Hello again readers, flamers, and reviewers. This is Rivermask, your lovely authoress, back with another One-shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry that it has taken FOREVER to update, but we moved recently and our computer was down! -- Ick
Warnings: none cause it's completely imaginary!!!!!! (But read Twilight, and spoilers for Sunset in the A/N at the bottom)
Thank you to my reviewers:

phantomphan1992

Sorreltail x BrackenfurLuv

Wildpaw's Legacy

CeruleanRider

PS- this isn't really romancy, just sad and happy………
So…………………….

PLEASE ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Twilight, If only I could save her

Pitter, pat

Pitter, pat

I starred out from the confinement of my prison. Above, in the outside sky, swirling gray clouds, moved continuously, in a never ending-dance. Rain drops fell in huge heaps, pounding, like stones carelessly tossed aside from the basket of clouds.

I sighed, for a few moons, though it seemed like many, I had been trapped. Taken one place, then here, to stay. The drumming thunder only reminded me of loss, as the Graveyard in the sky buried StarClan, making me feel all the more alone.

More thunder erupted. A small fire sparked as it hit a tree, then out as it was washed away by the rain. Just like my heart…….

Swiveling my ears, I heard the clumsy Twolegs preparing to sleep. A male and a female, whose breaths smelled of foul liquid and movements more jerky than usual. At twilight, many had gathered here; I had fled the danger. All the Twolegs had talked, laughed, and drank foul-smelling liquid from a thing made of the clear wall. Soon, they had begun to throw various items across the room, and fought among each other. Finally, they left, leaving only my Twolegs. Together, both of them had climbed awkwardly up un-natural trees, to their massive dens, sleeping places that could be shared by all, but where only two stayed.

I shook my head, I'd never understand. These creatures didn't have Clans, no leader, no medicine cat…… They thrived in small bands, with almost no order, yet still had full bellies each night. They were blind to StarClan, yet, still managed to live.

I loud 'thump' caused me to spin around, hackles raised. But all I heard was the murmurs of indecipherable Twoleg language, and all I saw was the mini-sun, the Twolegs' had, go out. Pitiful animals.

Turning back to the storm raging outside of the little, clear wall, I fell asleep to the soothing patter.

I was in an odd place. I could feel actually wind on my fur, the fresh scent of real forest air, a welcome smell after the suffocating Twoleg home. My fur was tingling. I looked up, as a cloud strolled on, reveling a bright, full moon, and sparkling lights. I closed my eyes, letting the moon-light wash over me, feeling the soft ground sink under my paw pads, the tiny squeaks of mice, and other prey. I was the mighty hunter, and I was back in my element.

But how had I escaped the Twoleg home? I had tried many times before, all ending in failure. Somewhere far-off, I heard the sound of rain. So I hadn't escaped I was dreaming. Walking along in this dream-forest, I recognized I had walked this path before. I had had this dream many times, always ending with a shadow on the horizon, coming towards me. Each time I dreamt this dream, the cat-like figure became clearer, and closer. The last time I dreamt this illusion, I heard the form speaking, but couldn't understand it. Knowing where to go, I stepped into the familiar clearing, where the oh-so-noticeable figure was making its way towards me.

I stepped towards it, wanting to know why it was here. I began walking towards it. Soon I came upon the obviously female cat, the form that had visited my dreams so many times. She stood in the shadow of a tall tree, blue eyes starring through the darkness. I inhaled her scent. She smelled of kits, forest, river, and of stars.

"Who are you?" I asked

Quietly she mewed my name: "Graystripe"

"Who are you," I repeated, "Do I know you?"

"You don't remember me Graystripe?" and the Queen stepped into a shaft of moonlight. Her fur was a silver tabby, sprinkled with moon-light. Her clear-blue eyes danced with stars. Though this cat's outline was shinning bright, and even though her color was pale, this cat could only be: Silverstream.

"SILVERSTREAM!!!!!" I howled, rubbing against her, purring loudly. "Oh, Silverstream, it has been so long. So very long…….. But how did you find me??? Do you know about-?"

