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Firepaw's fanfic page (Made by Briarpaw) (Firepaw edit: Thanks so much Bri)


Please remember that I don’t reasearch dog breeds, so I may have screwed something up in the appreance-making of all dog characters. I also don’t do it with cat breeds. And, if any names are canon, a BlogClan member’s name, or the same as one in another fanfic, please remember that it is entierly coincidential.

Blurb[]

Life has been peaceful (but also slightly boring) in the eyes of StemClan, RockClan, PuddleClan and CloudClan. But after even the sunniest day, there’s always a darker night. And only the strongest will make it through fathomless shock of a secret, kept close by the oldest residents of StarClan. And while some dwell on ghosts of the past, everyone must learn to push forward.

Prologue[]

Deep in the realms of StarClan, hidden away from the common eye, sat a shape. Or, two shapes. “And make sure that he gets the message to my sister,” the slightly smaller shape was saying. The bigger one dipped his head. He said, ”Do you think the others will successfully enlist the other needed warriors?” “I am quite sure that Roseshine will have no trouble convincing those who knew her.” The bigger shape said,”Well, that’s good. We must get to distributing the dreams.” And with that, the bigger shape walked away, leaving the smaller one alone.

The bigger shape ran and ran, all the way to a spot where he could visit his Clanmates in their dreams. Even though the current StemClan was filled with new members, it still remained the same, with Rosestar’s young spirit and Smallstar’s famous bloodline. The mysterious shape ran through the list of names who were going to tell the chosen few their annoyingly vague instructions. For StemClan, he would be doing it. For RockClan, Roseshine, a rather elderly elder. For CloudClan, it was Robinstripe, one of their more recent healers. Flintstorm was a PuddleClan warrior and would be helping out the chosen PuddleClan members. But that was not the shape’s problem if they failed. He would get his done, no matter the cost.

Chapter 1[]

Sandcloud was sleeping. He felt he was conscious, but not fully awake. Dreaming? Probably. But…of what? Sandcloud stood up, stretching his muscles. He looked around. He was in a…a place that looked too good to be real. A thought occurred to him. Was Sandcloud being visited by StarClan? And if so, which spirit? Sandcloud was surrounded by trees. He had never seen more in his life. But wait. As a dog, his nose was very sensitive. So why was it picking up a scent of a fallen Clanmate? Particularly one who meant more than anything in the world to him (Okay, maybe Cottonheart could beat that)? An irresistible longing pulled Sandcloud forward, to a small creek bubbling over rocks.

And there he sat. Sandcloud couldn’t belive his eyes. “….Emberclaw?” Sandcloud hopped across the creek, and saw indeed that it was Emberclaw, the former medicine dog in StemClan. Emberclaw had been killed by Icicle, a vicious rogue who could be recruited as an assassin. “I’m glad to see you.” Sandcloud looked down on Emberclaw. He had always been slightly taller than Emberclaw, particularly since Sandcloud was a warrior and had to be tall, while the only fighting Emberclaw had done was the fight to keep his patients alive. “Well, get to the point. Why am I here?” Sandcloud needed to know why, why was he in StarClan? Had his time already passed? “Well, you’re here because StarClan has..a request of you. And another in StemClan. But you will find out who when the time comes. On the third night, meet on the border in the north. Follow the stars northward, and you will find what you are looking for.” Sandcloud frowned. “Can you be any clearer?” Emberclaw shook his head. “Nope. It’s the ‘be as annoying and vague as possible’ rule. And no one told me what it is either. Oh, and make sure Crowflight starts eating more. We can count her ribs up here in StarClan. And congratulations on the pups, they’re gonna be a pawful for their mentors.”

And with that, everything faded into something poking him in the side. Sandcloud looked up groggily, where his current apprentice, Sparkpaw, and Sandcloud’s daughter, Squirrelpup, were looking extremely excited. Cottonheart had already left, and Longear’s snoring was slightly audible from where Sandcloud sat. “Come on, it’s almost time for the ceremony!” Squirrelpup squealed. Sparkpaw’s light brown fur was on end with excitement, because he was becoming a warrior. His brown eyes were shining. “Alright,” Sandcloud said. “Let’s go.”

Out in the clearing, the Clan was sitting around. Oaktail, the only elder, was chewing on a small mouse left over from yesterday’s hunt. Fernpaw was talking excitedly to her sister, Berrypaw. Even though Fernpaw was training to be a medicine dog, or a healer, it didn’t stop her from having good times with her siblings, Berrypaw and Sparkpaw. The medicine cat apprentice, Starpaw, was sitting with her mentor, Poppyseed, going over what seemed to be herbs and remedies. Honeycomb, the medecine dog, was sitting with her brother, Duststorm.

Sandcloud had no doubt that one day Duststorm would be a deputy. The only requirement to become a deputy was to have trained an apprentice, and Duststorm would only be doing so for a few minutes longer.

Sandcloud looked for his other children. Deerpup, his other daughter, was lying in the sun. Flamepup was teasing Pinepup. But when Smallstar and Rosestar climbed up the rock, everyone was silent. Fireclaw and Barkstripe rounded up the necessary Clan members, and the ceremony began. “StemClan, we are gathered here today to make new warriors and apprentices. Sparkpaw, come forward.” Sparkpaw went forward slightly, a bounce in his step. Smallstar looked down at him, his expression serious. “Sparkpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Sparkpaw lifted his chin to meet Smallstar’s gaze. “I do.” “Then Sparkpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Sparkfire. StarClan honors your energy and your strength.” As Sparkfire walked to take his place at the start of the line of new warriors, Sandcloud caught his eye. Sandcloud knew that Sparkfire had faced some hardships from other Clans, given that Sparkfire and his siblings had been found in a clump of ferns on StemClan territory. But Honeycomb and Crowflight had taken care of them. All the current apprentices were parentless, and had either been given to StemClan or found on StemClan boundaries.

But in Sparkfire’s litter, there had been four. Spiderpup was very sick, and he passed away on the pup’s first morning in camp. But Smallstar’s words snapped Sandcloud’s attention to Berrypaw. “Berrypaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Berrypaw’s voice was confident. “I do.” “Then Berrypaw, from this moment on you will be known as Berrybush. StarClan honors your strength and your ability to push on in hard times.” Berrybush sat beside Sparkfire, her dark green eyes shining as she thought. Fernpaw looked so proud of her siblings, and yet in her dark green eyes there was a layer of grief and sadness that Spiderpup would not get the same joy. As Smallstar stepped back, Rosestar came forward. Her blue eyes rested on Blizzardpaw. As Blizzardpaw stepped forward, Sandcloud felt something stir beside him. Wind, probably. Nothing to worry about. “Bilzzardpaw, do you promise to defend your Clan with your life?” Rosestar’s mew was patient. “I do.” Blizzardpaw’s voice didn’t waver, didn’t show any emotion. It was smooth, like ice over a pond. “Then Blizzardpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Blizzardwind. StarClan honors your quick thinking and your stealth.” As Blizzardwind sat beside Berrybush, there was no emotion in his light green eyes. Nothing at all. But now it was time for the last making of a new warrior. Dawnpaw stepped forward, black tail twitching, blue eyes shining so that Sandcloud could clearly see the green and gold flecks in her eyes. “Dawnpaw, do you promise to defend your Clan with your life?” Dawnpaw tilted her head to the sun. “I do.” “Then Dawnpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Dawnleaf. StarClan honors your bravery and your excellent hunting skills.” As Dawnleaf joined her fellow new warriors, she lifted her head to the sky one last time.

But the four new warriors had to stay put, as another, larger ceremony was taking place. Smallstar beckoned to Squirrelpup. He said,”Squirrelpup, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Squirrelpaw. Crowflight, you are brave and caring. Please pass these traits down to Squirrelpaw.” It filled Sandcloud with joy to watch his first apprentice touch noses with his daughter and sit down at the start of the new line. Deerpup was next. “Deerpup, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Deerpaw. Duststorm, you are determined and quick thinking. Please pass these traits down to Deerpaw.” Sandcloud knew that Duststorm would be a good mentor for Sandcloud’s less adventurous daughter. But who would watch over his sons? “Flamepup, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Flamepaw. Barkstripe, you are fast and stealthy. Please pass these traits down to Flamepaw.” Barkstripe, Smallstar’s deputy, looked absolutely astonished that he would be getting another apprentice. His first apprentice was Sunheart. Pinepup, with true fear glistening in his brown eyes, took a few shaky steps forward. “Pinepup, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Pinepaw. Sunheart, you are courageous and hard working. Please pass these traits down to Pinepaw.” As Pinepaw stumbled over to sit beside Flamepaw and Barkstripe, the fear faded from his eyes. Sunheart would be a wonderful mentor for Pinepaw. But there were still seven more apprentices to be made.

Snowpelt and Fireclaw’s second litter would be next. Fireclaw and Rosestar seemed to agree to have a test of bravery. Turtlekit caught on first and walked up. “Turtlekit, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Turtlepaw. Hazelwing, you are smart and fast. Please pass these traits down to Turtlepaw.” Hazelwing, who had recently revealed that she wanted an apprentice during a minor uprising, looked very pleased. Cloudkit, Turtlepaw’s sister, stepped up. “Cloudkit, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Cloudpaw. Browntail, you are brave and quick thinking. Please pass these traits down to Cloudpaw.” Cloudpaw’s black-tipped tail quivered as she went to sit beside Browntail. The tom in the litter, Hailkit, stepped forward. “Hailkit, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Hailpaw. Olivecloud, you are cautious and calm. Please pass these traits down to Hailpaw.” Hailpaw sat beside his new mentor quietly, his green eyes expressionless.

Finally Rosestar’s eyes turned to Rainlight and Browntail’s kits. Gorsekit and Applekit, the more adventurous of the litter, and also Squirrelpaw’s best friends, raced to the front. But Applekit’s lithe body let her beat Gorsekit by a few tail-lengths. Gorsekit stopped and ended up sitting by Oaktail. Rosestar’s voice had begun to get raspy, since so much talking was exhausting her voice. “Applekit, until you have earned your warrior name you will be known as Applepaw. Sorrelbee, you are energetic and social. Please pass these traits down to Applepaw.” Sorrelbee the gossip dispenser would be a good mentor for the lively Applepaw. Gorsekit stepped up, not letting his two other siblings get a chance. “Gorsekit, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Gorsepaw. Stormpelt, you are cautious and courageous. Please pass these traits down to Gorsepaw.” Stormpelt, who had accidentally started the minor uprising, was shaking more than Pinepaw did on the average day. Robinkit cautiously edged his way to the front. Rosestar’s voice was even more raspy now. “Robinkit, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Robinpaw. Dirtpelt, you are helpful and kind. Please pass these traits down to Robinpaw.” As the two sat down, all eyes turned toward Juniperkit, who was hiding in her mother, Rainlight’s, shadow. Rainlight nudged the small kit forward, and she stumbled to the front. “Juniperkit, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Juniperpaw. Mudcloud, you are extremely brave and kind. Please pass these traits down to Juniperpaw.” Mudcloud, whose face had begun to look disappointed, stood up with surprise written all over her face. But surprise immediately was replaced by joy as she touched noses with her new apprentice.

Sandcloud fell back with joy. As the Clan started to go about their business, Sandcloud couldn’t help but remember what Emberclaw had told him. He’d have to figure it out some other time.

Chapter 2[]

Peachpaw was up early. That was surprising, since normally someone would have to wake her up. Peachpaw was pondering.

Someone had been in her dream, and had told her his name was Robinstripe. Apparently, she had been chosen for a journey northward, and had to meet some other animals on the north border in two nights. Why, she didn’t know. And then they had to follow some stars northward. Oh, and she couldn’t forget that she wasn’t allowed to tell anyone, or she’d be asking her sister, Willowpaw. Willowpaw was a healer apprentice, so she’d probably figure it out in a few heartbeats.

But no. Peachpaw was on her own. Peachpaw looked around the CloudClan camp. One of the elders, Riverbreeze, was coming out of the elders’ den. Riverbreeze was one of the younger elders, and she had only retired a few months ago. A sudden idea occurred to Peachpaw. “Riverbreeze,” she called. The light gray she-cat looked at Peachpaw. “Yes?” “Is Thistleheart awake?” Riverbreeze glanced back into the elders’ den. “I think so,” Riverbreeze called back. Peachpaw knew the best Clanmate to go to for advice was Thistleheart, the oldest animal in the Clan.

Peachpaw picked up a squirrel from the fresh-kill pile and went into the den. The den was an underground hole under a pine tree. Thistleheart was grooming his pelt. He looked up at Peachpaw. “Oh good, some food. There’s a flea on my back, and I can’t reach it. Could you get it out?” Peachpaw set down the squirrel and headed out to ask Willowpaw for some mouse bile. Stonespark, Riverbreeze’s brother, called out,”Bring another apprentice to do my fleas, too!”

Peachpaw flicked her tail. “Dewpaw! Come on, we’re gonna groom the elders today!” Dewpaw, Peachpaw’s best friend, came out of the hawthorn bush that was the apprentice’s den. It was overflowing in there, so Peachpaw and Dewpaw had to sleep in the medecine den. Dewpaw stretched her legs, yawning. “What were you doing in the apprentices den?” Peachpaw mewed. Dewpaw replied,”Oh, asking Hawkpaw about chores and whose turn it was. Flutterpaw, Ripplepaw and Eclipsepaw have to clean out all the bedding in camp today.” The apprentices had set up a schedule, so that every apprentice could contribute. Peachpaw liked it that way. Everyone knew their place, everyone had the right to eat.

CloudClan was known for being very organized and flow, and the apprentice’s system proved that. And Dewpaw was obviously a CloudClan cat, always calm, cool and collected. Peachpaw liked that. Even though Peachpaw was a whole month older than Dewpaw, Peachpaw could never be that calm.

When they entered the medicine den, Toadtail was rummaging around in the stores, while Willowpaw was making a poultice. Toadtail looked up at Peachpaw and Dewpaw. “Mouse bile?” Peachpaw nodded. “Where’s Sneezenose?” Sneezenose was Willowpaw’s mentor, and a lot nicer than Toadtail. The black and white dog was very isolated and focused, meanwhile Sneezenose had the energy of a squirrel. Willowpaw looked up from her poultice. “He’s out looking for more poppy seeds. We only have three left.” Toadtail gave them their mouse bile, and they left.

“Mistwing!” Dewpaw called. The deputy looked over at them from where she sat in the shade of the tree that gave the deputies their home. “Yes?” The blue-gray female dog called back. “Who’s on watch?” Mistwing frowned, then said,”Sootwhisker and Squirrelheart. Who’s doing bedding?” “Flutterpaw, Ripplepaw and Eclipsepaw.” Mistwing nodded. As Peachpaw and Dewpaw went into the elders’ den, Peachpaw couldn’t help remembering when Dewpaw was not so calm. When they were kits, Dewpaw had been the jumpiest.

Lionfur, the last elder and also a former leader, was up and stretching. After Lionfur had been forced to step down, CloudClan had to work hard to gain a good reputation. Lionfur wasn’t exactly the smartest cat. But that didn’t matter. Peachpaw set the mouse bile down and began to groom Thistleheart’s long, brown tabby fur. She asked,”Who is Robinstripe?” Thistleheart thought for a moment. “Robinstripe was a former healer. He was an apprentice at the same time I was, actually. Very calm, always got the job done. He died of sickness not too long ago.” Peachpaw found the flea in Thistleheart’s long fur. When the apprentices had finished combing out the elder’s pelts, Ripplepaw passed them on the way, moss in her jaws. It was most likely Ripplepaw’s last time doing the bedding.

As Mistwing and Blackfire began to organize patrols, Peachpaw couldn’t stop herself from asking,”When do you think I’ll be a warrior?” Dewpaw said thoughtfully,”Well, I think Hawkpaw’s litter and Ripplepaw’s litter become warriors tonight, and then Eclipsepaw’s litter and you will be warriors tomorrow.” Mistwing was organizing a hunting patrol. “Ashbranch, take Rainspeck, Icepetal and Tigerthorn to the pine grove with the brambles. Don’t hunt too much, though.” Ivyfall, Peachpaw’s mentor, came walking up. “Dewpaw, can you get Bluepaw, Cherrypaw and Brittlepaw? We’re going to train with them today, so that their mentors can go on patrol.” The silver she-cat looked tired.

Blackfire was calling together another hunting patrol. “Pinestone, take Moonlight, Smoothfur and Grassseed with you to hunt on the river’s edge. Lionmane, could you watch the PuddleClan border?”

Peachpaw studied her mentor. Ivyfall’s silver tabby fur was naturally spiky, but today it looked matted. Her blue eyes were exhausted. Peachpaw made a mental note to tell Willowpaw to check Ivyfall later.

As Ivyfall led Peachpaw, Dewpaw, Bluepaw, Cherrypaw and Brittlepaw to the training clearing, Peachpaw took a moment to clear her mind. CloudClan warriors tended to say that everyone fought better with a clear mind, but the other Clans tended to disagree. Peachpaw honestly didn’t care.

