a Rogue, Kittypet probably with how bad you fought, and what did Froststar do? Just let you become a warrior?” The cat tainted.

“Yeah actually, and I can fight just as well as my clanmates!” Tigerflame growled back getting up onto four legs.

“Fight me then, Right now.” The cat said standing up taller. Tigerflame looked around for help but Stormtail didn't dare intervene and everyone else was asleep.

“Fine.” Tigerflame growled and launched himself at the tom. He looked surprised for a second at Tigerflame’s willingness to fight but was quickly able to pull himself up onto his back legs and dig his claws into Tigerflames shoulder. Bringing him down to the ground with a long thud. Tigerflame gasped as he hit the ground but quickly wriggled free and swiped at the tom catching his cheek and leaving a bleeding scratch. The cat growled and leapt on him letting out a furious hiss. At this points cats were waking up and starting to come out of their den to see what was going on. The tom had pinned down Tigerflame his paw resting on the orange and brown warriors neck.

“Any last words?” He hissed and pressed his paw down. Suddenly their was a loud thump and the Tom was knocked off Tigerflame.

“Warriors Don't Kill!” Goldenstar hissed standing over Tigerflame and looking straight at the tom who was splayed on his side from the much larger leaders shove “You should know that Halfleap.”

“B-But he was a Rouge!” He gasped pulling himself back onto his four legs “Why shouldn't I kill him!” He hissed his hostility back right away.

“Because he has a clan he protects now, He tried to save your daughters kit!” Goldenstar growled referring to Maplekit.

“Tried, but didn't succeed.” He hissed.

“But he tried, and that's what matters, now get up and go on border patrol, I will be speaking with you later.” Goldenstar said using his tail to point towards the entrance. Halflead looked frightened at the mention of talking later, but quickly picked himself up and walked over to the tunnel, leaving.

“Thank you Goldenstar..” Tigerflame panted as he got up and started to wash himself.

“Tigerflame what are you doing out their!” Bluetooth gasped when she saw his mangled fur. She looked as if she had just woke up and did not show any signs of seeing what just happened between Halfleap and Tigerflame.

“Nothing, I'm coming back now dear.” Tigerflame hissed at her. Bluetooth sat up using a single claw to make a slitting throat action and then used her tail too summon him inside.

“Come on, I need to put herbs on you're burns.” She hissed and walked inside. Tigerflame stumbled in after her still tired from his skirmish.

## Chapter 34

Nearly a Moon passed. Frostclan moved back to their Territory after a small skirmish with Cloudclan over their Apprentice Mousepaw. Froststar gave birth to her kits, Two healthy kits, a She-cat and a Tom. Bitterkit after Bitterstar and Splashkit after Berrysplash. They rebuilt the camp and as New-Leaf greens started to grow the prey came back and Frostclan was thriving. But today was a very special day for four apprentices.

“Dad, I'm all clean now let me go!” Icepaw playfully pushed her paws into her father's chest trying to get away from him.

“Come on Icepaw, you're becoming a warrior, let me wash you one more time.” Seastorm said playfully pulling her back. She groaned and nodded.

“Alright fine.” She obliged and let him finish washing her. Quickly after that she ran to sit next to  her brother, Everpaw and Harshpaw.

“Are you ready?” Everpaw asked.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Icepaw said puffing out her chest in pride. Froststar jumped up onto the ledge and called out.

“All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here under the ledge for a clan meeting.” She called. The cats all walked out, murmuring about Froststar’s appearance.

“Aren't her kits still too young?”
 “Shouldn't she be in the nursery?”

“Stormtail should be here.”
 “Cats of Frostclan.” Froststar called getting the attention of the rest of the clan. “We have gathered here to see over the Warriorship of four apprentices, they have reached the age of twelve moons and now it is time too give them their warrior names. “I, Froststar, leader of Frostclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. they have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn. Icepaw, Everpaw, Harshpaw and Greypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” Froststar called summoning th four apprenticed up towards the leader.

“I do!” They said in unison.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Icepaw, from this moment you will be known as Iceheart. StarClan honors your loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Frostclan. Everpaw, from this moment you will be known as Everwing. StarClan honors your honesty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Frostclan.Harshpaw, from this moment you will be known as Harshtongue. StarClan honors your courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Frostclan. Greypaw, from this moment you will be known as Greybush. StarClan honors your initiative, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Frostclan.” Froststar said and then jumped down from the ledge placing her nose on all of the cats foreheads signifying them becoming warriors.

“Iceheart, Everwing, Harshtongue, Greybush!” The clan called in rhythm for the cats. Froststar used her tail too quiet the clan and then jumped down walking over to the Nursery where her kits were nestled up against Dovewhisker.

That night Iceheart, Everwing, Harshtongue and Greybush sat outside the camp for their Vigil. Iceheart and Everwing were placed at the back entrance while Harshtongue and Greybush were at the front entrance. Iceheart and Everwing sat next to each other watching the bushes when suddenly Iceheart smelled a scent unknown to her. The hair on the back of her neck stood up as she looked around trying too place where the scent was coming from. She lifted her tail and prodded Everwing, Making her jump slightly she looked over at Iceheart confused.

