Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Victor

     All cats turn as the strong black and white cat strolls by.  To cats new to the land, he is no different from any other black and white cat, a common breed.  But to the cats native to the land, this cat is much more.  Braver, stronger.  Prouder.  The leader.  This cat is Victor, king of the Northern Backyard, as the cats there call it.  The Northern Backyard.  I laugh as I think of it.  Who else could think of a better name?  Much catchier than "the front yard", or "the forest".  It suits the cats here well, the northern backyard.  None of us had a backyard in the housefolks' nests, with only a small section of grass sprinkled around the front, secured by a tall, wooden fence.  But this way, we have a yard much better than any other cats'.  The forest, full of the best belly-fillers around.  Fancy Feast, Friskies, Meow Mix... nothing comes close to the fresh taste of mouse.  Fish and birds, voles and frogs, good as well.  But mouse... yum.  I grin as I walk past the cats I've come to love along the entrance to the forest.  They all nod and smile back, acknowledging me.  Finally, I jump onto the stone where I address the Assembly of the Northern Backyard.
"Greetings, kits, elders.  Welcome to the Assembly.  I'd like to start with announcements," I say.  "Prey seems plentiful, the housefolks' nests peaceful.  All cats have been accounted for, yes?"  I look into the faces of my crowd.  They all nod.
"Wait!" A startled she-cat voice shouts.  I look toward the direction of the noise.  "My kit!  My kit is gone!"
I nod.  It's best to let the cat know that I'm concerned, but not worried.  "It's alright, we'll find your kit.  State your kit's name please."
"Honey!" The she-cat's voice is getting calmer.
"Where did you last see Honey?"
"Before I went to sleep.  I had all my kits there... I woke up and she was gone!"
"It's okay.  You're Flower, right?"
"Correct."  I nod again.
"Flower, I will send out three patrols to search for your kit.  One will go in the forest, the other around the lake, the last back to the housefolk.  Let me have... group 5 for the forest... 8 for the lake... and 2 back to the housefolk.  Search thoroughly and then get the group after your number to replace you and check again.  As for the rest of you, I know Honey is important, but I won't let this ruin all of your time.  Please enjoy your day and keep watch for Honey.  If you happen to see this, inform me and I will inform the patrols.  Alright, you can go!"  I think that was well said.  Nice work, Victor.  I watch as cats hurry off, ready to play in the forest and hunt.  It's the thing we do here: an organised, planned day.  We all gather at this stone before heading into the forest for announcements.  If cats have died we have a moment of silence and a vigil later on that day, and if a cat is missing we send out rotating searches so all cats can enjoy their day.  Why let one careless cat ruin the day for everyone else?
     "Victor?" I look down.  The she-cat is standing beneath the stone I'm on.
"Yes, Flower?" I ask.  She looks at her paws, then back up at me.
"Just... thank you, Victor.  Thank you for being such a great leader and watching out for us.  Thank you for watching out for our kits and elders, and doing your all to keep us safe.  You're a great leader."  My heart soars as she says this.  I don't know what to say.  So I hope down and look Flower in the eyes.
"No, thank you, Flower.  It means a lot to hear those words from the heart.  And rest assured, we'll find Honey.  Would you like to come with me to the hill?" Flower's eyes widen.
"Yes, that would mean a lot," she replies happily.  I grin.
"Okay then, let's go!" Together we pad off toward the forest, me doing my best to keep her talking, and she replying honestly to keep her mind off the possibilities.

<<<

     Moon was a courageous cat who never stopped believing.  She watched out for her fellow cats, even though she was their equal, not the leader.  She would share her fresh-kill with those too young or old to catch their own, and would comfort those who lost others.  Her best friend, Cloud, always helped her in her good deeds.  They were the best of friends.  And one day, Moon's life took a turn.   Cloud was chasing a squirrel but the day turned to night and Cloud still hadn't returned.  So Moon set out with her friends Dew and Gorse to search for her friend...

Short Break :P

Hey its Grayfur!!!  So, to get to the point, school's almost out.  Just one more week.  So, with so much going on, I won't be able to work on the next chapter until summer is here.  That's just a week, 7 days exactly.  Then, I'll have a lot of time to work on the stories (FireClan's Destiny link available on The Story of FireClan blog).  So, yeah.  :T

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Thornclaw

     "Where did Spotkit go?"  Thornkit asked Redkit after her ceremony.
"Dunno.  Why do you care?" Redkit asked, but she laughed shortly after.  Thornkit smiled.
"Just wondering why it's so quiet around here!" Thornkit replied with a snort.
"On that note, where's Pebblekit?" Redkit looked around the clearing.  There was no sign of Pebblekit.  Twigtail was in one corner of camp.  The two kits padded up to her.
"Hey mom!" Redkit said to Twigtail.
"Hey, Redkit.  Have you seen Pebblekit?" Twigtail asked.  Redkit shrugged.
"That's what we were going to ask you!" Redkit exclaimed.
"We can look around camp!" Thornkit suggested quickly.  It hurts to see them like that.  Yellowspike doesn't love me that way.  
"Sure, but just in camp, or I'll have your tails pinned to the walls of the nursery!"  Twigtail replied with a laugh.  Redkit and Thornkit exchanged a glance as they walked away.
"Do you think she meant it?" Redkit asked Thornkit.  She looked behind her back and tucked her tail between her legs.  She ducked her head low as she walked.
"Don't be silly!  Twigtail was joking!" Thornkit replied.  But Thornkit pulled his tail to his side an looked at it nervously.  After reaching the heart of camp, the kits stopped.
"You take that side, I'll take the other," Redkit instructed.  Thornkit nodded and padded away.
"Dirt place, Thornkit, dirt place."
"Huh?" Thornkit looked around nervously.
"Dirt place.  Go to dirt place."
"But... I don't have to!  And you only come at night!" Thornkit whispered.  He backed up slowly, looking at the sky.  He felt something behind him and looked there.  Graypaw was looking at him.
"Sorry, Graypaw!"  Thornkit said.  She stared at him blankly.  "I really am sorry!"  Graypaw shook her head.
"My apologies.  I'm... tired today."  Graypaw picked up herbs that she dropped.  She slowly backed away, then turned around and ran.  Thornkit blinked.  What's her problem?  Thornkit just shrugged and walked away.
"Dirt place you mousebrain, dirt place!  Wrong way idiot!"  
"Oh."  Thornkit turned around and walked toward the smelly land called dirt place.  "Now what?" he asked the sky.
"Dude.  I'm not a flipping cloud.  You don't have to address the sky!"
"Sorry.  Now what?"  Thornkit looked around dirt place.
"Figure it out you piece of fox dung."
"Uh, okay."  Thornkit looked around.  Dirt place was just like any part of the forest, lined with ferns and other plants around the outside marking the camp's borders, just smellier.  Little paw prints led out of dirt place and deep into the forest.
"That's Pebblekit's, aren't they?" Thornkit asked.
"No, it's a rabbit's."
"Okay.  So then where's Pebblekit then?"  Thornkit asked the sky.
Sigh.
"Uh, okay.  So I'll just go get Twigtail and she can arrange for a patrol!"  Thornkit suggested and he began to walk out.
"What would a real warrior do?  Fetch others for help because he's too weak?"
"But..."  Thornkit began.
"Do you ever want to be a real warrior?" 
"Yes!"
"Then be a warrior and go rescue Pebblekit!"
Thornkit glanced at where the paw prints led to.  He crouched down nervously, tail twitching.  Thornkit finally took a deep breath.
"Okay.  Let's do this!"  Thornkit growled and sprang towards the paw prints, only to fall in a moist clump.
"Mouse dung." He muttered.  Thornkit got up and headed out of dirt place.  I hope the cat is right.  If anyone catches me sneaking out of camp...
"You know, they'll love you if you come back with Pebblekit."
True.  But still... I better come back victorious or not come back at all!

