A/N

Okay, i apologize if the previous chapter was confusing; i sure hope it becomes less confusing as it goes, please r&r (read and review :P)

CHAPTER 2

Frostfang and his patrol came racing to Whitekit's aid, as the ginger rogue was thrown off of Whitekit by Streampaw.

Birdtalon picked up Whitekit by his scruff and the tan tabby tom carried Whitekit back to the safety of the nursery. Featherkit, Seedkit, Woollykit and their sister, Petalkit were huddled by their mother, Heatherwing. Where's Stonekit? Whitekit worried frantically searching the clearing for his brother. There! Whitekit spotted Stonekit, cowardly hiding under a holly bush, his pale grey pelt slightly blending in.

Shrieks and yowls of battle swam through Whitekit's ears as he tried to block the dreadful hisses out. We're outnumbered! StarClan save us!

Crookedpaw's POV

Crookedpaw's hunting patrol were trekking along the ShadowClan border, searching for stray rabbits or even squirrels, when Crookedpaw scented something foul, yes, worse than ShadowClan.

"Brackenheart? I smell something, it's not clan-scent, but it's definately cat-scent…" Crookedpaw stopped when Grassypelt snarled.

"It's those pesky rogues again! They're attacking camp!"

Flamestrike, the senior warrior in charge of the patrol, dashed off towards camp.

Crookedpaw looked around soon as his patrol burst into camp. Rushingclaw seemed over in his head with cats, the rogues had definitely gotten more recruits! But, that was not what Crookedpaw cared about. Hollowpaw, where are you? Please, StarClan, don't let her get hurt!

Driven by worry, Crookedpaw gradually defeated all his enemies. He easily took a puny black and white she cat, a blue-grey she cat, but the last one took longer. A dark gold-brown tom with darker stripes approached Crookedpaw. The pale blue-grey tom bore his sharp white teeth and flexed his claws as the toms sized one another up. One of us needs to make a move. And it'll be me! Crookedpaw howled furiously and leaped onto the tom's gold-brown back. Crookedpaw dug his long claws into the loner's back mercilessly, blinded by anger. Oh, Hollowpaw! Please be alright!

The loner tom hissed in pain and writhed under Crookedpaw's claws and slipped from under the apprentice. Crookedpaw screeched in fury and lunged again. The rogue flung Crookedpaw off with a huff and Crookedpaw landed hardly. Play dead, play dead, for Hollowpaw, you gotta save her!

The rogue gave Crookedpaw a disdainful snort, a harsh shove of a large paw, and he rushed off to attack someone else. There are so many! Crookedpaw thought frantically.

To his relief, he spotted Hollowpaw, but his relief soon vanished. She was cornered by a tall blue-grey she cat, flexing her long claws and snarling.

Hollowpaw's POV

Hollowpaw's tail had blood stains on it, her own blood, her eyes were as big as a kit's as cat after cat attacked her and her clan. after she'd been rescued once by Sandstrike, who was bleeding from her nose and had hissed some unkind words, and rescued another time by Toadfoot, who'd just dove back into the battle, mangled ear and all. I took down one enemy, I can take down this one.

Hollowpaw tried to convince herself multiple times as the blue-grey cat approached her threateningly. Suddenly, pale blue-grey tabby fur bowled the loner she cat on her back. Crookedpaw!

"Never, ever, hurt Hollowpaw." He snarled, ripping her exposed underbelly, and she went screaming into the reeds, and the loners called retreat.

Rushingclaw tended to the most wounded, and he had Alderpaw, his new apprentice, treat the lesser wounded. Rushingclaw was treating Burrtooth, in his haste to drive the rogues out, he'd gotten a horrible flank injury. Heatherwing was busy whining to Rushingclaw. "Oh, please, help him! He has kits to raise!" The queen cast a glance to Featherkit, Petalkit, Seedkit and Woollykit. "Think of them, of their future, think of me…" Heatherwing let out soundless sobs as Sandstrike forced Heatherwing away, to let Rushingclaw work in peace.

Alderpaw was treating Quailpaw, who had a torn claw and a deeply nicked ear, moving to Frozenpaw and Mumblepaw, who had a bitten tail for Mumblepaw and a bleeding nose for Frozenpaw.

Moss-star was no where to be seen, along with her mate, Skyfang. In fact, Hollowpaw realized she hadn't seen Moss-star's favorite warriors since the battle started…

Creampaw came running up to her brothers, an urgent look in her soft blue eyes. Frozenpaw and Crookedpaw both shared the same look once Creampaw took off, Frozenpaw following. Crookedpaw came up to Hollowpaw.

