Moonlight poured onto the forest floor, shining on the light white-gray fur of Frostpaw.

He had snuck out of camp via the dirtplace and was padding towards the Marshclan border, excitement making his paws tingle. In his jaws was a wad of moss that he managed to steal from the medicine den. A pang of guilt stabbed his belly as he remembered that it was a Marshclan patrol that killed Sunfur but he pushed it away. It wasn't Leopardpaws fault!

He climbed up the slight incline and saw Leopardpaw sitting there, her beautiful amber eyes shining in the moonlight. "You came!" she purred, rushing over and pressing her muzzle against his, making him drop the moss ball. "How could I stay away?" He replied softly, rubbing his cheek against hers. A purr fought its way to his throat, "Wanna play catch?" He asked, backing up. 

Leopardpaws eyes narrowed playfully, "Don't cry when you lose!" She hissed, then snatched the moss ball and flung it over to him. Frostpaw leaped and caught it, and, in the air, flung out one paw, the one with moss and landed neatly on the ground, an advance move he learned that's good for owls and hawks and the very rare eagle. 

Leopardpaw obviously didn't know that move as she clumsily caught the projectile and crashed on her side.

Worry and guilt rushed through Frostpaw but quickly dispersed as he heard her laughing, "Wow! Where did you learn that move?" She asked, eyes wide with happiness and wonder.

"Every Stormclan cat learns it, we have owls on our territory and we use this move in case one tries to attack us." He explained, tail tip twitching at the thought that no other clan cat knew this move. He waited for Leopardpaw to ask him to show the move again but she dismissed it with a wave of her slick tail, "Wouldn't do Marshclan any good. Owls hate our territory." 

Purring, he stared at the she-cat before suddenly leaping on her, battering her with sheathed claws. Leopardpaw  squeaked and then surged up, pinning the tom down and locked her jaws around his throat. Growling playful, he wrapped his fore paws around her shoulders and twisted, laying on the she-cat laughing. 

Leopardpaw chuckled and licked his face, making a purr rumble in Frostpaws throat. She continued to lick him before pushing him away, "Get off fatso!" She purred. Frostpaw got up, gazing at her happily. 

The two wrestled around for a bit before Frostpaw sighed, "I have to go, I'm going on the dawn patrol." He shook dirt from his pelt and gazed at Leopardpaw with regret. 

"No, I have to go too.." She murmured softly, pressing herself to him, She stared at him for a heartbeat before pressing her nose to his. Frostpaw purred before, regretfully, pulling himself away, "Bye." He said softly, turning to head home. 

"Bye.." She replied, turning to head down the slight slope. 

Frostpaw passed a couple of ferns and rolled in them, getting the stench of Marshclan off his pelt and slipped inside camp. He slid inside the apprentices den and closed his eyes, falling asleep.

"Frostpaw! Frostpaw!" A voice made him snap his head up, "Wha...?" His vision focused and he saw Hawkpaws amber eyes looking at him, "Dawn patrol!" He said turning, with a flick of his tail, disappearing out of the den.

'Already? I'm so tired.' Frostpaw stifled a yawn as he got up and followed the tom out, Heatherkit was wrestling with Icekit, Thistlekit trying to catch Mousepaws tail. 

The three were standing at the clearing, well groomed and eyes shining. 

Graystar padded out her den then climbed to the top of it and yowled, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join me, under Highledge, for a meeting!" 

Frostpaw padded over and sat next to Lionpaw, with unease. The tabby was glaring at his leader, his lip curled in a snarl, his fur bristled, he looked as though he was going to leap onto the leader at any given moment.

"Iceheart, is Mousepaw ready to be a warrior?" She addressed the gray tom who nodded, "He is Graystar, he has trained hard." She nodded, and addressed Silverwind and Thunderheart who also agreed. 

She turned to Mousepaw, Dawnpaw and Foxpaw, "I, Graystar, leader of Stormclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these three apprentices." her strong voice resonated through the clearing and above the trees, "They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. Mousepaw, Dawnpaw, and Foxpaw do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your lives?" 

"I do!" The three cats replied, Foxpaw the loudest. 

Frostpaw, ears pricked, remembered every word his leader was saying, excitement building in his chest. 

"Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior names," Graystar went on, "Foxpaw, from this moment you will be known as Foxfur. Starclan honors your courage and independence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Stormclan." She pressed her muzzle to Foxfurs head and Foxfur licked her shoulder. Graystar turned, giving Dawnpaw the name of Dawnlight, and Mousepaw the name of Mousedusk. 

"Stormclan is proud of you all, may you serve your Clan faithfully." She finished. 

"Mousedusk! Dawnlight! Foxfur!" The Clan welcomed the new warriors enthusiastically. 

Suddenly Lionpaw surged forward, his voice a roar, "Graystar! Marshclan has been pressing the borders continuously, are we going to stand here and wait for them to invade our territory or are we going to fight?" He demanded, tail lashing. 

Murmurs of surprise and agreement rang from the clearing, "Lionpaw is right!" A voice called, "Stormclan must defend it's borders!" Another growled, "They killed Sunfur!" One hissed. 

"Quiet!" Graystars snarl hushed the hostile calls and she turned her gaze to Lionpaw, "Starclan honors your loyalty to this Clan Lionpaw." She started, Lionpaws ears began to prick but drop as she continued, "But there will be no talk of battle! Marshclan marked there territory not hunting in our territory, until they make a move I will not make any move to attack them. Do I make myself clear?" She glowered at the tom, challenging him to rebel then brushed her gaze across the rest of the cats, "That goes for everyone!" She jumped down and disappeared into her den. 

Crookedhearts tail lashed, "Lionpaw is right though!" He hissed, "Ignoring Marshclan is foolish!" 

Dogclaw glared at him, "Crookedheart Graystar gave us orders and we will follow them." 

The black tom looked surprised but then anger shadowed his face and he hissed, stalking out of camp. 

