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((It's fine I get it ))

Winterpaw glanced and saw Featherpaw watching him. He sat up alittle straighter, the sun glinting off the white fur on his chest and making the tawny coloring on his back shimmer. He felt his whiskers warm alittle at the she-cats eyes. He thought back to her hunting only earlier that day. She's young, he decided. Maybe we can sneak out for some practice... i could teach her that trick Lionblaze taught me! He purred shortly, swallowing the sound as he watched the battle intently.

Scorchpaw was learning quickly, almost as if she were indeed clanborn... and now training to become a warrior. But her skills, like Featherpaws, were unrefined.

Scorchpaw panted hard, her fur now full of sand and dirt. She watched Bramblestar who just flicked his tail calmly, having barely lifted a paw. Alright... think... what havent you tried? She glanced around, trying to be as subtle as possible.

Bramblestar lifted his tail. "Alright. Take a break. Featherpaw, Lionblaze, you next. Winterpaw, you too." Getting up, he took his apprentice and sat down out of the way watching intently.

Lionblaze blinked, than got up and went into the hollow. "Winterpaw, you're more experienced through your training. You work with Featherpaw. Double team me."

Winterpaw's tail shot up with excitement, jumping down and standing in front of his mentor. He looked at Featherpaw and his eyes glinted. Pulling her off to the side, he whispered in her ear. "Alright...doubleteam. I'll go right, you go left?"

****

Sunpaw's paws itched. Smelling ShadowClan was never a good thing for her... not before the half moons anyway. Gathering her paws beneath her, she sprang, reaching the fence and looked around. Spotting the catmint, she got down and started picking what she needed. Going through the list, she decided poppyseeds would be a good idea too. "Hey Sunspots? Can you come in and get the poppyseeds?" she meowed over the fence. The fence on the other side creeked and a russet collored cat stepped through and stopped.

"Sunpaw?" the cat voiced, startled.

"Swifttail! Jayfeather, Sunspots!" Sunpaw called louder. "Swifttail's here!" She looked at the ShadowClan medicine cat as she made her calls.

Sunspots immediately re-sheathed her claws. Although medicine cats were allowed certain liberties, visiting a rival clan was few and far between. Also, why hadn't Swifttail gone directly to the camp? Too many questions arose in her brain. This doesn't bode well... she thought.

"Greetings, Swifttail. As always, you are welcome here," said Jayfeather.

"Thank you, Jayfeather," Swifttail mewed, dipping her head in respect to the wise blind cat.

"...But if I may ask, why are you here?" Jayfeather continued.

Swifttail flattened her ears. "Someone ransacked my herbal supply, and when I went into the forest to restock, many of the patches had also been spoiled by carrion and mouse bile," she admitted.

"But why come here? Isn't Riverclan closer?" inquired Sunspots.

"They are, but they attacked before I was a fox-length to the border on my end!" she complained. She bent down and licked a gash on her foreleg. "Anyways, Oakfur was kind enough to escort me to you." She inclined her head in general direction of where Oakfur was hunting.

