Missing: Black-and-White She-Cat

Prologue

"We've a new apprentice, Rainpaw," Tanglestar, leader of ThunderClan, announced. "Also, Willowheart has kitted. We welcomed Cloudkit, Petalkit, and Moonkit into ThunderClan."

The dark ginger tabby dipped her head to the RiverClan leader, Nightstar. Using her loud and powerful voice, the black she-cat began, "In RiverClan, we've had trouble with the Horseplace kittypets. They pay no attention to our borders and wonder aimlessly around our territory trying to find prey. However, they are no threat to our prey stock, as they rarely are successful. Lately, we chased them off our territory and gave 'em a few scars as a warning. No doubt in my mind that RiverClan is at its strongest peak. In fact, we have three new warriors: Splashstrike, Otternose, and Fishleap. And we have two new apprentices, Icepaw and Shiverpaw."

Nightstar listened as RiverClan and few others cheered the new warriors and apprentices. Especially, Icepaw and her sister puffed their chest in pride under the moonlight as the warriors congratulated them.

In his husky tone, Foxstar, the ShadowClan leader announced, "Unlike RiverClan, we've had no problems with kittypets crossing our borders. We're watching our borders for even the slightest sign of trespassing. Any cat who dares set paw on our land will be shredded! Let all be warned that we'll be watching . . ."

Nightstar twitched her whiskers in amusement. Foxstar always complained about how the other Clans had somehow done something to anger ShadowClan.

"I assume you can't be watching my borders," Littlestar purred, amused. "WindClan has not 'set paw' anywhere on your territory since you ever-so-kindly claimed that we've all been trespassing on your territory. Surely, you've noticed, that no cat would want to go wandering in a forest with that stench."

The black RiverClan leader knew that this was also quite usual for Littlestar. The small grey tom lived for taunting the other leaders (particularly Foxstar), although was somehow sane enough to lead WindClan. Nightstar didn't understand why StarClan gave him nine lives when he was so ambitious for a fight. Maybe he was plotting something against ShadowClan, but that was none of Nightstar's concern. She has a Clan of her own to look after.

"Very well, Littlestar. I wasn't specifically accusing you of anything. Now just announce whatever you have to say." Foxstar lashed his tail, annoyed at the other leader.

Oh, but the WindClan tom wouldn't have none of it. "Of course you wouldn't dare accuse me of doing anything," Littlestar retorted. "But that doesn't mean that you're not accusing my warriors of anything."

Foxstar growled, "Just get on with it! I didn't accuse you or your precious Clanmates!"

Littlestar flicked his tail, unpleased with the ShadowClan leader. "You've no right to make inaccurate accusations. Try to think before you act!"

"And you have no right to question my word when I tell you that I sincerely did not wrongly accuse you of such," Foxstar shot back. "Just report your means, and let this Gathering end!"

"I do not take orders from a ShadowClan cat," Littlestar retorted. He eyed the other leaders. "Does anyone else wish to wrongly accuse me of anything?"

Nightstar rose to her paws to counter his words. "Let us not break the truce we are sworn to. If either of you deceive that truce, I myself will rip your pelts off later. Now Littlestar, we do not have all night. I ask that you kindly ignore Foxstar's accusation and get a move on."

"Ignore? What is there to ignore? You are right; this is a time of peace. All the more reason to settle incorrect accusations before it leads to battles later," Littlestar growled.

Tanglestar leaped down from her spot on the Great Oak. She glanced up at the WindClan leader. "We've no time for such foolishness. ThunderClan is leaving this Gathering immediately."

Few ThunderClan cats lashed their tail in protest, but reluctantly joined their angry Clanmates. Nightstar envied Tanglestar's wisdom. When the dark ginger tabby spoke, she spoke with truthfulness, while Nightstar spoke too outwardly.

Littlestar looked stunned that Tanglestar and ThunderClan had just left in the middle of his endless taunts. He narrowed his eyes and glanced at the other leaders, seeing that they were about to leave as well. "In WindClan, we have four new apprentices, Sagepaw, Darkpaw, Hawkpaw, and Runningpaw. That is all."

The WindClan leader broke off from his announcement hastily, and WindClan barely had time to cheer the new apprentice. Their special time had been ruined because of their selfish leader.

Nightstar sighed and leaped down from Great Oak. She padded toward her Clanmates, already waiting at the bridge of the fallen tree. They all crossed in silence, with WindClan close behind them. As they headed onto their own land, Nightstar noticed that Icepaw kept glancing towards the island. Soon, Otternose was looking back too.

As they heaved themselves into camp, Nightstar beckoned with her tail for Icepaw.

The apprentice padded over. "Yes?" the white she-cat asked, looking quite nervous.

"What are you looking for?" Nightstar asked the apprentice straight-forward.

She hesitated. "I-It's Shiverpaw. She's missing."