WillowClan/5

"Yes," Shadowchaser responded to Ripplepool, dropping the bundles of herbs and roots on the ground. "These are them, but we need to plant some of these so we don't exhuast our resources. So they can grow and we can use them in the future if needed." The deputy explained, nudging the greenery with his paws before he flinched in realization. Right- Danita! "This is Danita, she lived around Outlook Rock, which was where I grew up and where I found the herbs. She helped me find you guys." -- Shadowchaser

Muddyfang and Ashpaw had been working in a den when they noticed that Shadowchaser had returned. The brown spotted warrior seemed unbothered by the tom's reappearance, he hadn't really cared if he made it back or not. But Ashpaw, of course, was overjoyed. The apprentice bounced on her paws and ran up to her mentor eagerly to welcome him back. -- Ashpaw & Muddyfang

Ripplepool smiled. “Have you named them? Of course they need a name, but I’ll apply some to the sick including some who’ve been coughing, and plant the rest on some high ground. Thanks Shadowchaser!” He dipped his head in thanks and peered over to Danita, “oh! Thank you also, Danita right? Without you we would’ve suffered more.” Then he realized. No time for happiness, “Shadowchaser, could we talk in private when your ready? You might want to settle in....” *we must speak about Mistystar...*—**Ripplepool**

Irismoon sighed and then finally reached WillowClan camp, “flooded... but....” there was strong scent marks of loners and some WillowClan reeked from them. “I’ll find them and demand answers.” And she padded on,—**Irismoon**

Tundrastar passed back and forth in the warriors den. It had been only a couple moons since Thundraclan had left their camp, but it had been too long. Many of the warriors were healthy, but Tundrastar worried about Slatepuddle, and if she could survive the long trek back to camp. Padding out of the den, Tundrastar walked up to Rainsplash who was eating by the fresh kill pile. "Rainsplash, I am taking a group of my warriors back to my camp to survey the damage." Rainsplash nodded. "Sounds good. I hope that you won't find the damage too much." Tundrastar nodded then spotted Fadingfrost coming from a hunting patrol. "Fadingfrost, would you mind gathering some warriors to take to the Tundraclan camp?" - Tundrastar

Skyshadow licked her muzzle. Skyshadow had just eaten some fresh kill and had heard rustling of the leaves. Skyshadow saw Shadowchaser, with the cure herbs in his jaws, and a she-cat pad into camp. “Oh now the Clans will be cured. Flamekit and i were lucky not to get it. A new cat?”Skyshadow thought. Skyshadow padded over and greeted Shadowchaser. “Welcome back Shadowchaser. We are glad you have found a cure. Who is this?” Skyshadow saw that Shadowchaser wanted to say it first to Mistystar. Skyshadow narrowed her eyes and  whispered suspiciously, “I see that you want to tell Mistystar first. Well sadly she disappeared. Patrols have been sent out, but no one has found her yet. So for now you are in charge of the camp.” Skyshadow saw that the muscular dark tom looked surprised and frightened. Skyshadow mewed, “You are deputy. We all rely on you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. We are here Shadowchaser and we welcome you back.”--Skyshadow

Scorchkit and Flamekit woke up from their nap. They had heard paw steps and were wondering if they were being attack. They both grew dull when the saw Shadowchaser and a she-cat pad into camp. Flamekit muttered, “Darn I wanted a fight. Instead we get Shadowchaser and a random cat. Yippee..........” Scorchkit licked Flamekit ears. “At least gets found the cure. Now we won’t smell like dying cats. One day we will fight for our Clan!” “Or against it.” Flamekit thought. “Well he doesn’t look happy to be back.” Scorchkit and Flamekit fetched their tails in greeting when Shadowchaser looked at them. Flamekit looked up at the sky. “Come on, let it be dark!” Flamekit hadn’t forgotten the deal she had made with Scar, and she was ready to get on to training. “You will have to wait Flamekit. Just wait.” Flamekit suddenly felt a heavy weight on her and saw that Scorchkti had leaped on her. “Ha got you!” Flamekit purred and flipped on her back, crushing Scorchkit. “Ya think so? Cause it looks like I got you!” Scorchkit laughed and stood up, shaking his dark brown fur. Flamekit and Scorchkti sat up straight and look at the WillowClan deputy talking to Skyshadow.--Scorchkit and Flamekit

The peppered tom turned his attention back to the young medicine cat. "We can talk after everyone receives their treatment." Shadowchaser promised Ripplepool once he picked up the urgency in the tom's voice. He then turned back to Skyshadow with a pair of narrowed eyes. "This is my friend, Danita. With formalities aside...Skyshadow, help Ripplepool round up the ill and ensure that they all receive their treatment, no matter the state that they're in." The deputy ordered before he flinched in surprise to feel a soft pelt press against his. The mentor purred and touched his nose to the apprentice's forehead. "I missed you too, Ashpaw. We'll have to resume training promptly to get you back on track to get to your assessment." -- Shadowchaser & Ashpaw

Fadingfrost jerked up his pale head when he heard Tundrastar's voice. Take warriors back to camp? She didn't mean...Willowclan cats, right? While the warrior was grateful for their hospitality, he wasn't very fond of the WillowClan cats. To him, they had bees in their brains and far too much arrogance for their own good. "Would you like me to take TundraClan warriors, or WillowClan or StormClan cats?" Fadingfrost asked as he approached his spotted leader. -- Fadingfrost

"Tundraclan. I don't want to risk anyone else's lives in case the sickness is still there." - Tundrastar

Skyshadow watched as Shaodwchaser ordered cats around. "Something is bothering him, but what?"-- Skyshadow

Ripplepool shrugged. “It didn’t seem so, but, I promise I’ll tell him about Mistystar, soon, I asked him when we’d be able to talk. He said after we cure these cats, so let’s do it.” Ripplepool dipped his head to Skyshadow, then padded to some StormClan cat, giving him the chewed herbs, then he padded to the next cat and the cat after that. — **Ripplepool**

(Rainsplsh isn’t in camp right now. She has been captured and is in the old territories.) Rainsplash huffed as the group came to a stop. “What?” She asked, startled. “C’mon into the thorns with you! We’ll rest, but I’ll be awake all night! So don’t even think about escaping!” Cardinal hissed, she looked younger than she sounded when Rainsplash really studied her, she yours surprisingly younger than her and Stalker, but Rainsplash guessed she needed that to get around without being crowfood. She finally had a chance to leave Rainsplash wouldn’t bail on a chance. So that night when Cardinal wasn’t looking, she climbed the tree, “mousebrains, tell me the first cat who didn’t realized WillowClan can climb, ugh.” She then swiftly moved as a white shadow and then out of earshot, “I’m coming WillowClan..”—**Rainsplash**

Mapleblaze paused, “OH Morningglade! Your little Shadowchaser’s run back to you, oh my..... why don’t you end your happily ever afterrrrrrrr.” She teased into the warriors den towards her sister. “I bet he’s dying to seeee youuuuuu.” She laughed. — **Mapleblaze**

“oh! Sure Tundrastar! When shall we be leaving?” Snowfall padded up to her leader, “it’s been so crazy.... do you even think Irismoon’s still alive?” The thought of the deputy shook her, *she looked pretty dead to me...***—Snowfall**

Morningglade grumbled. "C'mon Mapleblaze, We're not like that." Morningglade walked out of the den to say hi to the deputy. "Hey Shadowchaser! 'Member me?! How was your quest?! Was it epic and awesome?! Did you find the cure?! Who is this?! You have to tell me all about it!" - Morningglade

Mapleblaze followed. “Yeah, I think I heard some name, Dan.... something was it?” Mapleblaze rolled her eyes, “it wasn’t a quest, it was a journey of survival.” She huffed.—**Mapleblaze**

Oh, sweet StarClan, he didn't have the energy and strength after that journey to handle Morningglade's pelting of questions. "It was like a long, long walk." Shadowchaser decided simply after attempting to compute all of her questions. *I have a brother...and my father was SeaClan's deputy.* The tom reminded himself, but he made no mention of his newfound family. It was his own business. "I'll be getting my rest now. Ashpaw," the deputy paused, turning to his dappled apprentice, "would you mind showing Danita around? Show her the warrior's sleeping quarters, I'm sure she needs her rest as well." -- Ashpaw, Danita, Shadowchaser

"Right then," Fadingfrost resonded to Tundrastar, turning and beckoning towards a handful of TundraClan warriors so they could begin their long trek. -- Fadingfrost

Mapleblaze scoffed, “hah! Knew he had no time for your sweet mumbling and mooning! C’mon, let’s go and help Ripplepool” —**Mapleblaze**

"I said Knock it off Mapleblaze!" Morningglade yelled, then stalked away back to her den. - Morningglade

Mapleblaze rolled her eyes. “Oof, I guess someone isn’t In a good mood, take care Shadowchaser, you’ll need it.” Then she padded over to Ripplepool as he finished the last of the cats.—**Ripplepool**

Flamepaw landed with a thud on the ground. “No Flame! You are supposed to go on their heads and claw their eyes with your hind legs!” Flamekit stood up and shook the dust from her fur. It was the middle of the night, and she was training with Scar, like they agreed. “Try again.” Flamekit faces her mother and leaped for her head. Flamekit landed perfectly and placed her paws on her mother’s eyes, sheathed. Scar praised, “Very well Flame. That is much better.” Flamekit breathed with relief. Every night she learned a new move and she was mastering them. Scar looked up at the sky. “It is becoming dawn. You must go. I will see you again.” Scar slipped into the bushes and Flamekit sprang back to camp. Flamekit slid into her den and made it look like she had just gotten back. “Just a few more months Flamekit. Just a few more.” Flamekit fell into a deep sleep.--Flamekit and Scar

Scorchkit woke up to find Flamekit next to him. Scorchkit prodded her. “Wake up sleepyhead!” Flamekit swiped at his ears and mewed, “Just wait. I will get you.” Scorchkit looked questionably at her. “When? I can’t wait!” Flamekit sprang to her paws. “How bout now!” Scorchkit ran out of the nursery with Flamekit at his heels. Scorchkti threw a piece of fresh-kill at her and mewed, “Get that!” Flamekit purred at settled down beside Scorchkit to eat.--Scorchkit and Flamekit

Bluekit sighed, *WHY IS IT SO BORING!* Her kit mind screeched. Then suddenly she saw Fadingfrost and leaped with joy. “Hey Fadingfrost! Wanna play?” She mewed. — **Bluekit**

Rainsplash of course fall out of the trees later and hen limped to the spot they’ve been before, “what....” the cat scent was gone, and all that was left there was a very strong TundraClan scent. “Might be trying to find the clans...” she whispered. “As are you?” She leaped out of a bush. “Oh? And you are....” “Irismoon, deputy of TundraClan.” She stood taller as if proud. *I wonder what it’s like to be deputy....* she shook the thought. “Rainsplash of WillowClan.” “Oh, we’re both looking for our clans then. You might know more than me, where are they?” Irismoon asked fiercely. “Let me remember......” then she suddenly remembered her words. “Oh! It was in the forest beyond StormClan’s peaks!” Irismoon dipped her head in means for her to lead the way, and Rainsplash’s ran as fast as she could, despite her ankle. *WillowClan here we come! —**Rainsplash & Irismoon***

((@Whiteout do you want the Fadingfrost patrol to continue on TundraClan RP?))

Ashpaw obeyed and eagerly dragged off poor Danita to give her a long, and very detailed tour. Shadowchaser, meanwhile, turned away and slowly padded into the warrior's den to finally get some well-deserved sleep. With a massive yawn, he finally collapsed into his nest and fell asleep. -- Shadowchaser

Ripplepool sighed. Yes Shadowchaser needed rest, but he wasn’t here for lots of things, Crookedflower death, Rainsplash leadership role, Rainsplashs disappearance, Mistystars disappearance, maybe the flood, *well, he already knows that I am a full medicine cat, but StarClan gave me my name..... UGH! RIPPLEPOOL! He’s been walking nonstop! Let him rest and we’ll talk about this in the morning, or when he wants.* Ripplepool shook his head then began to check every last cat again, then started planting some of the roots, they might need it for the other clans.—**Ripplepool**

Lynx woke in a tall tree, above the cats, she finally had a glimpse of sleep. She stretched and yawned, then she looked around, a paw under her chin. Cats seemed relieved? “Oh, the cure must be here.” She raised a brow. “Interesting.” “Lynx? Lynx! Your okay!” A soft voice meowed. “Mitzi?” She meowed, not looking down and flicked her tail with joy hard to read. “How are you?” She meowed, Lynx leaped down. “Very well. You?” “I’m fine, I guess, I don’t know what to do now, I was here to ask if you’d want to come with me and a patrol to go bring the cure to the other clans, starting with TundraClan.” Lynx nodded. “When?” She asked. “Maybe once all TundraClan leaves.” Lynx sighed. “I’ll be there.”—**Lynx**

Heyo! It's Hawk, back again to roleplay Mistystar. Sorry I haven't been roleplaying for a while)) -Hawk

Mistystar glanced at Minnowsplash. "Yeah. Well, thanks for rescuing me, but I have to get going," She said, picking up the small chocolate point kitten she had rescued and glancing at Minnowsplash. -Mistystar

A subtle *thanks* was all he got? Not even so much as a direct "thank *you*"? StarClan, did WillowClan teach their members some manners? "Hey- excuse you!" The SeaClan deputy barked at Mistystar with edge in his tone, darting after the WillowClan leader. "Have you forgotten that you are on *SeaClan* territory? I'll be escorting you out- leader or not." -- Minnowsplash

After getting a decent amount of sleep, Shadowchaser stiffly rose to his paws in a small stretch, with his head still spinning from his accident on SeaClan's territory. He'd recover eventually, but he could only hope that it would be soon. Exiting the warrior's den, the WillowClan deputy approached Ripplepool with a few, swift strides. "I'll be leading a patrol to each clan throughout this week with the cure to pass the Starflower out. TundraClan and StormClan are already here, so that rules them out. We'll be heading to ThornClan first, since they're the closest. I want a small number of volunteers on each patrol ((aka *one cat* per *user*)) so we don't appear like a threat. You're welcome to attend it, but if not, keep an eye on the sick around here." The dark tom instructed, before pausing to turn and face his warriors. "Stormstreak, our senior medicine cat, will be in charge until I return. I need volunteers for a patrol to ThornClan to deliver the herbs- no hostility towards them. Do I make myself clear?" Wow, he never felt *this* brave a few moons back, when he first joined. Deputyship certainly had changed him...well, at least a little. -- Shadowchaser

“Shadowchaser, I will come with, but you’ve missed many events, and we must discuss most of them on the way when you think your ready.” —**Ripplepool**

"Yeah, of course, we can talk along the way." Shadowchaser responded in an honest, down-to-earth tone when he angled his ears in the medicine cat's direction. Hopefully the sickness hadn't claimed many lives- he had assumed it would, but surely...Mistystar hadn't been one of them, right? The deputy hadn't seen her make an appearance, so he had assumed that she was just resting, or out on patrol. -- Shadowchaser

“Shall we start as we wait for everyone to decide to join our patrol?” Ripplepool asked off his mind, he couldn’t wait much longer to tell Shadowchaser everything, starting with Crookedflowers death. —**Ripplepool**

Skyshadow blinked her eyes open from her sleep. The patrols were coming back, some with fresh kill. “Good.” Skyshadow saw Scorchkit padding to the dirt place while Flamekit and a gray she-cat were stretching from the nursery place where they slept. “Ah yes that is Stormkit!” Skyshadow padded over to the two she-cats and licked Flamekit on the ears. “Good morning Flamekit and Stormkit. Could you please give the elders some fresh-kill?” Skyshadow saw that Flamekit and Stormkit looked at each other and nodded their heads. Skyshadow blinked her thanks and padded towards the medicine cat den.--Skyshadow

