"He's waking up! He's waking up!" A voice cried.

Pain overrunning his whole body, Frostpaw slowly began to open his eyes. It was dawn, a weak sunlight illuminated the medicine den. Rainpaw was looking at him tears streaming down his face, "He's alive! My brothers alive!" He sobbed, happiness glowing in his honey colored eyes. Whispersong was smiling, tears running down her face as well, "Thank Starclan.." she mouthed, looking at the ceiling gratefully. Riverice rushed over to him, tears soaking his face, "Oh my kit! My beautiful, beautiful kit!" She sobbed, showering him in licks, Iceheart was right next to her, showering him in purrs and love. Even Lionpaw looked happy, tears were gathering in his eyes but it seemed as though he was forcing them not to fall. 

"Frostpaws alive!" Chestnutpaw, who was nervously pacing outside the den, yowled. 

The aforementioned tom, lifted his head weakly, "...Hurt.. Everything..hurts." He croaked, coughing in pain as his throat was dry. 

"Water! Get him water!" Riverice demanded, looking at Whispersong fiercely. "Oh Frostpaw.. My little warrior.." She weeped, licking between his ears. Iceheart stared at him, "You stupid kit!" He cried, "You could of died.." He twined his tail with his sons, "but you didn't..such a strong warrior already..." He purred. 

Whispersong padded up carefully, then put the soaked moss next to him, "Drink this.." She told him. 

Frostpaw eagerly lapped up the cold water, purring as it soothed his painful throat. He looked up, Lionpaw was staring at him, but he only flicked his ear and padded out of the den. 

Hawkpaw rushed in, "You idiot!" He cried, happiness and anger filling his amber eyes, "You could of died! Rogues are suppose to be fierce, not soft like kittypets!" He lashed his tail but he gently butted his head against the gray toms. 

"Frostpaw.. I'm so sorry.." His ears pricked and he looked over his mothers shoulder to see Graystar staring at him with sorrow, tears in her eyes, one running down her face.

Frostpaw slowly began to get up, pain in his muscles screaming, making his vision blur but he fought against it. Slowly he put a paw in front of the other, letting out a breath until he got to Graystar, weakly pressing his muzzle against hers. "It's not your fault.. You fought like a Tigerclan cat!" He reassured her firmly, but he panted, chest heaving with effort to make sure his paws didn't give out. 

Graystar smiled, but she still looked guilty. "Frostpaw.. your flank.." She whispered.

Confused, he looked at his left flank. It was covered in cobwebs, but he could see the deep wounds under it. Muscle torn, flesh and fur gone. Three long marks running from a little before his hind leg, all the way to before his left leg. 

He remembered that the owl was carrying him weird because of the way he was caught in midair and because of how hard he was fighting, that explained why the scratches were weird as well. 

He looked at Graystar, "I'm not dead.. I'm not dead.. I'm not dead! My body may be scarred, my fur may be lost, but my spirit is still here!" He yowled, panting. 

Graystars whiskers twitched in surprise then she nodded in respect and satisfaction. 

"Well said!" Hawkpaw cried, raising a paw happily. 

He looked behind the den, seeing outlines of shapes waiting anxiously for him. "I have to go out there." He told her. Graystar nodded and moved, Frostpaw pushed his way slowly pass her, paws trembling his effort but he ignored it. The crisp and cool air ruffled his fur, making him look up. He saw Stormstars shape outlined against the fading stars, nodding proudly. 

He looked at his clanmates, who all perked up as he came from the shadow of the den. 

Stormypaw blinked then let out a joyous cry, "Frostpaw! Frostpaw! Frostpaw!" 

"Frostpaw! Frostpaw! Frostpaw!" The clan cheered, happiness in all their eyes. 

Alderpaw took a few paces forward and rested his muzzle on Frostpaws, "Stupid idiot.." He purred gently.

Scarpelt staggered his way forward and licked his grandsons face, "I'm proud to call you kin Frostpaw." He purred. "Thank you.." Frostpaw breathed. 

He looked around, happiness and love from his clanmates threatening to overpower him. His eyes locked with Heatherkits, who's eyes were glazed with one emotion, happiness. 

He tore his gaze away and sighed, collapsing to the ground as his paws gave way. 

Yowls of alarm echoed in his ears but a loud voice broke them, "He's just tired! He needs rest!" It was Graystar. 

Slowly he was picked up, for a heartbeat he wanted to fight, but the scent of Graystar soothed him. He was set in the moss nest and he looked up, "Was it yesterday?" He asked softly. 

Rainpaw shook his head, "You've been asleep for three days Frostpaw.." He said shakily, his voice cracking. "I knew you were alive, you still were breathing and that was enough for me." 

Love for his brother make Frostpaw purr, "Thank you for saving me Rainpaw.." He purred, closing his eyes. 

The next fur days were slow, but eventually he felt much better and began going on patrols and participated in battle training. The cobwebs were now off and all that remain of the attack was the horrifying memory and three scars on his left flank. 

Now, the tom was glaring at Alderpaw, who was glaring back with narrow eyes. 

Lunging, Frostpaw darted past him and drug his paw on his flank, making him stagger, he twisted his paws and leaped on the ginger cats back, dropping his weight on the smaller tom. Alderpaw growled and began to sit down but suddenly he backed up hard on the wall, making Frostpaw yelp and let go of the tom. Alderpaw lashed out a paw, slamming it onto his cheek, Frostpaw snarled and kicked up his hind legs pushing the tom backwards. Rolling to his paws and lunged, tackling the apprentice and pinned him down, his forepaws on his shoulders his right leg on his belly and his left leg out of reach of the toms reach. Breathless, Alderpaw waved his tail in defeat, making the larger tom move off. "You're getting good but you need to relax when fighting, if your tense your muscles with lock up and you'll get killed or severely injured." Frostpaw told him, shaking the sand from his pelt. Alderpaw nodded, "I know, I knew you were better than me that's why I was so tense." He admitted, his tone filled with embarrassment. Foxfur let out a mrrow of laughter, "There's always going to be a warrior better than you Alderpaw," She told the tom, tail flicking, "but to defend your Clan it shouldn't matter if the cat your fighting is a senior warrior, you will fight with the ferocity of a badger y'here?" Alderpaw nodded enthusiastically. "Good, now, Smokepaw, I want you two to practice the leap and hold. Adderpaw I want you to try it on me." 

Ear twitching he looked at Graystar, who was in deep conversation with Goldenspruce, "Don't you think it's too early to show them advance moves?" the golden she-cat asked, worry in her tone. 