Something's up, Sunspots's thought. This sounds eerily simular to the rabbit incident in Windclan.

~~~~~~~~~~
Featherpaw winked at Winterpaw. "Of course," she replied.

The two apprentices danced and veered around the older warrior. At the last second, Featherpaw dodged left, cutting in front of Lionblaze's front paws and passing underneath his bellyfur, lanching an aimed thrust with her hind legs before rolling onto her stomach again to escape.

Lionblaze jumped to avoid Featherpaws move only to get shoved onto his side by Winterpaw, the apprentice had come from the right and caught him in his blind spot at his hind leg. With a yowl, he turned to swipe at him, his claws sheathed the whole time. He was amazed that Featherpaw was fighting instinctually like this! It was incredible! If she were alittle faster, he wouldnt've moved in time. I think Featherpaw has found her nich... he thought, eyeing the young apprentice. She'll be a very fierce warrior when time comes.

Winterpaw signaled Featherpaw to attack while he had his mentor distracted. Sand caught him in the eye and he suddenly backed off, shaking his head to get rid of it.

Scorchpaw watched her denmates fight... a mixture of awe and envy in her eyes. If hunting wasnt Featherpaws strong point, fighting definately was. She watched in amazement at her movements, tracking her carefully so that when next session comes, she'll be able to work faster and better.

*************************************

Sunpaw blinked, "Do you think it's rogues?" She knew of the kittypet nest north of ShadowClan territory. If they had become bold enough, would they risk fighting the entire clan? No... Kittypets like them maybe strong and able to hunt, but they werent that brave. Not by a long shot.

There was something up with RiverClan and WindClan. Whatever it was, they had to figure it out and quick! Gathering some herbs at the fence of the twoleg nest, she took it over to Swifttail. "Here... something for your gash. Have you any catmint?" Without waiting for an answer, she gave the fellow medicine cat a large pawfull. She looked at Oakfur and dipped her head.

"Thanks, Sunpaw!" Swifttail purred, but suddenly it broke off, causing her to gag momentarily, and the troubled look returned to her eyes. "It couldn't have been rogues, Sunpaw. Only a clan cat would have that kind of knowledge, to destroy something so completely. But who would do something like this? Only a rival clan might dare, but how could they have possibly snuck into camp past Shadowclan patrols...?" She shook her head violently. "I must be getting back to my clan. Oakfur, would you be kind enough to escort me back?"

Oakfur dipped his head in acknowledgement before placing his tail between Swifttail's shoulderblades to lead her away.

Jayfeather nugged a leaf packet towards the other medicinecat. "For your warriors," he said briefly.

Swifttail sniffed the bundle. "Poppyseeds, right? Thanks, Jayfeather. Oakfur, would you mind carrying that until I get to my border?"

Oakfur rolled his eyes, groaning softly. Was this cat always so pushy?

"May Starclan light your path."

"You too, Jayfeather."

*******************************************
Featherpaw stared hard at Lionblaze, contemplating her next move. Although her clanmates seemed impressed with her privious attack, she knew that it was too risky and slow to try something like it again on a one-on-one. Also, could she even pull something like that off again?

Winterpaw's and Scorchpaw's steady gazes urged her on. Alright, I will try that...

Featherpaw dashed at Lionblaze with a sudden burst of speed, headbutting him on his side before leeping away again, circled around, and attempted to pounce onto his back. If it worked, she would land with her front paws between his broad shoulders and her back legs balanced precariously on the arch of his back.

Featherpaw licked the excess dust from her pelt hurridly. There was something in the mannerisms of her leader and the depudy that reminded her of what Sandstorm had commented about herself and Scorchpaw jokingly only a few days before, but their eyes clearily said that whatever concerned them was nothing to laugh about. I wonder if their concern has anything to do with Windclan's and Riverclan's strange behavior at the Gatherings....?

When the quintet entered the camp, Bramblestar was immediately approached by Jayfeather, an equally concerned fixed on his face; Sunspots was helping Sunpaw sort the herbs they had gathered.

"Bramblestar, I must speak with you in private. Only one is missing from the four," he said omniously, hoping that his clanmate understood the code.

Featherpaw's ears pricked up. Now things are really heating up! I wonder... does Jayfeather's vague message have anything to do with the other clans' strange behavior?

A thin, black tail tapped her lightly on the shoulder; Featherpaw looked up to see her mentor staring down at her.

"So! How was warrior training?" Sunspots asked, guiding her apprentice away from Bramblestar and Jayfeather.

"It was great, I guess. Winterpaw and I double-teamed Lionblaze, and Scorchpaw's paws let her fight Bramblestar without too much trouble. So what has Jayfeather's tail in a knot?"