Flamekit looked at Stormkit. The gray she-cat was looking at her too. They both stood up and padded quietly to the place where the elders slept. “So you are Flamekit right?” Flamekit was startled. No one ever talked to her expect for Skyshadow and Scorchkit, mostly. “Um yeah....... and your are Stormkit?” Stormkit nodded her head. “So you are the rogue kit that was saved by Skyshadow huh?” Flamekit’s fur bristled and she growled, “Yeah and have you ever thought that maybe I could claw you!” Stormkit was startled, but then purred, “Flamekit, don’t do that. What I meant is your a rogue, famous in the Clan!” Flamekit flattened her fur and murmured, “I am sorry. I didn’t know.” Stormkit purred. “I wouldn’t call it famous Stormkit. I would say more like a cat they are scared of.” Stormkit mewed, “You have Skyshadow, Mistystar, Stomstreak, Rainsplash and that Scorchkit.” Flamekit muttered, “Yeah I guess your right. But they are not my real family like Scar.” Flamekit heard Stormkit say something, but she didn’t catch that. All she saw was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. They dropped the fresh-kill to the elders and sat at the entrance of the nursery. “And anyway,” Stormkit mewed, “You now have me!” Flamekit was surprised. “You don’t think I am scary or weird?” Stormkit purred, “I think your great! Who ever thinks you are scary is a stupid fur-ball!” Flamekit felt a rush of joy. Stormkit mewed, “We friends?” “Yeah!” A new voice spoke. “Hey guys!” It was Scorchkit, who came to sit beside Flamekit. Stormkit purred, but Flamekit didn’t understand. “Scorchkit I would like you to meet my friend, Stormkit.” Stormkit greeted, “Hey Scorchkit!” Scorchkit mewed, “Nice to meet you.” Stormkit asked, “How about a fight later on?All us fighting against each other?” Scorchkit purred, “I am not sure. I am not very good at it.” Stormkit laughed, “Me neither! But I am sure Flamekit could beat us all!”--Flamekit, Scorchkit and Stormkit

Borage never thought she’d see the clan thriving again, but she knew it wasn't the best because she was very tired and a little weak. She sighed, then padded up to the fresh kill pile and started to eat her mouse, the best food she’s had in moons.—**Borage**

Skyshadow padded towards Shadowchaser. “Greetings Shadowchaser.  Mistystar is missing but hasn’t died from the sickness and the Clans are still recovering. But most of all, I think we need more power and protection.” Skyshadow looked at Scorchkit, Flamekit and Stormkit. “I think that those kits should become paws. You have the power to do it, but it is your decision. What do you think Shadowchaser?--Skyshadow

(Hey Whiskers! So if you agree then here are the mentors for each: Flame-Skyshadow; Scorch-Swiftshadow; Storm-Morningglade)

Ripplepools fur bristled, *way to spoil my surprise!* He sighed. “Yeah, I’m sorry Shadowchaser, Mistystar hasn’t returned in awhile, we all worry for her... we worry she might be dead.” He looked to his paws as a breeze ruffles his short fur. Then he looked worryingly at the kits, *hmmm.* —Ripplepool

Cobaltsky decided to go hunting. Creeping underneath the trees, he slowly crept up on a mouse. Then, he caught an unfamiliar smell. He perked up, and spotted a flash of ginger nearby. *Intruders!* He thought, bristling. It appeared the intruder was creeping up on the mouse, and hadn't seen him yet. Then the flash of ginger came closer and Cobaltsky leaped on top of it with a yowl. He had it pinned down. Cobaltsky found himself face to face with a bright ginger cat. (Cardinal) - Cobaltsky

“What do you think your doing! This is my territory!” Cardinal hissed at the tortoiseshell tom above her. Honestly for a clan cat, he should’ve known better than to mess with her of all the pack. She grinned before he could even speak, unsheathed her sharp claws and slashed him on the muzzle sending him hissing in pain, then she pushed him off of her and the hit him to the ground and then leaped a top of him. Also, for a clan cat, he should’ve been more prepared for this. she hissed, “now I’ve pinned you! What are you doing here!” She snapped this time.—**Cardinal**

"Mistystar is a leader, she has more than just one life. I'm sure she's just alive, she's probably just...lost. Same as I was. We'll continue sending out regular patrols to search for her." The deputy instructed firmly as he was swarmed by cats with questions and demands. "Dustykit is due time to become an apprentice as well...but the kit has no claws." Shadowchaser mumbled under his breath, trying to think over his possible solutions so that Dustykit wouldn't be stuck in the nursery for forever. "He can't be a warrior apprentice if he has no claws to defend himself." -- Shadowchaser

Skyshadow rolled her eyes. "I am talking about Scorchkit, Flamekit and Stormkit! Dustykit is still young! But the Clan needs more defense and we can't wait for every kit to be old and strong enough and hold back the other like they already are!--Skyshadow

Ripplepool‘s eyes widened. “Then, are you saying he shall be a medicine cats apprentice? Forcing him over his own will?” He thought, *Stormstreak is getting up there in age, not much longer til she joins StarClan...* he sighed. “Well, what has to be done is to be done.” He looked to the sandy colored kit, *if only he could choose his destiny....—***Ripplepool**

Mapleblaze sighed. “So, this is it?” She meowed with sorrow, she and Slatepuddle had only just became best friends. “When can I see you and your kits again?” She asked the black she-cat. “Oh, at gatherings I suppose. I will make sure you meet them, promise.” She touched muzzles with Mapleblaze and padded off with the TundraClan patrol, after all, her kits would be coming any day now.—**Slatepuddle** & **Mapleblaze**

Lynx paused as she saw the cat himself, Shadowchaser, the one who shed heard so much about, this got her thinking, *he's deputy right? What is with being in a clan? Did Mitzi like it? Would I like it? Should I give it a try? Hmmm....* she padded up to the tom, besides a black and white she-cat and a sleek small tabby and white tom, she stared Shadowchaser in the eyes. “I know you don't know me, but I do have an interest in joining you, *clan*, if its alright with you.” She meowed elegantly as she lent over to lick a paw.—**Lynx**

Shadowchaser sharply narrowed his eyes. He wouldn't tolerate Skyshadow talking down to him. "Dustykit is 6 moons old, and it would be *cruel* to prevent him from being an apprentice when the code demands that all kits 6 moons of age are to be made apprentices. He's done nothing wrong- I'm not going to punish him for doing nothing." He then returned his attention to Ripplepool with a small frown.

"I don't know what he'll be- it wouldn't be fair to force him to be a warrior and risk him getting killed if he can't defend himself without claws. Take him under your wing for now, and ask StarClan for their advice, whenever you have the free time to do so. I don't want him to feel left out, he's already lost so much." Shadowchaser knew what it was like to have no parents, no family to call his own. He didn't want Dustykit to suffer like he did. It was also due time that Ashpaw became a warrior, but he had to hold her assessment first. He was thankful that his apprentice was patient and understanding that he was very...busy.

More cats, more questions, more anxiety for the deputy. He didn't like being crowded like this, but he was doing his best. *No* cat was perfect, they all had their faults. The stranger seemed similar to himself- as in, taller than all the cats of WillowClan. "Before I let you join WillowClan, I need to know your name. Who are you, and why should I let you join?" It was an honest question, not like he was trying to be rude. -- Shadowchaser

“my name is Lynx and I have saved this, Muddyfang, and Mapleblaze from two foxes, I’ve gained interest in the clans, I have gathered some herbs that had been used to help this cured plague with Mitzi or, Risingdawn, and this only boosted my interests in clan life. I have also been a ‘Kittypet’ you call it, but my family haven’t been very affectionate or very fond of me. Is that enough?” She asked the sant and peppered tom.—**Lynx**

“I’ll try.” Ripplepool dipped his head and returned to the medicine cats den to gather the rest of the herbs.—**Ripplepool**

Skyshadow looked at the she-cat. “Who are you? What are you going here?” Skyshadow growled to Shadowchaser, “This is why we need more protection!” Skyshadow sude bristled as she prepared to attack the she-cat I’d It was needed.--Skyshadow

The deputy thought over her story. He hadn't heard of anything about a fox attack on his warriors, but it wasn't like Muddyfang was the most candid cat around. Considering that they had taken heavy losses from the ongoing sickness, it was important that WillowClan restock with warriors to continue with duties and keep the clan safe. Not to mention, Risingdawn was a clan cat before- and if she thought that Lynx was an ok cat, then that was a good sign. "Would you be keeping your name, or would you be taking on the full warrior name?" It would be Shadowchaser's last question for now- he'd have his warriors keep close tabs on the former kittypet for roughly a moon, to ensure that she was a good fit for his clan. Once he had his answer, he would hold the needed apprentice ceremonies. -- Shadowchser

“Hmm, I’d like a warrior name, if you don’t mind.” Lynx meowed politely, she’d finally get to prove her family wrong, she wasn't useless after all, and someday she’ll find them and they’ll be sorry. She turned to the black she-cat, “I am a friend to Risingdawn, or what she’d prefer Mitzi, and if you dare lay a claw on me you’ll be sorry. I’d suggest asking her yourself if you know more that you look.” Lynx have a return in this she-cats rudeness.—**Lynx**

The deputy waved his tail to acknowledge Lynx's request, and so he walked himself towards the meeting place to hold the necessary ceremonies. Shadowchaser drew in a deep breath, understanding that he'd have to speak in front of a crowd. *You can do this...* So he stumbled up onto the branches of a willow and summoned WillowClan. "Scorchkit, Flamekit, Stormkit, and Dustykit, 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 Scorchpaw, Flamepaw, Stormpaw, and Dustypaw. Your mentors will be Swiftshadow, Skyshadow, Rainsplash, and Ripplepool, respectively. I hope your mentors will pass down all their knowledge." He wasn't done yet.

"I, Shadowchaser, deputy of WillowClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this kittypet that has given up her original ways to take up and honor your warrior code. By the will and guidance of StarClan, Lynx shall be a kittypet no more, and shall be deemed 'Lynxleap', warrior of WillowClan." -- Shadowchaser

Dustykit- er, Dustypaw- looked up from his games to listen attentively to what Shadowchaser had to say. Wow, he was an apprentice now? Under Ripplepool's mentorship. He liked that guy! -- Dustypaw

Lynxleap looked up at Shadowchaser with pride in her eyes. Mitzi looked impressed and she’d finally made it, but she needed to learn Clan life better, she knew who to ask.—**Lynxleap**

Ripplepool grinned and stepped forwards to touch noses with his new apprentice, “first I’ll teach you the best spots for the herbs, then we learn the goods and at the half moon meeting well touch noses and meet with StarClan.” Ripplepool mewed quietly. Until finally, he caught eyes with his mother and gasped.—**Ripplepool**

Rainsplash and Irismoon finally entered the clearing, both tired and worn out, all eyes had been sent to her. “Look! Rainsplash is back!” One cat called out, others cheered for Irismoon. “What’s happening? I heard me name called!” Rainsplash smiled and ran over to Ripplepool. “Your are now mentoring Stormpaw.” He meowed to her, “oh?” She turned to the small gray she-cat. “I know I just returned, but I’m guessing we’ll have a blast.” She touched noses with the kit. The most satisfactory thing, getting your first apprentice after being away from your clan for awhile. She looked to Shadowchaser. “Wait, he come back with the cure right? I need to be caught up...” Ripplepool giggled. “Sure, Erm, I actually don’t know where to talk, how about over here.”—**Rainsplash**

((Hey, sorry I haven't roleplayed in ages... Has anything important happened? I saw Shadowchaser found the cure... So TundraClan and StormClan are moving out? Where is everyone at this point?)) -Hawk

Mapleblaze sighed as Slatepuddle padded away from her. *Great, alone again....* she looked to each of her sides and rolled her eyes as she saw a crowd around Shadowchaser. “Ugh, when are these ironic StormClan cats leaving!” Then, she suddenly caught sight of a familiar gray pelt in the shadows. “What the....” she squinted, “it’s that...” she then snook around the crowd and the clans towards the shape and she snarled. “What are *you* doing here? *Again?*” It was the tom she met who was looking for that what, Fernpaw figure? For one thing, he didn’t look old, he looked way stronger and looked more ruffled. She then saw a shadow black she-cat with sharp amber eyes that burned into her pelt. “I dont think Fernpaw’s here.”—**Mapleblaze**

Shadowchaser leaped down from the meeting place, thankful that he was done with any big speeches for the time being. He noticed that Danita had found her place in the warrior's den, and was now sleeping the evening away to recover from their long journey. He hoped that her mate was still alive- even if they'd essentially broken it off with each other. The deputy turned his attention back to his next task: distribtuing the herbs. First, he planned to go to BreezeClan, and he knew just who he wanted to take. "Morningglade," Shadowchaser called out to the she-cat who had insisted on going to his journey prior, "you're going on the patrol to BreezeClan." -- Shadowchaser

Dustypaw beamed when Ripplepool discussed all of their little plans, even though the young tom thought that herbs were icky. But, being a medicine cat apprentice made him feel special- he liked to help others, and now, it was his job to make them feel good.-- Dustypaw

Ripplepool dipped his head to his apprentice, “first, could you make sure all the herbs are organized? I must speak with Shadowchaser.” He then padded away towards the tall tom until Lynxleap, a new warrior padded up to him, she was very tall, he almost fell over. “Y-yes?” He shuddered. “Oh, your Ripplepool right? I’d like to know how the clans work? I haven’t actually studied much....” she trailed off. “Oh! Well,we all just work together to survive! Well, there is the warriors code, maybe Risingdawn can help you!” He meowed happily as he passed her and then to Shadowchaser. “Um, Shadowchaser, WillowClan can’t prosper here, we might need a new camp, have any ideas?” He asked the peppered tom.—**Ripplepool**

Rainsplash sighed, “okay, hunting starts at dawn Stormpaw, I’d suggest you start to rest, unless you might sleep the mice away.” She joked to her new apprentice.—**Rainsplash**

The silver-and-black feline turned to face Ripplepool. "That's out of my control- we'll have to bring it up at the next Gathering, when all clans are present to decide our fate. Besides, I'm not going to leave Mistystar, I know she's out there." Shadowchaser decided solemnly. -- Shadowchaser

Ripplepool dipped his head. “Okay, hopefully StarClan will help.” He then padded back to the medicine area. And fell into a fearful sleep.—**Ripplepool**

Ashpaw sat in the edges of camp, pulling a few crumpled leaves out of her coat from a previous hunt she had briefly taken just moments before the ceremonies. She was eager to undertake her warrior assessment once all the drama blew over and Shadowchaser was back from delivering the cures. What would he pick as her warrior name? Ashfang? Ashfoot? Ashblaze? -- Ashpaw

*Blood.* All he saw was blood and flames, a storm lay above the scarlet river and a black sun reflected off the lake, dead cats everywhere all leading up to embers. The forest had been on fire and one cat stood on a pile of bones. Flamepaw. He gasped. “Why are you doing this!” She stared him in the eyes, her green eyes almost burned through his pelt, she leaped atop of him and slashed at his haunches, he gasped and slashed at her cheek, leaving blood on his claws. “Flamepaw! You killed them all!” He snapped. His eyes flew open and his breath was NOT shallow, he almost fainted but couldn’t bare having that dream again, ”oh no. StarClan, why are you showing me this!” he looked around and yawned. What was StarClan trying to tell him about Flamepaw? He had to keep this a secret, not to worry the clan. He padded up to Shadowchaser, “I know it was a short rest, but, could we talk privately, I was sent a sign from StarClan.”—**Ripplepool**

“Yes Lynxleap?” Mitzi yawned. “I’m worried! I know nothing about the clans and the code! And the laws and such!” Mitzi was too surprised. Lynx, the brave and noble loner, now a warrior acting like a kit? She couldn’t say anything. ‘Can you teach me!” Lynx begged. “Oh, sure! Follow me!” The two then journeyed to a small stream on a hillside. She stopped and sat with Lynxleap. “So, what do you wanna know?” She asked but then suddenly lynx burst, “everything!” She looked worried. “Well, we can start with StarClan, what do you know?” She asked the tall she-cat.—**Mitzi**

Cobaltsky just stared at the ginger cat on top of her. He had to admit to himself, she was kinda pretty. But, instead of smiling like a goof would, he snarlind and kicked him feet underneath her so that the two cats faced each other, snarling. - Cobaltsky

Shadowchaser was preparring himself for the journey to BreezeClan, mainly by catching his cool and relaxing while the fresh kill pile. He was getting a quick bite to eat, considering that he had forgotten to fetch himself breakfast since he was swarmed by a hoard of cats and his anxiety flared up. The peppered tom sighed to himself when his medicine cat looked panicked, and flicked his tail. "Alright, let's talk." -- Shadowchaser

