Less Resting, More Fighting

"Come on, Scarlet! Please, just hear me out. Don't you find it just a little suspicious that three warriors have vanished in a space of very short time?" Amber pleaded with her friend, retelling the conversation she heard three moons ago. As always, Scarlet just slowly shook her head.

"Amber, you don't know Jet like I do. How can the same cat who saved me as a kit also be a coldblooded murderer?" She meowed, memories flashing inside her mind like lightning strikes. "Maybe all of this training has gotten to your head, with Firepaw and all. Do you want to take today off? Don't worry, I can manage those two, it'll be a piece of prey." She meowed jokingly, though her eyes showed that she was worried about her friend.

Amber shook her head. "Yeah right! Icestar would kill me. He doesn't like anyone missing out on training these days." She sighed. "Don't worry, I'll be fine." She meowed, lightly tapping her friend's shoulder with the tip of her tail.

"Good. And shh! Firepaw and Ravenpaw are here; I don't want them to hear about your nonsense, okay?" Scarlet said, though her eyes were bright. "Come on, now let's go to the training hollow." The dark ginger she-cat meowed, waving her tail as soon as the two apprentices caught up. Firepaw let out an exasperated sigh.

"The training hollow? Again? But we did that yesterday! I want to go hunting. The fresh-kill pile is barely stocked! I had to share a mouse with Echopaw and Toadpaw yesterday!" The young cat's once bright ginger coat had turned to a dull colored pelt.

Amber sighed, her eyes darkening. "I'm sorry... But we have to do what Jet says. He only chooses two hunting patrols a day, and we got assigned battle training again." She pressed her pelt against her apprentice's side, which was almost as bony as his. "You can have my share of prey tonight, along with yours." She meowed, and Scarlet nodded to Ravenpaw, her eyes soft. "Now come on, let's go."

Since the apprentices already knew the path by heart, they let them run up ahead, hearing their squeals of excitement whenever a battered leaf was drifting in the wind, and how they competed to see which one could get it down first.

They haven't been able to play much recently... With Jet's new orders. She turned to Scarlet, daring to ask again. "Still not suspicious about Jet?" Her friend's eyes flashed, but she shook her head, and only meowed,
"Come on, we need to catch up."

~*~

"Jet, the Clan cats have about nothing to eat. And more importantly, we're starting to feel hungry at night, too." Copper said, her skinny frame jutting out. "Should we increase the hunting patrols?"

The big black tom shook his head. "Go hunting by yourself if I care! They need to focus on battle training. After my announcement, hunger will be the least of their problems."

Shaft of Light

Icestar sat inside his den, staring out into the camp through the wavy image of the water spilling down from his den.He flicked his tail to and fro, until he finally mustered up the strength he needed to make the announcement.

Slowly he got up and maneuvered stiffly out of his den and lightly trotted over to the Oak Branch, his pace making him seem more like an elder than a fit leader.

"Let all those cats old enough to catch their own prey join under the Oak Branch for a Clan meeting!" He meowed, though his voice faltered at the end. As cats began to appear, rogues and Clan cats mixed together, he began to speak. "I know that these last few days have been hard. Stormfang being killed by a fox, and with the prey returning to it's hollows. But, also in these past days, we have been able to survive with almost a full prey-pile, and I praise Copper and Nettle for chasing off that fox. I'm sure Stormfang is very grateful." He nodded his head towards the two rogues, who nodded, their eyes hard and cold. A dull praise was given out. "And today, I would like to do something that not only lifts our spirits, but shows that OakClan is strong. "Dragonpaw, Birdpaw, Dustpaw, and Snowpaw, please step forward." His eyes glowed with pride as he stepped towards his one apprentice, who had adapted well to the training sessions given by the rogues, and he saw a gleam of approval in one of the well-respected rogues eyes, along with many of his own clanmates. After asking if the apprentices were ready, he carried on.

"I, Icestar, leader of OakClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn." Nodded to him, he continued. "Dragonpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" The apprentice drew in a breath before he answered, but he sounded as sure as ever.

"I do." He meowed.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Dragonpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Dragonblaze. StarClan honors your strength and independence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of OakClan." As Icestar finished saying the sacred words, Dragonblaze licked his old mentor's shoulder as Icestar rested his muzzle on the top of his head. Before another word could be said, a crowd of cats engulfed the newly named warrior with congratulatory yowls. As soon as it began to quiet down, Icestar continued, giving Birdpaw the name Birdwing, Dustpaw the name Duststripe, and Snowpaw being named Snowfoot. Once the Clan quieted down again after cheering, Icestar held up his tail.

"We're not over yet." Beckoning the Clan's kits with a sweep of his tail, he named them Echopaw, Toadpaw, Clawpaw, Badgerpaw, Ravenpaw, Firepaw, and Rainpaw. "Echopaw's mentor will be Snowfoot, Toadpaw's Dragonblaze, Clawpaw will be given to Duststripe, Birdwing will be Badgerpaw's mentor, Ravenpaw will be Scarlet's apprentice," A few gasps were heard at the mention of a rogues name, but Icestar carried on. "Firepaw will be Amber's apprentice and Rainpaw will be given to Goldenbreeze." Icestar watched as each of the apprentices touched noses with their mentors, and how more cheers erupted in the hallow.

~*~

Once everything was settled, and the newly named warriors' put on watch, Icestar stalked over to his deputy. "Jet, I know it was you. I know you are the one who killed Stormfang."

A New Era

"I have a proposition for you." A tom stated, standing before three, wild looking cats.

"We want nothing to do with you! Get out!" A ragged ginger tom said menacingly, curling his lip back in a snarl. A black tom, one that seemed to be the leader, swept the red tom back with a swish of his tail.

"Get back, Copper. This has nothing to do with you." His piercing blue eyes didn't bother to look at his companion, and he stepped forward with confidence. "I'm listening, but that doesn't mean I'm interested." He said, a low growl sound deep in his throat. "Go on."

"Good. I'm sure you will be pleased with my offer."

~*~

Sunlight peaked through the cracks of the warriors den, glaring light down on the sleeping cats. Goldenbreeze began to stir, slowly opening her eyes to slits of green. I better go get the patrols ready... She thought, but then remembered all of the events that had happened. Oh, yes... I forgot... I'm not the Clan deputy anymore... Sadness filled her gaze when she remembered that she wasn't appointed as the new deputy, and confusion on why that was clouded her mind. No, I wasn't dwell on that... She thought, and pricked her ears when Icestar started to call a meeting, thankfully using the correct words this time.

"Cats of OakClan! I want you to welcome someone who has been with us for many moons. In secret, of course." He meowed before murmurs of confusion swept throughout the crowd. "She goes by the name of Amber of Burning Fire, but is simply called as Amber. Though she excels at many things, she will be joining the Warrior's Den. He nodded to Blueflower. "I hope you have enough time to teach her our ways, if you do not mind." The blue she-cat nodded, and he bowed his head gratefully.

Taking a deep breath, he continued. "Now, while on my journey back from the Moon Pool, I ran into the rogues." Stunned silence met his words, and questions like how did he survive rang throughout the clearing. "We discussed certain things, and he gave me a preposition." Three cats stepped out of the shadows. The hefty black tom that had defeated Cloudstar, his eyes filled with malice, and his two companions, or servants, more like. "And we agreed that together, we can make each other stronger. They have agreed to join OakClan."

~*~

Amber pricked her eyes at the sound of voices coming outside the prey-hunter's den. No wait, the apprentice's den... Or was it the warrior's den? These Clan cats are too confusing! Groggily getting up, she realized it was Jet hissing to Icestar.

"Hurry up! I have to talk to you." His meow was dark and thick. It made Amber shudder whenever she heard him. Why are they here so early? Usually Jet only sends over his cats at sun-high or something. 

 For the past 2 moons, Jet has been sending over his rogues to help and clear out duties here. At first, it was only every other day or so, but then it started to become almost like a routine, and the cats got used to seeing them. Though Amber could tell they weren't fully settled with having outsiders lurk in every corner, and she saw most cats send glares their way. Though she disliked their crow-food type of scent, she still felt sorry for them. She knew what it felt like to be an outsider. Usually the rogues would stay away from the Clan cats, except for the occasionally one or two of them that said "hi". Amber also liked to hunt with one she-cat, named Scarlet. She was new to Jet's group, but she insisted he was the best leader to have. I wonder if I'll see her today...

Snapping back into reality, she focused more on the voices.

 "Okay, okay I'm coming. Calm down!" Hissed Icestar with his edgy meow. 

