Chapter 37: A Setup

Chapter 37: A Setup

    Scarletpaw ran when Blooddrop instructed to.  She ran as fast as she could, following the warriors carrying kits up the small hill to the emergency camp.  All of a sudden, she was yanked back to reality by a branch.  Scarletpaw tugged and tugged, but the branch wouldn't give.  Her tail was stuck, and the monster was roaring nearer.  StarClan help me!  "Help!"  Scarletpaw yowled.  But no one seemed to hear.  Then, a few seconds later, Blooddrop was running toward her.  Relief flowed through Scarletpaw.  Blooddrop's coming.  I have nothing to worry about; he'll free me soon.  Scarletpaw's vision turned to slow motion, and she didn't care.  Scarletpaw liked it.  Then, she slowly blinked, and when her eyes opened, the slow motion came to an abrupt stop.  Bonetail!?  Bonetail was now cutting Blooddrop's path off and running to free her.  But Scarletpaw could see past his act.  Bonetail moved the branch and dragged her like a kit up the hill.  Bonetail stared at her.
     "You don't fool me,"  Scarletpaw heard herself whisper.
     Bonetail's look hardened, but he remained silent.  And as she reached the top of the hill, she glanced at the monster to see the damage.  Just as she had feared.  Bonetail had set up Blooddrop.  Now the monster was carrying her friend away, and Scarletpaw knew she had to do something.  I must let him know I understand what Bonetail's doing!  And that I'll come rescue him! 
Scarletpaw met Blooddrop's gaze and gave him a quick glance, then turned away.  I hope he understands!  I was never good at getting a point across from my eyes!  Now what?
     All of the clan was congratulating Bonetail.  No one seemed to notice the deputy's disapearance until Turtlepath looked around wearily.  "Where's Blooddrop?"  she asked. 
     "When I was helping Scarletpaw, he ran up to us and tried to break me away.  He was trying to be the hero.  Then, he shoved me toward the monster.  He was trying to kill me!  But thankfully, the twoleg grabbed him instead of me.  It ran off somewhere,"  Bonetail said.
     Scarletpaw couldn't believe her ears.  "I'm sorry to hear that,"  Wolfstar said.  Scarletpaw hadn't known he was watching.
     "Well," Wolfstar said, "if what you speak of is true, we'll need a new deputy.  Turtlepath, I'd like to appoint you as the new one.  Let's head back to our camp for the ceremony since the monster is gone."
     Scarletpaw swore she saw Bonetail's eyes narrow.  What can he possibly be after?  Whatever he is, Blooddrop had better take care of himself for a few days.  I need to watch Bonetail for awhile. 

        End of Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Captured

Chapter 36: Captured

     Back in DeathClan...