“Shdowchaser, I know I come up to you a lot and my apologies, but this time, it’s about a Sign from StarClan, a dream.” he took a breath. “There was blood and flames, a scarlet river and the corpses of cats all around one cat. Shadowchaser, I think Flamepaw is a threat to the clans.” He admitted his greatest fears. He never knew her, but she has been giving him hostile glares occasionally, odd.—**Ripplepool**

"Flamepaw has a...*temper*, I agree." The deputy mused. It probably would have been much more reasonable to give her an easy-going mentor, maybe like Sunnyshine, who wasn't as explosive as Skyshadow. But, the she-cat had insisted, and refusing might have only made things worse. "I don't think it's fair to kick her out- it's important that she's where we can keep an eye on her." -- Shadowchaser

“okay, but I don’t think we should tell Skyshadow, she might try and defend her. Let’s just keep this between us, okay?” Ripplepool meowed as he yawned. —**Ripplepool**

"Agreed," he murmured before nodding for Ripplepool to exit the leader's den, where they had held their conversation away from prying ears. "While you're here, get ready for our journey. We leave at dawn to head towards BreezeClan. You can take Dustypaw if you'd like." -- Shadowchaser

“I’ll ask him!” Ripplepool meowed as he padded towards the clearing of brambles he called a semi medicine cat den. He then caught sight of Dustypaw. “Hey Dustypaw! Would you like to come with a patrol to the other clans to give them a supply if the Starflower? I could train you along the way.” He liked his apprentices enthusiasm about his role, Ripplepool was happy with more company, Stormstreak had recently retired to the elders den with borage and many more.—**Ripplepool**

“So, our ancestors? Go, in the stars? And, sent us messages? But they guide us?” Lynxleap asked. “Yep, I’m pretty sure I’m not a medicine cat anymore, but yet a warrior!” Suddenly her heart lurched. Would that mean she’d have to leave lucky? No, she’d see him again. She needed to stay with him, she’ll return to him later. “Well, that’s one way to say it, StarClan is always there for us...” she blinked a few times. “Um, I think Ripplepool asked me to go and find some catnip, I’m, just gonna....” Lynxleap dipped her head and Mitzi started to walk through the forest. Then she finally arrived at lucky’s place. “Lucky?” She meowed. “Mitzi?” He gasped. “Your alive?” He didn’t sound surprised. “Why have you returned?” She sighed. “I’m not meant for Clan life! Lucky, I want to be with you...” she trailed off. Lucky padded to her side. “I know. But you can’t. I’m a Kittypet, your a clan cat. I knew from the start that you didn’t belong here.” Before she could speak, he added. “And I don’t belong there. You should stay with them.” Her heart lurched. “But, i wanna be with you, and have kits and raise a family with you.” She burst, “I know, maybe we can spend a night together, then you can return to the clans. I’ll always be here.” He purred and both linked tails. “Okay.”—**Mitzi** (Risingdawn)

Dustypaw jumped to his red paws with an eager wave of his flame-colored tail. "We're going on an adventure?!" He asked the medicine cat eagerly with round, frosted eyes. "Yeah, I wanna go! I want to see and smell all the flowers and memorize all the herbs!" -- Dustypaw

“great! First before dawn, we need to go to the Half moon meeting, if you didn’t know, this is my first one too, don’t be afraid, it’s when all of the medicine cats and or healers meet at the Moon Willow, we also escort leaders there to get their nine lives, this’ll be your first encounter with StarClan! I shall go tell Shadowchaser what we must do, he must be unaware of it. How about you check on everyone and make sure they’re healthy.” Ripplepool then padded to the all deputy, “Shadowchaser, just letting you know, at moonhigh me and Dustypaw are gonna go to the half moon meeting, shall I take some of the starflower to exchange with them until we visit and plant some?” He asked. Too eager about his first meeting.—**Ripplepool**

Skyshadow padded over to her adopted daughter and apprentice. "Congratulations Flamepaw! I am so proud of you! Today you chat with your friends, tomorrow we can start training." Skyshadow licked her apprentice and watched Flamepaw pad away. Skyshadow noticed that Shadowchaser and Ripplepool were watching Flamepaw, looked at her and then back again. Skyshadow padded up to them. Skyshadow asked, "Is there a problem? I know something is wrong...."--Skyshadow

“oh! Nothings wrong Skyshadow! I’m just telling Shadowchaser that Me and Dustypaw are gonna go to the half moon meeting tonight! And then meet with the other medicine cats to discuss the plague status. Nothing to be worried about.” Ripplepool smiled at the former leader.—**Ripplepool**

Skyshadow's fur bristled. "I know that something is wrong! What type of Clan cats keep secrets!?"--Skyshadow

Stormpaw purred, "I can't wait! I am honored to be your apprentice! Can we do it with Flamepaw? Pretty please!--Stormpaw

Swiftshadow padded to her new apprentice. "Hello Scorchpaw! I am proud of you! How about tomorrow we start?" Swiftshadow saw the dark tabby tom nodding his head. Swiftshadow purred and back away as Flamepaw came to join him.--Swiftshadow

Flamepaw saw Shadowchaser and Ripplepool watching her with fear in their eyes. "What is wrong with these stupid cats?" Flamepaw felt a fur brush hers and saw Scorchpaw beside her. "Congratulations Flamepaw! You are a apprentice!" Flamepaw purred and mewed her congratulations back to him. "Flamepaw, why do you look so suspicious? You have just become an apprentice!" Flamepaw murmured, "I think Shadowchaser and Ripplepool have a problem.....with me." The two apprentices look at the deputy and medicine cat, eyes narrowed.--Scorchpaw and Flamepaw

“What are you talking about Skyshadow? If you think we mean harm to Flamepaw then you most certainly are wrong, all warriors need to keep an eye on the apprentices, especially in these times.” Then he met Skyshadows eyes.—**Rippelpool**

Rainsplash sighed. She never really was fond of the black and white she-cat. Her and Skystar hadn’t been close, “maybe, but that can’t distract you from your duties. First you rest and at dawn we join the dawn patrol.”—**Rainsplash**

Stormpaw exclaimed, "Ok! Thanks Rainsplash!" Then Stormpaw padded over to talk with Scorchpaw and Flamepaw.--Stormpaw

Skyshadow leaned closer to Ripplepool and growled, "Don't think I am stupid! I know there is something! You just are scared to say it! Fine, but don't blame be if you get attacked like a useless mole!" Skyshadow stormed away and watched the two toms.--Skyshadow

Ripplepool narrowed his eyes. “How could she say that? Doesn’t she understand she isn’t leader anymore, I know I can’t blame her, but it’s medicine cat business. It’s reasonable not to tell her, for the good of the clan.” Ripplepool said out of earshot of the black and white she-cat.—**Ripplepool**

Mitzi woke at dusk, she yawned and sighed. Lucky was next to her. “What’s wrong?” He asked her as he sat on his haunches and yawned. “I don’t know. It’s like I’ve been torn in two, like....” “like you don’t know where you belong.” Lucky finished. “Yeah.” “You’re a WillowClan warrior, Daughter of Blacksky and Sharpshine. You belong in the clans Mitzi, those memories are yours to keep.” Mitzi smiled. “You remembered?” She felt sadness clutch her heart. “I’ll miss you,” she let her muzzle dig into his fur. “I know.” He answered in a whisper. The two watched the sun set and she sighed. “I must return to WillowClan.” She closed her eyes. “You know, I’ve always liked the name Risingdawn more than Mitzi, hmm?” Lucky smiled. Mitzi—no, Risingdawn smiled. “Oh Lucky.... I’ll never forget you. Ever.” She turned around and ran and to one last touch of his fur and then she sighed and leaped off of his stone fence. “Goodbye. Lucky one.” She whispered as she padded back towards the clan of cats, and her new home. Mitzi was no more, now, Risingdawn had truly returned.—**Risingdawn**

"We'll discuss it with Mistystar later. Skyshadow has no right to act aggressive and *threatening* towards a clan medicine cat. I don't care who or what she was- nobody should disrespect a servant of StarClan." Shadowchaser rumbled to Ripplepool to help comfort the striped tom. He flicked his tail dismissively to blow the topic over and forget about it temporarily. "Get whatever rest you can to get ready for that Half-moon Gathering." -- Shadowchaser

Muddyfang had left camp to attend his own night patrol, mostly to let off some steam and find some peace for himself. Ever since his little interaction with his old clanmate, he'd been left on edge, with evil thoughts haunting the corner of his mind. Nothing felt right anymore. And just when he thought his day couldn't get any worse, there he was- Smokestorm. The blind cat lingered like a statue at the edge of WillowClan's border, as if he had been expecting Muddyfang. Snarling under his breath, the chocolate warrior threw himself at the blind ScarClan assassin, rolling with him through a small valley in a ball of snarling fury. Unexpectedly, it was the blind Smokestorm who pinned him.

"I could kill you now, y'know that? But I have better plans, and I think Sigma would agree with what I have in store for you. Good bye for now, Muddyfang...but know that this won't be the last you'll see of ScarClan. You'll wish that we ended your miserable, traitorous life." Smokestorm finally released his claws from the warrior's hide before vanishing into the darkness of the night, leaving Muddyfang with his eyes narrowed. Sigma? As in Smokestorm's mother?

Was she leading ScarClan?

Turning, Muddyfang slowly stalked back into camp until he found the warrior's den and laid down in his nest, a soft growl rumbling in his throat. If Smokestorm wanted to be that way...then so be it. He'd play down to his level. -- Muddyfang & Smokestorm

Flamepaw sunk her claws into Scar’s back. Scar yowled, “Great! Now get off of me!” Flamepaw leaped off her mother. This was her first training after her apprenticeship. Scar looked at Flamepaw with pride. “Soon Flame, we will rule the forest! Destroy all the Clans!” Flamepaw felt a feeling of happiness flood through her. The thought of killing and having power made her paws tingle with excitement. “Now Flame, do the one where you grab their tail and swing them forward where you claw their face. Flamepaw did the move perfectly. Scar looked up at the sky. “It is soon dawn. You must leave to rest.” Flamepaw frowned. She wasn’t tired, but she respected her mother too much to argue. Flamepaw nodded and padded away. Flamepaw didn’t want to go to camp yet. She still had time to walk. Flamepaw padded slowly in WillowClan territory near the border with ThornClan. “Do I really want to rule with Scar? Isn’t Skyshadow enough? What about Scorchpaw and Stormpaw?” Flamepaw’s thought were rushed out of her mind as she felt a weight land on her back. Flamepaw laid on her back and got up. Flamepaw expected to see Scorchpaw or Stormpaw, but saw a tortoiseshell tom instead. “What are you doing on WillowClan territory?” The tom growled, “Making sure no one is close to the border!” Flamepaw leaped at the tom. They fought and Flamepaw felt the tom’s claws dig deep into her skin. Flamepaw grabbed his tail and spun him around so she could claw his face, just like Scar had taught her. The tom staggered and fell. Flamepaw our her claw on his chest and spat, “Get off my territory now!” To Flamepaw’s surprise the tom had a gentle and surprised look. The tom mewed, “Please let me up.” Flamepaw thought for a while and then got off of him. The tom mewed, “I am Shadepaw. And you are?” Flamepaw spat, “Non of your business!” Shadepaw asked, “Why are you so suspicious of me?” Flamepaw spat, “Because you are from another Clan you mouse-brain!” Shadepaw purred, “Well there is no need to be suspicious of me. I think I she heard of
you before. You were called like Flamepaw. Is that correct?” Flamepaw was surprised. “Where did you hear my name?” Shadepaw narrowed his eyes.“I heard some WillowClan cats say that you were a danger. But you look nice, that is, unless you are in a fight. You do fight pretty well. I have never seen that move before.” Flamepaw didn’t know whether to trust the tortoiseshell tom or not. “Um thanks.....Say I got to go back to camp.”
Shadepaw looked at her and begged, “No please I need to see you again! At least meet me again!” Flamepaw stared to grow suspicious of Shadepaw. “Why?” Shadepaw mewed, “I need to see you again! Please come meet me again tonight!” Flamepaw thought for a moment. The scratches on her side
 still hurt. But what if Shadepaw tried to tell him something that could weaken ThornClan? Flamepaw sighed. “Fine. I will see you. But earlier ok?” Shadepaw nodded and there was a strange glimmer in his eyes. Flamepaw watched as Shadepaw crossed the border. Flamepaw ran back to camp before the dawn patrol came out. Flamepaw sneaked last them and stood in front of the apprentice den, acting as if she had just woken up.--Flamepaw and Shadepaw

Scorchpaw felt a poke at his side. He opened his eyes to find Stormpaw above him. “Wake up! All the prey will be dead with you sleeping!” Scorchpaw purred. They two apprentices padded out to see Flamepaw eating fresh kill near the medicine cat den. Ripplepool has just come out. They both padded towards her but then stopped suddenly. Stormpaw whispered to Scorchpaw, “Why does Flamepaw have scars and blood on her side? What happened?” Scorchpaw shook his head. They both padded to her and ask, “Flamepaw, why are their scars on your side? Did you fight with somebody?” Flamepaw ignored the question. “You guys need to eat before we start training.” Stormpaw and Scorchpaw looked at each other. Something happened, but they knew that to never push Flamepaw. They sat down next to her. They both noticed that Flamepaw nodded her head to Skyshadow and then Skyshadow and Flamepaw looks at Ripplepool, who was staring at Flamepaw in shock. What was Flamepaw hiding?--Scorchpaw and Stormpaw (Flamepaw)

Skyshadow knew that Flamepaw saw that Ripplepool and Shadowchaser were suspicious. Skyshadow had to stop if.....but that was later. Skyshadow mewed, "Hurry. Training starts soon. Nice scars Flamepaw." Flamepaw dipped her head and Skyshadow saw Stormpaw adn Scochpaw looking at Flamepaw in worry. Skyshadow flicked her tail and padded away to groom her fur.--Skyshadow

((Wow that's a long roleplay, lol, amazing, Rowan))

Stormstreak sighed. She'd recently moved to the elders, but it was a bit *boring. Maybe I can go help Ripplepool and visit Dustypaw.* She padded out of the Elder's Den and across the camp. -Stormstreak

“okay, so, Dustypaw, we are about to go to the Half Moon gathering, and share tongues with StarClan. Please be respectful to the other medicine cats and treat them as if they’d been your own clanmates, make sure you don’t argue as much and the rule is to never tell anyone but me about what StarClan shows you, or juts keep it secret. Understand? We’ll leave in a sec.” Ripplepool stretched and saw dusk once again. This time the clans are back on track.- **Ripplepool**

Rainsplash hissed. “What did the fox drag in?” She barred her teeth at Flamepaw. “Well, today we all will take a tour of the territory of WillowClan, and then if we have time, we’ll try some hunting practice or fighting tactics. Right Skyshadow? Swiftshadow?” Rainsplash meowed to them, avoiding Flamepaws scars.- **Rainsplash**

Skyshadow nodded to her sister. "Fine with us." Skyshadow and Swiftshadow both flattened their ears.--Skyshadow and Swiftshadow

Flamepaw growled, "Fox? What fox! Are you calling me a fox!?"--Flamepaw

Scorchpaw and Stormpaw looked worried. What had really happened to Flamepaw. They both padded up to Rainsplash and whispered, "Do you know what happened? Is that why you are angry?"--Strompaw and Scorchpaw

“no. It was a joke, looks like you tussled with a fox though. How are you not concerned Skyshadow?” She turned her gaze to the ragged she-cat. “No, I don’t, otherwise I would’ve told you-know-who” she glanced at Skyshadow again.- **Rainsplash**

“Mind if I join your patrol!” Risingdawn meowed happily. As she met Skyshadows eyes, she then added. “It’s Risingdawn now, I’ve fully joined the clans again and am mentoring Lynxleap, I think she’d like to come too.” then Lynxleap padded up behind her, suddenly she felt pride swell up in her chest, her first official apprentice, well, unofficial, but her friend too, somethings changed about Lynxleap, she seemed more of an apprentice acting she-cat then her normal loner self, perhaps Clan life does change lives. After all, she was happy to finally be home. She turned her mind back to the group, “oh! All new cats other than you two, “I’m Risingdawn, and this is Lynxleap, and I was a good friend of Skyshadow, Swiftshadow, and... Stormstreak.” She almost choked on the name of her mentor. But she tried not to show it. “Who’s your new apprentice Skyshadow?”—**Risingdawn**

"I never argue- I'm a good cat!" The apprentice responded to Ripplepool with a grin that was ear-to-ear. But, keep what StarClan told him a *secret*? But what if the starry cats didn't want it kept as a secret? But what if he *liked* to tell everyone about everything? Dustypaw tossed the thought into the back of his mind to mull over it later, and instead wiggled eagerly. "I'm ready whenever you are!" -- Dustypaw

Shadowchaser had gotten his rest, and decided that he'd lead the patrol to BreezeClan once Ripplepool returned from the Half-Moon gathering. Stomping onto their territory without a medicine cat wouldn't seem particularly...peaceful. The tom shifted in his nest (which he had temporarily moved to Mistystar's leader-den, so he could escape from the others and get his deserved sleep) and squinted his eyes when he noticed that a cat was at the entrance of the den. "C'mon," he murmured while he pulled his paws closer to his chest to find his comfort. It was Danita- a big surprise, considering that she'd been sleeping for quite some time. "Is something wrong? Are you heading back to Outlook Rock to find Salmontooth?" The deputy asked gently as his curiosity grew.