"Good. I have something important to tell you. Copper and Cliff are with me." Amber saw him whip around and dart into the forest, with Icestar in pursuit. Curiosity getting the best of her, Amber slowly slunk out of the den, and into the forest.

~*~

"Well, why did you bring me here?" Icestar meowed in annoyance, flicking a raindrop off of his ear. 

"I have news. Good news." Jet meowed, seeming quite pleased with himself. 

"Alright, get on with it." Icestar growled, and Copper curled his lip, but was hushed with Icestar whipped his head around, hissing menacingly. 

"If I may continue." Jet meowed darkly, and Icestar nodded. "I have gladly disposed of the ones called Hawkeye and Sparkfire." Utter silence met his words, and Amber held her breath. Hawkeye and Sparkfire, two of the most respected cats in the Clan!

"You did what?" Icestar snarled, standing up, staring face to face with Jet. Cliff and Copper began to step forward, but Jet sent them back with a flick of his tail. 

"They were weak." He spat, disgusted. "You should have seen this as a favor!" 

"What? Killing two of my loyal warriors? No, Jet. I want you out of here!" The leader curled his lip, lashing his tail. Amber widened her eyes, expecting Jet to lash out and claw her leader. She almost thought she saw fear in the black tom's eyes, but if she did, it was gone in a second.

"No, no, no, Icestar. Don't you see what I have done? I have made this Clan stronger! Without them, we won't have to waste our herbs on their sickness. We'll have more for what is to come, don't you see?" Icestar seemed to relax, though hatred burned in his eyes.

"I-I suppose... But will I tell my Clan?" Icestar meowed, his shoulders sagging. 

"That's easy! They were already sick, just say they were too frail to recover. I'll send two more of my recruits to fill in their spots. See? Now all you have to do is forget about this. Oh, and I think you know who the new deputy will be already." He said slyly, nodding to his two comrades, as they stalked out of the small clearing, and back to their own camp. Icestar stayed in his exact spot, as if he was frozen. Whipping around, Amber sprang back into camp, still not able to process what she heard.

~*~

Amber pressed her ear's flat against her head as she heard Stoneheart's yowl of anguish as Icestar announced the death of his friend and once deputy. His voice heavy, Icestar carried on. "And the new deputy will be Jet, may StarClan hear and approve my choice..." His voice faltered, and he looked dazed. The Clan cats halfheartedly cheered, and went to say good-bye to their old clanmates. Amber looked around wildly for Scarlet, and spotted her about to go out of camp. "Scarlet!" She hissed, running up to her friend. "I have to talk to you. Alone." Alarmed, her friend agreed and they met in the same place Jet and Icestar did, the memories still haunting her.

"I-I overheard something..." Amber began carefully, but began to blurt it all out, of how she followed and heard everything. Nervously, she looked up, and saw Scarlet's face of pure confusion.

"B-But how? Amber, Jet would never do that... Never. I'm sure you should heard him wrong. He was probably just telling Icestar the news of their deaths, that's all. Why don't we go hunting., to get your mind off of things?" Amber looked at her friend skeptically, and saw that there was more in her eyes. Maybe Scarlet just doesn't want to admit it.. She thought sadly, and nevermore had she wanted to be back at home, training as a StarTeller than to be here.

Darkness is Here

Iceshadow stared out into gloomy, dark forest. It was as if the weather knew that something terrible had happened, and decided to cast it on to the whole of OakClan territory. How pitifully we all seem. He thought bitterly, slicing a stem of a flower in half.

"Iceshadow, we should be leaving soon." Fallenpath's mew broke his train of thoughts. "Luckily the wind let up in such short time, so we will be able to make it to the Moonpool before dusk."

Iceshadow shook his head. How can she speak so freely, as if nothing has happened? It disgusts me. "I'm going alone." He said, his meow gruff and filled with conviction.

"What? No, I have to come with-" Fallenpath started, but Iceshadow just sighed.

"No. I have to do this alone. I don't care what you say." He meowed, his tail tip flicking. Without waiting for her response, he left camp, the slight shake of the ferns being the only sign that we was ever there.

~*~

Iceshadow slowly stepped out into the clearing, he was mystified by the glow the small pool reflected out, and he wondered if this was how every cat felt when they entered this scared place. Tentatively, he made his way across, and stopped to stare at his reflection. His ice blue eyes, the dark gray, almost black stripes cutting across his skin. You have your father's eyes. Snowfall's voice rang inside his head, and although it filled him with grief, he loved to hear the sound of her voice. Settling down, he slowly began to lap up the water, and he waited for sleep to take him.

~*~

 Iceshadow awoke to a landscape covered with mist, blocking his sight. He strained and strained to see through it, but he was only able to see glimpses of the silhouettes of cats off in the distance, but not enough so that he was able to identify them. He tried to move forward, but it felt like his legs were glued to the ground, and panicked thoughts began to consume him. What's happening?! He wanted to wail, but nothing came out. 

A few moments passed, and he began to hear voices. They were rising and falling, like the waves the Queens described while telling the story of the Sun-Drown Place. He couldn't make out exactly what they were saying, but he was able to get a few wisps of their conversation.

"Our decision is final."

"I don't care what you say! This is completely mouse-brain!"

"There is nothing you can do, all of us agreed."
"You're mad! Insane, even!"

"Stop it Cloudstar!"

The name rang inside Iceshadow's head like a bell. Cloudstar? Could it be? Was it his father? Soon, both of the cats came into view, and he could see more following them. Just as he had thought, his father was striding next to a dark, long-furred tabby. Joy overcame his panic, and for a few moments, all he wanted to do was run up to his father and confide all of his worries to him. But then, a bitter, sour emotion overcame him. I wouldn't have all of these worries if he didn't appoint me as deputy! I can never forgive him! He thought scathingly. He finally took his eyes off Cloudstar, and searched for his mother. He finally spotted her padding slowly next to Pondskip, one of her old friends before she died while fighting a badger. Her coat gleamed and her eyes were lit with their old fire, and he was glad that she looked much stronger than she used to. I wonder which cats will give me my nine lives!  By that time, the dark brown tabby and Cloudstar were about a fox-length away from him, though Iceshadow noticed something unusual in his eyes. Is that.. fear? He wondered, though he dared that not be true. Before he could shake the thoughts away, the burly tom that was next to his father started to speak.

"Iceshadow, we have dreadful things to tell you." Was the last thing the young tom would have thought to come out of one of his ancestors. Iceshadow blinked in confusion, but the cat, who had yet to identify himself, continued talking. "Darkness is coming to the forest, and the only way to stop this, is to not give you your nine lives." Iceshadow's eyes widened, and his head swam. His legs felt like they could no longer support himself, though they stayed glued to the earth.

"Wha-" He tried to speak, but the StarClan warrior cut him off.

"I'm sorry, but-" Iceshadow's eyes lit with fury.

"Don't interrupt me!" He spat. "This is totally ridiculous! Stop playing this game and grant me my leadership!" His own anger surprised himself, but let himself continue, fuming. "I have nothing to do with this darkness you're talking about! I'm a loyal OakClan cat!" He snarled.

"I'm sorry, but this needs to be done. We will take the necessary precautions we need to keep our Clan safe." A random cat called out, and Cloudstar bared his teeth at them. Iceshadow whipped his head towards his father. Do something! He wanted to yowl, but Cloudstar just looked sadly at him, despair in his clear blue eyes. Before Iceshadow could react, the tabby spoke again. "Good-bye, Iceshadow." And the warrior was once again plunged into darkness.

~*~

Iceshadow gasped, his body trembling. A steady rain began to fall, something that he should be joyful for, but he felt nothing inside as lightning lit the sky. With his rage spilling over like an overflowing river, he yowled towards the sky, "StarClan has abandoned us!"

Fading...

A heap of crumpled fur lay in the corner of the dusty, water-carved den. The cat struggled to breath, wheezing and gasping with every breath he took, as if trying to suck in all the air he could before death took him. Around him was all a blur, though he could tell more than one cat was in the room.

"Couldn't do anything..."
"Try harder!"
"It's no use..."
"Is there another way?"
"StarClan will take him soon."

~*~

"Fallenpath! My father is dying! Why? His wounds are healed, what is wrong with him?!" Iceshadow hissed, his claws unsheathed.

"I'm sorry, I've done everything I could-" The young she-cat try to say, but was cut off.

"Answer me! Why is he dying?" The silver tabby tom demanded again.