The army of apprentices had almost reached the clearing. The training clearing was a large sandy hollow, but it was not natural.

Legend had it that other felines and canines had been here since the beginning of time, and that they had brought sand from the riverbanks to make this spot. Energy thrummed throughout all CloudClanners when they stood here, because it was a piece of history.

Ivyfall stopped at the large spread of sand. She looked all of the apprentices in the eyes as she said,”Today, we’re assessing your battle skills. We’re doing team and solo fighting, starting with solo. Bluepaw, you’re with me. Brittlepaw with Dewpaw, and Cherrypaw with Peachpaw.” Once everyone was facing their partner, Ivyfall told them to decide who attacked first.

As Peachpaw looked into the older apprentice’s green eyes, she didn’t see the overly sarcastic apprentice who made interesting points. She saw a tired, worn out, near-dead she-cat who needed some help. But the next second it went away, and back came the bubbly she-cat most CloudClanners enjoyed.

Softly, Peachpaw mewed,”Do you want me to attack first?” Cherrypaw nodded. Peachpaw made another mental note to get Willowpaw to check out Cherrypaw. Ivyfall came around and made sure everyone was ready. And they began.

Peachpaw knew the best thing to do was go for the belly. But Peachpaw had a different idea. She rose up on her hind legs, and brought her front paw down on Cherrypaw’s head. But Cherrypaw was fast. Cherrypaw darted out of the way and went rolling under Peachpaw, and Peachpaw came crashing down. Cherrypaw had taken out her back legs with the roll, and had gotten out of the way fast enough so that Cherrypaw wouldn’t be crushed. Peachpaw stood up, and looked around.

Bluepaw had picked Ivyfall up by the scruff, and shaken her. Ivyfall had twisted onto Bluepaw’s back and was clinging on. Brittlepaw had crouched down and leapt onto Dewpaw’s back. Dewpaw had spun around and shook Brittlepaw off, then put her front paws on him to keep him down.

Ivyfall got off of Bluepaw and said,”Well done. Bluepaw, excellent use of the scruff shake. Peachpaw, try coming down a little faster. Cherrypaw, nice roll and unbalance. Brittlepaw, try hanging on a little tighter. Dewpaw, did you make you move up?” Dewpaw nodded. “It doesn’t have a name. If someone’s on your back, you basically chase your tail and they’ll fall off.” Ivyfall looked impressed. “Now, everyone switch roles.”

Now Peachpaw faced Cherrypaw again. Cherrypaw darted to the left, then ran to the right and around Peachpaw. Peachpaw turned around, but not fast enough. Cherrypaw quickly pulled out Peachpaw’s tail, and Peachpaw fell flat on her stomach. “Oof.” Dust flew into Peachpaw’s eyes. Ivyfall helped Peachpaw sit up. Dewpaw and Brittlepaw were still weaving and dodging, slashing and swiping. Finally Dewpaw swept her tail lightly under Brittlepaw’s back legs, and he fell over flat on his face.

Ivyfall faced the apprentices. “Okay. You all need some more practice in solo battling, but we’ll get to that later. As you know, Bluepaw and Cherrypaw’s litters will be warriors tonight. We’re helping them practice. Bluepaw, Cherrypaw and I will be getting attacked by Dewpaw, Brittlepaw and Peachpaw. Ready?” And the fight began.

Dewpaw and Brittlepaw, who worked better together than apart, began moving in and out, swiping half-heartedly at Cherrypaw. Peachpaw launched herself on top of Bluepaw and swiped at her ears. Bluepaw jerked to the left, but Peachpaw was hanging on. Bluepaw stood still. Then she started running in all directions- left, right, into Brittlepaw. Brittlepaw was sprawled on the ground after being run over by Bluepaw.

Ivyfall slid under Bluepaw and pulled Brittlepaw out of the way, then tackled Dewpaw. Dewpaw clawed Ivyfall off, flipped on to Bluepaw’s back and stuck there. Bluepaw finally gave in. But Ivyfall didn’t.

Ivyfall latched herself on Peachpaw’s back, with her tail hanging down, ready to trip up Peachpaw. Peachpaw thrashed, then kicked upward and fell over. Dewpaw jumped and grabbed Ivyfall to pull her off. Once she was off of Peachpaw’s back, Peachpaw jumped on Cherrypaw. Cherrypaw immediately collapsed. Ivyfall and Cherrypaw finally admitted defeat. Peachpaw stretched her legs and yawned. It wasn’t even lunchtime, and she was tired. Ivyfall saw this and said,”We’ll go back for now. I’ll take some of you hunting if you’d like, after we help around camp.”

As they trooped back to camp, Dewpaw whispered to Peachpaw,”You’re lucky. I wish I was becoming a warrior soon.” Peachpaw stared at Dewpaw, confused. Dewpaw never expressed anything. Ever. So why was she telling her this? When they walked back into camp, Peachpaw ran into the medecine den. Sneezenose was back, and getting more moss for Eclipsepaw. “Ran out?” Peachpaw called to Eclipsepaw. Eclipsepaw nodded. Willowpaw walked in and reported to Sneezenose,”I’ve put Mistwing’s poultice on. Her wound is healing well.” Peachpaw tilted her head. “What’d she do?” “She got caught in a bramble not too long ago.” Peachpaw snorted with laughter.

As Eclipsepaw left, Sneezenose turned to Peachpaw and Willowpaw. “Well, what can I do for you?” Peachpaw lowered her voice. “I think Ivyfall isn’t sleeping. And I think Cherrypaw is suffering something internal.” Sneezenose looked through the store thoughtfully. “I’ll give Ivyfall a poppy seed tonight. See if it helps. Cherrypaw might need some therapy, though. Willowpaw might be able to do that best, since they’re similar in age. They’ll both be receiving names soon.”  Willowpaw asked,”Would you like me to talk to her now?” Sneezenose thought for a moment. “No. After they hunt, Peachpaw, give us a report on Cherrypaw. We’ll see what we can do then.” Peachpaw nodded.

She left the den, and wondered why everything was happening. But Peachpaw did not have time to ponder about it, because Ripplepaw, Cherrypaw, Sandypaw, Ivypaw, Bluepaw and Hawkpaw were standing with Mistwing and Ivyfall. Mistwing beckoned to Flutterpaw, Dewpaw, Brittlepaw, Eclipsepaw and Peachpaw. Once every apprentice in CloudClan had gathered, Mistwing cleared her throat. “Now, it is time for your hunting assessment. Ivyfall, Flamepuddle and I will be watching you hunt. You will be partner hunting. Ripplepaw, with Dewpaw. Sandypaw and Eclipsepaw, Peachpaw with Cherrypaw, Flutterpaw with Ivypaw and Bluepaw, and Brittlepaw with Hawkpaw.”

As they walked out into the territory, Cherrypaw showed no signs of mental illness. Mistwing faced each of the apprentices squarely. “This counts as everyone’s hunting assessment, except for Dewpaw and Flutterpaw, so do well. We believe in you.” Mistwing cleared her throat and started giving the official directions. “You have been tasked to hunt for your Clan and show that you are worthy of becoming warriors. If you succeed in catching enough prey, you will receive your warrior name with no regrets.” Mistwing then assigned hunting grounds. “Ripplepaw and Dewpaw, up the riverbank. Don’t mess with the hunting patrol if they’re still out there. Sandypaw and Eclipsepaw, over near Treefall. Peachpaw and Cherrypaw, near the burial ground. Flutterpaw, Ivypaw and Bluepaw, just inside the RockClan border. Don’t cause trouble. Brittlepaw and Hawkpaw…the hawthorn bushes not far from the northernmost edge.”

As the apprentices fanned out to their hunting spots, Peachpaw couldn’t help asking,”Are you excited to be a warrior?” Cherrypaw tilted her head thoughtfully. “Well, not really. I’m already under a lot of stress with my siblings, and I don’t think I can handle much more.” Peachpaw thought about the dark ginger and white apprentice’s words. They made a little sense if you thought about it.

And then Peachpaw was hunting a squirrel, stalking it through the shadows. There was only the thinnest of undergrowth in her territory, so she’d have to be careful. She pounced with deadly accuracy. With a bite to the spine, the squirrel was ready to eat. But it was rather skinny.

Peachpaw trotted back to the small hollow tree where they would put their prey. Peachpaw noted a woodpecker and a squirrel already lying there. Peachpaw opened her jaw, and there was a scent. Of mouse, so sweet and plump. But it was somehow up in a tree. Peachpaw sighed and began to climb the tree. The pine needles stabbed and poked, but Peachpaw didn’t care. She needed to get that mouse. She pulled herself up, branch after branch, until the mouse was right next to her. She pounced. She had got the mouse.

As she started to turn to go down, she hurt her foot. As she attempted to move it, it didn’t budge. She must have stood on some sap. Frustrated, she pulled her foot forward. It still didn’t move. Peachpaw called,”Cherrypaw!” Cherrypaw, who had been dropping off her sparrow, looked up. She called back,”What are you doing?” “I stepped on some sap!” “Oh. Should I go get someone?” Peachpaw frowned and looked out. There, a flash of silver. “Ivyfall, I know you’re there. I need some help.” Ivyfall trotted out of the burial area, stifiling a mrrow of laughter.

She yelled,”Peachpaw, Cherrypaw is going up there to pull you down.” So Cherrypaw began climbing. Once she reached Peachpaw, Ivyfall called,”Okay. Peachpaw, drop the mouse. I’ll catch it.” So Peachpaw let the mouse fall. Then Cherrypaw grabbed her tail and yanked her down to the branch below. Peachpaw sighed. What an embarrassing day.

As they reached the ground, Peachpaw caught a sparrow’s scent. She followed it and killed it after a wild chase.

And then the assessment was over, and they were trotting back to camp. Sandypaw giggled at the story of Peachpaw getting stuck in a tree. Peachpaw had no doubt that it would be the talk of the Clan for a while. Hawkpaw told them how Brittlepaw had made the most spectacular leap and caught a crow. Brittlepaw ducked his head at all the attention.

As they entered camp, Willowpaw raced to meet them. “How did it go?” Sandypaw told her the story of Peachpaw getting stuck in a tree, and Willowpaw smiled. “That’ll be the talk of the month. Peachpaw getting stuck in a tree!”

And then they were all sitting in the center of camp, as new warriors were made. Barracudastar and Gladestar, from their spot high above the Clan, called out,”Hawkpaw, come forward.” As Hawkpaw did, Growlshade’s tail twitched. His apprentice would not be his any longer. “Hawkpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Hawkpaw met Gladestar’s gaze.” I do.”  “Then, Hawkpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Hawkpelt. StarClan honors your organization skills and your hunting skills.” As Hawkpelt sat, his brown eyes were calm. Like a CloudClan warrior should be.

Gladestar next let his eyes rest on Ivypaw. “Ivypaw, come forward.” Ivypaw’s fiery green eyes were the opposite of a CloudClan warrior: feisty, enegertic. “Ivypaw, do you promise to defend your Clan with your life?” Ivypaw’s voice did not waver. “I do.” “Then, Ivypaw, from this moment on you will be known as Ivyflower. StarClan honors your energy and your courage.” Ivyflower was a name that did not suit Ivyflower at all. Why did Gladestar do that?

All eyes then turned to Bluepaw. Bluepaw stepped forward shakily. “Bluepaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” “I do.” Bluepaw’s voice was shaky as all could be. “Then, Bluepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Blueblaze. StarClan honors your kindness and your loyalty.” Blueblaze’s whole body trembled with excitement. Growlshade, Mousenight and Grassseed watched their former apprentices go pridefully.

Barracudastar’s blue eyes fell onto Cherrypaw, and she stepped forward. “Cherrypaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Peachpaw knew Cherrypaw didn’t necessarily want to become a warrior. But Cherrypaw had to. “I do.” “Then, Cherrypaw, from this moment on you will be known as Cherryflight. StarClan honors your energy and your tree climbing skills.” Peachpaw ducked her head in embarrassment. Just because Peachpaw had gotten her paw stuck in sap didn’t mean that the whole world had to be based off of it! Lionmane was not there to see Cherryflight’s ceremony, he was on watch duty at one of the borders.

Ripplepaw stepped forward warily. “Ripplepaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Ripplepaw’s voice was firm. “I do.” “Then, Ripplepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Ripplesplash. StarClan honors your commitment and your loyalty.” Smoothfur, her former mentor, cheered with all his voice. They were probably the most well-bonded mentor and apprentice.

All eyes looked at Sandypaw. She stepped forward with a squeak. “Sandypaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Sandypaw’s green eyes looked up. “I do.” It came out very squeakily, but that was part of Sandypaw’s personality. “Then, Sandypaw, from this moment on you will be known as Sandylight. StarClan honors your hopefulness and your courage.” Sandylight was courageous? Peachpaw had never heard that before. But, as Barracudastar was Sandylight’s former mentor, Barracudastar knew Sandylight very well. Peachpaw turned to Dewpaw. “I think we can sleep in the apprentice’s den tonight.” Dewpaw smiled. At that moment, Cherryflight came up to them. She was smiling, like the outer shell of Cherryflight. The core would never be this happy, but for now, Cherryflight was back to as normal as possible. Peachpaw smiled. Everything was going to be okay.

Chapter 3[]

Windpaw was annoyed. She had gotten a dream saying to go north that night. And worse, it was from an elder who had been dead a while ago, Roseshine! Admittedly, Windpaw did miss Roseshine a little, but she wasn’t going to let anyone know that.

Windpaw was sitting on the edge of camp. The RockClan camp was on a cliff, and if anyone fell off, they’d break their legs at the very least. Below the cliff was a riverbank. The river flowed into CloudClan territory, and from there to…well, Windpaw didn’t know.

But. The northernmost territory was StemClan. So, they’d have to go up on the edge of the border. True, StemClan and RockClan were allies, but Windpaw didn’t want to count on them for everything.

Adderheart, one of the RockClan deputies and Redstream’s former mentor, understood Windpaw’s dislike. But he said that she would have to live with it. Gingerswoop, Redstream’s sister, agreed with Windpaw, and so did her former mentor, Wolftuft. Starcloud, the most senior warrior and Skyleap’s former mentor, did not care. Skyheart was a firm supporter of Gingerswoop, who had started the whole ‘We don’t need to count on StemClan for everything’ operation. Jaystrike, her brother, was oblivious to the whole mission. Brindlemist liked having an ally. Blazestorm was on Gingerswoop’s side, and that was good.

Windpaw sighed. But she didn’t sigh twice. So why did she hear another sigh? Windpaw turned around and saw her mentor, Nettleslash, walking up. He was very hard and tough, but was Windpaw’s best friend. “Windpaw, what are you doing out here? It’s almost time for your assessment!”

Windpaw followed him back into the central camp, where the Clan was getting ready for the day. Adderheart would be overseeing the assessment with Brindlemist and Cedartuft. Windpaw met with the other apprentices who were getting assessed. It was Windpaw’s brother, Eaglepaw, and Leopardpaw and his siblings.

Leopardpaw’s youngest sister, Wisppaw, was training to be a medecine cat and was receiving her name that night. Leopardpaw was always bitter, but Breezepaw and Acornpaw took no notice. Wisppaw, however, cared about her brother. And Windpaw understood Leopardpaw, so they were an interesting duo.

Adderheart led them to a shaded spot on the moor for a battle assessment. Adderheart, Brindlemist and Cedartuft assigned pairs. Eaglepaw and Brindlemist, Adderheart and Acornpaw, Windpaw and Breezepaw, Cedartuft and Leopardpaw. Windpaw faced Breezepaw.

As she looked into those dark blue eyes, she saw a sister who had no idea what her older brother was suffering, a sister who only cared about her younger littermates, a sister who would go on to be known for letting the older littermate fade away. Windpaw’s teeth bared. “Windpaw, are you paying attention?”

A voice snapped her out. Windpaw looked at Adderheart. “No.” “Well, start paying attention if you want to be a warrior. Now,” Adderheart looked at the rest of the clearing. “Windpaw, Eaglepaw, Acornpaw and Leopardpaw, attack first. Defenders, try to stay unhurt.” Windpaw’s gaze went back to Breezepaw. Breezepaw would suffer for the pain she brought to Leopardpaw.

Windpaw was a canine. Apprentice canines were smaller than the most full-size felines, but bigger than feline apprentices. Full-size canine warriors were the biggest in the Clan.

Windpaw darted forward, whipped around before Breezepaw could get a sense of what was going on, and picked Breezepaw up by her scruff and shook her. Then Windpaw set Breezepaw down on her back, and pushed Breezepaw’s ungrateful, selfish face into the dirt.

Acornpaw, who had finished mock fighting Adderheart, cried,”Stop! You’re hurting her!” His green eyes had gone as wide as a newborn kit’s body. Windpaw ignored Acornpaw. He would suffer next. Windpaw lowered her head and bared her teeth, right in the view of those dark blue eyes. Windpaw loved the look of fear in Breezepaw’s eyes. Windpaw growled, long and low. Adderheart, however, had seen enough.