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Wolfstrike

     Wolfpaw happily pads next to Foxpool.  The orange and white warrior looks at him.
"Oh, hello, Wolfpaw.  Ready to explore the territory?" Foxpool asks.  Wolfpaw blinks.
"What was that?" Wolfpaw asks.
"We're going to explore the territory," Foxpool says again.  Its more like whispers.  Can't she talk at all?  No wonder she's such a great hunter and fighter.  No one can hear her coming!
"So where to first?" Wolfpaw asks.
"Lets start by the large clearing, where OwlClan was originally going to have camp, but it was so plentiful in prey that Featherstar decided to leave it for hunting grounds."  It's a great time for a history lesson, for an elephant!  How am I supposed to hear you, Foxpool!? 
"Uh, okay.  Can we hunt?" Wolfpaw asks his mentor.  Foxpool shakes her head.
"Last I checked you just became an apprentice," she says, louder.  Oh, so now she raises her voice to prove me wrong.  Haha, that's a good one, Foxpool.  
"Uh, so this is a clearing.  Do tell me more." Wolfpaw looks around the clearing.  This is equal to mouse dung.  It's a clearing! A clearing!  Who cares about the history of a clearing?  
"I'm glad to know you're interested, Wolfpaw.  You see, when OwlClan was searching for a camp in our new territory, we discovered this clearing.  It seemed perfect, but blablablablablabla bla bla blabla..."  Oh my STARCLAN!  Will you EVER SHUT UP?!  Wolfpaw let out a soft growl as Foxpool continued to talk, this time louder.
"Can we... go to the next spot?" Wolfpaw asks as politely as he can.
"Oh, of course, Wolfpaw.  Let's go to the tallest pine, and then along the border," Foxpool says softly.
"What was that?"
"Tallpine.  Wolfpaw.  Tallpine." Foxpool growls.
"Oh, ok..." Wolfpaw stares at his mentor.
"Sorry, Wolfpaw.  Lets get going." Foxpool says softly again.  What is up with her?  One minute she talks in what can barely qualify as a whisper, the next she yells at me.  What's her problem?  
       Wolfpaw and Foxpool continue to walk towards the tallest pine tree.  Foxpool stops, picking up her front right leg.
"Hu-" Wolfpaw begins, but is interrupted by a glare at Foxpool.  She strains her ear forward.  Wolfpaw perks his ears.  Rustle, rustle.  Wolfpaw rolls his eyes up in thought.  What makes that sound.  Foxpool strains her head forward now.  What happened to the regular hunting crouch?  Why is she hunting like, like this?  Foxpool's tail sways back and force, her legs twitching.  Isn't a huntress supposed to stay still?  Any cat?   Suddenly, Foxpool springs forward with such speed that the leaves rustle and Wolfpaw jumps back.  A rabbit!  Wolfpaw's eyes widen as Foxpool's legs spread wide and she flies forward.  The rabbit has no time to run.  Foxpool's jaws close around the rabbit after her head cranes to the left.  Wolfpaw's eyes widen as Foxpool whirls around, dropping the rabbit before Wolfpaw.
"Now that's what I call hunting!" She says, barely panting.  Oh, StarClan!  She was great!  That was amazing!  Foxpool laughs as Wolfpaw says nothing, too shocked to reply.
"How... what happened to... hunting crouch..." Wolfpaw barely manages to talk, still shocked.  Foxpool laughs again.
"Any kit can learn the hunting crouch!  But not every warrior can ever learn the tempest swipe!"  Foxpool replies with a smile.
"The tempest swipe?" Wolfpaw asks, confused.
"Yep.  Do you want to learn?"  Foxpool asks.  Wolfpaw's eyes widen.
"Really?  I can learn?" Wolfpaw asks, shocked.  Foxpool asks.
"Wolfpaw, any can with patience and skill can learn.  You'll have to show me patience and persistence.  Can you do that?"
"Oh course!"
"Oh, and one more thing."
"What?"
"You must promise not to tell anyone about it.  No one.  Or I won't teach you.  You have to be sworn to secrecy.  If I find out you told, you'll regret it."  Foxpool looks at her apprentice.  Wolfpaw's heart pounds.
"I won't tell, I promise," Wolfpaw replies.  Foxpool smiles.
"Onto the tallest pine in the forest," Foxpool instructs.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Fastclaw

     The images in Coalkit's mind scarred him.  His mother's head before Aquakit, Fireblaze snapping his sister's neck.  Coalkit closed his eyes for a brief second.  He opened them shortly after.  Fireblaze is no longer my father.  I have no kin left.  No kin left... No kin.  No Aquakit or Amberkit.  No Wingshadow.  Yet still Fireblaze.
I will get my revenge, one day.
One day.
The wind blows through Coalkit's long, sleek black fur as he runs.  Coalkit's fear had taken control of his mind.  He had run for miles, yet to him it felt like he had just left camp.  His last meal had been only hours ago, but it felt like moons.  He was famished and thirsty.  His paw pads were cracked and bleeding, and his legs were sore from running.  Running for so long.  He was sweating all over, and his tail was drooping as he ran.  Only the wind from his speed could lift it.  The kit was exhausted, yet he kept running.  What fear could do to a cat.  His brain was oblivious to trees, roots, and puddles.  His feet had to take over.  When he tripped on a root, he immediately got up and kept running.  He didn't give his body a break, no matter how much he yearned to catch up.  His tongue was lolling out, heavy breaths escaping.  Yet Coalkit kept on running.  What fear could do to a cat...
     Now the sun was rising.  It had been the evening when Fireblaze killed his kin.  All dead.  All dead.  Never to be back on Earth...  Coalkit had been running all night.  Yet he didn't notice.  And finally, Coalkit noticed.  He noticed that his stomach was howling, and that his paws were aching.  That he was thirsty.  That his tongue was practically falling off.  He was absolutely exhausted.  And finally, all the energy he lost took control of him.  His body took over his fear.
"You worked yourself too hard, Coalkit.  Take a break, it won't hurt.  Your paws need a break.  Your legs need a break.  Your tongue needs more water; your stomach more food.  Take a break..."  Coalkit's body took over his mind.  Coalkit collapsed.  No, Fireblaze is right behind me!  Coalkit's thoughts screamed at his legs.  Get up!  Get up!  
"Get up!  Get up!"  Coalkit perked his ears.  His brain relaxed.  I guess I'm going crazy.
"You have to get up!" Or not.  Something is talking to me...
"Please get up, Blaze, please get up!"  A she-cat.  Is my name Blaze?  Coalkit couldn't remember.  Or was it fire?  Flame?  
"I can't!" No, I can't.  But I didn't say that.  Where is it coming from?  
"You have to get up!  The fox will kill you if you don't!"  What in the name of Blaze is a fox?  And who's talking?  Curiosity persuaded Coalkit to open his eyes.  Red drops were covering the ground.  That's blood, right?  Its blood.  I think.  Then two fuzzy shaped appeared before him.  No, three.  Four!  Three.  A third orange blurry figure was running towards two fuzzy things.  Coalkit could see that one was on the ground.  The second was over the other.
"Hurry!  The fox is coming!  Please get up, Blaze!" Oh, wow!  The thing- fox- is coming towards the blur on the ground.  I guess that is a bad thing, for the other cat sounds... scared?  Is that the emotion for fear?  Yes, it is.  If that thing doesn't get up... The blurry objects weren't objects.  They were cats.  Two cats.  Coalkit blinked.  The blurriness was gone.  A fox was running toward the two cats.  It would kill them if the one cat didn't get the other cat off the ground.  Blood.  Blood, that cat is bleeding.  Its too weak to get up.  Coalkit sighed.  That cat on the ground- Blaze- reminded him of someone.  Someone familiar.  Someone doing the same thing.
     The cat standing screamed.  Not because of the cat on the ground.  The fox had sprung.  And it was cut short by a black blur this time.  And Coalkit couldn't see the blur.  The blur was clear.  He was the blur.
     Where am I?  What should I do?  Coalkit was facing the fox, its long, skinny muzzle inches from his.  This thing will KILL me!  What do I do?  Coalkit searched his memory for any traces of fighting foxes.  There was nothing.  Nothing from before today.  Or was it a moon?  How long had I been lying there?  
     The fox lunged at Coalkit.  Coalkit reached out with his paw and swiped at the fox.  It snarled, a yip of surprise.  I don't need memory for fighting!  My claws and body takes over that, not my brain!  Coalkit jumped on the shocked fox, using surprise as the key to the battle.  And after awhile, the fox ran.  Coalkit purred.  Now to figure out who I am.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Rage