Lionpaw straightened up, fire dancing in his eyes, "Are we going to surrender our borders just because our leader is to afraid to fight!" He called, "No!" A couple of warriors replied. 

"Then we should attack them before it's to late!" He snarled, tail lashing.

'Such ambition to make his Clan great, but it was ambition that destroyed Tigerstar, is his ambition that dangerous?' Frostpaw sighed and wondered inside the leaders den, "He's making a racket out there." He informed Graystar who was laying in her nest, Eagletalon next to her.

"I know," She sighed wearily, "but warriors with common sense know better than to follow and angsty apprentice." She concluded, tail tip twitching. 

Frostpaw peered at his leader for a few heartbeats, bristling at how old and uncertain she looked, "You worry for my brother?" He asked.

The she-cat nodded, "I worry for my Clan. Lionpaw has strong ambition and obviously wants to make his Clan great, but to much ambition can be dangerous." He flinched as she echoed his dark fears, "He would never do what Tigerstar did!" he mewed but uncertainty prickled his pelt, the quarrel he had with his brother came back to him, his dark voice finding its way in his thoughts. 'If Graystar is too afraid to face the threat then maybe she shouldn't be leader.' 

He shook his head, clearing it, "Lionpaw is right, Marshclan scent markers are strong." He had noticed that at his meeting with Leopardpaw, it had washed over him like a wave. He sighed softly, remembering the time he had with the she-cat but knew that with the Gathering not to far away since today was when the medicine cats would be visiting the Moonstone that they couldn't meet again, not for awhile; and with the increasing tension between the clans it might end in bloodshed if they tried their luck. 

Suddenly Graystars surprised voice sliced his thoughts, "How do you know, we haven't been doing anything but battle training lately." She gazed at him with narrow eyes, awaiting an answer. 

"Oh uh, I went out night hunting yesterday," He explained awkwardly, "I didn't catch anything though. I was hoping to find something at the Great Sycamore and caught a whiff of the border." He finished, hoping that the leader wouldn't press. 

Thankfully Graystar bought the excuse and turned to Eagletalon, "With all the kits about I'm feeling my age." She rasped, coughing a bit. 

"Are you okay Graystar? You've been wheezing for the last couple of days." Eagletalon asked, concern making him leap to his paws. 

As Frostpaw neared the she-cat he felt heat coming off her in waves, she was fighting for breath and she was streaming something from her eyes and nose. A foul odor filled the room, the smell of illness. 

He looked sharply at Eagletalon who rushed out, "Whispersong! Whispersong!" He yowled as he trekked through the clearing. 

"Frost..paw.." She rasped, "Come here.." She coughed, beckoning the apprentice close. 

"Stop trying to talk, save your breath." Frostpaw ordered sharply, fighting down the panic that was building in him, he had to say calm, he had to! 

"Frostpaw, I only have five lives.. my time will be over soon.." She struggled out. Frostpaw blinked, only five? Why was she telling him this? She needed to be quiet until Whispersong came. 

"No it won't, you still have seasons left in you!" Frostpaw retorted, "Just be quiet, don't talk!" 

Graystar breathing labored before stopping, she lay lifeless on the moss nest. 

Whispersongs sweet scent filled the air, she was carrying even sweeter herbs and she rushed over, dropping the herbs next to Graystar. 

"She's losing a life," She murmured, "she will be alright in a second." she crouched, her eyes not leaving the half-dead leader. 

Many seconds passed before Graystar let out a gasp, breathing irregularly, Whispersong instantly shoved a whole stalk into her mouth, "Eat it now." She ordered.

Frostpaw was about to yell at the medicine cat for being so bossy to her boss but then he remembered that they were littermates and felt a stab of sympathy for the she-cat, 'She must be worried all the time!' 

Suddenly Graystar got up, but he could tell she was weak, she was hunched over but her breathing was much better, "I'm... fine." She finally choked out, breathing out slowly. Whispersong snorted, "You're not fine until I say your fine, got it?" She hissed, "Come on, lets go to my den." 

Graystar shook her head, "I'm staying right here." She mewed, laying back down in her nest. Whispersong let out a hiss of annoyance when Rainpaw padded in, a pungent odor came from the beech leaf he carried. He sat down next to Graystar, "Graystar, I want you to eat this Feverfew." He said gently, shoving the white flower towards the leader who ate it obediently. Rainpaw looked at Whispersong, "There's been a skirmish with Deltaclan, Squirreltail has a wretched shoulder and Thunderheart has a torn ear, I'll take care of this." His tail twitched, Frostpaw just figured that he wanted the stressful waves that were coming from the she-cat away from the weak leader. Whispersong looked like she wanted to retort but she seemed to realize this as well and nodded, disappearing out of the den. 

Frostpaw watched as his brother fed a golden flower to Graystar and backed up, "She'll live but she won't be able to train for a couple of days." He explained to Frostpaw. Graystar looked up, "Crookedheart will take over for me." She murmured, before she closed her eyes and fell asleep. 

Frostpaw blinked, he liked Crookedheart, he was a great warrior though a bit stubborn, so he didn't mind. He padded out of the den, Rainpaw on his heels, he looked at his brother gratefully, "Thank you for saving her." He whispered, 'She has four lives left.. oh Starclan what are you trying to say?' A tremor of unease made him shudder as he saw Lionpaw pad through the clearing, baring wounds from the border skirmish. His ear was torn and his cheek had three claw marks on it but his eyes glittered coldly despite the shining sun. His muscles rippled with each step, his fur rippled as well despite the thickness.

His tail was erect, his head perked, he padded up to Longclaw and the hunting patrol consisting of him, Longclaw, Eagletalon and Stormypaw left. 

Shaking his head, Frostpaw rushed over to Crookedheart, who was sharing tongues with his mate, Goldenspryce, and sat down. "Graystar is ill, she wishes for you to continue my training." Frostpaw informed. Crookedhearts eyes widened, "What? I-is it greencough?" He whispered, staring at him. Frostpaw nodded, "She'll recover, will you train me?" He asked again, ear twitching. Crookedhearts intense blue gaze shadowed with concern and worry but then turned serious and he nodded, "Yes. I will." 