"Marshclan isn't going to make our lives easy, whether it's too early or not doesn't matter, show them the leaping on shoulders and half turn belly rake." The leader told her then stood up, "The Gathering is in a few days so is green-leaf so I want you all to patrol the Deltaclan border once your done with this session. Stay alert!" She mewed sharply then beckoned Frostpaw with her tail, "Come now, Frostpaw." 

Following his mentor, Frostpaw looked at Graystar, "When will I become a warrior? Is there still things I must learn?" He asked, looking at the she-cat. Graystar looked at him, then sighed, "The time is not yet right for you to be assessed, your assessment will be different, you're already one of our most precious sources of prey, so it shouldn't have to do with hunting. I still must figure out a suitable challenge for you. It will come in time thought, I promise." She replied, pressing ahead. Frustration coursed through the toms pelt but he knew better than to complain, or Graystar might further delay his assessment. He didn't see why he needed a different assessment then everyone else but if Graystar thought he needed one then that was different he wasn't going to protest.  

Speeding up, he caught up with his mentor, "Can I help with training the new apprentices?" He asked, looking at her. She shook her head, "No, I want you to stay in camp today. I saw you wince when they hit your side, you need rest." 

Frostpaw growled, "I'm fine!" He protested, tail lashing, "I don't need to rest. I want to run around, I'm so sick of this place." He sat down, clawing the ground in frustration. 

He stopped glaring at the ground when he felt a tail touch his shoulder, making him look up at Graystars gentle gaze, "If you get some herbs you can join the Marshclan border patrol, Silverwind is leading it so you better ask her if it's okay." She turned to pad away but Frostpaw stopped her, "Aren't you coming?" He asked. He blinked when she shook her head, "No, I'm tired, the colds taking it's tole on me." She purred then, with a twitch of her ear, walked away. 

Frostpaw watched then turned and pushed through the vines that covered the stone medicine den. 

He blinked when he saw Chestnutpaw sitting down, Rainpaw in front of him, spitting a poultice on something. 

"What happened?" Frostpaw asked, making the small brown tom look up, "Stupid rabbits down go down without a fight!" He cried, but his voice was warm and happy. Laughing, Frostpaw looked the small tom over. He had a jagged scar over his face but his fur was growing back, but now he had scratch marks on his shoulder. "Any cat would think your fierce!" He cried, "You have so many scars." 

Chestnutpaw gave him a disbelieving look, "Me? Allot of scars? Have you seen yourself? A torn ear, a scar on your flank, and one on your pad!" He cried, tail flicking in amusement. 

"Stop moving!" Rainpaw snapped, making the tom sigh and stop moving. 

Frostpaw watched as he put some fuzzy green balls connected to a long clinging stem on the wound, catchweed, Frostpaw recalled, and bit the stem off, throwing it towards the entrance of the den. 

"What is on it? It smells sweet." Frostpaw wondered, watching him. 

"Honey and horsetail poultices." Came Rainpaws reply as he turned disappearing inside the herb store, a moment later he came out with a few oval-shaped green leaves with serrated edges. "Here eat two of these, both of you, it will keep your strength up, I'll get something for a painkiller for you Frostpaw." 

Frostpaw blinked, "How did you.."

"I heard Graystar talking to you." Rainpaw mewed, coming out of his store with dandelion, "Here. Eat it at the same time, I put some honey on it so it'll taste better together." 

Eating the leaves of the dandelion and oval shaped leaves, Frostpaw felt a burst of strength. "I feel allot better." Chestnutpaw meowed, "It's amazing how you do that!" Chestnutpaw looked at the tom in awe, making him duck his head down, "I'm only doing what Whispersong teaches me." He said modestly, casting a glance at the she-cat that was shredding leaves off of tansy, Tossing the stems where he put the stem of the catchweed near the entrance of the den. 

"Chestnutpaw!" Crookedhearts mew came from outside, "Silverwind is leaving soon, are you fit enough to travel?" He stuck his head in the den, fixing his blue eyes on his apprentice. Chestnutpaw nodded enthusiastically, "Of course! Who's coming with us?" 

"I want to come," Frostpaw mewed before the black tom could reply, "Graystar is resting but I'm bored of this camp." 

Crookedheart turned his gaze to him and gave a curt nod, "Right," he mewed tersely, "Well, Hawkpaw is coming with his mentor, and Thunderhearts coming." His head disappeared, indicating that he had left. 

Chestnutpaw looked at Frostpaw, amber eyes shining. "Crookedhearts a great mentor! Though a bit scary." He pushed out of the den, not waiting for a reply. 

Frostpaw looked at Whispersong, who looked troubled, "I'll take the stems out." He offered, ear twitching. 

Whispersong jumped, then looked up, "Oh, uh.. okay." She mewed tiredly. 

"You should rest," Frostpaw mewed, "a tired medicine cat isn't a focused one." 

Whispersong nodded, "Well said." She yawned, squeezing in a hole that was on the opposite side of the herb den, where the medicine cat slept. 

"Thank you." Rainpaw mewed, "She's been killing herself by working endlessly!"  

"Maybe you should give those oval leaves to her." Frostpaw suggested. 

"Oval leaves? Oh, you mean Burnet? No, that'd be wasteful what she needs is a good long rest." He disappeared into the herb store, Frostpaw waited for him to come out but he never did. 

Shrugging, Frostpaw headed out of the den, once in the clearing he ran over to Silverwind, who looked at him, "Alright, you ready?" She asked, prompting a quick nod from the apprentice. 

He followed the patrol, ears pricked as they pasted the small stream near snakerocks, his fur bristled when he saw a patrol at the border. 

"Calm down," Bramblestripes rough voice sounded in his ear, making him flinch, "don't let the foxhearts know they get under your fur." 

Nodding, he forced his fur lay flat as the patrol neared. 

The cat leading the patrol, a dark gray tabby, looked up, golden eyes shining. "Oh, hello." He called, waving his tail. 

Why is he so friendly? Confusion made his head whirl, he watched as Silverwind padded forward, "Thank Starclan it's you Rocksun." She sighed. 

Rocksun blinked at her then realization flashed in his face and his shoulders sagged. "Foxstar is young and bold. He's a good leader when it comes to solving problems." 

"Oh? I'd love to know what problem he's solving by killing Sunfur." Frostpaw let the words slip out before he could stop himself. 

Instantly Rocksuns gaze fixed on him, making him regret what he said. 

Chestnutpaw gave him a look that said you idiot then turned away. Rocksun stayed silent for a few heartbeats then he tore his gaze away and looked at Silverwind, "We've been smelling allot of Stormclan near the border." He said, an edge in his once gentle and friendly mew. Frostpaw froze and his gaze locked with Leopardpaw who had pushed her way to the front, her eyes were tired, but wide. "We take this as a sign of hostility, Foxstar said that if that's the game you want to play then so be it." He spat, then turned and flicked his tail, "Come on, we're leaving!" He growled, charging through the cattail. 