At last, they head over to where they started to face the smartest cats.  There are very few waiting there, 12 at the most.  Stone looks at Crow, who thinks of the hardest question he knows.  Suddenly he gets an idea.
"First two cats to whisper the answer in my ear win.  Here is the question:
Dandelion can see a rare type of moss from the great oak.  She wants to get the moss, but deadly bees are in the oak and she can not climb the tree.  How can she get the moss?"  Crow asks.  The cats stare at him with confused expressions.  One tom walks over and whispers into Crow's ear.  Crow rolls his eyes.
"Flying is not possible." Crow mutters.  The tom huffs out in frustration.
"What is it?" Stone asks Crow.  One look at Stone and Crow knows the old cat really is confused!  After a few seconds, a skinny calico cat about Crow's age, young, not quite full grown, with a shimmering pelt walks up to Crow.  Her jade green eyes shine in the sunlight.  Crow stares at her.  Please get this right, calico.  The calico looks into the tom's eyes and whispers into his ear.  Crow smiles at her.
"We have a winner.  Any other answers?"  Crow looks into the crowd.  No cat says anything.
"Then I guess only one cat will win this then.  What's your name?" Crow asks the calico.  She smiles and lifts her head as she replies.
"I am Maple."
"Congratulations, Maple.  Follow us to the finals." Crow walks slowly so the calico can catch up and walk beside the black tom.  He smiles at her.
"How did you know the answer?" Crow asks her.  He takes in her scent.  Like fresh herbs.  Maybe that's where she got her name.  Maple.
Maple shrugs.  "It was a lucky guess," she says, and smiles at Crow shyly.  Crow smiles back.  Soon Stone stops so abruptly Crow runs into him.
"Sorry," Crow says.  Maple laughs.  Crow grows red with embarrassment again.
"What should the final challenge be?" Stone asks Crow.  Hmm.  Maybe another riddle?  No, that would be unfair.  The other cats may not be as smart as Maple.  But what will be fair to all these cats?  Stone can see right into Crow.
"Tricky to make it fair?" He asks.  Crow nods.  "It's your decision."  But what should it be?
"Um, lets sit in circle." Crow says.  The cats assemble into a circle.  "We will go around listing prey and, er, if you can't name one in 5 seconds you're out.  Last 5 cats in win..."  Crow says awkwardly.  The cats shrug.
"I can accept that," Rock mutters.
"I'll start," Crow says.  "Mouse."
"Rabbit." Maple says.
"Fish," Rock says.
"Frog," Grass says.
"Snake," Mouse says.
"Worm," Rabbit says.
"Bugs." A cat says.
"Voles." a tom says.
"Rats." the other tom says.
"Thrush." The other fisher says.
"Crows." Maple says, a mischievous glance in her eyes. Crow smiles at her.
"Hawks." Rock says.
"Umm..." Grass looks uneasy.  She sighs after five seconds and exits the circle.
"Well done," Crow whispers to her.  She nods sadly.
"Minnows," Mouse says.  Rabbit says nothing.  Crow gives her an apologetic smile as she joins Grass.
The next cat, a fisher, is speechless too.  She walks over beside the two cats out.
"Only one more cat to get out!" Crow announces.
"Leeches!"
"Magpie."
"Foxes."
Crow looks at Maple.  She looks at the ground, her tail swaying.  Crow's heart begins to sink.
4.  Maple looks at the sky, her eyes closed.
3. Crow looks at Stone, who is looking at Maple.
2. Maple digs her claws into the ground, then sheathes them.
1. Maple shakes her head sadly.
0. 
"We have our winners." Crow says dryly.  The 5 cats cheer.
"In honor of the cats that lost, they shall lead the next 2 meetings with me." Stone says to the four cats out.  All eleven cats walk back to the boulders.  Crow looks at Maple.  She is looking at her paws.
"You'd think I'd have won," she says sadly, "being the winner of the smartest cats and all."  Crow smiles and nods.
"I guess I'll see you later, Maple." Crow says.
"Same," she replies.  As Stone and Crow hop onto the boulder, Crow can't help but think of the journey.
Even though I just met the cat, I can't help but think of the journey without Maple.

Interested in the answer to the riddle?  Leave your guess in a comment!  First to get it wins some sort of prize.  I don't know what yet though... I'll figure it out.

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Rage

     "Welcome to the Assembly of the Northern Backyard!" The gray cat's voice rings into the ears of the cats listening.  They listen as he speaks.
"We are facing many problems, especially those of our hunger.  There is no prey around."  Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the cats below.  "Any cat with an idea of how to get the prey around, please step forward."
     "Times are hard during leaf-bare, this particular one especially," The gray cat continues, looking at the cats below him.  "But we must get through this.  Even if we have to resort to eating the foxes and the badgers."
     Crow sways his tail as he listens to Stone.  Hmm.  What can we do to solve this problem?  
"We could see what edible plants there are!" A cream-colored cat suggests.  Stone shakes his head.
"The prey needs the plants to eat.  And with the prey so scarce, we can't afford to kill it ourselves." Stone says wisely.  Cats murmur in agreement. "But thank you for the offer."  The cream-colored cat nods.
"Maybe we should relocate to a different section of the forest?" An orange tom suggests.  Stone shrugs.
"Normally that would be a good idea," Stone says, "but we've invested too much here."
Prey doesn't just run away.  There must be a reason.  
"There must be a reason for the prey vanishing.  We should send out a group of cats to find it." Crow stands and meets the eyes of Stone.  The wise old tom nods.
"What is your name, young one?" Stone asks.
"Crow."
"Well, Crow, you certainly have a point.  The prey doesn't just vanish.  I agree; I will choose 5 cats to accompany you on this patrol."  Crow's eyes widen.
"You mean I get to lead it?" Crow is speechless as Stone nods.
"You suggested it, didn't you?" Crow smiles and nods.
"Then I shall choose the cats.  We will have a competition for the winner."
"When will you decide?" A cat asks.
"Right now," Stone replies.  Slowly the cats emerge.
 "There shall be 5 tasks, and the top two of each will compete for the 5 spots.  Understand?"  Yowls of agreement spread through the cats after Stone speaks.
"I want the best hunters over towards the stones, the fastest runners by the clearing, the highest climbing cats by the large oak, the quickest fishers by the Great Stream, and the smartest cats to stay here.  There will be two winners in each catagory.  Go to the place where you are the most gifted.  Now go!"  The cats scatter in all directions toward the locations Stone instructed.  Stone looks at Crow.
"Lets start with the hunters.  Come on."  Stone leads Crow back to the large boulders where the Assembly of the Northern Backyard takes place.  They look out into the crowd.
"You announce what they must do," Stone instructs Crow.  Crow nods.
"The first cat to catch and form of prey wins.  Second also comes.  If there is a tie for second, the biggest piece of prey wins.  Come back with your prey to this stone, first up wins.  Go!"  The cats run in all directions.
"How long do you think they'll take?" Crow asks.  Stone shrugs.
"Depends on their luck.  Maybe five minutes, maybe 5 moons."  Stone and Crow laugh.
"If you had to compete in this, which catagory would you go in?" Stone asks Crow.  He shrugs.
"Probably hunting or climbing.  Most likely hunting," Crow replies.  Stone nods.  "You?"
"Hmm... smarts.  My old body can't run after prey or fish, yet run at all!"  Stone replies with a chuckle.  Crow nods.  Who would've guessed I'd become friends with the most famous cat!?  Several minutes pass before panting is heard in the distance.  Crow's ear twitches.  Two cats appear, one carrying what looks like a frog, the other a small mouse.  They bunch up their mussels and jump onto the boulder.
"Well done!" Stone says.  One cat is a dark gray she-cat, the other a light brown tom.
"Hunters gather back!" Crow yowls into the night.  "The winners have arrived!"