“Windpaw! What are you doing?” He shouted. Windpaw stopped growling, but without looking up, said,”Making her pay for her crimes.” Adderheart sighed. “Windpaw, we’ve talked about this. Just because someone belives that our alliance with StemClan is good doesn’t mean that they’ve committed a crime.” Breezepaw was indeed a supporter of the Pacifists Who Couldn’t Stand Up For Themselves.

Windpaw growled,”It isn’t about that, though it’s a good reason to attack her.” Windpaw risked looking up and saw Leopardpaw, looking like someone had said they cared about him. Windpaw stepped back, and Breezepaw got up. Windpaw wondered what Breezepaw had seen in her eyes. A killer, or someone who just wanted to help a friend?

Adderheart cleared his throat. “Now we will do partner fighting. Leopardpaw, Windpaw, Eaglepaw and Cedartuft against Breezepaw, Acornpaw, Brindlemist and myself.” As the teams faced each other, Leopardpaw whispered in Windpaw’s ear,”Thanks.” Windpaw felt her tail lift.

As Adderheart gave the command to go, Leopardpaw signaled that Windpaw should go for Acornpaw. And Windpaw did so.

She darted around Breezepaw and Cedartuft scuffling, rolled under Adderheart before he could jump on her, and reached Acornpaw. She jumped and pinned him to the ground, digging her claws in. As a canine, she couldn’t retract her claws even if she wanted to. Acornpaw gasped as blood welled on the small cut. The bright red stained Windpaw’s brown fur. Even though Windpaw was light and lithe, and Acornpaw was probably heavier than her, Acornpaw collapsed under Windpaw (probably because Acornpaw was weak).

Windpaw loved the feel of claws on flesh, of blood on her paws. Adderheart, however, had had enough. “Windpaw!” He said sternly. “Go back to camp. We’ll talk to you later.”

Windpaw stalked off, but not toward camp. Well, she started going toward camp, but then she veered toward a creek. It rushed and bubbled. It was a good spot for hunting, since rabbits stopped to get drinks. Windpaw saw one ahead. Windpaw didn’t need anyone else to help her hunt because she was so fast. Windpaw stepped forward. The rabbit didn’t hear her. Windpaw bolted and bit the neck.

All blood was welcomed into her system, whether cat or prey or badger or dog or fox. After putting the rabbit in water to hide her scent, Windpaw trotted back to camp quietly.

She sat in the shadows of the camp, waiting till no one was there. She washed the rabbit in the puddles from last night’s rain. Then she set the rabbit on the pathetically small fresh kill pile. She just wanted to help her Clan and her friends.

Then Windpaw went back to sitting at the edge of the cliff. She liked living on the edge. It made her feel calm. Any time she was away from the edge, her mind filled with doubt and darkness. But here, all was clear.

Windpaw sat for a while until she heard the assessing group return. Windpaw turned around, then headed back into the central area of camp. Windpaw saw Adderheart beckon her to go into the apprentice’s den. Windpaw didn’t want to, but she didn’t want to delay her warrior ceremony.

She went into the small, hollowed out space where the apprentices lived. Adderheart stood in the doorway, staring at her. Windpaw met his gaze calmly. “So,” Adderheart said paitiently. “Tell me: Why did you attack Breezepaw and Acornpaw?” Windpaw responded with the truth. “Can’t you see what’s happening to Leopardpaw? He will end up slipping away if we don’t do something. His siblings don’t care about him. Every time Wisppaw and I try to make Acornpaw and Breezepaw even see him, they find other things to look at or they ignore us completly. When they exchange three words, the words are always like ‘you don’t matter’ or ‘who are you?’. Leopardpaw needs to know that he isn’t alone. I only attack Breezepaw and Acornpaw so that they could see the real world, and so Leopardpaw wouldn’t feel so bad.”

Adderheart sat down, thinking hard. Finally he mewed,”I see that you want to help Leopardpaw. I hadn’t realized that Leopardpaw was being treated like the carcass of a fish. Does that really happen in this den?” Windpaw nodded. “Every night.” Adderheart slowly swallowed Windpaw’s words. After some time, he said,”We’re going hunting. I’ll make sure that I talk with Breezepaw and Acornpaw.”

Windpaw sat in the clearing after the hunting assessment. She was tired and wanted to be cleared before she set off to StemClan in the night. She looked at the other warriors-to-be. Eaglepaw was talking quietly with his mentor, Pricklepatch. Leopardpaw sat with his mentor, Swiftfur. Swiftfur was very patient, and that worked well with Leopardpaw’s violence and anger. Silvershade and Breezepaw were sitting neatly near the camp’s entrance, while Sleekstripe and Acornpaw were talking loudly about winter.

But all went quiet when Daisystar and Cloverstar stepped on the taller mound in the ground. Daisystar and Cloverstar never gave context. “Leopardpaw, come forward.” Leopardpaw’s brown-and-black body moved to the front of camp. “Leopardpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Leopardpaw had no hesitation. “I do.” “Then, Leopardpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Leopardleap. StarClan honors your battle skills and your courage.” Leopardleap took his place in the crowd.

Daisystar looked toward Breezepaw. “Breezepaw, come forward.” Breezepaw walked forward with much elegance. Daisystar looked down at her. “Breezepaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Breezepaw met Daisystar’s gaze. “I do.” “Then, Breezepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Breezesong. StarClan honors your determination and your leadership skills.” Breezesong stepped delicately and sat.

Acornpaw didn’t need to be told to go forward. He walked up and looked Daisystar directly in the eye. “Acornpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” “I do.” “Then, Acornpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Acornfall. StarClan honors your hospitality and your friendliness.” Acornfall trotted to sit beside Breezesong.

Cloverstar looked toward Eaglepaw. Eaglepaw stepped up. “Eaglepaw, do you promise to defend your Clan with your life?” Eaglepaw’s vow was quiet. “I do.” “Then, Eaglepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Eagleheart. StarClan honors your kindness and your patience.” Eagleheart stepped back. The name suits him, Windpaw thought. But now it was her turn. Windpaw would soon be no more.

Windpaw looked up into Cloverstar’s eyes. “Windpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” The vow was so simple yet so deep. And Windpaw was ready for it.

“I do.” Her voice rang out, louder than Eagleheart’s. “Then, Windpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Windclaw. StarClan honors your commitment and your willingness to help a friend.” So Adderheart had told Cloverstar about the attacks. That was predictable.

Windclaw sat beside Eagleheart as Wisppaw, Frecklepaw, Roseleaf and Wintertail came in. They had returned from the healer meeting where Wisppaw had gotten a new name. Wintertail stalked up the the front of the Clan. “RockClan, I present to you a new healer, Wispfeather!” Wispfeather ducked her head shyly. Frecklepaw cheered her on supportively.

Roseleaf added,”We have news from the other Clans. Fernpaw of StemClan has been named Fernfeather, and Starpaw of StemClan has been named Stardust! Wlillowpaw of CloudClan has been named Willowleaf! And Morningpaw of PuddleClan has been named Morningdew!” The Clan cheered the new names.

Windclaw sat on the edge of the cliff. She was waiting a few minutes until she could sneak out from the edge. By going around camp, she could reach StemClan’s far side without being caught. But who was to go with her? She’d have to find out.

Windclaw raced on the no-Clan area close to StemClan’s border. This was it. She didn’t know when she’d see her Clan again, or if she’d see them at all. Windclaw knew that there was a group of loners up here, but she knew she was supposed to avoid them.

She came to a halt at a fallen tree, where a StemClan warrior was, arguing with the air. “No, for the last time, we have to wait till someone from every Clan shows up!” Windclaw went closer and saw that it was Sandcloud. “Sandcloud! Hello!” Sandcloud was probably the only decent creature in StemClan. Stormpelt was good too, but Sandcloud beat him slightly. Sandcloud looked up. “Oh, hello Windpaw. Or are you a warrior?” “Newest warrior in the Clans. Name’s Windclaw. Who’re you arguing with?” Sandcloud sighed. “Juniperpaw.” Windclaw saw a small, trembling shape. “So she’s an apprentice now? Good for her.” Sandcloud nodded.

Wait. What was that sound? And was that Oakbreeze’s scent? Oakbreeze came out of a bush, panting. “Windclaw…Sandcloud…WHY IS THERE A KIT HERE?” Windclaw shushed him.

Of all the warriors from RockClan, they had to choose Oakbreeze. He was not that smart, loud and annoying. But he did have a good sense of direction, so he’d be useful in their journey to nowhere.

A rustle. What was it? Windclaw sniffed the air. Peachpaw was nearby. Seconds later, Peachpaw burst out of the undergrowth. “Hello, Peachpaw.” Windclaw knew that she’d be a warrior by now. Peachpaw glared at Windclaw. “It’s Peachbranch.” “Right, and I’m Windclaw.” A squeaky voice said,”And I’m Juniperpaw.” Peachbranch looked at the little cat. “Anyway,” she said,”There are quite a few new warriors in CloudClan: Hawkpelt, Ivyflower, Blublaze and Ripplesplash, Sandylight and Cherryflight from yesterday. Today was Brittlespot, Eclipseshadow and I. Moonlight and Blackfire were sorry to see them go.” Windclaw gave the report for her Clan. “Leopardleap, Breezesong, Acornfall, Eagleheart, and Wispfeather got her name too.” Sandcloud added,”Sparkfire, Berrybush, Blizzardwind and Dawnleaf. And then seven apprentices.”

Oakbreeze sat near Sandcloud quietly, for once. Windclaw turned back to Peachbranch. But before she could say anything, three creatures walked up: Squirrelheart of CloudClan, and Hazelflame and Jaggedstream of PuddleClan. Sandcloud and Oakbreeze stopped talking, and the newcomers said friendly hellos. That was the moment when Windclaw realized that she really was going on an adventure with strangers and idiots. And Windclaw was ready.

The group went north, until Jaggedstream and Sandcloud, who were the more senior warriors but still young, decided that they should stop to hunt and rest. After sharing a squirrel with Peachbranch (the squirrel was decent), Windclaw drifted into uneasy sleep.

Chapter 4[]

Mapleberry was important. She was a deputy of PuddleClan, part of the governing system that kept the Clans in check. She had a voice. Well, most creatures had voices. But they had to try hard to be heard.

Mapleberry sat up in her nest, yawning. Hissfire, the other deputy, was up and dragging his nest into a shadowy corner. Mapleberry got out of her nest. “I’ll go assign the dawn patrol. Have you got any recommendations?” Hissfire looked at her thoughtfully. “I think Hazelflame should get a chance to lead the patrol.”

Mapleberry stepped out into camp. No one was up, except for Swiftdust and Wolfshadow, sitting outside the camp on watch. Mapleberry padded toward them. “What’s the report?” Wolfshadow growled,”A rustle that sounded not far from here. It should be checked out.” Mapleberry nodded. “You two can rest before the main patrols. Unless you’d like to be on the dawn patrol?” But the two warriors shook their heads.

Mapleberry ran through her Clanmates in her head. “Autumnbreeze, can you please wake Hazelflame? She’s leading the dawn patrol,” Mapleberry said to the young warrior—and Mapleberry’s former apprentice—who was stretching in the gray dawn light. Autumnbreeze nodded and went back into the warriors den. A moment later she came out and called,”She’s not there.” Mapleberry frowned. Hazelflame was named for the flame of loyalty to her Clan. So where was she? Mapleberry called,”Well, Autumnbreeze, would you like to lead the dawn patrol?” Autumnbreeze had never led a patrol before. Autumnbreeze nodded excitedly. She had been on some dawn patrols, but never leading one. “Make sure to take Hopepaw. Then pick two warriors that haven’t been on dawn patrol all week.” Autumnbreeze frowned, then said,”Mintbreeeze and Applefire. Shall I wake them?” Mapleberry nodded.

Mintbreeze was a senior warrior, but very kind to the younger warriors. Mapleberry trusted everyone on the dawn patrol, and Mintbreeze would make sure that everyone listened to Autumnbreeze. But now Mapleberry had an important matter to address.

She padded to the leaders’ den. “Snakestar, Frondstar. May I come in?” She heard Frondstar say,”Of course, Mapleberry.” Mapleberry entered. Snakestar looked at her. “Well? What is it?” Mapleberry said,”Wolfshadow informed me that he had heard suspicious rustling and that it needed to be investigated. And Hissfire said that Hazelflame should lead the dawn patrol, but when I asked Autumnbreeze to wake her, Autumnbreeze told me Hazelflame wasn’t there.” Frondstar frowned deeply, while Sankestar mewed dismissively,”Hazelflame may just return. And Autumnbreeze may be mistaken.” Frondstar glared at Snakestar, but Snakestar took no notice. Frondstar looked at Mapleberry. “I will take a patrol out myself to investigate the rustling. Make sure that Wolfshadow is not assigned to any patrol. I’ll need witnesses, and perhaps the strongest trackers in the Clan.” Mapleberry nodded and excused herself.

The Clan was starting to wake up, and Mapleberry ran to Hissfire, who was talking with Morningdew. “Hissfire. Don’t assign Wolfshadow or any of our strongest trackers to a patrol today.” Hissfire looked at her. “Why?” “Wolfshadow reported suspicious rustling, and Hazelflame isn’t here.” Hissfire frowned. “I’ll see if I can get some warriors to search the territory for Hazelflame. Who did you send on the dawn patrol?” “Autumnbreeze is leading it, with Hopepaw, Mintbreeze and Applefire.” Hissfire nodded his approval. “I suppose we should set watch on camp. I think of certain warriors that should be on guard.” Hissfire walked off, calling,”Stormclaw! Iceberry!”

Mapleberry sighed. She turned to Morningdew. “Is it easy, being a healer?” Morningdew blinked at her. “It depends on what part. Memorizing herbs is easy, at least for me, and treating Clanmates is enjoyable. But sharing with StarClan is just annoying.” Mapleberry smiled sadly. “Say, do you need herbs? I could send out Flippaw and Brackendusk, if you’d like.” Morningdew thought, then said,”Go get them and bring them to the medecine den.” Mapleberry nodded. She bounded off.

“Flippaw! Your sister needs herbs. If you want to be a warrior, you must get used to helping your Clan in every way possible.” Flippaw looked up. “Can’t I train with Hissfire?” Mapleberry said cheerfully,”Nope! Besides, Brackendusk is going with you. As the deputy’s apprentice, you must get used to working with senior warriors.” Flippaw groaned and padded into the medecine den.

Mapleberry found Brackendusk washing himself in the sunniest patch of camp. “Brackendusk! Today you’re gathering herbs for Morningdew. And Flippaw’s going with you.” Brackendusk looked up. “Why Flippaw?” “Well, he’s Hissfire’s apprentice, so he should get used to the senior warriors.” Brackendusk nodded. “It’ll be interesting. Flippaw and Morningdew have such important roles. Flippaw will be expected to have such important roles, as he is the apprentice of the deputy. And Morningdew has to take care of the whole Clan. They’ll grow.” Brackendusk padded into the medicine den anyway. Hissfire walked up to Mapleberry as warriors gathered around her. “Killertooth, can you please lead the battle assessment for Flippaw, Twigpaw, Hollowpaw, Mistpaw, Sorrelpaw and Ashpaw after noon? Thanks.” Hissfire studied the crowd. “Where’s Jaggedstream?” Mapleberry frowned. Oh no. Overdrive. And her thoughts exploded.

Could Hazelflame and Jaggedstream’s disappearances be linked? Did Hazelflame and Jaggedstream have any notable interaction before the disappearance? Where were they last seen? Where do scent trails lead?

“Mapleberry? Mapleberry, wake up!” She heard a voice shout. But who was it? A blob of orange sat in front of her. Mapleberry tried to sit up, but sleep dragged her down into darkness.

Mapleberry opened her eyes. Morningdew, Wingedge and Hickorybranch were staring at her. Mapleberry gasped. “Where am I? How long was I out for?” Wingedge crouched down. “You’re in the medicine den. It’s almost time for the ceremony.” Mapleberry sat up quickly. “Well, then I’d better get out of here! I’ve got things to do!” As Mapleberry scrambled out of the nest, Hickorybranch barked,”Well, chew your thyme leaves first.” Mapleberry grabbed her leaves and chewed them as she looked around at camp.

The sun was setting, and shadows were darkening. Mapleberry watched her Clanmates. Talonpaw was arguing with Hopepaw about what sounded like what herbs were the most disgusting, while Pebblepaw was grooming Blossompaw’s pelt. Mintspot, Rockstem and Irispetal were quietly eating a grouse. The fresh-kill pile was well stocked, the Clan was settling down for the day, and a few new warriors would be made. Mapleberry smiled. This was what she worked for. Mapleberry saw Flippaw sitting near the apprentice’s den alone. Mapleberry grabbed a salamander and dropped it at Flippaw’s feet. “Eat.” Mapleberry walked away.