Frostpaw watched, mystified as Leopardpaw shook her head in sadness and charge away, slower than the rest. "Does she look familiar?" Chestnutpaws urgent whisper made him jump and turn his head. "Uh, yeah, I've seen her at Gatherings." He replied awkwardly, ear twitching.Unfortunately, Hawkpaw noticed his awkwardness, "Why so awkward about it?" He asked, eyes narrowing. Frostpaw looked at the two uncomfortably, not saying a word. The two exchanged looked then turned there gaze to him, amber eyes narrowed playfully, "She's pretty huh?" Chestnutpaw mewed wickedly to Hawkpaw, who nodded, "Yeah, she is." He agreed. 

Frostpaws pelt burned in anger and embarrassment, "S-shut up you two!" he growled, leaping on Hawkpaw. The tom laughed and shoved him off, "Do you like her?" he asked, suddenly serious.

Frostpaw looked at him then shook his head, "No, I don't." He lied, but somehow he felt as if he was partly telling the truth.  He shook away his feeling of unease and followed the two toms away from the border. At the top of the slight incline he turned, looking at Marshclans territory then shook his head and followed the patrol. 

"Stupid Marshclan scum!" Crookedheart was growling when he caught up, "So it's okay when they leave allot of their awful stench on the border but not when we to it! Tch!" He spat, tail lashing.  Silverwind touched his shoulder with her tail gently, "Calm down Crookedheart, it's just Marshclan being Marshclan, if they do something we'll shred them." She mewed, then retreated her tail. Squirreltail nodded in agreement, "Marshclan always take what isn't theirs." She growled, her voice holding a depth that Frostpaw couldn't understand. What has Marshclan taken from Squirreltail? Frostpaw wondered, looking at the she-cat. "Didn't you know?" Hawkpaw whispered, looking at him, "Know what?" Frostpaw whispered back, confused. Hawkpaw let out a soft snort, "Squirreltails brother is Foxstar! Foxstar left Stormclan with Brackensun because they were half-clan." He told him, ear twitching. "Foxstars mentor was an ambitious ginger she-cat who elders say is what cause his horrendous attitude now." 

Frostpaw blinked, looking at Squirreltail, the more he looked at her, he saw the similarities. His tail was fluffy but not so much of the degree of hers, both were relatively the same size him being maybe a bit more taller, and there eyes were the same color. 

The patrol made their way to camp, going through the back entrance that was a hidden by bushes. Squirreltail bit a stem and pulled a huge patch of leaves up revealing the way in, "Go." She told them, watching as they crawled through then followed. 

Frostpaw sighed then saw Smokepaw make his way toward Squirreltail, beckoning the she-cat away, talking in hushed tones. Frostpaw shrugged and followed Chestnutpaw to Alderpaw, Adderpaw, and Lionpaw, who were laying in the sun eating. 

He looked at the massive prey pile and chose a vole and lay next to Chestnutpaw. 

"The half-turn belly rake is difficult!" Alderpaw was saying, "But the leap on shoulders is harder. I can't get the timing right, I ended up wrenching my paw." Lionpaw looked at him, "Watch their shoulders, when they tense, drop." He told him, "Then you'll never get the timing wrong." Alderpaw looked at him gratefully, "I'll keep that in mind!" He mewed. "Thanks!" 

Frostpaw looked at Adderpaw, "Did you practice?" He asked, blinking. Adderpaw nodded, "Foxfur is a really great mentor.." He blushed a little, looking away. Rainpaw, who had settled next to Frostpaw looked at him, "You like your mentor?" He asked teasingly. Adderpaw blushed, "She's pretty." He said in a moony tone. 

"Smokepaw has a crush on Squirreltail," Frostpaw piped up, making the group look at him, "I can tell by his expression." 

"What expression, he's always so stoic." Chestnutpaw huffed, tail twitching in annoyance. "Hey Rainpaw, when will you be named a full medicine cat?" He asked suddenly, startling the gray tabby. "Oh..uh.. I won't be until Whispersong uh.." He stopped suddenly, as though a burr was stuck in his throat, "Until Whispersong dies." He choked out, "Even if she gives me my full name I'll still be her apprentice. I won't finish my training for moons!" He finished quickly, looking away. Chestnutpaw blinked and pressed his nose to the toms ear, "Sorry I brought it up." He murmured softly. "It's fine." Rainpaw muttered, ear twitching. Chestnutpaw looked away, burying his face in his robin and scarfing it down. 

   Frostpaw started to rip meat off of the vole, practically drooling as the taste filled his mouth. Vole was by far his favorite prey, that or rabbit. As he licked his lips, he saw Icepaw padding up slowly. She looked at Lionpaw, ears flat against her head, head lowered, and a slight red on her face, "C-can I talk to you...alone?" She asked, trembling a little. 

Lionpaw blinked then stood, "Sure." He replied, looking at her. 

"Let's t-t-take a w-walk." Icepaw stuttered, turning towards the bramble entrance. 

"Let's follow them!" Rainpaw said, getting up. 

Frostpaw looked at him, eyes glittering, "You read my mind." He purred then followed his brother into the forest, hiding under the thick undergrowth. 

Lionpaw and Icepaw were walking in silence until they got to a beautiful and secluded place near the Deltaclan border. White flowers speckled the ground, a tree provided shade, and the sun was just now starting to go down. 

Frostpaw lowered himself nearby, next to Rainpaw and looked behind him when he heard movement. 

Chestnutpaw was looking at him, "Sorry, couldn't resist the adventure." He purred, crouching next to him. 

The three watched as Lionpaw overlooked the surrounding forest, "Why did you-" 

Icepaw suddenly rushed forward, pressing her nose against his, making him stop talking in an instant. 

Lionpaw stared at her as she backed up, biting her lip, "I-I really like you.." She sobbed, tears running down her face, "A-and I get it if you don't like me." She trembled slightly regret all over her face. 

Frostpaw expected Lionpaw to leave like that, as he never seemed interested in a mate, but he was terribly proved wrong when Lionpaw licked her ear, "I like you too." He murmured, looking at her with one emotion. 

Love.

Frostpaw gaped in astonishment, how could his brother go from mean and cold to caring and loving? 

Icepaw looked up, eyes wide then she closed them as he licked her face, "Stop crying.." He told her, pressing his body against hers and twining her tail with hers. 

Seeing enough, Frostpaw turned to crawl away but then froze.

Snap

"What was that?" He heard Lionpaws voice say, imagining him turn his head, confused. 

Chestnutpaw looked at him in alarm, "Come on!" He hissed, tail lashing. 

"Go without me!" He hissed back, watching as him and his brother stared at him then disappear through the undergrowth.

