Chapter 5

Chapter 5

               

“Oh, lift your head up, Graypaw!  We’re almost to Smooth Paths!” Ashfeather’s enthusiasm began to cheer the blue apprentice up.  Ashfeather had soon learned that she’d struck a sensitive spot in the gray cat, and had done all she could to make Graypaw feel better.

                “Okay!” Graypaw exclaimed.  She could see that the grass was growing scarcer and scarcer as the trees had back at the CreekClan border, and it was being replaced by flat grayish-orange stones.  The smooth surface felt strange below the she-cats’ paws, for it had only been traveled by Ashfeather few times, and it was a first for Graypaw.  Soon the river split in two, dividing CreekClan territory and Smooth Paths.

                “Here we are, StarClan territory,” Ashfeather informed.  Graypaw smiled with excitement.  After a few minutes of walking, all the grass vanished from the ground.  Only a smooth, rocky surface existed in its place.

                “Now you can see where the “smooth” in Smooth Paths came from.  Soon you’ll see the “path” part.  We’re almost to Moon Path.”  Graypaw continued to follow her brown and orange mentor.  Ashfeather steered around toward a large wall that began the mountainous terrain.  A huge gap in rocky wall led Graypaw to curiosity. 

                “Ashy, what’s that?” Graypaw asked, pointing her tail to the gap in the rocks.  Ashfeather smiled.

                “That’s the Moonpath entrance, Graypaw.  We meet the other medicine cats right outside.” Graypaw looked at the entrance and made out the shapes of about fourteen other cats, but it was hard to tell.

                “Sounds good.”  As the two medicine cats approached the entrance to Moonpath, fourteen other cats dipped their heads in greeting.

                “You’re the last to arrive,” A reddish brown tom said.  Graypaw remembered him from Ashfeather’s stories as Boulderpelt, the NightClan medicine cat. 

                “Let’s go, then,” Ashfeather replied.  Together the large group of cats walked into the cave quietly, but excitement was in the air.  Stripes of gold lined the walls of Moonpath, and little brown tracks lied on the ground where the cats walked.  Graypaw was tempted to break the silence, but she remembered Ashfeather’s punishments if she embarrassed FireClan.

                “Graypaw, you’re representing all of FireClan tonight,” Ashfeather had said.

                “Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Graypaw replied.  “You’ve gone over this before.

                “This is serious.  If these cats see you acting so frivilous, they’ll think all of FireClan is lazy and non-caring!  Do you understand me?”

                “Yeah, yeah, of course I do, Ashy.  You can count on me!”

                “Graypaw!  If you embarrass us, I’ll make sure your diet will include only forest prey.”

                “So?”

                “That means no fish.”

                “What!?” Graypaw stared at her mentor.  “You’re kidding!”  Ashfeather shook her head.

                “Graypaw, I need to make sure you’re serious.  With this deal, I know I am.  Now come on, let’s go tell Flamestar we’re leaving.”

                Wouldn’t want to risk fish!  It tastes too good!

                So Graypaw just quietly followed the group, nailing the bottom of her mouth to the top, fighting the temptations to shout, “What a fishtastic day it is today!”.  Of course, she didn’t.  Fish was too important to her.  Besides, it was also for Sharpfang.  He would get too fat if she let him have all the fish.

                Graypaw was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the group stop.  She bumped into a small she-cat no bigger than herself.  The cat turned around and glared at her.  She had a beautiful silver pelt, and large brown eyes.  Graypaw felt a bit jealous of the cat, for she had simple dappled gray fur with matching simple gray eyes.  Graypaw glared back at the cat and turned to her mentor.

                “Today Graypaw will receive her medicine cat name!” Ashfeather announced.  Graypaw looked at the crowd and blushed.

                “No way!” A brown tom exclaimed.  He smelled of fish, and Graypaw recongised him from the Northern Clans gathering.  He must have been from CreekClan.  “Moonpaw is going to receive her medicine cat name too!”  The small silver she-cat looked at Graypaw.  Graypaw shrugged and gave her a ‘why fight when we’re both receiving our names and we’re both medicine cats?’ look.  Moonpaw smiled back at Graypaw.

                “Alright then!  Sounds like we’re in for a fun night here!  Let’s start with their ceremonies.”  A tan she-cat spoke.  Graypaw didn’t recognise her.

                The cats parted ways to reveal two of the criss-crossing tracks, meeting and then going their separate ways.  Right behind the joining tracks was a pile of the gold lining the walls, shining and glittering in the dark cave.  Even though Graypaw had been to Moonpath before, the sight always sent shivers down to her tail and made her gasp.

                “Help these noble medicine cats to do their best in healing, and to follow your noble code.  Moonpaw and Graypaw, do you promise to follow the code and heal your clan the best you can, even at the cost of your life?” Ashfeather and the brown tom said together.

                “I do,” Graypaw and Moonpaw said at the same time.  They looked at each other and smiled.

                “Then from this day forward, Moonpaw, you shall be Moonfaith.  May StarClan light your path.”  Moonfaith raised her head and looked to the pile of gold.