"No," the silver tabby responded as she shook her head slowly. Danita adverted her eyes to the ground as she fought to find the words. "Actually, I....think I'd like to stay here, believe it or not. WillowClan's a pretty broken, er, thing, but...I'm sure it'd be nice, once pieced back together." -- Danita & Shadowchaser

Stormpaw and Scorchpaw relaxed. They both turned to Risingdawn and Lynxleap. "We are Stormpaw and Scorchpaw. I am mentored by Rainsplash and Scorchpaw is mentored by Swiftshadow. We are happy to welcome you!" Scorchpaw and Stormpaw looked at Flamepaw to see if she would say anything, but Flamepaw was looking at Ripplepool and whispered something to Skyshadow. What is going on?--Scorchpaw and Stormpaw

Flamepaw's fur bristled. "If I fought a fox you should be happy! It could have eaten one of the elders! And at least a fox wouldn't betray its own skulk!" Flamepaw turned to the two she-cats and muttered, "Welcome. Be careful around her. Their are many suspicious cats!" Flamepaw saw Scorchpaw and Stormpaw looking at her in horror, and she returned their gaze. But with anger.--Flamepaw

Skyshadow spat, "How many scars you have tells how well you fight! Flamepaw survived a badger attack when she was a kit! Flamepaw can handle what she wants! And anyway, *no one wanted her here.* I am sure that if she got killed, it would be fine with the Clan!" Skyshadow calmed down as she felt Flamepaw and Swiftshadow pressing close to her. Skyshadow turned to Risingdawn. "I mentor Flamepaw," Skyshadow casted a glance at Rainsplash, "no one would treat her properly."--Skyshadow

“What! I was just saying it looked like she was attacked by a fox! Also, not to push your offense, but she’s still an apprentice. And I thought you saved her from the badger? Unless I heard the story wrong. Anyway, we should get going, usually at nights it’s quiet and we could go into more detail on the territory. We should return preferable before dawn, or at moonhigh if we’re quick.” —**Rainsplash**

Rippkepool didn’t notice Flamepaws glare as he sighed and entered ShadowchaserShe den. “Shadowchaser, me and Dustypaw are going to go, we hope all will be well in WillowClan.” he meowed as he glanced past Danita, then he turned and dipped his head at his apprentice. “Remember what I’ve told you, we can’t share what we’re told.” Then he silently slipped past the group of cats, his apprentice hopefully behind, into the wilderness, taking the path towards the Moon Willow.—**Ripplepool**

Muddyfang rested in his nest after his little "interaction" with Smokestorm, plots and plans fogging the rationality of the warrior's mind. He knew what he'd do. He'd make him regret it...he'd make them *all* regret it. -- Muddyfang

"I'll be good, I promise!" Dustypaw chirped as he trotted after Ripplepool with his tail held high, waving over his head like a little flag. What would the other clan cats smell like? Would they be stinky? -- Dustypaw

Ripplepool took a breath. To be completely honest, this would probably be most of the medicine cats first times, unless he and his apprentice would be the only ones. He had a hard time thinking about what StarClan would tell him, what the other cats would be like, and how starclan would get to him. He even felt like an apprentice, he wasn’t as excited and more nervous. But he trotted on til the sun sank and he scented something that smelled odd. “We’re almost there.”—**Ripplepool** **(I’m pretty sure them arriving is roleplayed on the main roleplay page,**

Flamepaw spat, "Well then don't say anything!" Skyshadow padded out with the patrol behind her. Flamepaw muttered, "Rainsplash is the one that betrays! She should be quiet!"--Flamepaw

“Hey! You should gain more respect for an apprentice, I’m not so fond of you either! You should be glad I’m not telling anyone about your little secret Foxheart!” Rainsplash hissed. The then narrowed her eyes at Skyshadow. “Maybe you should teach you apprentice to gain respect for her clan. “C’mon Stormpaw. Well start at the SeaClan border. Wile little Flamepaw gets a lesson!” Then she turned and stomped off. *If that’s how your gonna do this, I can play along too. I was never fond of loners anyway. —***Rainsplash**

Skyshadow spat at Rainsplash, "It is easy for you to say! You are Clanborn! You are not being judge either!" Skyshadow fought to not leap at the she-cat. Skyshadow whipped around and ignored Rainsplash. It wasn't fair for Flamepaw! She has been here for a while and they are more suspicious then her! Skyshadow felt Swiftshadow press against her and mew, "Come on Skyshadow. Let us show our apprentices WillowClan." Skyshadow nodded to her sister and padded away.--Skyshadow and Swiftshadow

 Stormpaw whispered to Scorchpaw nad Flamepaw, "Bye guys. See you after patrol. Be careful." Stormpaw ran after her mentor and felt fear crawl in her chest. Stormpaw mewed, "Rainsplash you know how Flamepaw is. And anyway she never really was liked like you. I know she should show more respect, but Flamepaw was judge by her background." Stormpaw looked hopefully into her mentor's eyes.--Stormpaw

Flamepaw nodded to Stormpaw, but her eyes burned with fury and the pelt bristled. Soon Rainsplash would she who she is messing with! Flamepaw heard a soft mummer, "Calm down Flamepaw. Rainsplash doesn't know how it feels. She is just a stupid fur-ball!" Flamepaw breathed. The dark ginger she-cat was grateful for Scorchpaw and Stormpaw. They were always on her side. Flamepaw pressed against Scorchpaw and heard a purr rumble in the tom's throat. Scorchpaw exclaimed, "Race ya to Swiftshadow and Skyshadow!" Tehy both ran after each other and Flamepaw leaped over him. Scorchpaw purred and fought to catch his breath. Scorchpaw padded beside each other as they did their patrol fo WillowClan territory.--Flamepaw and Scorchpaw

“Stormpaw. That was a long time ago, now no one sees her as a loner, Skyshadow keeps trying to say she isn’t when everyone gets it, I don’t know why she’d let Flamepaw spit those words out at a warrior. I know, but the truth was, I was brought to the clan after my WillowClan mother abandoned me, and I think I know why flamepaw is acting up and has the scars.” She sighed, then the reached the tip of the river. “This is where we usually fish, but not really, if we go further we’ll meet Skytree.” Then she felt anger fill her eyes. *Was Scar really the reason she’s being a rude little mouse? Should I tell Skyshadow? Maybe soon. I’ll have to catch her though.***—Rainsplash**

Stormpaw pleaded, "Haven't you seen? Shadowchaser and Ripplepool are acting werid. Sometimes they are watching her around camp. They are afraid. Why can't you see that?"--Stormpaw

“I see that, but it’s not our place to judge them, it could be medicine cat business. It’s none of my business, all I know is she shouldn’t go against StarClan. If it’s medicine cat business then they should leave it to them, end of story. But I know your concern, and all I can say is that what ever happens later, just know what might happen.” Rainsplash sighed as they arrived at Skytree. “Gosh, I remember rolling off this thing, gracious, it feels like ages ago I’ve broken my leg, heh.” Rainsplash then remembered the badger attack. “Wanna here a story?”—**Rainsplash**

Stormpaw stared in shock at her mentor. Rainsplash was trying to push away the Flamepaw situation. Stormpaw muttered, "Not really. But I guess I don't have a choice."--Stormpaw

“look, I’m already in enough trouble with them. Stormpaw. I’m no Flamepaw expert, but please believe that there is something in the forest who might change her.” *Scar.* —**Rainsplash**

Stormpaw mewed, "All I am saying is that you don't know what Flamepaw has been through!" Stormpaw decided to show her mentor more respect and change the subject. "What is the Skytree? Are we almost done with the patrol? We have been walking for a while."--Stormpaw

“almost. Skytree is the huge tree on out territory, we always use it for direction.” Rainsplash cooled down. “I just don’t think she should let that distract her from her clan and her new life, that’s all. She isn’t acting as if she wants to be in the clan, that’s what I’ve been seeing, although I could be wrong.”—**Rainsplash**

Stormpaw nodded. So many things you had to remark in your head! Stormpaw saw small shapes moving around and saw Skyshadow and Swiftshadow's patrol in the distance.--Stormpaw

Rainsplash liked the company if her new apprentice, she wasn’t like the others. She admired her calm nature. “Oh, this mean we must be getting closer to camp. You may join them if they are heady back, today was fine.”—**Rainsplash**

Skyshadow padded, her paws hurting. She hadn't walked like this in forever. Skyshadow saw Rainsplash and Stormpaw in the distance. Skyshadow turned to Risingdawn, Swiftshadow, Lynxenleap, Scorchpaw and Stormpaw. "It looks like we have shown them the territory. It will be dark soon. We can go to camp now." Skyshadow padded away.--Skysahdow

 Stormpaw mewed, "Ok! Thanks Rainsplash! See ya back at camp." Stormpaw ran to her friends. Scorchpaw flicked his tail in greeting, but Flamepaw only looked at her. Stormpaw's worries began to rise again. Stormpaw padded beside Flamepaw and mewed, "What is wrong Flamepaw? You are not acting like yourself...." Flamepaw muttered, "Nothing is wrong. I am just tired." Stormpaw knew that wasn't true, but she held her mouth shut. Scorchpaw suggested, "Hey how about we do a fight? To practice even though we haven't learned anything yet?" Flamepaw's eyes brightened up. "You guys will have a hard time beating me!" Scorchpaw and Stormpaw purred. That was the old Flamepaw. The three apprentices nodded their heads to their mentors and padded away. Scorchpaw mewed, "Ok so.." Scorchpaw's words were cut of as Flamepaw leaped at him. "Hey no fair!" Flamepaw purred, "A warrior never loses his guard." Stormpaw leaped at Flamepaw and Scrcohpaw teamed up on her. Even though Scorchpaw and Stormpaw were fighting Flamepaw, the dark ginger she-cat had them both down. "Ok Flamepaw you win!" The apprentices purred and shared a blackbird. Then they said goodnight and went to sleep, for the moment.--Flamepaw, Scorchpaw and Stormpaw

Rainsplash knew something was up with Flamepaw, but she didn’t want to interfere, she’d stand her ground and once more cats know, she’d tell the truth. After all. If she wanted to not be favored in her clan, then fine. Did her son really ever give hostile glares?—**Rainsplash**

With his chat with Danita over, Shadowchaser patiently sat outside of his den, awaiting the arrival of Ripplepool and Dustypaw. Once the medicine cat returned, they could begin their urgent mission in handing out the cure to the affected clans. In the meantime, the deputy pondered his situation over- mainly giving the newest clan member, Danita, an official warrior name. -- Shadowchaser

Mapleblaze yowled as two strangers entered camp. “Who are they!” She hissed. “Calm yourself!” Stormstreak hissed. “It’s Dustypaw.” The crowd was Gathering now. “I’m Tabbypaw, the Medicine cat of BreezeClan. We’ve been instructed to leave Blondepool of StormClan here until Ripplepool returns.” She meowed sternly. “Where is Ripplepool?” Mapleblaze sneered. “He’s gone to TundraClan, one of their Queens is having her kits.”—**Tabbypaw**

Flamepaw saw that a crowd of cats were gathering around, blocking the escape,  and the smell of different cats filled the air. WillowClan always helps others! Flamepaw saw out of the the corner of her eye a small hole that had the smell of the forest. Flamepaw sneered, “I thought we were supposed to patch up the walls!” Flamepaw crept as a shadow out of camp without being seen. Then Flamepaw broke into a run and finally saw Scar waiting for her. Flamepaw panted, “Sorry Scar! Those Clan cats just don’t let me out!” Scar purred at her daughter. “Right Flame, let us begin!” Flamepaw nodded and leaped at her mother.--Flamepaw

Rainsplash watched as Flamepaws pelt disappeared, she’d been at the warriors den with no interest in these new cats. She turned to find her apprentice and she padded up to her. “Stormpaw.” She whispered. “Flamepaw has left camp.”—**Rainsplash**

StarClan, he seemed to have just about every clan infiltrating his camp. Willowclan really needed to start building some barricades. "Someone inform me immediately when Ripplepool returns. It's crucial that we start delivering the cure, before more damage can be done."-- Shadowchaser

Dustypaw looked exhausted and semi-crushed from carrying the full-grown cat all the way back to WillowClan, even with assistance from Tabbypaw. "I don't know what to do with this....uh, cat." Clearly, he had already forgotten Blondepool's name. "We don't have to cut off her leg, right? I've seen kittypets with three legs- that sounds *awful*!" -- Dustypaw

Tabbypaw couldn't help but smile. “No, we should leave her in the medicine cats den, wherever that is.” She sighed. Then suddenly the crowd grew quiet and she turned to see Ripplepool? He didn’t look up, all he did was glance around and walk past the crowd, who made a path for him. He padded into a bramble thicket and plopped into a moss bed. “Oh?” Tabbypaw meowed. she helped Dustypaw put Blondepool in the den then she turned to leave. “May StarClan guide your paw.” She praised. Then headed back towards BreezeClan.