"Who's spying on us?" He heard his brother demand, his voice growing an edge to it.

 Frostpaw held his breath as he poked his head out of the bush, looking as his brother as his brother looked back, surprised at first then angry. 

"Frostpaw what in Starclans name are you doing! What I do isn't your concern!" He growled, anger in his voice. Frostpaw let out a sigh, "I was curious. That's all." He admitted, looking at Lionpaw. 

Lionpaw let our a short growl, "Yeah well, stay out of my business next time. Got it?" He glared at his brother darkly, then beckoned Icepaw away, "Come on, lets go." His voice lost its hostility as he addressed the she-cat. She nodded and followed the golden tabby away, giving Frostpaw a disapproving and embarrassed glare as she passed. 

Frostpaw watched, indifference swirling in his heart. 

Moonlight lit the clearing as Frostpaw tore at the ground, tonight was the gathering and Graystar had yet to announce who was going.

"If she doesn't get a move on we'll be late!" Dogclaw growled, his tail twitching. Blueheart touched his shoulder with her nose, "Calm down, it's not her fault that a matter had to be discussed." 

"No, but it's her responsibility to discuss it in a timely manner, especially before a Gathering." Came Lionpaws rough voice, he was sitting next to Icepaw, their pelts brushing. 

Blueheart looked at the tom, suspicion and distrust in her blue eyes, "You've been quick to point out Graystars mistakes as of late." her eyes narrow, "Remember that she is your leader, and that you should respect her no matter what." 

Lionpaw looked at Blueheart, and dipped his head, "Of course. I wouldn't think differently, but some matters take priority is all I'm saying. If this matter was so important she could of done it quicker and let it wait until after, we can always leave early." He pointed out. Icepaw nodded, "He does make a point." she mewed, looking at the older cat. 

Suddenly Thistlepaws growl made the she-cat jump, "Yeah well she didn't so you can calm your fur or go away, no one cares about your stupid opinions anyway!" he snapped, glaring at Lionpaw and turned his back, slinking into the shadows. 

"He's been as prickly as a thistle since Icepaw and Lionpaw made it prevalent that they were together." Alderpaw whispered to Frostpaw, looking at him.

"Yeah," Smokepaw agreed, "Very." 

"Any cat would think he's jealous of Lionpaw!" Chestnutpaw cried, tail tip twitching. 

"And what if he is?" Frostpaw turned to the sound of Heatherkits voice, the she-cat was now almost six moons old and coming out of the den allot, she seemed to show up everywhere now and you wouldn't see her coming. She fixed her dazzling eyes on Frostpaw, making him feel tingly, "Thistlepaws always had a crush on Icepaw, her with Lionpaw is like a claw to the stomach." She looked at the silver and golden tabbys sitting next to each other, "I don't like it." She said, "I don't like Lionpaw, he's too fierce." 

"Heatherkit? Heatherkit come here and stop bothering the apprentices!" Sandyclouds urgent mew came from the nursery, making the she-cat walk off before Frostpaw could reply. 

"She's sure something, isn't she?" He jumped at Adderpaws mew, he was so fixated on Heatherkit that he forgot of everyone around. 

"You're jumpier than a frog tonight Frostpaw, are you sure you're okay?" Stormypaw asked, looking at him. 

He looked at her clear and beautiful blue eyes and nodded, "I-I'm fine, just overly alert after the last time I was out at night." He mewed. He hasn't been out of camp under the light of the moon since the owl attack, he refused to take dusk patrols, afraid that the nightmarish bird would return to finish the job.

Stormypaw looked sympathetic, "It's okay, if an owl attacks us tonight we'll shred it into pieces." she assured him, licking his cheek. 

Moving away from her, he looked at his paws. 

I get to see Leopardpaw tonight. He thought, but there wasn't as much warmth as usual. He's been finding himself thinking more about Heatherkit, the she-cat intrigued him. He was only nine moons old, four moons older than the she-cat, but there was some calmness that she had. He sighed, shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he had feelings for Leopardpaw, he knew that and there was no denying it. 

"Alright!" Graystars voice made him snap his head up, "Sorry for the wait but the cats attending this Gathering are Frostpaw, Chestnutpaw, Alderpaw, Adderpaw, Smokepaw, Riverice, Nettletail, and Thunderheart." She jumped down, tail flicking, "Longclaw is in charge!" She called then beckoned the group towards the entrance and launched off. 

He followed the she-cat then stopped at the incline, Deltaclan, Breezeclan, and Marshclan were already there, mingling among themselves when a yowl rang throughout the clearing, "Stormclans here!" 

Graystar kinked her tail and the cats charged down, Graystar at the head as she lanched across the clearing and bounded onto the boulder. "Sorry we're late! Something came up. The gathering starts now!" She called. 

Frostpaw sat down next to Chestnutpaw, he listened as Icestar made her report, followed by Smallstar. 

He looked around and saw Leopardpaw sitting next to Bloodclaw, and was squirming uncomfortably. 

He slowly inched his way to the cats, knowing that she saw him and inched closer. He ducked behind the towering warriors, "Are you okay?" He hissed "Did you eat crow-food?"  

"Of course not!" Leopardpaw retorted indignantly, "I just have a stomach ache." She let out a sigh, looking away.

Frostpaws ears twitched, "Meet me in two sunrises." He whispered them inched to Chestnutpaw who had been so intent on listening that he hadn't noticed his absence. Foxstar pushed his way forward, "I know battles are not allowed at Gatherings nor do I want to start one," He started, "but Marshclan will not ignore threats!" He growled, glaring at Graystar, "We've been smelling overpowering scents of Stormclan cats at our border and I promise you we are not afraid to defend our territory!" He spat, backing up. 

Frostpaw bristled at his remark, "Doesn't want to start a battle my rear end!" Frostpaw hissed, "He's looking for a fight!" 

Thunderheart nodded, "Marshclan always looks for fights." he growled. 

Graystar didn't let his hostility phase her as she replaced him, "I suppose that it's wrong if Stormclans scent overpowers the borders and right when Marshclans awful stench reeks the place." She started coolly, eyes sweeping the cats below her with narrowed eyes, "I hate starting battles, but Marshclan started this one by harming a patrol unprovoked." She looked Foxstar, "Back down, Stormclan is not afraid to get their paws dirty." She growled. 

Suddenly the moonlight began to fade, causing Frostpaw to look up. Clouds were beginning to move in front of the moon. 

"Starclans angry!" He heard a cat cry. 

"Cats of clans!" Riverice called, turning eyes of many shades and colors to look at her, "Gatherings are not the place for battles!" she began, "We should not allow this Gathering to end when there is still news to be said." She finished. 