"Grief. He is dying from grief, Iceshadow." Before the warrior could reply, she continued. "Losing Snowfall was too much to bear for him. It's too late now to save him." But the young tom shook his head, refusing to listen. She waited for a few more heartbeats, but he did nothing more. Just stared straight ahead, as if he was trying to forget all of this. "I'll go get Goldenbreeze." She mewed quietly.

~*~

I'm not ready... I'm not ready! The pretty young she-cat was yowling in her head, standing before her dying leader. "Cloudstar... Cloudstar please hold on!" Was the only thing she could get out.

Fallenpath shook her head. "It's no use, I can't do anything more."

"Are-Are you sure that- Is there another way?" As she saw Fallenpath's grim expression, she shook her head. She knew the answer. After a few moments she whispered, "Is he in pain?"

"No. No, he isn't in any pain. I gave him just a few poppy seeds. StarClan will take him soon." She meowed quietly, almost not even audible.

"How can you say that?!" Iceshadow demanded, his eyes narrowed. "No! I will not believe this... I refuse to! My father would never leave the Clan like this! Never!" He knew that the rest of the Clan could probably hear him, but he ignored it. "Do something! Please..." Looking defeated, he rested beside his father, trying to offer him comfort, even though he knew the leader probably couldn't hear him.

"Iceshadow! My son..." Cloudstar gasped unexpectedly, and his eyes flew open.

"C-Cloudstar?" Iceshadow meowed, astonished.

"StarClan... They come for me.... They tell... Me many things... Which I will not..." He wheezed, and tried to collect himself.

"Father! You shouldn't speak, you are wasting your-" But the gray and white tom payed no attention to him.

"They tell me many things, many things that I will not believe.... Iceshadow... You, you must... You must become leader after me... You must. I will not allow it if you don't...." His eyes widened suddenly, then softened. "My ancestors are calling me.... It is... My time... My time to go..." He gasped suddenly, his body convulsing, then suddenly becoming still. "Farewell, my dear Clan..."And the leader for OakClan for so many seasons, was gone.

A Dim Light of Hope

Iceshadow rushed into the Leader's den, panting. "Cloudstar... Attack.." Not wanting to alarm his Father, though the tom didn't do so much as look at him, he collected himself. "I mean, with StellarClan and DuskClan." He waited for a response, but heavy silence filled the room. "Cloudstar?" He asked again. In the gloom, Iceshadow could see two vibrant blue eyes slowly open. Heaving out a sigh of relief, he continued. "StellarClan and DuskClan are fighting again." He meowed, hoping that his father would actually reply this time.

The old leader opened his mouth, then closed it, as if rethinking of what he wanted to say. "Why?" He rasped, and Iceshadow looked at his father in surprise. Had his leader also gotten his memory swipe, a side affect from Snowfall's death?

"Well, uh-" The young warrior stuttered, not knowing how to react to that. "Well, I suppose DuskClan or StellarClan wants something that the other Clan has." He meowed, his expression thoughtful.

Cloudstar tilted his head. "Such a petty argument." He then turned his back on his son, and curled his tail over his nose, returning back to sleep.

Iceshadow stood, stunned at what his father had become. Will he ever come back? Will he ever resurface from the darkness that has engulfed him?

~*~

Iceshadow stood in Fallenpath's den, with Goldenbreeze flanked at his side. "Cloudstar isn't doing any better. He still hasn't gotten over my-" He blinked his eyes in sadness. "My mother's passing. Isn't there anything you could do for him? The Clan is getting suspicious... And he still hasn't made up his mind on whether we are leaving or not."

Fallenpath looked up from where she was organizing the herb store. "I'm sorry, but there is no herb that helps you forget... All we have to do is give Cloudstar time."

"But there isn't enough time! The rogues only gave us-" Fallenpath held her tail up to quiet Iceshadow.

"Yes. I know." She turned towards Goldenbreeze. "Cloudstar isn't in the right state to make these kinds of decisions. I know that you're just the deputy, but right now, you must act like the leader that Cloudstar cannot. You must make the decision." The she-cat remained her gaze, though Iceshadow could tell that she was as frightened as him. 

Goldenbreeze let out a breath. "I-I know... It's just that... I kept on telling myself that I wasn't ready, and that Cloudstar should still make the decision. But I guess.. I guess that it is time." She nodded her head. "OakClan will never back down." Goldenbreeze meowed, as if she had already knew what she was going to say. "When the time comes, we will face the rogues."

(Omigosh I am so sorry! I am a horrible blogger ;_; Bwah D8 But, here is the post!~ So just pretend that Goldenbreeze made a clan meeting and told the Clan that preparations for the battle will begin immediately. Which means we need our dens to be rebuilt, fresh-kill pile stocked, and battle training to be doubled. Alright? Go!)

A New Hope, and Old Worries Return

Goldenbreeze steadied herself on the Oak Branch, liking the feel of the smooth, soft wood. I don't know how Cloudstar springs so easily onto this thing... I could barely keep a grip! She thought, wondering how the frail tom was doing. It had been a few sunrises since the attack, and the leader still kept himself shut inside his den, not wanting to face his clanmates. The only time he ventured outside was the night for Snowfall's vigil, which he stayed out all night, and looked as if he was going to bite the heads off the elder's when they came to bury her. Poor Cloudstar... I do hope he goes back to his duties soon... I can't keep on telling the Clan that he's still injured... They might get suspicious soon. She shook her head. I mustn't think these unhappy thoughts! This is a good ceremony, and I must show the Clan that I am strong. Fallenpaw and Honeyfrost had come back from their journey from the Moon(thing) at moon-high yesterday, and now they were holding the meeting. And along the way, they had met a few wary travelers, who agreed to join the Clan.

"Let all those cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Oak Branch for a Clan meeting!" Cats began to emerge out of the dens, but most were already beneath the tree. News of Fallenpaw's return passed through the Clan quickly, and they were eager to hear what StarClan said. Once the cats were settled, Goldenbreeze's began, her voice confident as it rang throughout the clearing. "Fallenpaw and Honeyfrost came back from the Moon(thing) last night, and it is time to share if StarClan has granted her wish of being a full Medicine Cat." She nodded towards the small she-cat, gesturing for her to speak.

Fallenpaw straightened up, and began to speak. "Yes, StarClan has accepted my wish and I am now a full Medicine Cat. They have named me Fallenpath." She meowed, her voice quiet but her eyes brimming with determination.

Cheers erupted through the crowd, as if the Clan had forgotten all other troubles. "Fallenpath! Fallenpath!" Was heard in the cheering.

Goldenbreeze nodded towards Fallenpath, relief in her chest. "Good. And while they were traveling back, they came across some cats who have decided to join OakClan." She meowed, though cats seemed suspicious as they eyed the newcomers, and began to wonder if they were rogues or not. As the three cats came to stand in front of her, she began the ceremony. "Ember, Aerial, Tern, do you promise to protect and to defend this Clan, even with the cost of your life?"

"I do." They meowed, their voices strong and clear.

"Then by the power of StarClan, I give you your new names. Ember, you will be known as Embersky. Aerial, you will be known as Aerialflight. And Tern, you will be known as Ternfoot." The cats nodded, and even though the Clan was still a bit wary, they cheered their new clanmates names. Goldenbreeze waved her tail for the cheering to end, as she still needed to announce on last thing. "Honeyfrost also happened to stumble upon a kit, who will be known as Rainkit." The Clan nodded, more relaxed that it was a young cat, and welcomed her warmly.

"That is all! Meeting dismissed." But just as she was about to smoothly jump off the Oak Branch, a cat called out,

"Wait! Are we really leaving our territory because of the rogues?"

The Warning

Cloudstar struggled to breath. A weight was on his chest, and however much the leader squirmed, it wouldn't budge. I've been beaten. A voice in his head reminded him, though Cloudstar willed it not be true. He begged himself not to return, not to find out what had happened to his Clan, and what lay ahead. I've been beaten! The voice returned, stronger now, and Cloudstar began to resurface, and was welcomed back by his clanmates screeches. "Cloudstar!" One yowl stuck out to him in particular, a very familiar one. Iceshadow? The old tom wanted to ask, but the weight was still heavy on his chest, and only a ragged breath escaped from him.