"M-Moss-star's losing a life. She wants us, you too." Crookedpaw scurried off to catch up to his littermates. Curious and nervous, Hollowpaw limped off after her friend.

Creampaw was leading them to the Mossy Hollow. It was a flat area, more of an indent in the ground; the floor was covered in soft, plushy grey-and-white dried moss, where apprentices normally trained. In fact, due to Moss-star's grey-and-white coat, she was named after the Hollow.

The leader lay near a blood-stained rock, where Moss-star had hit her head. She had a terrible gut wound, her blood spilling on the pale moss. Skyfang was gently soothing her. "Shhh, it's ok, I'm here. You'll be ok, love…" Skyfang was a kittypet, accepted into the clans by the leader before Moss-star, but the reason he was taken in, Hollowpaw had no clue.

Moss-star gritted her teeth, and exhaled lightly. Skyfang was holding his breath, while Creampaw kept pawing her mother. Frozenpaw was tearing up the dry moss with his claws and Crookedpaw buried his nose in Hollowpaw's shoulder fur.

A loud exhale from Skyfang told the four apprentices that Moss-star was back. Greyblossom, a senior warrior/queen, helped Moss-star up.

"Sorry for that, little ones, i needed to see if you were all okay. Especially you, Hollowpaw." Creampaw and Frozenpaw shot Hollowpaw jealous stares, but Crookedpaw just looked curious.

…

When they entered camp, cats swarmed them. "Moss-star, are you alright?" Robinstorm had asked. "Did you even fight?" Toadfoot had challenged, but Moss-star just waved her tail dismissively and leaped atop the GreatLedge, a silver rock, sticking out from the ground in a slanted way. Moss-star stumbled a little and she seem exhausted.

"Cats of RiverClan, we have defeated the Striders!" Moss-star paused for cheers and yowls of excitement. "However, I've lost a life. But don't fear. I still have six lives left." Murmurs washed through the cats, while the elders' and a few senior warriors eyed her suspiciously, but the meeting was over, and cats began to padd to their dens, exhausted by the fight.

About a moon after the battle, Burrtooth had actually lived, but he walked with a limp, and Rushingclaw forced the warrior to retire early. Heatherwing was devastated, but she was fine with it when Rushingclaw bitterly told her if he didn't, he'd die much quicker. Moss-star called a meeting, her pelt shining brightly under the warm sun.

"I think this like a sign. A sign, we need new warriors. Smallpaw, Goosepaw. You both have trained hard. I know Swanfeather and Sandstrike had trained you more than well. So, I, Moss-star, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They've both trained long and hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend you to make them warrior in their turn. Smallpaw, Goosepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?" Moss-star meowed, her eyes scanning the oldest apprentices.

"I do!" Goosepaw instantly agreed, while Smallpaw seemed a tad more hesitant, a little unnerved by the wording, but he eventually stuttered, "I-I do."

Moss-star cleared her throat, "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Goosepaw, from this moment on, you'll be known as Goosespots. StarClan honors your cleverness and enthusiasm, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan." Goosespots leaned in and respectfully licked Moss-star's shoulder, then jumped off the GreatLedge. Moss-star then turned to Smallpaw.

"By the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Smallpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Smallheart. StarClan honors your patience and humbleness and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan."

Shyly, Smallheart licked Moss-star's shoulder, and followed his brother to the fresh-kill pile. Their mother, Greyblossom, was very proud of her last kits. Her past litters were either dead or already warriors, such as Cloudwing, Frostfang, and Flywing were already warriors, but from her first litter, her lone kit, Bristleclaw, had lived to be deputy, but was killed by Striders.

To Hollowpaw's surprise, Smallheart approached her, then, Hollowpaw realized it wasn't much of a surprise. They were close after all.

"Hi, Hollowpaw!" The new warrior mewed happily, then he turned his slightly, revealing a large 'V' shaped scar in his ear. "See? Got this a little bit before you were an apprentice. I also thought you might like to know a few tips on battling. I saw you out there, and I know you're new and all, but you should really bulk up."

Hollowpaw wasn't sure whether to feel flattered or offended, but she eventually said yes.

"Great! I'll show you now, follow me!" The handsome tortoiseshell chided, racing off towards the Mossy Hollow. Following, Hollowpaw noticed the sun starting to leave the middle.