Suddenly a horrible stench filled Frostpaws nose, making him curl his lip, he turned, seeing Rainpaw walking into the elders den with mouse bile. Then, a scent flooded the clearing that was allot more welcoming. The bramble entrance shook and the familiar russet coat of Eagletalon and the gray coat of Stormypaw pushed through the barrier, both carrying two mice and Stormypaw carrying a bird. 

He blinked, seeing that she was limping, and bounded up to her. "Great hunt huh?" he said, whiskers twitching in happiness at the sight of so much prey. 

Stormypaw nodded and dropped the prey, "They're all so plump! I found them not far from the Owl Tree actually." her ear twitched, "I'm going to bring some prey to Featherfur," she started to go towards the nursery but Frostpaw stopped her, "Don't. Bring some to the elders first, then the queens, Scarpelt hasn't been eating well lately.. we've been getting such scrawny prey this might kick start his appetite. I then let's bring some to the Nursery and then the senior warriors." He sniffed the air, "It smells like rain, we need to get some bark to cover up the dens." He looked at Eagletalon, who nodded in agreement then leaped onto Highledge, "Let all cats who are old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highledge a meeting!" He yowled. He beckoned Frostpaw forward to stand next to him on the rocks and moved so the tom could fit. 

Soon the Clan was gathered around except the queens and elders, who were hiding from the cold in their dens, surprised to see an apprentice next to the deputy where the leader usually stands, "Where's Graystar?!" Lionpaw called, eyes narrow. 

Frostpaw glared down at him, 'He's trying to get a rise, calm down Frostpaw.' "The cold has been hard on all of us, including our leader, she's staying warm." He announced, eyes sweeping the cats. He suddenly felt guilty and embarrassed that he spoke before the deputy and cast a side glance at the deputy who was looking at him with amusement and agreement. "We need to get some bark and cover the dens, rain is coming! First lets get four groups, two to collect bark, two to cover up the nursery and elders den!" He added, "Crookedheart, Goldenspruce, Foxfur, Iceheart, Blueheart,and Thunderheart can you collect bark?" He asked, looking down at the cats, who nodded and bounded away. But Frostpaw called out, "Wait! Foxfur has smaller paws then all those cats, she's better at weaving then them. Dogclaw as large claws and can collect more, Foxfur you stay and Dogclaw go with them." He watched as Foxfur nodded and rushed to join the rest of the waiting clan. Eagletalons eyes narrowed then he nodded, "Good call." He murmured softly then looked around, "Lionpaw go with them, Foxfur, Stormypaw, Mousedusk, Longclaw, Bramblestripe, Silverwind, and Squirreltail can you weave the bark?" The cats nodded, "Good, Nettletail, Frostpaw, and I will start moving prey, everyone lets go!" 

The cats rushed away, scampering to complete their assigned task. 

He looked at Nettletail, "Do you know where we can put the fresh-kill pile?" Frostpaw asked, looking around. 

"Frostpaw, put it in here!" He turned, hearing Rainpaw, and saw the tom poking his head out from the medicine cat den, "It's stone, we don't get rain in here, there's a small cave beyond our herb store that we sometimes use for herbs but we have so little that it's available." He said, earning a thankful look from his brother. He began to grab all the prey he could and carried it in the den, the scent of herbs washed away from the scent of prey. 

Whisersong crawled out from a hole in the wall of the den, "I moved the herbs on the ledges outlining the store so you can leave it on the floor." She mewed, "Just watch the small pool, it's closes to the entrance." She warned. 

Nodding in thanks, Frostpaw quickly began to draw prey in the hole. 

Frostpaw sighed, staring at the hard rain from the now boarded apprentice den. "How long do you think it's going to go?" He asked, looking at Stormypaw, who was laying in her nest shivering. "I-I-I-I-I d-d-d-don't k-k-k-know." She managed out. 

Frostpaw blinked, seeing that Hawkpaw and Lionpaw too were shivering, all of them lacking the thick fur and mass he had, as he was large. He sighed and got up from his warm corner and layed down in the middle of the three, "Come here, all of you." He ordered, Stormypaw quick to listen while Lionpaw let Hawkpaw get close and stayed on the outskirts. He had sorta thick fur but not as thick as Frostpaws. He felt Stormypaw press against him, purring, and he looked at his denmates, all asleep and relaxed and not cold. He couldn't describe the feeling in his chest, a warm, fuzzy feeling, close to love but not the same. 

As he lay down, Smallstars words came back to him for some reason, 'The feeling knowing my clan is safe.. I tell you there's nothing like it.'

He purred softly, before falling asleep. 

"Frostpaw! Frostpaw! Look!" Opening his eyes, Frostpaw saw Stormypaw staring out the entrance her tail twitching excitedly.

Getting up, the tom looked out the entrance was astonished at what he saw and felt. The sun was shining, but a cold breeze was blowing, there wasn't much water in the clearing, only dew left over. 

"Green-leaf is coming!" Stormypaw squealed, rushing out and rolling in the grass happily. 

Laughing a little, Frostpaw followed and leaped on her, making her yowl but she quickly caught on to the game and wrestled with him, the commotion waking up Graystar, who padded out of her den. 

"Let all cats," She broke off into a cough then cleared her throat, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join me beneath Highledge, for a meeting!" She yowled, recovering. 

Frostpaw sat down, shoving Stormypaw gently, laughing as she shoved back. 

Crookedheart suddenly was behind him, "Sit still!" He growled, making Frostpaw jump. 

"Oh lighten up Crookedheart," Goldenspruce, his mate, mewed, "Always such a grump." She chuckled and licked his cheek, making him look away in embarrassment. 

"Today is a good day," She started, "an important day to make the clan go on. First, I would like to say that thanks to Frostpaws quick thinking, we were all safe and warm in our dens yesterday." 