                “Graypaw, from this day forward you shall be…”  Graydapple!  Graydapple!  Graydapple!  Please be a cool name!  Graytail!  Grayshine!  Graycool!  Grayawesome!

                “Grayfur.  StarClan honors your bravery and courage.”  Graypaw could barely hide her dissapointment.  Grayfur?  Can you be any simpler?

                “Ready to share dreams with StarClan you two?” the brown tom asked Grayfur and Moonfaith. 

                “Yes!” Moonfaith replied.

                “Yes,” Grayfur replied.  Resisting tears, Grayfur curled up next to her mentor on the cold floor and began to drift into sleep.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

               

You know how toms are, always shy.  Leaders are no different.  I’m not sure if you remember, but about two sunrises ago at the Northern Clans gathering, Froststar was so nervous at his first gathering that he threw up his last meal in front of everyone?  Surely someone told you of that, and you should’ve heard the silence!  It was asterical!

                “Hey, Robinsong,” Flamestar approached the cream-colored cat with unstable confidence.  The she-cat looked up, startled, and then her expression calmed.  She looked back at him with her pale green eyes.

                “Oh, hello Flamestar.  Is anything wrong?” Robinsong asked.  Flamestar shook his head.

                “No, of course not.  I was wondering if you’d want to come hunting with me.”  Robinsong met Flamestar’s dark green eyes nervously.  It took Flamestar a moment to realize that she thought she was failing at her warrior duties.

                “Oh, sure, of course.  Is there any reason?”

                “No, of course not.  It’s just… you did so well last time I wanted to see your skills myself!  Yeah, that’s it!” Flamestar smiled a huge grin that Robinsong met with a weird frown.

                “Uh… okay…”

                “Oh, sorry!  You haven’t done anything wrong!”  Robinsong’s worry faded from her expression.

                “Okay, that’s a relief.  When would you like to go?” Robinsong asked.

                “Now!”  Flamestar’s words came out much too fast.

                “Well, I just went on the dawn patrol and I just got back from hunting.” Uh oh.

                “Well, uh, this is the only time I have!  Let’s go!” Flamestar started to pad off.  Ugh!  I can’t do anything right!

                “Wait up!” Robinsong ran up next to her leader then continued in a steady trot beside him.

                “Where to?” Robinsong asked.  Hmm…

                “How about the river?” Flamestar replied.

                “Perfect!  We can catch some fish for Graypaw and Sharpfang!  Those two have worked so hard lately!” For some reason, Graypaw and Sharpfang preferred the taste of fish over mouse or vole.  Not that anyone’s complaining, of course.  FireClan couldn’t exist without them.

                “Exactly!  Nice thinking, Robinsong!”  The she-cat smiled at the praise.  

                You know how in the happiest of moments, the brightest of days, the perfection only lasts long enough before disaster strikes?  It’s funny how life works that way, when you catch the perfect mouse, a hawk swoops down and steals it before anyone knows you caught it, or when you’ve just cleaned the moss in the nursery, kits come running in with muddy paws.  Of course, those are the smallest of examples, you know.  Much worse things could happen.  Maybe a lost cat just returned, only to drown a day later?  A tragic example, I know, but I’m just trying to prepare you two for what I’m about to say.  And from there, this tale goes downhill: tragically.  Alright, alright, I’m done.  I’ll just tell you then, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

                The cries of the river completely distracted Flamestar from the musky scents floating around in the air harmlessly, for he was lost in the current of cream-colored fur.  Her paw reached into the water and snagged out a fish, not exactly the orange cat’s favorite, but the orange paw followed the cream’s example.  First they were sitting on the shore, then paw deep in the water, and then swimming clumsily, not even trying to catch a fish.  Besides, they’d already caught quite a few.  Being the farthest from the CreekClan border, the fish all the way in FireClan territory were… quite stupid, and still are.  The eight they caught were on the smaller side, but enough to fill many cats.  FireClan would be dining, wether they all liked it or not, on fish tonight.

                “Nice try, Flamestar!” Robinsong said while giggling.  Flamestar had reached out for a fish, but fell face first into the stream.

                “Why, thank you.  It’s been my best try, you know.  And a mouth full of pebbles goes with almost-caught fish quite well.  You should try it.”  The two cats were so caught up in their laughter that they didn’t notice the obvious signs all around them that pointed to one thing: danger.

                For one thing, the current was unusually slow.  And that musky scent I mentioned earlier: the cats were not even close to the border, and there were only two of them.  And how about bright yellow eyes staring at you from the underbrush?  Okay, okay, that was only partly true.  But you know that feeling that you’re being watched?  It’s like a bright orange spot in the middle of a forest: you can’t miss it.  That feeling where something is nearby, and it’s not a friend.

                “So, Robinsong,” Flamestar paused to look at the cream-colored cat.

                “Yeah, Flamestar?” Robinsong wanted to know.

                “Well, I was wondering-“  At that moment, a black blur emerged from the shadows.  But now, that black blue wasn’t just a blur, it was destiny.  Destiny in the form of a wolf.

