WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO - Prologue

The worst feeling is the feeling that you're not special. Not worth attention. Not worth being noticed. It's in that moment that you want someone, something to take you away. That's what happened the first time. You close your eyes and wish, pray, for that one thing to take you to another world. And you end up in darkness, wrapped in shadows, calling you and whispering your name. You think at first that it's the best thing ever, that he's noticed you, noticed that you're your own person.

But then your find out that it's all false; everything you loved, that thing which saved you from being lost in the shadow of your sister. It's all fake. That comment which made your heart flutter, your chest swell with pride. That advice he gave you, which showed everyone that you could do it. It was all false, fake. And do you know what? It's the loneliest feeling in the world. To find out that you're still just a shadow. That no one cares for you. That you've been dreaming this whole time, stuck in a reality fed on lies. And when you find that it's all a lie? You break down. The gig is up. You fold in on yourself and become a paper airplane. A slight breeze could break you. Your heart has been shattered, scattered all over the floor. Everything is gone. You turn cold. Hateful. Scared.

You're nothing at all. Nothing. You're just a ghost now. And it's all because of that one dream. You didn't know that it'd soon turn into a nightmare - how could you? Well, the nightmares are gone now.

But, are they really? The poison is still in your system. It's waiting for the right time.

It's just waiting to reach your heart and destroy everything.

THE GREAT BATTLE: Before

'No!' As Breezepelt reared up to attack a WindClan warrior, Ivypool launched herself at him. Smashing into Breezepelt's flank, she sent him flying. 'You can't fight for the Dark Forest!'

'Are you crazy?' Breezepelt struggled free and stared at her. 'This is what we've been training for!'

'But you can't believe that this is right!' Suddenly, claws raked Ivypool's cheek. Pain shot through her and she staggered sideways.

Thistleclaw loomed other her, his lip curled to show long, yellow teeth. 'Traitor!'

'I'm no traitor!" Ivypool hissed. 'I've been loyal to my Clan all along! I only came to the Dark Forest to find out what you were planning!'

Her heart froze as Hawkfrost appeared behind Thistleclaw's shoulder. Then Snowtuft landed beside her, his eyes darkening with hate...

(Little skip in 'ere)

'We've trapped her!' Thistleclaw called over his shoulder.

Hawkfrost strode into the tiny clearing. 'Did you really think you'd live after betraying me?' His blue eyes shone as he at Thistleclaw and Snowtuft. 'Let's make her death slow.' He growled...

(And skippy)

She struggled away from them, crashing into hard muscle. Hawkfrost was behind her now. He stabbed his claws into her shoulders. With a gasp, Ivypool saw his teeth flashing beside her throat. Then a black pelt flashed over the top of the gorse. Paws landed with a thump beside her.

'Get off her!' Hollylead yowled...

Ivypool stared at the black she-cat. 'You saved my life!'

Hollyleaf staggered and fell to the ground.

'Hollyleaf!' Ivypool darted to her side and saw blood pulsing from a wound in her neck...

All copyright stuff goes to Erin Hunter, rightful owner of the Warrior Cat book series and merchandise. I take no ownership to the content. The insert on the Great Battle was from The Last Hope, no copyright intended. I only used the excerpt as it will make it a bit easier for the reader to understand... kind of like a 'previously'. No more spoilers, hun, you'll just have to read the actual book!

R&R for more.. thanks lovelies!

Kisses,

-Nat xx