Hello again, everyone. I'm back for the summer, and hopefully will be updating more frequently now. To celebrate, I've written a short story about Hollyleaf, an alternate story to explain why she did what she did. I guarantee you'll understand her pain by the end, and realize that she wasn't actually crazy. Enjoy, and review!

Warning: I know this story is marked Teen, but it could be set as Mature. This story contains some suggested language, minor violence and some sexual content. I have been hesitant about writing this, but have done my best to keep it from becoming too vulgar.

Lovely autumn sunshine fell through the tree branches to the forest floor below, dappling the ground with patches of light and shadow. Crunchy red and brown leaves were heaped in piles like snowdrifts at the roots of the towering red oaks and maples. Small songbirds flitted in and out of the tree branches above, letting out the occasional trill or squawk. Overall, it was a beautiful day.

Hollypaw lifted her head, a cool breeze ruffling her inky fur. The chill in the air was pleasant, but it was a clear reminder of the hard work that lay ahead in preparation for the coming winter. She really should be hunting right now, doing the responsible thing instead of messing around like Lionpaw was. Rolling her eyes at the thought of her ridiculous brother, she prowled forward like a black panther, on the hunt.

Crouching at the base of an ash tree, Hollypaw closed her eyes and swiveled her ears, letting her hearing range extend further into the forest. She sat quietly for a few moments, very still, then caught the slight sounds of small claws scrabbling over wood. Her green eyes flashed open, and she slipped like a shadow towards the source.

Paws hit the earth softly, a silent hunter bringing a swift death to her prey. The gray squirrel, burying an acorn in preparation for spring, had not noticed Hollypaw's approach from behind. She was hidden around the smooth curve of another tree, glittering eyes locked on her target. Her leg muscles, tensed, ready, then-

The critter never knew what hit it. The fatal blow landed perfectly. The limp creature hung from the young cat's jaws, its eyes still open. Hollypaw grinned, pleased. The kill was done expertly, and more importantly, this squirrel was large enough to feed two cats. 'It must've been storing up fat to burn while it was hibernating,' she thought. 'Well, now it won't have to worry about surviving winter, will it?'

"Excellent work, Hollypaw," a quiet voice said. The she-cat nearly leaped out of her skin in surprise, whirling around. Ashfur stood there, staring at her, unblinking.

Muttering around her prey, she said, "Thank you." She stood awkwardly in silence for a few moments. Ashfur continued to stare at her, his face unreadable. To break the sudden quiet she blurted, "Where's Lionpaw? Did he catch anything?"

"Oh yes," Ashfur said, looking away at last. "He did well. You both will be fine warriors." Raising his gray head, he yowled, "Lionpaw! Come on, we're going back to camp!' Seconds later, Lionpaw stumbled through the brush, carrying a crow.

"There was a rabbit right there, I could've had it if you hadn't had yelled!" The young tom moaned. "I was so close…"

"Quit your whining, boy, I said we're going back to camp," Ashfur snapped to his apprentice. Turning smartly, he strode away in the direction of ThunderClan's home. Still muttering irritably, Lionpaw trailed after him. Hollypaw watched them for a moment, looked back, then hurried after.