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CLANS CLANS CLANS

WATER CLAN

Leader: BrightStar-tortoiseshell she-cat with blue eyes.

Deputy: AmberFur- white and orange tom.

Medicine Cat: BlueWaters-light grey she-cat. APPRENTICE:DogEar.
Strikers:

LeopardDawn- dark brown tabby tom with light brown spots.

BerryTail- light cream tom. APPRENTICE: ViperPaw

WillowShine- all white with grey tail she-cat.
QuilThorn- spiky orange tom with a black tail and paws.

NightSmoke- All black she-cat. APPRENTICE: FoxPaw

StarLight- all black she-cat with white spots that look like little stars.
TabbyStripe- light brown tabby tom with white paws.

MorningSun- tortoiseshell she cat with amber eyes. APPPRENTICE: JewelPaw

RockShade- Dark grey tom with bright orange eyes.

SpottedFur- white tom with grey spots. APPRENTICE: YarrowPaw
LightningStrike- Dark grey tom with a lightning bolt shape that's white on one shoulder.

ThunderBolt- Dark grey tom.

RainPelt- All ginger she cat. APPPRENTICE: BlizzardPaw.

SwiftLight- Light grey she-cat with a long clawmark on flank.
JayClaw- All dark ginger tom. APPRENTICE- GrassPaw.

AppleBerry- Light grey or pink she-cat.

MossSky- Grey and white she-cat.

DeathClaw- Red tom with orange eyes. APPRENTICE- PatchPaw
MudNight- Brown and black tom.

BluePuddle- Dark grey she-cat with light grey paws ears and tail.

CloudSky- White she-cat with a orange stripe down her back.

TansyEar- Light ginger tom with dark ginger ears.
InkLeaf- Dark grey tom that is basically black with eyes as green as a leaf.

SunPatches- ginger-yellow she-cat with white patches.

FlashingPelt- Totoiseshell tom with a flashy pelt.

Apprentices
PatchPaw- dark brown tom.

GrassPaw- tortoiseshell she-cat with dazzling blue eyes.

BlizzardPaw- All white she-cat.
YarrowPaw- dark brown tom with flat ears.

ViperPaw- Light brown and grey tom with long front teeth like fangs.

FoxPaw- Bright ginger tom.

JewelPaw- all black she-cat with dark grey paws.
YarrowPaw- Light brown tom with Dark brown stripes.

DogEar- a brown,grey,ginger,black, and white tom with long droopy dog like ears.

Queens

AutumnNight- All black she-cat. MATE: TansyEar Kits: NightKit, RavenKit, MoonKit, and ShadowKit.
RobinWing- Brown and white tabby she-cat. MATE: InkLeaf Kits: LeafKit and ShellKit.

PoppySeed- brown striped tabby she-cat RobinWing's Mother's LitterMate. MATE: ______ Kits:Due in a moon.

Elders

SnakeRock- All black she-cat AdderLight's sister.
AdderLight- All black tom. SnakeRock's brother.

MIST CLAN (Only a couple cats)

Leader- RuffleStar, dark grey and white tom with spiky fur.
Deputy- JadeClaw- Light ginger tom.

Medicine Cat- FlameBerry- Dark ginger she-cat.

Strikers

DawnNight- Tortoiseshell tom.
LittleCloud- All black she-cat. APPRENTICE- StripePaw. Light grey tom with black stripes.

ThrushFur- Evil eyeed hunter.

ClawSun Pale grey and orange tom.

Queens

PinkFlower- Light pink and ginger she-cat. Kits: LillyKit, MixedKit, and WickKit.
Elders

TinyRain-Grouchy grey tabby tom.

FLAME CLAN (Only a couple of cats)

Leader- CreamStar-cream coloured tom with white paws.
Deputy- FreezeFoot- Light grey she-cat with darker grey paws.

Medicine cat- SearedEar- Totoiseshell tom with burned ears.

APPRENTICE: QuickPaw

Strikers
DreamLight- Brown and white she-cat.

TreeBranch- Dark brown tabby tom.APPRENTICE: WolfPaw.

SwiftClaw- White tom with orange eyes.

Queens
EmeraldTail- tortoiseshell she-cat. Kits: CrashKit and SparrowKit

LittleEar-Black she-cat with a searing green gaze. Kits: Due in three moons.

Elders
TabbyTail-Light brown only a tabby on her tail. She-cat.

Cats Outside Clans

Mint- Tortoiseshell she-cat lives with Amber and Tulip near the WaterClan border.

Amber- Amber she-cat with amber eyes. Lives with Mint and Tulip in a burrow near the Water Clan border.
Tulip- Black and white she-cat. Lives with Amber and Mint in a burrow near the Water Clan border.




Chapter one

ShadowKit looked up from where she was playing with NightKit, MoonKit, and RavenKit.

“AutumnNight?” She asked quietly. They were five and a half moons old and she was curious about being a striker.
“Yes ShadowKit? You asked right?” AutumnNight replied looking up from where she lay with RobinWing another queen.

“I was wondering our dadTansyEar...how do you become a striker?” She asked MoonKit padded up to her and listened as she asked the question. Her other sister and brother kept tussling.

AutumnNight looked thoughtful for a moment then she mewed, “Well, you have to prove your loyalty over and over and...well ShadowKit that is a wise quetion.”

RavenKit speaked now leaving the tussel with NightKit. “You also have to fight for your clan to right?” She squeaked.
“Of course little ones.” RobinWing replied. Then her kits started squeaking for milk and she padded into the nursery after LeafKit and ShellKit.

LeafKit and ShellKit were five moons old. They'd play with them sometimes but they usually played inside the nursery. She sighed. Her brother walked over to her and hissed. Then bolted away.

“NightKit! Don't hiss at your sis-” AutumnNight got cut off. ShadowKit hurled herself at NightKit sliding under his belly and then kicking up to send him flying. The all black kit streaked across the clearing and jumped to his feet.

“Hey!What was that for?” He growled.
“That was for fun. This is to.” She said and jumped square on his shoulders but he flipped and she was squashed beneath him. She kicked up with her back legs but she hit thin air. AutumnNight was dragging NightKit off of her.

“That's plenty of playtime for now let's go inside and have a nap shall we?”

“No!” She and her litter mates shouted.
“Yes. Come on.” AutumnNight replied and with a swoosh of her tail nudged all the kits inside.

When everyone finally settled down ShadowKit was staring at them. RobinWing and her kits had went out only a moment ago. It did give her some time to think about what AutumnNight said. I can be what ever I want to be! Can't I? She wondered to herself. She couldn't think clearly so she padded outside.

“What's troubling you ShadowKit?” LeafKit asked padding up. The little kit had a good way of telling how another cat was feeling. I wish she didn't always do it to me though. She thought with a sigh. “Well?” LeafKit prompted again.