"If either Bramblestar or Jayfeather decide that they want you to know, then you will know. Otherwise, keep your nose where it belongs," Sunspots told her apprentice sternly.

"Yes, Sunspots," Featherpaw said meekly. "But do you know...?" she added in an almost inaudible tone.

"So how did you perform?" Sunspots asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, I did alright," she replied modestly.

"Alright? Are you kidding? Winterpaw and Scorchpaw won't stop bragging about you! Expecially Winterpaw..." purred Rainpaw.

Tigerpaw's blood grew to the temperature of almost boiling. How dare she! Warrior fighting is my area of expertice! I'll show her... and that kitty-pet too! He quickly smoothed his fur before approaching his sister. "So, did you actually make contact with Lionblaze?" he demanded.

"Well, no, besides a headbutt..." Featherpaw admitted.

"Oh, come off it, Tigerpaw! Cut them some slack! It was the she-cats' first time out battle-training. Did you make contact your first time out?"

"As a matter of fact, I did, Rainpaw," Tigerpaw said evenly.

"Wow, that's great, Tigerpaw! But you were up against Stormfang, not Lionblaze," Sunspots said sarcastically in her apprentice's defense.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" yowled Stormfang, looking up from his thrush.

"Oh, nothing! Nothing at all!" Sunspots winked, coughing his ear lightly with her tail good naturedly.

Stormfang swiped her ear with a sheathed paw, purring slightly. "Still. Rosethorn's fighting is nothing to joke about. She's incredible when it comes to speed and accuracy. 'Course, Whitewing's great too. But his skills are to tracking and hunting."

"I heard my name," Rosethorn said, stalking gracefully up to them. The tabby she-cat swept her amber gaze down each cat, an air of dignaty surrounding the senior warrior. "What's this about battle training?"

"Featherpaw landed a really good shot on Lionblaze today! You should've seen her! It was amazing, she was so fast, she was a gray blur!" Scorchpaw purred, still amazed, eyes shining brightly as she reported todays training. "You have got to teach me how to move like that!" She begged her denmate, a true apprentice glow in her eyes.

Stormfang had to blink twice at the black she-cat apprentice. If he didnt know any better, he'd swear Scorchpaw was a Clan cat. Just by the way she looked right now... 'course she still had her kittypet soft muscles but those will work out in time. Yes... perhaps this she-cat is a good warrior hiding.

Rosethorn's eyes brightened and leaned down, licking her kits ears. "I'm so proud of you Featherpaw! Landing a blow on Lionblaze is no easy feat, I've tried. 'Course, I tried with Stormfang too but he's younger... and quicker." She swiped a tongue over her brothers ear.

Stormfang looked at his kin. Rosethorn was a warrior when he was born, their parents had retired into the elders den long ago and had already made their journeys to StarClan. Yes... but that didnt break the bond between them. They mabye seasons apart, but they were closer than any littermates.

Winterpaw licked a paw and swiped it over his ear. "Where she has your fighting Rosethorn, Tigerpaw's got Whitewing's hunting. He's always bringing back good prey!" he tried to balance out the praise... knowing Tigerpaw, he'd still pitch a fit when the adults left. And that's the last thing the new apprentices needed. Competition was good, but there was something that Tigerpaw had in his eyes... a type of haunting look that made his blood turn ice.

****************

Bramblestar stepped into his den, quickly bringing his deputy and his medicine cat closer to him. "We all saw Firestar right? Jayfeather, which of the four is missing."

"We are," Jayfeather said solomnly. "Windclan's prey has been destroyed, Shadowclan's herbal supply has been sacked, and I took the librity of investigating into Riverclan's situation. What I've discovered were images of rushing water and dried streams; in short, the flow of their waterways have been redirected. All of these calamities are within the abilities of one or more powerful cats; being the only clan so far unaffected by this vandalism, the claws are bound to be pointed in our direction.

"Fire will again be needed to save our clan, and now Tiger prowls again. I think it's safe to say that either the trouble maker is within our clan, or someone is trying very hard to frame us. Both you and Lionblaze have seen Firestar (you have seen him at least twice, am I correct, Bramblestar?) and the Prophesy continues to roar louder in my ears as time progresses. 'Grey and Fire unite as one.' Firestar has already declared young Scorchpaw as the new Fire; perhaps Featherpaw is the new Greystripe," Jayfeather concluded.

******************
Featherpaw's whiskers warmed slightly; she wasn't used to this much attention, let alone praise. I have my mother's fighting? But all I've done is learn to evade Tigerpaw. I've never landed a successful attack in my life!

Tigerpaw continued to glare at his sister. I've always been the fighter, and now they're giving that yellow-bellied softy praise in my nich of expertice? Not only do they call her 'warrior', I've been demoted to a common hunter, though at least they still say that I'm the best at that! As soon as Stormfang releases me from my punishment, I'll show them how a real warrior fights! This cheered him slightly, though Featherpaw's success still left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Sunspots licked Featherpaw's ears affectionately. "You did well; accept some praise every now and then, though don't let it go to your head. Or tail," she purred.