"Graystripe, I know everything. About Feathertail, and Stormfur, about how you were captured, Deputy."Her tone changed from sad to proud and slightly amused.

"I miss you very much, and Feathertail is still an open wound. Please tell me Stormfur is well."

"Stormfur is fine, and has a new mate." Her tone returned to sad and mellow, but had a happier note than before.

"Which RiverClan she-cat is it? Mistyfoot, perhaps?"

"No, her name is Brook. She is from the Tribe of Rushing Water."

"Tribe of Rushing Water, huh???"

"Stormfur fell in love with a she-cat from the Tribe of Rushing Water," she sighed, "He will hunt with the Tribe of Endless hunting, as well as StarClan, just as his sister does."

"Our kits remind me of us."

"I am very proud as well." Silverstream looked up. "My time is nearing the end. I did not come here to catch-up on idle chit-chat from the old days." She turned her star-lit head back towards me; a soft smile danced on her lips, and a quite purr vibrated off her. Suddenly, her expression became ridged, and the moment was over.

"Graystripe, you must escape. When you wake up, go to the loud door at the back of the house. Wait there; I will help you escape under it. Then turn your head towards the moon. I will guide you to your Clan, as it is StarClan's will. Go quickly!" Silverstream began to fade.

"Wait!" I howled, "I love you!" but she was gone.

I awoke to the far-off sound of thunder. I was back looking out from the clear wall; outside the rain still drizzled. I re-called the conversation with Silverstream: Had it really happened? Beyond in the wild, it was getting lighter, soon it would be daybreak. The moon would be fading before long, and the Twolegs would get up.

Abruptly, I felt the soft brush of fur against fur, a sweet scent, and a whisper in my ear: Hurry! So, my meeting with Silverstream wasn't a dream, it had actuality happened!

Moving swiftly, I headed towards the loud door. Higher up in the Twoleg nest, I heard the larger one, the male, moving around. Racing through various rooms, I cam upon the door with the smaller door inside it. Beyond it, laid the massive moving door that growled and grumbled.

I was there. As I began to step forward, I flipped around, hearing a sound. The Twoleg was coming down the un-natural tree, and he would head to the big door, get in his monster and leave! I had to move rapidly; he would be sure to discover me and foil my plan of escaping.

Just as the Twoleg reached the ground, I ran through the small-door-within-a door. There stood the moving door, as menacing as ever. Glancing around for a place to escape, I started to panic as the Twoleg reached the door-within-big door. Thinking hastily, I raced under the monster, waiting.

The Twoleg came out, unsuspecting. As he neared the monster, he passed the container of gravel; the place the Twoleg expected me to make my dirt.

Soon, the Twoleg was upon the monster, getting in, it came alive. Fighting all my instincts to run, I stayed there trembling. Just when it seemed I would be flattened, Silverstream was suddenly beside me. The bid door began to creep its way upward.

"GO!!" Silverstream howled and I fled beside her to the freedom beyond. Quickly, I glanced at the moon, just as Silverstream had instructed. Though it was fading, the moonlight cast its radiant glow north. Turning my head that direction, there was Silverstream, bathing in moonlight.

"Hurry!" She screeched, fleeing towards a nearby forest. I followed suit, glancing behind as I heard the Twoleg running and yelling after us.

It was the first time out of my former-Twoleg home. Looking back, as I continued to lope, I saw that my 'home' was actually on the outskirts of many Twoleg nests, too many to count.

Soon, I began to pant, as I followed Silverstream through the remaining nests. After a bit, we came across a dwindled forest, then an open plain. All the while, Silverstream's outlined faded as the sun came up. When the moon was almost completely gone, Silverstream stopped, and turned around.

"Graystripe," she mewed, "When the moon goes down completely, you will not be able to see me, even though I will be with you. You must continue North through this plane, and you must climb the mountain. There you will meet a Clan of cats; all you need to do is speak are son's name and you will be welcome. They will lead you to ThunderClan."

