A/N at the end. Yes, I've continued writing chapters for this story like there's no tomorrow. I apologize for this one being exceptionally short. Enjoy and tell me what you think!!!
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It had been a half moon since Curse's last 'visit'. Firestar still had guards out every night. The warriors weren't looking good, because they were all working overtime. The apprentices, too. Everyone looked tired, from the work, the coming leaf-bare, and the knowledge that a silent killer could murder them at night. Firestar knew that they couldn't keep this up for much longer. They needed to prepare for the cold, not wait around for Curse. He sighed, worried as any.
She was out there, plotting, waiting to strike again. She was relentless! How long until one of us dies?! he yelled internally.
He watched the setting sun from the Highledge, thinking. He had to stop with the guards, and pray to StarClan that she wouldn't come back. Firestar still had several lives to protect him, but she could still hurt the rest of the Clan. But working them like this could hurt them more, if ThunderClan got sick or starved or was attacked by another Clan. He had no other options. Tonight they would go without guards.
StarClan help us, he thought.
By moonrise, most of the Clan was curled up in their dens, in an uneasy sleep. Sandstorm had gone to bed too, bidding Firestar goodnight. As for Firestar, he laid on the Highledge and stared at the crescent moon.
There was a small scuffling noise off to his right, and Firestar whirled, ready to attack. But it was only Leafpool, padding up the path to where he stood. He settled back down and Leafpool laid next to him, resting her chin on her paws. "Life is so confusing sometimes." he sighed.
Leafpool nodded. "I know what you mean." she was silent for a few moments. "I hope she never comes back." she whispered.
"I do too." Firestar said. They laid on the Highledge for a long time.
The moon had shifted it's place in the sky when a breeze blew past them. It was surprisingly warm for the middle of leaf-fall, and Firestar smelled something on it. A trace of some scent… Then it hit him. Spottedleaf!
He looked around, not wanting to say her name and be questioned by Leafpool. The breeze curled around him, and Spottedleaf's voice whispered in his ear. "Stay alert, Firestar. Newleaf brings death. Be careful."
The breeze faded away, and as it did, Leafpool looked up at the moon. "Firestar…" her whisper was barely audible. "As the three rise, danger lurks. Do not let your guard down, your Curse will return." Her voice echoed hauntingly. Her eyes, fixed on the moon, turned towards him now. "What does it mean?" she whispered.
"I think it means the trouble Curse's caused us is going to get a lot worse." He spoke the words with dread. And what about Newleaf? he thought. Newleaf brings life, not death.
"I think one thing is clear." Leafpool mewed. "We need to be careful. Very careful."
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I realize I name a lot of chapters after things the cats say. Oh well. Press the button! Review! Oh, and as I said in chapter three (I think it was chapter three) I will be having the Author's Chat chapter very soon. If you have any questions about the story or Curse's life, please leave them in your review or PM me. Thank you!