Featherpaw's ears flattened slightly in embarassment. I'm so going to catch it from Tigerpaw...

Rainpaw cleared his throught. "Ahem, not to disrupt this wonderfully sentamental mood, but when are we going to find out what happened to the medicine cats? Sunpaw seems like a nervous wreck, but she refused to tell me anything!" he complained.

"If Bramblestar wants us to know, he will tell us," said Sunspots firmly.

Of course, that's easy for you to say; you were there when whatever it was happened, he thought, though he didn't dare voice this opinion out loud.

Sunspots, Stormfang, and Rosethorn eventually drifted away from the apprentices in favor of joining their fellow warriors for sharing tongues, and for some of them, a quick meal. As soon as they were gone, Tigerpaw began his campain again.

"If I were leader," he stated,"I would never keep secrets from my warriors!" He curled his tail haughtily in self importance.

Featherpaw rolled her eyes.

"Don't bite off more than you can chew," Rainpaw warned. "Every cat has secrets that would be best kept secret; in order to maintain order, the higher the position or rank, the more secrets of greater importance there are to be filtered."

Scorchpaws eyes glowed for a moment, again awed at Rainpaws wisdom. She purred slightly and licked her chest in an emberrassed manner. She still had alot to learn, but it was clear that she was moons behind her denmates. She swore to herself to work hard to become more useful to the clan. To prove they made a good decision in keeping her.

Tigerpaw flicked his tail dismissivly. "A leader will do anything to protect his clan from things that threaten it. If I were leader, this clan will be so powerful that no one would dare to threaten us!" He stalked over to his sister and hissed in her ear, "You got lucky today, Featherpaw. But I am the strongest and I will prove it. Dont forget that!"

Winterpaw curled his tail around his paws. "With the way you talk, Tigerpaw, I'd swear you already knew." He got up and stretched, getting a peice of fresh kill for himself and Featherpaw. "Want to share?"

**********************************

Bramblestar nodded in agreement, his fur began to prickle. "Yes, that does seem to be the case. Or our trouble is the last to come. Featherpaw is Graystripes decendant, right? And Scorchpaw is an ex-kittypet now that she's taking up the warrior way. I dont know Jayfeather, but it feels like history is repeating. Jayfeather, I need to go to Moonpool. But I feel this is a special occasion and I want you to come with me. Lionblaze, I want you to stay here in camp should anything bad happen. We'll take Stormfang, Rainpaw, Scorchpaw, and Featherpaw with us. I think it'll benifit them too."

Lionblaze nodded, as is tradition, all apprentices made a journey to the Moonpool with their leader at one point or another in their lives. But this case was special. This is an important mission that needed answers. And fast.

"When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow. I cant risk anymore time," the leader stated. With a swish of his tail, he dismissed the two and laid down in his nest of moss. Night was quickly approaching.

"Weak..." a voice whispered at him.

Bramblestar shot up to his paws and swept an angry gaze around his den.

"Kittypet lover.. weak... not good enough..." the voice continued. And soon a pair of frosty blue eyes stared at him out of the gloom. A familiar tabby pelt came through the darkness... Hawkfrost.

"Hawkfrost!" Bramblestar hissed, his half brother had almost made him betrey his entire clan for power many seasons before. But the honor and courage that Firestar, his leader and mentor, had taught him won out and defeated his own kin to save his clan. No. He wont betrey his clan!

"Get out!" He hissed again. "You're not welcome here!"

Hawkfrost glared defiantly at him. "Tiger walks again, brother. You can still redeem yourself and of your filthy actions. You remain weak til you do! Unworthy of your position and title. You scorn our fathers name and all he stood for by accepting another kittypet into your clan. When I return, RiverClan will not have that problem." He faded away, his ominous warning still ringing in the den.


Bramblestar shook, his pelt fluffing so badly it was very clear he was scared. If Tiger was indeed walking... did that mean Tigerstar was among the living once more already?!

************************************************

Scorchpaw dosed in the apprentice den, sleeping deeply... dreaming of mice that she'd hunt and the battles she'd fight. Yes, she decided, this was the right choice for her.

Suddenly, the scent of mice went away as quickly as the breeze that brought it. She looked all around, but the forest had changed. She didnt know this place. A Thunderous yowl shook her from the tip of her tail to the tops of her whiskers. That was a blood war call. Even she knew that.