                “What the-“ Robinsong’s cry was interrupted by a growl.  A huge black wolf was there, standing before them in the rushing water.  Flamestar’s eyes grew wider than an elephant ear plant.  The two cats could only stare at the gigantic cousin of the dog right there, in front of them.  And then, the wolf lunged toward the orange pelt staring at him.  All Flamestar could see was black, black, and more black.  And then, cream.

                All of the battle went in slow motion.  Robinsong lunged at the wolf and slammed into its side as it flew mid-air toward Flamestar, and then straight into a tree trunk.  Flamestar shook his head and sprang into the fight beside Robinsong.  The wolf sprang back to its paws and swiped at Robinsong.  He pinned the she-cat to the ground and bit into her neck, only to be cut short by a bite in its paw.  The wolf snarled at the tom and shook him away.  Flamestar was flung backwards into the ground.  The wolf faced him again.

                Robinsong lunged at the wolf’s neck, and secured herself onto its neck with her claws.  Before the wolf could react and head back towards Flamestar, Robinsong released one paw and, swinging herself back and forth beforehand, aimed for the wolf’s eye with her claws, but the wolf lifted his head up in disgust and Robinsong pierced the skin right under the wolf’s left eye.

                The wolf snarled again and slung the cream-colored cat off its neck.  Time sped up again as Robinsong was flung in the air at a faster speed then Flamestar had ever seen, and then was stopped by a large tree trunk in the way.

                “Robinsong!” Flamestar cried.  The blurriness and stars surrounded him, and time slowed down again as the wolf ran towards him.

                “No!” Robinsong cried.  “This isn’t over!”  The she-cat peeled herself from the tree, revealing a huge amount of blood.  She shakily lunged at the wolf again, but the black dog easily met her moves with its teeth, making her gashes even bigger, also adding some more.

                “Robinsong!” Flamestar cried again.  Despite the pain in his leg, Flamestar got up and bit into the wolf’s paw.  It was bigger than his head.  The wolf turned towards Flamestar, and then past him.  Flamestar blinked in confusion.  Just then, four other yellow eyes appeared from the shadows.  They crept closer, revealing a gray wolf and a brown wolf.

                “Oh, StarClan!” The two wolves crept closer.  The black wolf blinked and turned to the heap of cream-colored fur, and then turned back to Flamestar.  One wolf… but three?  Two cats can’t take on three opponants five times bigger than themselves!

                The black wolf picked up Flamestar in his teeth, then shook him like prey.  He flung him back to the ground, and the last thing Flamestar remembered was the black wolf heading back to Robinsong with the other two wolves watching.  Then, Flamestar’s world went black, and the pain faded away.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

              

                You know how apprentices are on the day of their ceremony, since it’s happening to you, right?  Well this is no different with medicine cat apprentices.  Their wait is just as long, but it’s spent traveling, instead of escaping their mother’s paws and running to their local elders.  Medicine cats must travel to the Moonpath to receive their apprenticeship, and to receive their full names.  From FireClan territory, Moonpath is about half a day’s journey away, farther than the Eight Stones!  Oh, Eight Stones is where both the Northern Clans and the Southern Clans meet for a gathering every four seasons.  You’ll get to go there some day.

                My apologies, I’m getting off track.  So on the day of her ceremony, Graypaw couldn’t simply walk beside her mentor, she bounded beside Ashfeather.  Graypaw closed her eyes as the wind flew threw her mane of beautiful, long gray fur.  Graypaw giggled as she began to jump four paws at a time, instead of trotting two paws at a time.  It was Ashfeather’s turn to laugh as Graypaw tripped on a rock.

                “Excited, Graypaw?” Ashfeather said, interrupted by giggles between her words.

                “Uh, duh!  But you can’t call me that for long, Ashy!  Soon I’ll be Graydapple!” Ashfeather lifted her ear as Graypaw got up and continued to bound away.

                “Um, Graypaw, Moonpath is that way,” Ashfeather said as she pointed toward a tree with moss on it.  “And since when do apprentices pick their own names and call their mentors silly nick-names?”  Graypaw laughed.

                “Since now, Ashy!  And one day I’ll be leader of the forest, and all mentors will have nick-names!  You know, I’ll consider to let you into my V.I.P club, Very Important Paws club for free!  Consider yourself lucky to know me.  Stay cool, yo.”  Graypaw’s head was turned to her trotting mentor behind her, and she didn’t notice the tree in front of her.  Thud.

                Ashfeather laughed.  “What are the herbs for that, Graypaw?  Oh, excuse me, Your Majesty.”

Graypaw grumbled, “mmrild n cmbs.” 

                “Um… what was that, Graypaw?” Ashfeather asked.  Graypaw peeled her head from the tree and stepped away from it causiously.  She seemed a bit dizzly and hobbled from side to side toward her mentor.

                “Marigold for infection and cobwebs; poppyseeds for the pain, Ashy.  Depends on what injuries happened,” Graypaw replied.  Ashfeather nodded. 