"Oh? So the old tom is still alive?" A cat sneered and as Cloudstar slowly opened his eyes, he saw a face peering down on him, the eyes icy and unfriendly. "I thought I had you beat." The black tom said flatly, as if he didn't care if the leader lived or not. He released his paw from Cloudstar's chest, but warned him not to try anything with a low, menacing growl. He turned to the rest of the cats who had stopped fighting after their leader had lost a life. "You cats are done here." He snarled. "It is our turn to move in to this territory." Many hisses were delivered to the jet black tom, but he only gazed back with triumphed in his eyes. "We have won your land fairly. Now we will give you a half-moon to move elsewhere, or this won't be last time you have seen us." Flicking his tail, the rogues separated themselves from the clan cats and followed there leader into the dense undergrowth. The Clan stood still for a few moments, shock, bewilderment, and defeat in their eyes. What now? They wanted to all say, though no one spoke a word. Cloudstar stayed where he was, shame hanging over him like a cloud. Cats glanced over at Cloudstar, worry and panic in their eyes.

"What will we do?"
"We can't leave!"
"Great StarClan... How could this happen?!" Were some of the yowls that broke out, until Goldenbreeze was able to calm them, for now.

"I want two patrols to go out hunting, and for some cats to stay and fix up the dens that were trampled!" She ordered, and cats seemed glad to have someone telling them what to do.

Slowly, very slowly, he made his way over to the Medicine Cat den, where Fallenpaw was positioned outside with  Goldenbreeze, as they exchanged worried whispers and glances. As they heard Cloudstar approach, Fallenpaw was the first to speak. "Cloudstar! I should take a look at your wounds..." Cloudstar flicked his tail at the young she-cat.

"Has everyone else been treated?" He asked, and Fallenpaw nodded. "Then I suppose..." His voice trailed off, and Fallenpaw scurried into the Medicine Cat den to get the herbs she needed. "Where is Goldfeather?" Cloudstar asked. "Certainly she hasn't left Fallenpaw to do all the work!" Goldenbreeze looked up from where she was staring at the ground, fear and sorrow clouding her eyes.

"Cloudstar... Goldfeather is dead. And so is Snowfall."

~*~

(Hi guys! I'm back! :D Sorry that this is a short post... I JUST got back from vacation, so it will take a while to get used to things. If you want your cat to die either of the sickness or the battle, just let me know in the comments, or you can RP their death or something. xD And I'm sorry DawnDragon, but my Clan needs an active Medicine Cat... Your other cats will remain sick for a little more time, but after about a week, they will have to go... So please come on and sort things out. Oh! And Stella, would you rather want Fallenpaw to be a full Medicine Cat or still be an apprentice?)

The Outlaws Attack

"Now, you want to make sure you dig at the base of the tree, so that you're right under the roots." Iceshadow instructed. "You want to scoop large pawfuls at a time, so that you're not stuck here forever, remember." He meowed as he surveyed a group of apprentices trying out Shadowsplash's technique of getting water out of tree roots. He was there with Blueflower at his side as they both tried to teach the group of apprentices.

"Like this?" Dragonpaw said excitedly, and started to dig vigorously near the tree, spraying dirt everywhere.

"Well... Yes." Iceshadow meowed, flicking a clump of dirt off his ear with his tail-tip. "But try to do it a bit more slower so that the dirt doesn't go flying everywhere, since we need to cover up the holes after we're done."

"Why?" Dustpaw asked inquisitively, as what he was doing throughout the whole lesson. "Wouldn't it just be easier if we left them open to come back to some other time? If we didn't, we could have to dig the hole all over again!"

"Good question." Blueflower replied this time. "We have to cover the holes so that cats don't fall in, and wrench their shoulder or something. Though it might be easier to leave the holes open, it is safer to cover them." The apprentices nodded, then went back to work on the large oak tree.

As Iceshadow went about the apprentices, giving them some hints and tips, a strange scent traveled through the clearing they were in. "Huh. Blueflower, do you smell that?" He said quietly to the she-cat, not wanting to disturb the apprentices.

"Yeah... A bit. I think it's coming from over there." The she-cat pointed to the other side of the hollow, and Iceshadow nodded.

"Alright, Blueflower and I are going to do hunting while you continue to dig up the tree roots. We'll be right back, we just spotted a juicy rabbit nearby, that's all." He informed them, cautiously following the scent trail. "It smells like cats... But not StellarClan or DuskClan..." So who must it be? Giving a worried glance towards Blueflower, he crept on, making sure that the wind didn't draft their scent over to the potential trespassers. As he crept around a holly bush, he started to hear voices.

"There's no water here, either." A dark, husky voice sounded. "Why don't we try over there?" Iceshadow saw the tip of his dark tabby tom flick over to DuskClan's side of the border.

"Mouse-brain! Do you know how flooded that territory is? Plus I heard from Chip that they had a huge battle last sunrise or something. I'd rather not get tangled up in that." Iceshadow could see this tom more clearer than the other one. He was a scrawny, dark ginger and white tabby with ragged fur. "There's plenty of prey over here, why don't we settle here?"

"Are you all a couple of dumb rabbits? There are cats everywhere, can't you smell them?!" A low hiss sounded from a burly, black tom who crept out of the shadows. "And I thought you were some of my best cats." He lashed his tail, his amber eyes dark. "But yes... We could use this for a while. But we'll have to chase out those runts that already live here. It seems easy, though. Seeing that there is hardly any water here... They are probably just a bunch of weaklings. Come on, we're going back to the others to tell them the plan." One by one, the cats emerged from their hiding place and followed their leader, and Iceshadow's eyes widened as big as moons.

"Blueflower! Go back and get the apprentices, I'll get back to camp and inform Cloudstar!"

~*~

"Rogues?! On our territory?!" Cloudstar snarled, lashing his tail. He had fully recovered from losing his life which was just a few sunrises ago. "How many?" He demanded as Blueflower and Iceshadow sat in his den, with Goldfeather nearby.

"Well, we only saw three. But by the way they were talking, we should be suspecting a lot more." Iceshadow replied, recalling the cats."Their leader is this big, muscled, black tom." Cloudstar nodded, letting the information sink in. 

"So that's what I smelled!" Goldfeather exclaimed, her eyes wide. As the three looked at her with curiosity, she explained. "When you informed me that Cloudstar had lost a life, I scented something out of the ordinary... But since we were in that situation at the time, I had no time to think about it. And by the way they are describing the scent, I believe it was the same one I smelled." Cloudstar nodded, listening intently.

"Okay. I want the apprentices out for battle training, just in case. These rogues sound fierce. I also want the fresh-kill pile-" His meow was cut off by a screech, and then hissing and snarling.

"Rogues!" Iceshadow recognized Mistyfur's yowl.

"What?! How are they attacking so quickly?" Iceshadow barely had time to think before he was out in the camp clearing, battling with a broad-shouldered gray tom. Great StarClan! This is much more cats than I had imagined... He looked over to the nursery, seeing that Shadowsplash had just sent a calico tom running. Even the Queens are fighting... He looked over to the Medicine Cat den, and saw that even his sick clanmates were fighting. StarClan be with us today...

The End?

"Cloudstar, Sparkfire has fallen ill." Cloudstar nodded, not facing the Medicine Cat as he sat in his den, facing the hard, stone wall.

"That makes six, then." He murmured, his eyes hollow while he thought of Hawkeye, Ravenpaw, Birchfire, Riverfang and his mate, Snowfall. "How's Snowfall?" He meowed, pricking his ears.

"She's alright. I can't do much for any of them though, unless we have water." Goldfeather meowed softly, realizing how fragile Cloudstar seemed right now. Cloudstar nodded, still not caring to face the Medicine Cat.

"Do you think StarClan has abandoned us?" He asked, almost in a whisper.

"Of course not!" Goldfeather almost gasped, but kept her fur from prickling. "Just because we have a drought, does not mean that they have deserted us." She meowed, her eyes wide.

"Then why is this happening to us? I am stuck in the middle of a war, Goldfeather." This time he stood up, and turned himself around to face her. "I can't even say hello to a DuskClan patrol without them thinking that we are on their side. We need water, and we can't get it!" So close... Yet so far away. "Have you had any signs recently?" He meowed, waiting for an answer.

Goldfeather swished her tail in nervousness. "Well... No. But that doesn't mean StarClan have left us!" Her sudden outburst surprised Cloudstar, and he eyed her with curiosity. "Why do you think we see Silverpelt every night? Or why that every Kit in the Clan is healthy?" She meowed. "Because StarClan watches over us! They can't stop every bad thing from happening, they don't control these type of things. StarClan will always be with us." She meowed, seeing how Cloudstar would react. The old tom nodded slowly, then turned back to us position facing the wall, flicking his tail to show that she was dismissed.

~*~

"Fallenpaw, is there any goldenrod left?" Goldfeather meowed while sticking her paw through a cleft in the wall, rolling out juniper berries. About four of these are good... I should go out and collect some more, though.