The Clan gathered close around the rock in the back of camp, where Snakestar and Frondstar stood. “Flippaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Flippaw didn’t hesitate. “I do.” “Then, Flippaw, from this moment on you will be known as Flipfern. StarClan honors your determination and your willingness to help.” Flipfern ducked his head in respect, then sat beside Hissfire. Twigpaw, the next oldest apprentice, stepped forward. Her mentor was Killertooth, the most senior warrior. “Twigpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Twigpaw was adventurous, brave and not sneaky. “I do.” “Then, Twigpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Twigsnap. StarClan honors your bravery and your sense of adventure.” Twigsnap, when she was an apprentice fresh out of the nursery, had saved Blossompaw-then Blossomkit- from a snake by jumping on it. “Hollowpaw, please come forward.” Thornedge, Hollowpaw’s mentor, was leaning on Killertooth. Thornedge was very sentimental. “Hollowpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Hollowpaw’s amber eyes gleamed in the fading light. “I do.” “Then, Hollowpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Hollowheart. StarClan honors your commitment and your battle skills.” Hollowheart marched to sit beside Twigsnap. Mistpaw stepped quietly forward. Of her litter, she was the quietest and the most stealthy. She glanced hesitantly back at Heronwing, who nodded. She looked up at Snakestar. “Mistpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” “I do.” Mistpaw’s mew was barely a whisper. “Then, from this moment on, you will be known as Mistheart. StarClan honors your stealth and your loyalty.” Mistheart stumbled over to Hollowheart, breathing fast. Sorrelpaw stepped forward confidently. Stormclaw was out guarding the camp entrance, and he wouldn’t get to see his apprentice move on. “Sorrelpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” “I do.” “Then, Sorrelpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Sorrelstream. StarClan honors your confidence and your trust.” Sorrelstream sat next to Mistheart as her sister, Ashpaw, stepped forward. Iceberry was also sitting on guard with Stormclaw. “Ashpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” “I do.” “Then, Ashpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Ashwing. StarClan honors your calmness and your loyalty.” Ashwing sat beside Sorrelstream, face unreadable.

Mapleberry woke. She sat bolt upright. Today was the day of the meeting of the Clans. She galloped outside. Frondstar and Snakestar were talking to Hissfire. Mapleberry listened to what they said before joining. Snakestar was saying,”We’ll have to take Flipfern, Twigsnap, Hollowheart, Mistheart, Sorrelstream and Ashwing.” Mapleberry added,”Autumnbreeze hasn’t gone to one in some time. And neither have Wolfshadow, Brackendusk or Pebbletooth.” Frondstar nodded. “We’ll take Tawnyfall, Pebblepaw and Hopepaw. Hickorybranch can stay back.” Snakestar nodded, then hopped to the rock.

“PuddleClan. Today is the day where we meet with the other Clans for the entire day. Flipfern, Twigsnap, Hollowheart, Mistheart, Sorrelstream and Ashwing, you will be introduced as new warriors. Wingedge and Morningdew will attend as healers. Rockstem, Irispetal and Mintspot will attend as elders. Tawnyfall, Autumnbreeze, Nrackendusk, Pebblepaw and Hopepaw, Wolfshadow and Pebbletooth, we’d like you to join us.” Snakestar finished addressing the Clan and looked around. Pebbletooth stepped up. “I would like to stay back and hunt, if that’s okay.” Snakestar nodded her approval. “Well then, Flamemist and Talonpaw may come.” Talonpaw stood next to Pebblepaw. Blossompaw looked wistfully at her brothers. Snakestar and Frondstar hopped down from the rock. Frondstar looked at Killertooth. “While we’re gone, Killertooth is in charge. Listen to him. He’ll send out patrols.” Mapleberry knew Killertooth understood how to make sure the best combination possible was sent out on a patrol. He also knew that someone was required to be on guard at all times, preferably even two warriors.

Mapleberry walked with the apprentices. Hopepaw and Pebblepaw were talking excitedly about who they wanted to see; this Dewpaw seemed to be respected by both of the apprentices. Talonpaw was staring off into the distance. “Talonpaw.” Talonpaw jerked his head out of fantasy-land. “Yes, Mapleberry?” The dark brown tabby tom was known for having his head in the clouds. “Are you excited to be chosen to come with us?” “Yes. I enjoy the social time with other Clans.” “Is there anyone in particular you’re excited to see?” “I’d like to see a RockClan apprentice named Mothpaw.” Mapleberry thought. Mothpaw was a calm male dog, good with memory. He seemed like a good personality to be friends with Talonpaw. Mapleberry looked at Talonpaw. “Anyone else?” Talonpaw shook his dark head. “No. Are you excited to see anyone, as a deputy?” Mapleberry frowned hard. “Hmmmmm. I do enjoy talking to a StemClan warrior named Crowflight. Her father is Smallstar. She’s a pretty decent apprentice-watcher, too.” Talonpaw nodded thoughtfully.

Mapleberry stood next to Hissfire. They were waiting for CloudClan to arrive at the Clan meeting. Mapleberry looked at Barkstripe and Fireclaw, the StemClan deputies. They were fine. She looked at Snakestar and Frondstar. They were talking quietly to Smallstar, Rosestar, Dasiystar and Cloverstar. Mapleberry was excited for the Clans to come together, as PuddleClan’s missing warriors needed to be found.

At last, CloudClan came running in. Barracudastar and Gladestar ran up to the other leaders, and the leaders mounted the large rock in the center of the clearing. Daisystar cleared her throat. “RockClan has news to share. First, congrats to Acornfall, Eagleheart, Leopardleap, Windclaw, Breezesong and Wispfeather for completing their training.” The Clans called out the new names. “Second, and more important, two of our warriors have gone missing. Windclaw and Oakbreeze disappeared two nights ago.” Barracudastar frowned. “That’s when we lost Peachbranch and Squirrelheart. And our new warriors are Hawkpelt, Blueblaze, Ivyflower, Eclipseshadow, Bristlespot, Ripplesplash, Sandylight, Cherryflight and Peachbranch. Also, Willowleaf is a full-on healer.” Frondstar stepped forward. “It seems like we all have new warriors and healers and missing Clanmates. Our new warriors are Flipfern, Twigsnap, Hollowheart, Mistheart, Sorrelstream and Ashwing. Our warriors Hazelflame and Jaggedstream have disappeared.” Smallstar called out,”We have gained Blizzardwind, Dawnleaf, Sparkfire, Berrybush, Fernfeather and Stardust. Juniperpaw and Sandcloud have disappeared.” Mapleberry frowned. A canine and feline from every Clan. What did this mean?

Frondstar barked calmly,”Is there anything else the Clans need to know? Or can we go on with casual reports?” Rosestar dipped her head. “StemClan is doing well, apart from our missing Clanmates.” Barracudastar nodded in agreement. Cloverstar added,”We are doing fine.” Frondstar called out to the gathered animals,”Very well. We will continue socializing until sunset.” Hissfire turned to Mapleberry. “How would you like to propose a search of all Clan territories to the leaders?” “I’ll gladly do it.”, Mapleberry said seriously.

Frondstar nodded. Mapleberry was explaining why search parties would be necessary. “We should search all territories and some of the outer borders,” barked Mapleberry with Hissfire nodding at her side. Smallstar looked at Rosestar. “We could ask Bluebellbush if her group has seen anything.” Hissfire chimed in,”Yes. That’s a smart option. I say we start these search parties immediately.” And so the leaders agreed to end the Clan meeting early in order to find the missing animals.

Chapter 5[]

Sandcloud and Jaggedstream walked in the lead. Jaggedstream looked at Sandcloud. “How many apprentices have you had?” “Two. Crowflight and Sparkfire.” Jaggestream looked sadly at the ground. “I wish I had an apprentice.” The brown dog looked wistfully at Juniperpaw. “Work hard. Harder than most of your Clan, and the deputies or leaders will notice. They’ll want you to train an apprentice or two to help PuddleClan gain more strong warriors.” Jaggedstream looked at Sandcloud. “If you say so.”

They stopped at a large human place. Juniperpaw asked Sandcloud,”Can we hunt? I’m hungry.” Sandcloud looked at the rest of their fellows. Windclaw was the only one not dragging their paws through the grass. “Okay. But only for a little while.” Juniperpaw frowned. “Can anyone teach me how?” Peachbranch lifted her head higher. “I can.” Juniperpaw walked over to a nice spot. “I know that prey can be found where there’s food, so if there are any bramble bushes or beech trees nearby, we should check there.” Peachbranch looked impressed. Sandcloud smiled to himself. Mudcloud had taught Juniperpaw the basics in three days.

They slept soundly in a hollow. But sleep was the one thing Sandcloud didn’t need. His spirit was taken to StarClan.

“Hello?” Sandcloud’s bark echoed around inside the walls of the stone cavern. He knew he was visiting StarClan in his dreams, but who was to meet him? “Hello, Sandcloud. We’ve been waiting for you.” Sandcloud spun around. There, in the cavern with him, were two animals. A female cat and a female dog. The she-cat said,”Hello. I’m Leopardheart.” “And I’m Russetspring.” Leopardheart looked calm and purposeful, whereas Russetspring radiated energy and excitement. “Who…who are you?” Sandcloud wasn’t afraid of these two warriors, but he needed to know who they were. Russetspring narrowed her eyes. “You’re not deaf, are you? We just told you our names.” “Quiet, Russetspring. He wants to know why we’re here.” Leopardheart shifted her gaze back to Sandcloud. “You are on the right path, young warrior. You must keep going and meet our descendants. They will know what you are meant to do.” Sandcloud didn’t know what they meant. “Who are your descendants?” Leopardheart looked at him. “Why, Sandcloud, you will know them when you see them. We were the deputies a long, long time ago.” And with that, the vision spun until Russetspring was a red smear and Leopardheart was a black-and-gold blur. And then Sandcloud was back in the real world.

Sandcloud stretched. He had just woken to Windclaw and Jaggedstream returning from a hunt with a few pieces of prey. Jaggedstream said,”Good morning. Care for a trout?” Windclaw wrinkled her nose. “I don’t get how you can eat fish. They’re slimy and…gross!” “Oh, yeah? Rabbits are too bulky! And too meaty! No wonder PuddleClan has such sleek pelts!” “Ha! I’m surprised you don’t have scales by now!” Even though Windclaw was young, she sure knew how to argue. “Hey, did any of you have a dream last night?” Sandcloud wasn’t sure he could stand Windclaw and Jaggedstream arguing forever. Jaggedstream shook his head. “No. StarClan only shared with me because they wanted me on this quest. Otherwise, they probably hate me,” Windclaw snorted unhappily. Peachbranch sat up. “I didn’t. Sandcloud, what was yours about?” Sandcloud began to describe his dream as the others woke up. When he finished his short story, Windclaw said,”It seems like there are others out there that we don’t know about.” Oakbreeze tilted his head. “Other whats?” Windclaw glared at her Clanmate. “Other Clans, you thick idiot.” Sandcloud frowned. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. He turned to the others. “If Windclaw is right and there are more Clans out there, it is important that we find them. Now, eat up. We’ve got a long walk ahead of us.”

Sandcloud led his fellows north, as that was the only clear instruction. He saw how low the spirits of his friends were. “Hey, guys.” No answer. “If Windclaw’s right, and there are new Clans, what are you most excited to see?” Peachbranch thought about it. She and Juniperpaw seemed to be the only ones that were actually listening. Peachbranch mewed,”Well, the culture. Will there be swimming Clans, like PuddleClan? Will there be moor Clans, like RockClan?” Juniperpaw added,”I’m just excited to see the new animals.”

Squirrelheart collapsed. Immediately there was a rush to help her. “Anyone know any medicine for collapsed animals?” “I know where we can get some water!” “Grab some moss!” No one knew how to cure Squirrelheart. Sandcloud frowned. Emberclaw must have taught him something. “What about poppy seeds?” He asked. Peachbranch yelled,”Those might make her sleep more!” Jaggedstream was the only one to not lose his head. “Everyone, calm down. Windclaw and Hazelflame will be back soon with the wet moss. In the meantime, we should make sure Squirrelheart isn’t in pain. Juniperpaw and Peachbranch, please go hunting. We should identify why Squirrelheart collapsed and prevent it from happening again, and we need to do that on full stomachs. That may be why she collapsed.” Sandcloud was impressed at how Juniperpaw and Peachbranch followed his orders, and how Jaggedstream knew exactly what to do. If everyone held their heads like that in these situations, panic would be a myth. Jaggedstream turned to Oakbreeze. “Do me a favor and go hunting with them,” Jaggedstream said. Oakbreeze scurried off.

Windclaw and Hazelflame returned, laden down with wet moss. Peachbranch and Juniperpaw were successful in catching squirrels and mice, but Oakbreeze came back empty-pawed. Peachbranch took some moss and pressed it onto Squirrelheart’s forehead. No response.

They tried all day to wake Squirrelheart, but their effort was wasted. In the end, Windclaw volunteered to stay awake and watch her until midnight, when she’d switch with Sandcloud. Sandcloud was hoping for a visit from StarClan, because he needed hope. He curled up in his makeshift nest and the darkness instantly welcomed him.

Sandcloud was standing in a camp. Mapleberry, Hissfire, Snakestar, Frondstar and Smallstar were talking in what he assumed was the PuddleClan camp. “We found no trace of them. We don’t know where they are or why they left.” Mapleberry was struggling to keep her voice from growing panicky. Smallstar paced the leaders’ den. “There must be something. A clue. Something we’re not seeing.” He stopped. “I would like to speak to a healer.” Hissfire dipped his head. “That can be arranged.” He slipped out of the den. Sandcloud followed him. Hissfire walked out into the central camp, where the last of the warriors were going into their den. There were two on guard, as always. Hissfire went into one of the smaller dens. He came out with Wingedge keeping pace. They entered the leaders’ den, and Sandcloud followed. Wingedge sat uncomfortably in the den. “What can I do for you?” Smallstar looked at him. “Has StarClan shown you anything? Clues? Prophecies?” Wingedge shook his head. “No, Smallstar, not me or my colleagues have received words from StarClan. They are silent on the matter.” Sandcloud barked,”That’s not true! StarClan sent us to where we are now! They may have not informed you, but they know what’s going on!” No one seemed to hear him. Smallstar turned to Frondstar. “Well, if StarClan doesn’t know what happened to them, then I expect no one does.” Smallstar’s hopes had been reduced to faith in their ancestors, but they could not provide him with the answer he wanted without risking being followed. Snakestar bowed her head. “Then we can expect to never see them again. They are missing, and now presumed dead.” Hissfire looked appalled. “But..but they must be out there somewhere, further than we’ve been looking. They’re out there. I know it.” Sandcloud shouted,”Yes! Hissfire’s right! Snakestar, listen to your deputy!” He knew they wouldn’t hear him, but maybe, just maybe, he could plant the idea in one of their heads. A sudden thought popped in his head. Cottonheart, Deerpaw, Flamepaw, Pinepaw, and Squirrelpaw wouldn’t be able to take it if they heard he was presumed dead. Nor would Rainlight or Mudcloud. “We’re not dead! We’re very much alive! Well, except for Squirrelheart, who’s unconcious, but never mind that.” “It’s no use, young one.” Sandcloud found he was not alone. Leopardheart was sitting in the entryway, her pelt starry in the real world. “I know. I just…need to know that not everyone will believe we’re dead.” “That is in your paws, Sandcloud.” He looked up at her. “What do you mean?” “StarClan has decided that you will be given one chance to send a message to one creature of your choice. You must decide quickly, as Windclaw will soon wake you. And I also have a prophecy for you, which I will tell you tomorrow.” Sandcloud thought. Who would believe a voice in their head? Sparkfire was too energetic, it would be passed off as imagination. Crowflight. Yes, Crowflight was trusted enough to be accepted. He turned back to Leopardheart. “I would like to make contact with Crowflight, daughter of Smallstar.” Leopardheart dipped her head. “It shall be arranged.” She faded away, leaving Sandcloud to prowl the PuddleClan camp, unseen and unheard.

Sandcloud was transported to Crowflight’s dream. She was standing in a field, someone beside her. She was laughing, and the dog beside her was smiling. It was her brother, Foxtail. “Crowflight,” Sandcloud called. Crowflight’s head turned. “Sandcloud? You’re here too? Great!” She laughed. “Crowflight, listen quickly. I’m visiting you with permission from StarClan. I am not dead, Juniperpaw is not dead, and the other missing animals are not dead, no matter what the leaders say. StarClan just chose not to share it with them. We are on a..quest that we cannot tell you about. Tell Mudcloud and Rainlight that Juniperpaw is alive and well. Tell Cottonheart that I’m alive. You have to believe me. You have to keep faith in StarClan. We are alive. Give hope to others, Crowflight. This is the most important thing you can do right now.” Crowflight nodded her head. She trusted him, and he trusted her.