"Frostpaw! Frostpaw! Frostpaw!" Rainpaw yowled, the Clan joining in. 

Waiting for the noise to die down, Graystar continued, "Icekit, Thistlekit, come forward." She mewed, Featherfurs and Dawnlights kits pad forward. 

"I can't believe that she's going to make Icekit an apprentice." Frostpaw heard someone whisper, "Yeah, everyone knows Dawnlight and Mousedusks are mates but no one knows who the father of Icekit is." another answered. 

Growling, Frostpaw turned, "Shut up!" He hissed, "She's just as Clanborn as any of us!" He spat, then looked back up. 

"Icekit, come forward," she mewed, then looked up at Nettletail, "Nettletail, you are a superb huntress and warrior, you are brave and smart and I trust you pass these traits to Icepaw." 

Nettletail nodded, "I won't let you down Graystar," She purred, then looked down at Icepaw, "I won't let you down either." she murmured as the two pressed noses. 

"Thistlekit, come forward," she went on, "Dogclaw, though you are young you show courage, honor, and bravery, as well as great battle skill, I trust you will pass on your traits to Thistlepaw."

Dogclaw, who was sitting close to Blueheart, blinked in surprised then padded forward, "Yes, of course, thank you!" He dipped his head then pressed his nose to Thistlepaw.

"Now, Heatherkit is only four moons, two more moons and she'll be an apprenticed soon, Blueheart will mentor her." she finished then moved so Eagletalon can jump up. "We have plenty of prey and will green-leaf around the corner our troubles will be over soon, I want three border patrols for the Marshclan border and two for the Deltaclan. When you are done marking the proper borders I want you to hunt." Eagletalon meowed, "Lionpaw, Longclaw, Hawkpaw, Bramblestripe and Riverice will patrol the Marshclan border, when the sun gets high in the sky I want another to go out. Under any circumstances will there be NO fighting." He glared down at Lionpaw who snorted and looked away, "Decide among yourselves who will go, Nettletail will lead one and Thunderheart will lead the last that will take place as dusk falls. For the Deltaclan border I want Silverwind.." He gazed around, a troubled look in his eyes. 

Graystar, seeing his gaze, spoke up, "Me and Frostpaw will go, I'm feeling fine," She mewed, "I can train my apprentice, I was overreacting yesterday." she retorted and jumped down. 

Eagletalon looked hesitant then gave in and nodded, "Crookedheart and Iceheart can you go with." He asked, looking at the two toms. Iceheart nodded, "I can lead the second one as well." He added, then padded over to Riverice and licked her face, "Stay safe." He murmured, "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't see your beautiful face everytime I woke up." 

Frostpaw rolled his eyes, "Enough mushy stuff dad! Please!" He cried, rushing over and shoving them away from each other." 

Iceheart chuckled and batted at him then pressed noses with his mate and followed Graystar and Crookedheart to the edge of the clearing where Silverwind was impatiently waiting, "Come on!" She cried and rushed off, Frostpaw tail twitched then he followed her, "Come on!" 

Frostpaw glanced behind him then looked forward, skidding to a halt as he saw Silverwinds fur bristling, her muscles tense. 

He looked down from the small ledge and saw four cats, laying down, eating a magpie. 

Graystar came besides him and her eyes instantly narrowed, "You there!" She called, making the cats jump and get up, there fur clung to their bones and their fur was matted and bloody, one had mottled brown fur and green eyes. One next to him was white with gray paws and black ears and he had wild blue eyes. One that was crouching was a tiny long furred light brown tom with a white patch on his chest and tail tip with amber eyes,  he had a nasty scratch across his face. The last was standing protectively in front of the tiny cat and he had russet fur with white, black, and brown patches and narrowed golden eyes. 

He seemed to be the leader as he padded forward aggressively, "Isn't it enough you hurt my brother!" He spat, hatred in his tone. 

Silverwind opened her mouth but Crookedheart slapped his tail around her muzzle, "Let Graystar handle this." He warned. 

Graystar blinked, then jumped down, "I mean no harm, none of my Clan have attacked kittypets." she said but the tom growled, "We're not kittypets! We come from the kittypet place but we're strays, we came here to eat and some cats attacked us." He glared at the group, tail lashing. 

"Deltaclan probably," Graystar said, then sighed. 

"What should we do?" Crookedheart asked, looking at the leader, "They have potential, but we're low on mentors." 

The she-cat looked at the group then back at the cats silent. She looked at the sky then back at them, "Come." She said briskly then turned without a word, leaping up the ledge.  

The cat blinked then looked at his group, "Can you walk?" He asked his brother, nosing him to his paws.  "I'm fine Alder." He mewed, "Smoke can you walk?" He asked the black and white who nodded, "How about you Adder?" He looked at the mottled brown tom who nodded. "What are you going to do to us?" He asked, looking at Frostpaw. "Are you going to attack us? Are you leading us into an ambush?" He glared at him.

"No, we mean no harm. Our medicine cat will help heal your brother." Frostpaw mewed, then beckoned him, "Come on, you'll see." He bounded away, hearing the pawsteps of the four intruders following. 

He padded into the camp and sat down, seeing that Graystar had already called a meeting, "We found trespassers, but they are skinny and infested with fleas, I have decided to ask them to join us, if they wish." She announced, "The Clan needs more cats, will you tell me your names?" she looked at the four newcomers who looked around.

Instantly Alder padded forward, "My name is Alder! The tiny cat is my brother Chestnut, the white and gray and black tom his Smoke, and the mottled brown one is Adder. We come from the Twolegplace but we are strays, we hate twolegs." He said, "Can one of you help my brother? He's hurt." He looked around desperately and Whispersong padded forward, "Fear not Alder, I am a medicine cat, I use herbs to help cats who are injured." She gently wrapped her tail around Chestnuts shoulders, "Come tiny one, my apprentice and I will help you." She whispered as she led the tom away. 