"To the large oak!" Stone yowls.  The winners of the hunting contest follow Crow and Stone to the giant oak tree where fewer cats stand, waiting.
"This one is simple," Crow says.  "Three cats at a time will climb the tree as high as they can, as fast as they can.  The fastest will come down for the bonus round where we decide the winners."  Stone walks around, dividing the cats into 5 different groups.   The first three cats climb the tree.  They reach about half-way up.  A dark brown she-cat is the winner of that round.  The next round the cats climb higher, and 3 more groups of cats climb up.  The five winners gather at the base of the tree.  Crow looks up at the great oak.  There is one patch of yellow leaves.
"First 2 cats to the yellow leaves win.  No pushing or shoving or an automatic disqualification.  Go!"  The cats climb up the tree faster than Crow can watch.  But the first two cats up are obvious.
"We have our winners!"  Crow yowls.  The two she-cats that won look like sisters.
"And now to the Great Stream!" Crow mews with a smile.  The four winners follow Crow and Stone to the Great Stream, where a large number of cats are.
"Line up along the stream," Stone instructs.  The cats do as he says.  "First to catch a fish wins. Go!"  The cats are silent as they stare into the water.  Crow grows hot with embarrassment because of the silence.
"So, what are your names?" Crow asks the winners to break the silent.  The winners of the climbing competition speak first.
"I'm Mouse, and this is Rabbit.  We're sisters." One of the two tan she-cats says.
"And I'm Grass," The tom hunter says.
"Rock" the she-cat huntress says.  Stone nods.  Splash!  
"Caught one!"  Splash.
"Same!"  Stone walks over to where the two cats are.  He walks back with the two cats following, approval in his eyes.
"Onto the runners in the clearing!" Crow exclaims.  They pad over to the large clearing where many cats wait.
"First cats to the other side of the clearing win!  On your meow, get set, run!" Crow shouts.  The cats take off after lining up.  In less than a minute there are 2 winners, two toms.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Victor

     The next day, I awake early.  Maybe Tough and Rough will be up.  They might be able to show me the forest.  Salmon and Trout are sleeping next to mother.  They won't miss me.  I creep past them.  I crawl under the twoleg stuff, and out the little flap-wall.  The stars shine as walk down the steps and into the yard.
"Aspen?  Windergreen?" I call into the night softly.  No reply.
"Tough? Rough?" I call again.  Still, no reply.  I snort in frustration.  Where are those furrballs?  I bunch up and hop onto the fence with ease.  I take a pawstep forward, and then another, gaining speed.  I look into the yards of the twolegs, but no sign of my friends.  Soon the sun is coming up.  I sigh and retrace my steps.  I guess I better go back.  
     "Where have you been, Minnow?" Mother asks me sharply.
"Uh, exploring the house," I reply.  She narrows her eyes.
"You nearly missed the story," Mother says dryly.  My ears perk up.
"Do tell!" I say.
"Please Mama?  At least tell us and not Minnow!" Salmon says.  I roll my eyes but look at Mother.
"Just listen," she says.  We sit in a semi-circle facing Mother.  "Once, a long time ago, there was a young cat named Moon.  Moon was a very special cat, you see.  One day, she decided to explore the world.  She left her home and walked into the forest nearby.  The forest was a dangerous place, you see, and still is."
Trout's eyes widen.  Salmon gasps.
"What was the forest like?" Salmon asks.
"Shh.  I'm getting to that," Mother says.  Salmon and Trout nod.  "The forest was full of dog-like creatures, but were far more dangerous than your common yapper.  These dogs had long, pointy snouts.  They had puffy tails and were orange and white.  The had sharp, dagger-like teeth.  There were small, flat-faced creatures that were just as dangerous as the orange dogs, but worse.  They could eat a cat in one bite.  But Moon wasn't scared.  She kept walking through the forest, following the stars."
"Wasn't Moon scared?" Salmon asks.
"No.  Salmon was very brave, you see," Mother replies.  Salmon nods.
"Soon, the trees began to grow scarcer and scarcer.  The grass under Moon's paws grew harder and harder.  And soon there were no trees at all.  She saw some twolegs nearby.  Moon was very curious.  She slunk up unnoticed by the twolegs.  They had small sticks with weird shaped thick leaves on the end, and were hitting them up against a cave where they were working.  Moon entered the cave.  Small lines of bright, glittering yellow lined the walls of the cave.  There were smooth, criss-crossed tracks that Moon followed.  Soon, the twolegs became less and less common.  The cave grew darker, but Moon still walked on.  And then, she came into a part of the cave where two tracks met.  There were beautiful crystals along the wall glowing where Moon stood.  It was beautiful.  Moon was very tired from her journey, and went to sleep.  She dreamed of cats with stars on their pelts that told her to go on a journey.  She would find her destiny at that place, and a yellow cat would accompany her."
My eyes widen at the thought of that cave.  That would be so cool!
"Moon accepted her quest and left the cave.  She was to go north, past the forest, past the mouth of the streams, to a place where the sun sank beneath the huge pool of water, so huge where you couldn't see the other side.  She met the yellow cat along her journey who was named Gold.  When she got to the place, she learned of her destiny."
"What was her destiny?" Trout asks, his eyes wide.
"That is for you to decide, my dear.  No one knows what Moon's destiny was, or her story of why she left her home." Mother replies.
"You mean no one really knows?  Then how did you hear of this story?" I ask.  Mother says nothing.
"Yeah, Mama, how did you know?" Salmon asks.
"It's been passed down to my family, my dears.  But that is not important.  What is important is that you stay safe and don't let the story get to your head."
"Okay, Mama." Trout says.
That story was amazing.  Someday, I will go to where Moon went.  One day.