“Oh, me, nothing I was just thinking how long it takes to be a great striker. Do you ever think anything like that LeafKit? It is nice to think about.” She mewed. She wondered how LeafKit would respond. But LeafKit only blinked at her. She's thinking but what's there to think about ShadowKit wondered to herself. Then LeafKit spoke.
“No. I don't.” She replied flatly. ShadowKit gaped in amazement. How could she not. The little tortoiseshell was looking at her now.

“Why?” She growled.

“I want to be a medicine cat like BlueWaters or DogEar.” A medicine cat! Yuck! I wonder if LeafKit could do it though? She walked away without saying another word. The WaterClan camp was big. The nursery was a sheltered cave behind a thick bramble wall there was a clearing before you exited the bramble wall to. That was where she and her litter mates usually played but LeafKit and ShellKit obviously wanted to leave the clearing today.

Then there was the medicine cat den there was a huge cliff on one side of the camp you had to look really high up to see all the way to the top. The medicine cat den was near bottom inside was a moss covered passage and then a clearing with nests where sick cats rested. Then there was BlueWaters den in a bramble thicket that was cleared out at the back with her nest and all her herbs. DogEar slept in the clearing under a small overhang his nest lie under that.
Then on a path about half way up the cliff there was a rocky tunnel leading to BrightStar's den. Inside there was a sand clearing where a tunnel lead to were she slept and another tunnel leading to one with moss cushions where BrightStar had her meetings with her senior strikers.

Now the apprentices den. Where I'll be sleeping any day now. It was in a bramble thicket at the far side of the clearing near the entrance in the gorse wall. But once in the bramble thicket there is a tiny cave entrance walk in and it opens up into an enormous cave with gems that make it bright you can cover them with moss to change the lighting I can't wait. But the best part is in the bramble thicket there is a small moss clearing where you can practice hunting and fighting techniques with the other apprentices. It must be so fun.

This isn't really a den but I thought I'd share it with you anyway. It is the High Ledge Right above Bright Star's den she calls clan meeting from up there and new strikers sometimes but rarely have to jump off that to the camp clearing. This is what she says “Let All cat's Who help our clan through all the seasons join here beneath the HighLedge for a clan meeting.” Is what BrightStar would say, I go even though I can't help my clan yet.

The den next is the strikers. I'll sleep there some day. It is in the leafy tree corner if you move only the middle leaf there's the entrance to the bramble bush it's so big! My dad and Mom after I get apprenticed will sleep there. There is also my Dad says I don't know if it's true but they say there is a pool to swim and drink from in there to that's how big it is I can't wait.
The elders den is also in the camp. Nothing much to it though, it is a small holly bush with huge branches making it nice and cozy even in the coldest moons of leaf-bare. Inside the leafs are turned outward giving the elders lots of room to stretch and a tunnel leads about a fox-length farther and there is a hole in the roof that lets the sun shine through onto a huge bolder for the elders to bask on. The apprentices close the tunnel in Leaf-bare though so the snow doesn't get in.

Well that's pretty much the whole camp it is so big. I'll go get a mouse to munch on.

“ShadowKit! Where have you been?” MoonKit and RavenKit asked padding up.

She didn't really feel like chatting she was starved. “Well I was just going to get a piece of fresh kill I'm starved.”
“Ya us to AutumnNight says...”NightKit squeaked ShadowKit wasn't stupid she knew what NightKit was going to say. “We are going to get apprenticed at sun-high she said to get a piece of fresh kill and to groom ourselves.”

ShadowKit choose a nice plump thrush to eat while the others sat next to her with there fresh-kill.

“So,who do you guys want to be your mentor? I want well a she-cat I guess, I don't really know yet.” MoonKit meowed but her gaze was distant.

“You don't get to pick BrightStar does!” ShadowKit hissed at MoonKit. What a kit!
Will TansyEar be there? ShadowKit wondered and almost as if she'd summoned him. TansyEar and AutumnNight padded out of the warrior den and up to them.

You all look fine. You'll all make wonderful strikers.” TansyEar purred to them.

“We'll have it now if your ready.” ShadowKit almost jumped out of her fur as BrightStar padded up and asked AutumnNight and TansyEar if they were ready.

AutumnNight sighed. “We are ready.”
TansyEar also answered. “Yes. Ready as we'll ever be.”

Chapter Two

RavenKit bounced up and down. Who would her mentor be would it be a tom? What did the apprentices den look like? Her siblings looked equally excited. Except maybe ShadowKit she practically was about to burst. What a cat.

“Let all cats who help our clan through all the seasons join here beneath the high-ledge for a clan meeting!” BrightStar yowled when she had made her way to the ledge.

She made her way to the front of the clan. She sat down at last all eyes where on BrightStar at least for now.
“It is time for the naming of four new apprentices. NightKit do you promise to honour the striker code and protect and defend this clan even at the cost of your life?” BrightStar yowled.

NightKit raised his head high and replied “I do.”

“Then by the power of SkyClan high in the sky. Until he receives his striker name this apprentice will be known as NightPaw. AmberFur you will mentor this apprentice.”

RavenKit watched as NightPaw and AmberFur touched noses.
“MoonKit do you promise to honour the striker code and protect and defend this clan even at the cost of your life?” BrightStar yowled to Moonkit this time.

MoonKit looked like she was about to argue then replied “I have an idea.”

“MoonKit you what?” BrightStar looked equally surprised.

“Well there is a den at the bottom of the cliff behind these ferns I was wondering if I...If I... could be the camp Cat I'd patch walls store herbs I'd help with everything.”MoonKit said looking satisfied.
“Very well then by the powers of SkyClan I give you your apprentice name MoonKit from this day forth until you receive your own name I give you your name, MoonPaw.” BrightStar had obviously scrambled for words because her fur was ruffled.

MoonPaw went to stand beside NightPaw. They did ShadowKit's ceremony ShadowPaw got AppleBerry as a mentor. My turn I better not do something stupid. She thought.

“RavenKit do you promise to honour the striker code and protect and defend this clan even at the cost of your life?” BrightStar yowled again.

“I do!” RavenKit yowled at the top of her voice so even SkyClan could here.
“Then until you earn your striker name you will be known as RavenPaw. SunPatches will be your mentor.” SunPatches padded up to her and she touched noses with her new mentor.

The clan began to chant. “NightPaw!MoonPaw!ShadowPaw! RavenPaw!” RavenPaw felt warmed from nose to tail tip.

“You will be helping MoonPaw with her new den today go now we'll hunt tomorrow.” SunPatches told her.

She ran off through the ferns MoonPaw was already there she had a nice sandy floor herbs lay at one side a little of each. DogEar brought those RavenPaw thought. MoonPaw was weaving bracken through a started nest. RavenPaw was going to ask why MoonPaw hadn't wanted to be a striker it seemed weird because well ya. So she decided to ask her about it.
“MoonPaw?” RavenPaw asked.