Alder stared after them anxiously, tail tip twitching, "Gray..star.." He started awkwardly, "What's in it for us if we join this Clan?" He asked, fixing his golden stare on the leader. "You learn our noble code and live under the watch of our warrior ancestors." She replied. Alder blinked, "You mean Starclan?" He asked, earning a gasp from the crowd. "I had an ancestor who knew a clan cat, his name was Jake." He explained, "He used to tell me stories about this great black and white tom." 

'Tallstar! It has to be!' Frostpaw recalled the stories of Tallstar, the leader of Windclan, who once ran away from the clans and met a ginger tom named Jake.. 'He's related to Firestar!'

Graystar blinked, then nodded, "Iceheart, Crookedheart, Goldenspruce, and Foxfur will mentor one of you if you choose to stay." She jumped down, marking the end of the meeting. 

Longclaws patrol came back and Hawkpaw noticed the new arrivals right away, "Who are they?" He asked, looking at Frostpaw. "Some strays." He answered, "Graystar said we need more cats here so we're letting them stay if they want." He looked at the cats who now were wolfing down a large mouse. 

Hawkpaw looked at them, "They're nothing but skin and bones!" He scoffed, ears twitching. Frostpaw rolled his eyes, "They'll fill out-"

"On our food." Lionpaws growl cut in, the tom was glaring at the group of strays hostilely, "They shouldn't eat our food, we need it more than them." He watched as Featherfur brought them another piece of prey and sit down, licking off excess blood and getting out mats. 

He looked at Lionpaw, "Featherfur doesn't care." He pointed out, Lionpaw snorted, "That's because she's a kittypet." He meowed, all to loudly. 

Instantly the Clan became still, no one dare move or blink. Featherfur stopped grooming Adder and looked at Lionpaw, an unusually cold glint in her normally warm and welcoming eyes. "What did you say?" She demanded softly, her whole body still. Frostpaw realized, with dread, that she was furious. 

Lionpaw didn't flinch, "I called you a kittypet." He repeated, lifting his chin defiantly. "Where's Icepaws father huh?" he stood, hackles raised, "You've never been close with any of the cats here." 

Featherfur got up calmly and then, like a snake, lunged, tackling his brother and pinned him down, her thorn sharp claws digging into his throat, choking him, "Never call me a kittypet again, y'hear?" She snarled, "Icepaws father made his choice and whether he's a kittypet or not is none of your business." She pushed off, making him gag and stalked away, pushing herself through the bramble barrier.

Frostpaw looked at Lio , "Stop being a mouse-brain!" He snapped, causing his brother to flinch, "Getting into pointless fights isn't going to make you a better warrior and it doesn't make you a better brother either!" He spat and rushed into the apprentices den.

He felt Lionpaws gaze burn into him as he walked off but he didn't turn he kept walking, anger burning in his pelt. 

He curled in his nest, closing his eyes tight, forcing himself to sleep.

He woke up, his eyes focusing to the darkness. 

'Leopardpaws waiting for me.. I'm late.' He thought, getting up quickly and climbing through the dirtplace and crawling through the stone path that was behind it. He passed Snakerocks and ran towards the border and tackled the golden figure. "Boo!" He purred, looking at Leopardpaw. 

She chuckled, "I didn't think you'd make it." She searched his gaze, "What's wrong? You look upset." 

Frostpaw blinked, then sighed, "It's my brother.." He started, "Lionpaw?" Leopardpaw guessed, ear twitching. Frostpaw jolted back in surprised, "How did you know?" He asked, blinking. "He's been hostile each time he's met our patrols." She growled, looking away. Frostpaw sighed again, "I don't know what's gotten into him!" He sobbed, "He never was this aggressive when we were kits!" He remembered playing with his brother in the nursery, pretending that he was a Deltaclan cat attacking Stormclan. He missed his brother, ever since they became apprentices he's been distant and cruel. 

Leopardpaw rushed forward, pressing her nose to his. "I'm sorry," She murmured, eyes soft, "maybe he's just going through something." He wanted to growl at her pitying voice, but he quickly shoved away the hostility. She was a friend.. maybe even more. He stared at her for a heartbeat before looking up, "The stars are shining bright." He told her, 'Does it mean Starclan approves?' 

Leopardpaw nodded, "It's cold for being close to green-leaf." She shook her medium fur, shivering a bit. Frostpaw pressed close to her, "I can't wait, green-leaf always mean kits!" Feeling Leopardpaw stiffen, he looked at her, "What's wrong?" He asked in concern.

"N-nothing, just.. remembering something." She assured half-halfheartedly, smiling slightly. 

Frostpaws whiskers twitched but then he saw it lighten up a bit, "Wow, already?" He asked disappointingly. 

Leopardpaw blinked, "You better head back, I'll see you after the Gathering, Bloodclaw says only fourteen sunrises away." She purred and pressed her muzzle to his before turning and rushing away. 

Frostpaw watched then turned tail and headed home, rolling in the ferns along the way.

As he was doing that, he heard a familiar voice, "What are you doing?" 

He opened his eyes seeing the green ones of his brothers, burning into his. 

"Rolling in the ferns." Frostpaw deadpanned. 

"Why?" Lionpaw asked, eyes narrowing. 

"I fell in mud." Frostpaw lied, getting up, "I was able to get it off though." 

Lionpaw looked him up and down, "Why are you out here this early? And, before you ask, I'm only out here because I woke up for dawn patrol to see you gone." 

"I was going to hunt but I couldn't find anything." Frostpaw lied again, his pelt prickling uncomfortably. 

Lionpaw still looked suspicious but he turned, "Alright, whatever. Graystar, Longclaw, Icepaw, and Nettletail  are coming with us." He walked off, Frostpaw following. 

Frostpaw bounded up to Graystar who was grooming herself, as he neared she looked up, "There you are. Now, are we ready?" She stood up and walked out, the cats following. 