                “Well done, Graypaw.  Well done.”  Ashfeather padded on past her apprentice.

                “Wait up, Ashy!”  Graypaw ran up and met Ashfeather, who continued to pad on.  Graypaw picked up her pace and passed the orange and brown cat, then turned around and walked backyards facing her.  Ashfeather lifted her ear.

                “Haven’t you learned your lesson yet?” Ashfeather asked.  Graypaw shrugged.

                “Leaders don’t take orders from randoms,” Graypaw replied.  Ashfeather just rolled her eyes.

                “Graypaw, if you continue that tone I won’t give you your full name, and I’ll be late to the gathering. 

                “Okay, yeah, yeah.  Say, on that note, what will my name be?” Graypaw looked at her mentor curiously.  Ashfeather looked at her and shrugged.

                “You’ll find out soon, Graypaw.  It’ll be a surprise-“  Ashfeather was interrupted by Graypaw, again.

                “Graytail would be cool!  I mean, after all, my tail is gray!  Or Grayleaf, since I’m a medicine cat!  But leaves aren’t gray, right?  I mean, I don’t know many gray leaves!  Do you know any leaves at all, because I don’t!” Ashfeather rolled her eyes.

                “Once I named a leaf Rabbit, but the wind took it.  I never saw Rabbit again.  Wait, I haven’t seen a feather covered in Ash either.  Where did you get the name Ashfeather?!  It just doesn’t make sense!  And Grayleaf doesn’t either.  We’re like twins, but born in different times!  We can be medicine cat buddies!”

                “Graypaw, we already are medicine cat buddies,” Ashfeather said with a smile.  Graypaw shrugged.

                “Or, Graydapple!  That’s perfect! I mean, I have gray fur, but dappled!  Splotches of light gray, medium gray, and dark gray!  Hehe, while you mousebrains get little gray hairs later in your life, mine will be invisible!  I’ll be young forever!” Graypaw bounded ahead with her eyes closed.  She was met by… another tree?

                “Huh?” Graypaw looked up.  A serious looking cat was staring at her. 

                “Eek!”  Graypaw jumped back and stared at the cat.  Ashfeather padded up beside her.

                “What are you doing next to the DeathClan border?  Are you spies sent by Flamestar?” the cat asked, rather hostile.  Ashfeather didn’t look scared.  She met the cat’s eyes.

                “Relax.  We’re on our way to Moonpath.  I’m Ashfeather, and this is Graypaw.  We’re FireClan’s medicine cats.”  Ashfeather’s voice was calm and relaxed.  The cat snorted.

                “In that case, you’ll need an escort.  Hollybush?  Blooddrop?” The cat looked behind him.  A dark brown she-cat and a black and brown tom emerged from deep in DeathClan territory.

                “Who’s this?” The she cat asked.  She looked hostile, but not as much as the first cat.

                “They say they’re the FireClan medicine cats,” the hostile cat said.  She other tom lifted his ear.

                “They claim they’re medicine cats?  What mousebrain would lie about that?  I’ve seen the orange and brown one at the Northern Clans gathering before.  The gray one must be a new apprentice,” the tom said.

                “The gray one has a name,” Graypaw muttered.  Ashfeather gave her a gentle warning shove.

                “Ow!” Graypaw glared at her mentor.  The hostile cat turned to face the black and gray tom.

                “Blooddrop, I’m leading this patrol.  Just because you’re deputy doesn’t mean you’re in charge of everything!” The gray cat who turned out to be Blooddrop rolled his eyes.

                “Fine,” he muttered.  “But what’s the problem you have with them?”

                “They might be spies!  We need to accompany them to the CreekClan border, Blooddrop.”  The she-cat rolled her eyes.

                “Bonetail, don’t you think that’s a bit… ridiculous?” Hollybush asked nervously. The white cat just rolled his eyes.  The she-cat sighed.

                “I guess it is your decision,” Hollybush muttered.

                “Then it is settled; we will escort these two cats to the CreekClan border.  Come along now,” Bonetail ordered.  Ashfeather followed behind Bonetail, and as Graypaw tried to catch up with her mentor, the she-cat cut her off and Graypaw was forced to follow behind her.  Blooddrop took the rear. 

                Graypaw turned her head and glared at the cat behind her.  “Medicine cats don’t need to be escorted,” she sneered.  The tom rolled his eyes.

                “Hey, I wasn’t the pain in the tail back there, Bonetail was.  If I were the leader of this patrol, I would’ve let you two be on your way, okay?” Blooddrop replied.  Graypaw rolled her eyes.

                “We don’t need you to let us go, you know.” Graypaw puffed her tail up and held her head high.  “Ashfeather and I walk where we want!”

                “With that attitude you may end up someone’s lunch,” Blooddrop muttered.  “You know DeathClan cats eat little kits for dinner?”

                Graypaw laughed.  “Yeah, right!  You know FireClan cats have two times the IQ of DeathClan cats?”

                “Don’t speak to me that way!”

                “I’ll speak to you however I want!”

                “Well I’m the DeathClan deputy!”