“RavenPaw you startled me! What is it?” MoonPaw asked spinning around.

“About being a storage cat. Don't you want to be a striker?” RavenPaw asked. Her sisters gaze burning into her own. RavenPaw realized with a jolt that she didn't know MoonPaw at all! She knew ShadowPaw had an ambition to be leader. NightPaw same thing, but MoonPaw she had no clue why she was doing what she was doing.

“It's time you know. Sit down. Yes I am a striker I just wanted to be different in a way. I asked AmberFur as a kit how to hunt and fight he taught me well I'm as much a striker as I ever would be now and still am. I wanted to help our clan in a different way to like a mixture of everything. Can you forgive me for not trusting you?” MoonPaw wasn't a scaredy mouse! She just wanted to be the best cat she could be, and RavenPaw understood that. She wanted to be the best striker but MoonPaw had a different path.
“I understand. Now lets clean this cave up.” RavenPaw purred. MoonPaw brightened and set to work on her nest. The cave was about three fox-lengths high. It was big to. RavenPaw got to work by weaving a bunch of bracken together at about sun-high she had a nice big storage space she put all the extra bracken in neat piles at the back then she put all the herbs in piles in rows. She popped her head back out, MoonPaw had finished her nest and was setting to work on another. RavenPaw padded over to the wide entrance she climbed down the path and walked over to a unused bramble thicket she grabbed a mouthful and a tail full of ferns and grasses and padded back up the trail. She wove the bracken into an entrance so only one cat could squeeze through at a time. Then to blend in with the rock she wound ferns and grasses through so it looked like a hedge. She padded back inside now four nests lay at the corner of the den one under a nice ledge and her bramble and bracken storage space lay at the back. MoonPaw was now on her way to the entrance.

“I'm going to go fetch some Cat-mint and Horse-tail be back at sunset.” MoonPaw called as she padded down the trail.

RavenPaw looked at MoonPaw's nest it needed to be covered. So RavenPaw set to work and weaved a brambles around so the overhang was so thick you couldn't see through it unless you looked through the spot RavenPaw left open as the entrance the four nests were for cats who needed company or were in grief or even shock. That was one of MoonPaw's jobs looking after cats like that. She had striker duty's to but she still did other things she was going to the Crystal Cave to receive her name in a half a moon with BlueWaters and DogEar.

MoonPaw wasn't your average cat RavenPaw knew, that something about MoonPaw just didn't quiet add up.

Chapter three

NightPaw padded confidently behind AmberFur. Only my second day out as an apprentice and I already know how to hunt I even caught a mouse. Now what? Wow! NightPaw thought excitedly. The forest was so big towering pines, big birch. Everything you could ever want.

“I think we'll try battle practice in the moss clearing. Sound good NightPaw?” AmberFur asked turning around to ask NightPaw.
“Wow! That sounds great! Is-is BlizzardPaw going to be there to?” NightPaw asked shyly. NightPaw had liked BlizzardPaw the moment they met she had been so nice to him. BlizzardPaw was very beautiful to her white fur was so sleek she was perfect. I have to ask her some stuff later. NightPaw thought to himself.

“BlizzardPaw? Um, yes I believe she will be there. RainPelt was talking to me earlier and I think she mentioned something about the Moss clearing.” AmberFur mewed as he turned the corner into the moss clearing. The moss clearing was a large moss covered space surrounded by bushes the ground was soft and spongy so it didn't hurt so much when you fell.

Sure enough BlizzardPaw was there tussling on the moss with RainPelt. They broke apart as AmberFur and NightPaw entered RainPelt dipped her head to the deputy,and BlizzardPaw's eyes brightened when she saw NightPaw.

“Hi, I didn't know you where coming to the clearing today?” BlizzardPaw purred to NightPaw while RainPelt chatted with AmberFur.
“Neither did I it was AmberFur's idea and your here to. Do yo-” NightPaw was saying when he got cut of by RainPelt.

“Come come we'll try attacking one another show me and AmberFur how much you've learned.” RainPelt growled. RainPelt always thought of those types of ideas. Plus BlizzardPaw was one moon older than him what if he embarrassed himself?And in front of AmberFur? Stupid RainPelt! NightPaw bit back a yowl of protest and faced BlizzardPaw.

“I won't take it easy on you....Fur-Ball!”BlizzardPaw hissed and leaped at him forepaws outstretched but claws sheathed.

She leaped and landed squarely on his shoulders. NightPaw flipped over quickly and felt the breath drive out of the soft white she-cat as she hit the moss. She was bigger though and quickly through him backwards and pinned him down with a forepaw planted firmly on NightPaw's neck.
“Mouse-dung!”He spat. He had lost. He turned to RainPelt and saw a look of triumph on her face. He knew he'd claw her muzzle for a mouse or two right now but he didn't dare.

He and BlizzardPaw stood panting for a couple of moments then settled down to rest. They all shared tongues quietly in the mossy clearing till the sun was high in the sky.

“Well I think it's about time we-” AmberFur had started to say but he couldn't finish as three she-cat's came crashing into the clearing their fur bristling a black and white she-cat hurled herself t AmberFur he yowled in surprise as the savage she-cat bowled him over. A large amber she-cat bowled RainPelt over easily, but before either NightPaw or BlizzardPaw could move in to help, a young tortoiseshell leaped in front of them. She arched her back and hissed into his and BlizzardPaw's faces.
“Mint! The rogue!” NightPaw heard BlizzardPaw exclaim before the tortoiseshell leap at her knocking her off her paws. NightPaw leapt onto the tortoiseshell's back but the young cat had her teeth fastened deep in BlizzardPaw's shoulder and she let out a wail of agony. NightPaw winced as the cat scored her claws on BlizzardPaw's side turning her white fur scarlet.
NightPaw reacted quickly he jumped and he landed on the she-cats haunches. He bit down hard the clawed over and over. The tortoiseshell screeched and let go of BlizzardPaw. BlizzardPaw tried to get up and run away but she collapsed on the ground and did not get up again. The tortoiseshell wailed and raced away into the bushes. NightPaw stood there for a moment before racing over to BlizzardPaw she was bleeding heavily from one flank and shoulder but she would live. NightPaw let out a long sigh of relief. Then he remembered the she-cat still needed BlueWaters or DogEar to look at her or she would die!

“AmberFur!RainPelt!” He screeched. “BlizzardPaw needs help!”