I nodded, walking up to the ghost like shadow of my love.

"Be safe," she murmured as she disappeared.

"I will," I replied softly to the wind.

I continued to trek across the plain throughout the day, stopping only at noon to catch a quick mouse. The sun shined down on my fur, softened from kittypet food. Each step was harder than the rest for my out-of-shape body, and I panted constantly the entire time.

Eventually, I came up upon the mountain, rocky and tall, tip painted in snow. The sun was going down as I began to climb, paws tearing and claws snagging on rocks, up the giant heaps of rock. The sunset cast various shades of colors on the silver stone, and danced along my fur.

The moon was coming out. Though exhausted, I kept a steady speed. Before long, there was another cat beside me; going my pace, guiding me. This cat was faint at first but as the moon rose, they became more defined and bright, like a beckon.

"Silverstream!" Just as she had said, she'd returned. The silver she-cat stopped, turning around.

"Graystripe, soon we will run into the cats I had spoken of. For now, take a small rest; look how far you have come in only one day."

Sitting down, I swiveled my head, looking out on the paths I had crossed but a day before. The plain stretched out, looking small from my point on the mountain.

"Have I really come this far in only one day?" I meowed.

Silverstream purred in amusement, "With StarClan speed," she joked. Laughing with her, I moved closer, grooming her starlit pelt. After a moment, she began to lick my fur, and we stayed like that together, just as we had that one-night, when we were young cats in love, under the twilight sky. But the moment could never last. My thoughts rocketed back to this world and the truth: My heart was in ThunderClan and my love was dead.

"Come on," I said getting up, "Where are these cats you talked about?" Silverstream nodded, motioning with her tail up-ahead, and together we walked around the bend.

It wasn't long before we came across the 'cats.' Their fur was dark, that's how they had taken us by surprise. There were two groups, and they advanced, curiously, not a bit hostile. A small cat, female, came up to us, looking at me.

"You remind me of someone." she meowed. All of a sudden, I remembered who I must remind her of.

"Stormfur!" I blurted out. The she-cat nodded, "Yes, we are looking for Stormfur, have you seen him?" I asked.

The small cat nodded. "My mate? Yes he is back in the cave, this way." She turned around, only to be confronted by a larger cat from the other group. They talked quietly for a moment, and then the big cat nodded and stepped aside. "This way," and the two groups turned around.

I was taken aback. So, this little female was Stromfur's mate? He had left RiverClan? And why had no one noticed Silverstream? I turned to her. "They can not see me or hear me," she spoke, looking a bit sad. Up ahead, the small cat turned around. Putting my tail on her shoulder, I stepped ahead, following the party of cats.

"My name is Brook Where Small Fish Swim, or Brook," the tiny cat mewed, as we came upon a waterfall.

"My name is Graystripe," I shouted above the roar. Brook inclined her head, motioning for us to stay there; she made her way over to the waterfall, and then disappeared. A few minutes later, she returned, a male cat running after her.

"Graystripe!" he howled, running into me. He buried his head in my fur, purring.

"Stormfur," I licked his head.

'What are you doing here?" He asked not noticing the she-cat beside me. Then he remembered the cat beside him. "Graystripe, Silverstream, this is Brook, my mate."

I gave my son a nod, but he was not done, "and she is expecting kits."

"Congratulations," I was by my son as well licking him and purring. Silverstream came up, eyes on Stormfur.

"My kit," she spoke softly, full of happiness, the sorrow. No one heard her except me. After a bit Stormfur repeated his question, "What are you doing here?"

"Stormfur," I began, "when I was taken by Twolegs, they gave me to a home and I was turned into a kittypet," I made a quick decision, "and Thank StarClan, I escaped." Stormfur nodded. "I just ran. StarClan must have guided my paws to you. I am looking for the Clans, have you seen them?" Again, Stormfur nodded.

"I can probably get you to them. I know the direction the Clans headed," he meowed, "but first, stay the rest of the night, you look exhausted. We can leave in the morning." Glancing at Silverstream, I agreed, and followed both Brooke and Stormfur behind the waterfall.