                “And I’m leader of the forest!” Graypaw growled at herself.

                Blooddrop laughed.  “Leader of the forest?  You’re kidding, right?” He looked at Graypaw and saw that she was serious.  This made him laugh even more.

                “It’s not funny!” Graypaw whined. 

                “Is too!”

                “Is not!”

                “Is too!”

                “Knock it off you two!” Hollybush warned.  “We’re almost to the CreekClan border.  Go tell it to Streamstar, just not in front of me!”  Blooddrop and Graypaw glared at each other, then Graypaw turned her head in back to Ashfeather.  The terrain was getting softer: more and more grass was appearing under Graypaw’s paws.  The trees were becoming scarcer and scarcer, thus the pine needles were vanishing as well, along with the leaves.  Soon Bonetail stopped.

                Swish, grrall, swiil.

                “We’re here: the CreekClan border.  Come on, Blooddrop and Hollybush.  We have better things to do,” Bonetail marched away, with the two other cats on his heels.  Ashfeather let out a sigh of relief.

                “Thank StarClan that’s over!  If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late!  Come on, Graypaw!”  Ashfeather turned to reveal a huge river before Graypaw.  The apprentice gasped.

                “This is the Great Stream, the border between DeathClan and CreekClan.  We follow it to Smooth Paths, StarClan territory.”  Ashfeather began to half run half pad alongside the stream.  Graypaw did the same to catch up with her mentor.

                “Did you see how rude that cat was?  It’s hard to believe Blooddrop is the DeathClan deputy!  More like DeathClan pain-in-the-butt!”  Graypaw snorted at the memory.  Ashfeather laughed.

                “Aren’t all deputies that way?” Ashfeather asked.

                “StarClan, no!  Sharpfang’s not that bad!  He’s a great deputy slash brother!”  Graypaw retorted.

                “That’s right, Sharpfang is Snowfur’s mate.  You know, Snowfur is so much more mature than you for being born at the same time, actually just a few minutes before you, Graypaw.”

                “Well, medicine cats have to train longer, Ashy!”

                “Graypaw, I know that.  This has nothing to do with the amount of training a cat receives, but a cat’s heart.” Ashfeather’s words stung Graypaw with a force that she’d never felt before.

                Maybe Blooddrop isn’t the only problem in the forest.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

          

     

So you see how the clans were created?  Now that that piece of history is over, back to FireClan's leader: Flamestar.  Flamestar was sitting on Oak Branch and had just finished his clan meeting.  He was thinking about how FireClan had grown strong over the few moons since it had started.  With quick hunters like DarkFeather and Robinsong, prey didn't stand a chance.  Those two were the lead hunters in that clan.  Without pressure and a target, the two could not run fast.  But when chasing prey, their senses-like magic-open up.  They take off like lightning after prey, and with a lunge and a quick bite, an addition to the fresh kill pile.  Plus all their other catches.

                But Robinsong and Darkfeather weren't the only stars in the clan.  Thornclaw and Pebblestep were star warriors.  They were like Darkfeather and Robinsong with mice, but they fought off foxes and badgers.  FireClan had never fought against an opponent clan, you see; the clans were all building upon each other to become strong.  Since a bond was still lively between the Northern Clans, the cats pretty much ignored any small suspicions.  StormClan especially, but Flamestar had asked Fastclaw to lead a patrol to check the borders.  Wether it was her height or skills, Ivystar couldn't keep control of her monsters.   The cats were constantly chasing squirrels into FireClan territory, and it was getting very annoying.  Flamestar almost felt sorry for her.  No, I can't be pitying rival clans.  We are enemies, no matter how close of a bond.

                "Hey, Flamestar.  Is it okay if I go on the evening patrol with Fastclaw?  We're short one warrior since Ashfeather needed Pebblestep to help her and Graypaw to colloect herbs." 

                The cat who spoke was the FireClan deputy, Sharpfang.  But Flamestar didn't care how high of rank Sharpfang had.  Sharpfang was more than that to Flamestar.  Sharpfang was Flamestar's best friend.  But anyone could claim they had a best friend, you know.  If anyone had that claim, it was Flamestar.  Something about those two... it was mysterious... some sort of crazy bond between them.  You could see it in their eyes. 

                "Oh, of course, Sharpfang.  You've worked hard today, though.  Don't go kill yourself, okay?"  Sharpfang smiled and nodded.

                Sharpfang was a great deputy.  He took his job seriously, but had time for fun.  Earlier that day, Sharpfang had told the apprentices their patrols for the next few days so they'd know when they could train, and when to sleep in.  And his patrols... perfect.  Sharpfang could put the clan in patrols like pieces to a puzzle: each patrol was paw made, fit together to make the perfect combination.  For example, a hunting patrol had two to three great hunters, and at least one good fighter, with a wise cat to keep everyone else calm in case of a skirmish brewing up.  Sometimes, Sharpfang could even fit a messenger apprentice when stakes of a fight were high.  And with two border patrols and two hunting patrols, most cats had to patrol two to three times.  But with Sharpfang organizing... cats patrolled with a large break to rest and to train apprentices, or to be trained, and to rest and eat.  With Sharpfang around to organise patrols, FireClan was perfect.