A pair of threatening yellow eyes glared hatefully at her. "Kittypet... kittypet... kittypet..." the name chanted over and over. "Watch your back kittypet."

**

Scorchpaw shot up from her dream, panting hard and looked all around. The apprentices were all asleep. But her dream and the eyes that were in it stayed fresh in her mind. She noticed one thing strange... Tigerpaw was out of his nest.

OOC: finally back! xD

A blast of cool air gusted through the apprentices' den, awaking Featherpaw. She stirred groggily, curling her tail tighter around her body, and found herself inching towards the nearest warm body, which was Winterpaw. She stopped herself mid crawl; where was Scorchpaw? Her gaze shifted to Tigerpaw's empty nest next to Rainpaw's; the scent was stale, but Scorchpaw's was fairly fresh. Oh Starclan no...

She quickly scrambled outside of the den, and made a bolt for the warrior's den.

*********************************************
Sunspots felt herself being roughly shaken into consiousness... by tiny paws? Her eyes quickly snapped open. This had better be good..., she thought darkly, supressing a hiss. She met Featherpaw's gaze; the apprentice's pale blue eyes were widened past what should be natural for any cat. Dread clawed at her belly.

"Tigerpaw is missing, and so is Scorchpaw," Featherpaw murmured breathlessly.

Sunspots gave a curt nod in reply. "We find Brambleclaw."

*********************************************
Tigerpaw's paws traveled quickly through the night's still air. Moonlight filtered through a thin layer of cloud that was strung between the canopy of the trees, blanketing the forest floor in an eerie light and casting a ghostly veil over the young apprentice. Tigerstar's old strength rushed through the course of his veins. The dark shape of a cat draped in the same ghostly veil lay across the shared border with Shadowclan.

Darkstripe stood over the lifeless body of a kit, his claws coated in blood. "Phase two of Shadowclan complete," he hissed through the still air. "Do you have it?"

Tigerpaw's eyes glittered as he tossed a piece of moss at his former underling. "There. That should keep the kittypet, busy. But by the way, Darkstripe, you really are something. How did you manage to pull it off?"

Darkstripe shrugged. "It's not hard if you're the father."

"Really? Interesting. Enough talk. We need to move that scrap of fur and hide the mess. You covered your scent?"

"But of course," Darkstripe replied. Moonlight glinted off his fangs. The Shadowclan warrior proceeded to move deeper into Thunderclan territory before dispatching the kit under a bramble thicket, but Tigerpaw moved not one muscle to help in the nasty buisness.

"Get yourself cleaned up before your missed," Tigerpaw snapped.

Darkstripe dipped his head in submission before dashing away.

Bramblestar lifted his head from the rough awakening, half expecting to see Hawkfrost again and unsheathed his claws. Seeing Featherpaw, he blinked blearily and than got to his paws. "Alright... rouse Stormfang too... but do so quietly!" He shook out his fur with annoyance. Cant his apprentice go without trouble for at least ONE moon?! He stretched and padded down the rocks from his den, nodding to Rosethorn who was on watch tonight.

"What is it Bramblestar?" Rosethorn asked, getting close enough for him to hear.

"Two apprentices are out tonight. They didnt take the main entrance, did they?"

"No... I havent seen them all night," The she-cat meowed, tail twitching. "I'll keep an eye out if they come back before you do."

"Agreed." With that, he signaled the small patrol and headed off towards the dirt place and carefully scented around. "Scorchpaw went this way, she's probably tracking Tigerpaw."

"I swear that apprentice gets into more trouble than a whole patrol of kits from each clan combined!" Stormfang growled, flexing his claws. Following his leader, he had to wonder what roused his apprentice to do something this time... or what had roused Scorchpaw to go after him. Or vise versa. There was no telling who was doing what. But trouble was sure to follow.

**

Scorchpaw crept quietly, her night-black pelt blending her easily into the forest. She followed Tigerpaws scent this far, and they were slowly comming to the ShadowClan border that Bramblestar had showed her only a few days prior. 'What's he doing out here?' she wondered. Scenting carefully, Scorchpaw followed his scent to a heavily shaded area until the smell of blood caught her attention. Had Tigerpaw gotten into trouble?!

She scented carefully... a ShadowClan cat scent. The more she smelled, the less she like the way things were turning out. Suddenly, she stumbled... a kit. She lept back, seeing it dead at her paws. A cold rush of fear rushed through her veins. "Oh... Oh StarClan no!" She mewed softly.

Suddenly, a pair of deep gold eyes glared at her. "She came too soon!" a voice hissed, turning to another pair that appeared to be shorter than the speaker.

Tigerpaw glared with Darkstripe, back at ShadowClan camp, he was known as Nightstripe. Indeed, the Kittypet had gotten up earlier than he thought. He narrowed his eyes. "Go Darkstripe, I'll handle it," he growled and a shadow of his former self cloaked over his apprentice form, stepping out. "Kittypet, you're more trouble than you're worth!" he hissed.