It'll be going down in a bit. I hope Smallheart isn't late for his vigil!

"Let's try a duck and twist Watch me carefully," Smallheart simply ducked and twisted his around, his move full of grace, he rolled on his back then sprang to his paws masterfully. "See, not all that hard."

Smallheart instructed Hollowpaw gently about the move. "Ok, now, what did you do wrong?" Smallheart asked when Hollowpaw had tried the move several times, to no avail. "Um, maybe I twisted too early?" Hollowpaw tipped her head to one side. What did I do wrong?

Smallheart shook his head. "Not exactly. Your twist wasn't well thought through, so your landing was sloppy, resulting in your falling." Smallheart ducked his head shyly. "N-not to be rude!"

Hollowpaw felt a strong purr rise in her throat.

"That's not rude, you're helping me, and I thank you for this."

Smallheart's POV

Smallheart felt his ears grow hot in embarrassment. "Not a problem at all!" Smallheart insisted, not meeting Hollowpaw's gaze.

"Try again." Smallheart meowed encouragingly. Hollowpaw gave him a half nod and attempted the move again. Her duck was well done, her twist was almost graceful, and her landing was great. Quick learner. I wish I was her mentor… Hollowpaw turned to flash a blinding grin at Smallheart. "I did it, thank you!" Hollowpaw dashed forward and threw her muzzle behind his neck. (A/N: Like a kitty hug~)

Smallheart once again felt his ears burst into flames, twitching them over and over. Why are you so cute? "W-welcome!" He finally managed words.

"How about another move?" Smallheart asked when Hollowpaw pulled away, much too Smallheart's disappointment. "Sure!" She replied, lashing her tail excitedly.

"Try this one, it's called the underwater leg sweep. I know we're not in the water, but I'll show you anyway." Smallheart meowed, glad to be helping his little crush. (it's actually a big crush XD)

Smallheart crouched to the mossy floor, he kicked out his hind legs, then quickly brought them back in, then stood up. "There, that's used to kick your enemy's paws beneath them. Other clan cats naturally panic underwater." Smallheart simply said, licking a paw and drawing it over an ear.

"Also, be sure to hold your breath while using that move. You don't want to be the one inhaling the water." Smallheart purred. Hollowpaw stared at him in amazement.

Hollowpaw's POV

Wow, Smallheart is really good! I wish I was as good as him…

Hollowpaw easily got the second move, her kick was swift and precise. Smallheart was proud of her. "Come on, how about a little hunting?" The warrior suggested, glancing at the sky. Pink, orange and pale purple colors of dusk were forming on the horizon. "We have time." Hollowpaw nodded excitedly. Liontail may not have taught me battle skills yet, but he sure is great at hunting!

Smallheart and Hollowpaw each went in opposite directions, Hollwpaw claiming they could catch more prey. Hollowpaw scented water vole, and soon saw its tan paws nibbling a seed. She lightly placed her paws in front of her, when the reeds behind the vole suddenly quivered, and a tortoiseshell pelt blurred into Hollowpaw, knocking her over. Hollowpaw opened her eyes to see Smallheart standing over her. Smallheart stood staring at Hollowpaw beneath him for a heartbeat. Her soft belly fur was exposed, and Smallheart envied her thick fur for a few seconds before he clumsily clambered off her. They gazed in each others eyes for several heartbeats until Hollowpaw broke the silence with a barking laugh, falling over on her back once more. Smallheart soon copied her, his silky purr mixing with her delicate laugh and smile.

They only managed a simple blackbird with their goofing off. As Hollowpaw and Smallheart sat beneath the faint stars, sharing their catch, Hollowpaw rested her head on his shoulder. "Hey, Smallheart?" She asked, not taking her yellowish eyes off the beautiful sunset.

"Yeah?" Smallheart replied, taking a bite of the blackbird

"What do you think of me? Stonekit and Whitekit bully me because I'm smaller than them…" Hollowpaw trailed off.

"To be honest, Hollowpaw," Smallheart locked eyes with Hollowpaw. "I think you're the most amazing she cat in all the clans. There's not a cat that could ever come close at being as stunning as you. Anyone who thinks otherwise is stupider than a fish out of water. You are amazing, brave, caring, determined, energetic, fearless, gorgeous, helpful, intelligent, and no one could top you." Smallheart gently confirmed, his voice like a soothing hum.

Hollowpaw was more than speechless. I can't be all that, can I?