Murmurs of agreement met her mew and Frostpaw felt a flash of admiration and love for his mother. 

Graystar was still looking at Foxstar with anger but she turned her gaze down, "New apprentices are with us. Alderpaw, Adderpaw, Smokepaw, and Chestnutpaw." 

Uneasy gazes were turned to the newcomers, the tense and hostile aura surrounding the Stormclan cats overpowered any happiness or good news were destroyed. 

"Prey is good and the clan is strong. Stormclans leaving now!" She jumped down, beckoning the cats away from the clearing, leaving unease in their wake. 

Frostpaw opened his eyes, yawning, it was the morning of the day he met Leopardpaw. He looked around, then stood, pushing his way out of the trunk den. 

Since it was really early the camp was dead silent, the only cat awake was Heatherkit, who was eating a mouse. 

He padded up, grabbing a magpie alone the way and sat down next to her, "Hey." He started, making her jump. She looked at him, "Are you meeting the golden she-cat tonight?" she asked, blinking. That made him freeze, "How do you know...?" 

Heatherkit sighed, "I followed you. You lied to Lionpaw." She replied, shuffling her paws. Frostpaw blinked then sighed, "I honestly am having doubts." He murmured, "I'm starting to lose the feeling I used to have with her." She blinked, "Then maybe it isn't true love." 

Frostpaw jolted in surprise, "What?" 

"If you are losing the feeling you once held it might mean it's not meant to be. She seemed distant last meeting after all. It could of been that infatuation, she is pretty." 

Her remark made Frostpaw look down at his prey in thought, "Maybe." He finally mewed and took a bite out of his prey. He ate half of it before shoving it away, "Take that to Sandycloud, she loves magpie." He told the kit. 

Heatherkit looked at him then nodded, "Frostpaw, whatever you choose to do at this juncture know that there's a cat here that really cares about you." With that, she snatched the magpie away and disappearing inside the twig and leaf covered den. 

He stood still then turned, seeing Chestnutpaw smirking at him. 

"What?" He asked after a bit of uncomfortable silence. 

Chestnutpaw let out a mrrow of laughter, "The cat she mentioned is you, stupid tom!" He purred, smiling. 

Frostpaw blushed, embarrassment making his ears hot. "No it isn't! She's allot younger than me!" 

"You've only been training for five moons, she's almost six moons, that's not that bad." Chestnutpaw pointed out, "Squirreltail is sixteen moons while Smokepaw is ten." He shrugged, "Love knows no age." 

"Smokepaw was apprenticed late. All of you were. You won't be warriors for at least five moons." Frostpaw muttered, "Besides, Heatherkit.. I mean she's pretty but.." He let out a sigh, "Can I tell you a secret Chestnutpaw?" He asked, looking at the tom. "you can't tell anyone!" 

Chestnutpaw blinked then nodded, ear twitching. "You can tell me anything Frostpaw." Chestnutpaw told the tom, rubbing his muzzle against his. Frostpaw sighed and looked at him, "You remember that golden she-cat?" Chestnutpaw nodded, "Her name is Leopardpaw.. I sometimes sneak out to see her." He held his breath, waiting for a response. 

Suddenly there was an explosion of energy, "What!" Chestnutpaw whispered in disbelief, tail lashing, fur bristling, "That's against the warrior code! Aren't you loyal?" 

Frostpaw let out a growl, "Of course I'm loyal!" He snapped, "I don't know if I should see her anymore. She's been distant lately and the feeling I held for her once.." 

"Is slowly melting away." Chestnutpaw finished, sitting down. 

Nodding, Frostpaw sighed, "I don't know what to do Chestnutpaw.." He looked at the sky, "Starclan hasn't told me anything, nor have they shown signs of disapproval. I don't know what's wrong or right anymore." 

Chestnutpaw touched his shoulder with his tail tip, "Whatever you choose to do, I still support you. It's clear that you have to make a choice, continue or stop, whatever you choose know that you're still my friend." He retreated his tail and made his way back inside the apprentices den. 

He sighed and sat down, closing his eyes, enjoying the stillness and quietness of the otherwise energetic camp. 

"Ah, so you like being out this serene scene to?" He opened his eyes and saw Mousetail a few tail lengths away, looking at him with intense blue blind eyes.

"Yeah.. It's nice to be out here while it's not so... rampant." He mewed, walking over to the brown tom and nuzzling up next to him. 

Though not kin, he personally loved Mousetail and respected him for still staying upbeat and strong despite not being able to see. He's asked him questions about how it feels to be blind and only got a vague, 'Just because I'm blind doesn't mean I can't see.' answer. 

"Still contemplating the meaning hmm?" Mousetail suddenly asked, gnawing on a bone. 

Frostpaw looked at him, both scared and intrigued that the old tom knew what he had been thinking about, "I think I got it." He replied, "You can't see, per say, but you can sense whats around you through scent and touch. You can hear things that a warrior with eyes may not be able because they rely on sight so much. You never had that option so your more sensitive to subtle shifts in the wind and auras around camp." He started carefully, "You know this territory better than warriors with sight because you had to pay attention to every little detail, memorize the place where herbs grew, where water was, and where the border lies. You can see better than any warrior with sight." He finished, looking at the tom. 

Mousetail stayed silent then nodded, "You understood perfectly." He purred. 

Frostpaw let out a purr then got up, "I'll get mouse bile so I can detick you." He said but Mousetail stopped him, "Chestnutpaw already did that last night." He told him, "That apprentice I tell you.. he's something else." 

Feeling a stab of pride that he could call such a cat a friend, Frostpaw dipped his head, "Okay." 

He looked at the bramble entrance and saw the unmistakable russet pelt of Eagletalon sitting guard, talking to Iceheart who was nearby. Padding over to the two powerful looking toms he called a greeting, "Hey dad! Hey Ealgetalon!" 

Eagletalon looked up, "Hello Frostpaw, you're up.." He broke in a yawn, "Early." 

Iceheart nodded, "Yes, not many apprentices I know wake at the brink of day." He agreed, "What's rattling in that head of yours?" 

Frostpaw shook his head, "Guess just stupid thoughts. I'm wondering when my warrior assessment might be."  He replied, "I know I have to train for one more moon but it seems like forever when I know that." He sighed, looking at his father. "What did Graystar do for your warrior assessment?" 

"I stopped a battle between Deltaclan and us, some kits got lost and I found them and saved them. I also stopped a fight that probably would of taken a life or two, so Ashstar made me a warrior. Graystar wasn't a leader yet." His father replied, a look of reminiscence on his face. "Ealgetalon was there, though he was a kit back then." He purred, looking at the tom. 

Eagletalon let out a purr, then he turned, "I'm heading to the nursery, it's been so busy that I haven't been able to see Heatherkit. She's growing everyday!" He trotted away, tail swaying to and fro happily. 