Scorchpaw backed off, seeing a much larger cat now... one with a scar over his nose and a V-cut in his ear, long tabby stripes on his pelt with long, thorn-sharp claws. This was a warrior. Cold dread and fear rushed into her pelt as she backed away. "You... YOu killed this kit!" she challenged, but her voice wavered.

"No.. but a minion of mine did. Shame you came so soon Kittypet, but it seems this may work out to my advantage! I'll just kill you now!" Tigerpaw lept at her, claws extended for her throat.

Scorcpaw scrambled back and hit her head against a pine tree, dazing her.

"Bramblestar! I smell blood!" Stormfangs voice suddenly meowed.

Tigerpaw suddenly lost his shadowy shape and hunched over Scorchpaws form, hissing. "You did this!" just loud enough to be heard.

Bramblestar and his patrol arrived, just in time and stopped... seeing the body of a kit, and Tigerpaw over Scorchpaws. With a sharp yowl, he got between them and glared. "What happened here?!" he demanded.

"I woke up and saw Scorchpaw leaving her nest...I followed her... and this kit was straying over the border. I think she figured if she chased it away, she'd be doing something for her clan. But the kit put up a fight and... and... she killed it!" Tigerpaw meowed shakily, putting on a very good act. Come on... come on Bramblestar, be the son I know you are and beleive me. I'm your father! Obey my wishes and beleive me! he willed, an old glint comming to his eye.

Stormfang came out next and narrowed his eyes. "That's not how we heard it. Scorchpaws scent is fresher than yours... she left AFTER you-- who's clan is this kit?!" He swiftly moved over and scented carefully and stumbled back. "Bramblestar... it's ShadowClans. And a patrol is comming!"

OOC: I'm going to go ahead and make a bio for Rainpaw (Is Sorreltail the same cat from the books or is she different? Will edit post to include her later)

Name: Rainpaw
Clan: Thunderclan
Gender: Male
Rank: Apprentice
Apperance: Dark grey fur, faint lighter grey dappled markings throughout undercoat, white neck and chest (tuxedo cat! heheh), one paw is partially white, but the rest are charcoal grey. Eyes are green
Brief history: Childhood friend and Best friend to Winterpaw
Personality: Somewhat laid back and fun loving. Likes to make sarcastic/sly remarks, and enjoys teasing both Winterpaw and Featherpaw. However, he can be wise, though he prefers to be thought of as the goof ball, and although not easily ruffled, he despises cats who act timid or who express their superiority (though ironically he tends to admire Tigerpaw from time to time)
Mentor: Sorreltail
Crush: Eventually Scorchpaw

**********************************
Featherpaw's paws shook as she struggled to restrain the fury bubbling inside her and threatening to burst. "You liar!" she shrieked, loosing her internal battle. "Scorchpaw would never do anything like that!" Only the warning touch from Sunspots's tail restrained the apprentice from raking her claws across her brother's face. "She just learned our borders; unlike you, she's never even been to Shadowclan's camp, nor is there blood on her paws or maw!"

"She could've cleaned herself before I found her!" Tigerpaw snapped. "And how come her scent is all over his dead body?" Come on Bramblestar! Obey me!

"He smells just as much like you, mousebrained TRAITOR!" she challanged. She made a rabid leap for Tigerpaw, but Sunspots quickly pinned her down before her feet completely left the earth.

"Enough! Both of you!" Sunspots hissed.

At that instant, Russetstar appeared, her warriors Blackstripe, Moonblossom, and Swiftclaw behind her. "So it's as Blackstripe says; Thunderclan really has murdered Marshkit. Bramblestar, I am dissapointed in you," she murmured, her voice a deadly calm.

"It was Scorchpaw! She did it!" spat Tigerpaw.

Moonblossom, blinded by grief and rage, swiftly knocked Tigerpaw aside and rushed Scorchpaw, claws unsheathed and swinging wildly. "You'll never be able to repay what you've taken from me!" she screamed.

"No!" Sunspots swiftly jumped infront of Scorchpaw; Moonblossom's claws sank deep into her shoulder's flesh before they were mercilessly yanked out, ripping strips of flesh and fur away from her limb as they tore through sinew. Sunspots yowled in pain.

"Moonblossom! Contain yourself!" ordered Swiftclaw, roughly shouldering the queen to the ground, eyes blazing with fury and shock.

Despite himself, Tigerpaw felt himself shudder. A mother's love sure is a frightening thing. Too bad that attack didn't reach Scorchpaw, he thought darkly. For a moment, he remembered the pain that coursed through his veins during his nine-lives ceremony. He quickly pushed aside the unexpected memory of grief that shown in his mother's eyes afterwards.

Sunspots staggered to her paws again, limbs trembling. "How pathetic. That Blackstripe would be so easily overpowered by a new apprentice," she taunted through gritted teeth.

Blackstripe unleashed a blood-curdling yowl and leaped towards Sunspots, claws aimed for her throat. "You will take it back, or never breath again!" he yowled.

Stormfang easily unbalanced the Shadowclan warrior with a swift headbutt to his gut. "Enough!" he yowled. "Featherpaw! Get those cobwebs over there for your mentor!"