RainPelt automatically ran over with only a couple of scratches and one deep bite on the tail she saw NightPaw eyeing it and hissed, “It's nothing!” and turned back to BlizzardPaw. AmberFur walked over a moment later and together he and RainPelt lifted BlizzardPaw who looked irritated but didn't argue about being carried. NightPaw knew that she'd be fine but he still felt responsible. NightPaw your being a fox-heart. NightPaw told himself with a sigh. As soon as they pushed through the thick bushes and through the thorn tunnel BlizzardPaw's mother BrightStar the beautiful tortoiseshell she-cat looked so much like her daughter came wailing over to NightPaw.

“Is she okay!?” She wailed pointing her brown and white tail over to BlizzardPaw.
AmberFur answered for him. “It was those rogues Mint,Amber, and Tulip looking for a fight again probably for more territory. Oh, and yes BlizzardPaw will be just fine after BlueWaters looks at her or DogEar.”

BrightStar looked very relieved and at that she padded toward the medicine cat den to check on her daughter, GrassPaw BrightStar's other daughter also raced toward the medicine cat's den.

“You can go get a good night's rest soon. BrightStar is going to call a meeting soon.

“Let all cats who help are clan through all the seasons join here beneath the high ledge for a clan meeting!” BrightStar yowled as all the different cats and pelt colours began to pour into the clearing. BrightStar began to continue “I know your all worried about BlizzardPaw she will be fine BlueWaters is seeing to her.”
“BlueWaters!BlueWaters!BlueWaters!” The clan yowled the medicine cats name.

“Now those rogues Mint is there leader what do you think she wants AmberFur?” BrightStar asked looking down on her deputy.

“I believe they are just itching for a fight for a reason, well that's probably because they want more territory they don't have that much.”

“They don't need that much!” InkLeaf yowled leaping to his paws. He was clearly frightened for his kits.
BrightStar was clearly troubled for her ears where flat to her head. “I gave them that so they wouldn't threaten us!” She hissed angrily, lashing her tail.

“Yes! Now look what they've done! What if it had been only one cat? They could have died!” InkLeaf wasn't going to let the argument go easily and BlueWaters and MoonPaw where sitting outside there den looking troubled.

NightPaw flattened his ears BrightStar was a very pretty tortoiseshell she-cat she was respected by all and was quite young to.BrightStar sighed. “I'll take a attack party tomorrow we don't know how many cats live there. Maybe there is more so they want more territory.”

InkLeaf looked at BrightStar as if she'd sprouted wings. “Your not going to give them more of our territory are you? BrightStar?” InkLeaf pressed his dark grey ears flat to his head his green eyes glowed with hostility.
“An attack party will leave at dawn we'll take AmberFur,NightPaw,MossSky,BerryTail and ViperPaw.”

“Not me! It was my idea!” InkLeaf yowled ears flat from his place in the clan for he wasn't in the attack party.

“No InkLeaf, not you, you will stay behind.” BrightStar growled from the high ledge her eyes narrowed at InkLeaf.

InkLeaf. He is a tad rude to his clan leader. NightPaw thought fear rushing through him. Did InkLeaf even trust BrightStar? Or even worse did BrightStar trust him?

Chapter Four

MoonPaw padded toward the apprentices den GrassPaw had been complaining earlier about a hurt paw. Possibly a thorn? I'll take a look. MoonPaw thought as she padded across the sandy clearing to the apprentices den. She definitely wasn't a medicine cat but BlueWaters had let DogEar come and give her the basic lessons and AppleBerry and ShadowPaw had given her some training lessons as in fighting while BrightStar Wow! BrightStar! Had taught her how to hunt. She could be classified as anything but she called her self the Helper Cat she did little chores hunted and did basic stuff. As she pushed through the ferns she saw the clearing where the apprentices practised techniques. NightPaw, ViperPaw and RavenPaw where all practising fighting and hunting techniques.

“Are you here to see GrassPaw?” ViperPaw hissed and he broke away from his fight with ShadowPaw.

“Yes I am. Is BlizzardPaw okay?” She growled to NightPaw. MoonPaw had never liked ViperPaw and ViperPaw had never liked her. The brown and grey tom had always had a sharp temper his orange eyes flared when he was angry. He also had two weird hooked teeth that looked liked fangs.
“Yes, yes she's fine she's coming back to the den at sun-high.” NightPaw purred at her his eyes narrowed as he began to groom his pelt.

A howl came from a cave at the end of the clearing. MoonPaw rushed down the short passage to the beautiful crystal cave where GrassPaw was curled in her nest her paws struck out.

“MoonPaw?Is that you?” The tortoiseshell she-cat whimpered as she entered. GrassPaw looked a lot like BrightStar thin delicate frame with tortoiseshell pelt that always shone. GrassPaw also had the most dazzling blue eyes a cat could have.

“It's me. Thorn in your pad?” MoonPaw said coming up to her moss and bracken nest.
“All of them have a thorn and the fore paw on the left has two they really sting.” GrassPaw complained and let out another whimper. MoonPaw wondered if she was at the thorn trees again. The thorn trees where a few prickly trees with thorns at the edge of the border with MistClan.

MoonPaw pulled out all the thorns GrassPaw moaning and howling each time. ShadowPaw came down and asked if she was alright MoonPaw just growled 'shhh. She's fine' before turning back to her patient at the end all GrassPaw's pads were thickly rapped in cobweb and she lay there looked more relaxed than when MoonPaw first came in but still quiet uncomfortable, MoonPaw could tell.

“Should I fetch BlueWaters? She could give you some poppy-seeds.” MoonPaw said turning back, a hopeful glance appeared in GrassPaw's eyes.

“Yes,yes I'd like that thanks.” GrassPaw replied with a purr and tucked herself into a ball her tail rapped around her nose.
MoonPaw padded out of the den a stab of loneliness stabbed through her she would never share a den with GrassPaw and she really liked the older tortoiseshell apprentice.

“GrassPaw sounded like a wounded fox!” NightPaw exclaimed as MoonPaw excited the cave.

“No,she's not. Your acting like a fox-heart NightPaw. I've seen better behaved kits!”MoonPaw hissed and headed for the door but NightPaw block her way out of the bush.

“MoonPaw!How dare you call me a fox-heart!” He snarled and unsheathed his claws. MoonPaw unsheathed hers and her hackles raised. Just as MoonPaw and NightPaw were going to leap at each other ViperPaw's mentor BerryTail entered the den. The cream tom stared in shock at the two quarrelling cat's before he spoke.
“Moon-MoonPaw you better got to BlueWaters den.”He stammered. Then more sternly and angrily he told NightPaw. “Come with me were seeing AmberFur.” As the two toms left the den MoonPaw felt very hollow. NightPaw may have been prickly but the black tom was still he brother and she knew that. Now they were enemies. Why? Why NightPaw? Oh SkyClan why me? You told me my destiny but you can't help me now?

...