Sandcloud woke in the dark. Windclaw was bending over him. “Your turn. Squirrelheart only twitched all night. I think she’s sleeping.” Sandcloud sat up. “I’ll check. You get some sleep.” Windclaw headed off to her pile of moss. Sandcloud padded over to Squirrelheart. They had managed to move her to her nest. She was indeed twitching.

Sandcloud sat next to Squirrelheart, occasionally pressing wet moss on her forehead. He sat alone, with nothing but the stars and the crescent moon around him. The darkness was inevitable, and he barely saw the silhouettes of his friends around him. He looked around. They were in a small patch of forest, with bracken all over. They had set up a makeshift fresh-kill pile. At this point, there was only a vole left on the pile. Sandcloud squinted. He thought he saw a gleam in the forest ahead of him, but the next second it was gone. He looked around, harder than before. Nothing.

The sun rose over the trees. Sandcloud had hunted for a bit, catching three mice and a rabbit. Hazelflame was up and stretching in the gray light. “Good morning, Sandcloud,” she said sleepily. “Good morning, Hazelflame. We have none of your Clan’s prey, so I suggest you try something else.” Sandcloud knew Hazelflame would be more likely to try new prey than Jaggedstream, who hadn’t eaten since the morning before, when he ate a frog. Hazelflame took a mouse. Oakbreeze seemed to be able to smell rabbit in his sleep, as he sat up immediately as Sandcloud grabbed the vole. “Windclaw! Wake up! There’s a rabbit to eat!” Oakbreeze sprang out of his nest and practically flew to the rabbit. He started eating as Peachbranch and Windclaw sat up. Windclaw headed over to eat with Oakbreeze as Peachbranch grumbled,”Oakbreeze, some of us wanted to sleep and not be awoken by your irritable mewing!” Oakbreeze was too focused on the rabbit to hear her. Peachbranch rolled her eyes. Sandcloud snorted. “Juniperpaw! Jaggedstream! Wake up or eat mice!” Juniperpaw dragged herself over to Sandcloud. “Vole. Delicious.” Juniperpaw sat down to eat her vole. Sandcloud grabbed a mouse from the pile and took a bite. It didn’t taste like the ones at home. Jaggedstream grudgingly joined them around the pile. He took the last mouse sniffily. Suddenly, Squirrelheart sat up.

Chapter 6[]

Peachbranch stared at Squirrelheart. Her Clanmate had suddenly fallen over, and now, just as suddenly, she was upright again! Jaggedstream sprang to his feet, but Windclaw was the first to say anything. “You just casually sit up like that? Do you have any idea how worried we were? We’ve wasted a day of walking time, and you just sit up like that!” Squirrelheart looked taken aback, her ginger-and-white pelt ruffled. “Well, I’m sorry that I fell over! I don’t know why that happened!” Windclaw shook her head. Squirrelheart glanced around. “Might there be any prey for me?” Jaggedstream tossed the remains of his mouse at her. She looked at him. “But won’t you be hungry?” Her bark was surprised, and so was Peachbranch. Jaggedstream shrugged. “Eh. I had enough to eat.” Sandcloud stood up. “Now that Squirrelheart is awake, we should let her rest for as long as she needs, and then we can continue. Sound good?” Squirrelheart raised a paw. “I don’t need rest. I was asleep for, like, a day. I’m more rested than all of you.” Sandcloud looked at her, then replanned,”Well, in that case, let’s finish eating and start walking.”

They had reached a spot that Peachbranch immediately disliked. It was a long strip of hard rock-like substance, with colored lines painted on it. She looked at Sandcloud. “Are you sure this is the only way to keep going?” She tried to keep her mew from shaking, but was unsuccessful. Sandcloud looked at her, and she immediately trusted his brown eyes. “Of course I’m sure. We’ve checked this stretch for fifteen badger-lengths both ways, and this is the only way across.” Peachbranch faced the hard strip again, shaking. Sandcloud barked,”Alright. Windclaw is the fastest here, so she should go first with Juniperpaw and Peachbranch.” They nodded. “On my signal…” Sandcloud whispered. “One…two…three…go!” After the last colored box had rumbled on, Peachbranch, Juniperpaw and Windclaw had raced across the long hard flat. They reached the other side in one piece each. Juniperpaw was trembling so hard, Peachbranch had to hold her up.

Peachbranch watched Windclaw pace at the edge of the path. “There’s an open spot! Here come Oakbreeze, Jaggedstream and Hazelflame!” The three were speeding along the path, Oakbreeze in the lead. He leapt off the path and landed in the cool grass. Hazelflame followed, and Jaggedstream came last, panting. Windclaw eyed him. “You should start eating other food, and maybe you wouldn’t be like a fish out of water,” Windclaw barked with a snort. Jaggedstream glared at her. Peachbranch, who didn’t want to see a fight, mewed,”Here come Squirrelheart and Sandcloud!” And they were indeed running as fast as they could across the black stuff. Sandcloud reached the other side, but before he could do anything, a flash of brown sprinted out onto the substance, where Squirrelheart was standing, blinded in fear of the oncoming colored box. A moment later, Windclaw dropped Squirrelheart on the grass.

Peachbranch walked with Juniperpaw at her side. She couldn’t stop thinking about how the apprentice listened with her trademark care and thoughtfulness, and then do the thing with as much skill as her body allowed her to use. Juniperpaw was nimble, quick-footed and fast. She also liked to describe her family to Peachbranch.

Peachbranch glanced, once again, at the young apprentice at her side. Juniperpaw was staring far off, deep in thought. Her blue eyes were unfocused. “Juniperpaw?” Juniperpaw snapped back to where she was. “Yes, Peachbranch?” “Will you tell me more about your kithood?” Juniperpaw smiled. She started,”Well, we used to play invader in the nursery.” “Tell me about that.” “It’s where the more muscly kits stand in the entrance. So, for us, Gorsepaw, Flamepaw, Squirrelpaw and Hailpaw would block the entrance. Cloudpaw, Turtlepaw and I, who were the lightest, would climb on top of them and launch ourselves at whoever came in. It was very fun.” Peachbranch made a mental note to tell the kits of her Clan to play this game. It seemed like a strength and climbing skill-builder. “And what about the others?” “Well, the next lightest would climb up next. That’d be Turtlepaw, Deerpaw and Pinepaw. And we’d keep repeating till we got bored.” Peachbranch liked the sound of the game. “What else did you play?” “Team hide-and-seek. It’s basically ‘Oh no, that animal on the seeker team is going near my teammate. I will create a diversion to make them go in a different direction.’ And the seeker team is like ‘I can smell someone over here. I will go check it out. Oh, there was a cracking stick sound from over there. I will investigate.’ And it goes on until the seeker team has found everyone on the hiding team.” Peachbranch saw the skills that kits and pups built as they played these games.

Peachbranch yawned. The sun was setting on the trees, and Sandcloud was starting to organize hunting. “Windclaw, please take Hazelflame and Jaggedstream to the creek that isn’t far from here. Oakbreeze, see if you can get your paws on some rabbit. Juniperpaw, please stay here with Squirrelheart to build nests. Peachbranch, hunt with me in the forest.” Peachbranch was startled.

Peachbranch followed Sandcloud into the forest. “What do you want?” She mewed. He looked at her. “Juniperpaw is awfully close to you.” Peachbranch nodded. “You must realize that you can’t teach her everything. Let Mudcloud be able to have the joy of her first apprentice.” Peachbranch nodded. She looked around.

The hunting patrols did well, and when they got back, Squirrelheart and Juniperpaw had made nests for everyone. Peachbranch set her squirrel down. She sat beside Windclaw, who was dismembering a rabbit. She was growling to herself. “Hey.” Peachbranch saw that Windclaw was startled. “Oh-um…hey.” Peachbranch tilted her head. “What is up with you today? First, you save Squirrelheart’s life. Now, you aren’t snapping at me! Did saving a life give you magical insight or something?” Windclaw tilted her head right back. “Well, there’s something bothering me…” Peachbranch looked at her. Windclaw hesitated. “I’ve had a feeling…ever since we crossed that path, it’s like my heart’s beating faster, my bones are itching.” Peachbranch was confused. “So…the path gave you a medical condition?” Windclaw glared at her playfully. “No, idiot. I feel like we’re close.” Sandcloud, who was sitting nearby, jerked his head up at Windclaw’s speculation. “Windclaw, in the morning, we will investigate all over. The sooner we get this over with, the better.”

Peachbranch slept soundly. When she woke up, the sun was just starting to rise. She frowned. She normally slept late. Oh, great. This journey is messing up my sleep schedule! Windclaw was up and staring off into the distance. Peachbranch padded up beside her. “Nervous?” Windclaw looked at her. “I shouldn’t be. I’m part of the rebellion. I’m a proud RockClan warrior. But yes, I am nervous of what we’re going to find.” Peachbranch wondered what she meant by rebellion. But Peachbranch was distracted by Sandcloud getting up. He barked loud enough that even Oakbreeze woke. “Attention! Today, we begin our search for the Clans that Windclaw believes are near. Windclaw, have you any news?” Windclaw shook her head. “No updates to the feeling. It is tugging me more north.” All of a sudden, Windclaw was back to being, well, Windclaw. Sandcloud dipped his head, then faced the group. “We will go north together. No running off without telling Jaggedstream or myself. Now, off we go!” The abrupt announcement of movement startled a few such as Oakbreeze and Hazelflame.

Peachbranch watched Sandcloud think of a question. They had stumbled upon a Twoleg house, and they were talking to two cats in the yard. One of them, the she-cat, was watching Sandcloud uninterestedly. The other was hanging on to Sandcloud’s every word. He finally spoke. “Well, our ancestors, StarClan, sent us here. Might there be any chance you—“ but he was cut short by the she-cat’s exclamation,”Clans? Oh, there are cats and dogs living in the forest. They call themselves ‘Clans’. Dusky here has gone there, haven’t you, Dusky?” The fluffy brown cat nodded. “Yes, it’s nice there. I can take you there if you want…..” There was something in those green eyes that said Dusky wanted more than to escort them to the Clans. The other she-cat seemed to notice this too, as she mewed,”Dusky, don’t leave me! I can tell you want to live with the Clans!” Dusky looked apologetically at the silver tabby she-cat. “I know, Tinsel. But I feel more at home there than I ever did here. You know that.” Tinsel sighed, then looked at Sandcloud. “Take care of them for me. Dusky…come back and visit.”

Peachbranch respected Dusky. Dusky was happy and energetic, told the best jokes, and was an overall joy to be around. It was a bonus that Dusky knew where the other Clans lived. Dusky was walking in front of the group right then. They were leading the way, hopping over tree roots. They paused for a moment and looked back. Then they kept going. Dusky is a strange cat, Peachbranch thought.

Dusky led them to a cave. It was cozy and warm. Whoever lived there had put leaves over a hole in the roof to light and warmth in, but not too much. There was a prey pile in the center. Dusky mewed,”Wait one moment. I’ll go get who you want to speak to.” Peachbranch took a closer look at the cave they were in. There were vines draped over the entrance, a small stream running in a corner, and, strangely, a rock slab that seemed to be part of the floor that was raised a little bit above the rest of the ground. Pawsteps diverted Peachbranch’s attention. Dusky was walking to them with a coppery-brown she-cat following. The new she-cat had a fluffy tail that didn’t match her hard coppery-amber eyes. “Sandcloud, this is Copperskip. She’s kind of one of the leaders,” Dusky mewed. Sandcloud bowed his head in respect. Copperskip mewed,”Well, get straight to the point. Why are you here, and what do you want with us?” Us. There were more cats and dogs than just this formidable she-cat. But really, Peachbranch should have known that. Sandcloud barked,”StarClan sent us here.” Copperskip looked at them with greater attention. “Russetspring told me you’d be arriving soon. Please, have you eaten?”

Peachbranch heard the sound of approaching pawsteps. Two cats padded in, laughing through their catch. The she-cat was gray with white ears and beautiful blue eyes. The tom had thick gray fur and brown paws. His eyes were the amber of frozen honey. The she-cat immediately dropped her catch in the pile and mewed to Copperskip,”It’s them? They’re here?” Copperskip nodded from her spot on the raised platform. The she-cat turned to Peachbranch and her friends. “Hi! I’m Splashsong. Dusky? Is that you? Oh, you’re going to join us! Exciting! That’s my brother Moletuft. He’s a bore. What are your names?” She said this all so fast, only Windclaw was able to keep up with her. “Well, I’m Windclaw. The scrawny gray apprentice is Juniperpaw. This idiot is Oakbreeze. That’s Squirrelheart, Hazelflame, Peachbranch, Jaggedstream and Sandcloud.” Splashsong nodded. “Can I give you a tour?”

Peachbranch wished she had about four more eyes so she could look at the home in the caves. From the back of the central cave, there was a tunnel. Down the tunnel were several other caves. The first one was empty, but smelled faintly of mouse bile. Splashsong waved her tail at the cave. “That’s the elders’ den. Very simple.” The next den was bigger and a lot more crowded. “This is the warriors’ den. Very crowded.” The next den had few nests, but a bunch of random objects, like feathers and moss and bracken. “This is the apprentices’ den. They make the nests here.” They came to the second to last den. It was small with only a few nests. “This is the nursery. Only a few live here.” The last den had vines draped over the entryway. Splashsong stopped. “That’s where the leaders sleep. No one other than them ever goes in there. Let’s head back to the main cave. I think it’ll be more crowded.”

The main cave was indeed more crowded. There were cats and dogs of every size, shape and color! Peachbranch wanted to ask so many questions to every single one of them! Splashsong saw her excitement. “Come on. We have to talk to Copperskip.”

Copperskip sat on the raised platform, watching their Clan with proud eyes. Splashsong approached her, with Peachbranch right behind her. Copperskip looked at them. “Sandcloud, I believe I know exactly what StarClan wishes us to do next.” Sandcloud barked,”And what is this next action?” “To send four representatives back to your Clans and lead them here. Once that step is completed, there will be ten Clans.” Peachbranch gasped. Ten Clans?!? The border fights would be excessively large and bloody! That couldn’t be what StarClan wanted! Sandcloud dipped his head. “I will see to choosing from my friends.” He turned to them. “Let’s discuss this somewhere else.” Copperskip mewed,”Use my den.”

Peachbranch couldn’t believe it. The four Clans were to leave their home…forever! StarClan had never hinted at this! Sandcloud barked to Peachbranch. “Hello? We need to decide who goes home right now!” Windclaw, being Windclaw, asked,”When? We just got here.” Sandcloud gave her a dirty look. “As soon as possible. Now, who actually wants to go back?” Windclaw shot back,”Well, I’m coming, obviously.” Sandcloud sighed. “And I’m coming.” He looked at Hazelflame and Jaggedstream. “Which one of you?” Jaggedstream raised his head. “I’m coming, and you can’t stop me.” Squirrelheart cut in,”Me too!” She looked at Peachbranch. “At least, is that okay with you?” Peachbranch nodded. She curled her tail around her paws. For the time being, she would be staying in the caves.

Chapter 7[]

Windclaw didn’t want to go back home, if it hadn’t been for one thing—The edge of the cliff. If she didn’t return to see it one last time, she might never feel that happy again. So, was she going to go home? Yes, yes she was.

Windclaw was sitting on top of the caves. She didn’t like being in the caves themselves. There was no wind. Back at home, the dens had open entryways to let the wind whisper in everyone’s ears, and lull them to sleep.

Copperskip had decided to send one of her Clanmates to the other territories with Sandcloud’s group. For this, she chose Splashsong.

Windclaw thought about Splashsong being chosen. It had been quite a scene. Copperskip and another leader had stepped onto the platform, and the cave had fallen silent. All eyes looked at Copperskip and their friend. Copperskip had gazed into the crowd. “Friends, we are gathered here today because we must send one of our Clanmates with Sandcloud and his group to the other territories. First, do we have any volunteers?” Dusky had stood up, along with Splashsong. Moletuft trembled his way to a standing position, but everyone else fell still. Copperskip blinked. “Thank you, Dusky, Splashsong, Moletuft. However, only one will be able to go. Clanmates, how would you feel about a vote?” Murmurs of approval spread throughout the cave. Copperskip then announced that Dusky, Splashsong and Moletuft would state why they wished to go to the other territories. And, long story short, Splashsong won in a landslide, with Moletuft getting exactly zero votes.

Windclaw arched her back and yawned. Today was the day she’d be able to start her journey home, and see it for the last time. “Windclaw!” Windclaw looked up to see Peachbranch bounding toward her. “Hello, Peachbranch.” “Windclaw, guess what? Moletuft is giving Juniperpaw, Hazelflame and I a tour of the territory! It’s going to be awesome!” Peachbranch was jumping up and down. Windclaw looked at the prey pile. “I’m hungry. Have you eaten anything this morning?” Peachbranch shook her head. Windclaw bounded toward the prey pile. She grabbed a small sparrow and tore into it. Peachbranch sat beside her and shared the prey.