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Thornclaw

     That night, the nursery was quiet and peaceful, for Spotkit had gone to sleep early because of her apprentice ceremony, so Pebblikit and Redkit could get to sleep.  Thornkit awoke in a beautiful forest.  He tried to speak, but couldn't.  Instead, he watched the scene before him.
      There was a small kit, smaller than Pebblekit, next to its mother.  The kit was sound asleep.  Thornkit watched as the mother gently pushed the kit away, and quietly slunk away, leaving three other kits along with the first behind.  A large tom beckoned her with its tail, and they ran away.  Thornkit watched with horror as the kits wriggled around, aware of their mother's disappearance.  Thornkit then noticed the snow on the trees, and realized it was leaf-bare.  The kits!  They're cold!  One kit wriggled around, and Thornkit could see the kit's desperate eyes as it pleaded with the world, begging to be spared. The kit slowly grew still.  Thornkit watched with horror as it was repeated another time.  But two kits was alive.  And then, the seasons changed before Thornkit's eyes.  The snow melted and the sun rose and flowers blossomed as the kit grew.  The kit got up, the size of an apprentice.  The kit looked up at Thornkkit.  The cat had a dark orange and brown pelt, and glowing yellow-orange eyes.  A tom.  The cat's eyes continued to glow, and the scene faded.
      Thornkit looked at the new scene, and realized it wasn't a scene at all.  It was the nursery!  Thank StarClan!  That cat makes me want to run away tail between legs, not that I'd do that, of course.  The nursery was dark.  Oh, it's still night.  Thornkit looked at his denmates, sleeping soundly.  Do Pebblekit or Spotkit ever dream of dying kits?  But one look on their smiling faces as they slept told Thornkit they didn't.  Can't I ever dream of something normal like butterflies?
"Of course you won't, Thornkit.  You're not a normal cat."
"Who said that?" Thornkit whispered.  Redkit blinked open her eyes, but closed them shortly after.  Thornkit glanced around.  Who was that?
"Come find me, young one."
"Show yourself!" Thornkit hissed softly.  Redkit looked at him again.  He frowned apologetically.  She shrugged and went back to sleep.
"Ha!  You're so pathetic!"
"Stop it!" Thornkit yowled.  Spotkit and Pebblekit also awoke and stared at him.  "Bad dream," Thornkit replied.  Spotkit glared at him and Pebblekit just looked at him.  Eventually they both went back to sleep again.
"Stupid Thornkit.  Stupid, stupid, stupid.  How do you live with yourself?"
"STOP IT!" Thornkit sprang to his paws.  The whole nursery seemed to stare at him.  Seemed because they were.
"What is wrong with you?!" Spotkit sneered.
"It's okay.  Time to get up anyway." Cloudear, Pebblekit and Redkit's mother, said.  The kits and queens slowly rose to their paws.
"Congratulations, Spotkit.  I'm so proud of you." Twigtail nuzzled her kit.  Thornkit felt a pang of sadness.  Yellowspike didn't give Thornkit as much love as Twigtail gave Spotkit.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath highrock for a clan meeting!" Flamestar yowled.  Spotkit's ceremony!  Spotkit raced out of the den.
Spotkit can be a pain in the tail sometimes, but she deserves this.  
"Today a new apprentice will join us!" Flamestar shouted.  The clan cheered.  Spotkit bounded up next to Flamestar.
"Spotkit, do you promise to follow the warrior code, listen to your mentor, and fight for your clan, even at the cost of your life?" Flametar asked.
"I do," Spotkit replies happily.  She purred and looked at her clan, and her eyes met Thornkit's.  She looked away.
"Than by the powers of StarClan, I give you your name until you become a warrior.  Spotkit, you shall be known as Spotpaw.  Your mentor will be Robinsong.  May StarClan light your path."  Robinsong jumped up and touched noses with the cream-colored cat.
"Spotpaw!  Spotpaw!" The clan shouted.
"Spotpaw!  Spotpaw!" Thornkit shouted.  He purred.  Spotpaw jumped down and greeted the cats congratulating her.
"You'll be a great apprentice!" Thornkit shouted to Spotpaw.  I need to tell her something nice.
"Oh, thanks Thornkit!  Soon we can train together!" Spotpaw mewed back.  Wether it was just Thornkit or not, there was no false tone in the new apprentice's voice.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Wolfstrike

     "Wolfpaw!  Wolfpaw!" the clan cheers.  Wolfpaw puffs out his chest, his eyes holding back cheerful tears.  It feels so great to be an apprentice!  Wolfpaw can see Deernose chanting his name, a twinkle in her eyes.  Wolfpaw jumps down from the small hill where OwlClan holds their clan meetings.  Wolfpaw pads over to his new den, the apprentice den.  Two cats are in there.
"Hey Wolfpaw!  I'm Sandypaw, and this is Fernpaw!" a tan colored cat says.  Wolfpaw purrs.
"You'll love being an apprentice!" a light brown she-cat says, Fernpaw.  Wolfpaw smiles.
"I know I will!  I'm so excited!" Wolfpaw says.
"Yeah!  Who's your mentor?" Fernpaw asks.
"Foxpool."  Sandypaw and Fernpaw's eyes widen.
"That's so cool! Foxpool is epic!" Sandypaw exclaims.  Fernpaw nods.
"Just don't let Petalpaw know right away.  She was hoping for Foxpool herself, but got stuck with Rockdust.  And to warn you, don't get off on the wrong paw with her."  Wolfpaw nods.  As he looks into the faces of his new denmates, they look worried, almost scared.  How can one cat be so bad?
"Don't let me know what?" A beautiful tortoiseshell she-cat steps into the den.  She has bright blue eyes and curved whiskers.  But there is no kindness in her eyes as she stares at Wolfpaw.
"So you're the new apprentice?" She sneers.  "You can take over my job of cleaning the elders' nests."
"Relax, Petalpaw.  Rockdust won't let you switch jobs anyway." Fernpaw says, her voice careful to choose the right words.  Petalpaw glares at her.
"When I'm leader," Petalpaw says, "I won't let apprentices talk so rudely."
"Petalpaw!  Hunting patrol!" The voice of Rockdust enters the den.  Petalpaw smirks.
"Asta la vista, losers!  While you're cleaning ticks off the elders, I'll be catching more squirrels than the warriors can carry!"  Petalpaw laughs as she walks out of the den.  Fernpaw rolls her eyes.
"If the prey doesn't hear her complaining, that is," Sandypaw mutters.
"She really is a pawfull!" Wolfpaw exclaims as soon as Petalpaw is gone.
"You got that right!  If I were you I'd take the nest farest away from hers!" Fernpaw exclaims.  Sandypaw nods.
"Sometimes she talks so loud in her sleep it wakes her up and she blaims it on the cat nearest to her.  And don't get me started on the snoring!" Sandypaw says, and all three apprentices laugh.
"Oh and by the way, Duststep says all four of us will go on a hunting session in the clearing after you've toured the camp with Foxpool.  So we'll get a nice, long nap."  Fernpaw grins.
"You mean Petalpaw is coming too?" Wolfpaw asks nervously.  I won't survive 5 minutes with that cat!  She's such a pain in the tail, and I just met her!
"Oh no, of course not!" Sandypaw exclaims.  "Brackenpaw is coming, not Petalpaw.  Petalpaw only has a few more moons of training until she becomes a warrior.  Sandypaw and I have been an apprentice for about a quarter-moon, and Brackenpaw about half a moon.  So we all might become warriors at the same time so you won't be alone."  Wolfpaw lets out a sigh of relief as soon as Fernpaw is done.  That's good. Now I won't have to sleep alone.  
"Wolfpaw!  Time to explore the territory!" Foxpool!
"Have fun, Wolfpaw!  Tell us all about it!" Sandypaw mews.  Wolfpaw nods and races after his mentor.

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Fastclaw

 

    Coalkit tossed the ball of moss to his sister, Aquakit.

“How about that one?” Coalkit asked her.  

“A little damp...” Aquakit held the moss to her nose, then wrinkled it and recoiled in disgust.

“Smelly!” she declared.  Amberkit laughed and tossed Aquakit another.  

“Dry,” Aquakit declared.  She sniffed it and shrugged.  “And it passes the smell test!”

“Great!” Coalkit declared.  “Let’s play!”  Together the three kits tossed around the moss ball.

“Oh, no!” Amberkit watched as the moss went sailing towards the elders den.  The kits exchanged a glance.

“She-cats first,” Amberkit said with a glance at Aquakit.

“You’re a she-cat too!” Aquakit said to her sister.

“I’ll get it.” Coalkit padded towards the elders den.  A plump gray she-cat was sleeping next to where the moss landed.  Uh oh!  It’s Mistdapple!  I had better be careful is I want to get the moss back.    Coalkit decided to walk around the warriors den so he could get behind the elders den and sneak up towards the moss, then snatch it before Mistdapple could see.  But as he neared the elders den, two voices made him stop.  