Ripplepool curled up closer and was tighter. He couldn’t believe what was real anymore, all he wanted to do was curl up and die.--**Tabbypaw** & **Ripplepool**

Stormpaw looked at her mentor in shock. Why would Flamepaw leave camp? “M-maybe Flamepaw needed some fresh air? Or is going to the dirt pile? Flamepaw wouldn’t just leave camp, right? Should I wake Scorchpaw and go look for her?”--Stormpaw

Flamepaw sunk her claws into Scar’s tail and whipped her body around to rake her claws across her face. Flamepaw felt blood in her paws. What a great feeling! Scar rubbed her paw against her new wound. “Good Flame. You have learned well. Our time is coming.” Scar looked up at the sky. “Dawn is coming Flame. You must leave. Listen, I have watched your camp and I see that they are suspecting you are leaving at night. I suggest that u stay there for five sunrises before I see you again.“ Flamepaw growled, “If only it wasn’t for my Clan mates!” Scar purred, noddEd farewell and disappeared into the trees. Flamepaw turned at walled to the ThornClan border and sat down when she arrived. Flamepaw mewed, “Shadepaw , you are going have to do better if you want to sneak up on me.” Shadepaw padded out of the bushes. “How did you hear me?” Flamepaw flicked her ears. “You step on some old grass. And your tail was slightly up. But enough about that. What do you want?” Shadepaw purred, “To see you of course!” Flamepaw shook her head. “We are from different Clans. There is either a good reason or no reason at all.” Shadepaw opened his mouth to protest, but Flamepaw interrupted, “I can’t see you until five days or so. So don’t epet to see me.” Flamepaw started to pace away. Shadepaw sneered, “You got into some trouble?” Flamepaw turned her head. “No, but I don‘t meet cats who don’t have a good reason. So I am giving you some time.” Flamepaw padded away as Shadepaw looked at her. Flamepaw saw that the crowd was still there, so she snuck back through the dirt place and padded to the apprentice's den, standing outside.--Flamepaw (Shadepaw and Scar)

Rainsplahs padded up to Flamepaw. “Flamepaw? Where have you been? Clearly not to dirtplace, you’ve been gone all night.” Rainsplash glanced as Stormpaw joined her side.—**Rainsplash**

Strompaw begged, "Please Flamepaw. What were you doing?" Stormpaw saw that Scorchpaw was coming out of the apprentice's den. Stormpaw murmured to Rainsplash, "You talk to her. I need Scorchpaw and I to talk with Flamepaw alone." Stormpaw ran to Scorchpaw. Scorchpaw looked at her and asked, "What is wrong Stormpaw? Has something happened?" Stormpaw paused. "Flamepaw was out at night."--Stormpaw (Scorchpaw)

Flamepaw tried hard to keep clam. "I needed some fresh air. The apprentices' den is so stuffy." Flamepaw glanced at Stormpaw, silencing the gray she-cat. "I am sure that is ok right Rainsplash?" Skyshadow padded up to stand beside her adopted daughter. "It is not like Flamepaw is a blind kit. Flamepaw is old enough to fight, get hurt and especially to go on her territory!" Skyshadow licked Flamepaw's ear before beckoning her with her tail to leave Rainsplash followed. Flamepaw cast Rainsplash a hateful glance before padding away. Flamepaw nodded her thanks to Skyshadow before picking up a mole and eating it. Flamepaw sat up to swim her tongue over her mouth. Flamepaw looked up to see that Scorchpaw and Stormpaw were padding towards her, fear and concern in their eyes. Flamepaw knew what they wanted to ask.--Flamepaw (Skyshadow)

“Skyshadow you don’t understand! I think I know what she’s been doing.” Rainsplash confessed with anger.- **Rainsplash**

Skyshadow spat, "Oh really? so you are saying you have been spying on my daughter!? First find out what *you* have been doing!"--Skyshadow

 (Remember Willow, no body is supposed to know. Only Flame tells unless I say things change)--RowanSpark

oh, oops forget I wrote that))

Ripplepool padded up to Flamepaw. “Hey Flamepaw. Come into my den so I can treat those wounds before they become scars.” Ripplepool dipped his head.—**Ripplepool**

Flamepaw looked away from Scorchpaw and Stormpaw. "Are you sure that is the only reason you want me to go? No suspicions or dangers? And anyway, I have had these scars for a while and I am still alive. So I think I am ok."Flamepaw snarled as she saw Ripplepool's fur rising in surprise and fear.--Flamepaw

(You can keep it. Just don't have Rain say it. Hehe)--Rowan

Ripplepool narrowed his eyes. “Well you can’t lose anymore blood, you should know cats die of blood loss...” suddenly his tail drooped and his ears slouched. He lowered his head in memory of Slatepuddle.

Rainsplash hissed. “I want nothing to do with that furball! I’m worried for WillowClan and the forest!” Rainsplash hissed. She had no cares for that loner. All she cared for was her clan and her kin.—**Rainsplash** & **Ripplepool**

Skyshadow spat, “Then why did you open your mouth!? Flamepaw is mine, not yours. Stay in your own business!”—Skyshadow

Flamepaw did an evil grin at the word ‘Blood’. “I am sure you would be glad of that. After all, I am just very dangerous and suspicious. Right Ripplepool? That is why you are so weird around me. So, I think we should let the scars be, don’t you think? Then you wouldn’t have any problems!”—Flamepaw

“no Flamepaw. That’s not why. I’m trying to do my job! I’ve lots the life of the queen who I was suposed to kit! I bet you don’t even care about the clan so help you. If you want to bleed to death then spare me. But I will not serve a disloyal apprentice if that’s what you think. You should stay out of medicine cat business why don’t you!” He snapped and padded into the medicine cat den. He knew it. Something was wrong with her. He just didn’t know what.

Rainsplash unleashed her rage. “You know what Skyshadow?” She asked in a bark. “If you really cared about Flamepaw as your own kit you’d be worried for her. She’s been returning and waking up with scars and blood all over her pelt and your defending her! After she’s been being attacked you think she can handle it? She can’t! She’s just an apprentice! A newly made apprentice! I wouldn’t be surprised if she turned on the clans anyways. And you and I Both know most of the clan isn’t trusting her, not because she was a loner. She’s being disloyal. That’s right. A disloyal apprentice! So go chat with Shadowchaser if you really want to. I’m just trying to help your sorry tail!” Rainsplash whipped the ground with her tail and scratched at the dirt. Her amber eyes burned into Skyshadow’s green ones. -**xRipplepool** & **Rainsplash**

Skyshadow padded to Rainsplahs until she was nose-to-nose with the she-cat. Skyshadow growled,"I was the one who saved Flamepaw. I was the one who took care of her when the other queens wouldn't. I am her mentor. I am worried for her always, the *her* back will be turned by these filfthy Clan cats, but I never show how weak I am like you do! I have noticed the scar, but what if she was driving out a loner *like she is supposed to!* I have noticed she has been out of camp, bt maybe she wanted some fresh air *like she is allowed to!* And ;ook who is talking about the Clan adn betrayal. You were the one that was mates with Hawktalon, who is a ThornClan cat! So if you want too talk about disloyalty, we can talk about it!" Skyshadow bared her teeth before paddeding away. If the Clan wanted war, she'ld give them war!--Skyshadow

 Flamepaw sneered at the medicene cat. "What type of medicene cat lets his cats die? I am sue Yellowfang didn't do that to Brokenstar! But I guess WillowClan is different. I guess after Stormstreak retired, you changed the rules. But fine with me! It wasn't my mistake! And I want to serve my Clan, it is just that they won't let me. So they need to let me do it!" Flamepaw turned her head to her friends, who had shock and fear in their eyes.--Flamepaw

“Who told you that!” Rainsplahs hissed. Unsheathing her claws. “Maybe you and Flamepaw are traitors then. Insulting the deputy and Medicine cat! I don’t think you’ve noticed, but I’m pretty sure your letting Flamepaw be very rude to warriors. I bet that you don’t notice because youre too Caught in your sught. ‘oh I have to go and protect this kit for something she isn’t judged for.’ Well now I’m saying it. I’m not trusting her or you. Both traitors. And by the way. I killed my mate.” Rainsplahs bristled in a low snarled that made some other cats pelt bristle.

“Your just a disappointment then.” Ripplepool murmured. The dream might come true. He’d had pe to be ready for the end.—**Ripplepool** & **Rainsplash**

Flamepaw eyes softened and sorrow came to her heart. Flamepaw murmured, "Ripplepool, I have always tried to be normal. But where ever I go suspicions follow. How else am I supposed to act? I am nothing to the Clan. Nothing at all. It is like they wish I was killed by the badgers when I was a kit. Just becuase of me, they hate Skyshadow, who was the former leader. I have ruined everything. What do I have left here?"--Flamepaw

he turned to her, “we don’t wish you’d been killed by the badger flamepaw. We’ve excepted stairway kits before. And we don’t hate Skyshadow, you’ve been being suspicious lately is all. The clan is worrying about you and Skyshadow. And you aren’t telling us what’s wrong.”—**Ripplepool**

Skyshadow turned once more to face Rainsplash. "I was your leader Rainsplash. And I noticed too, but I didn't stop you. You were in love with Hawktalon, and you had to find out what you wanted. You can think that Flamepaw and I are traitors and we are rude to everybody, but maybe open your eyes to see that no one talks to Flamepaw like they do to the others. They were suspicious of her before she even did anything. And I will protect Flamepaw with my life, like you would do for your kits. And don't worry, I have noticed that the Clan doesn't trust Flamepaw nor I. I am not blind. Listen Rainsplash, I am sorry I have been rude sometimes, but I need to protect Flamepaw! I have tried to be nice to every cat, but they refuse. You say I am being rude to the cats here, you all are being rude to me, the leader of WillowClan who gave up my rule to take care of that," Skyshadow flicked her tail to Flamepaw, "poor kit who nobody loves! I have tried! But nobody cares! Flamepaw trusted you, but something happened! Flamepaw tried to be normal, but nobody would see her as that! Do you think I can do something about that Rainsplash?!"--Skyshadow

 Stormpaw looked at Flamepaw with worry. Flamepaw's spirit, herself, is dying away! "Scorchpaw, Flamepaw's self is dying! You stay with her, I will go look for Shadowchaser!" Stormpaw looked depsretaly for the deputy, and found him outside the leader's den. "Please StarClan, let Flamepaw be saved!"--Stormpaw

 Scorchpaw looked at Flamepaw. "My love is fading away! I must talk with Ripplepool!" Scorchpaw padded towards his dying love, who's spirit was turning into dust.--Scorchpaw

 Flamepaw looked desperately at Ripplepool. "If the Clan really wants me here and worry for me, why am I treated not normal? Everyone looks at me as if I am Tigerstar! They were suspicious of be before I even walked in clearing! And whatever I say, they will all be suspicious of me! I have tried, but I am useless!" Flamepaw's eyes grew dull and her tail drooped. "You can check my wounds Ripplepool. See if I care." Flamepaw felt a pelt bush her and saw Scorchpaw, a strange glimmer in his eyes. Scorchpaw whispered in her ear, "Let me walk you to the medicine cat den." Flamepaw didn't care. The ginger she-cat felt.....empty. Flamepaw dropped in one of the nest and closed her eyes, wanting to die.--Flamepaw

Ripplepool sighed and tended to her wounds. “These scratches don’t seem from any wild animal? Hmm, I guess there’s been lots of loners and rogues our lately? You should return to camp when that happens though. We can take care of them and Shadowchaser will know.” Ripplepool instructed.—**Ripplepool**

Flamepaw muttered, "I am not that useless." Flamepaw closed her eyes. Who was she anymore? What was she? Flamepaw feel into a sleep. The ginger she-cat blinked her eyes and saw that she was where Scar trained her. Scar was in the middle. Flamepaw asked, "How did you get into my dreams? You aren't dead!" Scar shook her head. "I can get in cats dreams. Flamepaw, don't let those cats stop you. They are planning to kill you. You must stand up!" Scar faded leaving Flamepaw alone. Was Scar right?--Flamepaw (Scar)

Scorchpaw murmmered to Ripplepool, "Can I talk to you?" Scorchpaw padded to the back of the den. "Ripplepool, I don't know if you have noticed, but Flamepaw has been judged, she has always been. But now this is wrong. Flamepaw's personality is fading away. She never dropped her tail before or had such dull eyes. Flamepaw's spirit is dying and I am sure, no offense, that you can't cure that. Flamepaw is not treated normal. I know she has gone out at night, and I am worried. But why look at her? Why not try to talk to her? Can't you see, Flamepaw is dying!"--Scorchpaw

Pepperpaw was out hunting again. It was really all she did now a days, with no friends to talk to, no mentor to train her... She exhaled quietly, as she spotted a mouse in the undergrowth. Pepperpaw crouched low to the ground. Then, with a flying leap, she caught the mouse in one bite. She wasn't happy about her catch, it was normal, but she tried to smile anyway. Padding back to camp, she put it on the fresh kill pile. Pepperpaw spotted one of the other apprentices (Ashpaw) eating a squirrel a few feet away. Pepperpaw padded over to her and tried to look friendly. "Hey there! Ashpaw isn't it?" - Pepperpaw

"It is for now, but not much longer." Ashpaw responded with a wide grin, swallowing the last few bits of her fresh kill whole. "Shadowchaser's finally taking me out on my assessment now, after he finishes sending out patrols. Assuming I pass, I'll be getting my warrior name tonight." Before the pale apprentice could spend much more time chatting Pepperpaw's ear off, the deputy approached with a small nod. "Ready, Ashpaw?" His apprentice immediately jumped to her paws with a gleam of enthusiasm in her eyes. "Born ready! See you later, Pepperpaw!" With that, Shadowchaser and Ashpaw trotted out of camp to begin the apprentice's assessment. -- Ashpaw & Shadowchaser

Stonepaw honestly looked depressed. He loved his mother, and she was nowhere to be found. Gone with the wind. Had nobody cared anymore, were they more interested in starting petty drama with each other rather than searching for their dearly beloved leader, to ensure that she was still alive? It made the charcoal bicolor fume. Shifting uncomfortably, he began to look for his older sister, Riverstone, in hopes of training. He was older than almost all of the apprentices, to no fault of his own. Several moons ago, he had been hit by a monster and broke his leg, forcing him to temporarily pause his training until it healed. Now more than ever, he was desperate to become a warrior. Then, he could go find his mother, Mistystar. -- Stonepaw

Stormpaw stared as Shadowchaser left camp. "Now how am I going to talk to him!?" Stormpaw padded back, her thoughts troubled. What has happened to Flamepaw?--Stormpaw

"Lucky!" Pepperpaw said, laughing. "I still don't even have a mentor yet, let alone had an assement! I-" Pepperpaw's joke was cut off by Ashpaw heading out for her assessment. "Good Luck!" Pepperpaw yelled after her, grinning her head off. Finally! A cat who treated her as an equal! A clanmate! Someone who didn't just brush her aside. Pepperpaw happily scarfed up her mouse, and then looked around to see if anyone needed her. No one appeared in need of help, so Pepper decided to continue hunting. Though the real reason was because she wanted to watch Ashpaw's assessment... - Pepperpaw

Once they were a distance away from camp, Shadowchaser stopped to turn and face his apprentice. "Your task is simple: catch a squirrel. Know that I will be watching, but I cannot interfere to help you. Do your best- I'm confident you'll do just fine." Shadowchaser smiled at Ashpaw and nodded to send her off. Eagerly, his spotted apprentice turned and darted off with long yet inaudible steps to find her prey. The deputy, meanwhile, followed behind her cautiously in the undergrowth, so that he couldn't be spotted while he assessed her skills. -- Shadowchaser & Ashpaw

Birdpaw was rolling a pebble with her paw. Sometimes, she regretted surrendering her title as medicine cat, but at the same time...she enjoyed being a warrior. She liked the adrenaline rush to chasing down prey and feeling the breeze in her russet fur. Being crammed in a den all day...it wasn't the same. -- Birdpaw

Pepperpaw dashed quietly through the undergrowth, listening for sounds of Ashpaw and her mentor. Quickly, she heard Shadowchaser giving Ashpaw her final instructions, "Catch a Squirrel." Pepperpaw crouched low behind a bush, carefully following Ashpaw do her assessment. Hopefully, she wouldn't get caught. - Pepperpaw

Shadowchaser watched as Ashpaw scaled a tree with precision, clearly going for an unsuspecting squirrel nest to either catch a young animal or an adult. *Clever.* He thought to himself with a tiny, proud grin. However, he paused when he caught wind of another scent- not just Ashpaw's. Who else was out there? *I did just send a patrol out...but they're not supposed to be around here. Maybe someone strayed after a mouse?* -- Shadowchaser & Ashpaw

Pepperpaw started when she caught Shadowchaser looking in her direction, and let out a quiet squeak of surprise. - Pepperpaw

Stormpaw let her paws drag in the dust as she padded across the camp. Worry plagued her thoughts and every inch of her wanted to know *what* and *how* Flamepaw had gotten those wounds... What was she doing out there at night? What was she hiding? Stormpaw felt dizzy. She sat back on her haunches beside the fresh-kill pile. Her belly rumbled softly, but she was too worried to eat. The gray apprentice felt as if Flamepaw, her best friend, was slipping away from her... Where was that kind, excited she-cat she knew? It was as if something darker, something more sorrowful had replaced the ginger apprentice's spirit. Stormpaw got back to her feet, intending to visit Flamepaw, but instead her pawsteps were leading her to the apprentice's den. She flopped down in her nest, closing her eyes, trying to block out the fear and anxiety, before she drifted off into a restless sleep. - Stormpaw

"Can I meet you here tomorrow?" Mistystar asked. Minnowsplash grinned. "Yeah."