Windclaw was walking again. She was padding carefully up to the path with colored boxes on it. They had already come that far in their second day, since they had stopped to sleep outside Tinsel’s home. Splashsong had evidently never seen the dreaded path in her entire life. She trembled with fear as one of the colored things flew by. Sandcloud faced the group. “Alright. We know how to do this. We’ve faced this before. Windclaw, take Splashsong with you first.”

Windclaw raced across the hard surface. She was fast. She ran with the wind. No one would ever be able to catch up with her. The wind ruffled Windclaw’s fur. The nice chill of a slight breeze cooled her down.

Windclaw’s paws slammed into the grass at her full running speed, which sent her tumbling into the grass. Splashsong, who was considerably slower, called out,”Windclaw! Look out!” And Windclaw felt pain.

Windclaw wanted to open her eyes. But she didn’t want to open her eyes. Everything was hazy red. There were voices everywhere. Some she didn’t know, some of dead friends, some of living friends. In particular, Roseshine was whispering that she believed in StarClan, even in the darkness. That memory was out of place. Wasn’t it from when she was a pup and listened to Roseshine’s stories? Windclaw felt wet. She felt her fur clumping together. The hazy red didn’t get better in the slightest. Where was she? Was Windclaw dying? She certainly felt dead inside…

Windclaw opened her eyes. She was back in the caves, in the elders’ den. She sat up, and got severely dizzy. She felt a soft paw pushing her back down. The owner of the paw whispered,”Don’t worry, Windclaw. Everything’s going to be okay. Lay back down and get some rest.” Windclaw tried to mumble,”But I can’t be here! I had a job to do!” She couldn’t finish her disoriented barking, though, as sleep came once again.

Windclaw was running through her old home. She was racing against Leopardleap and Redstream. Hang on, this is an old memory, Windclaw thought. She remembered this race. When she and Leopardleap had been apprentices, they had decided together to challenge Redstream to a race for fun. Windclaw had won, since she was the fastest runner in the Clans. She wanted to stay in that race forever and not return to the real world. That was where she felt at home. The moor and the cliff were all that kept Windclaw sane.

Windclaw’s legs were in pain. And not just her legs, but her whole body felt bad. She wanted to stay curled up in this nest of moss forever. But someone was calling her name. Leopardleap? Am I home? But no.

Windclaw opened her eyes to find Peachbranch standing over her with a concerned expression on her face. Peachbranch brightened as Windclaw struggled to sit up. There was someone next to her, a she-cat with Copperskip’s fluffy fur. The she-cat had golden tabby fur, white paws and tail tip, and sweet, pale green eyes like Peachbranch’s. “Hello, Windclaw. My name is Mothtail. My sister, Copperskip, sent me to help you recover.” Windclaw blinked. “What happened?” Peachbranch sat down next to her. “You tumbled straight into a pile of rocks…they were sharp. You were stabbed. Squirrelheart ran back to get you help. Moletuft and Hawkface had to help carry you. You were too slippery with blood for Sandcloud and Jaggedstream to do it alone. It’s been two days since it happened.”  Windclaw groaned and curled up. “So now Oakbreeze is representing RockClan? And I’ve been asleep for two days?” Peachbranch ducked her head. “Yes.” Juniperpaw walked in with a pale gray-and-white she-cat following her. The she-cat had short, well-groomed fur, no fluff and ice blue eyes. “Hi, Windclaw!” Juniperpaw bounded up to her. “This is Mintpaw. Mintpaw, this is Windclaw.” Mintpaw dipped her head politely. Mintpaw must have been only a few weeks younger than Windclaw. “Hello, Mintpaw. You look like you’re due to become a warrior, or am I mistaken?” Mintpaw shook her head. “No, Windclaw, you are not mistaken. My warrior ceremony is about to commence.” Windclaw tried to stand up, and fell over. Peachbranch said,”Here, I’ll help you.”

Windclaw sat in the crowd next to Peachbranch and Juniperpaw. Now that the sun had gone down, it was very cold in the cavern. Juniperpaw was leaning into Windclaw, providing warmth. Peachbranch sat with her tail curled around her paws. They were all looking forward, at the two apprentices at the front. One was Mintpaw, and the other was a light gray she-cat with white paws. She had the same short fur as Mintpaw and darker blue eyes. Copperskip sat on the raised platform, gazing at the apprentices. “Moletuft, do you think that Mintpaw is ready to become a warrior?” Moletuft, who must’ve been Mintpaw’s mentor, nodded. “She is ready.” Copperskip smiled. “And, if Splashsong were here, she would certainly say that Whisperpaw is ready. Mintpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” “I do.” Mintpaw certainly looked ready. “Then, from this moment on, you will be known as Mintleap. StarClan honors your polieness and your loyalty.” Mintleap touched noses with Copperskip. Copperskip then turned to Whisperpaw. “Whisperpaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” “I do.” Whisperpaw was very quiet. Her name did have an effect on her volume. “Then, from this moment on, you will be known as Whispermoon. StarClan honors your patience and your stealth.” Whispermoon touched her nose to Copperskip’s, and Mintleap and Whispermoon turned to face the crowd. Everyone who truly lived there chanted,”Mintleap! Whispermoon!” Windclaw joined in, shouting the names up to the cavetop.

Windclaw lay down next to Mothtail. It was the fifth day since her accident. Mothtail had decided that they would sit up on the platform as they waited for the hunting patrols and training groups to come back. In the central cavern, a pale ginger tom was dragging moss out of the camp. He stopped. “Mothtail! Do you need this moss?” He called. Mothtail hopped over to him. “Hmm. Are there any thorns in it?” The apprentice shook his head. “I’ll take it. Thanks, Flamepaw.” The apprentice’s green eyes sparkled at Mothtail. “So…can I go train or hunt?” Mothtail looked at Windclaw. Windclaw looked out at the sun. “Hawkface’s patrol should be back soon. Ask him when he gets back.” Hawkface had taken Juniperpaw, Peachbranch, Moletuft and Hazelflame out on a hunt. Flamepaw nodded. Another apprentice galloped in from the tunnel. “Ooh! Can I go, too?” The apprentice was a male dog with mainly white fur, but gray flecks all over his face, and gray ears. Their paws were brown. Her left eye was brown, and their right eye was a beautiful blue. Mothtail laughed. “Sure. I think battle training would do you both some good, especially since Bluepaw has so much energy.” Bluepaw sat down. “I do not! See? Totally calm, that’s me.” Flamepaw laughed. “Oh, come on, Bluepaw, we all know you’d be bouncing off the walls if you could.”

Windclaw and Mothtail watched as Hawkface’s patrol came in. The golden-brown tabby tom nodded to Mothtail. His white muzzle and paws were fluffy, like his sisters. His eyes, however, were deep blue. Juniperpaw and Peachbranch followed, and after came Moletuft and Hazelflame. The patrol had done well. Mothtail mewed,”Hawkface, take your apprentice and Bluepaw to train, otherwise no work will get done.” Juniperpaw asked Mothtail,”Can I go with them?” Mothtail looked at Hawkface, who shrugged. “Sure.”

Windclaw stretched. It had now been a month since she had left home for good. It was dawn, and Windclaw was in her nest in the warriors’ den. She sat straight up when she remembered. Today was Flamepaw’s warrior ceremony! In the caves, apprentices were assessed the day before. He had passed the test with flying colors, and in a few minutes, he would be a warrior! Windclaw padded to the central cave, thinking about her own warrior ceremony. How had it been only a month ago? Windclaw looked at the prey pile, which was overflowing. Mintleap sat at the pile, digging through it. She looked up at the sound of Windclaw’s pawsteps. “Hey.” “Hi. Are you excited for Flamepaw’s ceremony? I know I am. This is what he wanted. Hey, will Copperskip let you be on patrol today?” Windclaw stopped to hear everything the warrior had said. Finally, she answered,”Hopefully I’ll be able to hunt. But maybe I’ll be put on guard duty.”  

Windclaw sat and watched as Flamepaw padded eagerly up to Copperskip. Copperskip looked at Hawkface. “Hawkface, do you believe that Flamepaw is ready to be a warrior?” Hawkface nodded. “Yes, Copperskip. I trust that Flamepaw is ready.” Copperskip turned back to Flamepaw. “Flamepaw, do you promise to protect your Clan with your life?” Flamepaw nodded eagerly. “I do.” “Then, from this moment on, you will be known as Flamegrass. StarClan honors your eagerness to help and your kindness.” “Flamegrass! Flamegrass!” Mintleap cheered the loudest, in the front. Flamegrass touched noses with Copperskip, then faced the crowd.

Windclaw slept soundly. She rose to the sound of rain pattering. In the central cavern, Flamegrass was padding in from where he sat on watch as a warrior. He looked tired, wet and hungry. He shook his fur out, sprinkling water on Windclaw. “Hey!” She protested. She padded up to the prey pile. “This will have to be enough for everyone today. It’s too slippery outside for anyone to hunt.” Flamegrass grinned. “Oh, I think we’ll be able to go hunting. Copperskip is smart.”

Windclaw sat as Copperskip organized patrols. They stopped beside a few cats and dogs who looked agile and thin. “You’ll have the best chances by the creek. Bring back as much as you can.” Windclaw looked at Mothtail, who was sitting beside her. “What are they going to do?” Mothtail looked at her. “Well, when it’s wet outside, we have a team that goes fishing.” Windclaw stood up. “Copperskip!” Copperskip turned around. “Yes?” “Can I go with them?” Copperskip looked at her funny. “Okay.”

Windclaw ran to the fishing patrol. “Hey!” A sleek brown she-cat turned around. “Yes?” “Copperskip said I could join you.” The she-cat blinked. “Sure. Come on!” Windclaw padded up to them. The she-cat said,”What’s your name?” “Windclaw.” “I’m Dawnleap.” A large pale gray female dog at the front added,”I’m Pinefur.” A smaller brown-and-white female dog barked,”I’m Morningshine.” A white large female dog next to Pinefur barked,”I’m Flurryheart. I think you know my apprentice, Bluepaw?” Bluepaw, who had been out of sight, chirped,”Hello!” Windclaw shook out her fur.

The creek was beautiful. It flowed silently, and it was crystal blue. Windclaw sniffed the air. There was a scent of rabbit in the air. She crouched, attempting to find out where it was. She looked at the hazel bush on the other side of the creek. She looked at Dawnleap and the others, who were giving Windclaw weird looks. Windclaw hissed,”Don’t make a sound.” Bluepaw was looking at her, eyes wide. Windclaw faced the bush. She jumped across the creek, and rushed into the bush. The rabbit sprinted out, and Windclaw chased it. She chased it for a few seconds, then bit its neck. She trotted back to the creek, where the rest of the patrol was staring with wide eyes. Bluepaw barked,”Wow! You’re fast!” Dawnleap’s jaw was hanging open. Windclaw grinned. “Never seen anything that fast, have you?”

Chapter 8[]

Chapter 8

Mapleberry padded confidently alongside Hissfire. It was time for the next meeting of the Clans. Morningdew had wanted Mapleberry to stay back, but Mapleberry couldn’t. Mapleberry was in charge of the secret search patrols she still sent out, against Snakestar’s orders. Mapleberry was losing sleep, because every night she searched as far as she could. Everyone in the Clan knew that Mapleberry was doing this except kits, pups and Snakestar. Just to make sure Snakestar wouldn’t get suspicious, she told the search patrols to bring back prey as well.

Mapleberry was scanning the group Snakestar and Frondstar had chosen. Obviously, the leaders and deputies were there, along with Hickorybranch. Mintbreeze, Brackendusk and Killertooth were there. Stormclaw was there, with Autumnbreeze and Hopepaw. Applefire was standing next to Tawnyfall and Pebblepaw. Rockstem, Sedgetooth and her apprentice Blossompaw were also there. Wolfshadow was standing off to the side. Mapleberry glanced at Hissfire. The other Clans had yet to arrive.

StemClan padded in, looking as strong as ever. Rosestar and Smallstar were at the front, Fireclaw and Barkstripe beside them. Honeycomb was behind Barkstripe, and Cottonheart beside her. Rainlight was there with Blizzardwind. Stormpelt and Gorsepaw padded beside Poppybee. Oaktail stumbled his way forward. Hazelwing and her apprentice Turtlepaw helped him up. Olivecloud and Hailpaw walked, chatting with Squirrelpaw and Crowflight. Mapleberry looked at them, working together. Why can’t my Clan be like that? Snakestar is so bad for us. Hissfire would make a better leader. Besides, Snakestar only has three lives left. It won’t be long now.

RockClan raced in, so fast Mapleberry couldn’t tell who they had brought. With a pang, Mapleberry realized there wasn’t a brown and white blur ahead of the rest of them, as there normally was. As they slowed to a stop, Mapleberry picked out Daisystar and Cloverstar. Adderheart and Runningflight were close behind, and Wintertail was casting dirty looks at everyone around him. Starcloud settled herself down beside Swiftfur. Wolftuft padded over to a cluster of PuddleClan warriors. Dewcloud and his apprentice, Leafpaw, sat with Moonspots and Mothpaw. Cedartuft and Skyheart started teasing Gingerswoop and Redstream. Leopardleap and Eagleheart glared at each other and whirled in different directions. What’s up with them? Mapleberry wondered.

Finally, CloudClan trooped their way in. Barracudastar slinked at the front with Gladestar. Blackfire and Mistwing followed them. Sneezenose limped his way over, and Mapleberry realized that Sneezenose had been the oldest healer even when she was an apprentice. Mousenight and Smoothfur padded around. Pinestone and Dewpaw settled next to them. Ashbranch and Rainspeck padded over to the StemClan warriors. Ripplesplash and Eclipseshadow helped Thistleheart over a log. Honeybreeze and Flutterpaw laughed with Blazedawn. Mapleberry smiled. All was well.

Mapleberry and the other deputies sat at the foot of the rock in the clearing. The healers were there, too. Rosestar mewed first. “I know we are all upset over our missing Clanmates, but we will discuss that later. StemClan has been doing well. We chased a fox out of our territory, but no deaths.” Mapleberry watched Crowflight whisper something into Mudcloud’s ear. Rosestar stepped back, and Gladestar came forward. “CloudClan is fine, as usual.” He rumbled. “Prey is running well.” Daisystar chimed in,”RockClan is as strong as ever. The rabbits are all over.” Frondstar dipped his head. “PuddleClan is well.” Smallstar glanced at the other leaders. “Now, for the most pressing problem. I visited the PuddleClan camp and asked Wingedge if he had had signs from StarClan. There were none. I believe,” Smallstar barked louder as murmurs rose up from the group,”That they are gone.” Mapleberry heard Leopardleap call out,”You mean, you think they’re dead?” He stood up, pelt bristling. Cottonheart rose as well, along with Crowflight. Crowflight declared,”No, they’re not!“ Snakestar glared down at her. “You dare question StarClan?!?” Crowflight returned the glare defiantly. “No, I mean I know they aren’t dead!” Crowflight raced over to the rock, and before anyone could stop her, she had climbed up and was barking,”Listen!” She glanced around the clearing. “I know that some of you have personal connections with the missing.” Her eyes rested on Cottonheart and Mudcloud, on Eagleheart and Leopardleap, on Dewpaw and Flutterpaw. “And I know that they’re still out there, looking at the same stars we do.” Snakestar objected,”And how do you know this, you low-ranking StemClan warrior?” Crowflight turned to face Snakestar. “Because I had a dream. A dream in which Sandcloud visited me and told me that they were still alive! You must not give up hope.” At this point she had turned to face the crowd again. “Because they are still alive.” A voice rumbled,”And indeed we are.” Mapleberry and the rest of the crowd turned to face Sandcloud, Oakbreeze, Squirrelheart and Jaggedstream standing at the edge. Cottonheart stood up. “You’re alive!” Cheers rose up into the night. Then Eagleheart barked,”Hold everything! Where’s Windclaw?” Sandcloud looked at him. “We decided to only take one representative per Clan. We also have another representative.” He stepped to the side to reveal a gray and white she-cat. She padded forward and mewed,”Hello! I’m Splashsong! Pleased to meet you!” Mapleberry admired the she-cat’s confidence. Sandcloud barked,”StarClan sent ‘the missing’ on a journey. We were told that you must come to where Splashsong is from. There is a group of warriors, with Clan names. StarClan told us that that place is our new home.” In that moment, Mapleberry knew Sandcloud’s words changed the world. Mapleberry watched as Smallstar barked,”But we buried our dead here! We can’t just abandon them!” Crowflight nodded her head. But Mapleberry didn’t pay attention to this. She was planning on how to help her Clan travel. She turned to Hissfire. “We’ll need to have a summit as soon as possible with everyone.” Mapleberry leapt to the top of the rock. “We’ll need everyone here by sunset. Send a few here to their own Clans. We need to leave as soon as possible.” Beside her, Rosestar piped up,”We’ll need a safe way for elders and the young to travel. Stormpelt, Crowflight, Leopardleap, Eagleheart, Autumnbreeze, Wolfshadow, Pinestone and Ashbranch, please inform your respective Clans that everyone must eat something, come here by sunset….and be prepared for abandoning their camps.”