Frostpaw saw Icepaw suddenly dropped, her eyes fixed on something in the thick brush. Lionpaw watched as she slowly stalked forward, then leap, a moment later she came out with a mouse. 

Frostpaw opened his mouth to congratulate her but Lionpaw padded forward. Icepaw looked up at the large tom with eyes wide. Lionpaw stayed silent for a heartbeat or two then nodded, "Good job." He said, then turned, looking around, "Longclaw, didn't you say some birds are near the Owl Tree?" He rushed off. 

Frostpaw was surprised but Icepaw looked stunned, then she looked flustered and embarrassed. 

She looked at Frostpaw, "I-Is he always like that?" She asked, face red. 

Frostpaw blinked, "I couldn't tell you." He replied awkwardly, he honestly couldn't, the way Lionpaw had acted was strange. 

He sighed then pushed forward, "Hurry up! It's cold!" he called behind him, making the patrol roll their eyes. 

"You're telling me, at least you have thick fur!" Nettletail retorted, tail lashing. 

Frostpaw just looked at her then turned towards the Owl Tree, the whole place had little trees but there was many small figs and shrubs. 

Nearby one of the plants a finch was pecking at the ground, seemingly looking for something. 

Lionpaw was crouched, his belly fur barely touching the ground, he slinked forward. Everything he was doing was right, quickly moving forward and stopping when the finch looked up, staying downwind, staying in the tall grass so his golden coat blended into the surroundings, but then he misjudged the distance and surged forward, making the finch quickly get up and spread it's wings to dart away. Frostpaw, who was nearby, wouldn't let that happen and darted towards the bird, leaping on it as Lionpaw hooked his claws on the the legs of the bird, and snapped it's neck, making it fall limp. 

"Good teamwork!" Graystar called, but Lionpaw looked less then pleased, he looked at Frostpaw, regarding his brother with icy coldness, "Yes, teamwork." He echoed, but his eyes said it all. 'Stay out of my way!" 

Frostpaw opened his mouth to retort but then thought better of it. If his brother wanted to be an annoying furball over a catch that could feed all the elders then that was his problem. The bird would of called a warning then this whole hunt on the way to the Deltaclan border would have been for nothing, and he knew Lionpaw knew that just as he did. 

A sweet scent made him turn, he saw a mouse, slowly scurrying from a bush, picking up a nut and chewing on it. He crouched, tensing his muscles as he slowly slid forward, then leap, digging his claws in the rodents throat, killing it. 

He carried the kill to the edge of the clearing where he retrieve it on the way back to camp and buried it, then followed the patrol down to the small ledge and leaped down. 

As he did, the bushes on the Deltaclan side rustled and four muscular and smooth shapes stepped out. 

He recognized the black she-cat as Hookclaw, the slick furred gray tom as Otterpelt, the gray tabby tom as Stormfrost, and the brown tabby as Nutpaw. 

"Hey Nutpaw!" He greeted, padding towards the patrol.

"It's Nuttail now." the she-cat corrected, purring. 

"That's great!" He cried, waiting till the patrol balanced on the stepping stones and jumped over to the stone on his border, reaching his tail over on her shoulder before retreating backwards, out of their reach. Just because he was being friendly doesn't mean he wasn't alert and ready to fight.  

"How's Berrypaw? Or is he a warrior now?" He asked, whiskers twitching. The patrol exchanged glances then looked at Frostpaw, "He's the medicine cat apprentice now, he has been for over two moons." Hookclaw mewed. "He's learnt so much! He's much better at healing wounds then causing them!" Stormfrost added. Otterpelt nodded, "Lakemist has her paws filled with the tom now." He chuckled a bit. 

Suddenly Lionpaw was next to him, glaring at his brother, "Why are you so friendly. Their our enemies, remember?" He hissed.

Frostpaw let out an annoyed sigh, "We have no quarrel with Deltaclan, they have plenty of territory and leave us alone most times." He pointed out, "Their leader is fair, hey.. speaking of your leader I heard she wasn't at last Gathering, is she okay?" He asked, looking at the patrol. 

Graystar, nearing the gathering patrol, nodded, "Yes, Frostpaw is right. She hasn't fallen ill has she?" She asked, sitting down. 

Hookclaw chuckled, "No! No, she's had Stormfrosts kits!" She mewed, looking at the light tabby. 

Stormfrost puffed out his chest with pride, "Three toms and one she-cat, all strong and perfect." He purred. 

Graystar let out an excited squeak, "Kits? That's wonderful! What are their names?" She chirped, tail twitching with excitement. 

"Stormfrost purred, "You'll have to wait till they're apprenticed to know," He told her mischievously, then he looked troubled, "but.." He murmured. Instantly the patrol looked worried and all exchanged sad glances that Graystar jumped on, "What's happened?" She demanded, eyes now serious. Stormfrost looked at the she-cat, his intense blue eyes sorrowful, "Icestar is weak, the kits are healthy but she isn't providing enough milk and we've ran out of herbs." He admitted. 

Graystars eyes stretched wide, "You should have came to us!" She shrieked, jumping to her paws. "I'll go get Whispersong." She told him.

Stormfrost blinked, "Are you sure you can spare her, Breezeclan has been having trouble with Marshclan recently and I assume it's the same for you?" 

Graystar looked at him sharply, "Marshclans leader is young and bold, with age comes wisdom, perhaps he needs to be in his place to learn that." She meowed, "Stormclan is ready to defend it's borders, that goes for all borders." She warned. Frostpaw felt a flash of pride and surprise, his leader was friendly but she still reminded the patrol that Stormclan was still strong. 

Hookclaw didn't let that indirect small threat go over her head, "Of course, Deltaclan is to." She agreed. 

Frostpaw looked at Nettletail, "Why don't you take Icepaw to the best hunting places?" He suggested dipped his head in respect, "She has the makings of a great huntress if she caught something her first time out." He nodded at Icepaw who stood straighter. 