                No matter how high of a status Sharpfang had, he was still bossed around by his mate, Snowfur.  Snowfur's name came from her snow-white fur.  She was a beautiful cat, no doubt, with crystal-blue eyes.  She was a lucky one, you know, for she had perfect hearing.  Most white cats with blue eyes are deaf at birth, and are impossible to train to be warriors.  She was very bossy, and often grumpy, but Sharpfang still loved her.  Along with Darkfeather and Bluemist, of course.  They were great friends.  But at that time, they really had to comfort Snowfur, for she was expecting kits. 

                And Flamestar hoped that one day he would have kits on his own.  Flamestar loved the key huntress in his clan.  She could catch a squirrel anytime she tried.  And Ashfeather was often complaining at how she was always seeing omens and stealing her job as a medicine cat.  Flamestar often wondered why, you guessed it, Robinsong didn't become a medicine cat.  But he was thankful she didn't.  Medicine cats can't have mates. 

                "Flamestar, I'm taking Graypaw to recieve her warrior name."  Flamestar looked down to see Ashfeather beside an ecstatic Graypaw.  He chuckled.

                "That's right, it’s the half-moon.  Good luck," Flamestar said, still watching the cream-colored cat by the fresh kill pile.  He didn't even hear himself sigh.  Ashfeather began to laugh.   Flamestar shook his head and looked at her.  She winked.

                "Just because I'm a medicine cat doesn't mean I can't see the obvious," Ashfeather said, laughing.  Graypaw giggled.

                "Don't you have other things to do beside mooning over Robinsong?" Graypaw asked, giggling more.  She was shushed by a glaring Ashfeather.

                "Don't you be rude now, Graypaw.  I can always delay your ceremony, you know," Ashfeather said.  Graypaw pushed her paw to her muzzle and nodded.  Ashfeather stepped toward Flamestar.

                "Go ask her, Flamestar, before someone else does.  She'll understand, you know," Ashfeather whispered.  As Flamestar looked at Robinsong, she met his gaze and smiled.  Flamestar weakly smiled back.

Chapter 1

Part 1: The Prophecy

Chapter 1

               

            The fiery pelt of a large tom was the first character to notice in the large clan known as FireClan.  And as a matter of fact, this cat's name was Flamestar.  Flamestar sat upon the back center of FireClan's camp on a wide branch of an oak tree where he addressed clan meetings.  Another meeting had just ended, and there hadn't been many.  You see, FireClan was just created, along with seven other clans, since there were way too many cats for less.  The clans were divided into the Northern Clans and the Southern Clans, four clans in each.  FireClan was the fourth clan in the Northern Clans, and oh, why even bother with the shortened version... I'll start back in the times when the forest was led by a very strong death-black cat named Rage...

                Long ago, the forest was filled with cold, dark, savage cats.  They lived in a forest full of dangers, and were contained by no code.  These cats were dangerous, and we're lucky we don't have cats like them anymore.  Anyways, one day, a mysterious cat appeared during the cats' gathering known as the Assembly of the Northern Backyard, what they called their forest back then.  In fact, most cats still call it that.  This cat was cream-colored, not white, not brown, not tan, but cream.  None of the cats in the Northern Backyard had ever seen a cat like this one, so they all immediately paid attention to her.

                "I have come because I am concerned about your way of living.  The Northern Backyard was once a lovely land where cats could thrive, but it is time to let go of the past and establish new rules.  The land I have in mind is divided into eight groups, since there are so many of you.  But if you choose not to listen to my advice, there will be many less of you remaining."

                The cats looked at each other, murmuring, discussing the odds.  Then, one cat stepped out from the crowd.  He was the one I told you about earlier, remember?  His name was Rage, a very important cat in the making of the forest.  Without Rage, our clans never would've existed.

                "Just how do you expect to do that?" The black cat asked hostility.  The cream-colored cat met his gaze, not with anger, not with kindness, not with love, but with respect.

                "You must be the leader of these cats.  I have never seen one with such defense and courage for the ones you've come to love."  The cream-colored cat spoke to Rage with a quality he had never quite heard before.  The cream-colored cat had done what no other cat had accomplished: she had left Rage speechless.

                "Yeah... I'm the leader... I'm Rage."  The cream-colored cat nodded.  She smiled at Rage. 

                "You have courage like no other cat I've ever met, Rage.  You shall lead these cats to victory in defeating the many dangers such as foxes and badgers.  When you do, I shall return back here when you are done to explain your new lives.  Do you accept, Rage?"

                The cream-colored cat looked into Rage's eyes.  He considered his options, and then replied: "Yes."

                With Rage in the lead, all threats disappeared from the forest, the moors, the river area, and the mountains.  But this was at a high cost.  Sometime earlier in his life, Rage had met a beautiful she-cat named Maple.  They had four healthy kits.  But one day, Rage's co-leader, Bristle, discovered the bodies of Rage, Maple, and their kits: all dead.  No cat knew why, but they couldn't survive without their leader.  And then, the cream-colored cat returned once more.