Mapleberry was put in charge of sending out hunting patrols. “Poppybee, please take Tawnyfall, Pebblepaw, Gorsepaw, Hopepaw, Dewpaw, Squirrlepaw, Ripplesplash and Cottonheart out hunting. Hailpaw, Blossompaw, Turtlepaw, Leafpaw, Mothpaw and Flutterpaw, help the elders get situated. We’ll also need safe places for mothers and their children. Sneezenose will help you.” Mapleberry turned to the other warriors. “Starcloud, please keep an eye out for when the full Clans show up. Wintertail, you and the other healers should start checking for any injuries. And I mean even a thorn in a pad. We need everyone the healthiest they can be. Traveling herbs would be nice, too.” Wintertail nodded and said,”Could we borrow an apprentice or two?” Mapleberry glanced back at the apprentices helping the elders. “Flutterpaw! Mothpaw! You two are actually going to help Wintertail and the other healers while there’s still light!” Mapleberry glanced at Wintertail. “When the others get here, I’ll let all of the healers work on this.” Mapleberry looked back at the warriors. “All of you, just go hunt. Everyone here needs food.” Hissfire padded over as the group of warriors dispersed. “Organization skills, eh, Mapleberry?” Mapleberry laughed. “Yeah.”

Mapleberry heard Starcloud’s call. “RockClan is here!” And sure enough, RockClan came in with determined looks on their faces. Tawnyfall’s hunting patrol came in with them, explaining everything. Wintertail called,”Healers! Over here.” Flutterpaw and Mothpaw raced away from him. Frecklepaw, Roseleaf’s apprentice, looked scared. Mapleberry turned back to RockClan, who were crowding around her. “Has everyone eaten?” When they shook their heads, Mapleberry called,”Alright, apprentices! You’re all on tick duty! Make sure the elders are comfortable! After that, get them prey and eat with them!” A cream and brown she-cat stepped up. “I’m expecting kits. Is there anything I can do to help?” Mapleberry appreciated her efforts. “Get something to eat, for one. Can you weave nests?” The she-cat nodded. “What’s your name?” “Softleaf.” Mapleberry turned to look at Sneezenose. “Let Softleaf help weave nests!” Sneezenose nodded, and the she-cat padded over to him. “Warriors, eat something, and then hunt!”

Mapleberry was standing on the rock, watching the entirety of RockClan help out everyone else who had been chosen for the meeting. Everyone was doing exactly as she had said. She swelled with pride. She heard pawsteps behind her. Frondstar rasped,”I knew it was a good idea to make you deputy.” Mapleberry smiled. Her belly growled. Frondstar barked,”Go eat something. You’ve earned it.”

Mapleberry was sharing a rabbit with Hissfire. It tasted alright, considering Mapleberry was used to grouse. She finished her portion, standing up. She scented CloudClan coming. They were not at all confused, instead halting at Starcloud’s station. Mapleberry walked up to them. Starcloud said,”Listen to Mapleberry. She’s been put in charge of organizing us while the leaders talk.” CloudClan sat down right there. “Go on. Tell us what we need to do.” That was Grassseed. “Well, have you all eaten?” Everyone shook their heads. “Toadtail, Willowleaf, eat and go help your fellow healers. Elders, eat and go find the apprentices. Warriors, eat and then hunt.” CloudClan raced to the dwindling pile. We don’t have enough for the other Clans.

Mapleberry was exhausted. She had spent all day organizing the Clans into harmony, and now it was sunset. Everyone crowded around the rock. Rosestar stepped up. “Sandcloud, would we be able to get far today?” She asked. Sandcloud shook his head. “We should head to the northernmost edge of StemClan territory. That’s where we start our journey. We sleep there, and continue in the morning.” Frondstar nodded approval. Daisystar mewed,”That’s a solid plan.” Barracudastar butted in,”Is this really goodbye? Do we have to leave our homes?” Sandcloud nodded. Mapleberry knew that they would have to leave their homes, but she didn’t think it would be so soon. She looked around at the sad faces, and knew that it must be done. “Come on. We don’t have time to spare.” Mapleberry called. Only Sneezenose and Dewpaw stood up. Cloverstar barked,”Get moving! We’ve got a trek in front of us!”

Mapleberry padded alongside Blossompaw. Blossompaw looked tired and was stumbling along. They were in StemClan’s territory, filled with winding streams and trees and bushes. Blossompaw asked,”Are we almost there?” Crowflight, who was just in front of them, barked,”Yes. It’s just outside of these trees.” Mapleberry quickened her pace. She padded out of the trees and saw a fallen tree and bushes all over. She stopped. The bushes enclosed them. This would be a good place to rest. It was dark out. Mapleberry turned around. “Is this big enough?” She barked. Frondstar looked around. “Yes. We can make it work.” He turned around to face everyone. “We need to make sure that the mothers and the elders are comfortable. Mates can sleep in a huddle. Apprentices can sleep with their littermates. In fact, everyone needs warmth.” In the dark, Mapleberry saw Applefire slide up next to Tawnyfall.

Mapleberry was helping everyone get comfortable. She saw Cottonheart curl up with Sandcloud, Squirrelpaw, Deerpaw, Pinepaw and Flamepaw. She saw Fernfeather, Sparkfire and Berrybush push and shove until they were comfortable. She saw Applefire rest her head on Tawnyfall’s scarred side, and Tawnyfall’s tail wrapped around Applefire’s. Mapleberry curled up into a ball and slept.

Mapleberry woke up at dawn, expecting to have to ask Hissfire who should be on the dawn patrol. Then she remembered. She was never seeing her home again. She stretched, breathing in. Her stomach rumbled. That rabbit from yesterday seemed forever ago. She looked around. Pebblepaw was up, and so was Mistheart. “Hey, Pebblepaw, Mistheart,” Mapleberry called. “Would you like to hunt?” Pebblepaw mewed,”Sure.” Mistheart nodded quietly. Mapleberry padded out of the bushes, with Pebblepaw and Mistheart at her heels.

Chapter 9[]

Sandcloud didn’t mind sleeping in a pile. In fact, he liked it. Cottonheart was a calm sleeper, but Squirrelpaw was kicking everybody. Deerpaw was snoring loudly. Sandcloud laughed and stood up. Mapleberry, Pebblepaw and Mistheart were dropping fish in a pile. Sandcloud trotted over, being careful not to step on anyone. “Did you catch any land prey?” He asked. Mapleberry shook her head. Sandcloud looked around. Crowflight was awake, and so was Leopardleap. Sandcloud looked at Mapleberry. “Can I take another patrol out?” Mapleberry nodded. Olivecloud called,”Can I come?” Mapleberry shrugged. “Sure. Take Hailpaw and Squirrelpaw.” Olivecloud poked Hailpaw up. Squirrelpaw padded over, yawning. “Are we hunting?” Sandcloud barked,”Yes. Everyone has to eat before we start moving again.”

Snadcloud led his hunting group out of the bushes. There was open fields ahaed of them, dotted with the occaisonal tree and bush. “Remember, always hunt with a partner out here. You might get lost. Hailpaw and Olivecloud, can you hunt around that willow by the stream? Crowflight and Squirrelpaw, there’s a hazel bush over there for you to investigate. Leopardleap, would you like to hunt over in that field?” Leopardleap shrugged. “Okay.”

Sandcloud led his prey-laden patrol back into the makeshift camp. Most of PuddleClan looked full, probably due to the fact that there was no more fish. Sandcloud and his patrol dropped their catch into a pile. Rosestar cleared her throat. “Good morning, fellow Clan members. Today we truly start our journey. But first, we must eat. Elders eat first, along with kits and mothers. If need be, we will send out another hunting patrol. After the morning meal, we will discuss how far we can go today. Thank you, and enjoy your prey.” Rosestar stopped mewing and beckoned to Sandcloud. As the elders and Softleaf began to pick prey and share it, Sandcloud walked over to Rosestar. “Yes, Rosestar?” “I need to know how far we could get today.” Sandcloud frowned. “Well, I figure with such a large group, it will take a while. I can’t give you a straight answer.” Rosestar nodded. “That’s fine. Go, eat something. You’ll need it.”

Sandcloud was sharing a large rabbit with his family. Squirrelpaw kept pestering him for details about the journey and the new territories, and Sandcloud kept asking for details about their training. Eventually, Deerpaw said,”Well, Duststorm keeps asking for him and I to be on patrol. I’ve done a few dawn patrols. And sometimes Duststorm makes us do tracking exercises. And I take care of Oaktail.” Squirrelpaw barked,”Well, I bet I’ve cared for him more than you!” Cottonheart said,”That’s because you slept in till sunhigh. And that one time when you squashed three entire voles. And when you tagged along the dawn patrol without telling Crowflight.” Sandcloud gazed sternly at Squirrelpaw. “When we start our journey, no sneaking off, no disobeying orders, none of that. Listen to Crowflight. And how about Pinepaw?” Pinepaw, who had been focusing on chewing and his sisters’ stories, looked up. “Sunheart likes testing my skills. Every month, he assesses me. He takes me into the forest, takes me to any stream and tells me to swim. Then he’ll make me climb a tree, then tells me to catch a few pieces of prey. Then, we’ll round up some other apprentices and practice battle moves. Then, Sunheart challenges me to race him to camp.” Flamepaw added,”Barkstripe and I participate in all battle practices. It’s fun.” Crowflight padded over. “Can I sit here?” Squirrelpaw nodded enthusiastically. Sandcloud looked at Flamepaw. “What does Barkstripe do with you?” “Barkstripe makes me get up with the dawn patrol every morning, and he lets me eat and watch him send out patrols. Sometimes, he’ll go on the dawn patrol and I’ll go with him, but otherwise we just wait until all the patrols are sorted out. Then he takes me hunting. And then we practice battle skills, and occasionally basic swimming and climbing, but we do that with Crowflight and Squirrelpaw. If Barkstripe goes on the dawn patrol without me, which is on a rest day, I clean out bedding and help the healers.” Sandcloud asked,”What’s a rest day?” Crowflight interjected,”It’s a new system that Rosestar created. Every seventh day, the apprentices don’t go hunting or on a patrol and help around camp. That way, apprentices aren’t exhausted, and they get their chores done. It’s kinda genius.” Sandcloud liked the idea. “Well, Squirrelpaw, what do you do in training?” The rabbit was gone, and everyone was starting to stand up to leave. “Tell us when we start walking.” At that moment, Rosestar padded up. “It is time to go. Please find someone to walk with. Jaggedstream, Splashsong, would you lead us?”

Sandcloud poked Squirrelpaw. “Tell us about what you do in training!” Squirrelpaw glanced at Crowflight. “Well, every morning I eat prey with Crowflight unless we’re on dawn patrol, and she tells me what we’re going to do. When it’s a hunting day, which is the day after a rest day, we are on a hunting patrol. The day after is a swimming day, where we practice swimming. I’m really bad at that. The day after is a climbing day, and we practice tree fighting, tree climbing and just anything to do with climbing trees. The next day is a battle day. We practice battle moves and test out ambushes. Then the next day is a day where we practice tracking, speed  and stealth. And then it’s another hunting day, and then we have a rest day.” Sandcloud was delighted to hear that the ambush practice was still a method Crowflight used. Squirrelpaw barked,”And now Crowflight will tell us how she was trained!” Crowflight smiled. “Well, I was trained by the best, most caring young mentor I could have ended up with…” Squirrelpaw barked,”Who was it? Tell us, tell us!” Cottonheart said,”Well, he’s smart, strong, and pretty brave….he’s had two apprentices…” Squirrelpaw yelped,”I have no idea who it is! Tell me!” Crowflight smiled. “Alright, it was Sandcloud.” Squirrelpaw turned her eyes to Sandcloud. “You mentored Crowflight? Really?” Sandcloud barked. “Yes. I did.” Squirrelpaw looked back at Crowflight. “Tell us how you were trained!” “Well, it was very not scheduled. It was ‘hey, today we’ve been put on a hunting patrol, so let’s go hunting’ or ‘let’s go find the other apprentices and their mentors so we can pull together the ambush practices!’ Our version of the ambushes was different. We would have a clearing reserved for it, and we’d have different teams every time. We’ve made it so that you’ve got a team that you’re always with, and we’d take you to random places on the territory.” Squirrelpaw was spellbound by Crowflight’s retelling of her training. A call sounded out. “Hey! I need some help!” Sandcloud looked around. It was coming from a gray she-cat, behind him. “What do you need?” “I need help carrying my kits. They’re too small to walk by themselves.” Crowflight shrugged. “I’ll help.” They stopped for the she-cat to walk beside them. The she-cat dropped a pale gray she-kit at Crowflight’s paws. “This is Honeykit.” The she-cat looked around. “I need another helper….” Cottonheart barked,”I’ll help, too.” The she-cat dropped a mostly black she-kit at Cottonheart’s paws. “That one is Flickerkit. And I’m Jadeheart. This one is Smokekit.” The smallest kit was crouching in the mother’s fur. Sandcloud sniffed Flickerkit. “Are you from PuddleClan?” Jadeleaf nodded. “How old are the kits?” “They were born five days ago.” Cottonheart looked indigant. “But they’re too young to be traveling!” Jadeheart sighed. “I know. I wish we were still at home, but StarClan told us to go, so we’ll go.”

Sandcloud wished that the group would go a little faster. By half of the first day of trekking, they had only managed to make it a little distance. Sandcloud watched as everyone began to settle down for the night, and Sandcloud tried to find Rosestar. When he found her, she looked startled. Sandcloud barked,”We’re not going as fast as we need to. At this rate, it’ll take two months to make it. We can’t afford that. Tomorrow we’ll need to go as fast as possible.” Rosestar nodded. “We’ll make it happen.” She turned around and padded away. Sandcloud looked around. “Mapleberry! Are we hunting?” He called. She looked over. “Yeah. I’ll organize patrols.” Warriors started to gather around Mapleberry as she put patrols together. “Let’s see….Squirrelheart, take Dewpaw, Ashbranch, Tawnyfall, Squirrelpaw and Crowflight out. Sandcloud, take Marshpaw, Ivyfall, Applefire, Mistheart and Icepaw in another direction.”

Sandcloud sat and ate his prey. Squirrelpaw was having a furious discussion on the new territories with Flamepaw, and Deerpaw was talking about the weather with Pinepaw. Really, it was just Deerpaw asking weather-related questions to Pinepaw, who just shrugged. Sandcloud turned to Cottonheart. “Are you excited for the new territories?” Cottonheart barked,”Kind of. I mean, it’s going to be a whole new territory set, with new borders. I just want my pups to be safe…and how do we know that it’s safe out?” Sandcloud barked,”Well, if Splashsong’s friends have lived there for a while, I think that it’ll be safe. Maybe we’ll get new neighbors!” Cottonheart shook her head. “I like having RockClan as neighbors. They’re not hot-headed.”

Sandcloud woke at dawn. There was enough leftover prey to feed everyone, so that they could get going quicker. After a rushed breakfast, they started walking. Sandcloud felt as though the original ‘oh, wow, this is really happening’ vibe had shifted into ‘this is why I’m part of my own Clan’. The mingling and chatter between Clans had gone down, and everyone was drifting toward their friends in their own Clans. Sandcloud frowned. This couldn’t be what StarClan wanted. At least the apprentices were whispering and giggling. Sandcloud whispered to Squirrelpaw,”Hey. Go talk to Dewpaw.” For once, Squirrelpaw did as she was told. Deerpaw bounded after her. Dewpaw seemed surprised at the two apprentices, but then nodded and began joyfully talking with them. Flutterpaw soon added something that seemed to make Squirrelpaw laugh. Sandcloud glanced at Flamepaw. “Flamepaw. Take Pinepaw and go socialize! This is the best chance to make friends with other apprentices! Go talk to Marshpaw! Or Hopepaw! Seize the moment and enjoy the company you’ve got!” Sandcloud intentionally said this right where Dewcloud could hear it, and soon Dewcloud was whispering to Leafpaw to go join an apprentice conversation. Soon after, the Clans began enjoying each other once again.

Sandcloud did his best every day to tell his children that they should enjoy the other Clans. One night, Rosestar had actually said,”Sandcloud, keep making the apprentices and warriors talk to each other. It’s helping their spirits.” After a week, they finally reached the spot where Squirrelheart had collapsed. Sandcloud watched Squirrelheart closely as she sniffed around the clearing. Her fur started to bristle. “There’s scents here!” Barracudastar and Rosestar immediately began sniffing around. “Stale. I’d say it’s been a day since whoever it was passed through.” Rosestar mewed. Her eyes narrowed. “But some of it smells familiar….” Barracudastar swung around. “Well, if they’re gone, it shouldn’t matter.” Smallstar padded forward. “We need to focus on walking. We need to keep going.” Sandcloud appreciated Smallstar’s efforts to keep going. As they started to move again, Sandcloud caught a whiff of the scents. It can’t be….