"She's going to be a great warrior just like her dad." Iceheart called, then turned to Frostpaw, "Want to come explore with me?" He asked, tail twitching.  

"Explore?"

"Yeah, run around. The fresk-kill pile is more of a fresh-kill heap! Though we should sort out rotten prey from fresh." He went over to the pile and sat down, sorting out the prey by what species they were. 

He threw a maggot written squirrel away and any rotten prey into a pile. 

After separating the rotten from fresh, he looked at the pile of maggots, "What should we do with that?" He asked, pulling a disgusted face.   

"Bury it near the Marshclan border," Frostpaw suggested, "It's a bare stretch of poor prey land anyway." 

"Marshclan has really been hostile lately, ever since Bramblestar died it seems like war is all Foxstar cares about." He let out a soft sigh, "Foxstar as a warrior was always looking for a fight, I don't know why Bramblestar chose him as a deputy when he knew that it was risky." 

Frostpaw looked at him, "You think their's going to be a battle between us and Marshclan?" 

"It's inevitable," his father replied with a long sigh, "Graystar made it clear that anymore of the borders being pressed meant war and Foxstar was clear that he wasn't going to stop it. Eventually there is going to be a battle, whether we like it or not." 

"What about the mud drop? Couldn't they just throw us in." Frostpaw cried, fear rising in his chest. Iceheart gave him a sharp look, "No, the bare strip of land is fairly large enough, unless they overpower us, which they won't, we have nothing to worry about." His tail tip twitched, "Go wake up Riverice and Lionpaw, I'll get Rainpaw." He turned and let out a purr, "Time for a little family adventure." 

Frostpaw watched him for a heartbeat before making his way into the apprentice den, Lionpaws golden cat stuck out instantly and he carefully stepped over Stormypaw and Hawkpaw, who were sleeping soundly.

Nudging the toms shoulder, he noticed that there was blood soaking the moss under him with alarm. Shoving him, Lionpaw snapped his head up, "Wha?" 

"You're bleeding!" Frostpaw hissed, tail lashing.'

Lionpaw stared at him with confusion, as if he couldn't tell who he was, then sleepiness left his eyes and realization crossed his face. He got up, "Must be a thorn," He muttered, sniffing around his bedding. 

Frostpaw sniffed the wound on his belly then shook his head, "It's to deep to be a thorn Lionpaw!" He snapped, "Did you get into a fight yesterday?" 

"Of course I didn't!" Lionpaw retorted, glaring at him, "It was a thorn, look!" He produced a splintered and sharp thorn from his nest, a look of I told you so on his face. 

Frostpaw still didn't believe him but he dipped is head in defeat and stomped off, fury burning in his pelt. 

Stupid Lionpaw! There's no way that wound could be from a tiny little thorn, he probably got into a fight with some apprentice yesterday the mouse-brain! Frostpaw thought with anger, a scowl finding it's way on his face. 

Riverice was standing next to Iceheart, leaning against him her eyes close. Frostpaw was happy to see his mother so peaceful, though he hasn't spoken to her in a while because of how busy everything has been he always felt a stab of love when he saw her long beautiful gray tabby fur. Rainpaw was at her paws, eating a small puny shrew. 

He snatched a small mouse and scarfed it down then looked at Iceheart, licking his lips. "Let's go." 

Iceheart nodded, "Alright, take as much rotten prey as you can carry." He told the cats then snatched four pieces in his mouth. 

As his family grabbed two or three pieces, an idea sparked in Frostpaws mind. He picked up three pieces and wrapped his tail around the mices tail, lifting it up. 

He followed his kin to the border and helped as Iceheart, Rainpaw, and Lionpaw dug. Dropping the heap into the hole he looked across the marsh and saw the familiar russet pelt of Foxstar padded up. 

"Watch out," Frostpaw warned, "Foxloser is coming." 

Lionpaw let out a snort, "Let him come! It's not like Marshclan doesn't have rotten prey." He snarled, glaring at the cattail as it parted, revealing a patrol of four cats. Foxstar was one, next to him a white scarred tom, next to the white tom was Snakeheart, and next to him was a black tom with gray paws. 

"Well, well, well, Stormclan only has rotten prey?" 

"Well, well, well," Frostpaw mocked, "Marshclan only has murderers?" 

Foxstars eyes narrowed, but he didn't reply only turned to his patrol, "Mark the border." He ordered. 

The scarred tom got up, walking onto the dry land and marking the territory. 

Iceheart watched, making sure they marked the right border. When the patrol left, he flicked his tail, "Come." He ordered his family, "I'm getting a bad feeling from this place." 

Murmurs of agreement met his mew and the cats turned tail towards camp. 

Now there was no more peace, Icepaw and Thistlepaw were talking, seemingly in a heated argument. 

Frostpaw looked at Iceheart, who seemed confused, and neared the quarreling cats. 

"He's dangerous!" Thistlepaw was snarling as he closed in. 

"Dangerous my rear end!" Icepaw retorted, tail lashing, blue eyes flaring, "He's nice to me, while you've been prickly ever since we grew close." 

"If you can't see what's happening in front of your whiskers than your an idiot." Thistlepaw turned and stomped off, shoving his way through the bramble entrance, leaving a astonished and hurt looking Icepaw in his wake. 

"He's jealous." Frostpaw told the she-cat. "You used to pay attention to him but now that Lionpaw came into the picture." He broke off, looking at the she-cat who sighed, "He can eat fox-dung for all I care." She retorted, looking away, but Frostpaw could tell his words cut deeper than she was letting show. 

He touched her ear with his nose for a few heartbeats before turning and looking up at Highledge, where he knew Graystar was at. 

"Graystar, we sorted through prey, it's a miserable little heap now." It was true, what was left was a two or three mice, a vole, and a magpie. Though all of them weren't small the clan was growing, so was the demand for prey.

Graystar looked at Eagletalon, who had came out of the warriors den, and nodded, "Can you set up some patrols for both hunting and borders?" She asked the tom who nodded, "Of course, but one issue needs to be attended to. The warriors den is too dang small, every time I tried the stretch I ended up kicking someone or something. The side of the walls are really frail, with enough force we can smash through." 

"And then what?" Silverwind sneered, "Then we would be cold! Come of us don't have thick fur." 

Eagletalon looked at her, "I know, but there's that fallen trunk, if there's going to be a battle that thing is chalk full of cobwebs. It's a win-win."

"And how do you suppose we put the two together? The edges are similar but not perfectly identical." Thunderheart pointed out, bushy tail tail tipping.

Ealgetalon blinked thoughtfully, "We can use tree sap to plug the holes, that's what we do with the elders den when hail crashes through." Frostpaw suggested, "I saw some seeping out of the Great Sycamore earlier."