"You don't have to talk," Smallheart purred. They stared in silence at the setting sun, gold, pink, and orange colors shone brightly, almost romantically, and Hollowpaw felt her heart swell at the thought. Their fur ruffled in the breeze, the two cats side by side. Smallheart had a subtle grin on his face, but not subtle enough in the eyes, as his breath-taking green eyes sparkled with more than just happiness. White, frosty stars began twinkling stronger with every inch the sun lowered, and the heart-warming colors faded to a deep black.

The gently warm sunset with a warm breeze quickly turned to a chilly night with cold gusts of wind, the yellowy-brown reeds bending around them.

Hollowpaw was growing eager about something. "Smallheart, do you lo-" but Hollowpaw didn't get to finish her sentence. Smallheart suddenly stood up, nearly throwing Hollowpaw on the ground. "My vigil!" He exclaimed, rushing off. Hollowpaw let out a disappointed groan.

Spark's POV

"I can't believe we lost that battle against those flea-pelts!" His mate, Dew, hissed, still enraged. "I'm sure you fought well, my dear." Dew gushed, reaching out a paw, but Spark stood up suddenly. I don't need your flattery. Spark trotted over to a nearby puddle and gazed at himself.

His gold-brown fur was unkempt, and it was so dirty with dust and dried blood, it looked like his darker stripes weren't even there. Spark sighed. I better go clean up… Spark sat near their prey-pile and groomed himself, flashing back on the battle they'd launched.

He remembered that blue-grey tom with the bent tail and the fretting amber eyes, as if something else was driving him. Well, I defeated him anyways.

Bullet, their leader, a ginger she cat called a meeting. "Striders, we were defeated, but we remain strong! Clan cats will not destroy our forces! Striders! Striders!" That was all Bullet had to say, and her cats were chanting 'Striders' repeatedly. Bullet was a very clever and persuasive, and she got whatever she wanted, eventually.

Bullet waited for silence before continuing. "We know those fuzz-brains will be celebrating by now! I'll choose a few number of cats to kill their new fighters/hunters."

The ginger she cat scanned the clearing, her silver eyes meeting about five cats, including Spark. "I want Prince, Arch, Ziggy, Mongoose and Spark to go out tonight. Past their moss-clearing, and through their dirt-place. Sneak in, and get the cats on their vigil." Bullet departed, her cats now scattering in clumps.

Spark grinned evilly. Oh, I just love violence…

Hollopaw's POV

"Greyblossom," Hollowpaw approached the senior warrior, "I was wondering, who all are you kits?" Greyblossom looked surprised at the question, but her blue eyes grew thoughtful. "Well, in my first litter was only Bristleclaw. H-he died, during a Strider ambush… Then there's my second, which is Flywing, Frostfang, and Cloudwing. My third litter died two Leaf-bare's ago; they were Snowkit, Ryekit and Briarkit. Then there's Goosespots and Smallheart."

Hollowpaw saw Greyblossom blink away tears that were starting to form, "they're sitting vigil now." The senior warrior let out a yawn, revealing somewhat dull, yellowing teeth. "I'm going to sleep. Nice speaking with you." Hollowpaw heard the dismissal in her tired voice, so Hollowpaw left for the apprentice den. It felt cold and lonely in her reed nest. It didn't smell like her, or Crookedpaw. In fact, it smelled more of stale prey and rotting leaves. Hollowpaw swallowed dryly and tucked her paws under her chin.

I wonder what kits with Smallheart would look like…

Hollowpaw was running through tall, bushy cattails and reeds. At first, she had no idea where she was, but she remembered the strip of territory she saw from a distance, leading towards a giant Two-leg area, where the Striders made their camp; or, she assumed. That's where she'd heard they had fled. Then, when Hollowpaw blinked, she was suddenly just outside camp. A little giddy at the thought of seeing Smallheart, she tried to run towards camp, but tree roots snagged her paws and she slammed on the ground.

Hollowpaw's only thoughts were both of Smallheart. His stunningly brilliant green eyes and dark tortoiseshell fur, flecked with white, his soothing scent that made Hollowpaw feel safe, no matter where she was, and even the way he spoke. Hollowpaw freed herself of the tree roots and dashed off, her paws hardly touching the ground, but when she looked where Smallheart and Goosespots should be sitting vigil, neither were there. A sickly sour smell nearly made Hollowpaw retch, but her heart throbbed when a second scent hit her. A soothingly gentle scent, mixed with the tangy one.