I gaped as I saw that an entire clan lived behind the falls. Some cats stopped to look at me, but most continued along with what they were doing. Soon an old cat came up to me.

"I am Teller of the Pointed Stones, or Stoneteller, leader of the Tribe of Rushing Water. You are a friend of Stormfur? You are welcome to stay here for as long as you like."

"Thank you," I dipped my head, "but I plan to leave in the morning. I am looking for my Clan."

"Very well," the old cat meowed, "I know these Clan-cats you speak of. They stayed with us for a while, but were gone soon. I am sure you will find them." Stoneteller motioned towards some shallow dips in the side of the cave. "You may sleep there." Then he walked off. Stormfur led me over to an empty dip.

"Good night, father," he said, licking my ear. As I climbed into the bowl, I felt Silverstream's presence over me as I slipped off into a dream.

I awoke to the sound of rushing water, constantly thrumming. At first, I though I was back in the Twoleg nest, listening to the rain through the clear door. But as my vision adjusted, I realized I was in the cave behind the waterfall.

All around cats were milling about; a few young ones, apprentice's no-doubt, were play fighting on the floor. Sunlight streamed through the falls, casting small rain-bow fragments.

As I looked around for Silverstream, a scent caught my nose. A small mouse was by my temporary den. Looking around, I noticed some of the cats look up and watch me. One female cat nodded when I looked again at the meal. Mouthing a 'thank-you' I immediately, scooped the tiny prey up, and quickly ate it. I was ravenous from the day before.

After a bit of trying, I managed out of the scoop; my kittypet fat in the way. But gazing at my muscles, my body was slowly turning back into that of a Clan cat. I looked for Silverstream again; she was gone. Of course! I wouldn't be able to see her in daylight.

Stormfur cam up to me, and soon Stoneteller and Brook followed. Stormfur turned to face them.

"Stoneteller," Stormfur spoke to the elder, "It is time for us to leave; I will be taking Graystripe back to his Clan."

The old one shook his head, "If that is what you want."

"Yes, it is, but I will be coming back."

"I'm going too," Brook stepped forward.

"No, you have kits soon, you should stay."

"Yes," Stormfur agreed.

"No, I am going with Stormfur, no matter where he goes."

Both cats were quiet for a moment. Then Stoneteller mewed quietly, "I see there are no stopping you; you may go. May The Tribe of Endless Hunting go with you on your journey?"

Stormfur bowed his head, accepting his authority. Then Moving towards the waterfall exit, he mewed, "Let's go."

Stormfur and Brook set a fast pace down the mountain, determined to get down by sunset. Moving along behind them, muscles aching, I began to get the hang of the mountain climbing. Soon, we had crossed the mountain, and now were in a field. With few daylight hours left, we made quick time, and soon found ourselves well past it.

It was right after sunset. Looking back, I saw Silverstream, a ways behind. I slowed, and soon we were running side by side. "What is it?" I asked, for the she-cat was usually by my side.

"Graystripe, it's just, I am a Warrior of StarClan. As soon as you are back in your Clan, I can no longer visit you."

"Silverstream." Her words dawned on me. Up ahead a marsh loomed up. Brooke and Stormfur took a right, heading towards a Twoleg nest. I ran up.

"NO!" I howled, as they turned around in fright. After a moment Stormfur spoke: "Don't worry; there is no fresh smell of Twolegs." I opened my mouth, taking in the scent of the air. No recent smell of Twolegs.

"But why are we going this way?" I demanded. Stormfur still looked a bit shocked but mewed: "Don't you smell it? The faint scent of ThunderClan, leading this way as well as WindClan and RiverClan."

Suddenly, I did realize it was there; I just hadn't recognized it. "Sorry, Stormfur, Brook," I meowed, "I'm just still wary after the Twoleg incident." Stormfur nodded; Brook gave me a reassuring look.