“Stay here, I scent another cat.” Iceheart said and slunk away into the undergrowth leaving Everwing sitting outside the camp nervously waiting. Iceheart crouched down sniffing the ground. Finally she found the sent and followed it. It didn't take long till Iceheart heard leaves crackling beneath pads and turned her head. She saw it. The silhouette of the cat outlined against the night. Iceheart raised her tail puffing it out ready for a fight. But the cat stepped towards her not seeming threatening at all.

“Please, Whoever you are, I need help.” She said. Iceheart looked her up and down, She looked healthy and well fed but the look in her eyes told Iceheart something was seriously.

“What do you need.”

“I need help, I have a group of hungry and scared cats that need a home.”

“Bring me to them.”

“Okay.” The cat said lifting her tail. “My name is Ocean by the way, what about you?” She asked.

“Iceheart of Frostclan.” She said cooly and followed the older cat. She seemed to be the leader of this so-called group of cats.

Iceheart was surprised at the size of the group of cats, they seemed like a clan.

“Iceheart, We need your help, Rush, Snake, Ashen and Dew all have kits too take care of and they need a much more suitable place then this.” Ocean said. Iceheart looked around at the scared cats, all looking around worried but he noticed, some of them looked at her and their eyes alone seemed to be enough to make Iceheart’s heart twist. She looked behind her and back at the clan.

“I will help you, stay here.” She said and dove out of the bushes where they we're hidden. She took off running through the bushes, bursting into the camp she ran straight to Froststar’s Den. She jumped up into it and slid next to her leader bumping her slightly. “Froststar!” She whispered urgently.

“What! Is something wrong?!” Froststar asked getting up immediately.

“Don't wake up the entire clan, I need just you.” Iceheart said.

“What? Why?! You're supposed to be on vigil!” Froststar hissed.

“Come on, it's important!” She said and dove back out. Looking behind her she sighed in relief as Froststar jumped out after her. Iceheart lead the leader outside and too Ocean who was still waiting outside the group of cats.

“Iceheart! What is it!” Froststar gasped again sliding up behind Iceheart “And who are you!” She gasped looking at Ocean.

“My names Ocean and we need help!” She said. Froststar looked at Ocean then Iceheart.

“What is it?” She asked.

“This.” Ocean said and lead Froststar too the group of cats. The cats all looking up at Froststar with pleading eyes. “I need somewhere to live.”

“I have a plan.” Froststar said “But i need you're help.”

## Chapter 35

“Ocean, pick two cats that you trust the most and follow me.” said Froststar. “Iceheart, go back to the clan and tell Stormtail I’m ok and not to worry about me.” Froststar told her warrior.

“I will.” Iceheart said as she ran off into the woods. Ocean came back a bit later having  picked Shade and Ice.

“Come on you two we need to move now so we can cover more ground.  Ocean said.

Ocean, Ice and Shade followed Froststar out of the forest.

“Come on, let’s go.” Froststar said leading the three cats “What do you guys want in a territory?”

“We need somewhere safe.” Ice said. Shade looked at him letting out a playful purr.

“Of course we want something safe Ice, but I know a lot of our cats are very daring and would enjoy a challenge.” Shade said. Froststar listened to them and purred raising her tail.

“I know where to go.” She said and bound ahead. The three cats followed her.

After a bit of running Froststar lead the cats too a staircase like area and lead them down it.

“I think this is the place, in the lower area we have safe places for sleeping, even a place for a leader too sit.” Froststar said, suddenly Shade let out a gasp followed by a hiss.

“Froststar! There's a dead cat down here!” She gasped. Froststar ran over to her and it only took her seconds to recognize the ragged pelt.

“Bitterstar! We never removed his body!” She gaped and ran over. The former Frostclan leader's body had rotted around into the ground and all you could see was his bones and some scrappy fur left on his bones.

“Bitterstar?” Ocean asked the fur on her neck standing up.

“The former leader of Frostclan, he fell off that cliff.” She said pointing to the large cliff.

“Oh...” Oceanstar said “How many cats have you lost too this cliff?” She

“Berrysplash, Cinderfeather....Bitterstar..I lost a life falling off it..” She said getting more nervous each time.

“How are you alive!!” Ocean gasped.

“Leaders have nine lives to protect their clan.” Froststar said sitting down.

“Okay, Well I guess we can live here.” Ocean turning to Ice and Shade.

“That's not all, if you live with us you act like us, You will become a clan leader, Oceanstar and you're group of rogues will become a clan.” Froststar said. Ocean looked at her perplexed.

“What do you mean.” She asked. Froststar jumped up onto the rock to be used as a highrock.

“You will become a clan! And you will be Ridgeclan!”

## Chapter 26

Nearly a moon passed, Bluetooth and Frozenfang brought Antshade and Oceanstar too the Mooncave to give Oceanstar her nine lives. Leafstep, Acorncrest and Icefeather all got too meet Antshade and learn about Ridgeclan, all agreeing to tell their clan about them.