“How can you expect me to stay here?” A gray she-cat cried.  It’s Wingshadow!

“LeafClan gave you shelter when you needed it!  How could you want to go back to LeafClan?”  An angry tom cried at Coalkit’s mom.  Fireblaze!  Don’t yell at Mom!

“Stay here or else,” Fireblaze growled.  

“No.” Wingshadow replied.  You tell him, Mom!

“Wingshadow, I’m not letting you go back to MoonClan.” The tom’s voice was rising quick.  That could only mean one thing.  Wingshadow!  Back up!

“Fireblaze... don’t...” Wingshadow’s shrill cry meant nothing to her mate.  Fireblaze ran towards the nursery.

“If you won’t stay here, none of your kin will!” Fireblaze yowled to her.  
Amberkit!  Aquakit!  No!

“I got the moss!” Coalkit could hear his sister’s triumphant meow as she carried the moss toward Amberkit.

“Kits, come with me,” Fireblaze yowled calmly.  Maybe he’s calmed down.  Amberkit and Aquakit walked alongside her father.  Amberkit padded alongside her sister.  But Fireblaze’s gaze was toward the trees away from camp.  

“Fireblaze, don’t!” Wingshadow begged the tom to stop, but her efforts were helpless.  Coalkit followed his sisters and mother after Fireblaze from afar.  Finally, Fireblaze stopped.  Coalkit stared at his father.  How can this short-tempered evil cat be my kin?  Fireblaze’s eyes were filled with hatred, and his claws stained red with blood.  Wingshadow’s eyes grew round with fear.  

“Fireblaze, you don’t know what you’re doing!” Wingshadow hissed at her mate.

“Yes, yes I do,” Fireblaze replied, his eyes red.  He leapt at Wingshadow, his claws unseathed.  Aquakit and Amberkit screamed, but Coalkit was too shocked to join in.  

“What’s Dad doing?” Amberkit screamed at her sister.  Aquakit couldn’t speak as she watched her mother’s delicate body limply hanging from Fireblaze’s jaw.  Coalkit watched as Amberkit ran.  But Aquakit was still.  Aquakit let out a silent scream as her mother's head rolled toward her, Wingshadow's open eyes staing no where. Coalkit felt like fainting.  
Fireblaze turned to Aquakit.  She let out a small, helpless squeak as Fireblze grasped her in his jaw.  Aquakit let out a final scream before a sickening crunch filled the woods, and Aquakit's neck snapped. Fireblaze hooked his red eyes into the spot Coalkit was hiding. Coalkit ran.

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Rage

The dew drops gently fall to the ground as the strong black kit walked across the grass.  He paused to look at the flowers, then continued to walk.  He raised his head to the sky and sniffed for any signs of prey.  Nothing.  His belly growled with anger.  The cat’s tail swayed as he tried to distract himself from the hunger piercing his side.  He slowly closed his eyes then opened them again.

“Crow!  Crow!  Where are you?” Crow looked back behind him.  Mom.  He turned and ran back

towards the she-cat.  Perhaps she has food for me?  Soon he could see his mom’s amber eyes looking at him.  

“Do you have food?” he asked his mom.  Might as well just get to the point.  Crow’s hope sank when his mom’s eyes saddened.

“No, Crow.  Even better.”  What could possibly be better than feeding our starving bellies?

“Then what, Mama?”  Crow looked up into the blue eyes of his mom’s.  She looked back at him, her words false, she didn’t even believe herself.

“I’m expecting kits,” she said.  Crow stared at her.  How can Mama be so selfish, while I starve she creates more mouths to feed!

“Oh, Crow.  I’m sorry.” His mom glanced at her paws and hung her head.  Crow walked up to his mom and purred into her soft fur.

“We’ll get through this,” his mom said slowly.  Crow nodded.  We will get through this.  

“They’re beautiful,” his dad said.  Crow looked at his new brother and sister.  

“What are you going to name them?” Crow asked his mother.  Moons had past since his mother realized she was expecting kits.  

“The tom looks brave, like a fine fighter,” his dad said.

“And the she-kit looks like a peace maker,” his mom added.

“Let’s name them Claw and Peace.” his father’s words stung in Crow’s heart.  Crow remembered when he was born.  His mother and father didn’t comfort him with such carefully picked words.  They love them more than me, and when I was born there was plenty of prey.  We could feed over six kits back then, and now two more selfish kits!  
Crow looked down at his brother.  He was a dark brown tom, with his mother’s fur.  The she-cat, however, looked more like her father, with splotched dark gray fur.  Crow had to admit, they were had much better looks than Crow’s completely black fur.  He sighed. Mom and Dad now have Claw and Peace to raise. I'll go somewhere where there's lots of prey, in a lush forest.
Later that night, when Crow's mom and dad had fallen asleep, Crow crouched down and slunk off towards the exit to their den. Just when he was almost far enough away to run, he heard paw steps behind him.
"Crow! Crow! Wait up!" Claw.
"Go away, Claw." Crow looks at his brother then turns away.
"Wait! Crow! I want to come too!" Peace ran up to him. Her soft green eyes bore into his.
"You can't come," Crow's words were far too harsh. "Mom needs you and Claw." Just as Crow turned around again, a huge orange blur rushed past him. Fox! Oh, no! The kits!
"Claw! Peace!" Crow's words echoed throughout the forest. The fox lunged at his siblings, but cut short by the black paw scraping at its muzzle.
"Touch my brother and sister and I'll claw your heart out!" Crow snarled at his opponent. The fox lunged at him in response. The fox's jaw nearly bit into Crow, but the cat just barely side-stepped out of the way. Oh no you don't! The kits aren't your midnight snack!
"Peace! Watch out!" Peace's bright green eyes widened as the fox turned towards her. Crow lunged at the fox, but fell short. Then, a dark brown miracle flew by. Mom! Crow's mom slashed out at the fox, and while the fox stood there, stunned, she bit down on its neck. The fox yowled in pain, and then flung the she-cat off its back.
"Mahrie!" Crow's father ran toward his fallen mate. The fox turned to the kits once more, determined to make the battle worth while. Its neck was pouring out blood. Claw and Peace backed away slowly, but the fox advanced quickly. Mom and Dad may like them more than me, and I don't like them because of that, but I won't let them live a short like. They're my kin.
Crow lunged at the fox once more, and bit into its neck.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Victor