Our little party continued by the Twoleg nest. As we passed, we smelled WindClan and RiverClan scent marks. As we continued, the land turned to rolling hills and plains, and the smell of WindClan increased.

"Looks like WindClan found the perfect home," I commented. Stormfur agreed; I assumed Brooke didn't know what was going on.

Carefully, we picked our way through the territory, careful of WindClan. We almost came across a late-night hunter, but were able to slip by un-noticed. Soon we came across a belt of trees, and ThunderClan scent marks. Slowly we moved into the thicket.

All of us wondered around for a while, the territory unfamiliar. Soon we came across a track of strong ThunderClan scent, mixed with WindClan.

"This is pretty recent," Stormfur mumbled, glancing both ways, "We should keep moving." Our group continued its way. Before long, the scent of ThunderClan increased, but the scent of badger became mixed in it. There was a sense of urgency, and we all quickened our already fast pace.

Soon we came to a small clearing, ThunderClan scent marks were along the side.

"Maybe we came too far?" Brook suggested, looking around.

"No," I said stepping towards the marks. They bordered a rock cliff; any cat unlucky enough to not heed the warning would fall to its doom. "There is a drop here; we must have found the camp!"

As I turned back towards my traveling buddies: My son, his mate, and my mate, I heard a low growl. Suddenly, badger crept from the bushes. We had been so careless! Leaving a trail, making loud noises, but most importantly, not paying attention to our surroundings. Even though there were four of us, counting Silverstream, we were hungry and tired, an 'easy meal.'

Stormfur crouched, teeth barred. Brook looked around panicky; she wasn't used to fighting in the forest, and probably had no idea what this animal was! Silverstream mimicked Stromfur's pose.

I knew we were in deep trouble. I was probably the only cat here who had any experience in fighting badgers, and I was out of shape!! Since both Silverstream and Stormfur were of RiverClan, they probably haven't fought a badger before! Snap out of it! I told myself. You the deputy of ThunderClan! Lead your patrol!!!

The badger was swinging its head back and forth, looking for whom to attack.

It swung its head one more time in a wide arch, the charged Stormfur.

"Look out!" Stormfur dodged the attack, barely. "You have to watch out for the claws!" I called, "Go for its eyes!" As soon as the words were out, Stormfur rebounded, and the badger came after me. Yowling a battle cry, I raced forward, and then slid to the side, evading the animals attack. Immediately, Stormfur was on its back, clawing the badger, and hanging on for dear life.

"Get in there!" I yelled at Brook, who still stood towards the edge, out of the battle. The she-cat seemed to be in a trance, and then launched herself into the fray, ready to defend her mate.

I turned around; I was hearing the cries of battle and dying warriors. But where was it coming from? Silverstream was on the edge of the cliff, she had moved positions, and suddenly, she slid, falling right of the rim.

"Silverstream!" I froze for a moment then charged forward. The silver she-cat was holding on to a bramble; almost out of reaching distance. At the exact moment I heard a cat cry out, ant turned to see Stormfur at the mercy of the badger; Brook cowering near-by.

"Help!" Stormfur cried out, the badger drawing its lips back in a snarl. I turned and started to run towards him, but then heard Silverstream whimper, she was about to fall.

Suddenly, I wasn't beside brambles and a cliff with a badger, I was back in a battle long ago. ThunderClan and WindClan against RiverClan and ShadowClan. I no longer saw what was really happening. Stormfur suddenly became Fireheart, the cat Firestar had been before he became leader, my best friend. The badger changed into two ShadowClan warriors, ready to kill the struggling ThunderClan warrior. Behind me, Silverstream was still herself, but she was being held at the mercy of two WindClan cats, a deep gash in her shoulder.

I knew that the time had come yet again. I had faced a position like this before, the constant consequence of my forbidden love. The question I dreaded: Do you choose your Clan, or do you choose your love????? Time was running out; I was in the middle of both doomed cats, and I could only save one. Almost simultaneously, the Shadow and WindClan cats raised their paws to strike, claws out. The slashing talons came down, and as a voice screamed inside me, I leapt.