                "Well done, cats of the Northern Backyard.  I'm sorry you've lost your leader, but life goes on." The crowd murmured in agreement.

                "Anyways, I have chosen eight cats to the eight clans we will establish.  Listen closely to the description for each clan; you will choose the one that suits you best to become your clan: your new life.  Since there are so many of you, there will be two sets of clans: The Northern Clans, and the Southern Clans.  These two groups of cats will meet once every four seasons, after the cycle of leaf-bare and new-leaf, on the first sunrise the snow had finished melting.  Each individual group of clans will meet once a moon." 

                A ripple of agreement surged through the crowd of cats.  The cream-colored cat had really thought about the clans and what would be best for gatherings.  They listened as the cream-colored cat began to speak again.

                "We will start with the Southern Clans," she said.  "The first clan is OwlClan.  OwlClan will live in the pine-trees, and will hunt in the shadows.  These cats love the night, and do much of their activities during this time.  Feather will lead this clan.  Feather, please come up here." 

                A shocked dark brown cat ran up to beside the cream-colored cat.  He looked at her.  She nodded.

                "Thank you, cream-colored cat.  I will lead OwlClan with all the bravery I have, plus more."  The cream-colored cat nodded.

                "Okay.  Next, is a clan called BrookClan.  They will live beside the water and hunt fish.  Swimming will be taught to the young cats, and will become their way of life.  Where's Flow?"  A light brown she-cat stepped up and gave a speech much like Feather's.

                "Next is WhisperClan.  WhisperClan will live in the moor and cats that can run fast and live on rabbits will join Fox in her clan."  Fox came up, and then the cream-colored cat described a hilly area that would become NightClan territory and would be led by a cat named Dusk.

                "Those are the Southern Clans.  Next, will be the Northern Clans.  First up, is a clan named DeathClan.   They are the equivalent of OwlClan.  DeathClan isn't as bad as it sounds, for Wolf is actually a kind, funny cat that will make the perfect leader.  Can you imagine a reaction your enemies would do when they faced a clan named DeathClan?"  Wolf had a large scar and half an ear.  He came up and scanned the crowd.

                "Next is a clan called CreekClan.  CreekClan is just like BrookClan, but Stream is a cat like Wolf: funny but strong.  CreekClan will have the land where the river meets the lake with more marshy areas."  A gray tom came up and met the cream-colored cat with a warm greeting.

                "Let's not forget our second-to-last clan: StormClan.  StormClan will live in the forest, hunting mice and voles, with the river passing through.  Oh, by the way, the river will pass through each territory for plenty of water for each clan.  Come up, Ivy!"  A small gray she-cat came up.  She struggled to jump onto the boulder where the other six cats stood.

                "Last, but certainly not least, is FireClan, much like StormClan.  I have no doubt that Flame will lead FireClan to be all it can be."  Ah, do you remember the cat with the fiery pelt?  The cat I just said, Flame, is him.  The cats before the clans didn't have two names. 

                As soon as Flame finished his speech, the cats cheered.  It was time to choose their new clan.  The cream-colored cat hopped down, followed by the eight new leaders, and all the other cats in the forest, eager to start a new, organized life, and to leave their old, savage ways behind in the dust.

Prologue

Prologue

     It was a warm new-leaf night where the shine of the moon lit up the small clearing.  The trees swayed from side to side, whispering their secrets to one another silently.  Soon, however, the wind came to a slight pause as a dark gray shadow stepped from the security of the trees.  The shadow cautiously glanced from side to side, and then straight forward.  Carefully, the shadow stepped out further, still looking from side to side, revealing the shape of a cat.  Her long gray fur blew across her small, slanted face as she crept towards yet another cat releasing himself from the trees.  He kept his tail low to the ground as he began to meet the other cat halfway across the clearing.  Facing each other, the tom was much taller and strong; the small gray she-cat was barely half his size. 

     "Do you ever get the feeling that, well," The she-cat paused momentarily, as if trying to choose the correct words to get her point across.

     "It's okay," the tom spoke calmly and evenly, encouraging the cat.  "You can trust me to understand."  The she-cat considered this, and then nodded.

     "That your life is about to change?" The she-cat was staring at the ground when the tom spoke.  Now she looked up, studying the tom's eyes for an unspoken lie.

     "For better or for worse?" The tom asked.  The she-cat frowned, thinking. 

     "For worse," she stated.  Once again she searched the cat's gaze for a false note.  The tom paused, considering this, and then met the she-cat's gaze.  He frowned, and the she-cat noticed this.

     "What's wrong?  Why are you acting like this, Grayfur?" The tom said his voice lower and more mysterious.  A look of concern and worry washed over his face.

     "It's nothing... nothing at all." The she cat broke the tom's gaze and hesitated before turning around.  Before she could move, the tom blocked her path.

