Cinderfur leapt gracefully up onto the log, maintaining perfect balance. Well, she thought, I'm almost as good of a leaper as Firestar is. Her tail perked up, but then drooped again as she returned to her original thoughts. There is something wrong with Leafpool, I just know it, Cinderfur thought worriedly, she seems different somehow. She trailed back to camp and decided to search for Leafpool. She poked her head into her den and was sad to find her not there. Cinderfur decided to ask Crowfeather where she went, since he usually knows where she goes. She found him chatting with Braveheart about the meeting, and strolled up to him.

"Crowfeather, do you know where Leafpool went," Cinderfur mewed, "I need to speak with her."

"Leafpool and Firestar just left," Crowfeather whispered, "But I have no idea where she went."

"Thank you Crowfeather," she said kindly and left the camp.

She sniffed the ground and found a relatively fresh sent from Leafpool and Firestar. Pleased, she started to follow the trail. She was lead to the lake and found that the scent stopped abruptly right at the shore. They must have swum, Cinderfur thought. Surprised but determined, she decided to swim into the lake, for there weren't any scents leading back away from the water. She braced herself and threw herself into the chilling water. She struggled for a moment and found out that she was a strong swimmer, for she easily treaded water. She started to paddle, not knowing where to go. Cinderfur decided to head towards the center of the lake, for there is no other reason to go through the water unless you were taking an extremely wet short-cut. Just as Cinderfur was starting to become fatigued, she saw a small island ahead. Gaining an extra surge of energy, she fiercely kicked towards the shore. She walked onto the shore of the island and collapsed. I've never been so exhausted in my entire life, Cinderfur thought. She laid on the ground for a minute then a sudden, sweet aroma came into the air. Mm, Cinderfur thought hungrily, prey! She tasted the air and recognized it as a mouse. I wonder how prey even got here, she thought, but she was too hungry to even care. She stalked the mouse quietly and pounced. The mouse didn't even have time to squeak before she killed it. She quickly ate the mouse and buried it, thanking StarClan. She sniffed the ground and found Leafpool and Firestar's scent again. What are they doing here, Cinderfur thought to herself, confused. She quickly followed the lengthy trail and saw Firestar and Leafpool sitting together, Leafpool had an urgent look on her face. Cinderfur crept closer to hear what they were saying.

"Do you think Cinderfur will be able to handle it by herself," Leafpool mewed nervously.

"I do," Firestar said, "You must to because otherwise you wouldn't have given her name."

"I think she can," Leafpool said anxiously, "But so soon, I don't know if I can handle it."

Firestar look as if she was going to reply, but she stopped and looked over towards the spot where Cinderfur was hiding.

"Come on out, Cinderfur," Firestar said commandingly.

Cinderfur nervously edge out of the bush she was hiding in.

Before Leafpool or Firestar could say anything else, Cinderfur burst, "I was only looking for Leafpool, I was worried about her."

Leafpool and Firestar glanced at each other, and Firestar said, "Well, since you are here, I should tell you what this place is."

"This is my island," Firestar said calmly, "Leafpool and I come out here when there is something we need to discuss in private."

"Yes," Leafpool added, "Every leader has one of these places known only to their medicine cat, themselves, and any one else they deeply trust. So it was time we show you anyway."

"Not to intrude," Cinderfur said nervously, "But I heard my name, what were you guys talking about."

Leafpool gave a glance to Firestar that obviously asked if she should tell Cinderfur. Firestar nodded.

"Well," Leafpool said quietly, "I'm pregnant."

Cinderfur was overjoyed. That's what that weird smell was, Cinderfur thought happily, thank goodness it wasn't anything bad.

"I'm so happy for you," Cinderfur said excitedly, "How long have you been pregnant, do you know?"

"As far as I can tell, it has almost been a whole moon. That is why I was worried about you, I have to go to the nursery, and I was wondering how you would handle working by yourself."

"I'll do fine Leafpool," Cinderfur said proudly, "I know what to do."

Leafpool looked extremely relieved.

"Since we have no further things to discuss," Firestar mewed, "I guess we should be heading back."

"Oh, and Cinderfur," Leafpool mewed, "You are forbidden to tell anyone about this place, understand."

"Yes Leafpool," Cinderfur said, for she knew not to tell anyone about this place already.