Sandcloud curled up. He was tired and wet after it had started raining. He didn’t want to do anything for the next few days. The Clans had spread out under the shelter of trees, with some deciding to sleep in the trees. Sandcloud wanted to dream and talk to someone from StarClan. He wanted answers to every question he’d ever had. He fell into the darkness of sleep.

Sandcloud got his wish. He was standing in a field. No scents, no nothing. Just cool grass and a breeze. There was a line of trees not far away. He immediately started toward the trees. He hated the open moor. It was so open, so large…but he loved the cover of trees. The shade was nice, there were leaves letting green light through…it was his home. Sandcloud ran straight into the forest. But instead of there being bushes, the forest floor was empty. No grass, no leaves, just plain dirt. Sandcloud was confused. That was wrong. It was so barren, it didn’t feel like home. He sniffed the air. He couldn’t smell anything, not even himself. He began to panic. Sandcloud ran to a tree and tried to climb it, but he couldn’t get a hold. He scrabbled at nothing, howling. And he began to fall.

Sandcloud fell into another dream. This time, he was in a cave. Not the type of caves like Splashsong’s home, but a cave behind a waterfall. It was warm inside, and it didn’t feel like a terrible place to be. There was no one there in sight, but he heard pawsteps. Sandcloud crouched, ready to defend himself. There was a path from the cave around the waterfall. The mysterious creature was coming. Sandcloud braced himself to be attacked, but instead there was a cheerful bark. “Sandcloud! Welcome back to StarClan!” Sandcloud let himself relax. It was Crowflight’s dead brother, Foxtail. “Hello, Foxtail, now let’s immediately skip to the part where you tell me why I’m here.” Foxtail’s eyes still had the spark of mischief. “I don’t know why you’re here. Sometimes, the land summons someone’s spirit, and one of us is charged with a visit or a prophecy. Did you know, in this very spot, I told Crowflight and Browntail that they wouldn’t be able to keep mentoring Stardust and Fernfeather, back when they were young? I remember it so well…” Foxtail trailed off, lost in the past. “Anyway, I think there is a reason you’re here…There’s a prophecy. Ice is moving, faster than you. Beware, and banish it.” And Sandcloud opened his mouth to say,”That’s not possible!” But he was jolted awake.

Sandcloud woke to Cottonheart hissing in his ear,”Wake up! There’s someone nearby!” Sandcloud sprang to his feet. “Who?” “I don’t know.” The newcomers stepped into view, and Sandcloud relaxed. It was Bluebellbush and her friends, the ones who camped on the outside of StemClan territory. Bluebellbush mewed,”Greetings, friends. I know that some of you don’t recognize us, but I promise, we are friends. We saw you leaving and decided that it would be wise to come with you.” The message was short but clear. Smallstar nodded. “Thank you for informing us.”

As everyone began to start moving, Sandcloud wove his way through the crowd. He finally reached Honeycomb, and barked,”I have to talk to you.” Honeycomb nodded. “About what?” “Foxtail visited me last night. He gave me a prophecy…” Honeycomb began to visibly worry. “What was the prophecy?” “Ice is moving, faster than you. Beware, and banish it.” Honeycomb frowned. “Thank you for telling me. I must go speak with my fellow StemClan healers and Smallstar and Rosestar.” She hurried off.

Chapter 10[]

Peachbranch stretched. She enjoyed the quiet life she was living in the caves. Every day, she explored the territory, searching for places for Clans to live. Juniperpaw and Windclaw normally came with her, but today they were both hunting. Instead, Hazelflame had come with her. The pair decided to go as far as possible. “If we’re going to have ten Clans living on one large chunk of territory, we’ll have to make sure it’s big enough.” Hazelflame’s point jerked Peachbranch out of her thoughts. “Yeah.” Peachbranch slipped back into her thoughts. She missed Dewpaw. In fact, she missed everybody. Willowleaf, Flutterpaw, Ivyfall. She just wanted to go home, but that was impossible. She was home, but without her Clanmates, so she wasn’t home. What was home? These questions had been surfacing in her mind often lately. She wasn’t sure why, though. Peachbranch shrugged. Today, they were exploring along the hard black surface with monsters running on it. Peachbranch frowned. “We need a name for this.” Hazelflame nodded. “The Monstertrack?” Peachbranch shrugged again. “We’ll ask Copperskip later.” Peachbranch padded in a direction. “How far do you think it stretches? Will there be enough territory?” Hazelflame mewed,”Of course there will. Even if we need to go to the other side of the track, we’ll make it work. Besides, we still have time to discuss borders.”

Peachbranch searched for Copperskip in the usual crowd. When she finally spotted the formidable figure, she raced over there. “Copperskip.” “Yes, Peachbranch?” “Hazelflame and I were thinking. We need to give that type of path that the monsters run on a name. Hazelflame was thinking Monstertrack….” Copperskip nodded. “Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I will think about it.”

Peachbranch was dreaming. She was in a forest, with no one around her. Still, she had a feeling that she was being watched. “Hello?” She called. “Hello, young one.” The gentle mew was unnerving. “Ahhh! Who are you?” Peachbranch mewed as she turned around. She gasped. Sitting there was a beautiful silver she-cat with dark silver markings and blue eyes with specks of silver in them. “My name is Shimmerpool.” Shimmerpool sat there serenely, staring at Peachbranch expectantly. Peachbranch shifted uncomfortably. What am I supposed to do? Peachbranch studied Shimmerpool. The expectant blue eyes……they looked to much like Ivyfall. As if Shimmerpool could read her thoughts,”Stop thinking.” Peachbranch froze. But she did as she was told. “You must be ready for the ice. I have no doubts in you.” The dream faded, and Peachbranch woke.

“Windclaw!” In the morning rush, Peachbranch weaved her way to sit beside the female dog. “Windclaw! Did you have a dream last night?” “Well, if you count phantom memories of when I was an apprentice, yes.” “No!” Peachbranch frowned. “As in, a message from StarClan.” Windclaw shook her head. “Nope. I think they lost the little faith they had in me.” Peachbranch sighed. “Attention!” Copperskip sat on the raised platform. “It’s time for the morning announcements. Last night, Peachbranch told me that we must name the type of path that the monsters run along. So far, we have Monstertrack from Hazelflame. If anyone else has ideas, please inform any of today’s guards. In the cave, today we will have Windclaw. Outside, it will be Hawkface and Hazelflame. Thank you, and come see me to be put on patrol. We might need herbs, if anyone is willing….” Flurryheart called,”Bluepaw and I volunteer.” Mothtail nodded and took them aside. Peachbranch immediately walked over to join the herb-patrol. “Alright, we need more poppy seeds. Moletuft’s paws aren’t getting better…” A few days earlier, Moletuft had stepped on an entire line of bramble, and now he was lying in the healer cave, moaning in his sleep. Every time he woke up, Mothtail checked on him and then gave him more poppy seeds. “Anyone know what they look like?” Peachbranch nodded. “Willowleaf taught me…” Mothtail nodded approvingly. “Go on now. Bring back a lot.”  

Peachbranch, Flurryheart and Bluepaw trudged through the territory. “We should be able to find some around here…everyone had better search by themselves. Be careful, and don’t do anything dangerous!” Peachbranch slipped away, searching for the seeds.

Peachbranch, Flurryheart and Bluepaw brought back enough poppy seeds to last into winter. Peachbranch entered the healer den cautiously, not wanting to disturb the silence. Mothtail was in the back, where there was a ledge with all sorts of medicine spread out. “Oh good, you found some seeds. Set them over there.” The healer nodded to a single poppy seed. A moan sounded from behind Peachbranch. Moletuft was waking up. He opened his eyes wearily. “My paws still hurt.” Mothtail sighed. She went back to the herb piles and pulled out a root and began chewing it. When she finished, she sat by Moletuft. “Let me see your paws.” He lifted them, and she rubbed the poultice on his paws. “Don’t try to get out of your nest.” He nodded. She turned to Peachbranch. “You can go now.” Peachbranch ducked her head and padded out of the cave. “Wait,” she called. Mothtail looked at her. “Yes?” “Have you tried making him eat dandelion leaves? They’re a painkiller.” Mothtail shook her head. “I didn’t know that herb. Could you get some?” Peachbranch nodded.

Peachbranch was in the central cave, looking around. Juniperpaw was sitting around. Flamegrass, Pinefur and Mintleap were bringing back prey. Peachbranch padded over to Juniperpaw. “Come on. I’m going herb hunting. You should come with me.” Juniperpaw stood up, then nodded at Bluepaw, who was listening to Flurryheart tell her something. He looked over at Peachbranch, then flicked their tail. “Flurryheart, Peachbranch is looking at you like she needs something.” Flurryheart glanced over. “Yes?” “I’ve informed Mothtail of a new herb, and she wants me to gather it. Would you like to come along?” Flurryheart nodded. “I’ll continue my lecture as we search. What herb is it?” “Dandelion leaves. They serve as a painkiller.” “And how did you know this?” “My sister is a healer in my own Clan.” Bluepaw bounced around. “Can you please continue your lecture?” Flurryheart went back into lecture mode. Flurryheart was explaining that you should always let the older Clan members get first pick of the fresh-kill pile. “So, Bluepaw, say you’re going toward the fresh-kill pile, but a mother is already there. What do you do?” “Ummm…politely wait for them to take something?” “Correct! And what if there’s a mother and kits there?” “Wait for them to take something, or offer to watch the kits while to mother grabs prey.” “Exactly! And what if there’s an apprentice there who’s getting prey for the elders?” “Let the working apprentice take prey to the elders.” “Correct.” Juniperpaw’s face was confused. “You have guides for that type of thing?” Flurryheart nodded. Peachbranch asked,”We do the same thing. I thought everyone did that.” “We don’t. It’s more like wake up early and get the decent leftovers, or eat the shrew that’s been at the bottom for two days. But of course, we let the mothers, the healers and the elders eat first. Apprentices normally have to get some for them.  And then the apprentices eat, then the warriors, and then anyone who woke up late or is fine with eating last.” “Huh,” Peachbranch mewed. It seemed strange to let anyone just walk up to the fresh-kill pile and just take some!

Peachbranch padded alongside the black path. After collecting enough dandelion leaves to last a month, Peachbranch had invited Juniperpaw, Flurryheart and Bluepaw to sit by the path and think of names for it. So here they were. “Ooh! How about Doompath?” Bluepaw’s voice echoed over the silent path. “Or Deathtrack!” Juniperpaw joined in. Flurryheart tilted her head. “What about something not menacing, but gives off a ‘I’m dangerous, but you can still live’ air?” “So…Darktrack.” “Exactly, Peachbranch!” But Peachbranch was distracted. She saw a couple shapes rising across the path. One was gray, the other was gray, another was lithe and brown, and the biggest one was dark ginger. Juniperpaw followed her gaze and gasped. “What is it, Juniperpaw?” “I’m not sure…it can’t be.” As the shapes came across the path and into view, the group at the edge paced far backward. As the newcomers stepped off the path, they stared at Peachbranch and her friends. Juniperpaw looked up at her questioningly. Peachbranch, not knowing what to do, nodded. Juniperpaw races ahead and tackled one of the gray ones and the brown one to the ground. The two mewed in protest and soon gave in to Juniperpaw. The other gray one was looking at Peachbranch. “Dewpaw! It’s really you!” The two met and touched noses. “You’re alive!” This was the most emotion Dewpaw had ever shown since the nursery. “Of course I am.” Dewpaw turned to the last newcomer, who was standing there awkwardly. “I see I am interrupting heartfelt reunions. I’m Fireclaw, deputy of StemClan.” Flurryheart nodded. “I suppose we should take them back.” Peachbranch mewed,”Hold up. Where’s everyone else?” “Rosestar said that it would be best for the fastest to go on ahead. A sick elder is causing slower movement. The leaders all agreed to separate into smaller groups, and to go on ahead as fast a possible. They will arrive slowly over the course of the next week.” Flurryheart nodded. “My name is Flurryheart, and this is my apprentice, Bluepaw. Welcome.”

The walk back to the caves felt shorter with Dewpaw by Peachbranch’s side. Juniperpaw introduced her gray brother, Gorsepaw, and her lithe brown tabby sister, Applepaw. Dewpaw mewed,”So what’s it like? Where are we headed?” Peachbranch smiled. “You’ll see.” Flurryheart added,”We’ll take you straight to Copperskip, and then you can get nests figured out. You’ll also want to see Mothtail, in case of any injuries.”

The entrance to the caves was blocked by the two guards. “Hello, Flurryheart. Who are these?” Hawkface asked. “These are the first arrivals from the moving Clans. Allow me to introduce Applepaw and Gorsepaw, from StemClan, Dewpaw, from CloudClan, and Fireclaw, the StemClan deputy. Newcomers, this is Hawkface, and I think you know Hazelflame. It would be wise to send someone out to sit by the path, because more groups will be arriving soon. A sick elder is the cause of slow arrivals.” Bluepaw added,”And we have name suggestions! I came up with Doompath, Juniperpaw said Deathtrack, and Peachbranch said Darktrack!” Hawkface nodded. “Noted.”

Peachbranch loved Dewpaw’s gasp as they entered the caves. Windclaw was sitting on the raised platform, watching over the central cave. “Hello!” She barked. “I heard your entire discussion with Hawkface. Who’s this sick elder?” Fireclaw called back,”Pebblestream.” Windclaw froze. “That’s bad. That’s really bad. I can’t imagine…” Peachbranch tilted her head, then remembered that Pebblestream was a RockClan elder, and therefore probably someone Windclaw would listen to. But she had no time to dwell on that, because Flurryheart slipped into the cave tunnel. She came back out with Copperskip behind her. Copperskip nodded to the newcomers. “Flurryheart has informed me of your arrival and that other Clan animals will arrive slowly over the next week. I suppose that it would be wise to visit Mothtail. Go on.”

It was early morning. Peachbranch stretched and walked out into the main area. It was crowded already, with proper eating patterns being put in place. Peachbranch spotted Fireclaw in a corner, clearly confused by the etiquette being used. Thankfully, Flamegrass padded over to him and ate with him, explaining the routine. Pawsteps sounded behind Peachbranch. Applepaw and Gorsepaw were being led out of the apprentice cave by Juniperpaw, who was also explaining the routine. “But who knows, maybe we won’t have to do any training today!” Juniperpaw was mewing. And then another animal slipped out of the apprentice cave. Dewpaw padded over to Peachbranch. “Now can you please explain what’s going to happen?” “Sure. First, let’s go get something to eat.”

Peachbranch and Dewpaw had no trouble getting prey while using proper manners. As they sat down together, Gorsepaw and Applepaw tried very hard to use the proper tactic of retriving fresh-kill. Fireclaw and Flamegrass, who were not far from Peachbranch, joined in on watching the two apprentices. Fireclaw mewed,”The apprentices aren’t used to having to use manners. They’re normally, er….well, I’m not even going to mention it.”

After the morning meal, Copperskip jumped up to the raised platform. They called,”Good morning. Before the patrols for today begin, I’d like to announce that over the next few weeks, small groups of animals from the other Clans will be showing up, so one of today’s patrols will be sitting by the path watching for more. The first group arrived yesterday. I’d like to introduce you to Dewpaw of CloudClan, Applepaw and Gorsepaw of StemClan, and Fireclaw, deputy of StemClan. Treat them all with respect, or else I will not hesitate to make you spend all day cleaning out nests.” Copperskip paused to glare at them all to show that she really did mean it. “And now, for the guards. At the entrance, Flamegrass and Fireclaw. In the cave, Flurryheart. Today the nests also need to be cleaned out, so if Bluepaw, Juniperpaw, Gorsepaw and Applepaw would please head to the medicine den for further instructions. And today for the new position of watching for more groups, Hazelflame, Dawnleap and Whispermoon will take up the spot. I also think it would be wise to inform Tinsel of the new situation. Dusky, would you please take care of that for me?” Dusky nodded. “Good. Alright. Eagleclaws, would you please take Pinefur and Morningshine hunting? Peachbranch, if you could take Dewpaw and Windclaw hunting as well….”

The sun was setting, the wind was blowing, and another group had arrived from the journey. Ivyfall, Crowflight, Squirrelpaw, Leopardleap and Pinestone had arrived. The group was sitting with all of the other arrivals from the journey, including Peachbranch. Peachbranch was chewing on some prey, listening to Ivyfall talk of the travels. “We had been with Willowleaf, Cloverstar, Stormpelt and Pebblestream, but then Pebblestream started to worsen and Cloverstar told us to go on ahead.” Windclaw leaned forward. “Will Pebblestream make it?” Ivyfall bowed her head. “I don’t know.” The silence in their corner was broken when Pinestone said,”I think Pebblestream will make it here, but no farther.” That was typical Pinestone, not saying anything other than a few vague words. Juniperpaw tilted her head. “What is he sick with?” Crowflight shrugged. “We don’t know. My opinion is that Pebblestream is too old and the journey was just too much.” Windclaw nodded. “Pebblestream is really old.” Peachbranch frowned. “Where were you when Cloverstar told you to go on?” “Not too far from the black path.”

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