Disclaimer: I do not own Warriors, Erin Hunter does.


Hidden within the thick undergrowth of ferns, Fallen Leaves waited patiently, his green eyes fastened on the quivering tail of the mouse. Though his vision was partially shrouded by the leaves, his keen ears were able to pinpoint the scuttling movement of his prey.

Closer...closer...

Muscles tensed, he crept forward quietly as he could see its plump, brown figure draw into view.

Don't move...

Halting, he watched as his prey looked around wildly, as if sensing he was there.

Mouse-dung! he thought, twitching his whiskers in slight annoyance.

Slithering carefully back into the ferns, he placed each paw step lightly, taking the utmost care in staying...snap!

With a terrified squeak, the mouse quickly darted back through the bushes at the sound of the branch Fallen Leaves had just crushed.

Adrenaline kicking in, the tom quickly propelled himself on powerful haunches as he chased after his prey, weaving his way through the forest as if it was his own territory. Now only a whisker away from his target, he bared his fangs menacingly. Springing forward with unsheathed claws, he pounced on top of the mouse, nipping it at the throat for a swift kill. Dangling his catch by the tail, Fallen Leaves breathed in its warm scent with satisfaction, his heart still racing from the chase.

"What a good catch!"

Setting the mouse down, he purred affectionately "Thanks Night Feather!" as a black she-cat padded her way over.

Sniffing the prey curiously, she asked "Is this where all the mice keep showing up in the prey pile?"

"Well yeah, we can't always eat rabbits you know." he replied, beginning to groom the dirt from his pelt.

"But that doesn't mean you should leave the moor without permission." she said quietly, nuzzling her pink nose into his soft cheek.

"I could never leave my home forever." he whispered, entwining his tail with hers.


Waking up with a jolt, Fallen Leaves looked around wildly, startled by the sudden surroundings of gray stone and faint sound of rushing water.

Allowing his fur to lie flat, he murmured quietly "It was a dream. It's only a dream."

Padding out of his den, he walked through the tunnels until he arrived in the cave where a small river flowed through. Dipping his head, he slowly lapped at the cool water, letting it trickle down his throat. Once satisfied, he then opened his dull, green eyes to stare at the reflection shone by the water. Though his ginger and white fur remained unkempt as always, he showed no sign of aging.

"Night Feather." he murmured softly "Where have you gone? Why... have you left me?!" he growled angrily.

Slashing the water in frustration, his expression contorted to something more menacing as water droplets were sent flying everywhere.

"Why have you all abandoned me?" he wailed out loud.

Breathing heavily, he watched as the anger from his reflection began to melt away, now replaced by sadness. Exhausted, he curled around himself right where he was on the cold floor, trying desperately to ignore the pain that stabbed his heart.