She headed back to the shore with Firestar in the lead. As they neared the shore, Firestar caught three mice. She offered one to Cinderfur and Leafpool. Leafpool thanked Firestar and quickly ate it. Cinderfur refused and gave hers to Leafpool, saying that she had already eaten. Leafpool thanked Cinderfur with a glance and at the second mouse. After Leafpool had finished, they leapt into the water. The familiar freezing sensation consumed her entire body. Cinderfur swam up next to Leafpool and let her lean on herself, for she knew how tiring it was to swim for such a distance. Firestar kept a strong and steady lead ahead of Cinderfur and Leafpool. She can swim as good as a TideClan cat, Cinderfur noticed, surprised, she is a very powerful cat, I wouldn't want to get in her way. Firestar kept glancing back at them to make sure they weren't falling behind or struggling. In what seemed like a whole moon later to Cinderfur, they made it to shore. Cinderfur dragged her paws onto the ground, her fur plastered to her skin, made her look like a drowned rat. They all shivered and started to clean their coats. They only continued onward when all of them looked very well groomed. Cinderfur looked into the sky to see how long they had been gone. To her surprise, the moon had only slightly moved from when they had left. They crept quietly back into camp and were hounded unexpectedly by Silverstripe.

"Where were you Firestar," she meowed anxiously.

"I do not always have to explain myself Silverstripe," Firestar said aggravatedly.

"Sorry Firestar," she mewed quietly and left for the warriors' den.

Firestar let out a large yawn and told Cinderfur and Leafpool that she was going to bed and that Leafpool had better get good sleep, for she would be moving into the nursery tomorrow.

"But why," Leafpool said, "I can still function well enough."

"Because I said so and," Firestar added, "I want to make sure these kits are safe. A medicine cat's kits are always expected to be special, and because you are my best friend."

Firestar rubbed against Leafpool friendlily and strode off to her den.

"Come on Cinderfur," Leafpool mewed, "Let's get some sleep."

Hollypaw slowly opened her eyes. Morning, she thought, it's always so peaceful. Hollypaw contently rose her head and checked the sights around her. Everyone in the apprentices den was sleeping, as well as the warrior's den. Only Silverstripe was up, Hollypaw watched her as she went into the warrior's den to gather a dawn patrol. I hope she doesn't pick me,Hollypaw thought, its to cold. The signs of leaf-fall were obvious to all, the leaves were starting to change color, and there was a cold nip in the air. A cold breeze swept through the den, making her fur prickle as the wind blew right through her. Hollypaw heaved herself to her paws and walked towards the entrance of the apprentices den. Why was the wind able to come in, she thought to herself. Hollypaw looked around and noticed that one of the protective branches shielding the den was moved. Hollypaw lifted her paw and shifted it back into place, stopping the wind from bothering her den mates. Happy with her handy work she walked towards Leafpool and Cinderfur's den to see if Cinderfur was up. She walked over and saw that Cinderfur was still sleeping, but Leafpool was no where to be seen. Wondering where she went, Hollypaw started investigating around the camp. Thinking of places she might be, she checked the warrior's den. Unable to grasp success, she tried her luck at the nursery, and to her surprise, she saw Leafpool sleeping next to Ferncloud. Hollypaw stood next to Ferncloud nervously, because the only reason she thought that Leafpool would spend the night in the nursery, is because something was wrong. Just at that moment, Leafpool started to open her eyes.

"Good morning Hollypaw," Leafpool said, surprised, "What are you doing here?"

"I went to see if Cinderfur was up, when I noticed you weren't there," Hollypaw explained, "So I decided to look for you, and when I found you in the nursery, I thought that something was wrong."

"No," Leafpool said, "No one is hurt or sick."

Hollypaw let out a deep sigh and said, "That's a relief, but then what are you doing in here?"

"I was told by Firestar to move into the nursery," Leafpool meowed quietly.

Ferncloud raised her head and said, "Honestly Hollypaw, she is in here because she's pregnant. Now leave us all alone and go do something useful," she ordered and nudged Hollypaw out of the den. So that's why, Hollypaw thought. When Hollypaw thought about it, Leafpool had been getting bigger, but she had assumed it was normal because of leaf-bare approaching. This would be the first time in many, many moons that any medicine cat would be expecting kits. The thought excited Hollypaw, because kits of a medicine cat were born with a close bond to StarClan and they were sometimes gifted with amazing powers. Hollypaw decided to share this wonderful news with Leafpool's apprentice, Cinderfur.

"Cinderfur, Cinderfur," Hollypaw exclaimed, "You won't believe what I found out!"

"Let me guess," Cinderfur said slyly, "Leafpool is pregnant."

"How did you know Cinderfur," Hollypaw said, "I didn't know medicine cats could read minds?"

"Of course I can't read minds," Cinderfur said, "What are you? Mouse-brained? Leafpool already told me, and anyways, I'm a medicine cat. I'd be able to figure it out anyways."

"Yeesh, alright," Hollypaw mumbled, "Well at least Crowfeather will be happy."

"Why would you want Crowfeather to be happy," Cinderfur meowed, "I thought you didn't like your mentor."

"If he's happy, he'll be distracted and will give me more breaks," Hollypaw said happily.

"Good for you," Cinderfur mewed.