     Blooddrop herded the apprentices toward the back-up camp as Wolfstar tackled moving the queens and kits.  Fear scent hung in the air.  The warriors were hot on Blooddrop's trail, running from the loud monster rolling toward them.  "Meep!"  a cat yowled.  Blooddrop stopped dead in his tracks.  Scarletpaw was tugging at her tail, which was caught in a thorn bush. 
"Scarletpaw, I'm coming!"  Blooddrop yowled.  He looked back to make sure the other cats were still going.  A few had stopped to watch.  "Run!"  Blooddrop yowled to them.  Thankfully they obeyed.  The monster was drawing near fast.  Ruuuuuuu Ruuuuuuuuuuuu. The monster's yowls were clawing at Blooddrop's ears, and he felt bad for Scarletpaw's sensative ones.  "Hold on, Scarletpaw!  I'm coming!"  Blooddrop yowled again.  He raced closer to Scarletpaw.  As the monster was just tail-lengths away from Scarletpaw and Blooddrop, a white blur raced past, freeing Scarletpaw.  Curse you, Bonetail!  It was easier to run forwards then back, and Blooddrop felt his back being lifted toward the monster, a pink, furless face staring at him.  Nooo!  It's a twoleg!  Soon he was inside the monster, trying to claw his way free, but the twoleg trapped him inside a small crate, and no matter how hard he struggled, he was trapped.  In one part where he could see outside the monster, he saw Scarletpaw's horrified face staring at him as Bonetail dragged her away, and then the monster sped out of Blooddrop's sight of his clan.
     The crate was carried from side to side, and the motion made Blooddrop sick.  Soon the twoleg opened a part of it, and Blooddrop sped out, bumping into the side of yet another crate, this one much larger.  Blooddrop ran in a circle, chasing the perimeter of the crate, and as the shocking truth of being trapped sunk in, Blooddrop collapsed in the center.
     "Well, well, looks like they brought in a straggler,"  a voice said.  Blooddrop looked up.  A yellow tabby tom was standing over him.  "You alright, son?" the voice said again.
"What do you think?"  Blooddrop growled.
"Oh, you're one of 'em wild cats, ain't you?"
"Maybe I am, maybe not.  It's none of your buisness."
"Yep, ye sure are.  I'd be Mustard."
"What kind of name is that?"
"Twoleg name.  It ain't my real one.  Now what be yours?"
"Blooddrop.  Do you mind telling me where I am?"
"Sure sonny!  You'd be in what the twolegs call the pound, where all missing or stray cats end up."
"Will I ever get out?"
"Sure, if a twoleg takes you home.  Alls you gotta do is look cute and they'll adopt you!"
Bloodfeather stared at Mustard.  "Look cute!  Never!  Not for a twoleg!"
"Look, sonny,"  Mustard said impatiently. "If you want out of her, they have to take you home.  Been here 3 years.  I'm an expert."
"Uh, ok..."  If he's an expert, shouldn't he be gone?"
"Don't be worring, young one,"  Mustard said. "Oldn's like me ain't what the twolegs want.  They want the youngin's.  Now you had better get some rest.  You got a big day 'head of you."
                                   End of Chapter 35

Chapter 35: The Group Rising

Chapter 35:  The Group Rising

Meanwhile, on the edge of FireClan territory...

     Rosekit and Frostkit huddled together and discussed Pineleaf.  "He's fitting in well,"  Rosekit mewed. "And he deserves to know.  Plus, we could use help around here, after what the cream-colored cat said!  We have to bring together our group of cats!"  Rosekit exclaimed.
"I know Rosekit, but still.  What if he wasn't meant to be with us?  What if he's a spy of some sort?"
Rosekit knew Frostkit had a point, but her heart sank at the thought of Pineleaf spying for the evil force or something else.  "Yes, I know,"  Rosekit said. "But I have a feeling that he isn't- I really do Frostkit.  I wouldn't lie to you."
Frostkit nodded.  "I trust you, Rosekit," he said.  "Let's go tell him."
     Rosekit and Frostkit turned around to address Pineleaf.  "We decided to fill you in,"  Frostkit said.  "Rosekit will explain."  Pineleaf looked at Rosekit, who felt herself blush.
"We need to bring together a group of rebels to like, stop this force called DarkForest from getting away with something.  We don't know what they want to do, honest, but we have to stop them.  This cream-colored cat told us that, like, um, five cats would be in this group to stop them, not counting us.  We have to assemble the group,"  Rosekit said, blushing every time she studdered.  Pineleaf nodded. 
"I think I was meant to be in the group!"  Pineleaf announced.  Rosekit twitched in shock, but when she looked at her brother, Frostkit didn't look surprised at all. 
"But you weren't meant to lead it solo,"  Frostkit said. "There's some other cat that will lead with you." 
Pineleaf nodded.  "All right, works for me," he said. 
"And hopefully we'll get our second cat soon.  The DarkForest is rising fast,"  Frostkit added.  Little did Frostkit know, though.  As they were talking, the remaining four cats were starting to make their way, slowly, across his path.
                                                           End of Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Bonetail