Mistystar set out back towards home with the small kit. -Misty

Stonepaw had noticed Pepperpaw leaving camp and, being the responsible guy he was, decided to slowly trail behind her to find out what she was up to. She wasn't going to intentionally ruin Ashpaw's assessment, right? The charcoal-and-white tom moved slowly as he limped along, partially because his leg was acting up that afternoon. The rain and cold never left it feeling very good. After a while, Stonepaw seemed to lose track of Pepperpaw, and instead, ran into a face he never expected: Mistystar. She was alive- his mom was alive! Oh, he was an adult and should be more mature...but he was such a mommy's boy... "Mom! Y-You're alive!" -- Stonepaw

Shadowchaser's auditories twitched when he picked up a distant squeak. Eh? There really *was* a mouse about? When he turned his head in the direction of the sound, however, he squinted at a tortoiseshell coat. What was Pepperpaw doing out at Ashpaw's assessment? Cheating for her own, perhaps? He'd have to have a discussion with her later on. Turning his attention back to his apprentice, the deputy marveled at how Ashpaw pushed the squirrel's nest from the tree, leaving it to plummet to the ground and shock the family of rodents inside. She then leaped down from the tree and delivered them each a killing blow: one adult squirrel, and three squirrel kits. Finally, Shadowchaser stepped out of the bracken with a wide grin. "Impressive, Ashpaw. You'll make a fine warrior yet." -- Shadowchaser & Ashpaw

Stormpaw awoke with a start. She scrambled to her paws, shaking scraps of moss from her pelt. *How long have I slept? An hour?'* She pushed her way out of the apprentice's den and padded across the camp. *I need to be contributing to my Clan!* she thought, feeling hot shame wash through her pelt. But she had been so worried about Flamepaw... Trying to push her guilty thoughts away, she headed out of camp. A breeze swept through the canopy of leaves and ruffled her pelt. Stormpaw let out a breath, relishing the cool wind. Suddenly, a sweet scent reached her nose. The gray apprentice froze, her ears pricking. Was that a mouse? She dropped into a crouch, slipping forward pawstep by pawstep. She saw the brown furry body nibbling on a nut beside the gnarled roots of an oak. She sprang out of her crouch and landed with a thud on the mouse's back, cracking its spine with her weight. Satisfied, she lifted the piece of prey up in her jaws, pleased that she could add a plump mouse to the fresh-kill pile. Then, she padded back to camp. - Stormpaw

"Stonepaw!" Mistystar's eyes widened at the sight of her kit. "I got washed away by the storm." She bent down to muzzle Stonepaw. "I was trying to save this kit," she showed him the small chocolate point she-kit. -Mistystar

Aspenpaw thought he heard a yell from someone out of camp. That sounded like Stonepaw! He though, rushing in the direction of the sound, he completely rammed into Mistystar, immediately recognizing the scent. "MOM!" Aspenpaw exclaimed, to shocked for anything besides that. "You're alive!" - Aspenpaw

"I'm a big brother?" Stonepaw looked at the kitten wide-eyed, but he couldn't resist a gentle purr. He knew it wasn't at all biological, just a poor scrap Mistystar happened upon and took in underneath her wing for the time being. "I'm glad your safe, mom. C'mon, let me help you get to our makeshift camp." -- Stonepaw

Aspenheart looked curiously at the new cat. She smelled disgusting! He wrinkled his nose. Then, padded behind Stonepaw. Who is this cat? Why does Mom want her anyways?... - Aspenpaw

"Mistystar's back!" Stonepaw shouted with glee in his voice as he entered camp with an enthusiastic wave of his gray tail. Shadowchaser had recently returned from his assessment with Ashpaw, and raised his head in interest. He knew it- she was alive! Finally...angry cats could shout less at him. -- Shadowchaser, Ashpaw, & Stonepaw

Stormpaw padded back into camp, arching her back. A warm mouse dangled from her jaws. Then, shock waves flowed through her. *Mistystar?* The brown she-cat was home! Joy washed away her surprise. Stormpaw let out a purr before dropping her prey on the pile. Finally, something positive had happened! She trotted over to Mistystar, dipping her head respectfully. "Hello Mistystar. I am now Stormpaw. Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked quietly. - Stormpaw

Ripplepool shook his head at Scorchpaw. “No.” He answered. “She’s not dying. She is jumpstart fine. Just trying to figure out her place in the clan. Like all apprentices.” He meowed making traveling herb bundles.—**Ripplepool**

Rainsplash padded out of her den, sorrow in her eyes, but she looked up to meet the excited kits and her eyes widened. “M-Mistystar?! Mistystar? Is that really you!?” She ran over to her old mentor and leader. ‘Where were you! I-I had to lead the clans temporarily, Shadowchaser and you’d been gone.... he returned.... Mistystar we have the cure! I can’t believe your back!”—**Rainsplash**

Skyshadow narrowed her eyes at Rainsplash. Skyshadow bounded over to Mistystar and nuzzled her old friend, deputy and leader. "It is nice to see you again Mistystar. Just don't disappear again." Skyshadow pressed closer and whispered, "We need to talk." Skyshadow bowed her head and padded to the medicine cat den. "Hi Ripplepool. Mistystar is back. How is Flamepaw?"--Skyshadow

​Flamepaw woke her eyes again to see Scar. Her mother wasn't alone this time, she had company. "Hello Scar. Who are these?" Scar mewed, "These are the other rogues I have been training. They will fight with us against the Clans. But you Flame need to fight one of my best." A dark muscular tom padded out. With a screech he leaped at Flamepaw. Flamepaw felt stings all over her body and blood oozing on her fur. Flamepaw yowled and scrabbled away. Flamepaw dug her claws into the tom's tail and whipped him around, slashing his face. Flamepaw then leaped on his back and bit hard in his spine. "STOP FLAME!!!!" Flamepaw looked at Scar, but was flopped back on the ground. The tom growled, "Good bye Flame." The tom bit hard on her neck and Flamepaw woke up.--Flamepaw

​Scorchpaw looked at Ripplepool. "But she isn't the same! And how can she be fine when Flamepaw is being judged, especially by you Ripple.............Flamepaw!!!" Scorchpaw stared shockingly at Flamepaw. The dark ginger she-cat's fur was flooded with blood. Scorchpaw narrowed his eyes at Ripplepool and then bent down by Flamepaw. Scorchpaw could see that Skyshadow was looking at Flamepaw. What was the black she-cat thinking? Scorchpaw yowled and ran out of the medicine cat den. Scorchpaw ran over to Mistystar, dipped his head and mewed, "I think you need to come in the medicine cat den Mistystar. Skyshadow needs you." Scorchpaw saw Stormpaw and whispered to her, "Flamepaw is bleeding! C'mon!" Scorchpaw ran back and licked Flamepaw. "Please survive this terrible attack Flamepaw!"--Scorchpaw

Juniperpaw heard a shriek from the Medicine Cat's den. Was someone in trouble? Dying? Did someone need her help?! She leapt out of her nest, and ran to the opening of the medicine den. "What's wrong?! Is something wrong?!" She asked. - Juniperpaw

Ripplepool sighed. “I’m not judging her. She’s making it hard for the clan to thrive.” He murmured. Then turned to Skyshadow. “She should be fine.” He answered with a dip of his head. He then padded back to the medicine cats den and grinned as he saw Juniperpaw. “No, nothing’s wrong here.” He purred. But then he saw flamepaw pelt, “covered in blood again?!” He asked with horror.—**Ripplepool**

Stormpaw went rigid as she heard a yowl from the medicine-cat den. *Flamepaw?* Horror seemed to freeze her blood as she streaked across the camp and burst into the den, her tail fluffed up. Flamepaw lay bleeding, scarlet blood oozing from wounds. Stormpaw let out a gasp of terror. She turned to Scorchpaw, who was also in the den. "What happened?" she demanded, fighting to keep her voice steady. - Stormpaw

Stonepaw had a weird sensation in his gut when he detected a foreign scent on Mistystar's coat, but he swallowed his concern. No- she probably just ran into some rogues and had to fight them off, or had to put ThornClan into their place when she passed through. The charcoal-gray apprentice turned to his older sister, Riverstone, with a small smile. "Now that my leg's healed, we should return to training, so I can be properly made a warrior." He murmured, causing the warrior to snap her head in Stonepaw's direction. She hadn't been paying attention, and he caught her off-guard. "Oh? Yeah, certainly little brother!" -- Riverstone & Stonepaw

Ripplepool bounded over to get some supplies as he then placed cobwebs on her bleeding parts. He didn’t speak though. *Everyday that dream might be coming true....* he thought. “Hold the cobwebs and put little pressure on the cuts, if it starts to bleed more then place some more.” He instructed. He needed to discuss his Dream with Mistystar now. He padded up to her. “Mistystar. we must talk about something urgent. I have some worry thta it might effect all the clans if we aren’t careful.”—**Ripplepool**

Dustypaw didn't really know what was going on- he was just trying to be as helpful as possible for Ripplepool to succeed. He hadn't learned much about herbs yet, considering that he was made an apprentice and then immediately had to go to the half-moon meeting. He was still tired from the long trek. The peach-colored tom peered up at his mentor with round eyes. "But mister Ripplepool," he whispered, "I thought you said we weren't supposed to share our dreams with *anybody!"* -- Dustypaw

Ripplwpool purred. “This isn’t a moon Willow Dream, it’s a message from StarClan in all of my dreams, haunting me every night.” He purred. “You can only share your dreams with the leader of the clan, or in my case when the leader was gone, to Shadowchaser. It’s just the code I guess.”—**Ripplepool**

Scorchpaw murmured, "I don't know. But all I know is that something is wrong with Flamepaw."--Scorchpaw

Skyshadow growled, "Be careful what you say Ripplepool! I might be there as well. Flamepaw is my daughter and apprentice anyway!"--Skyshadow

Ripplepool narrowed his eyes. “She can’t be there Mistystar. It’s medicine cats word and I understand she’s your friend, but this is for the sake of the clan.” He turned to Skyshadow. “I don’t think it’s a bright idea you listened to what I would tell her.” He meowed—**Ripplepool**

​Dawnpaw sprustled in her den, smoke at her nose, she didn’t understand what was happening, then she woke with a start. That was odd... maybe she’s sick or something. She might ask about it later. She saw Mistystar and couldn’t smile. She was enraged, her mentor paused her training for so long, she was not pleased. Dawnpaw narrowed her eyes.—**Dawnpaw**

Skyshadow spat, "And you say you want the Clan to trust her!"--Skyshadow

Ripplepool snarled. “Skyshadow, I understand you’re worried about Flamepaw, but you should know what it’s like to be a leader! We can’t have the clan worrying over nothing! Leaders have to keep the peace in their clans, and keep secrets their medicine cats have to say fir the sake if rivalry! Why don’t you understand!”—Ripplepool

Dawnpaw glared. Then padded into the medicine cat den to see the commotion, “whats wrong the *her*.” She hissed.—**Dawnpaw**

Stormpaw hissed. "Why is she covered with wounds? She's bleeding! StarClan, help us!" the gray she-cat wailed. She crouched beside her friend's body, pressing her muzzle into Flamepaw's shoulder fur. - Stormpaw

Dawnpaw heard something like this before. In a kits story. “Have you ever heard of the place of no stars? In kits stories?” She meowed.—**Dawnpaw**

Stormpaw's eyes glittered in the milky light streaming through the top of the medicine-cat den. "I have," she mewed quietly. "But..I would never think that Flamepaw was visiting the...Dark Forest." She stared at Dawnpaw. "What do you mean by this?" - Stormpaw

Dawnpaw sighed. “I thought it was a myth, but I heard cats there have all sorts of scars and huff and bleed when they sleep! So I’m thinking if she dies in the dream she dies in real life. Why else would she be bleeding again.” Dawnpaw then looked around the medicine cats den.—**Dawnpaw**

Stormpaw felt the blood drain from her face. She turned and shoved her nose into Flamepaw's pelt. "That can't be true," she whispered. She so desperately wanted it to have been an accident, maybe the ginger she-cat scraped herself on thorns or tripped over rocks. These wounds...another cat in the Place of No Stars hadn't *wounded* her? "Dawnpaw, what if she dies? What if her wounds are too bad or get infected?" Stormpaw knew she was being unreasonable. Flamepaw would survive, but she couldn't help but wonder... - Stormpaw

Scorchpaw pressed against hs gray friend. "Flamepaw would have beaten those rats. And we know no Dark Forest Willow Clan cats, so a fox must have come in the den or her wounds must have opened." Scorchpaw though doubted what he said. What if Flamepaw dies?--Scorchpaw

Stonepaw and Riverstone were passing Shadowchaer when they noticed the deputy looking irritable. Clearly, he just wanted to get his ceremonies and duties done. So, the brother-sister duo decided to alleviate some of his stress. "Hello, Shadowchaser, mind if Stonepaw and I take out a hunting patrol?" Riverstone asked the grizzled deputy with a genuine smile. The deputy looked relieved, and nodded vigorously. "Certainly, take whomever you'd like with you." -- Shadowchaser, Stonepaw, Riverstone

“are you so sure? I’m pretty sure foxes aren't that quick. They’re loud and there are no holes in the den.” Dawnpaw pointed out. “Flamepaw is a weird apprentice, honestly, just wake her up.”—**Dawnpaw**

Stormpaw felt stress overpowering her. She wanted to believe Scorchpaw. She wanted Flamepaw to simply have been attacked by rats or foxes. She didn't want to believe the Place of No Stars had wounded Flamepaw...but she could feel that Dawnpaw was right, that Dawnpaw spoke the horrible truth. Stormpaw let out a deep sigh. "Dawnpaw, can you wake Flamepaw?" The gray apprentice didn't want to do it herself. - Stormpaw

Dawnpaw grinned. “With pleasure.” Then she shook the apprentice with her paws. “Wake up You little...” she trailed off. She shook flamepaw many times.—**Dawnpaw**

Stormpaw leaned over her best friend. "Flamepaw, wake up!" she cried. "We need you. We need answers!" - Stormpaw

"Who'd you like to take with us, Stonepaw?" Riverstone asked her younger brother lightly as she turned to rest her tranquil pair of blues on the bicolor tom. The gimpy apprentice thought on her question for several moments. He honestly didn't know many of his clanmates anymore, considering that he spent a ridiculous amount of time in the medicine cat den in order to recover. Although, there was one new apprentice he knew... "How about Birdpaw? She needs to train as well- we could probably take another warrior and or apprentice in addition to her." -- Stonepaw & Riverstone

Stormpaw heard Stonepaw and Riverstone chattering outside the den. *A hunting patrol?* She scrambled to her paws, stretching her stiff legs. It would do her some good to get up and run around. She had already caught a mouse that morning, but she decided she would go out again. She nodded a good-bye to Dawnpaw, and hurried into the sunlight. She quickly spotted Riverstone, and trotted up the she-cat. "Can I come?" she asked. - Stormpaw

Mapleblaze woke. “I’d like to join as well.”—**Mapleblaze**

As a diplomat, Riverstone wasn't keen on bringing potential drama onto her patrol, considering that the certain group of apprentices seemed to be filled to the brim with it lately, but Stonepaw was in a "let's-get-on-with-it-mood". "Sure," the charcoal tom responded immediately to both offers, turning to see Birdpaw approaching. The medicine cat apprentice had given up her role in order to take up the path of a warrior. It was comforting, since Stonepaw also had to work on his training, and was also older than most all of the apprentices. "Well then, let's head out." Riverstone decided before turning and marching out of camp. -- Stonepaw, Riverstone, Birdpaw

Mapleblaze had to do something helpful other than be a helpless lug, she needed to feel the breeze in her fur and the sun on her pelt now that the plague was over.—**Mapleblaze**

Scorchpaw stared at Stormpaw as she padded out of the den. Stormpaw was really leaving their friend! Calm down Scorchpaw, she needs so air. Scorchpaw turned to Flamepaw. The ginger she-cats breathing was growing rapid. "Please StarClan may Flamepaw live!" Scorchpaw needed to find out what happened, soon!--Scorchpaw

Flamepaw heard voices around her. "Destroy all Clans! Rule the forest! Cat's blood will drool at your paws!" Flamepaw then was wahsed with blood. It filled her lungs and she drowned in the wave of stticky red liquid.--Flamepaw

Dawnpaw shook Flamepaw harder. “C’mon! Help me!” She hissed at horrified Scorchpaw.—**Dawnpaw**