Now it was the night of the gathering, too be exact, Ridgeclan’s first gathering and the one where Froststar was going to explain why they are here. Froststar had her cats together and had sent Iceheart too go get Oceanstar and her cats. Froststar lead her group down to the cave and her cats filed in, Cloudclan and Autumclan were already their, worrying Froststar that Oceanstar might not be able to make it. But soon she saw the grey tabby running down the slope and showing up in the ravine. Brightstar looked surprised while Goldenstar was focused on the she-cat running down the slope. Oceanstar looked up at the the three leaders curiously. Froststar used her tail too summon her up next to her, scooting over slightly getting a hiss from Brightstar she made room for her. Oceanstar jumped up and looked over all the cats.

“Iceback will you sit next too Strongheart, Blazepelt and Stormtail.” Froststar said using her tail too bring the warrior closer. He sat down resulting in a surprised glance from Strongheart and Blazepelt.

“I will start.” Froststar said and stood up. Brightstar hissed and stood up.

“You should start by explaining who these cats are!” She hissed. Froststar glared at her and continued.

“Yes, These cats are Ridgeclan, Earlier this moon me and my clan gave up the cliff of our territory for these cats to live, they follow our code and promise to be fair with us.” Froststar said. Strongheart suddenly jumped up.

“What are you too make all of the decisions about our territories!” She hissed gaining a nod from Brightstar.

“Me and My clan gave them our territory and we don't plan to take any more territory from you, I think we have the right to grant them the ability to come to the Moonpool and our gatherings.” Froststar said calmly.

“Moonpool! Icefeather, did you know about this!” Brightstar hissed down at her medicine cat. The cat looked up at her a noded.

“Yes and I agree with Froststar, They gave up their territory they can live with us.” The older medicine cat said calmly.

“More Clans mean more trouble!” Brightstar hissed “Look the clouds are even covering the moon!” She said and pointed her tail up at the moon with whisps of clouds quickly covering it i terror. “This gathering is over!” She hissed and jumped off the rock diving down and running off, taking her clan with her. Goldenstar glanced at Oceastar longingly but jumped down anyway taking his clan with him. Oceanstar was nearly shaking as she called to her clan and jumped down, stumbling before they left the cave. Leaving only Froststar and her clan sitting in the cave.

“Did we do something wrong...” Froststar said looking down at Stormtail “Did we make the wrong mistake.” She said looking up at the moon that was covered by wisps of clouds “Starclan, How can you be angry. We helped cats...Is that wrong?”

A few sunrises passed and Ridgeclan was still settling into their home. Froststar visiting them daily making sure they knew she would clear it up with Cloudclan and she planned too that afternoon. Also bringing up the scents of Cloudclan cats showing up past their border. Froststar and Stormtail figured that it was only the wind blowing scents over but they still planned to ask. Iceheart, Everwing, Gullpaw and his Mentor  we're now out on hunting patrol, close to the border they shared with Ridgeclan. They had a much different scent than Frostclan, very whispy reminding Iceheart of the fields when she and Jaggedsky had gone looking for Blazespeck. Iceheart was brought out of her daze when Everwing swiped her tail over her ear.

“Iceheart I asked you a question.” Everwing hissed at her.

“Oh sorry, what was it?” Iceheart asked. Everwing glared at her and swiped her tail over her muzzle.

“Be quiet!” She hissed in a whisper “I asked did you hear that?” Everwing finished. Iceheart lifted her ears and noticed the slight sound of crunching leaves.

“It's coming from that way.” Whitestreek said pointing her tail towards a part of the forest right by Ridgeclan’s border. The cats all quickly started to move that way silently through the forest.

Iceheart gasped when she saw that right across the border between Frostclan and Ridgeclan was Brightstar and Strongheart leading many different cats Iceheart didn't recognize across the border towards Ridgeclan.

“Their going to force them out!” Iceheart gasped. In seconds Whitestreeks tail was across her muzzle telling her to be silent.

“Come on we need to save Ridgeclan.” Iceheart said stepping forward.

“Me and Gullpaw will go get Froststar and some of her cats so we can help, you and Everwing follow them and make sure nobody gets hurt.” Whitestreek said and used her tail to lead her apprentice away. Iceheart looked at Everwing letting her friend calm her down before she started inching forwards. The two of them side by side. Cloudclan had gotten ahead of them enough so they couldn't see them but their scent lingered in the air. Iceheart jumped when she heard Brightstar’s loud hiss ring through the air.

“Ridgeclan, We have not accepted you into you're territory!” She called over the casm “We have come too force you out, if we must kill we will. Oceanstar bring you're strongest Warriors, we will not fight apprentices or anything younger unless it comes to that.” Brightstar finished. Everwing and Iceheart had just enough time to move up close enough behind so they could see Ridgeclan jumping up over the edge too stand in front of Brightstar.

“We have been gifted the right too live here, and you can't take that from us! Ridgeclan will fight too the death too keep this home.” Oceanstar hissed the fur on her neck standing up.

