The birds sing tunes above, their whistles echoing through the trees, creating a serene scene. It enrages Talonstar. As if they didn't know what was going on. It was New-Leaf and his warriors could not climb that high to catch, even, such a pitiful creature. Though, the prey had grown much richer it was as if they were taunting him. Taunting him about how unprepared he was for this supposed battle with Badgerstar. The she-cat infuriated him, but he would never let her know, or anyone for that matter. It was his job to remain calm and collected so he could help his clan-mates. He didn't understand how such a cat like Badgerstar could ever become leader, or why she was so angry in the first place. Perhaps she wasn't as cold-hearted to her clan-mates though. With a sigh, he padded back through the gorse tunnel that led to his home.

He was about to pad to Cloverwish's den when he noticed that his clan-mates were all huddled up staring at something. Padding over, he peered over Eaglewind's shoulder to see Poppypaw laying on the ground.

"What happened now?" He asked, trying to keep the annoyance out of his mew. Did no apprentice pay attention to their mentors?

"She fell," Cloverwish said, clearly not ready to explain how it happened.

"Everyone get out of the way!" He mewed more harsh than he intended. "Where is Frostnight? Shouldn't some cat be patrolling? Or hunting?" He added sharply. It was like no one wanted to eat anymore!

"She went out herself, with Stormpaw and Silverpool." Talonstar looked over at Summerpaw and smiled.

"Well I'm glad to see you up and paying attention." The golden she-cat beamed, puffing out her chest proudly. But the leader had no time to savour the moment. When the patrol returned, he would have to tell them of the battle. He let out a sigh and bounded up High Rock, his claws gripping the jagged surface. Just as he reached the top, he could see his cats returning. Stormpaw was racing towards the clearing, a vole hanging limp from his jaws. Frostnight carried a rabbit and Silverpool a squirrel. At least they had something to look forward to this evening. He stands taller, his broad shoulders outlined in the moonlight.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath High Rock for a Clan meeting!" His strong voice carries over the whole camp, making the cats turn their heads to look at him. They all start to chat, gossiping amongst themselves, trying to figure out what was going on.

"I am afraid to announce that a battle is approaching," he pauses as the cats below gasp and chatter more loudly in shock. "I spoke with Badgerstar and she-" he broke off as he was interrupted by a grey she-cat.

"What do you mean you spoke to her?" Her mew sounded angry, though she was normally such a gentle cat who would never go against his word. The leader dipped his head respectively to her.

"After today's little incident, I had to escort a LunarClan warrior back to her camp. I spoke briefly with Badgerstar and she told me to prepare for battle over the Meadow." He looked worriedly at his warriors who all looked at each other. Some of them seemed eager to fight, others were afraid. "I want all warriors and apprentices in extra battle training."

"What do you mean battle training?" A black tom with an ugly scar crossing his silver eyes spoke up. "We've already done our training!" He protested.

"Of course you have, Ravenscar, but when was the last time you fought in battle?" When the young tom bowed his head in respect, Talonstar continued. "I need every cat to be ready and I need our camp secured. There will be two guards on watch every night until this is over. Frostnight will see to it." He dipped his head to his deputy and went to his den. The black and white she-cat began calling off names to help bring in vines and thorns to weave through the gorse tunnel and dens to protect them from ambush. Stormpaw ran over to Summerpaw, almost bouncing on his paws.

"Are you ready!?" He asked excitedly, bowing in front of her as if he was ready to fight now.

"Of course not! I almost drowned, remember?" She said, prodding him in the side with a white paw. Her green eyes shone brightly, but you could tell she was still battered from the affair. Her fur was clumped in some areas, mostly on her back and tail, and her mew sounded sore and tired. The dark gray apprentice nodded and curled up next to her. He began licking her fur, trying to get the tangled mess of mud out of her fur. It tasted horrible, but she deserved his kindness. He could feel Summerpaw slowly falling to sleep, her breaths getting shallow and softer as she began to dream. The young tom wondered vaguely if the she-cat would be able to protect herself in her current condition. What if no one was there to protect her in the fight. No. He would be there to protect her and he will always stay by her side. He wrapped himself more tightly around her, curling his tail over his back. Nothing would hurt her ever again.

Sorry for the short and boring chapter. But all good stories build up to an awesome climax, right? RIGHT?!