A/N:PLEASE READ! IMPORTANT! I will not accept flames on this story. I know it may sound cliché at first, but I promise it will lead up to something surprising. Enjoy the first book in the Elements Series!

Darkness, the tantalizing black swirled hungrily at her paws. She was cursed to remain in the foreboding place for the rest of eternity, a punishment for her sins. Wrath had taken over her mind after her kits were swept away by the murky waters of the stream that had bordered RiverClan in the old forest, and when the putrid fish eaters rejected her. StarClan had abandoned her, and she was hungry for revenge. The Dark Forests army had fallen, leaving her to ponder about the future and how to get back at the Clans.

Licking her lips as if she caught a particularly juicy piece of prey, she thought, If StarClan can have their prophecies, why can't I make one for the Place Of No Stars?

Clearly pleased with her 'brilliant' idea, the tortoiseshell sauntered off, looking for someone's dreams to walk in. Not just any old Clan cat though, pampered little kittypets, yet the worst of all. Actually second worst, because it would be impossible to change a Twoleg into a cat. Rogues. Yes, those pitiful whelps will be so desperate for proper food and shelter they would listen to anything she commands them to do. Mouse-brains. But which ones should she pick, still remains a question.

Curling her lip, she thought, I have to go to that forsaken pool in StarClan territory!

The thought disgusted her, yet she still lifted her muzzle to sniff the air, smelling for the scent of stone and water and starlight. Finally getting a clear trail, she dashed off into the starless night towards the border. Glancing up at the sky, she could see the bright stars and the moon ahead, and came skidding to a halt where the trees fell away and the stench of StarClan was overwhelming.

The cat carefully sniffed for any fresh scents. None at her exact location, yet some smelled fairly close. The tortoise shell cautiously put a paw over the border, when she heard no angry yowls; she leaped out into the starlight. With an angry flick of her long, slender tail, Mapleshade ran quickly through StarClan territory.

Her ears were pricked for the loud, roaring sound of rushing water. Soon more trees came upon her, yet still unlike The Place Of No Stars. These had whispering branches and soft leaves that sighed in happiness when the wind blew. The she cat inhaled deeply again and was surprised when a powerful scent of cats hit her scent glands.

ThunderClan and ShadowClan mostly, some RiverClan, and barely any WindClan, she guessed based on the landscape.

She made a wide circle around where the scent was strongest. Being caught was the last thing on her mind, and she wanted revenge so bad it hurt. Running away from one of the camps, Mapleshade stopped at a stream.

Is this it?

It couldn't be, she couldn't hear the water roaring down from the waterfall she heard StarClan warriors speak of when they pass by the border.

Growling deep in her throat, she backed a few paw steps, ran, and then cleared the river in one leap. The Dark Forest cat could see shapes down river, staring at the water.

RiverClan.

She curled her lip in disgust, and headed on. Maybe the moorland with has the waterfall. Reeds tickled her nose and willows were clattering above her head. This was taking far too long for Mapleshade's comfort, sooner or later someone will pick up her scent trail, and all will be ruined. Her legs ached, and her pads were sore.

Soon the willows thinned out and the reeds turned into long, dry grass. The landscape was open to the sky and others eyes. Taking the risk, Mapleshade stretched up and looked for any stone or water. On the edge of the moor, she saw a hint of gray. Excitement coursed through her and gave her the strength she needed.

Blinded by happiness for once in her life, Mapleshade skidded to a halt and froze when she saw a patrol up ahead. They were carrying rabbits in their jaws and frolicked happily in front of her. One that had a long tail and was black with white spots lifted his nose to sniff the air heavily. He glanced around with amber eyes and turned to his friends.

"Hey, do you smell that?" He asked cautiously.

"Smll wht?" Another asked, slightly muted when she talked around the rabbit in her mouth.

"That weird smell, like darkness or death!"

"Tllstr, y're sch a rbbit brn, thr's nthng hr!"

Mapleshade took the chance to slink away through the grass, and made a beeline across the moorland towards the stone waterfall.

A few moments later she came across the torrent of water leading to the waterfall. She ran excitedly across the edge, nearing the falls a mouse length at a time. When Mapleshade reached the end, water was spraying up and sticking the fur to her sides. The waterfall roared and made her ears ache, she could hardly hear herself think. She slinked behind the cascade of water, not caring if her pelt got wet at that point. Mapleshade impatiently waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim glow in the cavern before exploring. Blinking around, the tortoiseshell made out a trickle of water pouring out of two rocks on the wall.

Following the trail, she could see the misty pool just ahead. Settling down to get slightly comfortable, she touched her mangy, dappled muzzle in the pond. Sleep immediately came to her, and Mapleshade felt as if she were falling through an endless void of black.

Mapleshade snapped open her eyes, expecting to be back in the cave. Yet instead she was in a forest, with leaves rustling and ivy high over her head. Seeking out her target, she darted ahead when a powerful smell if cats hit her scent glands and almost knocked her off her paws. About twenty cats were ahead muttering and looking at familiar cats with an astonished face, expecting them to be dreaming somewhere else.

A dark tabby stood in the front of the group, and narrowed her dark sea blue eyes dangerously when she saw Mapleshade.

"Who are you, and why are we here?" the cat growled with authority in her voice.

A clear choice for leader in the new Clan she was planning to make tonight.

A fake purr rumbled in the tortoiseshell's throat, "Hello, I'm Mapleshade. Who are you?"

"Element," the tabby growled cautiously, "Now why are we here?"

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.

"I have conjoined you for a special reason," Mapleshade started, "You all must unite together as one. A common enemy will stand in your way, and loyalty must be made to maintain a strong bond."

"What is you blabbing about, old crow-food?"

Mapleshade hissed inwardly at the rude remark, yet kept speaking. "Rogue will unite as one and nothing will be as it is now, or ever. You must form a Clan, and unite against the Great Four. Power will be endless, and StarClan shall bestow riches among you."

Now the cats seemed in awe. They stared at her as if her prophecy will come true at that moment.

"What kind of Clan? What do we need to do?"

Now Mapleshade purred truly. "Listen to StarClan, and the ancestors will choose your leader and teach you the ways of a Clan."

Element seemed eager, as did the others.

As the dream faded away, Mapleshade whispered, "Choose your choices well. Endless powers await."

When Mapleshade had awoken, satisfaction had coursed through her that she found the right cats. But when she got up, she stumbled down as if her paws couldn't hold her. She looked at her legs when pure horror made her fur stand on end.

I'm fading!

The blankness swallowed up her whole lithe body. Up her legs, back and finally her neck. When it reached Mapleshade's head she let out an ear curdling shriek, then vanished forever, leaving only the echoes of her voice behind...

A/N: Was it good? Remember, reviews please! I might not update until I at least get a couple. Good night everyone. May StarClan light your path.