Author's Note: Sorry if this update has gotten your hopes up. I hate just abandoning a story, so I will try and write more if I get a chance. Since I already wrote the next part, I figured I might as well upload it for those who were loyally reading and who I just left on a cliffhanger. I apologize to you, and I will try and continue this if I can

Chapter Seven

It had all happened so suddenly, Crowpaw wasn't sure what to do. He was still filled with shock and confusion. Why had Ravenpaw followed that cat so eagerly? Was it because she too recognized that strange scent? If so, where from? He wanted to know, before something happened to either the cat or his sister.

Crouching down to go chase after her, he hesitated for a split second. Glancing towards the warriors for guidance, he waited. What should he do?

"Go after her." Skystream looked stunned, her tail twitching. Crowpaw nodded and gave chase. It wasn't hard to follow the strange scent-it was so unique it stuck out like a sore paw among the regular clan scents. He recognized his sister's scent too of course, so it wasn't difficult to track down the cats.

Suddenly, Crowpaw froze. The path had swung round, and he could tell the scents of FireClan were getting weaker. Uneasily, he sniffed again. He was nearly on EarthClan territory now, and the trail only sunk deeper into it. He knew he still had to follow, had to see if his sister was alright. But, to venture out on EarthClan territory? If he was caught it might as well be suicide.

He proceeded, but more cautiously. Listening carefully for any sounds or signs of EarthClan, he tentatively took his first steps into the forest. It was a daunting place, massive and pitch dark compared to Sunny Field. Only a few dappled specks of light guided his path. Crowpaw felt uneasy-hundreds of cat eyes could be watching him in here, and he wouldn't even know it…

"Who are you?" Distracted from his thoughts by the voice of his sister, Crowpaw bounded forward eagerly. Breaking through a few bushes, he saw Ravenpaw standing up ahead, chatting to the strange female. The cat froze when it saw him, and looked like it was going to run again.

"Wait! This is just my brother, Crowpaw." The she-cat relaxed slightly, her golden eyes blinking. She was much older than he had originally thought-either an elder or soon to be. She was still pretty though, her brown fur looking a light auburn in the speck of sunlight she sat under. Crowpaw relaxed too, though he still wasn't comfortable. She might not be a threat, but no doubt this cat was strange.

"There are two of you?" She tilted her head, her voice sweet but strained with age.

"What's going on?" Crowpaw addressed his sister, "Why did you follow her?" Ravenpaw grinned an irritating grin, clearly amused.

"What? You can't tell me you didn't recognize the scent too."

"Well, I suppose I did a little. I don't know where from though." Ravenpaw blinked in shock, her mouth dropping open.

"You don't?" She looked genuinely upset, as if something bothered her greatly, "Crowpaw…Don't you remember our mother?" The mottled apprentice froze, his entire body shocked by her words. Mother? What was she…What did she mean?

The strange cat meowed slightly, clearly uncomfortable.

"There's no reason why he would. You were both so young-"

"How could you forget your mother?" The scent was coming back to him now, short flashes of memory resurfacing. He was young, a mere newborn. There had been a brief moment of warmth, that smell enveloping him. Then-nothing. Sheer cold, ice biting into his fur. No warmth, no smell. Just icy, frozen nothingness…

He glanced at the pair, disbelief in his eyes. How could this cat be his mother?

As if reading his thoughts, the female shook her head quickly.

"No, no. I'm not your mother," She meowed hastily, flushing, "I knew your mother. We were…friends." Crowpaw wasn't sure why, but a rush of relief flooded through him. Perhaps he was glad that he hadn't failed to identify his mother. Or perhaps it was something else. Either way, he couldn't relax completely yet. This female was still very obviously hiding something.

"That's what she says. I don't believe her." Ravenpaw whispered stubbornly, her head pointed down. He felt he should try and persuade her, but he could do that later. Right now he needed to focus on avoiding EarthClan and learning the truth from this stranger.

"Friends? So you were part of the same clan. But you don't smell of any clan. Where are you from?" A second of silence passed before the female swallowed and adopted a strange smile.