Chapter 35: Bonetail

     Wolfstar looked at the new cat.  It hadn't exactly been hard to lie about finding Bone; with Skullstar's directions to bring Scarletpaw on the dawn patrol and to go by the river.  Skullstar had also mentioned that he and Mapleleaf wouldn't be seeing Wolfstar or Sharpfang in awhile, which had struck Wolfstar as odd.  Oh well.  I suppose training cats gets tiring after all; they may train other cats besides me and Sharpfang.  Besides, Skullstar said I was doing great and could practice on my own!  Oh!  What about the cat's name!?  "Hey, newbie!"  Wolfstar jogged up to the white cat.  "Did you have a loner name that I can get your name from?" 
 The cat nodded.  "All the other loners called me Bone,"  he said.  "But I have practiced your warrior tactics so can I be a warrior, and if I'm not good you can train me with the apprentices."
Wolfstar nodded.  "That's a great idea.  I'll announce your name in a few minutes."  Wolfstar padded away from Bone and headed towards Blooddrop.  "Blooddrop,"  Wolfstar began, "what do you think the new one's name should be?  His loner name was Bone."
Blooddrop's eyes widened.  "You called me Blooddrop!?  Are you feeling okay, Wolfstar?"
For a moment, Wolfstar was surprised, and then Skullstar's words ran through his head:  No mercy, let no cat boss you around.  I don't want to see your soft side, Wolfstar, as a matter of fact, I don't want you to have one at all.  "I'll call you whatever I want," Wolfstar said with a trace of harshness.
"Ok..."  Bloodfeather began.  He paced for a second.  "Bonetail.  Sounds good if you ask me."
Wolfstar nodded.  "Thanks, Blooddrop.  I'll go announce it to the group."
Wolfstar padded up to the gathering area.  "The new cat's official warrior name is Bonetail,"  Wolfstar said after the cats had gathered around. 
"Bonetail..."  whispers serged through the crowd.  Finally, one of the warriors cheered, "Bonetail!  Bonetail!".
"Bonetail!  Bonetail!"  the cats joined in.  Wolfstar recognised the starter as Turtlepath, a pretty good hunter.  "Clan dismissed,"  Wolfstar said after the cheers died down.  Bonetail held his tail high, and he padded towards the hunting patrol that was about to depart.  I'm sure Bonetail will make a fine warrior.  But... why him?

Chapter 33: A Cat Named Jadepaw

Chapter 33: A Cat Named Jadepaw

     Scarletpaw purred at the praise from her leader.  Wolfstar had been so hard to please lately, and it made Scarletpaw feel good for the rare praise from him.  "Nice job, Scarletpaw,"  Wolfstar said roughly, "DeathClan could always use new recruits."

"Thank you, Wolfstar,"  Scarletpaw replied.  But it's not like the cat was the color of the forest.  A blind cat could've seen him a mile away!  How will such a white cat be any use in a forest jade green like DeathClan's?  Scarletpaw couldn't help thinking.  Slowly she made her way towards a clump of gossiping she-cats.  She eased her way close enough to hear them, but far enough away so they wouldn't notice her.  "That cat is so mysterious,"  one she-cat said.

"I know right!"  another said, "but in the same way he's kinda cute!"  Her words were shortly followed by a giggle.

"But Lilyspot," another gasped, "you have a mate already!"

Lillyspot rolled her eyes.  "Of course I know that!  I saw you mooning over a CreekClanner the other day!"  Eventually Scarletpaw lost interest.  She walked towards the fresh-kill pile and aimed for a small vole; she figured she'd earned it since she found the white cat and hunted 2 birds.  Just as she was almost to the vole, she was knocked over with a loud thump.  "Hey Scrawnypaw," a voice snarled, "think you're big enough to eat a vole twice as big as you?" 