"Yes, plenty." The young apprentice meowed, surveying the supply of herbs. "Though we need more Horsetail and Fennel." Goldfeather nodded, thinking of the best places in the territory which grew them.

"Come on, I'll show you the best places for them." She meowed, already padding out of the den.

"But Goldfeather... What about them?" Fallenpaw looked uncertainly at the three sick cats, Hawkeye, Sparkfire, and Snowfall.

"They're sleeping, and we'll be back soon. Don't worry." She meowed, waving her apprentice over with her tail. "Let's go."

~*~

"Now make sure to only get the perfectly round ones, those ones are the best. The shriveled ones we can leave for the birds. We don't want them to go hungry now." She joked. "But only collect a few, since that's all we need. We'll save some for next time." Fallenpaw nodded, listening to her mentor's advice. They had already gotten the fennel, which grows best near the StellarClan border. 

"Goldfeather, how does this one look?" Fallenpaw meowed, eying a juniper berry. "I can't tell if it's good or not."

"Let me see.." She meowed. "I suppose it's oka-" Her voice was drowned out by the crackling of bracken, and a cat exploding through the bushes. "StarClan's kits! Iceshadow, what?" Goldfeather meowed, her eyes wide.

"Cloudstar's losing a life!" He meowed, his eyes wide with fear. "Please help!" Goldfeather nodded, then turned to Fallenpaw.

"You stay here and collect those juniper berries, and then come back to camp." She meowed, running after Iceshadow. "Be careful!" She turned to the leader's son. "What happened?" She blundered. "He was fine when I left camp!" Iceshadow shook his head.

"I don't know. I entered the den, and I thought he was asleep.. But he wasn't..." He voice trailed off, and Goldfeather nodded with understanding.

"Don't worry - Everything will be okay." As she said that, another scent tickled her nose, but she shrugged it off. We must get to Cloudstar!

~*~

"Well he doesn't have any wounds on him... I wonder what caused this." Goldfeather murmured, mostly to herself. She was in the den with Snowfall, Goldenbreeze, and Iceshadow, though she tried to make Snowfall stay in her nest, she still wanted to see her mate. They hadn't gotten back to camp quick enough to stop Cloudstar from losing a life, so for now, they waited. 

"Cloudstar has been giving up his share of the grass Goldenbreeze and I found, along with what's rest of the stream to the Queens and Elders... Maybe he died-" He stopped himself. "Lost a life because of dehydration..." Goldfeather nodded.

"That's probably it..." She said grimly. "After he wakes up, I want him moved to my den where I can keep a close eye on him, and make sure that he is getting his share of water." She turned towards Goldenbreeze. "And I want a cat assigned to making sure that no one is giving up their water. Though it may be noble, I don't want to lose another cat." The deputy nodded, padding out of the den to find someone. Just then, a cat bounded into the den. "Snowpaw? What happened?" Goldfeather demanded.

"Honeyfrost sent me. The stream is dried up! There is no water..." The new apprentice meowed, panting. Goldfeather felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. Great StarClan... This has turned into something more than a little dry spell... Please let OakClan survive!

Trouble on the Rise

Iceshadow padded through the forest with the rest of his patrol, his ears flat. DuskClan and StellarClan were at war, and by the sound of it, StellarClan had just launched their first attack.

"Are you sure we shouldn't go help them?" Iceshadow recognized the soft mew of Honeyfrost coming from the back. Iceshadow sighed.

"There's nothing we can do. If we go and help DuskClan, they will just think we're on their side, and then we will have to participate in this war. Let alone that we would also lose StellarClan as an ally." He saw Honeyfrost nod, deep in thought, but he doubted that he convinced her. Cloudstar won't be happy when he hears about this. I wonder how long this war will go on... And how much blood will be shed.

Stoneheart's meow broke his train of thought. "Hey, does anyone else smell that? I think there are cats nearby! Maybe their friendly and we can say hello!" He saw the tom scenting the air excitedly, not even daunted by the war going on. Curious, Iceshadow scented the air himself.

"Stoneheart's right... There are cats nearby..." He scented again, smelling the familiar smell of a nursing Queen's milk. "Kits!" He meowed, bewildered. "They're nearby. I wonder if their mother is here too... If you see a strange cat, don't attack them. It might be a Queen." The patrol murmured to show that they heard him, but Honeyfrost stepped forward.

"Um.. Iceshadow? Do you think I should look for the kits? I'm just afraid my scars will scare them and all..." The she-cat shuffled her paws nervously.

"What? No, your scars are -" His mew was cut off as a cat barreled into him, knocking him to the forest floor. What?! Who's attacking me?! His first instinct was to unsheathe his claws and battle his attacker, but he noticed a milky scent wafting around her, and he realized she was the Queen. Careful not the hurt her, he slowly heaved her off of him, though she was still hissing and spitting.

"I'm sorry if we surprised you." He said, blood welling on his shoulder. "We mean no harm to you or your kits." The calico she-cat nodded, wrapping her tail protectively around her three kits. "I am Iceshadow, and I belong to OakClan." The she-cat nodded, looking tired and defeated.

"I'm Shadowsplash. We're just passing through here... We should get going." Her tail had drooped, and Iceshadow could tell that she had been walking for long enough.

"Why don't you come back with us? The sky is darkening, and night can be dangerous. Our leader won't mind. Kits liven up the place." He added, joking. After a few heartbeats of silence, the Queen answered.

"I suppose. But I don't want to be a burden..." She looked down at the ground, shuffling her paws.

"Nonsense! Welcome to OakClan."

~*~

"Iceshadow! You know we can't afford to have more mouths to feed. You just put our Clan in more danger!" Cloudstar meowed, pacing around his den.

"Father, what was I supposed to do? Turn her away? The kits would be dead by now if it weren't for us." Iceshadow meowed, lashing his tail. Cloudstar nodded, sighing.

"I know. I would have done the same... Though this is the last thing I need to think about with the war going on.. But I suppose I should introduce her to the Clan." He flicked his tail to his son, signaling that he was dismissed. "Shadowsplash is her name, yes? Send her in please."

~*~

As the Queen entered the den, Cloudstar motioned her over with his tail. "Come and sit. I just want to chat." He reassured her. The calico she-cat nodded, sitting down about a tail-length away from him. "So. I see that you have a Clan name, along with your kits. Where were you before you came here?" The she-cat looked at him with narrowed eyes.

"If you think I'm a spy then you're wrong. Things just didn't work out in my old Clan, that's all." She turned her head away from him, a faraway look in her eyes. Cloudstar nodded, seeing that she didn't want to talk about that anymore.

"I would never suspect that. Now, if you wish to stay for a few sunrises or more, then feel free. You and your kits can share the nursery with Mistyfur, one of our other Queens. Her kits are -" His mew was cut off from Shadowsplash.

"Shouldn't I just return as a warrior? I can help out a lot here, and besides, my kits don't need taking care of. They're fine, Mistyfur can look after them for all I care." She meowed, her tail tip twitching. 

Cloudstar was taken aback from her meow and outlook on her kits. "Well of course not. Your kits hardly know Mistyfur. She is very nice and sweet, but I'm sure they would love to have their mother nearby for comfort and support." Shadowsplash snorted, but said nothing more. "Now that that's settled, let's go introduce you to the Clan."

~*~

As he stepped out of his den and bounded up the Oak Branch, he saw that most of the Clan was already gathered around, with surprised murmurs coming from down below. 

"Who's that she-cat that came in with Iceshadow?"

"Why was his shoulder bleeding?"

"Did he get into a fight? Did DuskClan attack?"

"Let all those cats old enough to catch their own prey join under the Oak Branch for a Clan meeting!" He yowled, getting his clanmate's attention as they looked up with curiosity. "I know that many of you are wondering who Iceshadow brought in today, so I will tell you. Her name is Shadowsplash, and her kits are Badgerkit, Clawkit, and Ravenkit." Suspicious meows rippled along the crowd.

"Why do they have Clan names?"

"How long will they be staying with us?" Cats yowled.

Cloudstar held up his tail for silence. "They used to belong to another Clan, but Shadowsplash decided to leave. I see no problem in that. And they will staying here for as long as they need."

"But what if she is a spy?" A cat challenged, and Shadowsplash lashed her tail in annoyance.

"And why would a Clan send a nursing Queen to us as a spy? OakClan has no quarrels with other Clans, we are perfectly safe." The Clan nodded, feeling reassured. "But now, onto another important matter. As you have probably already heard, StellarClan is attacking DuskClan." Outraged mews rang throughout the clearing.