Harvestpaw dozed in the apprentices den, happily dreaming about catching butterflies and staring at Foxtail. Moonfang padded quietly into the den and prodded her with his silvery paw.

"Wait, come back butterfly," Harvestpaw moaned in her sleepy state.

"I am not a butterfly Harvestpaw," Moonfang laughed, "Wake up."

"Oh, sorry Moonfang," Harvestpaw said tiredly, "Come to think of it you look more like a moth than a butterfly."

"Yeah, yeah sure Harvestpaw," Moonfang said and left.

When Moonfang came back, he held a ball of soaking wet moss. He snickered and strolled over and shook the ball fiercely, soaking Harvestpaw completely. Shocked, Harvestpaw jumped up and stared at Moonfang, wide-eyed.

"Time for training Harvestpaw," Moonfang said.

"You'd think we lived in TideClan for how often I get wet," Harvestpaw meowed and licked the water from her pelt.

Harvestpaw sulked and walked with her mentor towards the training grounds. On their way they bumped into Firestar.

"What happened Harvestpaw," Firestar asked, "You are all wet?"

Before Harvestpaw could answer Moonfang replied, "I soaked her with a water filled ball of moss."

"Oh," Firestar said smugly, "I wonder where you got that idea from."

With that she strode off. Moonfang and Harvestpaw finished their journey to StormClan's training grounds. It seemed to Harvestpaw that the area seemed to loose its bright colors as leaf-bare came. Leaf-bare was always so cold but the snow can be enjoyable. Burr, it's getting really cold ,Harvestpaw thought, leaf-bare must be coming.

"Ok Harvestpaw," Moonfang challenged, "attack me."

Harvestpaw lunged, with claws sheathed, at Moonfang who dodged and countered by jumping on her. Harvestpaw quickly did a belly rake and clawed at Moonfang's belly. Moonfang quickly jumped off.

"Good job," Moonfang said, "Your getting really strong, if your claws were unsheathed I would be running with my tail tucked between my legs. You nearly knocked me off me feet."

Glowing with pride she replied, "Thank you Moonfang."

They continued training till sun-high. Exhausted they padded their way back to the camp.

"You can go eat now," Moonfang meowed then added, "You did a good job today."

Then ran off to Firestar who seemed to be waiting for him. Harvestpaw slowly walked to the fresh kill pile where Hollypaw was waiting for her.

"How was training Harvestpaw?" Hollypaw asked.

"Really good," Harvestpaw replied, "I finally got the leap-and-hold down."

Hollypaw and Harvestpaw started to eat a huge bird. They were almost finished when Cinderfur walked up.

"Can you help me carry this rabbit and vole?" Cinderfur asked, "I need to take them to Ferncloud, Owlkit, and Leafpool."

"Ok," they agreed.

The three of them carried the fresh kill to the nursery and gave it to the queens and Owlkit.

"Thank you ," Ferncloud and Owlkit said, thankful for the rabbit.

"Yes, thank you," Leafpool meowed grumpily, "But I could of got this myself."

As the three siblings left Heatherpaw asked, "What's with Leafpool? She has been very grumpy lately. It's not like her."

"She's grumpy because Firestar told her to move to the nursery. She doesn't like to be cooped up," Cinderfur responded.

"I can understand why that would make her grumpy," Hollypaw commented, "Cinderfur, how are you doing by yourself?"

"Good," Cinderfur replied happily, "I had to put some dock on Runningwind's scratches. But all in all, our clan is pretty careful and are healthy."

As they left the three dodged out of the way to let Crowfeather into the nursery. They even saw him with a smile on his face.

"I guess the only thing he needed was kits coming into his life to make him smile," Harvestpaw sniggered.

"See Cinderfur," Hollypaw stated, "I told you he would be more distracted."

They stopped talking as Foxtail trotted past. He is just so cute, Harvestpaw thought, I wish he would think of me more then a friend. I love him so much! But he will not even look at me with a slight interest.

"Harvestpaw!" Moonfang called, "Come over here."

"Good bye," Harvestpaw called as she ran towards her mentor.

She found him with Firestar.

"Harvestpaw," Firestar said, "You and Moonfang are coming with me to the beach."

"Ok," Harvestpaw replied.

"And Harvestpaw," Firestar asked.

"Yes, Firestar," Harvestpaw said.

"I want you to pick Foxtail, Tawneypelt, Hollypaw, Sunpaw, or Shadowpaw to come with us," Firestar commanded, "Now Harvestpaw pick the one you think will be the most patient this is important so choose wisely."

I wonder why Firestar is asking me to pick?, Harvestpaw thought, I want to pick Hollypaw or Foxtail but I know I should pick Tawneypelt. Oh well, I don't prefer Tawneypelt but I'll do the right thing. Besides, Tawneypelt has been better ever since she became a warrior. Harvestpaw found Tawneypelt at the fresh kill pile eating with Foxtail.