Scarletpaw gazed up at Lightpaw.  "You're just jealous I caught two plump birds and found a new DeathClanner and all you did was train!"  Scarletpaw retorted.  Lightpaw's face paled for less then a moment before he scowled down at Scarletpaw.  "Shut your face!"  he growled at her.

"Mom said that any mean cat is just jealous!" Scarletpaw growled. 

"Hey Scrawnypaw!  I thought that bird carried you away!  It must have ran into a tree carrying you off!"  Woodpaw laughed. 

Scarletpaw sulked.  I can't beat both Woodpaw and Lightpaw in a fight.  Scarletpaw sighed and walked away.  "I'm going for a walk,"  she muttered.

     Scarletpaw found herself wandering for a long time before she noticed she was in a new section of territory she'd never seen before.  Before the sence of fear came over her, curiosity got the best of Scarletpaw and she wandered farther and farther from the camp.  Soon she heard a light sssssh  hhhh shhhhh.... coming from behind her.  Scarletpaw retraced her steps and followed the sound into a small clearing.  A small cat about the size of Scarletpaw was in the center of the clearing, her head on her paws resting.  Slowly the cat opened one eye.  "Hello,"  Scarletpaw said slowly and kindly.  The cat sprang to her paws.  "Get away from my treasure!"  she hissed.

"Your what?"  Scarletpaw asked curiously, not the least bit frightened.  "I just saw you here... I want to be your friend, is all!" 

"Oh," the cat said.  She slowly rose to her paws and stretched.  "In that case, my name is Jadepaw."

                                                      End of Chapter 22





Act 3: Chapter 32: A New DeathClanner

Act 3

Chapter 32: A New DeathClanner

     Blooddrop jumped off of the high tree after naming the day's patrols.  When he was announced deputy and named Bloodfeather, Wolfstar had broken into the medicine cat den and eaten too much catmint.  Of course, Blooddrop didn't care.  Wolfstar was the only one that called him Bloodfeather.  His real name was Blooddrop, and the rest of the clan called him that.  Blooddrop padded over to Wolfstar.  "Hey Wolfstar,"  Blooddrop said, "how am I doing as deputy?"  Blooddrop knew well that he was doing really good as deputy.  He only asked because he knew it annoyed Wolfstar. 
"Bloodfeather, you're doing great!  Now stop asking!"  Wolfstar growled.
"What was that?  I couldn't hear you!"  Blooddrop snickered.  Instead of Wolfstar laughing and saying Blooddrop was doing a great job louder, Wolfstar lunged forward and pinned Blooddrop, who squealed like a kit.  "Bloodfeather, STOP ASKING."  Wolfstar growled.  Blooddrop just stared at Wolfstar.  Who pulled his tail?  Bloodfeather thought, Obviously whoever it was pulled it a little hard!  Blooddrop slowly backed away from his leader, who stomped off into the forest.  Several cats had to part to get out of his way.  Blooddrop was too busy staring at the spot Wolfstar had tred through to notice Turtlepath pad toward him.  "Hey, Bloodfeather,"  she mewed.  Bloodfeather spun around in surprise, then purred.  "Hey, Turtle,"  Blooddrop replied.
"Who put a thorn in his nest?"  Turtlepath mewed with a glimpse at the spot Wolfstar had vanished.  Blooddrop shrugged.   "He's been getting stricter and stricter!  I can't give one joke without a spanking!"  Blooddrop replied, "I wish he was my friend still."
"Don't worry, Bloodfeather, you have me!" Turtlepath purred. "Hey,"  she meowed suddenly, "who's that?" 
     Blooddrop looked in the direction Turtlepath had.  A bleached white cat was walking towards camp with Wolfstar, Scarletpaw on their trail.  Blooddrop and Turtlepath exchanged a glance.  All the cats seemed to have come into the main clearing beside high tree.  "Fellow clanmates,"  Wolfstar began, "Scarletpaw has found this cat wandering around the camp.  He doesn't seem to know where he camp from, but will be welcome in DeathClan for awhile.  Treat him like any other clanmate."  Blooddrop and Turtlepath exchanged another glance.  "This is so weird!"  Turtlepath whispered, "Remember that friendly rogue Wolfstar sent away earlier?  What makes this cat so different?"
"I don't know,"  Blooddrop whispered back, "but he looks awfully weird to me.  He always turns his whole head to look at something, and never moves his eyes!" 
Turtletail shrugged.  "Maybe he'll be nicer after we get to know him,"  she suggested.