Now everything was back the way it was supposed to be. Stormfur, Brook, the badger. I was on top of the vile creature, screaming, hissing, and fighting for my son's life. The badger was off guard. It reared back, trying to shake me, and Stormfur escaped, diving back at the badger as Brook in turn joined the fray. The badger was backing up, outmatched it knew. With a finally roar it was gone, back into the underbrush.

"YYYOOOOOOWWWWLLLLL!!!!" Stormfur let out a victory yowl. Brook soon joined in, adding her sweet thrumming purr. For a moment, I was caught up in the joy, before I heard a 'snap.' Immediately, I remembered my mate, dangling helplessly from I bramble. I turned and pelted towards the edge of the cliff, but it was too late; the bramble had broken, and as I looked into the eyes of my beloved as she fell, I say her love for me, and possible regret. Regret for dying or loving me, I did not know. But then she was gone. Not only had I experienced the death of my beloved yet again, now, not even a body remained to prove she had existed, she had just vanished.

I flopped down and began to sob. I could have saved her, I could have done something…………… Stormfur came over, flanked by Brook.

"I know, being away for so long……………………" He meowed rubbing against me, "Let's go!" Slowly I got up, and I followed him down through the forest, but began to fall far behind, covered by the new, raw grief of a re-opened wound. "I could have done something………….." And I knew I could have. In the end, I had chosen to save my Clan, Fireheart as I had seen it, over her. I had chosen my Clan………………………My Clan………………………… And suddenly, I realized what I had always known: Silverstream had already been dead, I couldn't change the fact that she walked with StarClan, but what I could do, was live my life to its fullest, serving my Clan and protecting the others I loved.

Ahead, Stormfur stopped, Brook along with him. And to think, I could have lost my son today………………… A purr rose in my throat, and my pace quickened as I headed towards my home, my heart, ThunderClan. Behind me, I could feel the presence of Silverstream, there to see my journey home. "Maybe in StarClan," I murmured as the scent drifted away, "we can be together."

The sun started to come up as the twilight drifted away, and my life took a new turn. From that moment on, I would live life to its fullest, and let go of the past. Now that I had almost caught up with Stormfur, I could hear his strange words.

"What happened here?" He asked stepping away from Brook, "This isn't what I expected." His tone was full of worry and I rushed past him, fear gripping my heart, but what I saw was terrifying. Below, my Clan lay in rags and ruins, and the bodies of my un-moving Clan mates littered the ground. My friends looked up at me with eyes full of terror and surprise, bodies sagging with exhaustion, and the stench of badger was overpowering.

Yes! It is complete!!!!!!! Ironically, this could have been a couple of chapters instead of a one-shot………. Oh well!!
Last Weeks poll:

Question- "What should the next chapter be: Graystripe x Silverstream type thing, where Graystripe goes back to ThunderClan or Cloudtail x Brightheart (actually, it would be Cloudpaw – Cloudtail and Brightpaw) where it is them getting together from BrightPAW's POV!!!!!!"

Answer-Graystripe X Silverstream

Here would be the NEW poll question. This week's poll is:

"What is your favorite Warriors pairing of all time??????" R&R w/ your answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This poll has already been answered.

R&R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just to be fun, I refuse to write the next chapter UNLESS I get 5 more reviews!!! (Can be from the same people.)

Another note: I may take a while to up-date. School starts again and I don't know how much time I'll have. And we moved I'll be starting at another school soon!

Merry (late) Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Or whatever you celebrate!)

PS- I have written this BEFORE I went to buy/ read Sunset, but just finished reading it!!! (That comes out today, the 26th) Wouldn't it be funny if this entire one-shot really happened?????????????? But it doesn't, and I can't wait for the "Power of Three" to come out! WARRIORS LIVE ON FOREVER!!!!!!!!! But Ashfur ISN'T like that!!!!!!!

PSS- My next chapter will probably be a filler chapter, my style. You'll have to read to see what it's like!!!