“Fine, if you insist.” Brightstar said looking back at her warriors then at Oceanstar. “Cloudclan attack!” She called. Her warriors jumped at Ridgeclan, but too Iceheart and Everwing’s surprise the Ridgeclan cats fought back fiercely, Brightstar also seemed surprised when she used her tail too summon herself and three other cats who sat outside of the fighting into the fight, trying to push Ridgeclan back. As soon as she joined the fight though Ridgeclan faltered and started being pushed back.

“We need to help them!” Iceheart gasped but Everwing laid her tail on her friend's shoulder.

“We will get torn to shreds if we do, just wait Whitestreek and Gullpaw will be back with Stormtail and Froststar any second now.” She said. But it seemed too late when suddenly their was an ear piercing shriek and the fighting went silent.

“They killed Leopardeye!” Oceanstar gasped running over to the dead warrior who lay on the ground. Above her was standing a large muscular tom with a orange pelt. He shook his paw scattering small drops of blood across the stone.

“Good job Lionstorm, now will you retreat?” Brightstar asked half mockingly.

“I'm sorry we seemed to cause enough trouble that you would kill another cat, we must leave now.” Oceanstar said using her tail too round up her cats, one of them grabbing Leopardeye by the scruff. Iceheart dove forward but before she could say anything another, much louder voice spoke up.

“No you wont be leaving Oceanstar, because we will fight for you!” Froststar said diving over Iceheart. After her streamed multiple Frostclan cats as the surrounded Cloudclan. “What's your plan now Brightstar, two clans against one.” Froststar taunted.

## Chapter 37

Brightstar hissed furiously “Froststar! Why are you so persistent in letting them stay! More clans mean more trouble!”

“Because, we were in her place once, do you remember?” She yowled back remembering when she and Brightpaw were only apprentices and lived off too the side of Thunderclan, Riverclan, Windclan and Shadowclan, being cast out and even having their leader killed. She shook her head and looked back at Brightstar “I will protect this clan with my life if I have too!” She glared at Brightstar not noticing Strongheart getting ready to pounce.

“No! We planned this battle and we will finish it!” She said diving towards Froststar, using the few seconds of surprise she had to cling onto the Frostclan leaders neck. Stormtail dove towards her but Brightstar knocked him off balance and onto the ground. The rest of the cats exploded into hissing and spitting balls of fur and fury. There were a few seconds of only fighting when Strongheart let out a yowl.

“Listen to me now! I don't want this clan here and neither does my clan, I will kill this cat over and over again until she is dead unless you kill me first!” She hissed. Stormtail looked down and his jaw dropped when he saw Froststar laying under Strongheart useless. He saw a wispy white outline of a cat float away from her body signifying her life gone. He watched as she slowly sat up, more blood oozing from her neck when Strongheart roughly shoved her shoulder back into the ground, a fresh wave of blood gurgling out of Froststar’s neck and her head slamming into the ground. Stormtail looked up at Strongheart who had her head raised towards the clouds her muzzle and teeth crimson from Froststar’s blood. Stormtail took Brightstar’s few seconds of surprise to knock her off and dive at Strongheart knocking her off Froststar. He pinned her down hissing at her. Strongheart wasn't fazed and just looked up at Stormtail a smug look on her muzzle. “What's the worst you can do? Kill your sister? You wouldn't do that would you?” She asked playfully. Stormtail pinned his ears down on the back of his head. He remembered back too when he and Strongkit were with their mother Skyfur, their father Littlehawk coming to visit the two kits.

“Is she getting better?” Littlehawk would always ask and the answer was always no. The expected her to die, she was born sick and during a storm that washed away all of Littleblossom’s supplies but in a miracle of life Strongkit survived, gaining her the name Strongkit after her sudden Strong return. She and Stormkit would always play, when they we're apprentices and Stormpaw wanted help talking too Frostpaw, Strongheart was their too help. When Strongheart was worried Stormtail was their to help her, but that all changed when Cloudclaw took Skyfur and Strongheart to live with him in Cloudclan while Littlehawk made Stormtail stay in Frostclan and the two were separated. Stormtail shook his head and noticed no time had passed. He was still pinning down his sister and she was still looking up at him smugly.

“So what do you do?” She asked. Stormtail stepped back off her.

“Fine, You win.” He said. Strongheart still had her smug grin as she stood up lifting her head too say something but before she could Stormtail slammed into her sending her towards the edge of the cliff. He watched her back legs slip off the edge and her claws gripp weakly into the rock. “The old fake win trick, can't believe you still fall for it.” he said. Strongheart looked up at him pleadingly.

“T-this is a joke right...Haha very funny now help me up!” She said hissing the last part.

“Why?” Stormtail asked questioningly “Why should I help you?” He asked sheathing and unsheathing his claws.

“Come on, I'm you're sister! You wouldn't let your sister fall would you?” She said struggling not to worry.

“Maybe...But what if you're sister killed your clan leader and mate..” He said running his paw across the stone in front of Strongheart “Who was nursing kits...” He finished. Strongheart looked up at him terrified.