                                                          End of Chapter 21

Chapter 31: Another Rival

Chapter 31: Another Rival

     The midnight wolf with the black scar slowly padded through the new land.  "This is ridiculous,"  he growled, "all my land has been taken by cats.  By CATS!" 
"But Scar,"  a small wolf said, "the cats are fierce!  There are hundreds of them!"
"I told you to call me by LEADER, Scrap!  You should be honored to be my servant!"
"I'm sorry Sca- I mean Leader, Sir!  I am honored to be your servant!  Say, when's dinner?" Scrap asked.
"There won't be dinner if we're forced to live here!"  Scar growled.
"But what about the cat we have held prisoner? Scrap asked, "Can't we eat her?"
"No!  We must keep her to hold against the cats!  We can exchange her for our territory!" 
"Okay, Sir!  I'm sorry I asked!"
"It's fine, Scrap.  Let's go check on her,"
"Excuse me,"  a calico cat stepped out from the bushes.  "Who are you?"  Scar growled. 
"Relax,"  the cat said, "I am Mapleleaf.  And have I got a deal for you!"
                                                End of Act 3
                                                TO BE CONTINUED

Chapter 30: A New Recruit

Chapter 30: A New Recruit

     "First of all," Rosekit began, "never question me and Frostkit.  We know what we're doing, and if we were still in FireClan, we'd be warriors.  Understand?"  Pineleaf nodded. 
"Then let's get back to camp for dinner." Rosekit said.  The three cats walked back to the clearing where Rosekit and Frostkit had made their homes moons ago.  As Rosekit walked into their camp, she looked back to see if the toms were following her.  Silly me!  Rosekit thought as she saw Pineleaf frozen, I've forgotten to be afraid of those old bones!  Poor Pineleaf, he's probibly scared to death!  "What, what are those?"  Pineleaf stared at the bones. 
"We don't know,"  Frostkit replied, "but their's nothing to be afraid of.  The bones give warmth for some strange reason." 
"But, but their bones,"
"They give us warmth!"  Frostkit argued.
"Enough!"  Rosekit meowed, "Just don't touch the bones, okay Pineleaf?  The warmth should spread to you anyways." 
Pineleaf nodded.  "You said something about dinner?"  he asked.  Rosekit laughed.  "We have mice, voles, squirrels, or birds.  Which one?" 
Pineleaf thought for a few seconds.  "Voles I guess,"  he said.  Rosekit led Pineleaf to the nearby river.  She scented for a minute, then crept up to a spot by the river.  Squeak, squeak, the vole said.  Rosekit crouched, then sprang.  She caught the vole in one swipe.  With a final jerk, the vole became still.  "That was amazing!"  Pineleaf said surprised, "How did you know that vole was there?  I never would've scented it, even if I knew it was there!"  Rosekit shrugged.  "Frostkit and I have some sort of power."  Pineleaf stared at her.  "What kind of power?" he wanted to know.  Rosekit shrugged.  "If you must know,"  she said, "we can read minds.  Not like personal thoughts, but like what they're about to say, and we can locate them.   I guess you should know if you're going to stay with us."
"You can WHAT!?"  Pineleaf stared at her.  Pineleaf just stared at her for a few minutes.  "I guess that makes sense,"  he muttered after awhile, "that's how Frostkit could hear me."  Rosekit nodded.  "You're alright, Pineleaf,"  she said.  Pineleaf grinned.  "Thanks,"  he replied. 
"Now let's get this vole back to camp and see what Frostkit's caught.  Then we better get some rest," Rosekit said.
                                                          End of Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Risen from Death