"Tawneypelt," Harvestpaw called, "Come here."

"Coming," Tawneypelt called back and walked over to her.

"Firestar wants us," Harvestpaw announced.

Tawneypelt replied, "Well, if my sister wants me what are we doing standing here."

They headed over to Firestar and Moonfang. When they arrived Harvestpaw noticed that they were grinning like foxes, in a good and happy way.

"Good job Harvestpaw," Moonfang congratulated.

"Yes," Firestar agreed happily, "Well done."

"What are you talking about?" Harvestpaw questioned confused.

Firestar answered, "You picked the right cat for the job. Even though you knew you could pick your sister."

Still confused Harvestpaw just sat there.

"Firestar was testing you to see if you would pick the right cat," Moonfang explained, "And you passed."

Harvestpaw grinned and thought, today must be my lucky day.

"Well enough congratulating," Firestar said, "Lets get down to business. Follow me."

Firestar started to jog in the direction of the Scorched plains. Moonfang and Firestar literally started running ahead of them.

"Well," Tawneypelt huffed trying to keep up, "There doing a good job of staying ahead of us."

"Yeah, what's with that," Harvestpaw said out of breath.

Tawneypelt answered , "Well Moonfang is Firestar's mate. Also Firestar is a very active leader so they don't get a lot of time to just talk. Note that there just far enough ahead that you can't hear them."

Harvestpaw did notice that she couldn't hear them talking. Finally, they caught up with Firestar and Moonfang who were sitting behind a bush so they were just out view from TideClan's border.

"What are we doing here?" Tawneypelt asked.

"Were here because on the Scorched plains we have been scenting TideClan there," Firestar explained, "We're seeing if we are not just scenting their scent in the water or its coming from there territory."

Now that Harvestpaw knew what they were doing she was glad that Hollypaw didn't come. She couldn't do this kind of work. It seemed like a whole moon before two TideClan cats turned up. They cats slowly waded over to the Scorched plains. Harvestpaw recognized them as Stonestream and Icepaw. Oh no, Harvestpaw thought, not Icepaw . Why is she here, I thought she was my friend. The TideClan cats looked around to make sure that none of the StormClan cats were there. Then they let themselves relax, not knowing that Firestar, Moonfang, Tawneypelt and Harvestpaw were close by.

"Okay Icepaw," Stonestream meowed, "Hit me!"

Without a moment's hesitation, she lunged at her mentor. Stonestream's faced looked shocked by the amount of force she had exerted onto him, and he easily tipped over and fell. He soon regained balance and darted around Icepaw, pawing at her with grey paws. She closed her eyes and, with her eyes still closed, darted at her mentor. She jumped up off the ground and some how, Icepaw managed to locate where he was. She leapt on top of him, and pinned him to the ground.

"Well done, Icepaw," Stonestream panted, "You have grown tremendously."

"Thanks, Stonestream," Icepaw mewed happily.

How did Icepaw do that, Harvestpaw wondered in awe, that was amazing.

"I've had enough," Firestar hissed quietly and walked onto the Scorched plains.

The two TideClan cats stared at Firestar, stunned.

"What are you doing here in StormClan territory," Firestar growled, "You know Scorched plains belongs to us."

Moonfang stared at his mate for a second, then motioned to Harvestpaw and Tawnypelt to follow Firestar's lead. They walked up behind Firestar, fur raised.

"We're not doing anything wrong," Stonestream mewed angrily, "It's not like we are stealing prey."

"Go train your apprentices somewhere else," Moonfang spat.

Stonestream hissed and lunged at Firestar. Moonfang's eyes widened and he fiercely attacked Stonestream. They spat and hissed at each other. As they continued to attack.

"Enough," Firestar exclaimed as Stonestream received a long claw to the back, "Go back where you came from and tell all of TideClan to never come to Scorched plains again. Go!"
Stonestream hissed again and looked as if he was going to attack again, when Icepaw looked at him and shook her head. Together, Icepaw and Stonestream left the Scorched plains and headed towards the TideClan camp.

"Are you okay Firestar," Moonfang mewed anxiously.

"I'm fine Moonfang," Firestar purred, "Everyone, we now know that TideClan is definitely using Scorched plains. We shall have to extend patrols here more often 'till they get the point."

All of the cats nodded. Icepaw, Harvestpaw thought, I never knew you could do this to me. I don't want to hurt my friend. They walked back to the camp Harvestpaw noticed that Firestar was dragging her paws looking very tired. She looked very worried.

"Are you ok?" Moonfang asked.

"I'm fine," Firestar answered, "Nothing is hurt at all."

Because she wouldn't say anything to her mate, Harvestpaw gave up on the idea of finding out what it was that Firstar was talking about.