Stormpaw yawned, feeling the sunshine warm her back. She padded through the forest, inhaling the scents of oak and leaves. She heard a gurgle of a stream running nearby, and waved her tail at Mapleblaze. "I'll be over there," the gray she-cat mewed, before bounding on in search of the creek. When she arrived, she dipped her head and drank thirstily at the water. The cool liquid gushed down her throat and soaked into her parched tongue. Suddenly, the scent of vole wafted into her nostrils. She sat up, licking droplets from her jaws. Dropping into a crouch, she spotted the small vole crouched beside the stream, glancing around mindlessly. Stormpaw pounced, sinking her teeth into the vole's spine. She picked it up in her jaws, and trotted back to the hunting patrol, pride lifting her paws. - Stormpaw

Mapleblaze dipped her head, then she decided to go near a stream, crouching as the shadows of fish swarmed the shallow parts, she felt a sense of calm and relaxed, then wondered what Slatepuddle was up to. Where her kits born yet? *what did Ripplepool say? I should go ask him what happened later.—***Mapleblaze**

Riverstone told Birdpaw to run off and hunt elsewhere, while she worked with Stonepaw to work with distributing his weight into a comfortable hunter's crouch since his accident. "But less weight onto your injured leg for now, but we need to work on strengthening it so you aren't lame for the rest of your young life." The warrior murmured, using her paw to guide her brother and shift him as needed. -- Stonepaw & Riverstone

Dawnpaw almost considered slashing at Flamepaw, but she looked already in enough pain. “I’ll get Skyshadow.” Dawnpaw then raced out of the den, “Skyshadow, Flameoaw needs help in the medicine den! We don’t know what’s happening, it might have something to do with the place of no stars!”—**Dawnpaw**

Stormpaw trotted over to where she could see a gray-and-white pelt through the undergrowth. She emerged from the bushes and stepped out. Riverstone was helping Stonepaw adjust his hunting crouch. Stormpaw padded around Stonepaw. "Should I take this vole back to camp?" the gray apprentice asked the older warrior, Riverstone. - Stormpaw

With her paw still pressing down on her brother's haunches, Riverstone turned her head to focus on instructing Stormpaw. "No, bury it and continue hunting until the patrol is complete." She ordered, wincing when Stonepaw squealed in pain and squirmed away from his older sister. "Pay attention, Riverstone! You're putting too much weight on my leg!" It clearly bothered him, but he appeared to be more painful than he was hostile. The warrior cringed at her mistake. "Sorry, Stonepaw." -- Riverstone & Stonepaw

Stormpaw nodded and quickly buried her vole between the twisted roots of a maple before bounding off in search of more prey. The scent of squirrel entered her mouth, and her jaws watered. Stormpaw circled an old oak for a moment. Then she spotted the gray bundle of prey perched up on a thin branch a few feet above her head. *This should feed Flamepaw and Scorchpaw both!* she thought eagerly. Bunching her muscles, Stormpaw sprang up onto a low branch. She sank her claws into the trunk to her right and scrambled up the side, narrowing her eyes against the bright sun. The squirrel spotted her, chattered saucily, and hopped up higher. Stormpaw gritted her teeth. *I have to get this prey for my Clan!* She heaved herself onto a slimmer branch. She felt the end dip with her weight, but the gray she-cat leapt back on the trunk before she could fall. She proceeded to climb higher...and higher...and higher. Her heart in her throat, Stormpaw had reached the top of the tree. She refused to look down. She couldn't. Already dizziness was starting to fog her senses. The squirrel scrambled desperately to the left; it had nowhere to go. For the first time climbing the oak, Stormpaw felt thrill rush into her veins. She leapt forward, landing on a stable-looking branch. Her prey froze, before sharp fangs clamped down on its back, killing it. Stormpaw breathed out a sigh of relief. She'd caught the squirrel! But..now how was she going to get down? The sleek-furred apprentice reached out a paw tentatively on a thin branch lower than hers. But as she did...her hind paws slipped from the top one. With a screech, she felt her body tumble over itself and crash down, down, down toward the forest floor. Air rushed around her, sucking her breath away, before she landed with a thud on the grass and everything went dark. - Stormpaw

Pepperpaw was about to head back to camp when she heard a loud cry. She rushed in that direction. "Stormpaw?!" She cried, and she spotted the young apprentice laid out on the forest floor. "Ack!" Pepperpaw nudged the apprentice. "Hey! Stormpaw! Wake up!" - Pepperpaw

Stormpaw blinked open her eyes. Every was blurry. She saw a fuzzy calico face peering down at her. The gray she-cat shifted her weight, then let out a groan. Why did everything ache? What happened? Why was she lying on the ground? Pain rippled through her tail and up to her shoulders. The agony was so sharp, so brutal. Stormpaw gasped before passing out again. - Stormpaw

Pepperpaw was too far from camp for anyone to hear her, and she was even smaller then this apprentice, despite a six moon difference. "Stormpaw?" Pepperpaw nudged her again. "Please! You gotta wake up! I can't carry you!" Herbs Herbs, what would Stormstreak do? "Burnet!" She yowled, remembering. That would give her some strength to get back to camp, she quickly spotted some not to far away, and shoved it viciously down Stormpaw's throat. "Get up! *Now*!" - Pepperpaw

Stormpaw let out a startled grunt, which made her wince in pain. Her eyes popped open, and a bitter and herby taste lingered in her mouth. Her vision was clearing rapidly, and the disfigured shapes of the trees and bushes swam into view, along with Pepperpaw's anxious face. The gray apprentice groaned. "Pepperpaw? What are you doing here?" she mumbled. "What happened?" - Stormpaw

"You fell out of a tree! We're really far from camp, and I can't carry you home. The herbs effect won't last forever! Try leaning on me so we can try and get you home. With luck, we'll get there before sunrise..." Pepperpaw said, glancing nervously at the sunset sky. - Pepperpaw

Suddenly, Stormpaw had a rush of memory. The squirrel, the rush the air, the sickening thud as her body hit the earth...by the stars...she *had* fallen out of a tree! She needed to get back to camp. Stormpaw eased herself to her feet, staggering as a bolt of pain rippled through her muscles. She leaned on Pepperpaw's shoulder, closing her eyes as she tried to process the agony. Something was seriously wrong inside of her... Stormpaw wondered as she started to hobble home. - Stormpaw

Pepperpaw grunted, and almost fell over with the weight of the she-cat. "I know you're in pain but don't lean on me that hard!" She snapped, then closed her eyes. She felt tired, unwanted, and unneeded. But then there was a small spark of hope. Maybe Stormpaw would need her. She would be welcomed home a hero for saving her! Pepperpaw but on a brave face. "Never mind. Lean on me all you want! I can handle it." - Pepperpaw

Stormpaw felt a flicker of gratitude for the calico apprentice. Lifting up one paw, Stormpaw leaned on Pepperpaw's shoulder as they hobbled back to camp. - Stormpaw

*She does need me!* Pepperpaw put on a big grin. It felt so good to be wanted. However, it got dark fast, and being on the edge of WillowClan territory, it would take a while to get back to camp. - Pepperpaw

The sky was getting darker. Translucent, pale gray clouds blotted out the pale golden moon, and stars twinkled against the dying sunset. Stormpaw turned her face toward the last rays of the sun. Anxiety was starting to stir in her belly. *What if we get stuck out here at night?* she thought nervously. She gasped. Every pawstep felt like dozens of sharp needles were stabbing her organs. - Stormpaw

While Pepperpaw wanted to keep going, she knew Stormpaw wasn't going to make it that far. Pepperpaw luckily spotted a small sheltered clearing. "Stormpaw, you won't make it to camp. You need to rest." She said, gently laying the apprentice down. - Pepperpaw

Stormpaw felt her gratitude swell bigger until it filled her entire chest with warmth. Pepperpaw was such a kind cat! The gray she-cat eased herself down a clump of bracken. Moonlight filtered through the canopy of leaves overhead, streaming down and dappling Stormpaw's fur in dark silver spots. With a long sigh, Stormpaw closed her eyelids and waited until morning. - Stormpaw

A gray light filtered through the cracks in the den wall. Morning was here. Stormpaw's joints screamed with pain, and she could barely move. Somewhere in the forest, a mockingbird began its songs of chirping, tweeting, and crying. - Stormpaw

"'Morning sleepyhead!" Pepperpaw joked. "I caught you a mouse!" She nudged it in Stormpaw's direction. "Try stretching if you can, we've got a long hike ahead of us." - Pepperpaw

Stormpaw grinned. She moved the mouse closer with one paw and devoured it with two bites. This made her think guiltily of the vole buried by the maple tree. Hopefully someone in her patrol would have sniffed it out. "Thank you, Pepperpaw," she meowed when she'd finished her meal. She slowly brought herself to her paws, wincing. The pain from yesterday had faded, but only a little. Hopefully it would be enough to get her to camp and to medicine cats. - Stormpaw

Pepperpaw helped Stormpaw up. "Do you need my help today?" She asked, she didn't admit, but she hoped not, she hadn't slept a wink last night, because she was worried about Stormpaw and her whole body was crying out for rest, it was hard enough to keep her eyes open. - Pepperpaw

Stormpaw took a step forward, and winced. But after stretching and taking a few more steps, she concluded that she would be okay. "I'll be fine," she assured Pepperpaw. "I can walk by myself now." She flicked her tail at her denmate. "But thanks for offering." She started padding forward, slowly, as they made their way back to camp. - Stormpaw

Riverstone had reported that they had lost Stormpaw along the away when they returned to camp. Unfortunately, the dusk patrol had turned up with nothing. Being the dedicated WillowClanner that Stonepaw was, he was eager to keep looking and sharpen his tracking skill, but his clan had denied him. But at dawn, he set out anyways. To StarClan with being lame because of his leg- he'd prove that he could be a warrior! They wouldn't force him to waste away in the medicine cat den all his life. So, the charcoal apprentice used his nose, tracing his steps as he hobbled along in the forest. At last, he finally picked up a familiar scent. "Oi! Pepperpaw and Stormpaw, is that you?"

Pepperpaw yawned, and tried to day something along the lines of "yes". But she closed her eyes, and fainted from exhaustion. - Pepperpaw

Stormpaw frantically nosed Pepperpaw. "Riverstone?" the gray she-cat croaked. "Is it you?" - Stormpaw

Pepperpaw swatted away Stormpaw's paw. "No... Lemme sleep..." She mumbled. - Pepperpaw

The limping apprentice narrowed his eyes. "Do I *sound* like my sister to you?" Stonepaw responded tersely before approaching the two other apprentices. Oh, great- he was limping permenantly from his injuries, Pepperpaw had fainted, and Stormpaw was injured. They'd be dragging each other to camp all day long. "We're going to have to drag her back to camp. It'll be too late by the time either of us try to limp back to camp to find help." -- Stonepaw

Stormpaw dismissed Stonepaw's gruff tone. She was so glad that help had arrived! Stormpaw leaned down and gripped Pepperpaw's scruff between her teeth. Even though pain fogged her thoughts and agony screamed in her muscles, she had to get Pepperpaw back to camp, and then someone could help her. She started dragging the calico body across the forest floor, trying to be as gentle as she could in her wounded state. - Stormpaw

Pepperpaw attempted to wake up. She was nothing but a burden, just another cat to care for. But it was too hard. It felt like someone had put rocks over her eyes, and they couldn't be removed. - Pepperpaw

"You'll be sleeping with foxes if we don't get you back to camp." Stonepaw muttered earnestly in response to Pepperpaw's desire to just lay around in sleep. He awkwardly shuffled around to help Stormpaw drag Pepperpaw back to camp, although it was uncomfortable for him, considering that Riverstone had caused irritation in his damaged limb the day before. "We're almost there." -- Stonepaw

*Good*, Stormpaw thought. Her breath was ragged and the pain from yesterday was steadily growing. But finally, as the sun beat down on her head, she spotted the outer camp walls. *We're here at last!* - Stormpaw

Pepperpaw woke with a start. "Are we here?!" She asked, then spotted the outer camp walls. "Finally!" She scrambled to her feet, but then the tiredness form before overwhelmed her again. *Finally, I can sit in my nest and go to sleep for a hundred years...* - Pepperpaw

"*Both* of you are going to the medicine cat den promptly- you can snooze your day away in there, Pepperpaw." Stonepaw instructed as he instinctually grabbed the tortoiseshell by the scruff to drag her to Dustypaw, who looked clueless as usual. At least the medicine cat apprentice could built a really comfortable nest. -- Stonepaw & Dustypaw

Scorchpaw spat at Dawnpaw, “You are just making blood rush out you stupid fur ball! I am not a medicine cat den, but at least I know how to treat a patient!” Scorchpaw nudged Flamepaw, hoping that he would feel movement from the dark ginger she-cat.--Scorchpaw

Skyshadow gave a long glare at Mistystar and Ripplepool before following Dawnpaw. “Don’t make me leave WillowClan! Ripplepool, aren’t you suppost to be treating a patient!? Unless I need to get Stormstreak out of her den!” Skyshadow padded into to see that Scorchpaw was nudging Flamepaw. Skyshadow padded out of the cave and went to the fresh kill pile. Skyshaodow bit into a juicy fat mole and carried its blood on her muzzle. Skyshadow put her muzzle above Flamepaw’s nose and Flamepaw’s eyes jerked open. Flamepaw looked around, hoping to see a mole, but saw nothing. Scorchpaw was staring at Skyshadow in shock. Skyshadow purred, “Flamepaw always liked the blood of moles, so that is what revived her.” Skyshadow nuzzled Flamepaw and licked her wounds, drying them up. Skyshadow growled, “I will be just outside. Just claw somebody if you need anything.”--Skyshadow

Flamepaw looked around. The she-cat was in the medicine cat den and blood was all over. What a weird dream…..Flamepaw felt weight on her body as she saw Scorchpaw burying his face in her fur. “Thank you StarClan! Thank you!” Flamepaw nudged Scorchpaw. “Hello Scorchpaw.” Scorchpaw’s eyes were filled with emotion. The tom began to lick Flamepaw’s face and wounds. “Thank StarClan you are ok!” Flamepaw purred, “Enough Scorchpaw, I am here.” Scorchpaw’s eyes grew serious. “We need to talk about this.” Flamepaw shook her head. “It was just some old wounds opening up. That is all.” Scorchpaw stared at Flamepaw for a few moments before he exclaimed, “Want to share some fresh-kill?” Flamepaw purred, “Of course, but out of this den. No protesting Scorchpaw!” Scorchpaw sighed. Flamepaw looked at Dawnpaw. “Hello um..Dawnpaw! Thanks for shaking me awake! That can be your job from now on!” Even though blood was marking where Flamepaw padded, Flamepaw didn’t care. The dream with Scar was something alive! She wanted it again! Scorchpaw and Flamepaw froze. Stormpaw was being dragged to the medicine cat den. Scorchpaw yowled, “Stormpaw! What happened?” Flamepaw studied Stormpaw. It looked like Stormpaw fell or tumbled down a hill. (Weeeee) Flamepaw murmured, “Hey listen Scorchpaw I will be back. There is something I need to do.” Scorchpaw blocked her way. “You are not leaving anywhere! You are still hurt!” Flamepaw leaped at Scorchpaw and pinned him to the ground, blood dripping on the tabby tom. “I look hurt Scorchpaw, but I could still beat you!” Flamepaw ran out of camp, ignoring the suspicious glares from the cats. There was something Flamepaw needed to know.--Flamepaw

Scorchpaw yowled after Flamepaw to stop, but it was no use. Scorchpaw ran to the medicine cat den and padded over to Stormpaw. Scorchpaw whispered, “Flamepaw has left camp! We have to do something, but I can go alone if you want……You look pretty bad…..”--Scorchpaw

(Hey Willow should Dawn be included in some Flame drama and fight with her against the rogues?)-Rowan

Stormpaw shook out her pelt. Despite the pain, she was determined to go with her friends. "No," she growled. "I will come." Then she raced out of camp after Flamepaw. - Stormpaw

as Skyshadow left Ripplepool frowned. “She’s been odd these days. Always challenging Shadowchaser and I ans being a bit angered Mistystar, promise me you won’t tell her what I’ll tell you? It’s for the best....“ he murmured as he padded into his dean to clean up the blood.—**Ripplepool**

Rainsplash flattened her ears. *How could she raise her own daughter like this! Disrespecting her clan, being rude to everyone! This just shows Skyshadow is no good. Why hadn’t she left the clan with that arrogant furball earlier? It would've made things a lot easier!* She hissed in her head, watching Stormpaw and Scorchpaw race after the *problem*.—**Rainsplash**