Chapter 29:  Risen from Death
     Pineleaf slowly opened his eyes.  Two blurry cats stood over him.  "Am I in StarClan?"  he slowly asked. The blurry one to the right laughed.  "Far from it,"  she giggled, "we rescued you from nearly drowning."
"Who are you?" Pineleaf asked.  The two cats turned into four, and then his vision returned.  A pretty tabby she-cat and a while tom stood over him.  "Why, I'm Rosekit and this is Frostkit,"  the she-cat said.  "You don't look much like kits,"  Pineleaf snorted.  The white tom rolled his eyes.  "We've been rouges for a long time,"  he said.  Suddenly Pineleaf's memory returned.  "You're the lost kits FireClan was talking about moons ago in the big Northern Southern clans gathering!"  he said shocked.  They nodded.  "Why did you run away?"  Pineleaf asked.  The two run-aways exchanged a glance.  "Well,"  Rosekit began, "our mother didn't love us because of our flaws."  Pineleaf stared at them.  "What's wrong with you?"  Pineleaf asked them, and when he thought about it, his words came out rather rudely.  "I can't smell,"  Rosekit said, "and Frostkit can't hear."
"Wait a minute,"  Pineleaf said, "if he's deaf then how did he answer me?"  Niether of the two spoke.  "Oh, so now you're giving me the silent treatment?"  Pineleaf huffed, "Well forget it!  I'm going home!"  Pineleaf began to stomp away.  "Wait!"  Rosekit yowled, "there's no home to go to!"
"What?"  Pineleaf asked as he turned around to stare at them.
"Your clan doesn't want you back.  They think you ran off, and the only thing they miss is the protection from the weather,"  Pineleaf stared at Rosekit.  "How in StarClan do you know that?"  he accused.
"Well, being a rogue gets rather boring.  We check in on all the clans from time to time, maybe catch a mouse and pick a few hidden herbs, you know?"
"You do favors for other clans?"
"Yeah, it's the right thing to do,"
"Well," Pineleaf said, "how about I stay with you for awhile?"  Rosekit and Frostkit shrugged.  "Doesn't bother me,"  he replied, "You, Rosekit?"
"Nope,"  she replied.
"Okay, great," Frosekit smiled, "but we'll need to fill you in on a few things."
      End of Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Exiled

Chapter 28: Exiled

     "Yeah Doveheart, shut up and be nice!"  Bladepaw hissed.  "You've caused enough misery to us!  WhisperClan would be better off with you dead!"  Scratchwhisker growled.  Doveheart fought back the urge to burst into tears.  I didn't mean to yell!  It wasn't my fault the mouse got away!  Doveheart thought sadly.  "You shut up!"  Doveheart hissed, "You filthy mangepelts need to pick on someone your own size;  how about a vole!?"
"DOVEHEART!"  Foxstar hissed, "Don't pick on Bladepaw and Scratchwhisker!  They're much younger than you!  This is your last warning!"
"But-" Doveheart began.  "No buts!"  Foxstar hissed, "Control your temper or become an apprentice again!  I'm not afraid to do it!"  Doveheart sulked sadly.  Foxstar doesn't know the half of it!  Scratchwhisker and Bladepaw combined don't have the brains of a piece of grass!  They pick on me, not the other way around!  Doveheart sulked back to camp, then cast a final glare at the two.  When Foxstar left Doveheart's view, Scratchwhisker sneered at Doveheart.  Doveheart couldn't help but let out a growl.  Then, before she knew what she was doing, she lunged at Scratchwhisker.  As her claws met his back, she stopped.  What am I doing???? "I'm...I'm,"  Doveheart couldn't let out the words.  Scratchwhisker stared at her.  "FOXSTAR!!!!!!"  Bladepaw ran off screeching.  Uh oh.  Foxstar came rushing into the area.  When she saw Scratchwhisker, lying on the ground, her eyes met Doveheart's.  Her eyes were full of hatred.  "She, she..."  Scratchwhisker began.  "Bladepaw told me the whole story," Foxstar growled, "You'd always picked on him, yelling death threats when no one could hear,"
 Doveheart stared at her in surprise.  "I would never," she began.
"and you lunged at Scratchwhisker, who just became a warrior!  Only the best of the best warriors earn the name heart.  I wish I never made you a warrior!"
Doveheart stared at her leader in shock.  "I can explain, Foxstar..." she began.
"No need,"  Foxstar growled, "I am exiling you from WhisperClan."
Even Scratchwhisker and Bladepaw looked shocked.  Dovefeather couldn't move.  "You heard me!"  Foxstar yelled, "Be gone!!!!!"
Doveheart raced off into the woods.  She didn't dare look back.  As soon as she felt like she'd run forever, she collapsed on the ground.  Now what?  I can't ever go back to WhisperClan, or any other clan.  I guess the first step is to get some food...
       End of Chapter 27