Hollowpaw didn't want to walk any farther; she wanted to run forever and never look back, but however hard she wished it, Hollowpaw felt her paws dragging her forward. A heap of pale grey fur, spotted with brown and white, matted and stained with blood and glazed blue eyes made Hollowpaw retch this time. Goosespots' lips were drawn in a twisted snarl, his eyes, even though glazed, glinted with rage.

A smokey like scent then bathed Hollowpaw. A dark grey tom, no bigger than her, with almost red eyes was standing over Hollowpaw.

His eyes said everything, and Hollowpaw wished it not to be. No! Don't let Smallheart be dead, StarClan! You cannot take him from me!

Once Hollowpaw's thoughts were said and done, the mysterious cat was gone, replaced by a dark tortoiseshell tom with green eyes. "Smallheart!" Hollowpaw cried, running to him, but instead of crashing into his warm pelt, hoping for him to hush her and tell her everything was okay, Hollowpaw stepped right through him.

Smallheart looked down at Hollowpaw, sadness filling eyes so much that Hollowpaw could feel it. Tears poured from his eyes, and he said nothing, he just let his tears fall as Hollowpaw stared at him pleadingly. "Please, you can't be dead! You just can't!" Hollowpaw wailed pitifully, "you're sitting vigil, with Goosespots, a-and we'll go hunting in the morning, and we'll laugh and joke, and have kits one day!" Hollowpaw's own words stunned her.

Oh, Smallheart… Why didn't I tell you?...

Hollowpaw woke with hot tears on her cheeks, curling down and dropping on her nest. She didn't care right then. Hollowpaw's breath was coming silent gasps, frightened by her own dream as she stared blankly at the den wall. J-just a dream… O-or was it?... Hollowpaw stood shakily up, her legs felt like the reeds swaying in wind.

Before Hollowpaw even exited the den, a shriek rose from outside. "Hollowpaw!" She recognized the voice all too well. "Smallheart?" Hollowpaw was terrified.

Her strength was granted back to her as she raced outside. Goosespots lay just like he did in her dream, a growing pool of blood, dark and shiny on the reeds it stained. The dark tortoiseshell had his throat torn out brutally, his green eyes seemed broken and dead. Hollowpaw swore she felt her heart shatter when Smallheart fell to the ground, blood dripping from his mouth. "I wish," Smallheart sputtered, "I-I never said-" Smallheart was cut off by a cough of blood and the very light that made Hollowpaw adore his eyes, faded abruptly. Hollowpaw tossed her head up and let out a wail, letting it resonate around camp, expressing more emotion that words ever could.

Cats were clambering out of their nests, and soon mourning with Hollowpaw, expect they merely dipped their heads at the fallen warriors. Hollowpaw sobbed at Smallheart's mangled body, her tears making no sound as they hit his blood-stained fur.

Raggedfoot, Flamestrike, Greyblossom were busy grooming Goosespots for his burial, when Littlefoot and Sandstrike came to groom Smallheart.

"No!" Hollowpaw screamed at them, hot tears falling on the ground, "you can't take him from me! You just can't!" Littlefoot and Sandstrike swapped worried glances, but they dipped their heads and walked away.

Hollowpaw began to work her tongue over his fur, completely unaware of the sour tang of blood and the foul stench of death that clung to him. When Hollowpaw finished, she laid on the ground next to him, the silver moon glistening on his fur, making him look like he was only sleeping, save the fact his milky, glazed eyes were open and lifeless. With a single paw, Hollowpaw closed Smallheart's eyes. There. Now you're sleeping, and you'll wake in the morning, and we'll laugh and joke, and you'll say it was cold last night and you wanted to swim or run. We'll play in the river and race and then we'll watch the sun set… But no matter how much Hollowpaw convinced herself that Smallheart was alright, she just couldn't shake that moment the sparkle in his eyes died, and she knew was would never be alright. Burying her face in Smallheart's shoulder, Hollowpaw fell asleep uneasily, and when she woke, she found that Smallheart was not there, to her dismay.

That dawn, Liontail let her have the day off. Hollowpaw snatched up Smallheart's old nest before anyone could throw it out, and replaced it for her own. His scent was still fresh. Hollowpaw breathed it in slowly, savoring all that was left of her friend, and fell asleep once more

A/N

Okay, how was it? Poor Smallheart... I feel like i used the "as you're dying you die before you finish your sentence" cliche. I'm pretty sure i did...