"I knew StellarClan were just a bunch of fox-hearts!" Sparkfire meowed, lashing his tail.

"They had a right to attack! DuskClan refused to give them herbs!" Birdpaw argued, and the Clan continued to bicker.

"Stop! OakClan will not join in on this war, and that is final!" Cloudstar yowled, his eyes dark.

"But Cloudstar... How long can we keep up with no water?" Goldenbreeze meowed, voicing his fears.

Cloudstar shook his head. "Hopefully long enough, Goldenbreeze." Hopefully until StellarClan and DuskClan come to their senses...

 

Sickness and Time to Choose

Cloudstar paced restlessly outside of the Medicine Cat Den. "Cloudstar, you know that will just wear you out." A soft mew spoke behind him, and the leader whipped around to see Fallenpaw.

"I don't care if it'll wear me out - it takes my mind off of things." The tom sighed. Fallenpaw shook her head, but said nothing more as she entered the den. Goldfeather's head then appeared.

"Cloudstar, you can come visit your mate, you know." The she-cat rolled her eyes. "She just dehydrated and I wanted to move her into my den so I could keep a close eye on her."

"I know, I know. It just... Pains me to see her like this." His shoulders sagged. If Snowfall is gone... I don't know what I'd do! The Medicine Cat wrapped her tail on his shoulders.

"She'll be alright." She said, trying to comfort the distressed tom. "Now instead of sulking around here, go get her an appetizing meal!" Cloudstar nodded in agreement.

"You're right. I should stop thinking like this. Thanks." The tom trotted away towards the fresh-kill pile, his mood brightening.

~*~

"Goldfeather... I'm starting to get worried." Fallenpaw meowed quietly to her mentor. "It's been a few sunrises, and Snowfall still isn't better. In fact, we even have a few more cats in here!" The calico she-cat's eyes widened with worry. "What if they don't get better? Cloudstar would be crushed!" Goldfeather silenced her apprentice with a soft hiss.

"Don't speak of this that way! We must have hope - StarClan will give us a sign." Goldfeather meowed, seeming as if she was trying to convince herself that too.

"Yes, I know. StarClan will always be with us. But we're almost out of water, and then our warriors will be too weak to hunt or care for the Clan. Shouldn't we ask DuskClan for help?" Fallenpaw mewed, sinking her claws into the dirt.

"No! We mustn't do that. StellarClan and DuskClan are at war. If we go to one of them, they will think we are on their side, and that we will fight with them. We are in no state to get into a war - or lose one of our allies." Goldfeather shook her head, misery in her eyes. 

"But if we don't we'll die from thirst!" Fallenpaw argued. "We must do something!" Fear pulsed from the young she-cats pelt. What is OakClan becomes no more?! StarClan wouldn't let that happen!

Goldfeather slowly nodded her head, seeming defeated. "Sadly, you are right. OakClan... Must choose sides. We must decide who is right in this war."

(Hi guys! I hope you like the post! So yeah, some cats are sick - so be free to be those ones cooped up in the Medicine Cat den. xP Not too many though, please! x3 Oh, and feel free to have your cats pick sides on the War. Have fun!)

Many New Cats and a Problem

Cats lay drowsily around camp, the heat starting to get to them. Mostly all the streams were dried up, making water and prey difficult to find. Cloudstar pricked his ears as he heard the fern tunnel shaking, but put his head back on his paws when he saw it was only Honeyfrost's patrol. Her and her siblings had settled in quite nicely. Blueflower and her had taken up the role of a warrior, with Dustpaw in training. And their other sister, Mistyfur, was a Queen with two nice, healthy kits.

Good thing they aren't sick. Cloudstar thought, grimacing. StellarClan had came into OakClan camp a few sunrises ago, warning them of the sickness on their territory, and then bid farewell. Though he had wished to help them, most of the herbs had dried up on the Clan's territory, and Cloudstar couldn't afford to lose anymore.

As Cloudstar's gaze traveled over his clanmates, he stopped at the apprentices den, where the young cats had lazily grouped. Ravenpaw and Dustpaw were sharing a thrush, while Birdpaw and Dragonpaw had set up a mock battle, while the others watched. Ravenpaw and Dragonpaw did well on their hunting assessment the other day, they show promising skills. Cloudstar twitched his ears, he heard pawsteps approaching from behind him.

"Cloudstar?" It was the soft mew of the Clan's Medicine Cat, Goldfeather.

"Hm? Yes, what is it?" Cloudstar meowed uneasily as he caught worry in the she-cats voice.

"Well, this drought is affecting us badly...Many cats are starting to get very dehydrated. And some aren't as strong as the others..." Her voice faltered, and fear sparked her mew. "What should we do?" She whispered, looking down at the ground.

Cloudstar sighed. "I pray to StarClan that rain will come soon. But for now, I'll send out another patrol to the stream near DuskClan's border." The calico she-cat dipped her head, seeing that was all Cloudstar could do. Please StarClan, don't let us lose any cats...

[Hi everyone! Sorry for the wait :P I was having a writers block >.< But now we're back on track! :D Oh, and I have a warning for someone... DawnDragon, if you DO NOT comment on this post or the one AFTER this one - you will be replaced :/ We cannot handle inactivity here. And Echo, you didn't post a picture for Honeyfrost, so I just put one on that matched her description. If you don't like it, just send me a link to a new one. Oh, and if you don't want me to include that part with StellarClan in here, I'll remove it if you want, Alado ^^ That is all - thank you! :3]

New Members and a Decision

Light filtered through the warrior's den as Iceshadow blinked awake. It had been a few sunrises after the meeting in Cloudstar's den about Grays' arrival. Though Iceshadow as irritated because his father wouldn't let him know the final decision, he knew Cloudstar had to make an announcement about it sometime. Better get ready. Goldenbreeze will be setting up patrols soon. 

He shouldered his way through the den entrance, enjoying the steady breeze that drifted around the camp's walls. More prey will be out, since the heat died down a little. He thought happily. The Clan usually had to hunt at night during this kind of green-leaf, and though their eyesight was keen, they still weren't use to the nocturnal hunting. But as he got ready for a nice, peaceful day, he heard a loud hiss and a surprised exclamation from the fern tunnel.

"Intruders!" Someone hissed, and Iceshadow recognized Crescentpelt's voice.

"Hurry! Scare them off!" Another growled, this time it was Birdpaw, her mentor, Stormfang, at her side.

"Hold on a minute." Cloudstar's gruff mew surprised the cats, who whirled around in surprise. "Let us hear what they have to say." He beckoned the newcomers closer, and Iceshadow finally got a good look at them. One was a lean black tom, with a smudge of orange on his nose, while his companion had a bright ginger coat.  "What are your names?" The black tom gulped, while the ginger one stepped forward, not even daunted by the Clan leader.

"My name is Spark, and my friend is Stone. We have heard many stories about your Clan, and we wish to join." Cats murmured in surprise while Cloudstar studied them closely.

"Very well. But we must present a ceremony to truly welcome you into our Clan." He bounded across the clearing towards the Oak Branch, Spark and Stone following close behind. As he settled himself on the branch, he began to speak. "Spark, Stone, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?" Though the cats had many things to learn, they spoke clearly with confidence.

"I do." They both said, their green eyes gleaming.

"Then I give you your warrior names. Stone, you will now be known as Stoneheart. Spark, you will be known as Sparkfire. We welcome you into OakClan." Cheers rang throughout the crowd, but Cloudstar silenced them with a wave of his tail. "Now, onto some other news. Gray, the rogue who saved Iceshadow from the foxes, has asked to join OakClan. He showed courage and bravery on the day we met him, and I see no reason to turn him down. Though he does not wish for a real warrior name, he is now a true member of OakClan, and will be joining the Elder's den." Cheers echoed around the camp wall with the newly named members of OakClan. Though Iceshadow could see his Father was happy, he still caught a glint if suspicion in his eyes as he set his gaze on Gray.