MoonPaw padded quietly across the FlameClan forest alert for any sign of a patrol. The medicine cats and MoonPaw where making there way across FlameClan territory to seethe Fire Cave a place where cats shared tongues with their warrior ancestors. MoonPaw was going because she needed a full name earlier than the other apprentices because SkyClan had shone her the night before in a dream that she was ready for her name. MoonPaw had almost burst with excitement after she woke up then she had remembered NightPaw and her spirits plummeted.
“Are you okay? You don't look so good?” DogEar murmured to her letting BlueWaters take the lead.“Fine, thanks.” MoonPaw meowed quietly. DogEar the multicoloured tom just flicked his ears knowingly and bounded up to walk beside BlueWaters. Should I get an apprentice afterwards? I guess so. She decided, LeafKit? She had shown interest in medicine cat but BlueWaters already had an apprentice. BlueWaters isn't so young either though. But I don't think she'll die anytime soon. MoonPaw thought silently hoping BlueWaters couldn't read her thoughts. Could medicine cats do that? No, no they couldn't that was mouse-brained!

“Almost there. We just have to-” BlueWaters had begun to grunt then a snarl broke out behind them MoonPaw spun around three FlameClan cats stood behind them two older strikers and a little cat that was probably an apprentice.

“Going to the crystal cave?” A light grey she-cat asked addressing BlueWaters.

“Of course, we wouldn't go for any other reason would we FreezeFoot?” BlueWaters replied with a flick of her tail, to summon the other two cats.
“Yes, well you can never tell with WaterClan. TreeBranch can we spare WolfPaw I want to get some cats to check around the borders for WaterClan cats?” FreezeFoot hissed turning to the other older striker and the little dark grey apprentice.

“Of course. Off you go then WolfPaw.” TreeBranch meowed and nudged his apprentice of and he pelted into the bushes.

MoonPaw could feel DogEar and BlueWaters beginning to bristle. But for some reason she wasn't angry.

“Get going or we'll make you get going!” FreezeFoot growled. Now MoonPaw was bristling but BlueWaters just shook her head 'BrightStar can deal with them later.' she had said, and set of with DogEar walking stiff and bristling from behind, the muscular tom would have been a great striker but SkyClan had chosen a different path for the young tom. Young? Now I don't know. Maybe six moons older than me? MoonPaw puzzled. She could just ask him but something about the tom just didn't feel right. He only had one friend in the clan other than BlueWaters and that friend is RainPelt and they don't talk together much the ginger she-cat was usually very busy with her apprentice and DogEar was always busy with medicine cat stuff. Also DogEar doesn't have his name for nothing he had these long droopy black ears that made him look like a dog.
“Were here!” BlueWaters gasped out of breath from their long journey MoonPaw could feel her paws sagging but the thought of seeing the Crystal Cave kept her paw up and steady.

“Do we go inside yet it's dark?” MoonPaw squeaked padding up to stand beside BlueWaters.

“Yes, we can go inside but stay close to me and don't go running back out you've got to be strong MoonPaw.” BlueWaters meowed sternly to her. But her words hardly reached MoonPaw she was itching to race up the passage that lead to the Crystal Cave. But she followed BlueWaters slowly down the passage feeling with her whiskers DogEar followed close behind. A lot darker than I thought. MoonPaw quivered. It was cold on the twisting passage leading upward to the stars MoonPaw could feel the ground sloping upwards beneath her paw pads. Then MoonPaw saw a dazzling blue light then a red a green and a silver a whole light show of colours appeared before her eyes. The crystal cave was magnificent dazzling crystals on every corner the moons light shining on them making them glow brightly. MoonPaw suddenly realized that their was one huge crystal at the very back of the cavern it glowed silver in the moonlight. BlueWaters and DogEar padded up to it.

“Lie down and press your nose to the crystal SkyClan will speak to you then.” BlueWaters instructed to her quietly before lying down and pushing her nose to the crystal
MoonPaw took a deep breath and slowly pushed her nose to the crystal. Heat swept over her till she thought she was on fire, then she suddenly opened her eyes. She was on a large flat stone the stars shining brightly in the sky. Suddenly in a flash two SkyClan cats appeared a swift silver tabby she-cat and a large brown tabby tom.

“I am SwiftMoon I used to be a WaterClan warrior.” The silver tabby meowed in a voice like silk. “And I am TabbyStar the old leader of WaterClan.” The brown tom added.

“I'm MoonPaw, but you probably already know that.” MoonPaw mewed cheerfully.

“Yes, I'm here to give you your name TabbyStar is my mate your eyeing him” SilverMoon replied amusement shining in her eyes.
“Yes-”MoonPaw began but SilverMoon covered her mouth with her tail to silence her.

“MoonPaw do you promise to uphold the new ways for many many seasons?” SilverMoon raised her head a yowled.

“I do.” MoonPaw's voice shook with happiness.

“Then by the powers of SkyClan I give you your new name. MoonPaw from this moment on you will be known as MoonCrystal may you be honoured with all of WaterClan.”
“MoonCrystal! MoonCrystal!” The two cats yowled as they began to dissolve. Then MoonCrystal blinked and she found herself back at the Crystal Cave.

“Moon- I mean your new name?” DogEar asked excitedly when they had left the cave even BlueWaters looked excited.

“It's MoonCrystal! I love it!” MoonCrystal replied with a leap in the air.

“A beautiful name, MoonCrystal.” BlueWaters told MoonCrystal. MoonCrystal was a full helper striker now she could do this her apprenticeship hadn't been long but now she could fully help her clan.

CHAPTER FIVE

The raid on the rogues seemed like moons ago. ShadowPaw lay outside her nest sunning herself. ViperPaw lay beside her grooming her ears.

“You aren't yourself ShadowPaw is it the LeafKit's apprenticeship ceremony?” ViperPaw asked sympathy lighting his eyes. Yes it was LeafKit's apprentice ceremony! But she couldn't tell ViperPaw, no not now. The two apprentices had developed a bond between each other and ShadowPaw knew that ViperPaw liked her very much. But she wasn't sure about that yet.

“No, it's not LeafKit it's nothing really.” ShadowPaw meowed flatly hoping her couldn't see that she was lying, but he just blinked and continued grooming. LeafKit's brother ShellKit had died a few days earlier. The two kits where playing beside some bushes in camp that everyone just left alone because they had enough dens and the two kits had found some berries, a death-berry bush is what they found ShellKit had eaten three of the deadly berries and by the time BlueWaters had seen to him he had already gone to SkyClan, poor little kit LeafKit had wailed all night that it was her fault and that she should be dead not ShellKit. RobinWing had tried to sooth the young cat and now she was getting apprenticed. PoppySeed had had her litter of kits two toms and and two she-cats. The dark white tom with brown ears was BrownKit the light brown tom with white spots on his tail was SpottedKit. Now the first she-cat a fluffy brown she-cat was FluffKit and the second she-cat a red-ginger kit was RedKit they were all just a few days old and PoppySeed was so proud of them. Will that be me one day? Will I have kits? ShadowPaw wondered with a swift fast glance at ViperPaw then looked away thinking not yet don't even think about that yet.
“Let all cats who help our clan through all the seasons join here beneath the high-ledge for a clan meeting!” BrightStar yowled once she reached the ledge a few tail lengths higher than her den. PoppySeed appeared out of the nursery clearing and BlueWaters leaped down from her den to sit down to see the high-ledge next to DeathClaw, JayClaw, and BluePuddle. NightPaw, BlizzardPaw and RavenPaw raised through the camp entrance followed slowly by their mentors. ShadowPaw got up and padded over to sit beside MoonCrystal. She felt jealousy beginning to make her neck fur bristle and forced it to lie flat MoonCrystal had needed her name first it was only fair.