     The bright, glowing sun shines down on me, casting a shadow as I exit my den.  My housefolk's nest.  The place where I slept with my mother as I grew into a much stronger cat that I am now.  She named me Minnow, a name that came from the small lake nearby.  Every day she would walk out and fish for a meal instead of the housefolk rubbish we're forced to eat.  And every day she comes back empty-pawed.
     But today, I told her I'll show her the biggest fish in the world. She just laughed.
"Oh, Minnow, do you really think you'll come back with a big fish?" she asked.
"Of course, Mom!  I can catch anything!" I replied.  My brother and sister, Trout and Salmon, just laughed.
"I think we'll catch it first!" Trout said.
"Trout, be nice to your brother!" Mom said.  But I knew she didn't mean it.  I was the runt of my litter, but just barely visible to the cat's eye.  But Trout and Salmon never let me forget it.  But today I'll prove them wrong.  I'm going outside to play in the yard.  But this front yard has no fence.  It has no boundaries.  According to the stories Mom's told, there is a huge territory of forest, untamed and unclaimed.  No cat has dared enter it, for huge creatures like the small yet deadly orange and white dog, or the domesticated wild dogs roam there.  Salmon said that she heard Sally, the cat from next door, say that her denmate, Sprinkles, went in and never came out.  That's why her housefolk got a cat named Sammy.
"Minnow, only the strongest cats cat catch fish," Mom said.
"But I am strong!" I protested.
"Only the strongest cats will be victorious, like me and Salmon," Trout said.  I remember that feeling in my heart... the sinking in my feelings.  My own siblings hate me.
     The next day, we were allowed to venture outside.  And that's where I am now.  Outside.  In the front yard, chasing the butterflies.
"I bet I can catch a moth before you can!" Salmon shouts to Trout.  He laughs, and they run towards a different side of the yard.  I realize my mom is watching them, not me.  She doesn't care. 
"Hey, runt!  Finally outside?" I glance around.  Who said that?!
"Up here, shorty!"  I look up.  Two cats are there, on the fence.  A light brown tom and a darker brown she-cat.  They must be littermates.
"Stop calling me that!" I shout at them.  They just laugh, and then jump down onto our yard.  They pad over to me.  The cats are huge!
"It's k, kid," the she-cat says.
"Who are you?" I ask them.  It's a dumb question, but I'm dying to know!
"I'm Aspen, and this is Wintergreen," the tom says.  "But we're nicknamed Tough and Rough."  I nod.  Those are cool names!
"What's your name?" Wintergreen/Rough asks.  I gulp.  How can I tell them my name's Minnow?
"It's okay if you're name's dumb.  We know how mothers are." Wintergreen looks at me with pure honesty.  I know I can trust her.
"Minnow," I reply.  "It is a dumb name."
"It's fine.  Why don't you make up a better name for yourself?" Aspen says.  I nod. A nickname...
"Only the strongest cats will be victorious, like me and Salmon," Only the strongest will be victorious.  Victorious.  Victorious...
I lift my head and look into my neighbors' eyes.
"My name is Victor."

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Thornclaw

 

  "Thornpaw!  Thornpaw!"  The clan cheers.  Thornpaw raises his head high, absorbing the glory of being an apprentice at last.
"You're going to be the best warrior ever!" Spotkit shouts.
"I wish I were Thornpaw's mentor!" Gorsetail sighs.  Thornpaw smiles.
"And Thornpaw, today you will pick your patrol!" Flamestar shouts.  The clan roars with shout.
"Oh, Thornpaw, let me come on your patrol!" Pebblekit shouts at him.
"No, me!" Robinsong shouts.
"I wanna be on his patrol!"
"No, me!"
"Thornpaw won't choose you!"  The clan argues over Thornpaw, who chuckles.
"You'll all get your turn on my patrol," Thornpaw says.  The clan cheers.  "But for today, I'm going to choose-" Thornpaw is interrupted by someone screaming.
"Thornkit!  Thornkit!  Thornkit!  Thornkit!"
"That's not my name anymore!" Thornpaw shouts at the cat.
"Thornkit!  Thornkit!  Thornkit!  Thornkit......."
     Thornkit groans and opens his eyes.  Spotkit is standing over him, her gaze fixed and angry.
"What?" Thornkit groans.  "I was having a good dream!"
"Yeah, and so was I!" Spotkit snorts.  "Until you rolled over into my nest sleep-talking!"  Thornkit grows red in embarrassment.  "Remember, you still have another moon to go until your apprenticeship."
"Spotkit, just because you're becoming an apprentice in a few sunrises doesn't mean you know everything!" Thornkit snorts.  She thinks she's so smart, being half a moon older than me!
"Spotkit!  Wanna play moss-ball with me?" Pebblekit and her sister Redkit come rushing over.
"No thanks.  Moss-ball is for kits.  I'm going to have my ceremony in a few sunrises." Spotkit glares at Pebblekit and Redkit as if they stuck thorns in her nest in the night like what had happened to Yellowspike, Thornkit's mother.  She had to give birth in a patch of thorns, where her single kit Thornkit earned his name.
 "Will you play with us, Thornkit?" Pebblekit looks up at Thornkit with her beautiful bright blue eyes.  Thornkit wails, "Pebblekit, don't give me the eyes!" Pebblekit looks up at Thornkit, knowing she has sold him.
"Fine." Thornkit snorts and follows Pebblekit and Redkit to a corner of the nursery.  Redkit picks up a wad of moss with her claw, then wrinkles her nose in disgust.  She tosses the moss to the side, then picks up another, sniffs it, and shrugs.  She tosses the ball to Pebblekit, and they begin the game.  Let's just hope no one sees me like this, or my apprenticeship may be delayed.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Wolfstrike

     The kit slowly opens his eyes, finally seeing things for the first time.  Things were different without sight, he observes, for his mother's warm, musky scent didn't tell him the color of her eyes, or if there was a scar on her left ear, or a flea on her right flank.  He used to smell the sweet, damp forest outside of camp, and the warm, milky smells of the nursery.  He could smell the wet rain and the moist clouds getting ready to release it.  But now... now he could see these things.  His mother is a light brown, the color of the forest tree trunks, tabby with black tips on her ears, and occasional black splotches around her.  The nursery's look is a soothing, comfy den, with soft moss for nests, which is gray.  And the sky outside the nursery is a charming blue, with a few white clouds splattered here and there.  And soon he will know what the rain looks like.
"Welcome to the world, my kit." A soft, beautiful voice surrounds him, trapping the kit in love.  Mother.  The kit gently purrs, pressing against his mom.
"How are you, my Wolfkit?" His mother asks.
Wolfkit.  So that is my name.
The kit opens his mouth slowly, trying to mew a reply.  His tongue grasps the words he wishes to express, not wanting to release them.  His mother chuckles.
"Let talking come naturally," she says.  "You'll get the hang of it."
The kit opens his mouth again, not thinking about talking.
"M...m... Me... Meow..." The kit says slowly.  "Meow!"
"Can you say, hello mother?" His mom asks him after another grin.
"Hello mother," the kit says, putting effort into each letter.  His mother smiles.  She is very proud of her one kit.
"Say, my name is Wolfkit," his mother instructs him.
"My name is Wolfkit," he says, this time with more confidence.  Wolfkit Nd his mother continue this for awhile.
"What is your name, Mother?" Wolfkit asks.  He is curious, for if his name is Wolfkit, surely his mother's isn't Mother.  If so, then why would he be Wolfkit and not son?
"My name is Deernose, my kit.  But you can call me Mom."  Wolfkit nods.
"Ok, Mother," Wolfkit replies.   He smiles up at his mom, taking into detail how her face looks, and what her scent smells like.  She smells of fresh mint leaves and roses, and other plants.
"Where is father?" Wolfkit asks, catching both Deernose and himself by surprise.
"Father can't make it, dear," his mother says sadly.
"Why not?" Wolfkit asks.  His mother sighs.  It's obvious the kit won't stop asking until he gets the answer he wants.
"Can we talk about this another time ?" his mother asks.  The kit now sighs, and gives up.  He doesn't want to upset his mother on such a wonderful day.  After all, she's done a lot to make him happy.  Wolfkit understands that.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Fastclaw