Chapter 27: The New Group Part 2

Chapter 27: The New Group Part 2:

     As Grayfur and Darkfeather began the long walk back to camp, Darkfeather couldn't help but wonder.  Maybe Sharpfang had a point.  It is odd that Snowfur would die of sadness.  She always gets mad before she gets sad.  There wasn't a clawmark on her, but why had she died?  Darkfeather thought.  Then she shook her head.  That's ridiculous!  Snowfur was showing a new side of herself is all.  She just died.  "Let's go by the fern patch,"  Grayfur muttered, "I'd like to say goodbye before returning to work."
"Agreed,"  Darkfeather muttered.  As the she-cats approached the fern patch about an hour later, they noticed something a bit strange.  "Where'd that big red plant come from?"  Darkfeather asked Grayfur.  A big bush had sprouted with blood-red berries growing on top.  Grayfur stared at it.  "Maybe it's Snowfur's way of saying goodbye or something,"  Grayfur responded, "I have no idea."  The two cats looked down upon Snowfur's grave.  For a brief second they closed their eyes, and the cool breeze swept through their fur.  Suddenly the peace was interrupted.  "Grayfur!  Darkfeather!"  someone shouted.  Darkfeather looked up.  Fastclaw was running toward them.  "It's Gorgepaw!  She-she's dead!"  Darkfeather stared at Fastclaw.   "What!?"  Darkfeather screamed at him.
"After we went to Snowfur's grave, Gorgepaw collapsed, and soon died!  Her vigil is tonight,"  Darkfeather couldn't move.  Her eyes stayed wide, her mouth open.  Not Gorsepaw... not my apprentice!  How can she be gone?  Darkfeather almost couldn't feel her legs.  The last thing she felt was Fastclaw pushing her toward camp before she blacked out.
     Darkfeather woke up in a dark, creepy forest.  "Where am-" she began, but she soon saw a calico she-cat and hushed herself.  Where am I?  Darkfeather looked around.  I think I'm dreaming.  "Hey can you show me-" Darkfeather began,= crouched down when the she-cat looked her way.  You mousebrain!  What are you thinking?  Don't talk to a cat in a dream unless they talk to you!  When Darkfeather finished scolding herself, she looked up and spotted a tabby tom following the calico.  Is that Sharpfang?!  "Mapleleaf, what was the favor you wanted?"  Sharpfang asked the calico.  So her name's Mapleleaf.  "Oh, just a little favor you and Wolfstar need to complete,"  Mapleleaf replied.  Wolfstar!?  Isn't he the leader of DeathClan?!  Just as Darkfeather was thinking, the powerful tom stepped into the clearing.  "I'll do anything in return for your training, Mapleleaf,"  he said.
"Good,"  Mapleleaf replied, "But you'll need a little more training first."
"Awwww,"  Wolfstar whined like an apprentice.  "Have patience my dear,"  Mapleleaf muttered, "Have patience......."  Darkfeather's vision rippled and she soon entered a rich, deep forest. A cream colored she-cat stood in the center of a small clearing, facing Darkfeather.  "Who are you?"  Darkfeather asked, scared and curious at the same time.  "My name is Cream,"  the she-cat said, "Mapleleaf and Skullstar are a great danger to Sharpfang and Wolfstar."
"But why are you showing me?  Shouldn't you show them?  And who is Skullstar?"  Darkfeather pelted Cream with questions.  "Relax,"  Cream said, "I'll fill you in more later.  But here's the message:  I've chosen you to start a group, sort of like rebels.  Four other cats will join you.  Remember, don't just look in the borders for them.  Hunt between the mice."
"But..."
"No buts.  And don't tell anyone about this dream, or things will get bad.  You need to wake up and I'll tell you more later."
"Cream wait!"  Darkfeather screamed.  But Cream was gone.
        End of Chapter 26