“LeafKit,” Meowed BrightStar loudly leaping the six tail lengths to the ground in front of the young she-cat. “LeafKit form this moment on till you receive your true name you will be known as LeafPaw, MoonCrystal will be your mentor I hope you learn as much as you can from her.” As the two cats touched noses ShadowPaw felt a very strong wave of jealousy wash over her till it was almost to much to bare, but she pushed it away quickly it was only fair. But it certainly didn't seem fair, ShadowPaw thought darkly. Then a thought struck her mind that might make her cheer up a little.

“AppleBerry!” She howled to her mentor who was chatting about something with JayClaw.

“For Sky Clan's sake! Could you get any louder ShadowPaw? Now what are you howling about?” AppleBerry asked shaking her head softly.
“I, was wondering if I could help MoonCrystal get LeafPaw settled in her new den?” ShadowPaw asked hop fully maybe then she wouldn't be so jealous, MoonCrystal had her name and she was beautiful. Her sleek silver fur topped off with ice blue eyes, and she wasn't a medicine cat, she could have a mate!

“Well, yes, I think so, I'm going on a hunting patrol with JayClaw and GrassPaw. Okay?” AppleBerry sighed.

With a jolt of alarm ShadowPaw remembered GrassPaw wailing about her paw. “What about her sore paw?” ShadowPaw meowed anxiously.

“Don't worry ShadowPaw she's fine.” AppleBerry growled before padding off to join the two other cats. ShadowPaw tore her gaze away from her mentor.
“So you need a lot more Burdock root? What's that for?” ShadowPaw heard LeafPaw asking MoonCrystal as she padded up.

“For rat bites. You'll learn more about that later.” MoonCrystal meowed passing the apprentices den where RavenPaw and ViperPaw were resting.

“Hey! MoonCrystal!” ShadowPaw called as MoonCrystal turned around and let her icy stare fall on her.

“ShadowPaw. What do you need?” LeafPaw asked quietly coming to stand by MoonCrystal. MoonCrystal was only a mouse length, not even taller than ShadowPaw but it was only fair MoonCrystal needed to help her clan as soon as possible.
ShadowPaw hoped MoonCrystal would accept her offer. “I heard you talking about Burdock root and thought that you, “ She indicated MoonCrystal with her tail. “Could go collect some while I get LeafPaw settled in her new den.” LeafPaw looked thoughtful then she must have thought better of it and turned a excited gaze on ShadowPaw.

“Well,” MoonCrystal hesitated and ShadowPaw held back a hiss of annoyance. “I suppose so, LeafPaw go with ShadowPaw she knows where the den is right ShadowPaw?” MoonCrystal meowed to ShadowPaw and LeafPaw.

“Yep, highest den three tail lengths above BrightStar's den.” ShadowPaw meowed proudly. She knew where all the dens where and MoonCrystal's, and now Leafpaw's was the highest off the ground.

“Good. I'll be off then, Goodbye LeafPaw, ShadowPaw and good luck! I'll be back soon!” MoonCrystal called over her shoulder as she bounded toward the camp entrance.
“Coming?” LeafPaw's impatient meow sounded from behind ShadowPaw. ShadowPaw shook her head to clear it. She flicked her tail to indicate that LeafPaw should follow her and made her way up the stoney trail a tail length up they passed DogEar sitting on the ledge outside the medicine cat's den sorting through some dark green leaves and muttering. “Some more raspberry soon.”

“That's BlueWater's and DogEar's den right?” LeafPaw asked quietly a bright orange leaf landing right on her nose and making her sneeze. Leaf-Fall was almost here and after Leaf-Bare that brought sickness.

“Yes it is.” ShadowPaw meowed to LeafPaw. Then to DogEar she called. “ Where is BlueWaters?” The multi-coloured tom looked up worry clouding his bright blue gaze.

“She's sick. Inside the den resting.” DogEar told them flicking with his tail to the entrance. Herb scent wafted from it in waves.
“Oh. I hope she gets better.” ShadowPaw and Leafpaw told DogEar at the same time. If she gets better. ShadowPaw thought bitterly. BlueWaters was many moons old. ShadowPaw wouldn't be surprised if the grey she-cat didn't get better. Though she hoped she did. BlueWaters snapped when angry but she was usually very kind and caring.

“Yes, so do I. Now go I'm very busy. “ DogEar growled and whisked them along the trail with his tail then began counting and muttering about the herbs and weather again. DogEar was quiet prickly, some cats were though. LeafPaw padded quietly behind ShadowPaw. When they climbed another two tail lengths they reached BrightStar's den her scent was stale and leading down the trail. Hunting probably or Sun-High patrol ShadowPaw thought. They climbed higher until reaching MoonCrystal's den another three tail lengths higher than BrightStar's den.
“Where is that the den entrance?” LeafPaw meowed her eyes glazed as she looked down from the ledge outside the fern tunnel entrance to her new den. “We are-so-so high!” LeafPaw gasped and stumbled forward.

“LeafPaw wait!”ShadowPaw howled but the warning came to late LeafPaw slipped and with a shriek plummeted down DogEar was climbing up and was at BrightStar's clearing when she fell. He launched himself toward her and gripped LeafPaw's scruff firmly in his teeth and the fell onto BrightStar's ledge. With a howl of terror ShadowPaw rushed down. Both cats were standing eyes wide with shock.

“Is she okay?” ShadowPaw's worried meow finally reached DogEar, and he nodded his head.

“No just in shock you can go back to what you were doing. “ He meowed and stumbled to his den and disappeared inside.
“LeafPaw?” ShadowPaw squeaked shyly.