Lionpaw nodded, "Yes, Longclaw can we go?" He asked, looking at his mentor.

As Longclaw looked at him, Frostpaw suddenly realized that Lionpaw was almost as big as the tom. He blinked as Longclaw looked at Nettletail, who nodded. "Sure. You can help Icepaw." He agreed finally. 

Lionpaw eyes glittered, he looked at the she-cat who held his gaze blushing. "We can hunt together." He purred, brushing has the she-cat as he walked off.  Icepaw watched him, letting out a shaky breath. 

Frostpaw watched, not impressed in the slightest, with a nonchalant expression, "Have fun, maybe you can teach her how to catch a bird." He shot on him. Lionpaws tail flicked out of irritation but he didn't slow until he, and the patrol, was out of sight. 

Frostpaw growled, "Annoying furball." He hissed, tail lashing as he sat down, beginning to groom himself. 

Nuttail blinked, "What was that about?" she asked. Frostpaw looked up, then licked his paw and dragged it over his ear, "My brother is annoying." He growled, licking his paw and dragging it over his ear again. Nuttails ear twitched, "How so?" 

Frostpaw looked at the she-cat then sighed, launching into the story about the finch. He didn't say anything about the fact that he's been distant ever since they became apprentices, Deltaclan didn't need to know, or care, about a Stormclan apprentices issues. Once he finished his story Nuttail and Hookclaw exchanged glances, "Sounds like Gingernose." Hookclaw said, whiskers twitching in amusement. Nuttail let out a soft groan, "Gingernose can fall off a cliff." She hissed, tail lashing but Frostpaw could tell she didn't mean it. 

Stormfrost looked at Frostpaw, "I understand what you're going through." He started. 

"You do?" Frostpaw interrupted then ducked down in embarrassment as the patrol looked at him with amused expressions.

Stormfrost a sharp look before continuing, "My brother, Jaguarleap, was a pain in the fur. He always tried to show me up but eventually it caught up to him.. and he drowned." He looked down, sorrow in his eyes, "He always meant well, but you're brother sounds like he's being rude just for the sake of being rude." He told him, "Eventually it will catch up to him, one way or another." 

Frostpaw bristled at his ominous words, thankfully the scent of Graystar and the sharp scent of herbs filled the area, and the two shapes suddenly were on the bank. Frostpaw rushed across the stones and jumped on the bank, "Do you want me to carry the herbs across?" He asked, if she was worrying to much about the herbs she might fall. 

Whispersong looked nervous but then, reluctantly, nodded and passed off the beech leaves filled with the precious herbs that Icestar needed. 

Carefully making his way across the stones, Otterpelt slid inside the water and waded over to him, "Give me the herbs! I can swim it acoss!" He called, Frostpaw leaned in, Otterleap tilted his head and took the leave and turned, pushing himself towards the other bank and crawling out. He set down the herbs and shook his pelt, the water flinging off him in droplets. 

Frostpaw turned to go back to his border but he slipped, "Ah!" He screamed before he was underwater. 

He struggled for a second before a voice made him stop, "Frostpaw.." He opened his eyes, seeing a beautiful silver tabby. "Frostpaw calm down, swim!" She cried. 

He started to paddle, he slowly made it do the surface, "Puh!" He gasped, he swam easily across the river and pulled himself on the bank, trembling because he was cold and in shock. 

Whispersong looked at him then quickly bounded up the cliff and disappeared through the bushes. A heartbeat later she came back, empty pawed, "Graystar, can you take him to camp! If he stays out here he might freeze to death!" She called as she neared. The leader nodded and licked her ear, "Be safe." She murmured then picked Frostpaw up by the scruff. The tom didn't complain, he was too shaken up. The two made the trek home in silence, Frostpaw trembling, his eyes squeezed shut, he didn't know why he was afraid to open them but he was. 

He felt the familiar brambles of the entrance brush in his soaking fur then a bunch of commotion broke. 

"Frostpaw!" Stormypaw cried, "Is he okay?!" Eagletalon asked, suddenly Riverices scent washed over him. "Frostpaw! Frostpaw! Open your eyes!" She cried. 

Frostpaw shook his head, suddenly he heard a furious growl, "Everyone back up!" It was Rainpaw. Frostpaw sensed everyone freeze and back away from the leader, who set him down. 

Rainpaw sniffed him, "Graystar bring him to my den, Crookedheart, make sure no one comes in." He ordered swiftly, he rushed inside his den, waiting for the tom to arrive. 

He felt his paws lift off the ground and was greeted by a mixture sharp, tangy, sweet, and sour smells. He felt the warm and softness of moss under him suddenly and felt breath ruffle his ear fur, "Stay healthy for me little warrior." Graystar murmured then in a heartbeat, and flurry of emotions, she was gone. 

"Open your eyes." Rainpaws voice wasn't close but it wasn't far.

Slowly opening them, he blinked, waiting for his eyes to get used to the dimness of the den. He looked around and saw the glint of amber from his brothers eyes, he disappeared in the cave where his herbs were at and came back with a small white flower with a yellow center, "Eat this, it will help soothe your mind, you've been thinking allot recently." He told him. 

Frostpaw looked at him, surprised that he had known that, then obediently ate the flower. It didn't taste good but it wasn't bad either. 

"Good, now here, lick these poppy seeds off my pad." 

Obeying, he lapped up the two seeds and yawned. "Thank.. you.." He croaked, then closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. 

He opened his eyes, looking around. He saw his clanmates looking up at him happily, with respect, but one was glaring. He couldn't tell who but the cats eyes glinted with fury and hatred. Suddenly an awful stench made him gag, he looked around and saw cats laying in shadows and pools of blood. 

No! He wanted to yowl but his voice got caught in his throat. 

Suddenly was looking at a tom that he didn't recognized. 

The tom was looking at him, his green eyes glowing with wisdom, he was dark gray with darker gray paws tucked underneath his black-tipped tail neatly. "Hello, chosen one." he rasped, he sounded as though he hadn't spoke for many seasons. 