Stormpaw leapt over a fallen log, before she gasped as a bolt of pain sank its teeth into her belly. She stopped for a moment, processing the pain. Then she hurried on after Flamepaw. - Stormpaw

Scorchpaw looked behind him. Stormpaw had hurt in her eyes, but she was determined to save Flamepaw. "Wait." Scorchpaw picked up Flamepaw's scent mingled with another. Weird. Scorchpaw opened his scent and froze. Three CaveClan cats padded out and stared at him. Scorchpaw growled, "What are you doing? Get away from the border!" But they didn't move. The brown she-cat opened her mouth and her eyes grew wide with excitement. The black tom asked, "Scorch-Scorchpaw?" Scorchpaw froze and drew in their scent more deeply. "Mom. Dad. Brother?" The three CaveClan cats sprang to greet Scorchpaw. They all mewed, "Scorchpaw! Oh Scorchpaw!" Scorchpaw mewed, "What are your names?" The tom stepped forward. "I am your father Vultureclaw. Your mother is Brownwing and your brother, Coalpaw. We are so happy Scorchpaw! You will now come back to CaveClan where you belong!" Scorchpaw froze and shook his head. "I am sorry Vultureclaw, Brownwing and Coalpaw. I can't. I belong in WillowClan. This is my real home now. I am sorry, I love you all. but not enough." The cats stared at him in sorrow, but then grew calm, except for Coalpaw. (Duh) "We understand Scorchpaw. We are proud of you and hope to see you in Gatherings." The cats nuzzled with him for a while longer before going. Coalpaw whispered, "See me here at sunset." The CaveClan cats sprang away, going in sight. Scorchpaw turned to Stormpaw and mewed, "Don't tell anyone about my family! They know I am from CaveClan, but they don't know them ok?" Scorchpaw right now wished that he never met his family.--Scorchpaw (Vultureclaw, Brownwing and Coalpaw)

Flamepaw padded to the clearing where Scar trained her. The scent of blood was there and also the massive tom. "So I was here. Scar just......took me here!" Flamepaw heard the rustling of the leaves and turned around, expecting to see Scar. But instead, Shadepaw came out of the bushes. Flamepaw hissed, "What are you doing!? I am suppose to see you in 3 days!" Shadepaw purred, "I needed to see you Flamepaw." Flamepaw spat, "Well you chose the wrong time! Your scent could be detected!" Shadepaw shrugged. Flamepaw growled, "Move!" Flamepaw leaped at Shadepaw and chased him to the ThornClan border. Shadepaw looked over his shoulder. "Good-bye Flamepaw. I will see you soon!" Flamepaw drew her lips back into a snarl. "I will see you if you are a good apprentice and listen!" Flamepaw suddenly heard that around her were eyes looking at her. They were yowling, *"Flame burns blood. Cats die. They bow down, and might survive!"* The saying rang in Flamepaw's ears until she couldn't escape it. Flamepaw suddenly fell into darkness.--Flamepaw (Shadepaw)

Stormpaw nodded at Scorchpaw. "I won't tell, I promise." The gray she-cat opened her mouth to scent for Flamepaw, the her friend's scent was fading fast. There was no way she'd be able to catch up with either of them. She took a sluggish step forward. The pain was becoming unbearable now. At first, it was a sharp, hot pain in her stomach, but now it was growing into something more agonizing. It was like having a bad bellyache, but the pain continues to grow until it you can barely breathe. Stormpaw turned to Scorchpaw in desperation. Something awful was happening inside of her. She tried to move, to walk, but her paws felt rooted to the ground. Her chest felt like it was squeezing all the air from her lungs, and the pain continued to expand in her belly. "Scorchpaw!" she gasped. "Get a medicine cat! Get Ripplepool!" Stormpaw felt her knees buckle and she rolled onto her side. - Stormpaw

Scorchpaw nodded and ran as fast as he can to camp. Scorchpaw was grateful for the apprentice's loyalty. Scorchpaw padded over to Dustypaw. "Dustypaw quick, Stormpaw needs help!"--Scorchpaw

Flamepaw felt blood all around her and saw cats bowing before her. Flamepaw saw that many of the cats were Clan cats. Suddenly the massive tom yowled and killed one of the cats, Rainsplash! But instead of feeling sorry, the dark feeling came, stronger then ever. Flamepaw ordered, "Kill all leaders and medicine cats!" Instantly there was blood everywhere and cats looking at nothing. A voice rang in her eyes, "This is your destiny Flamepaw. Take it and master it!" Flamepaw woke up to the sounds of yowling. Flamepaw stood up and padded forward. though still hidden. Flamepaw saw Stormpaw laying on the ground. Two voices rang in her ears. One said, "Save your friend! Stormpaw needs help!" But the other, much stronger and darker mewed, "This is the first who will bow to you. No need to save a useless cat." Flamepaw wondered wether she should go help her hurt friend.--Flamepaw

Ripplepool flicked his ears and then padded up to Scorchpaw. “What are you doing? He needs rest.” He meowed.—**Ripplepool**

Scorchpaw mewed, "Stormpaw has pain since she didn't stay in the medicine cat den. Please help!"--Scorchpaw

The pain seemed to blot out Stormpaw's senses. Suddenly, she smelled Flamepaw above her. "Help me!" wailed Stormpaw. The sky was getting darker. Flamepaw's face was just a silhouette against the trees. "I don't know what to do!" the gray apprentice gasped. - Stormpaw

Ripplepool dipped his head, “Okay, let us go Scorchpaw. Ripplepool raced after the brown tabby tom.—**Ripplepool**

Muddyfang rested in the warrior's den, pondering over Smokestorm's words. His mother was leader of ScarClan...it was something unexpected, but he knew how much of a "mommy's boy" the blind warrior was. *I will make him regret ever having the guts to show his face around here.* -- Muddyfang

Flamepaw padded out of the bushes, teh two voices still ringing in her ears. Flamepaw looked down at Stormpaw, who looked helplessly at her. Suddenly a deep but calm voice rang in her ears. "Kill Stormpaw Flamepaw. Kill her. There is somethig Stormpaw needs to know. You will see her again Flamepaw." But that voice was kicked out of Flamepaw head and an evil voice commanded, "Kill Stormpaw Flamepaw! Feel the blood in your paws! She will be the first to bow down! This is your destiny, master it!" Flamepaw couldn't stand it anymore, Flamepaw knew who she was. *"Bye bye Stormpaw!"* Flamepaw leaped at Stormpaw, ripping her fur adn ignoring Stormpaw's cries. Flamepaw didn't stop, the feeling of blood making Flamepaw feel powerful adn dangerous. Flamepaw bit hard on her that and felt the wave of blood wash over her. Flamepaw looked up from Stormpaw's body. The gray apprenticec was staring blankly, dead. Flamepaw sneered, "Sorry not sorry Stormpaw! Enjoy StarClan!" Flamepaw wished that a million other cats came so Flamepaw could kill them all, but non were in sight. Flamepaw heard the pounding of paws and quickly cleaned her paws and muzzle. Flamepaw then bowed her head, even though she enjoyed killing her own friend.--Flamepaw

Scorchpaw froze at the sight in front of him. There was Flamepaw, bwoing her head above Stormpaw's body. Scorchpaw asked, "What happened?" Flamepaw looked up. "A badger came and ripped her body. I scared it away, but I was too late." Scorchpaw bowed his head. "Good bye Stormpaw. I will revenge your death." (Wait, does that mean he wants to kill Flamepaw? Opf!) Scorchpaw padded over to comfort Flamepaw, knowing how good friends Stormpaw adn Flamepaw were. But there was no sorrow in Flamepaw's eyes, *there was joy!* "Flamepaw are you ok?" Flamepaw turned her head. "Why wouldn't I be?" Scorchpaw narrowed his eyes. Flamepaw knew what happened. Was it really a badger? Scorchpaw padded and pressed his muzzle into Stormpaw's fur.--Scorchpaw

“no. It wasn’t a badger.” Dawnpaw padded out of the bushes. “Scorchpaw.” She looked to the sobbing tom. “I smell no badger.” She glared at Flamepaw. “The place of no stars has taken over her head. Believe me when I say this, Flameoaw showed no mercy to her best friend.” She said in a low growl, she was older then Flamepaw, so more experienced, if flamepaw tried to attack she’d be ready. “just remember this, Flamepaw. Or should I say rogue. The next thing you know, they’ll kill someone you love. Perhaps someone you cared about dearly.” Dawnpaw narrowed her eyes.—**Dawnpaw**

Flamepaw spat, "Oh and do you smell me on Stormpaw? Cuz I don't! And I have no one left for me! Why does it matter! I am only surronded by fools!" Flamepaw saw Scorchpaw flinch, as if he was hurt by the words. Weird. Flamepaw fouhgt teh urge to leap and kill Dawnpaw.--Flamepaw

Scorchpaw stood up. "Flamepaw is right, there is no scent of her! And why would Flamepaw kill her BFF!? I think that maby you are going nuts! And don't call Flamepaw a rogue! She belongs in WillowClan!" Scorchpaw saw that Flamepaw looked challengly at Dawnpaw. "It doesn't matter now guys! Stormpaw is already dead!"--Scorchpaw

Stormpaw awoke suddenly. She blinked her eyes open to a pale light. The grass was soft and cool beneath her, while the sunshine was warm above her. Then, she tensed, expecting a gripping sensation in her belly. But there was nothing. The pain in her stomach was gone, and her pelt wasn't clotted with mud or blood. Everything rushed back to her. Flamepaw...a sudden ripping pain...teeth and claws...and then the sense of betrayal. *Flamepaw killed me,* Stormpaw thought hollowly. Flamepaw *killed* me. The thought rang in the gray she-cat's ears. *Am I...dead?* She swallowed hard. She looked up, and spotted a shape moving on the horizon: A gray cat. Riverstone? Dewshine? But the scent that the wind brought to her smelled of every season, crisp and clear. As the cat drew closer, Stormpaw knew she did not recognize the scent or face. The strange cat stopped in front of Stormpaw. "Greetings, I am Graystar. You are in StarClan." Stormpaw felt as if she had been punched in the stomach. StarClan. *StarClan*. So. She *was* dead. Flamepaw had killed her. Stormpaw choked out, "Graystar? The second leader of WillowClan?" - Stormpaw & Graystar

Dustypaw was back in the medicine cat den, trying to study and recall the names of various herbs. -- Dustypaw

"Yes, it is me," Graystar mewed. Stars sparkled in her fur. Stormpaw glanced down, and with a sickening jolt, realized her fur glimmered with the same starlight. "Flamepaw killed me, right?" she breathed. Graystar nodded solemnly. "But it was for a reason." Suddenly, a burst of anger burned in Stormpaw's belly. "For a reason?" she snarled. "I'm dead for a *reason*?" Graystar laid her tail on the apprentice's shoulder. "Calm down," the leader mewed. "I will tell you. Follow me." She beckoned the smaller cat over to a glowing clearing. In the center was a shimmering pool of starlit water. Graystar leaned forward and stirred the water with the tip of her paw. Shapes formed in the depths. First, Stormpaw saw Flamepaw and another apprentice she didn't recognize. Different pictures rippled in the water: A brown tabby cat snarling. Flamepaw battling. An apprentice's heartbroken expression. Graystar turned to Stormpaw. "Flamepaw is a prophesized cat," the former leader of WillowClan meowed. "She is the sole character of a prophecy that will save us all." Stormpaw stood, baffled. "What?" she gasped. "My friend, er, ex-friend is a destined cat?" Graystar nodded. Stormpaw laid down at the edge of the glittering pool. She put her chin on her paws, sighing. - Stormpaw

Morningglade though Muddyfang looked angry. *Wonder why...* She thought, sighing. Then, an thought struck her. She should ask Muddyfang if she wanted to go hunting with her! That would cheer him up, and cure Morningglade's boredom. Morningglade nudged Muddyfang. "Hey Muddyfang! Wanna go hunting together?" She asked, noticing her stomach now had butterflys. - Morningglade

The warrior's temper urged him to tell Morningglade off in the most bitter manner possible, although his instincts to have his revenge recommended otherwise. "Sure, I'll go hunting," the spotted warrior responded after putting some thought into her offer. He rose to his paws in a semi-stretch and then motioned for her to lead the way. If he was out there, he could dent Smokestorm's face in if he dared to show up again. -- Muddyfang
."
"Yay! Sounds great!" Morningglade responded, and she led the way out of camp and into the forest. "Alright." She said when they had gone a little further in. "You go a little to the left, and I'll go to the right. Also, I'll try not to bump into you like what happened when we were apprentices." She joked. - Morningglade

Flamepaw mewed to Ripplepool and Dawnpaw, "Scorchpaw and I can drag her body back to camp. But we would like to clean Stormpaw's fur, ready for her vigil." As the two cats padded away, Scorchpaw pressed against Flamepaw. "I am sorry Flamepaw. Stormpaw was a good friend." Flamepaw sneered, "Yeah, a really good friend." A pang of regret hit Flamepaw's heart as she imagined her alone, on Scorchpaw by her side. The dark voice rang, "Don't regret, love it. Soon Scorchpaw will be next." Flamepaw shook her head and thought, "No, first I need to see how good you are!" Flamepaw began licking Stormpaw's body, Scorchpaw close by. *"Flame burns blood. Cats die. They bow down, and might survive!"--*Flamepaw and Scorchpaw

"Stay here," Graystar mewed. "I have someone that wants to meet you." Then the huge gray leader padded away. Stormpaw leaned forward. She was thirsty. Without thinking, she leaned forward and lapped at the pool. Water bathed her tongue, and suddenly she felt light headed. When she looked around she was not in the clearing anymore. Shock rippled through her. *Where am I?* she thought. Then she recognized the place: WillowClan territory. *Am I home?* she thought. *What's happening? Aren't I dead?* When she looked down, she was not fur and flesh, but she did not have the sparkle in her pelt when she was in StarClan. She took a step forward, and passed right through a briar bush! *I'm a ghost!* Stormpaw thought. She raced back to camp. Halfway there, she saw something chilling. Her *own body*, on the grass. Flamepaw was licking away blood from her shoulder, Scorchpaw beside her. Fury burned in Stormpaw's gut. Flamepaw had killed her. Stormpaw bunched her muscles and tried to claw the ginger apprentice, but her paws passed right through her side as if it was nothing. Stormpaw leaped back, shocked. She couldn't attack as a ghost? *Other cats can't even see me!* she thought, waving her tail in Scorchpaw's face. - Stormpaw

Stormpaw suddenly felt something tug in her, a stirring inside. She took a step forward, but realized her paw was *fading*!. Horror swallowed her breath. Then she blinked and she was back at the pool. Graystar stood beside her. "I told you to wait," the large leader growled. "You didn't obey." "I was thirsty!" Stormpaw snapped. Her eyes landed on a white kit with soft fur standing beside Graystar. "Who's that?" the gray apprentice rasped. "This is Whitekit," Graystar mewed. Stormpaw's eyes widened as Graystar finished her sentence: "Your sister." - Stormpaw

Stormpaw froze. The kit's eyes were pale blue, like frozen ice. Whitekit squirmed away and hid behind Graystar's legs. "Hello," Stormpaw whispered. Her sister ducked behind the leader's tail. Graystar nudged Whitekit forward. "Say hello," the leader murmured. Whitekit's eyes were big. "Hi," she squeaked. Graystar turned to Stormpaw. "I thought you'd want to meet her." Stormpaw nodded. "Thank you," she whispered. "I love Whitekit." "Now run along," Graystar told Whitekit. Then Stormpaw's sister trotted away over the starry hills. Graystar turned to Stormpaw. "Now it's time for you go to back." "Go back?" rasped Stormpaw. "But I'm dead. Flamepaw killed me." Graystar smiled. "She did," the leader meowed. "But your time is not over. I have the power to send you back. Close your eyes and don't resist." Her heart pounding, Stormpaw stood as still as she could and squeezed her eyes shut. She could sense the air around her dissolving as she was tugged, back, back... back to the Clans at last... The last thing she heard was Graystar mewing, "Flamepaw will save us all..." - Stormpaw