Stormfang's order was enough to break the spell that hung over Featherpaw. She shook her head quickly and rushed to fulfill his order. She quickly yanked the web from a nearby bush, upsetting the garden spider who sat upon it. "Sorry, but I need this more than you do at the moment," she quickly appologised to the bug. She then quickly pressed the web against Sunspots's bleeding side with her full body weight. Starclan, please let this night end!

Russetstar flicked her tail. "Enough. There is nothing more that can be done here; we return to camp. Oh and Bramblestar," she called icily over her shoulder. "Don't even dream that this will be the end of this. The other clans will know that you are harboring a murderer, I can guarentee you that!"

Within moments, the Thunderclan cats found themselves alone in the dark forest. I couldn't do anything, Featherpaw thought bitterly. I couldn't protect either Scorchpaw or Sunspots. I couldn't move my paws to attack.

((Sorreltail is the same as in the books, yes.))

Bramblestar hissed, tail lashing. "Wouldnt dream of it, Russetstar..." he glared, his hackles flattening slowly and turned to the warriors. "We obviously have a problem. And I intend to fix it. Immediately getting back to Camp. Tigerpaw, I expect a full and honest reason on to why you were out of your nest. Stormfang, quickly mark the area." His hackles bristled as he kept glancing around at the foggy area. This wasnt an accident... this was a murder. He had to talk to StarClan. He had to talk to Firestar. He knew that his apprentice wouldnt attack an innocent kit. She had been with the clan for almost a full moon and never exhibited hostility even on border patrols. No... this was much bigger.

Scorchpaw had gathered her senses enough to know she was accused of murder. Her eyes were wide with shock and horror. "But I didnt kill him!" Scorchpaw protested, trying to defend herself. She watched the fight almost break out and looked at the kit. Suddenly, an odd look overcame her.

**
A cat with a fiery orange pelt appeared by the kit. He looked at Scorchpaw with warm, green eyes filled with starlight. "He walks with StarClan, apprentice. Do not greive for him," he told her. He looked at Featherpaw, brushing his tail over her ears with a sign of affection in his eyes.

"But... But..." Scorchpaw tried to speak.

"The dead knows what the living cannot hear," he murmured than faded away.

Stormfang looked at Scorchpaw, he agreed entirely with his leader. There was something up, but Scorchpaw wasnt a killer. His fur fluffed and looked around as if sensing something. Someone was with them. But as soon as the feeling came, it was gone.

The group got up and headed back to camp after burrying the kit. Rosetail looked at them but said nothing... something was wrong. She watched her daughter take Scorchpaw and her mentor to Jayfeathers den... hopefully the medicine cat of StarClan could shed light on what had happened... and what had been seen. The secret about Jayfeathers abilities as a blind medicine cat had been suspected among many of the clan, but no one really knew how far they went. What they do know, is that whatever Jayfeather will see, he's never been wrong before.

Bramblestar turned to the group and swept a scorching gaze over each of them. "All of you. In my den. Now! Featherpaw, go fetch Jayfeather and Sunpaw. Be sure to ask for cobwebs and herbs for battle wounds." With a sharp flick of his tail, he marched into his den, turned twice and sat down.

Tigerpaw sat down beside Stormfang and gulped. Even though this is his second time among the living, it was frightening to see a leader look that angry. Since Bramblestar looked so much like him, it was almost like looking in a pool of water. Good. He knows how to demand respect. He will make a valuable ally when I take my rightful place! He licked his chest a few times, trying to keep calm. "You really did it now Kittypet. You have no idea what you just did!" he meowed just loud enough to be heard by the group.

"Silence!" Bramblestar snapped, highly irritated. "Scorchpaw will be next. You are first. I took the liberty of checking nests and found yours the stalest out of the two scents. I want an explanation, and I want one NOW!"

Stormfang flinched, dipping his head respectfully to Bramblestar. Granted, he was very leniant in many things... like accepting Kittypets so easily into the clan. But it seemed ThunderClan leaders had very good taste in which kittypets made good warriors. Scorchpaw, how short her stay was so far, was shaping up well. But Bramblestars fury was legendary among all four clans. He swallowed, if his apprentice was indeed at fault of some kind in this mystery, than he in turn might be blamed.

Sunspots gritted her teeth together as Jayfeather examined her shoulder. Unlike Leafpool, he made little effort to be gentle, but he wasn't overly rough either.

"How did you manage this one, Sunspots?" he grumbled, half to himself.

"Got in the way of a grieving mother," she replied.

"Ahh... that would do it."

Sunspots tried to watch as the medicinecat slathered on several different poulices and salves, many of which caused her to sneeze, but her damaged muscles and low growls from Jayfeather quickly changed her mind. As the juices seeped into the wound, she tried not to wince as they stung before they soothed.

