Chapter 4

Fangpaws POV

2 moons had passed and Iceheart, Mistfeather and Barkfur had joined Starclan due to Green cough. Then Talonpaw, Sunpaw, Nightpaw, and Rainpaw had earned their warrior names, now known as Talongaze, Sunlight, Nightfur, and Rainheart. Lastly Rockstone had joined the elders den after losing his sight in a battle. A lot had changed after Hawkeyes death. Crowfoot hadn't eaten until his mother told him to after half a moon. The clan had become weaker and weaker as Leaf Fall passed into Leaf Bare. Prey was scarcer and scarcer to find.

Padding into camp I carried a small mouse and a luckily caught shrew. Flacks of snow had started to fall and it had turned the camp white. Cats sweep the snow near the nursery away with their tails. Placing my fresh kill I headed over to the exit near the medicine cats den. Padding out I was horrified by what I found. Laying in a clump of red snow was the body of Snowshine. Sniffing the air I smelt badger coating it. Tilting my head up to Starclan I said a silent pray before carrying the medicine cat through the brier tunnel that blocked the entrance to the back of camp. Gasps and questioned meows echoed through the camp as I placed him in the center of the clearing. Looking across I saw Crowstar whisper something into the wind. "Nooooooo!" I heard a cat yowl before gathering at Snowshines side. Turning my head I saw tears streaming down Leaffangs face. Their mother, Frostwing, also came running over at the sight of her dead son. "First Breezetail now my beloved son. Why has Starclan tortured me?" I couldn't take the sight of the crying she cat. So I ran over and looked her in the eyes. Then said something that I was unknown that I knew. Slowly she calmed down and I saw out of the corner of my eye as Crowstar and Glistenpool watched in amazement.

"How did you do that?" Glistenpool asked after I left the crowd. "To tell you the truth, I have no clue. I saw a sad cat and used an instinct that told me to calm her down." I explained as I peered back at the she-cat that was now curled up beside her son with her head rested on her paws. Glancing around I saw the ferns rustle on the other side of the clearing. Curiously I walk over, leaving Glistenpool staring after me. A flash of black and white rush past me. Blinking I take a step back! Then building up my courage I hurl myself through the ferns only to fall into air. Sniffing around I smell a fresh badger scent. Hearing a rustling sound behind the large rock. I whirl around and swiftly jump on top of the rock. Softly landing I sneaked slowly over the rock. Just then a giant paw landed a blow on my back sending me flying off the rock and into the dust.

Whirling around I fluffed up my fur to twice my size. Just then a giant badger lumbered over in my direction. Standing on his back paws he swatted at me with huge black paws. Ducking I shot under his stomach and scratched him sending a slit that instantly began to pour out blood. It stained the ground and soaked my paws. As he slowly got up I bit hard on his back leg. Yelling out in agony I noticed cats beginning to gather at the back entrance. Dapplesong tried to come help me, but I yowled at him to stay back. "No, I want to finish what I started." Backing away he sat next to Crowstar. Whirling back around I saw the badger was limping and keeping his weight on three paws. Taking my chance I jumped onto his back. As he fell I bit hard onto his spine. As he died I saw his life flash before my eyes.

Being kicked out of his family after mating with the leader's daughters, then trying to find a place to settle. Coming here and going into the Darkclans territory. Brutally being kicked out. Running into our territory being hissed at by Snowshine. Getting scared he attacked him and killed him. For some reason sadness filled the large creatures eyes after killing him. Coming back to the real time I gazed into his eyes as they glazed over and he died.

Turning around I saw that the whole clan had gathered to see the impossible be done. Sitting down I began to lick my wounds as if nothing had happened. I only had a small scratch on my back when he grabbed me. Then Dapplesong called Oakclaw over and whispered something in his ear. Padding away Crowstar, Dapplesong, and Oakclaw glanced back at me. With a flick of their tail they told me to follow them.

They lead into the leaders den. It's dark and smells damp and musty. "We believe you are ready to become a warrior Fangpaw." I hear Oakclaw break the silence. "What about Cometpaw and Dawnpaw?" I asked wondering if they would be warriors with me. "Well, actually just you. They didn't fight a badger single pawed." Crowstars gentle meow replied. "Well they fought in the battle with Duskclan and the border fight." I challenged with a hint of a hiss in my meow. A growl rumbled in Oakclaws throat. "You do not speak to your leader like that!" rage flared in his eyes like a forest fire. Backing down I locked his gaze with mine. "Well, maybe he isn't my leader anymore! Maybe I quit the clan!" I yowled storming out of the den.

"What's wrong Fangpaw?" Sunlights soft meow calms me down a little. "Its Fangflare and I am leaving. Are you coming with me?" I asked hoping she would come with me. "I'm sorry Fangflare I can't. My duty is here, as a warrior of Moonclan." I heart sank. Then I heard Oakclaw, Cometpaw and Dawnpaw running toward me. "You're not leaving!" Dawnpaw hissed half way across the clearing. I ignored her and ran through the forest toward the Thunderpath.