“Fine, I'll be more carefully next time. “LeafPaw croaked and padded up towards the den. ShadowPaw stood on the ledge for a moment and peered down. SnakeRock and AdderLight the clans only elders were standing outside their den their pelts bristling, and PoppySeed and her four kits where standing outside the nursery clearing their fur fluffed out. Especially FluffKit's and RedKit's.

hadowPaw reached the den as soon as LeafPaw disappeared down the tunnel. “Wow!” The apprentice meowed. The den had four moss nests at the back for cats in shock and so on. Then at the left wall was a bramble pile with herbs underneath for storage. A rock overhang at the right of the den with a fern and bracken screen, behind it lay MoonCrystal's den, ShadowPaw had never been in it.

“Look! I could make my den here!” LeafPaw's excited hiss came from a small opening in the rock wall ShadowPaw padded inside to find a shallow dip in the ground and room for two cats to stand. The perfect size for a den.
“Let's go get moss from BlueWater's.” ShadowPaw meowed heading back toward the entrance.

“Wait!Can we go to the forest to get some?” LeafPaw asked anxiously making her pelt prickle.

“Of course. I know you want to see the forest.” ShadowPaw replied as the two cats reached the bottom of the rock wall LeafPaw mumbled, “I wish ShellKit could see the forest to.” ShadowPaw felt a sharp stab of sympathy for the young she-cat she missed her brother very much. ShadowPaw would be devastated if NightPaw, RavenPaw, or even MoonCrystal died. She knew how LeafPaw must have been feeling.

“But he can see the forest. From SkyClan he'll always be watching you remember.” ShadowPaw ran her tail across LeafPaw's flank and the she-cat brightened a little.
“Thanks. I guess he is isn't he.” LeafPaw replied her voice a lot stronger looking at the sky as if she expected ShellKit to come and talk to her right very then.

“Come on.” ShadowPaw lead LeafPaw through the thin twisting gorse and thorn entrance and out into the dense woodland. “Moss grows at the bottom of that tree I know.” ShadowPaw meowed flicking her tail to a giant oak. The two she-cats padded up to the tree and right when they where about to head back with tons of moss...

“I smell-” LeafPaw never got a chance to finish a tom cat about a moon older than ShadowPaw leap out of the undergrowth. He was light ginger with dark ginger patches he smelled like a rogue.

“I am Leopard. “ He meowed loudly. “And I would like to join WaterClan.”

CHAPTER SIX

RavenPaw had almost had the thrush she was stalking it through the woods. It was so intent on the worm it was eating it didn't realize it was about to be hunted. Just then the thrush let out a loud alarm call and tried to take off. But RavenPaw was to fast for it she leap a mighty leap and brought it down with a bite to the neck she turned with the thrush dangling from her jaws.

“Beautiful catch there RavenPaw!” Her ginger and white mentor SunPatches congratulated her. RavenPaw had already caught two mice and now a thrush. “Your getting to be a very good hunter. The Clan won't go hungry tonight.”

“Well, I had a great teacher.” RavenPaw reminded her mentor.
“Oh RavenPaw you have always had-” SunPatches was interrupted by a yowl of surprise from a cat. “That was LeafPaw and ShadowPaw! Something's wrong!” SunPatches eyes stretched wide in dismay, and the two she-cat's bolted off through the forest. Her sister and LeafPaw where standing in front of a light ginger tom with darker ginger spots. He didn't seem threatening calm, maybe a moon older than her. ShadowPaw's eyes where narrowed in some tough thinking, and LeafPaw's mouth stretched wide in surprise.

“What is going on?” SunPatches and RavenPaw burst from the undergrowth. Now the tom was getting worried and anxious. It took ShadowPaw a few heartbeats to notice they were there. The tom was starting to get more brave, to he stood up and un-flatted his ears.

“This tom, his name is Leopard.” ShadowPaw meowed indicating the tom. Leopard? Was he part of that pack of rogues? RavenPaw wondered to herself. ShadowPaw went on. “He's alone LeafPaw made sure of that. And he says he wants to join water clan as an apprentice.” ShadowPaw finished. Join as an apprentice! Why? How? Could you even do that?

“Well, come with us, leopard young one.” SunPatches hissed to Leopard. “You two finish with that moss. RavenPaw you come with me. We'll report to BrightStar.” RavenPaw nodded her agreement and followed SunPatches to the camp Leopard right in front of her and right behind SunPatches.
“Your an apprentice right?” RavenPaw wasn't paying attention when leopard asked her the question then she noticed he was looking at her waiting for an answer.

“Yes, of course. I'm RavenPaw. That's my mentor SunPatches. The two she-cats you met back their were ShadowPaw and LeafPaw. ShadowPaw's my sister.” RavenPaw told him quickly. “Were here.”

“Where? All I see is brambles thorns and gorse.” Leopard was looking around puzzled. RavenPaw hissed annoyance. Didn't this tom have a sense of smell!

“The camp come on.” SunPatches growled padding down the tunnel. RavenPaw nudged Leopard after her. He squeezed through the winding tunnel till they reached the camp. Leopard looked around. When PoppySeed spotted him she shushed her kits that were playing together in the clearing. The kits looked at Leopard with curiosity in their tiny sparkling eyes. BrightStar appeared at the ledge of her den and beckoned them and the senior strikers with her tail. Since it was sun-high most cats were in camp. Except MoonCrystal,ShadowPaw, and LeafPaw.
When they reached the wall she gently nudged Leopard up it. He looked at her but she saw determination in his eyes he wouldn't give up easily. When they passed BlueWaters den DogEar dipped his head politely. Then they reached BrightStar's den RavenPaw had never been in her den. As she entered she saw a soft moss and feather nest that could fit two cats. It was BrightStar's. RavenPaw wondered where everyone was.

“Down that tunnel is the meeting room, for the senior strikers.” SunPatches told her. SunPatches was a senior striker so she was aloud to enter. RavenPaw was lucky apprentices didn't usually get to go up to BrightStar's den. Or the meeting room in that matter.

She and Leopard padded cautiously down the tunnel till they came to a room. The floor was covered in moss. BrightStar sat at the back. AmberFur, SunPatches, DeathClaw, LightningStrike and ThunderBolt where also their. RavenPaw moved to the side to let FlashingPelt come in. That's everyone RavenPaw thought she and Leopard where sitting near the entrance unsure whether to settle or not.

“That's everyone.” BrightStar announced. “Now, we are here because a rogue would like to join the clan.” A few mummers past through the senior strikers but BrightStar silenced them. ThunderBolt rose to his paws.
“Surely we can't accept.” He meowed so everyone in the cool cave could hear. “I mean isn't it against the striker code.” RavenPaw didn't dare say it out loud but ThunderBolt did have a point. It was the gathering tomorrow night to. Would BrightStar announce it if they did accept.

“Yes, ThunderBolt it is. But I think we should give it a shot. Who's with me?” AmberFur asked. SunPatches and DeathClaw agreed while LightningStrike, FlashingPelt and ThunderBolt didn't.