Our Ranks Swell

Cloudstar shouldered his way out of his den, flicking of some water droplets that had clung onto his fur as he passed the waterfall. Blinking in the morning sunlight and enjoying the warmth that soaked through his fur, he streaked his way towards the Oak Branch, feeling energy flow beneath his pelt. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey, join under the Oak Branch for a Clan meeting!" As his yowl rang throughout the camp, the Clan started to gather. Some picked their way quietly over, while others raced toward the the meeting place, tails streaming behind them. Cloudstar let his gaze wander around the clearing to inspect each and everyone of his clanmates. The muscles rippling through their fur as they settled down, their acute sense of hearing and scent, and their eagerness to know what their leader had called them out for. The OakClan leader puffed out his chest with pride, and started to continue on with the meeting. He waved his tail to get their attention, and the camp fell into a hushed silence. "As you know, OakClan is in need of new warriors to protect and fight for our Clan, and apprentices for us to pass down our knowledge to. Though these cats might have been loners or rogues once, their loyalty to the Clan is what matters. That being said, I would like to introduce you OakClan's newest members. Crescentpelt," He nodded towards a skinny black tom with silver eyes. "And two new apprentices, Birdpaw and Fallenpaw." He flicked his tail towards the two sisters. "But Fallenpaw has been chosen to go down an/other path in her apprenticeship." Gasps followed his words. "Until she has received her full name, she will be training as a medicine cat."
"But Cloudstar... We don't have a medicine cat!" A wail rose from the crowd, and Cloudstar nodded grimly.
"That is true, but StarClan will send someone on our way soon." He made sure his voice could be heard over the distrustful mutterings. "But until then, Fallenpaw will be trained as a warrior for the time being." He glanced at the she-cat. "If that is alright, for I cannot let you go without a mentor for too long." The she-cat nodded, though Cloudstar saw doubt prick her gaze, though he carried on. "Her temporary mentor will be Snowfall, and Birdpaw's mentor will be Stormfang. I trust that you two will pass on all you know to these lively, young cats." The warriors dipped their heads solemnly, and touched noses with their new apprentices. Welcoming yowls rose from the crowds, though only few participated. Ever since Starlingwing had passed away without an apprentice, his Clan had fell into a deep pit of worries, and it seemed that death lurked at every corner. Cloudstar wondered how long the peace between the Clans in this forest would last, for he didn't think his Clan would survive a battle without an experienced and vital healer. His morning energy forgotten, he waved his tail towards his deputy, Goldenbreeze, to organize the patrols for the day, and plodded off towards his nest.

~*~

Iceshadow lunged, his teeth bared. A black paw shot out, striking pan through the warriors head. He landed swiftly on the soft grass of the training hollow. "Better, but remember, if you don't have time to dodge out of the way, just roll with your attacker." Dragonpaw nodded, his eyes stern as he listened to his mentor. "Now, lets try that again." As he watched his apprentice ready himself for the mock battle, Iceshadow couldn't help thinking that a lot had happen in the past few sunrises. The Clan had finally found a well needed medicine cat, Goldfeather. Cloudstar had looked as excited as an apprentice going to his first gathering when he received a sign from StarClan, saying that they approved of two she-cats. Though it irked the tabby warrior that she wasn't clan-born, Iceshadow was thankful that his Clan was thriving. And a set of new warriors came into the Clan as well. Hawkeye, Riverfang, and Birchfire were now full-fledged warriors. There was also an apprentice called Ravenpaw, who now has Hawkeye as her mentor.
"Iceshadow?" A questioning mew broke the warrior's train of thought. "Are you ready?" Iceshadow flicked his tail in response.
"Yes, sorry about that. With the front paw strike-" His meowed was droned out by a deadly growl behind him, and Iceshadow saw his apprentice widen his eyes with sheer terror. The experienced warrior spun around, lips drawn back in a snarl, ready to take on any threat. A fox was licking his lips in front of him, showing cracked, pointy teeth. Drool dripped from his mouth as he yipped and snapped at the two clan-cats. Great, a full-grown fox battling a warrior and an apprentice who only just learned the basics about battling... What else could go wrong? As if on cue, a second fox stepped out of the gloomy shadows, thorn sharp claws glinting in the sunlight. Iceshadow let out a threatening hiss, and arched his back. "Dragonpaw! Go back to the camp and bring more warriors!" He yowled, though he knew he would have to fight these savaged beasts before a patrol got to him.
"B-but... How will you-?"
"Now!" The lithe tom nodded, and streaked off. One of the foxes stepped forward, ready to pursue him until a bulky gray shape exploded into the clearing. Jumping onto the fox's back, he began to yowl furiously and claw at his fur. The fox started to yip in confusion, twisting and turning in attempts to throw off his attacker. Seeing that his partner was equally surprised, Iceshadow thew his head back and bellowed a battle cry, gauging the fox's eyes with his long claws. Not long after, he heard more hisses and yowls coming from behind, and a patrol of OakClan warriors dashed into the clearing, and sprang onto the foxes. The foxes, now seeing that they were outnumbered, conversed with each other with high pitched yips and yaps, until they sped off into the thick undergrowth. "Stormfang and Birchfire - chase after them, and make sure they cross our borders." Cloudstar barked an order, and the two toms dashed off. Iceshadow straightened up to meet his father, his fur now clumped. "How did this happen?" He inquired. Iceshadow shrugged.
"Dragonpaw and I were just out training, and then those two came along... But luckily," He dipped his head towards the gray rogue. "He was there to help me." Cloudstar nodded slowly.
"OakClan is in your thanks." He meowed to the outsider. "Would you like to come back to our camp with us? We have plenty of food and shelter." The tom hesitated, and Iceshadow could sense he felt awkward around the large group of cats, but he nodded after a few moments. "Good. I'll get the apprentices to make you a nest when we get back to camp." Turning around, Cloudstar led the patrol back to camp. When they were walking along the leaf-strewn path of the forest, Iceshadow fell in step with the old tom.
"Thanks for saving me back there, I would have been crow-food." He meowed, though the cat did not reply. "Er... My name is Iceshadow, you?" The gray tom turned his head, his pale yellow eyes looking ghostly in the light.
"Gray." He meowed, his voice cracked as if he wasn't use to talking. Iceshadow nodding, not knowing what else to say, so he just focused his eyes on the path in front of him.
"Are you a rogue?" He finally asked, and Gray twitched his tail, his eyes questioning. Iceshadow flattened his ears. Mousebrain! Of course he doesn't know what a rogue is! He isn't Clanborn! "Someone who lives outside of Clans." He explained, and Gray heaved a sigh before going on.
"Well, I belong to a group of rogues... But not one of your "Clans" or whatchama call it." Iceshadow nodded, is eyes sparkling with interest.
"That sounds interesting. I wonder if it's anything like Clan life... Can you tell me more about it?" As the tom continued talking, Iceshadow couldn't help suppress a shiver. There are so many more things outside of our territory... How much more cats can there be?!

The Beginning

Clouds scudded the sky as Starlingwing nosed her way out of her den, and stretched in the morning sunlight, dew sparkling the ferns that coiled around the entrance of her den. As she flexed each of her claws, her fur started to prickle. A shadow fell across camp, and as the OakClan medicine cat looked up with bewilderment, she saw one single cloud blocking the suns rays. The sun glistened behind it, creating an eerie red glow that gleamed like blood. Death will be brought upon us today. A voice whispered inside the brindled tortoiseshell she-cats head. She began to shudder, even though the cloud had already moved on, no longer blocking the heat. She looked up, wondering if any other cat had heard the dark omen. But clan life moved on as usual. A few warriors milled by near the fresh-kill pile, while mentors looked on and commented to a mock battle between their apprentices. A thud of pawsteps and a mew sounded behind her. "Cloudstar?" Starlingwings ears pricked, though she didn't move from her spot. "What is it?"
"Snowfall is kitting!" The tom panted, and the medicine cat whisked inside her den with no hesitation. I should bring some borage to give her after the kitting, some cobwebs if there is any bleeding, and some sorrel to keep her strength up. As she wrapped the herbs in a beech leaf, she couldn't help thinking that this was what StarClan was warning her for. Please StarClan, don't take Snowfall away from Cloudstar... She is much too young. She shook her head, and began to trot back outside her den, and put up a brisk pace towards the nursery. Once she was there, she set down her leaf packet. "Stay out here, Cloudstar." She instructed her leader, and before he was able to argue she added, "Snowfall needs all the space she can get, and I will alert you when it is over." The tom sighed, realizing that he was better off without arguing with his medicine cat. Without another word, Starlingwing picked up her herbs again, and before she padded into the warm scents of the nursery, she sent up a silent prayer to StarClan. Please let everything go all right today. Don't let us lose a warrior today!