“Stormtail, please don't let me fall.” She said sincerely “I will give you anything, everything!” She gasped. Stormtail only looked away listening to her back paws scrabbled against the cliff as she tried to pull herself back up. Stormtail laid down in front of her and soothingly placed his paws on her,

“It's okay Strongheart.” He said watching the hope flicker in her eyes but disappear just as quick as he dug his claws into the tops of her paws “This is what happens too murderers.” He hissed letting go and watch his try to grab onto the cliff but her claws were sheathed and she disappeared over the edge. Stormtail flinched when he heard the thud of her body hitting the ground but stood up looking Brightstar in the eyes. Brightstar lifted her tail.

“Cloudclan retreat!” She called and ran after her cats as they turned tail and ran back to their camp. Stormtail quickly ran over too Antshade who was next too Froststar pressing cobweb too her neck. Stormtail gulped.

“How bad is it.” He asked but Antshade was focused on her work. Stormtail watched Froststar lay on the ground gasping as he saw a faint white outline start to float away from her. Antshade sighed.

“There goes another one.” She said seeming to be upset with herself.

“Two lives...Two lives gone.” Stormtail said trying to calm himself down.

“Three.” Antshade corrected him. “I can't stop the bleeding with only my paw, I need cobwebs.” She said, Stormtail jumped up immediately turning tail and running back to camp and bursting into Bluetooth’s den.

“Cobwebs! I need Cobwebs!” He said. Bluetooth looked up at him begrudgingly

“Why, we don't have many left.” She asked. Stormtail glared at her.

“Froststar is losing lives, Quick!” He said. Bluetooth suddenly took him seriously and started to collect cobwebs off the walls and from the stores.

“Come on, show me the way!” She demanded.

The two finally made it back and Ant Shade was still with Froststar.

“Cobwebs!” She gasped and Bluetooth nodded.

“Yes, We need to get them on her neck, How many lives has she lost?” Bluetooth asked.

“Three lives, and I hope that's all.” She said taking her paw and starting to clean the blood off of it. Oceanstar walked over too Stormtail bowing her head too him.

“Thank you, and your leader, you both risked your lives to save us.” She said. Stormtail gave her a curt nod back.

“You're welcome.” He said and turned to the Frostclan cats lying around. “Anyone with major injuries please stay here with Bluetooth and Froststar, everyone else back to camp.” He said and jumped up some rocks back too Frostclan’s camp. “We need to get back, I have something to announce.”

## Chapter 38

Stormtail hissed sitting outside of the Medicine den were Frozenfang and Bluetooth were making sure Froststar’s cut would heal properly.

“You can go back too you're den now.”  Bluetooth said. Froststar sat up slowly.

“Thank you Bluetooth.” She said and walked out. Stormtail was sitting outside waiting for her.

“Froststar! You're okay.” He said rubbing up against her. Froststar smiled and intertwined her tail with his.

“Be carefull of my neck, it is still healing properly.” She said looking up at her den.

“Can I see it?” Stormtail asked. Froststar nodded.

“Yes.” She said and lifted her head. Right in the center of her neck was a large chunk of fur missing leaving a light pink scar.

“Wow, What a battle scar.” Stormtail said looking at it. Froststar brought her head back down and looked up at her den.

“Come on, let's go to my den.” She said and took off running towards it. Stormtail chased after her.

“Slow down, you don't want to hurt yourself again.” Stormtail said. Froststar wasn't listening and jumped up onto her ledge. Stormtail jumped up next to her.

“Alright, We need to talk now that you're here.” Stormtail said.

“One more thing I must do.” She said and walked out. “All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather under the ledge for a clan meeting.” She called. Cats all quickly gathered under the ledge. Gullpaw and Whitestreek bringing in a few birds for the fresh kill pile.

“I, Froststar, leader of Frostclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn.” She said. Looking over at Gullpaw who was standing up, his fur fluffed out in excitement “Gullpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” Froststar asked looking over at him. He jumped up and weaved through the cats too the front

“I Do!” He said.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Gullpaw, from this moment you will be known as Gulltail. StarClan honors your bravery and quick thinking, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Frostclan!.” Froststar finished. Gulltail looked around excitedly. The clan called out his name excitedly.

“Gulltail! Gulltail!” They called. Gulltail looked around beaming, but his gaze rested on a particular white and grey she-cat who was sitting with her friend Everwing.

“Iceheart! I'm a warrior now! I get to sleep with you!” He said running over. He quickly realized what he said and added “and Everwing, Harshtongue and Greybush!” He said flustered as he walked up to her. Iceheart let out a hearty purr.

“Yes, i'm just as excited as you Gulltail.” She said placing her tail on her shoulder. Gulltail looked exited and pressed against her.

“So am I!” He purred. The two of them walked off too the warrior den, Everwing fallowing close behind with Greybush walking right next to her, Harshtongue being the last in the line of cats. Froststar turned back around and looked at Stormtail.

“Alright, what do you need?” She asked. Stormtail flicked his tail.