“I honour all your opinions but I think we should give the young tom. Leopard is his name. A shot.” BrightStar meowed ignoring the growls of the cats who disagreed.”I'll hold a clan meeting now then.” BrightStar left the den. SunPatches, AmberFur and DeathClaw followed excited for the naming ceremony. Leopard was sparking with excitement to and it was coming off him in waves.

“Why call us here when all she does is do what she wants anyway?” LightningStrike was arguing still.
“I agree, completely LightningStrike.” FlashingPelt growled.

“But she's our clan leader so I agree with her.” ThunderBolt meowed loudly. “Remember it's in the striker code.” RavenPaw wondered then why pick a fight if you agreed in the first place? ThunderBolt was a very senior striker, LightningStrike was his brother. “Are you two kits going to stand there like frozen prey move.” FlashingPelt growled pushing Leopard aside and shoving RavenPaw out of the way. Bossy fur-ball! He just got a senior striker status and he acts like he's leader! The other senior striker's left to not grumbling they were excited to. They kept it to themselves but they were excited. RavenPaw and Leopard padded quickly down the ledge passing LeafPaw and ShadowPaw. Each she-cat had a load of moss and feathers in their jaws. ShadowPaw dipped her head her mouth to full of moss to say 'hi'. RavenPaw flicked her tail to show that she had heard, and padded on.

When they had reached the medicine cat's den RavenPaw heard Leopard meow.

“Do you ever stand out? I mean with the black no. But you have white patches. Is it ever hard to hunt?” Leopard asked.
“No I can hunt just fine. BlizzardPaw is all white and is a good hunter in WaterClan it doesn't matter what colour pelt you have.” RavenPaw hissed leaping down from BlueWater's den. Both DogEar and BlueWater's sat outside their den. They both dipped their heads. RavenPaw dipped hers back in acknowledgement.

“Let all cats who help our clan through all the seasons join here beneath the high-ledge for a clan meeting!” BrightStar yowled. In a few heartbeats the whole clan had appeared the evening patrol would leave soon, for the sun was sinking in the sky. “We have gathered for two reasons. First, leopard step forward.” RavenPaw gave the young older tom a quick nudge as he stepped before BrightStar.

“Leopard do you promise to uphold the striker code?” BrightStar asked Leopard.

“Of course.” Leopard replied a few others realized that he had said the wrong words he flicked his ears to show that he didn't know as BrightStar went on. “Then until you receive you striker name you shall be known as LeopardPaw, AutumnNight will be your mentor.” BrightStar stepped back as the two cats touched noses. AutumnNight would be a great mentor. RavenPaw realized with a jolt that SunPatches was watching as she and LeopardPaw locked eyes with each other.
“So you two, got to, know each other?..well?' SunPatches asked casually. RavenPaw jumped back her pelt bristling with surprise and embarrassment.

“No! I mean...Er...” RavenPaw stammered. SunPatches nodded understanding and glanced toward MossSky who was growing quite plump. More kits would soon be born to WaterClan. Their clan was very strong. Their clan? Who was their? RavenPaw felt embarrassment flood over her. Was MossSky embarrassed when she found out she was going to have kits.

“Wait!” BrightStar yowled as the clan began to break up. “There is one more thing I would like to do.” What more was their to do? Then RavenPaw realized that ThunderBolt and NightSmoke's eyes were shinning with pride.

“PatchPaw. ViperPaw. JewelPaw” BrightStar beckoned the two young toms and she-cat with her tail. “ “ BerryTail has ViperPaw learned what he can from the striker code?” BrightStar asked.
“He couldn't have learned any more. “BerryTail's voice was topped with pride.

“Then ViperPaw by the powers of SkyClan I give you your striker name ViperPaw from this moment on you shall be known as ViperScale SkyClan honours your courage and loyalty.” BrightStar touched her muzzle to ViperScale's forehead and he licked her shoulder.

“DeathClaw has PatchPaw learned the ways of the striker?” BrightStar addressed DeathClaw now.

“He has.” DeathClaw growled though happy his eyes shining. “My apprentice the same.” MorningSun replied to.

“Then by the powers of SkyClan I give you your striker name. PatchPaw from this day forth you shall be known as PatchStorm, SkyClan honours your bravery and wisdom and we welcome you as a full striker of WaterClan. JewelPaw by the powers of SkyClan I give you your striker name from this moment on you shall be known as JewelFrost. SkyClan honours your courage and kindness, and we welcome you as a full striker of WaterClan.” BrightStar yowled.
The clan began to chant their names, RavenPaw joined them. “ViperScale! PatchStorm! JewelFrost! ViperScale!PatchStorm! JewelFrost!” The three new strikers looked so happy and RavenPaw couldn't blame them. Then RavenPaw noticed that LeopardPaw was looking at the thorn and gorse tunnel with a small look of sadness in his eyes, would he go home?

Chapter Seven

NightPaw padded quietly beside GrassPaw. NightPaw, GrassPaw and JewelFrost had been chosen for the dawn patrol. NightPaw stifled a yawn he would have given anything to be curled up in his nest right now her could tell that the other two she-cats felt the same.

“Did you hear that?” JewelFrost hissed ducking down. She twitched her tail to show that she wanted them to copy. No sooner had they done that than Mint, Sun, Lichen, Rain, Claws, and Poppy padded out of the undergrowth on their side of the border. Instinctive NightPaw unsheathed his claws. “Keep your claw sheathed idiot!” JewelFrost hissed. “We don't know what they want!”

“Come out we know your there and we will attack!” JewelFrost growled so Mint could hear her. Mint instantly pricked her ears her gaze flickering around.
“Show yourself cat stealers!” Mint hissed, and Lichen Sun and Rain all fluffed up there fur while claws and poppy paced around snarling and hissing. NightPaw followed JewelFrost and GrassPaw as they stepped out of the undergrowth.

“Cat stealers?” JewelFrost echoed puzzled. “Wait! You mean LeopardPaw? He left you.” Mint's eyes widened in surprise but that lasted no more than a heart beat.

“ I knew Leopard. He was going to leave someday but no one else would.”: Mint meowed proudly.

“Mint? acctually me Lichen, Claws and Poppy are going to join WaterClan as well. Me and Poppy can't leave our kit.” Rain suddenly meowed. The grey tom stepped forward along with an elderly dusty brown she-cat a all black tom and a tortoiseshell she-cat all dipped their head politely to JewelFrost.
“ So that's why you wanted to come?” Mint hissed. “The rogue cats can do without you anyway we are going.” Mint meowed through clenched teeth. Mint and sun padded away hissing threats to the four deserters before racing away.

“Um, is it even okay if we stay? I don't think Mint will let us back. Did we do the wrong thing?” Poppy blurted out as soon as Mint and Sun were out of earshot. Brave for Poppy to say but was it wise? Would BrightStar even let them stay? Do they think that if they join they will be able to battle all the time?

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