"Who are you? What do you mean by chosen one?" Frostpaw asked, eyes wide. 

"My name is Stormstar, the founder of your mighty Clan." He croaked. 

That explains why he looks so old. Frostpaw thought, it was true. The toms whiskers where jagged and his fur was unkempt, his eyes were clear though and, despite his shaggy appearance, he stood tall and proud. "What do you mean chosen one?" He asked again, paws trembling, "What's this all about?" He looked at the tom wildly. 

Stormstar blinked then sighed wearily, "Stay brave young Frostpaw, be as fierce as a tiger, as clever as a fox, but show mercy, without mercy you are nothing." He hissed, his raspy voice suddenly strong and clear. "Beware the one who walks in the dark, beware young warrior." The leader began to fade, much to the apprentices dismay. 

"No!" He yowled, "Wait! I need answers!" he shot to his paws, spinning around wildly. 

"Stay brave.." Stormstars voice echoed and Frostpaw woke with a jolt. 

It was sunset, purple, red, and orange dotted the sky and the sun was obscured by the trees. He got up, energy flowing through him, but then his dream came back to him. 

"Why so troubled little warrior?" Whispersongs gentle and teasing mew made him look up. The she-cat was eating a blackbird, making a wave of hunger hit Frostpaw, "You're probably hungry huh? Here," She shoved the huge bird towards the tom, "I've had my fill."

Blinking at her gratefully, he wolfed the kill down and licked his lips, "That was great!" He purred, then he looked at Whispersong. "How's Icestar?" He asked, tail twitching. 

"She's just a bit old, I gave her herbs and she's much better." Whispersong replied, tail twitching. "You never answered me, why so troubled?" 

Frostpaw blinked then everything flowed out, everything. His worry about Lionpaw, his troubled thoughts, and his dream. 

Once everything was out an eerie overtook the den, then Graystar made herself known, "We can't be sure what it means Frostpaw, but with Marshclan not making our lives easy we can't worry about dreams right now. I'm leading dusk patrol, it's the last one of the day. You've been asleep all day so I figure you won't mind." Frostpaw stood stunned that Graystar had totally dismissed his dream but then sighed in defeat and dipped his head. "Yeah, I'll go." He replied, excitement making his paws tingle. 

Graystar nodded and disappeared out of the den, Frostpaw hot on her trail. 

"Frostpaw! Your awake!" Stormypaw cried, Heatherkit, who was wrestling with Thistlepaw froze and looked up, her red-pink eyes fixing on Frostpaw. 

Thistlepaw got up and made his way over to him, "Great to see you on your paws!" He purred, "It'd be a shame if you retired to the elders den before we chased a fox out of our territory." He laughed. 

Frostpaw purred and nodded, "Yeah, it would." He agreed, dipping his head.

Crookedheart approached him, "Good, your awake. That means you can join dusk patrol." He mewed, walking off, but he saw relief in the old toms tired eyes. 

Frostpaw looked around for Riverice, but he guessed that she was already asleep. Disappointed, he followed Crookedheart to the bramble entrance. "Where are we going?" He asked. 

"Riverice already patrolled Marshclan, it was quiet there but allot of commotion was at Deltaclans border." Squirreltail replied, her ginger fur vibrate in the browns, greens, and blacks of the forest. 

"How so?" Frostpaw asked, tilting his head, "Deltaclan came to us for help earlier." 

"We met a hostile patrol," Adderpaw replied, Chestnutpaw nodded.

Frostpaw was surprised at the voices and whipped around, "You two are apprentices?" 

"Yep," Adderpaw replied, ear twitching, "Alderpaw decided our lives would benefit us staying."

He looked up at Foxfur and Crookedheart, who were talking among themselves. 

His ears pricked, Frostpaws eyes darted around the forest anxiously. The forest seemed different this night and he knew the patrol thought so as well as Crookedhearts teeth were bared at an invisible enemy, Foxfurs fur was bristling, Graystars tail was flicking nervously, even Adderpaw and Chestnutpaw started to look around, searching for any movement. 

Graystar rippled her tail, the patrol slowed, moving carefully as they neared the Owl Tree. 

Frostpaw looked around, weirdly there was no scent of prey around the large tree, it seemed as though the life of the forest had been drained by some ominous force. 

"Ah!" He whipped around and saw Chestnutpaw staring at a bush that was shaking. 

Crookedheart growled in annoyance, "It's the wind dummy!" He hissed at his apprentice, tail lashing. "You almost made my heart stop Chestnutpaw!" 

"Sorry." the brown tom ears drooped. 

He looked around suddenly a shadow fell over him making him look up and freeze. 

There was the danger, a huge brown owl, his eyes fixed on the cats hungrily, his talons glinting in the moonlight. It hovered before it divebombed. 

"Owl!" He screeched, "Run!" 

Instantly the patrol bolted, but, unfortunately, the owl was small enough to follow them through the trees. 

Frostpaw pushed himself forward, he risked a glance up and saw the beast was gaining on them. 

Yowling in alarm, he pushed himself further. 

"The trees! Get in the trees!" Graystars yowl sounded.

He leaped, trying to catch a low hanging branch, but suddenly pain seared through his flank and he was lifted off the ground. The owl had him!

"No!" He cried, lashing around in the owls grip but it only made the pain worsen, blood was soaking the evil birds talons but he didn't stop fighting, he clawed, bit, and thrashed around trying to make the owl let go. "Help me!" He sobbed, gritting his teeth in pain. 

A wave of nausea washed over him as well as a wave of pain, making his vision blur, he watched as Graystar stared up at him, then leaped. 

He looked up dizzily, watching as his leader fought like a rogue trying to save her apprentices life. 

He heard the pained screech of the bird before he suddenly was plummeting to the ground. 

He looked up, seeing Graystar above him. 

"Fr...paw!" 

So this is how I die..

With that thought, all the world was snatched away from him.