Skidding to a halt I longed to go across into Darkclan territory, but I stopped myself. Soon I heard Cometpaw shoot out of the bushes. She was running fast and headed into the claws of a monster. "Nooooooo!" I yowled but it was lost as it hit her dead on and sent her flying into the dust. I heart was in my throat my now and the blood pounded in my ears. I reached her side, but it was too late she was gone. I pressed my warm nose into her blood crusted fur. Blood trickled from her nose and mouth and her head was bent back, broken. My heart nearly stopped at the sight. Her once warm orange pelt was now red and cold.

"Nooooooo!" came the yowl of Dawnpaw and Eagleclaw. They came to her side and stared in horror at their dead kin. Eagleclaws voice came in muffled cries. I pressed closer to her and tried to stop her crying. Dapplesong, Nightfur and Crowstar came tearing to the side of the Thunderpath. "Cometpaw what will I do without you?" Nightfur whispered as he stared down at her limp body. Soon Crowstar, Dapplesong and Eagleclaw picked up her body and walked silently back to camp. I stayed behind for a few moments. "What are you doing Fangpaw?" I heard Dawnpaw hiss and glare at me. Getting up and pushing past her I grunted under my breath. "What's got into your fur?" "Oh, great Starclan! I don't know! Maybe, because my sister just died and it's partly your fault." Stopping I could feel her cold gaze burn through my pelt. Was it really my fault my sister was dead? I asked myself sadly. Then I heard Cometpaws voice whisper into my ear. "Do not worry brother, for I have seen your future and it is bright. Do not worry for I am ok and it is not your fault." Then she was covered by an eerily silence. Closing my eyes tight I wish I could disappear. Then I gave up and padded back to camp.

Once I got back I saw Glistenpool had already prepared Cometpaw for vigil. Her paws were neatly curled under her as if she was sleeping. Then her once bloody matted fur was now orange and shiny. I hung my head low as I passed her body. Her spirit seemed to surround the camp. My heat was heavy and my mind flashed of the previous events of the day. Then I heard my name be called "Fangpaw will you come up here please?" I turned my head to where Crowstars eyes rested on me gently. Bounding up to High Branch I scrambled to the top next to him. "You are ready to receive your warrior name. Fangpaw you have trained hard and long to understand the ways of the clan and the warrior code. Under Oakclaws watchful eye you have become a fine warrior. From now on you will be known as Fangflare, under your request." Bowing my head I gently licked his shoulder.

As the clan cheered my name I saw Dawnpaws head hung low. Crowstar did to and before I said anything he also called her up to High Branch. "From now on you will be known as Dawnflame." The clan cheered her name as she jumped down and landed next to me lightly. Good job sis… I heard a voice and turned around to see the ghostly figure of Cometpaw. She soon faded as Oakclaw walked over to us to congratulate us.

Sunlight stepped toward me and gently touched noses with me. Her nose was warm and wet and filled we with joy. Getting to see her everyday kept me going. I curl my tail and slipped under her chin purring. "I love you." I whispered in her ear then looked in her brown eyes. "I love you too." She whispered back, licking the tip of my ear. For a few moments I was happy, but then I remembered Cometpaw. Pushing away I hurried over to her body. It was limp and lifeless as I grabbed her gingerly in my jaws. Her once sweet Moonclan scent was now filled with cold cringes of death. I tried not to think about the clod hiss that had come from Dawnflame. This is your entire fault and because of you our sister is dead. Shutting my eyes I blocked out everything around me and walked through the forest to bury Cometpaw.

Ahh, her favorite place. For some time she had been meeting a Fireclan apprentice. I had kept it a secret though I didn't want to. Then I saw the figure of a small wet tom sitting on the bank. The figure belonged to Dovepaw. "Fangpaw what happened?" he said eyeing the limp figure of Cometpaw. "She was struck by a monster." I said sadly. "Nooooooo!" he yowled pushing away the brambles and branches that bordered him and me. "I'm here to bury here at the place where you always met." "She was going to have my kits soon." He whispered half behind his back. Surprise flared in my eyes. "What, she was only an apprentice!" "I know!" anger shot into the tiny apprentice. "Forget that come help me bury her." I ordered as I began to dig a hole on the border. Once the hole was deep enough I gently laid my sister into it. Then I smoothed dirt over the grave and said a silent pray. Then I couldn't take it and streamed away. I felt Dovepaws eyes follow me. Then I heard footsteps.

"Dovepaw? What are you doing in Moonclan territory?" I hissed baring long sharp teeth. Drawing back he bowed his head down in respect. "I have come to say my final good bye." He answered solemnly. "What? Why are you leaving?" I asked half suspicious. "I have decided to leave clan life. It's just not for me. I will change my name to just Dove." "I hope you find everything good outside borders." I answered trying to comfort him. Pulling away he dashed back for Fireclan territory. I watched him go then went home.