“It's about Ridgeclan.” He said. Froststar sat down close to him.

“Yes, what is it?” She asked.

“I don't think they should stay...” He said looking away from his mate.

“What do you mean?!” She asked “You killed your sister too save them, is it because of that?” She asked. Stormtail flinched at the memory of Strongheart’s body making a thump as it hit the bottom of the ravine.

“No, I killed her too save you.” He said “But they caused you three lives Froststar. Three lives in one sunrise.” He said looking up at her. “Thats a problem.”

“Stormtail, I gave up three lives to save them, i'm not losing them this quick.” She said.

“It's you're choice, but that's only my suggestion.” Stormtail said standing up. “Now i'm going on patrol.” He said. Froststar hissed back.

“Fine, Take Whitefoot and Foxtail while you're at it.” She said and looked out over her clan. ‘where is Whitefoot’ she thought to herself.

## Chapter 39

Iceheart and Gulltail were out on hunting patrol alone, Gulltail had already caught two birds while Iceheart didn't have anything yet. She perked her ears hearing a rustling in the bushes. Gulltail straightened up but Iceheart lay her tail on his shoulders.

“I know you're trying too impress me, but that's enough, let me catch something for the clan.” She said taking a few paces forward. “Stay here.” She said. Gulltail sat down obediently and Iceheart went ahead slinking into the undergrowth. Gasping when she heard the voice of two cats.

“Whitefoot what do you need? I told you, i'm not interested in you, I have a mate and two kits.” Iceheart heard a she-cat say. She sniffed the air silently and caught wiff of Autumclan and Frostclan. She let out a silent gasp and then continued to try and get closer.

“That's exactly why i brought you here Firewillow.” She heard a cat say. Recognizing Whitefoots voice.

“For what?” The she-cat asked. Fear scent hitting Iceheart hard.

“To get revenge, You gave you're heart too Pikestream resulting in Webkit and Hailkit.” He hissed. Iceheart poked her head out of a bush and got full view of the scene folding out in front of her.

“Whitefoot, What do you want to do?” She asked him puzzled. He circled around her, his tail sliding under her chin.

“I need revenge, Maybe I could Kill your kits, or you're mate but...” He paused slipping his tail back and curling it over himself and turning to look at her “But I figured, If I just take you out of the picture it will be fine.” He hissed the last words. Firewillow looked at him in fear.

“What do you mean?” She gasped. Whitefoot lifted his paw his claws unsheathed.

“I Mean kill you!” He hissed. Firewillow looked terrified

“Whitefoot, you wouldn't do that!” She gasped taking steps back slowly. Whitefoot hissed and swiped his paw hitting her across the cheek. She staggered backwards and fell down, Whitefoot standing over her. Firewillow looked up at him fear striking in her eyes. Iceheart’s paws frozen too the ground as she watched Whitefoot stand over the helpless She-cat. When she looked over Iceheart saw the deep scratches Whitefoot had already left across her cheeks. Firewillow looked up at him pleadingly.

“Whitefoot, please don't...” She asked her voice barely more than a whisper. Whitefoot didn't respond, he only took a few steps and lifted his paw aiming towards her neck. Before he could swing though a voice sounded from the bush.

“No..” Some cat said from the bushes. Whitefoot lifted his paw looking around, Flinching.

“Who’s there!” He called. The voice spoke up again.

“It doesn't matter who’s here, why would you take the life of an innocent cat.”

“She tore my heart out, acting like she loved me those moons ago and running off with another cat!” Whitefoot hissed throwing his head back. The cat continued.

“Do you think she chose too, she cared about you but she knew her clan needed Kits, She mated with Pikestream and those kits were born.”

“B-But..” Whitefoot hissed. Firewillow used what energy she had to pull herself out from under the tom.

“No, Whitefoot.” She hissed “I'm going back to my clan and you cannot stop me!” She hissed her claws scraping against the stone. Before Whitefoot could say anything else Iceheart jumped out of the bushes swiping her tail past Whitefoot hissing.

“Don’t Whitefoot, Their is no use.” She said. Whitefoot whipped around hissing at her.

“You! You were the voice!” He hissed.

“Yes, and now Firewillow’s gone.” Iceheart said. Whitefoot whipped his head back and saw that the stone were Firewillow had been standing was empty. He jumped up but Iceheart swiped her paw forward catching his tail.

“No, Whitefoot.” She said “You aren't leaving.” She said. Whitefoot hissed at the younger she-cat but Iceheart wasn't fazed.

“Iceheart, let me go!” He hissed but she continued to stare him down.

“No.” She growled. Whitefoot’s eyes suddenly widened and he looked up above her. Another cat's voice rang out throughout the stone hollow.

“Whitefoot listen to me.” A She-cat said her voice barely more than a whisper.

“M-Mom..” Whitefoot gasped.

“I made the same mistake as you when I chose Crowwhisker as a mate.” She said “But when I died your father took you too his clan and you found yourself a great life.” She continued.

“What’s your point.” He hissed, his aggressiveness coming back in seconds.

