Darkstorm stormed into the warrior's den. "How could you?" she snarled, throwing Orangetail a fierce glare. "You know that I told you not to tell him. Maybe I'll just spoil your little secret of visiting Snarlfang!" She ripped a piece of the mouse she was eating, flinging it at Orangetail. "Or maybe I'll say how you killed a cat." Orangetail stood frozen, fear-scent rising from her. 

"It wa-"

Darkstorm unsheathed her claws. "I don't want to hear it!" she screeched, her ears flattening like leaves on the ground. "You betrayed me, and you didn't realize how I would feel! What kind of friend are you?" Orangetail stepped back. 

"Let's go hunt with everyone else," she tried. 

"What, so that you can get away with treachery? You aren't loyal!" Darkstorm raised her haunches. "Fox-heart!" Orangetail gasped, visibly hurt, but Darkstorm didn't stop. "You know what, I will tell Treestar! You killed a leader, and he might permanently be dead!" She wanted Orangetail to feel as hurt and betrayed as she had.

"I killed him to save you! Darkstorm, don't say anything you might regret!" Orangetail snapped out of the blue. "I told our leader about Slatepaw, and you wanted me to keep it a secret! I am not the one who's loyalties should feel threatened!" Darkstorm stood still.

"You've never had your loyalties threatened," Darkstorm muttered, ominously quiet. "I grew up without a mother. She could've been from anywhere- a different clan cat or a distant rogue. I could even be half kittypet. When we were kits, you never let me forget it. And I know that everyone has talked about me when I wasn't there. Even as an apprentice. Even as a warrior. And when I met with Arrowheart, he was Arrowpaw back then, I felt like the rumors were true. I was a no-good traitor." Darkstorm lashed out, striking the mouse with her claws and ripping it until it was no more than scraps of flesh and blood. She looked up at Orangetail and finished quietly, "Don't tell me I haven't had my loyalties threatened." She turned and stalked out of the den, feeling anything but triumphant at Orangetail's expression. No one will ever hurt me again, she vowed. She looked up at the stars. "It's over," she declared. "I'm loyal. We'll stay at the lake. Arrowheart will destroy the clans. I will stop him." She collapsed to the floor, choking out sad and lonely sobs. I never wanted this! She wailed and closed her eyes, and suddenly she smelled Half Moon, turning to find her. 

"Don't," the mystical cat mewed. "I know you're hurt. But you must leave. You can't turn back. You need Arrowheart and Orangetail, Darkstorm. Don't underestimate them. They will help you and Shadeflight defeat the apprentice." Half Moon paused. "You are right. You know the apprentice, and it is a living one. Convince Treestar to go. You will die if you stay at the lake." Darkstorm flopped down, barely hearing the news.

"I was cruel to her," she murmured. "Orangetail didn't deserve that. I don't deserve her." Half Moon began to fade away.

"Don't worry. She'll forgive you. And you deserve more than any cat would think..."

...

Darkstorm sat down, her tail curled around her haunches. "I'm sorry," she mewed. "It's just that everything is so- so overwhelming, and we have to save the clans, and Snarlfang said that I have to! Me! I can't even keep my emotions in check and StarClan thinks I'll save you!" Orangetail nuzzled her friend.

"It's alright." She paused at Treestar's yowl. "Treestar wants us. Come." But it isn't! I was so harsh! Darkstorm wailed silently as she peered up at her leader. 

"The gathering will be the same time as usual, on WindClan's territory. Badgerleap has found a new camp deeper in the territory that I approve of, and we will move there as soon as this meeting is over. Any cats that are not loyal may leave in peace, now." Shut it! Darkstorm thought angrily. As no cat moved, Treestar went on.

"The issue of if we will stay at the lake will be taken up at the gathering, and as will the issue of the apprentice. Everyone, follow me and Badgerleap to the new camp." Treestar's voice rung through the group of cats. She shook herself and got up, heading to Shadeflight as they began to trek.

"I wonder how the lake will die," she murmured. Her littermate shrugged. 

"Who knows?" He licked his chest fur. "But I think we all will, and soon." Darkstorm was quiet, deep in her thoughts, as Treestar announced that they were there. She sighed and looked around. It was a marsh, much like the one at the Dead Tree, but with wildflowers and herbs sprouting from the edges instead of grass. In the middle was a large patch of ground, big enough for the cats to all be on at the same time. Clumps of weeds were growing from the murky water, but although brownish, the marsh held drinkable water. In the middle of the patch of ground, a spindly tree was growing, with branches and leaves drooping around the little island. Like a queen protecting her kits, Darkstorm observed with a sad tail-swish. She could hardly see through the branches, and knew it would grant them protection. Although beautiful, this place had a protective, thick air.

"Hey, this is where ShadowClan medicine cats gather a lot," Shadeflight mewed. "Lots of herbs, and there's a special feeling when you step on the smaller island, like StarClan watching over you." Darkstorm followed his gaze to a smaller island with a log similar to a bridge guiding from the reeds to it. It's almost like a gathering island. Wait. An idea struck her.

"What if this can be our new home, and-"

"No." Shadeflight shook his head sadly. "It would be too simple. StarClan wouldn't put us through everything if the answer was in our territory." Darkstorm sighed, knowing he was right. It couldn't be a place right under their noses. She padded into the marsh. It wasn't so deep that she had to swim, but she as she waded through it she realized how thick it was. How long will we be able to keep this up? She entered the island. The tree 's shadow darkened the inside, but she could easily make out a comfortable clearing. We can use the brranches to make little dens, she thought. But we warriors will probably have to sleep in the open. Not that it's dangerous. Surely no cat would suspect us to live here? She jumped back, catching the glimpse of sleek fur.

"Weasel!" she screeched, unsheathing her claws. Grassfang and Treestar, who had gotten in beforre her, turned and yelped, while the rest of SHadowClan rushed in. We're hardly more than a battle patrol! Darkstorm thought, shocked. And Badgerleap always has to help us! She deserves some peace and quiet; we all do! She froze as she heard a low noise. She gasped. There's two!

So what do you think? Will any of the cats die, and will Treestar finally let the clans leave? Because it doesn't look like they're going to without him... And what about Rainstar? You'll find out soon, so please keep reading! 

-Shadowstorm