~*~

Starlingwing paced nervously outside the nursery, dark thoughts storming through her head. Snowfall's kitting had gone fine, she had given birth to a small tom cat. But that made the medicine cat fret even more. If the warning was not intended towards Cloudstars mate, then what would happen next? She noticed the brambles tremble as Cloudstar pushed his way though, his tail and head held high. "He's beautiful!" The leader exclaimed, acting like an excited kit on his first day out of the nursery. He noticed Starlingwing, with her eyes clouded with worry. "Oh, come on, Starlingwing. You look as if a hoard of badgers have come into the camp!" The gray and white tom joked. "Snowfall has just kitted, green-leaf has been good to us, what could go wrong?" He purred, and vanished back inside to where his mate was, while the Clan jumbled all around him, asking questions about the newborn. Oh, StarClan... What has been brought upon my Clan? Starlingwing pleaded for an answer, though only silence came.

~*~

"I, Cloudstar, leader of OakClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Icepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Cloudstar meowed, ready to burst with pride for his son.

"I do." Replied the tom, his body quivering with excitement, though his eyes shown with certainty. Cloudstar gazed down at his son, and Starlingwing thought he was purring too loudly to even speak.
 "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Icepaw, from this moment you will be known as Iceshadow. StarClan honors your strength and bravery, and we welcome you as a full warrior of OakClan." The leaders words rang throughout the clearing as Cloudstar spoke the ancient words. Yowls echoed around the camp as clanmates surged towards the young tom, calling out his new name enthusiastically. Snowfall came over and congratulated her only kit, while the tom ducked away from her fierce licks. When Cloudstar padded down from the Oak Branch, the cats parted to let him go through. "Iceshadow, it is time for you to prepare for your vigil. You will guard the camp in silence tonight, and you will be relieved by your duty at dawn." The gray and white tom was smiling broadly, though he only rested his muzzle on top of the newly named warrior before walking back to his den, Snowfall at his side. As Iceshadow settled himself near the camp entrance, Starlingwing felt a breeze ruffle her fur, and the ominous words that she had heard so many moons ago whispered faintly into her ears again, making her fur prickle with dread. Death will be brought upon us today. Starlingwing trembled. What did this warning mean? And how will I protect my Clan from this oncoming darkness?

Mates Page

This is the mates page. If your cat is lonely, just come down here! Just make sure that special tom or she-cat isn't taken ;)

Free Tom Cats -

Stormfang Crescentpelt Birchfire Hawkeye Stoneheart Sparkfire

Free She-Cats -

Riverfang 

Who Plays Who?

Warriors101 - Cloudstar, Snowfall, Iceshadow

 Amber{Sharpstone} - Goldenbreeze, Stormfang, Dragonpaw

Stella - Birdpaw, Fallenpaw, Crescentpelt
  
DawnDragon - Birchfire, Goldfeather, Ravenpaw, Riverfang

Dovewing - Hawkeye

Alado - Stoneheart, Sparkfire 

The Warrior Code and the List of Medicine Cat Herbs

The Warrior Code

1. Defend your Clan, even with your life. You may have friendships with cats from other Clans, but your loyalty must remain to your Clan, as one day you may meet them in battle.

2. Do not hunt or trespass on another Clan's territory.

3. Elders, queens, and kits must be fed before apprentices and warriors. Unless they have permission, apprentices may not eat until they have hunted to feed the elders. If any warrior or apprentice is sick or injured, they may eat while the elders, queens, and kits are eating.

4. Prey is killed only to be eaten. Give thanks to StarClan for its life.

5. A kit must be at least six moons old to become an apprentice.

6. Newly appointed warriors will keep a silent vigil for one night after receiving their warrior name.

7. A cat cannot be made deputy without having mentored at least one apprentice.

8. The deputy will become Clan leader when the leader dies, retires or is exiled.

9. After the death or retirement of the deputy, the new deputy must be chosen before moonhigh.

10. A Gathering of all four Clans is held at the full moon during a truce that lasts for the night. There shall be no fighting among Clans at this time.

11. Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge all trespassing cats.

12. No warrior can neglect a kit in pain or danger, even if the kit is from a different Clan.

13. The word of the Clan leader is the warrior code.

14. An honorable warrior does not need to kill other cats to win his/her battles, unless they are outside the warrior code or if it is necessary for self-defense.

15. A warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet.

List of Medicine Cat Herbs

Alder Bark - Eases toothaches

Beech Leaves - Used to carry other herbs

Blackberry Leaves - Eases the swelling of bee stings

Borage Leaves - It produces more and better milk for nursing queens and can bring down fevers

Burdock Root - Lessens and heals the pain the pain of infected rat bites

Burnet - A traveling herb; It keeps cats strength up

Catchweed - Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin

Catmint/Catnip - Is used to treat green and white cough

Celandine - Soothes damaged eyes

Chamomile - Strengthens heart and soothes the mind. Also given to cats for strength

Chervil - For infected wounds and bellyaches, and can be used during kitting

Chickweed - Treats greencough, though catmint is preferred

Cob Nuts - Can be made into ointments

Cobwebs - To soak up and stop (or slow) bleeding; Can also be used to bind broken bones

Coltsfoot - Eases breathing or kitten-cough, as well as cracked pads

Comfrey Root - Repairs broken bones, soothes wounds, can be used for wrenched claws or itching and used for inflammation on stiff joints

Daisy Leaf - Eases the pain of aching joints and is a traveling herb

Dandelion - White liquid is to heal and soothe bee stings, and leaves are used as a painkiller

Dock - Leaves can be chewed up to soothe scratches and sore pads

Fennel - Helps pain in the hips

Feverfew - Reduces body temperature for cats with fever or chills and can also heal aches and pains, especially good for headaches

Goldenrod - Good for healing wounds

Heather Nectar - Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures 

Honey - Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other herbs, and helps soothe coughing

Horsetail - Treats infections

Ivy Leaf - Used to store other herbs

Juniper Berries - Soothes bellyaches, gives strength and helps troubled breathing. It is also used to help calm cats

Lamb's Ear - Gives a cat strength

Lavender - Cures fever and chills, also a herb to hide the scent of death

Mallow Leaves - Soothes bellyaches

Marigold - Stops infections and bleeding, used for inflammation or stiff joints

Mint - Hides the scent of death

 Mouse Bile - Used to take off ticks

Parsley - Stops queen from producing milk and to cure bellyache

Poppy Seeds - They can put a cat to sleep, soothe shock or distress, or ease pain. Not recommended for nursing Queens

Ragwort Leaves - Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up

Ragweed - Gives cat extra strength and energy

Raspberry Leaves - Eases pain and stops bleeding

Rosemary - Hides the scent of death

Rush - Helps hold a broken limb in place

Snakeroot - Heals poison

Sorrel - Traveling herb

Stinging Nettle - Induces vomiting, brings down swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones and helps with wounds

Tansy - Cures coughs, can be used to cure wounds and poisons, stops cats from getting greencough and soothes throat

Tormentil - Root is used for treating all wounds and extracting poison

Thyme - Calms nervousness, anxiety, and cats who are in shock

Traveling Herbs - Consists of sorrel, daisy, chamomile, and burnet. Used to give a cat more energy and strength

Watermint - Eases the suffering that originates from a bellyache

Wild Garlic - Prevents infections, especially rat bites

Willow Bark - Eases pain

Wintergreen - Treats wounds and some poisons

Yarrow - Extracts poison from wounds, will make a cat vomit up toxins. The ointment will soften and help heal cracked pads

Poisons

Deathberries - Kills a cat within minutes when consumed

Foxglove Seeds - They can easily cause paralysis and heart failure

Holly Berries - Poisonous, though not as much as deathberries

Nightshade - Poisonous

Water Hemlock - Causes writhing and foaming at the mouth

Camp Clearing

Here, you can take your pick at the fresh-kill pile, share tongues, set up a little mock battle, or just chat. The biggest Oak Tree near the leaders den is the meeting place, which we call The Oak Branch. Our leader will gather our Clan around and preform a ceremony, or inform our Clan something.

Leaders Den

This is our leaders den. Despite the constant spray of the small waterfall, the inside of the den is surprisingly dry. There are stepping stones that lead to the instead, and don't worry about falling in to the small pool - they are plenty big!

Elders Den

This is where our Elders sleep. Though they may be a bit cranky at times, they have served their time in the Clan, and we treat them with uttermost respect. Apprentices are responsible for supplying them with fresh-kill, clean bedding, and to get rid of those nasty ticks.

Nursery

The heart of our Clan. This is where our Queens and where our future warriors sleep. It is well protected by a tree that fell many moons ago, and it serves to be helpful during battles. Most attackers just think it is a regular log and jump right past it. Boy, are they surprised when they get a nasty scratch by one of those Queens! Queens must be fed first, and apprentices are responsible for bringing fresh-kill to them.