“I don't want you to ruin that life by becoming a Murderer.” She said. Iceheart saw Whitefoot’s realization as everything flashed through his mind. She had to step back as he swung forward nearly falling down. Barely catching himself.

“Pearlsea...What have I done...” He gasped trying to catch himself. Iceheart ran forward and grabbed his scruff.

“Come on Whitefoot, let's go back to the camp.” Iceheart pulled him too his feet and wrapped her tail over his shoulders.

“Froststar...What have I done...” He said still trying to catch his breath.

“Nothing, now we need to get you back to camp before you fall down again.” She watched his legs shake underneath him. As they stepped back out into the open forest Iceheart was surprised too see Gulltail still sitting right were she told him too. Only getting up too run over to her and whitefoot.

“What happened!” He gasped. Iceheart let out a tired breath.

“I will explain later, we need to get Whitefoot back to camp. Come on.” She said and continued to walk. Gulltail walked next to Whitefoot helping her hold him up and they made their way back to camp.

## Chapter 40

Tonight was the gathering and Froststar was pacing in her den.

“After the incident with Cloudclan and Ridgeclan what will happen.... What if they fight again.... What if Goldenstar and Brightstar teamed up to overthrow both of us!” She gasped. Stormtail ran up beside her and pressed himself against his mate.

“Shhh, It's okay.” He hushed linking their tails.

“But what if they!” She started but Stormtail cut her off.

“Calm down Froststar, Iceheart, Gulltail, Harshtongue, Everwing, Graybush, Bluetooth, Frozenfang and Foxtail are all ready to go.” He said using his tail to point towards the group of cats waiting. Froststar let out a long deep breath and sat up.

“Thank you Stormtail.” She said “I needed that.” She said and stepped to the edge of her ledge. Jumping off she used her tail to signal for all her cats too get ready to go. The cats all grouped together behind her and they made their way to the gathering place

Iceheart and Gulltail we're walking side by side with Graybush and Everwing beside them. Harshtongue watched the group of cats in front of them, he watched intently seeing how they looked at each other. It was obvious that Gulltail had feelings for Iceheart but she didn't return them. But what surprised Harshtongue was his sister was looking at Gulltail, longing in her sight. He hadn't realized before but his sister wanted to be the younger apprentice’s mate. He let out a silent sigh for his friend Graybush, who on multiple occasions had raved to him about how he and Everwing would eventually be mate’s and have kits of their own. Everwing had made it clear on multiple occasions though that she had no interest in Graybush, and Harshtongue understood why. Forgetting he was on rough terrain his paw hit a rock and he tripped, sending himself rolling through the group of cats who were in front of him. Everwing slapped her paw onto her muzzle.

“Harshtongue.” She hissed at him.

“Sorry! Sorry!” He apologized profusely and got up dusting himself off. Iceheart had staggered to the left and knocked into Gulltail causing the two of them too get stuck in an uncomfortable position. At least for Iceheart. She pulled herself off of him and got up. Shaking the dirt that stuck to her white coat off.

“Sorry Gulltail.”

“It's alright.” He responded to the she-cat and got back up “Come on, I want to get some seats by Autumclan.”

“What, want to admire there pretty she-cats?” Iceheart said jokingly. Gulltail let out an awkward laugh and ignored the question, continuing to dive down the slope in long strides. Iceheart followed her friend, trying to catch up before he made it too the bottom.

The two made it too the large cave where the cats gathered and sat down near the Autumclan cats. Iceheart looked up at the rock protruding from the ground and sighed seeing Ocenstar was sitting next to Goldenstar and Brightstar with no problems. Underneath them was Iceback, Blazefleck and Cloudclan’s new deputy Lionstorm. Froststar jumped up onto the rock and Stormtail took his place under it.

“The gathering will now commence.” Goldenstar said stepping forward. “Autumclan has had plentiful prey, we have some sad news though..” He paused. Iceheart swiveled her ears forward. The corner of her eye catching Oceanstar looking especially sympathetic. “Our Warrior Halfleap has been killed by a fox. We chased it out of our territory but found him already dead too late.” She sighed. Iceheart looked next to her and saw Newttail, Swallowjaw and Gulltail all look down towards the ground in sadness. Iceheart flicked her tail under Gulltail’s chin.

“Gulltail, why are you mourning?” Iceheart looked over at her friend. Gulltail lifted his head in surprise

“It's respectful? Int it?” He said confusion clouding his gaze.

“Yeah, but you looked like his own Son’s Newttail and Swallowjaw.” Iceheart said bareilly

more than a whisper as Brightstar got up too talk next. Bringing up the battle first “Like he had

been your own father.” Iceheart finished. Gulltail was surprised at his reaction

“I didn't realize that...I guess something just made me sad right then.” He finished.

Iceheart swiped her tail over his shoulder.

“Alright, I understand.” She said. The two of them started to listen again. Oceanstar being the last one too give her report. After that they allowed them all too mingle amongst themselves. Gulltail and Iceheart we're about to go and find Harshtongue, Everwing and Graybush when Swollowjaw and Newttail came up too Gulltail.