"My name is Goldfeather," She spoke gently, her eyes full of trust, "I did used to belong to the same clan as your mother, but I left some time ago. I was…forced to go. The leader, Hawkstar chased me out. I did nothing wrong, before you judge me. Hawkstar is a ruthless tyrant." Her last words were surprisingly harsh. Crowpaw wasn't sure whether or not he believed her. Cats chased out of clans were usually heartless, selfish creatures. But Goldfeather didn't seem that way. She still kept her clan name anyway, unlike some loners. But if Hawkstar was so ruthless, how did he become a leader? Traditionally, leaders were the wisest and most selfless of cats.

"I left before you were born, I had no idea you even existed. Last I heard your mother had disappeared. I'm sorry I can't be of more help."

"No problem." Ravenpaw grinned in her usual no-worries way, but Crowpaw still had one question left.

"What were you doing around Sunny Fields? I mean, if you weren't looking for us." There was something suspicious about the way she had fled. Like she was scared of something.

Sure enough, the female squirmed uncomfortably.

"I was actually going through the forest, but I got a little lost."

"But that still doesn't explain why-" Crowpaw broke off suddenly as he felt Ravenpaw nudge him sharply in the side. Turning round, he realized what had worried her. The scent of two EarthClan cats had drifted down, signalling they were close. Filled with the panic of being discovered, Crowpaw turned back to Goldfeather.

"If you don't want to get caught, run!" The she-cat nodded in alarm, and the three began to race back through the bushes. Crowpaw was filled with worry, and the confusing forest paths were hard to navigate round. Being the fastest, he was leading the group, although he wasn't sure quite where he was leading them to.

"Go left!" Hissed Ravenpaw from several tail-lengths behind. Following her advice, Crowpaw darted left-right into another cat.

"Hey!" The cat let out a yowl of surprise as Crowpaw barrelled into her, knocking her off her feet. Panting, Crowpaw leapt up and quickly crouched down into a defensive position. He hesitated slightly when he realized the female was the black apprentice he had met yesterday.

"Wait a minute!" She looked just as shocked to see him. Crowpaw sent a silent message to Ravenpaw, praying she'd have enough sense not to follow him. It seemed to work-the clearing remained empty except for the two of them.

"What are you doing here?" She asked uncertainly, her dark eyes cautious, "Did FireClan send you as revenge?"

"No, I-I came alone," No sense in getting his clan into trouble. Let her think he was working alone, "They'd hardly send a mere apprentice would they? I just wandered into here by mistake." The female looked sceptical. At least she hadn't attacked him yet. She seemed to have quite a logical mind anyway. Her build wasn't strong, and she probably wouldn't attack without reason. He might have a chance.

"Mistake? I find that hard to believe. Unless FireClan is accepting morons as apprentices now." Crowpaw fought the urge to defend his clan and lowered his head instead, trying to look apologetic. It seemed to work, for she let out a sigh after a few minutes.

"I shouldn't do this. But I guess I can show you the way out. Providing you don't return," She glanced at him cautiously, "Crowpaw right? Ivypaw kept on talking about you." His heart leapt at that statement. So Ivypaw hadn't just considered him a mouse-brained fool. He wanted to know exactly what she had been saying, but he thought it would be best to stay on topic.

"That's right. What's your name?" He wasn't particularly bothered, but it would do him well to be polite. He wanted to stay on her good side.

"Poppypaw," She revealed, clearly reluctant about it, "This way." Without another word, she turned lightly on her paws and began to walk. Her tiny frame was dark, and he had to follow quickly to avoid losing sight of her. Throwing a quick glance backwards, he spotted the glowing eyes of his sister. Smiling, he beckoned her to follow. As long as she kept out of sight, things would be okay.

The rest of the journey was in silence, Poppypaw jumping every time she heard a bush rustle. Sitting by the edge of the border, she nodded.

"You can go now." It was an order rather than a suggestion. She kept her cool, calm attitude and Crowpaw found himself compelled to obey her. He wasn't sure why, but she seemed to have a way of making others do what she wanted them to. He found himself thinking she might make a good leader one day. A sneaky one perhaps, but good.