I was met by a panicked Dawnflame. "Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere!" a purr rumbled in my throat at her concern. Nuzzling her I answer. "Don't worry I needed to walk and think. Plus I met Dovepaw." Her eyes flashed with sadness, for she had known of the secret meetings.

"How did her take it?" she asked sadly.

"He wasn't happy and so I buried her at their meeting place. In their honor. I believe she would have wanted that." I said looking past her with a distant look in my eyes.

"Oh, that was a good idea." She said simply before walking into the forest.

I watched her go as Nightfur jumped up and followed her. I hung my head and went to go lay down near the elders den. Hoping to catch the beginning of a story.

"Then what happened?" I heard Sagekit pipe up just as I walked over.

"You want to know what happened." Brackenclaw asked the four kits sitting anxiously in front of him. The four quickly nodded their heads.

"Well as Redfern clawed at my soft belly I grabbed his scruff and yanked him down hard to the ground. Now you have to remember he was younger and easier to fight then a full grown warrior. Back to the story, it took him a few moments to regain his head, but enough to jump over him and leave some scars he wouldn't forget anytime soon." The elders always exaggerated when they told a story to youngsters.

The kits eyes grew bigger and bigger until they looked like big moons. Holding back a purr I got to my feet and headed to where Sunlight sat alone. "Want to go for a walk?" I asked over my shoulder. "Ya, I would like that." She replied getting to her thin, light paws. As we walked I tried to think of something to talk about. Then it hit me.

"I'm going to miss Cometpaw. She always dreamed of becoming a warrior." I finally said.

After some time she replied. "I will too. She was one of my best friends."

After that we both were at a loss of words. So we just walked in silence until we reached the Duskclan territory. Stopped I longed to just escape all of it and run. Just run for countless moons.

Then I saw the small outline of Dovepaw running across the hills. "So he did it." I whispered. "Did what?" Sunlight asked as she noticed Dovepaw. "He ran away like he said he would." I answered. "Why did he run away?" she asked solemnly. Taking my time to answer "he couldn't take the deaths of all these loved cats around him. He decided he would leave and change his name to Dove."

With that said I walked over to the Old Pines. I felt her eyes glued to my pelt. Then the ferns rustled and out stepped two roughs.

"Bristle what do we have here." I heard the brown tabby ask the jet black cat with one white paw and a snip of white on his nose.

"Jee, I believe we have two lost kittens maybe." He taunted.

"We are not kittens. We are warriors!" I snapped.

"Oooo, I'm so afraid." The tabby tom shot back.

Then the one known as Bristle turned toward Sunlight. Jumping up I hissed as I flew through the air onto his back. "Don't ever lay a paw on her." I hissed into his ear as he lay sprawled out on the ground.

Getting up he went back to stand by the black tom. "What do you want me to do to him Claw?" he asked his leader. "Let them go." He answered simply as a glimmer of sadness gleamed through his eyes.

As the tabby walked away mumbling I stood at Claws feet. "Why didn't you kill us?" I asked concerned. "You have my brother's scent on you. Is there a cat named Crow in your clan?" he asked.

"Ya we have a Crowstar and a Crowfoot." "I believe his name is Crowstar now." He replied. "Ya he is our leader and a noble warrior." I commented. "If you wouldn't mind may I say hello to my brother I haven't seen in 3 moons." "Sure just this way." I meowed as I turned to Sunlight and led the way back to camp.

Leading them through the thicket of brambles we finally emerged into Moonclan camp. "Spike? Is that you?" I heard Crowstar call over by the medicine cats den. "Crow! Yes it's me Spike my new name is Claw." Excitement filled his voice. "I to have a new name. I am now known as Crowstar." Replied the wise leader.

The two brothers shared kithood moments as they trotted toward the den. Feeling something bump against me I turned to see Sunlight grinning. Laughing I tackled her then got up and rushed off into the forest. I could hear her paws pounding against the earth as she ran after me. Reaching Fireclan border I stopped short at the sight of a dead cat. Drawing closer I saw that it was Rainwhisker. He had long scratch marks down his side and a slit, which poured out blood, in his neck. Sunlight gasped and drew hr head away at the sight of her dead friend.

"So many deaths!" I yowled to Starclan. Then a silence was brought upon us and a blaze of light blinded me. Then the glowing figure of Cometpaw stood before me. "I have come with a prophecy." She began before I could say a word. "A Fiery Moon will blaze through the forest and rain down on a Dark Dusk." She faded without another word or comment. Longing for her to stay weighed down my heart.

"You saw that right?" I heard Sunlight whine behind me. Nodding I sat down. "A Fiery Moon will blaze through the forest and rain down on a Dark Dusk." I murmured reciting the prophecy. "We must team up with Fireclan to defeat Darkclan and Duskclan." Sunlight spook up.

ooooo! i just loved making this chapter. except for the deaths. I would also like to thank Losttale or helping me witha rough name (Bristle) THANK YOU! keep reading! REVIEW