“Hey, Thank you for Mourning our fathers death.” Swallowjaw said. Gulltail turned around and purred.

“Of course, I don't mind at all.” He flashed them a smile. Swallowjaw flashed the same smile back.

“Thanks again, My names Swallowjaw and this is Newttail.” He said and refered too the older warrior.

“Nice too meet you, I'm Gulltail!” He purred. At the mention of his name Newttail’s eyes widened.

“Gull...tail...” He said pausing and looking the smaller warrior up and down “Gullkit....I did it...” He gasped and jumped forward pulling Gulltail into a sudden hug and wrapping his tail around him

“Newttail!?” Swallowjaw gasped. Iceheart jumped too her paws hissing.

“What are you doing!” She growled.

“Swallowjaw don't you remember....” Newttail said looking back. Letting go of Gulltail and giving him a second too scramble away.

“What was that!” Gulltail hissed.

“I found him Tornfern and Halfleap.” He said looking too the sky, his head pivoted down and his gaze rested on Gulltail. “I found my brother.”

## Chapter 41

Gulltail backed away from Newttail and Swallowjaw.

“What do you mean?” He gasped his tail curling back between his legs.

“I mean I found you.” Newttail said looking at him.

“But i'm a Frostclan cat through and through.” He said.

“Gulltail I think he’s right...” Iceheart said walking up next too him.

“What do you mean!” He hissed turning too Iceheart this time.

“You never had parent in the clan, Flurryface was the only one too take care of you.” Iceheart said.

“But...” Gulltail hissed.

“No, he's right....you must have come from Autumclan.” Iceheart said. Gulltail stares at them with a shocked look on his face. “How did you get here then though?” Iceheart asked.

“I don't know, but it doesn't matter now. We need to bring you to Autumclan.” They all start walking in the direction to Autumclan. Gulltail starts thinking to himself, “Am i really half Autumclan?” He whispered out loud. Iceheart placed her tail over his shoulder.

“Hey, you will be alright I promise.” She said “I won't let them take you.” She looked down at him giving him a smile and a purr. He looked up at her and a purr rose in his throat.

“Thank you Iceheart!” He said and pushed himself into her side. The two of them walking behind Newttail and Swallowjaw closer than they had ever been before.

When they made it towards the small circle were the Leaders, Deputies, Medicine cats and Med. Cat Apprentices were Swallowjaw was the first to speak up.

“Hey Goldenstar, can we talk to you?” He asked.

“Alright.” Goldenstar purred calmly. “What is it you want to talk about?”

“Could you come over here.” Newttail said flicking his tail away from the group.

“I suppose I could.” Goldenstar goes to the area.

“Alright, Well Goldenstar, Remember Gullkit....The kit we lost?”

“Gullkit...I..I think remember” Goldenstar reply quite slowly

“Look, Frostclan had him.” Newttail said and pointed too Gulltail “His name is Gulltail now.”

"W..What? How did he get to Frostclan?” Goldenstar questioned

“I don't know, But he is rightfully our warrior!” Swallowjaw jumped up “We need to take him back!”

“You’re right.” Goldenstar said and glanced over at Gulltail having an idea “You're coming with us.” He said too the smaller warrior. Gulltail jumped up his tail fluffing out in surprise.

“What! You can't do that too me!” He gasped. Goldenstar turned away from him and too Froststar.

“Gulltail is rightfully our cat and we are taking him as our own.” He said. Froststar looked at him in surprise lifting a paw and opening her mouth to say something but Goldenstar continued “If you want him to yourself you must fight us for him!” He finished and turned around. Goldenstar sat up lifting a paw and looking out. “The gathering is over! Autumclan back to camp!” He called out and used his tail too motion for his clan to gather up and leave. Before Gulltail could turn back too Frostclan he was caught up in Autumclans retreat and with that Gulltail was gone. The rest of the clans gave no notice too Froststar, as she started calling out for him, and gathered themselves up, running back to their own camps. Iceheart ran over too her friends, worry clouding her gaze.

“Whats wrong? Where's Gulltail?!” Everwing asked her tail fluffing up. Iceheart shook her head.

“He was an Autumclan kit, and they took him back.” She said her mind numb, not waiting for her friends response as she walked on. She left the gathering before Froststar, knowing she would be gathering the clan soon she didn't bother to wait running down to the valley she walked in silently and laid down in the warrior den, successfully not disturbing anyone's sleep, curling up into a ball she fell into a very uncomfortable sleep.

 Back in Autumclan Gulltail was curled up into a ball Swallowjaw and Newttail laying next to him. Sleeping peacefully. He tried to fall asleep but couldn't get the thought out of his head. ‘Does he really belong in Autumclan?’ ‘What about his friends and Iceheart in Frostclan?’ ‘Will anyone in this clan really like me, or will I be treated differently?’ he slowly let these thoughts fall too the back of his mind and felt himself finally start to fall asleep, but one cat occupied his thoughts more than anyone else. Iceheart.