"You saw it from the Marshclan border?" Lionpaw sneered, looking at him.

"No," Frostpaw replied irritably, "I saw it from Snakerocks, the two landmarks are close and tree sap shines in the sunlight." 

Graystar nodded, "We'll try Frostpaws idea." she said, "If it doesn't work then we'll try something else." she looked at her apprentice, "How high up was the sap?" 

"It was just above the first branch." He explained, picturing the tree. "In a hole that a woodpecker probably caused." 

Graystar looked thoughtful, "Icepaw, your a superb climber. You, Frostpaw, and Ealgetalon will go to collect the sap." 

"No." Frostpaw protested, "Ealgetalon has broad shoulders, he'll be needed to move the tree trunk." he pointed out slowly, once he realized he completely contradicted his leader.  

Graystar blinked then finally nodded, "Yes, you were right to protest." She looked around, "Rainpaw go with them, you know how to make it so water doesn't fall out of leaves, teach them this."

"That's three apprentices that are really close to the Marshclan border." Dogclaw called, "Are you sure that's safe?" Murmurs of agreement met his worry, but Graystar dismissed it, "It's against the warrior code to attack a medicine cat, I'm sending a Marshclan patrol out to take them past the tree." She looked at Eagletalon and nodded, giving him the okay to set up the patrols. 

"I want Bramblestripe, Dogclaw, and Thunderheart to help me move the trunk. For a patrol I want Stormypaw to go out with Goldenspruce, Smokepaw, Iceheart, Alderpaw, and Longclaw to go out to the Marshclan border, Lionpaw you can go on a seperate patrol consisting of Foxfur, Riverice, Adderpaw, Crookedheart and Chestnutpaw." he looked around, "Squirreltail you can you take two warriors to go out hunting?" The she-cat nodded, and looked at Smokepaw who was sitting really close to her and licked his cheek before turning and padding away, beckoning Blueheart and Silverwind to go with her.

Whispersong looked at Rainpaw, "Get chervil while your out but watch for snakes!" 

"I'll get daisy and marigold as well." He promised.

She nodded and gave him a beech leaf and disappeared inside her den.

He looked at Icepaw and Frostpaw and smiled, then turned towards the patrol. "Lets go." 

The cats trekked on, alert, the patrol slowed as they neared the great tree. "Are you sure you don't want anyone sticking behind?" Longclaw asked, looking at Frostpaw who nodded, "We'll be fine," He soothed, "We'll yowl if anything happens.

The tabby warrior looked worried but he nodded in defeat and caught up to the rest of his patrol. 

Frostpaw looked at Icepaw then Rainpaw, "Rainpaw can you climb well?" He asked, looking at his brother.

"Yeah, but I think we all should go up, Icepaw can take it down and we follow." He mewed, looking at the tree.

Icepaw nodded in agreement, "One can serve a lookout." 

Frostpaw thought for a moment, if all three were up, he could see a threat before they saw them. Finally he nodded, "Okay." 

He jumped up, digging his claws in the trunk and climbed easily onto the branch where the amber liquid soaked the bark. 

Rainpaw and Icepaw followed, "Okay, the leave is really big, you should be able to fit allot of sap on there but someones gonna get their paws sticky."

"I'll do it, hold the beech leaf up." Frostpaw said instantly as Icepaw followed his orders. 

He put the side of his paw right above the hole in the tree and waited for a large wad to seep out and pushed it down onto the leaf that lie beneath.

He resisted the urge to shake his sticky now yellow paw and climbed down, leaping on to the grass that stuck.

He looked besides him at Icepaw then head towards Snakerocks, crossing the very shallow and not very wide stream and climbed to the top of the rocks looking around.

Rainpaw sniffed around, "It's sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers." 

Frostpaw looked around and noticed the plant in a crack, as he neared it he heard a soft hiss.

Suddenly a shadow struck out and he barely had enough time to side-step and lash out a claw, ripping the attackers belly open. The attack was a snake, now dead on the stone that lie beneath his paws. 

Rainpaw looked at him, "Are you okay? Did it bite you?"

Frostpaw shook his head, "I was barely fast enough." he panted. 

It was obvious to Frostpaw that Rainpaw doubted him, as the tom moved forward, nosing through his fur. He let out a soft 'hmph' when he didn't find anything but it was obvious he was dissatisfied.

Frostpaw gave him a reassuring smile then looked at the chervil, "How to I collect it?" He asked over his shoulder, "Bite off the leaves?" 

Rainpaw let out a gasp, as though offended, "No!" He shrieked, glaring at him though his gaze held no anger, "Bite the stems, don't pull up the root, we need more to grow. This leaf-bare has been harsh it killed a whole bush." 

Frostpaw obeyed, but he was a bit confused, "Don't you use the root?" He asked, looking at him.

Rainpaw seemed surprised at the question but quickly got over it, "Yes, but we collected the roots from damaged bush, we have plenty." He explained, then bounded away coming back with a mouth full of marigold. "I hope we can find catmint." 

Frostpaws fur bristled at the mention of the evil and deadly sicknesses healing aliment, "Why? Is someone sick?" He demanded, glaring at his brother.

"No," Rainpaw replied quickly, "Just.. I can't tell you."

"Are the other Clans sick?" Frostpaw pressed.

"I can't tell you!" Rainpaw growled, tail lashing, then he turned, "Come on." He said roughly, "StormClan needs us." He walked forward, not waiting for his brothers. 

Icepaw looked at Frostpaw then followed without a word. 

The tom sighed and, with no other option, followed his brother and the apprentice, he paused in the small stream, washing off the sap then launched out, running to catch up.

As the group neared the camp, annoyed and slightly aggressive voices made them slow, "We can't do that Bramblestripe!" Eagletalons annoyed mew said, "We'd be jeopardizing ourselves."

"What other choice do we have!" Bramblestripes replied came, "We need to defend our camp." 

Now that the view wasn't obscured by the bushes and shrubs, Frostpaw saw what the issue was. Where the bush once lie there was a hole complete unprotected and bare, leading straight into camp.

"Defending camp means defending warriors and if do your idea more cuts and scrapes will happen that might lead to infection. It's leaf-bare! We can't afford that!" Eagletalon spat, tail lashing. 

"There's going to be a fight if someone doesn't interrupt!" Icepaw hissed, voice filled with fear. Rainpaw nodded in agreement, but both of them didn't make a move.

So Frostpaw did.

"Hey!" He called, dropping the herbs and moving forward, "What's the big issue?" He looked between his deputy and Hawkpaws mentor. 