Capter 27 Part 1: The New Group

Chapter 27 Part 1: The New Group

       A few days had past since Snowfur's vigil.  It had shocked Darkfeather that one day her friend was patroling and racing her to a mouse, and the next she was slowly dying, not eating anything because of her kits.  Today was the day Grayfur had to break the news to Sharpfang.  As the medicine cat was leaving, Darkfeather jumped out.  "Wait!"  Darkfeather yelled to Grayfur, "Let me come too!" 
"You sure?  Sharpfang will be real depressed.  I know I'll hate the look on his face,"  Grayfur said.  "Please let me come with you!"  Darkfeather pleaded.  "Alright,"  Grayfur said.  As they made the long walk to the western part of the territory, Darkfeather took in her surroundings.  She'd forgotten what the western territory looked like; it had been a few moons since Sharpfang had started ThistleClan.  Who knows what had taken place since?  "Whos' there?"  a voice echoed through the trees.  "Pebblestep!"  Grayfur exclaimed.  "Grayfur!  Darkfeather!"  Pebblestep replied ecstatically.  "What brings you here?"  she asked.  Grayfur paused and took a breath.  Pebblestep gasped.  It was like she could read minds.  "Snowfur died during Rosekit and Frostkit's vigil,"  Grayfur finally said.  Darkfeather nodded sadly.  "Oh no,"  Pebblestep whispered.  "We must tell Sharpfang right away!"  With that she disappeared through the trees.  Darkfeather exchanged a glance with Grayfur, and then they followed Pebblestep through the trees.  Soon they emerged in a large familiar clearing.  "Wasn't this the original FireClan camp?  We canceled it because it took too long to get to the gathering,"  Darkfeather asked Pebblestep.  She shrugged.  "Yep,"  she replied.  Sharpfang appeared through some ferns talking with Bluefur.  His eyes widened for a second when he saw Darkfeather and Grayfur.  "What brings you here?  It's great to see you!"  he said.  Apparently he didn't catch on as quick as Pebblestep; Snowfur's best friend and sister come to talk to him.  "It's Snowfur,"  Grayfur said slowly.  All the color drained from Sharpfang's face.  "She died during her kits' vigil."  Sharpfang groaned.  "She died a peaceful death.  She wasn't in pain,"  Grayfur said.
"This is my fault!  If I hadn't argued with her, the kits never would've run away!"
"It's no one's fault!"
"It's not like her to be depressed, no matter how bad the situation is!  What really happened!?"
"What do you mean what really happened?  Snowfur died!  That's what!  We buried her by the fern patch she loved,"  Sharpfang nodded.  "I'm sorry,"  he said, "I'm just sad"  Grayfur nodded.  "I guess we better get back before nightfall,"  Darkfeather muttered.  "Please stay a night!"  Sharpfang said suddenly.  Darkfeather and Grayfur looked at him.  "I could just use some comapany,"  he muttered.