Jayfeather then unsheethed a claw and began to punture new holes into the damaged area.

"Ouch! Hey, easy there!" she yelped.

"Quit your complaining!" Jayfeather snapped. "Believe it or not, but this will actually help you heal faster."

"Then will you at least tell me what you're doing?"

"Sheesh. You whine more than a kit," he grumbled under his breath. "I'm preparing holes to stitch a cob web strand through," he explained. "It's going to close up the wound and hopefully help your muscles repair."

Sunspots settled back down and was quiet through the rest of the exam.

Jayfeather turned to face Scorchpaw; unlike Scorchpaw, she was free of injury, but if left untreated, her body could shut down from shock. He gently lead the apprentice to a fresh nest of moss near a natural rock bowl where water collected. "Here, swallow these seeds take a quick drink, and lie down; your body needs to relax before the interigation that's sure to follow. Either Sunpaw or myself will be nearby if you you need assistance or an ear," he told the apprentice soothingly as he pushed a small dose of poppyseeds towards Scorchpaw, a rare compationate side shining through the cracks of his gruff exterior.

Hmph! He didn't offer me any poppyseeds, and I'm the one who's ingured!, thought Sunspots irritibly. She then noticed her apprentice, shifting her weight from one paw to the other in anxiety. "For Starclan's sake, will you calm down?" she sighed. "Worrying isn't going to help soothe this hornet's nest," she sighed in exasperation

Featherpaw tucked her tail between her front paws in an attempt to keep still, but her body continued to quiver in excitement.

Jayfeather cocked his head in Featherpaw's direction. "Your fidgeting is distracting! Go back to your nest; you've done all that you can here!" he snapped.

Featherpaw quickly dipped her head in compliance before dashing for the exit in embarrassment.

Scorchpaw felt like she couldnt move. The flashes between the dead kit and the fiery orange cat kept going through her mind. "The dead know what the living cannot hear..." she murmured. Looking at Jayfeather, her own green eyes abit clouded as shock started setting in. She obeyed and laid down, though she could hear Bramblestars furious growls from across the camp.

"I didnt kill him," she voiced at last... closing her eyes.

Sunpaw watched over the apprentice, her eyes clouded with confusion. "Jayfeather, I dont understand. What is all this about?" She mewed softly, sitting near the apprentice and warrior. Her sun-gold eyes were normally so bright, but only cloudy starlight lit them now. She lookeda t the apprentice and blinked, a StarClan vision overtaking her.

On Scorchpaws upturned paw... the scars were still quite fresh and tender, but looked only... silver. like in moonlight.

She blinked and the vision went away. She got up, going to Sunspots and offered her a few of the poppyseeds as well. "Just to dull the pain alittle. It's going to get worse if you dont."

**

Tigerpaw shook slightly, seeing Bramblestars fiery glare at him. Cold. Calm. Enraged. "I didnt kill the kit!" he quickly defended himself. "I... I couldnt sleep and decided to go out on patrol. I invited Scorchpaw with me but she refused. So I went on my own. But I guess she changed her mind at the last minute. The next thing I know, she's fluffed out and standing over the ShadowClan kit." There. That was more or less beleiveable. But it wouldnt exile the kittypet. He would have to be wiser, more calculating.

That kittypet will be gone by next Gathering. If he didnt do it, Russetstar definately would.

Stormfang felt a chill run through his fur. Something changed in his apprentice. he was unsure of what it was... but he could feel it.

Bramblestar calmed slowly. He didnt know who to beleive. All he new is that a kit was dead on ThunderClan territory. He had to find out what this was about. He froze, looking at Tigerpaw. "Why do I have the feeling you know more than you're tellilng me." He said, his voice deadly calm.

Tigerpaw blinked, startled. This was how he was like... when he was alive the first time. This was the cold, calculating warrior-leader. He felt a glow of pride in him. This was more than any lacky could give him. One of his sons met his expectations. And now, he will make those expectations larger. Bigger. To where his son will make him leader of the entire forest! "i've told you all I know, Bramblestar, I swear by StarClan!"

Bramblestars eyes narrowed to slits as he thought. It could be true. It would accout for all events... he would have to wait til Scorchpaw returned with Featherpaw and Sunspots. He gathered himself to his paws. "Stormfang. Go tell Jayfeather to prepare the herbs. We leave at dawn."

Stormfang dipped his head and looked at his apprentice. "You're dismissed." He turned and darted out of the den towards the medicine cat.

Winterpaw lifted his head, feeling Featherpaw close by and blinked. "What is it? Are you--" he saw how low Featherpaws tail was and sadness in her posture. Getting up, he helped her outside and to a secluded spot. "What happened Featherpaw? you can tell me..." He blinked. "Has something happened with Scorchpaw? Is she okay?"