Chapter two- LeafClan

Chapter two- LeafClan

"Darkpelt!" called a cat. Darkpelt hissed quietly, but let Illusionpaw stand up. Illusionpaw could see that the cat was Silentstar. "Darkpelt! I gave no orders to attack this apprentice!" he hissed, his eyes filled with a cold anger. At first Illusionpaw thought that Darkpelt would argue, but he dipped his head. "I'm sorry, Silentstar," he answered, shooting Illusionpaw an evil look that Silentstar could not see. Silentstar nodded.

"Darkpelt, could you round up all the patrols please? I need every cat back in camp," he told him. Darkpelt nodded and strode off. When he had gone, Silentstar looked back at Illusionpaw. "Illusionpaw, you may have left StoneClan but you don't need to leave this land. If you so wish, you could join LeafClan." Illusionpaw gaped in shock.

"I would love to, Silentstar!" she gasped. Silentstar smiled.

"That is good. Come with me, and I will introduce you to the Clan." he told her. Illusionpaw followed eagerly, the snow spraying up besides her as she pranced after Silentstar.

Silentstar lead Illusionpaw through the forest, until they had reached the LeafClan camp. As Illusionpaw stepped through the dark tunnel to the light camp she smiled happily. The grass underfoot was cool and soft; she could see dens, with many cats milling around.

She did not know if she stood there for seconds or days; all she knew was that she was surrounded by her blissful new home. She was shocked out of her daydream as Silentstar leapt up onto the small slope, and called to his Clan while motioning for Illusionpaw to stand next to him. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Smallslope for a Clan meeting," he yowled so that all cats could hear. Illusionpaw watched as cats emerged from their dens and gathered around the bottom of the Smallslope. She could hear them whispering and she felt hot, even though a cool breeze blew through the camp.

Silentstar waited until the cats were quiet. He stared around at the cats, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "We must wait a moment for Darkpelt to get back with the patrols," he told the assembled cats. No sooner had he said it than Darkpelt arrived in the camp, followed by Moonpaw, Wavewind and two more cats Illusionpaw didn't recognise. They sat themselves down besides some of their Clan mates, looking up at Silentstar expectantly. Darkpelt narrowed his eyes in anger at Illusionpaw. Silentstar then began to speak.

"Cats of LeafClan, beside me is a young apprentice from StoneClan," A babble of chatter broke out as the cats discussed their amazement. Silentstar watched them until they stopped. "As I said, she was from StoneClan. Her name is Illusionpaw. She left StoneClan as it was not the Clan for her. I have invited her to LeafClan." Protests broke out, with Darkpelt's voice rising above the rest. "Silentstar! We do not want her! She is a traitor if she left! She is a StoneClan spy!" Silentstar growled slightly.

"Enough, Darkpelt. She is not. She is a LeafClan cat now!" Illusionpaw was surprised by the anger in Silentstar's voice. "She will need a mentor now, to continue her training." His eyes travelled over his Clan until he stopped at a ginger tom with white stripes. "Flameclaw, you are ready for an apprentice. You will be mentor to Illusionpaw. Flameclaw, you have shown yourself to be a warrior of bravery and loyalty. I expect you to pass on everything Ivytail has taught you." Flameclaw nodded, smiling, and waited for Illusionpaw to leap down from the Smallslope before touching her nose. "Welcome to LeafClan, Illusionpaw," he murmered quietly. Illusionpaw smiled, too happy to speak. Gradually the cats began to chant her name. "Illusionpaw!" they called as one. As Silentstar dismissed the Clan he beckoned to Illusionpaw and Flameclaw, who followed him up the slope to his den.

"So, Illusionpaw," Silentstar said as he settled himself comfortably on the moss. "Now that you are a member of LeafClan, would you like a tour?" Illusionpaw nodded excitedly.

"But, Silentstar, I'm worried that my mother or brother might try to find me. What if some of your cats attack them and..." she trailed off, unable to continue. Silentstar shook his head.

"Who is your mother? I might know her," Silentstar answered.

"Breezelight- and my brother is Winterpaw." Silentstar nodded.

"Breezelight would wait until the gathering- which is tomorrow night. I'm sure she can persuade your brother to wait as well."

Illusionpaw nodded, then hesitated. "Silentstar... could I please tell you and Flameclaw why I left StoneClan? I just need to tell a cat," she asked quietly, nothing like her usual self. Silentstar nodded. "Of course you can." he replied. Illusionpaw took a deep breath.