"Thanks." Dipping his head respectfully, he crossed back over to FireClan territory. The ground felt so good beneath his paws, he kneaded it a couple of times. It was good to be home. Poppypaw nodded back before turning round, disappearing into the dark of the forest. He waited until he was sure she was long gone, then glanced around. He saw no sign of any cat, FireClan or otherwise. Wherever his sister was, she wasn't here.

Sitting nervously for a few minutes, he decided she might have gone back to camp. After all, it was the logical conclusion. It was what he should do at least. A sick, uneasy feeling residing in his stomach, he set back off on a trek home.

It was near nightfall when he arrived home. No cat paid much attention to his return, and Crowpaw noticed neither Skystream nor Mudtail were back either. Anxious to find out what was going on, he spotted the newly-named Heatherpaw pouncing around the den.

"Heatherpaw, have you see…what are you doing?" He frowned, momentarily distracted. The grey kit jumped, then crossed her front paws bashfully. She looked very young all of a sudden, her fur fluffed up in embarrassment.

"Practicing pouncing. Tallwind said I should." At her mentor's name, her eyes filled with a mixture of awe and respect. All the apprentices seemed to admire their mentors so much. Why didn't Crowpaw feel the same? Mostly all Clawtail's name did for him was make him annoyed.

"Okay…Anyway, have you seen Ravenpaw?" Heatherpaw shook her head, looking slightly confused by his question.

"No. Why?"

"I just haven't seen her." Crowpaw didn't want to worry the kit, but he was reminded strongly of the events of yesterday. Surely another Clan member could not be attacked so soon? The thought made the dark apprentice want to throw up. Ravenpaw would be okay. She had to be okay. But in case it happened to be otherwise, he felt he should seek out help. Though unwilling to admit it, he knew Clawtail would be his best bet. His mentor was strong, fairly quick and would be able to help Ravenpaw.

Crossing over the Clan camp to where Clawtail slept, he peeked his head cautiously through the long grass that covered the entrance. To his surprise, the ginger tom was in there, stretched out on a large, grassy nest.

"Crowpaw?" Clawtail looked absolutely shocked to see his apprentice here. It was understandable. Crowpaw had never dared to visit his den before.

"Clawtail." He remembered to duck his head with respect before continuing. Quickly, he described the events of that afternoon, sketching over the part where he met Poppypaw. Best let the deputy think he had gotten out on his own. When he had finished, he waited eagerly for a response.

"That…is difficult." Clawtail closed his eyes, looking as though he was in a great deal of pain. Crowpaw frowned, his tail twitching. What was going on?

"What do you mean? We just have to get her back right?" The deputy shook his head.

"I'm sorry. But you have already ventured onto EarthClan territory today. With the events of yesterday, we cannot risk crossing borders. Many cats live in the forest, and they outnumber even our Clan. If war breaks out, FireClan will surely lose," He couldn't understand it. How could the deputy of the clan have so little faith in it?, "Ravenpaw is strong and has a good head on her shoulders. I am sure she will be fine, even without our warrior's help." Crowpaw blinked in disbelief.

"So, what? You're just going to abandon Ravenpaw?" This was impossible. Crowpaw couldn't believe his own ears.

"The word 'abandon' is too strong. She has an adult cat with her, and last you claimed she was not spotted. She has high chance of escape. It's too great a risk!" Clawtail disliked being talked to by his apprentice in such a harsh tone. In his eyes, the Clan always came first. Why wouldn't he understand that?

Crowpaw shook his head with a curt laugh.

"Brilliant. So my sister is left to die? I always knew you'd do the right thing." Crowpaw turned and left the den, an bitter taste in his mouth. There was no way Skystream would share Clawtail's views. After all, Ravenpaw was her apprentice. Her and Mudtail would be looking for her now. They had probably found her already.

Sitting himself down beside the Clan entrance, Crowpaw began to wait. It wasn't until moon high that the two warriors returned. Both had sad looks on their faces, their fur worn down with bits of grass and mud. Ravenpaw wasn't with them. Ravenpaw was never with them. A half moon later they gave up looking. Crowpaw never gave up.

Three moons later and his sister was still gone