"We don't know what to do to cover this, we already moved the trunk but now Bramblestripes saying he need to add thorns and thistle to protect it." Eagletalon growled, "We can't do that! Some cats don't have thick fur and if we do that then we're making the amount of cuts and scrapes happening larger, we don't have herbs to waste." 

Frostpaw nodded, then looked at Bramblestripe, awaiting his retort, "But if we don't do that," Bramblestripe growled, "Then we're risking Marshclan waltzing right in and causing mayhem, as well as any other danger that might be lurking this forest!" 

Frostpaw nodded in agreement, "Maybe you should use vines, it's strong, Marshclan cats that want to attack won't think and charge right in so we can use bramble to, and they can get snagged all the want." 

Eagletalon nodded then looked at Dogclaw, who wasn't getting involved with the heated argument between the two, "How does that sound?"

"Good." Dogclaw replied tersely.

The russet deputy looked at Bramblestripe, his eyes hardened slightly and it was obvious that the tom still felt resentment towards the dark tabby but he had enough common sense to let it rest. Bramblestripe seemed to hold some feelings back as well but he, too, had common sense. He nodded, "Sounds good to me. Thank you Frostpaw, you're turning out to be a valuable member of StormClan." He dipped his head to the tom then looked at Eagletalon, "We need cats with small paws...." 

Frostpaw looked at his fellow comrades and jerked his head, "Come on." He told them, walking through the bare entrance. \

"Where do you want this?" Icepaw asked, looking at Rainpaw." 

"In my den, out of the way." He led the she-cat away as Foxfur, Squirreltail and Chestnutpaw padded towards the bare hole. All held vine and brambles on their backs and mouths.

Frostpaw waved his tail as he passed, smiling slightly when Chestnutpaw waved his back. 

"Frostpaw!" Lionpaws voice made him look up.

The aforementioned tom was sitting straight, his eyes glittering coldly, "Heard you have this big idea about tree sap." He sneered slowly padding forward, causing Frostpaw to back up, "Are you trying to prove something?" He cornered his brother into a hidden corner of camp. 

"No!" Frostpaw retorted, "I'm trying to be a useful member of StormClan, and what have you been doing recently? You've been waking up with marks all over you're body, you're more secretive and aggressive, and all you want to do is fight!" He growled, glaring at Lionpaw. 

Lionpaw snarled, "Fighting is what helps us survive!" He hissed, "If you're weak you shouldn't be a warrior." 

"Some cats can't fight as well as others, but there are different virtues to describe each cat. Like Blueheart. She's a great warrior but she doesn't excel in fighting." 

Lionpaw growled, "What are you trying to prove?"

"What do you mean 'what am I trying to prove'?! I'm trying to help, that's more than you've been doing," Lionpaw, snorted, turning and started to walk away,  "you're a good fighter yes but you can do more for this Clan. Tooth and claw won't help you if a problem presents itself!" 

Lionpaw stopped, turning his head slightly, "If a problem presents itself," He put his large paw on a twig, "you get rid of it." He snapped it, "So don't become a problem, okay?" He walked off.

'So don't become a problem, okay?' For at least the tenth time, Frostpaw shifted uncomfortably in his nest, his head churning, flipping over Lionpaws threat.

What does he wish to achieve? To become strong? To become the best warrior? To become...leader? Frostpaw froze at that thought, imagining his ambitious brother on Highledge instead of Graystar, or Eagletalon. 

He looked up, seeing the moon rising, Better go. 

He got up, sneaking out of his den but then he heard a voice, "On the move again?" Chestnutpaw asked, looking at him. 

Frostpaw stared at the tom, then sighed sadly, "Please don't-"

"I won't, but I will put my two cents in. I think what you're doing is wrong." Chestnutpaw interrupted, "But I obviously can't stop you. May StarClan light you're path Frostpaw." He said coolly, amber eyes glittering before he curled up, falling asleep.

Frostpaw sighed, sneaking through the dirt place and sicking close to the edge of camp, heading towards the MarshClan border. 

His fur bristled as he thought about Foxstar, it didn't help when the stench threatened to overpower him as he neared. He saw the familiar golden coat of Leopardpaw, and his hostility eased but never faded. 

"Hey." He mewed, sitting down next to her.

"Hey.." she yawned, paws shuffling uncomfortably. 

"Are you okay?" He asked, looking at her. Her belly seemed larger but he figured prey was just well in MarshClan as it was in StormClan. 

"Fine, just tired." She sighed, "Prey's not well."

Surprised, Frostpaw looked at her, "So is that fur?" He poked her belly teasingly expecting her to bat at him, but instead she cuffed his ear, "Stop!" she snapped, glaring at him. 

"Sorry." Frostpaw said sheepishly. "Are you okay? Do you need catmint?" 

"No, no one has greencough, I'm just.. hungry." She whispered, pressing herself to his fur. 

He looked at her then looked at the woods behind him, for a second he thought he saw eyes glinting at him but when he blinked they were gone, Just my imagination, he looked at Leopardpaw, "I can see if that snake is still there." 

"Sounds good." She laid down, resting her head in her paws.

Frostpaw stared at her for a heartbeat before rushing to Snakerocks. Thankfully, the dead carcass of the snake was untouched, resting still on the cold stone. He picked it up in his jaws and a familiar scent washed over him. 

"Graystar?" He asked, looking around, but he saw no movement and figured her scent was still lurking in the bushes that she once tread. 

He neared the border he saw movement in the bushes next to him and stopped, pushing his nose in the bushes.

Nothing but faint StormClan. He growled at his childish behavior and walked over to Leopardpaw and dropped the catch. 

"You killed this?" She asked, beginning to scarf it down.

"Yeah, I was getting some chervil for my brother and it lashed out." He puffed out his chest, "Poor snake didn't see what was coming." 

Leopardpaw looked up, eyes glinting in the moonlight, "Is that so?" She jumped on him, he was surprised that the once lithe she-cat now weighed allot more.

"Get off fatso!" He squeaked, "Not till you admit MarshClan is the best Clan!" She laughed.

That made the gears in Frostpaws body turn cold, "Never!" He spat, glaring at her. 

He pushed her off, but then he realized she was playing and sighed, "Sorry, just-"

"Just we killed Sunfur." She pushed her nose against his neck her. "I would of stopped it... I would of." 

Frostpaw looked away, tears gathering in his eyes, "He died a warrior." He smiled slightly, "He wouldn't of died any other way." 

Leopardpaw let out a sigh and backed up, "I gotta go." She looked up at the lowering moon, "You should go to." She turned, slinking into the mud and padded away, not even looking behind her.

Frostpaw watched, then turned and headed back to camp. 

Slowly he slid inside camp and into the apprentices den, as he lay in his nest, he couldn't help but think of one thing.

Why was Leopardpaw so distant?