     The light gray tabby she cat walked toward the silent tom.  Her belly swished from side to side, heavy with kits.
"You can't expect me to come to your clan to raise my kits just because you asked," She said.  The tom's eyes stared at his mate angerly, but he didn't dare lose his temper.
"The kits can't be separate from their father," the tom replied.
"This isn't about the kits!  This is turning into something about you, Fireblaze!"  The queen groaned in agony as a wave of pain filled her.
"Wingshadow, just come with me to LeafClan.  You can't possibly give birth out here." Fireblaze glanced around nervously around at his surroundings, as if the shadows were waiting for the correct moment to pounce.
"I will if I have to," Wingshadow replied, her voice quivering.  Another wave of pain flew through her.
"Wingshadow we must go.  The kits will be here soon." The tom's voice rose, filling with panic he couldn't disguise.  The queen nodded.  She wasn't about to risk another wave of pain-or worse- out in the forest between the two camps.  Together Fireblaze led Wingshadow to LeafClan camp.  It was hard for her to walk with the kits nearly ready to arrive in the world.  She often stumbled on even the smallest twig, but Fireblaze held his cool.  Finally they arrived in the camp.  Half of LeafClan was asleep.
"Come on.  The medicine den is right over here." The tom tried to lead his mate with him to the medicine cat den, but Wingshadow collapsed.  She cried out in pain once again.
"Mudleaf!  Come now!" Fireblaze's yowl echoed through the camp, bouncing off each tree, traveling to each shrub where the sleeping clan cats lay.  Soon a brown she-cat camp stumbling out of her den, her tail drooped, her ears raised in alarm.  She must have been asleep.
"Fireblaze.. wha..." Mudleaf began, but only to be interrupted by Fireblaze.
"Wingshadow is kitting!  Get your supplies!" Fireblaze yowled.
"Who's that?"
"Just go!"  The medicine cat hurried off into her den, returning shortly with some herbs and a twig.  She rushed over to the queen breathing heavily on the ground.
"Eat these," Mudleaf said.  The nudged the two herbs forward toward the queen, who ate them gratefully.
"They will increase your milk," Mudleaf said.
"But for pain?" The queen gritted her teeth in agony.  The medicine cat shook her head sadly.
"Just bite on this stick when the pain comes," Mudleaf said.  The queen stared at her for a brief second, but another wave of pain came, and she greatly accepted the stick and bit down on it.
"Please help me more," the queen whispered.
"Just calm down.  That's how I can help you." The medicine cat blinked slowly.
"They're coming!"  The queen whispered.  With Mudleaf's encouragement, three kits were released into the world.  Two were a dark gray with lime green eyes, while one took after his mother.
"They're beautiful," Wingshadow whispered.  Fireblaze nodded.
"What should we name them?" Fireblaze asked his mate.
"You name the two she-kits, they look like you," Wingshadow said simply, beginning to lick her kits gently.
"Aquakit for that one, and Amberkit for this one," Fireblaze said, pointing to each of the small dark gray she cats.
"And this tom," Wingshadow said, "will be Coalkit because of the fire in his heart." Coalkit, Aquakit, and Amberkit all looked around blindly.
"They will be great LeafClan warriors," Fireblaze said.  Wingshadow said nothing.
"We'll move them into the nursery in a second.  I'll gather a few warriors," Mudleaf said.  As she hurried off, the moon seemed to grow brighter, the stars shining, extending and retracting their glow as if trying to shout, in their own language, Coalkit.

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

      The fierce dogs race after the cat, their tongues lolling, eagerly awaiting their prey.  The yellow tom makes a sharp turn, but the dogs are still on his trail, gaining on him.  And then the sky beyond the forest opens up more and more until the thunderpath is in the tom's view.  The tom's eyes widen as the monsters race past, the dogs gaining on him.  Suddenly, the fiercest dog of them all, the one with the sharp teeth and pointed ears, lunges forward, and the yellow tom closes his eyes and leaps into the air...
      Sunkit awakens, sweating like a crazy cat, panting like the sun had slept next to him instead of his mother, Cinderdrop.  He closes his eyes and leaves them like that for a few seconds, then opens them once more.  It was just a dream.  Just a dream, Sunkit.  No need to be worried... there are no dogs... no huge, pointy eared dogs with sharp teeth... none of them.  None.  I'm safe now, in the nursery... safe...
      Petalkit is the only other cat awake.  Her huge, soft brown eyes stare into Sunkit's.  Why are you awake? they seem to ask.
"Bad dream," Sunkit mouths to Petalkit, who nods.  Sunkit curls back up next to Blossomtail along with his other littermates, a gesture that Petalkit decides to copy.  And when Sunkit welcomes sleep again, no bad dreams join him.  You won't get me this time, pointy eared dog.  Not this time, not ever.
 Many, many moons later...
   

     Sunwhisker carries his vole back after a successful hunt.  Many cats turn to stare at the returning patrol.
"My, my, well done!" Streamstar purrs and walks toward my patrol.
"Very good, Sunwhisker.  You have led your patrol well." Streamstar flicks his tail and I follow him to the highrock.
"Let all cats old enough to swim gather beneath the highrock for a clan meeting!" Streamstar.  Cats gather around and I take a seat next to Petalsplash.
"Congratulations, Sunwhisker!  I've never seen more prey in the pile!  And not just fish!" Petalsplash whispers to me.  I shrug and smile.
"Volekit and Mousekit, please step forward," Streamstar says with a smile.  The two excited kits run up onto the highrock.
"Volekit and Mousekit, do you promise to obey the warrior code and listen to your mentor and respect your clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"We do!" the kits squeal.
"Than by the powers of StarClan, until you become warriors, your names shall be Volepaw and Mousepaw. Volepaw, your mentor shall be Otterpool.  And Mousepaw, your mentor shall be Sunwhisker.  May StarClan light your paths."  Petalsplash looks at me and smiles.  I gasp.
"Volepaw!  Mousepaw!  Otterpool!  Sunwhisker!" the clan chants.  I rise to my paws and follow Otterpool up to the highrock.  I touch my nose to Mousepaw's, and after the ceremony we head out so I can show Mousepaw the territory.
"I'm so excited!  I'm going to be an apprentice!" Mousepaw squeals.  I smile.
"Just you wait!  You'll be the best warrior around!" I tell her.  Mousepaw purrs.  As we near the heart of our territory, a new scent catches my nose by surprise.
"What's that?" Mousepaw's nose quivers.  I recognise that scent anywhere, and not from experience.  From a dream.  Dog.  
"Dog, Mousepaw!  We need to lead it away from camp!" I yell.  Panic fills her eyes and we sprint away.  The dogs are hot on our trail.  And the dream I had as a kit is all I can think of.  The dog with the pointed ears...  I hear a sickening crunch.
"Sun whisker!" Mousepaw yield in pain.  Sunwhisker can't help it.  He screams.  The young, excited apprentice he's supposed to train is sprawled on the ground, her fur covered in bright cherry red blood, the pointy eared dog standing over her body, challenging Sunwhisker with his triumphant gaze.  Suddenly, when the dog knows he's watching, he sinks his horrid yellow teeth into Mousepaw's neck, her delicate bones snapping as easily as a twig.  The dog chews on her dead body, knocking her head off her neck.  Sunwhisker's fills with pure hatred.
She was no more than an apprentice.  She was just being shown the world, and you ruined it for her.  And now, pointy eared dog, you shall pay.  You won't harm me again.
The dog looks at Sunwhisker, mocking the young cat.
Come get me, the dog says.  Oops, too late.  I'm going to kill you first.
The dog races after Sunwhisker, who runs strait toward the spot where the sky becomes more visible, an unnatural break in the trees...
StarClan help me.
"Sunwhisker!" It's Petalsplash.
"I love you, Petalsplash," he says.  He knows he can't stop.  He's running too fast, the dog is gaining too quickly.
If I go down, this dog will too.
"I'll never forget you, Suwhisker!  I'll always watch out from now on, I'll never let any detail get past me!  I love you too!" Petalsplash cries. Her words catch in the breeze, sailing into Sunwhisker's head.
     As he leaps in the air, sailing over the monsters, all time stops.
So this is the end.
the dog is still after Sunwhisker.  He won't be going for nothing.  The pointy eared dog with the black and brown fur yelps in surprise as a monster barrels over him.  And then a black monster, darker than dark itself, is hurling towards him, and as it hits Sunwhisker, the impact sends him flying towards another monster.
I'm glad no one else was hurt.  I saved the clan, I really did.
And Sunwhisker can't remember what happens next.