Leafpaw sat at the edge of the shimmering pool, looking at the reflection of her and the trees behind her. She was day-dreaming of the prophecy that she had heard rumors about. Some young warriors had apparently eavesdropped on Cinderpelt's and Firestar's conversation. By now, word of the new prophecy had been all over camp. The apprentices, warriors, queens, even the elders were talking about it. It was not long ago that Squirrelpaw had demanded more information on the prophecy. Leafpaw had run to the sparse forest, to escape the chaos. She felt her eyelids become heavy as she gazed into the pond. It wouldn't matter if I took a short doze, would it? None of the warriors are sick or injured, Leafpaw thought. She made a small bed of some dried grass that she found in the forest. Now, she plopped herself down and began a deep, deep sleep.
"What are you doing here!?" an icy voice filled her ears. "What tribe are you from?" the voice demanded. Leafpaw opened her eyes to see a dark brown figure hover over her. "Brambleclaw? Is that you?" Leafpaw whispered, still not fully awake. "I am not your Brambleclaw. I am Clay from the Tribe of the Sparse Forest. Who are you?" Clay said sharply. "I a-am …." Leafpaw stuttered with fear. "Go on," Clay said gently, "I will not hurt you." "I am….Leafpaw." Leafpaw said, slowly. "Hmph. What type of name is that?" Before giving Leafpaw a chance to answer, he began again. "Well, anyhow, you are a trespasser and I need to take you to our leader. Follow me if you don't want to get hurt!" Leafpaw stared at Clay, and then behind her. How could I have crossed the border into….tribe land?! she wondered. "Hello? Get up and follow," Clay added harshly, "Now!" Leafpaw staggered up and thought about any possible ways to escape. Her only chance would be now. But, Clay is a full-grown, muscular, cat. He will just catch me, as if I were a mouse, Leafpaw thought. Leafpaw began walking, farther into the Tribe's land.
"Cinderpelt? Where is Leafpaw?" Firestar said, worry in his voice. "Firestar? Is that you?" Cinderpelt called from inside her den. "Yes, of course. I am very worried, Cinderpelt. Do you have any idea where she is?" Cinderpelt's grey head popped out of the medicine cat's den. "Hmm….I think she told me…." Cinderpelt paused. I don't remember Leafpaw talking to me at all today, except to ask me if I wanted fresh kill, Cinderpelt thought. "I d-don't ….think she said anything…." Cinderpelt faltered. "Then, there are only two things to do: pray to Starclan she is alright and send a search party." With that, Firestar turned to the warriors' den to form a search team.
"Graystripe, make a search team for Leafpaw. She has gone missing." Firestar whispered to Graystripe. "Okay, I will lead and take-" "I want to come!" Squirrelpaw jumped out of her den, interrupting Graystripe. "Squirrelpaw, it just isn't safe for us to take apprentices. We need full grow warriors who can fight off other animals, cats included," Firestar stated. "Well, then. Who else are you going to take? I bet I would be better than them," Squirrelpaw declared. Then, she marched back to the apprentices' den. "Okay, I will take Brambleclaw, Brightheart, Brackenfur, and Cloudtail," Graystripe decided. "Come on. Lets get this job done with and rescue Leafpaw." Firestar padded to his den. Fire will destroy and harm, but water will overpower fire, a voice repeat over and over in Firestar's head. The more he thought about it, the worse it got. Starclan, please tell me what this means!