      "What is it, Grayfur?  I'm not a mousebrain; I know something is wrong in this forest.  But I can't help you unless you tell me what you know!" The sharpness in the tom's voice startled the she-cat.  She sighed and looked at him again.

     "A prophecy, Sharpfang.  A prophecy," The she-cat replied, worried.  The concern and worry returned to the tom's face.

     "When did you get this?  Grayfur, don't play this game with me!  I must know so we can stop whatever this is!" The tom looked at his paws after saying this.  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell." The tom's apology helped the she-cat to gain her strength back.

     "When I became a full medicine cat, Sharpfang.  The cat gave me a prophecy..."

     "What was the prophecy, Grayfur?  You have to tell me! " The tom's eyes pleaded with the she-cat's.  Finally, the she-cat gave in.

     "Well, I don't know if I should tell," The she-cat looked around, stalling.  The tom glared at her.

     "Did this cat specifically tell you not to share this prophecy?" The tom's patience was beginning to run low.

     "No-"

     "So tell me!"  The she-cat sighed.  She carefully glanced around before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

     "Five cats must defeat the leaves of the poison ivy before the flames grow dim..." The she-cat opened her eyes and looked at the tom.  He just stared at her, puzzled.

     "Well?" she asked the tom.  "What do you think it means?" The tom shook his head slowly, thinking of the possibilities.  At last he just sighed.

     "I don't know.  I just... don't know." The tom looked at his paws while the she-cat looked to the sky.  A bright light was emerging from behind the trees, breaking from the branches.  The tom noticed it too.

     "We had better go," the she cat said.  “You know they’ve partnered with… them.  They might be anywhere.” The tom nodded.

     "Yes, also the clan will wonder where we are.   See you later."

     "Same to you." The two cats padded back the ways they came, taking their time, thinking of the possible explanations they would tell their clans.  Soon, the she-cat stopped, letting her fur settle.  She gazed at the sky, seeing something no other cat but a true medicine cat could interpret.

     "Dark days are coming," she murmured.  As she walked away, the sun continued to rise, melting the stars and the moon, leaving it to come again in the night.

Introduction

(I haven't edited this part yet.  I started on the prologue, so I'll update this part after I do it.  This is the prologue from the original story)
"Shhh, be quiet Cloudkit or she'll see us!" Berrykit warned.  Cloudkit glared at her.
"If you don't be quiet then she'll spot us!"  Cloudkit spat back.
"Shh she's coming!"  Berrykit warned.  Cloudkit and Berrykit crouched behind the bush and slowly peeked out.  Petalblossom was roaming nearby, asking anyone she came across where they were hiding.  As soon as she crossed the fern patch and headed into the heart of camp, the two kits emerged from their hiding place.
 "That was close!" Cloudkit panted as soon as the coast was clear.
"I'll say," Berrykit replied.  She looked up into the sky.  "We still have a while before our ceremony,"  Berrykit said.
"Oh, I can hardly wait!"  Cloudkit grinned.  "I wonder who my mentor will be! Probably Shadefeather, the best warrior in FireClan!" Cloudkit said.
Berrykit frowned.  "Shadefeather wouldn't be caught dead with you," she said to Cloudkit.
"Well-" Cloudkit was interrupted by a loud grunt and pawsteps coming in their direction.  The kits whipped around to be face to face with Ivymist, the oldest elder in the forest.
"Ivymist!" Berrykit and Cloudkit squealed, forgetting all about their argument.
"Can't a cat get any rest without kits waking them up?" Ivymist grunted.
"We won't be kits for long!" Berrykit boasted.  "Our apprentice ceremony'll be real soon!"  Berrykit grinned.  "Well you should be getting ready for it so I can get some rest,"  Ivymist muttered.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Ivymist!"  Suddenly Petalblossom appeared in the den.  "I hope they haven't been a lot of trouble,"  Petalblsoom said as she ducked down and began to lick Cloudkit's head.  He glared at her.  "You're embarassing me, mom!" he cried.
"These two need to come with me and get ready," Petalblossom said to Ivymist.
 "Now now, no need to rush," Ivymist said calmly, "they can stay with me."  Ivymist looked at Petalblossom.  "Please??????????"  Cloudkit and Berrykit begged together.
 "Alright, as long as they don't cause any trouble."  Petalblossom grumbled.  "But I want them back awhile before the ceremony,"  she added.
Ivymist rolled her eyes as Petalblossom left.  "Alright then, how about a story?"  Ivymist asked.
Cloudkit and Berrykit nodded.
"What would you like to hear?"  Ivymist asked.
"The story of FireClan!"  Cloudkit and Berrykit both said at once.
"That's a long story," Ivymist began, "And your ceremony isn't far off!"  Cloudkit and Berrykit exchanged a glance.
"We have plenty of time!" Cloudkit said.
"PLE-" they began.
"Enough, okay, okay!" Ivymist said, defeated.
"I'll tell that story if you promise to pay attention.  Understand?"  Cloudkit and Berrykit nodded.  "Alright then," Ivymist said.  "It all started with a strong, brave, leader named Rage..."