"The DF have a camp a little ways away from the clans, where most of them live. The apprentices leave behind their styles of hunting, fighting, etc. They're basically ripped away from their families and don't see them again for moons, and when they do, they're cold killing-machines. Not only does this break the clans spirits, but it also lessens their numbers and makes sure that the strongest cats are on the Dark Forest's side." - PM to Jeffrey Dahmer, Feb. 12, 2015

Welcome to the Dark Forest

Sleetpaw

"Runningpaw, I'm afraid."

"What are you afraid of?"

"I dunno, I'm just afraid. I miss mama."

"I know. I miss her too."

"Does Stormwind?"

"I think so."

"I watch him sometimes… he doesn't eat anymore…"

"Maybe he just eats when you aren't looking?"

"I guess. Runningpaw, who's going to protect us from those stinky Dark Forest cats now that mama and Stormwind are gone?"

"I'll protect us, Sleetkit! I'll never let anything hurt you, I promise."

I shoved the conversation out of my mind and tore viciously into a frog. I wasn't hungry, but I couldn't lose focus now. I'd passed the Culling, impressed the Dark Forest warriors, and now that phase one was complete it was onto phase two.

Destroying Runningpaw was my number one priority, but I needed Sunfrost's StarClan abilities to aid me. In return, he wanted me to play nice with others and complete his quest. I was on track to fulfilling my end of the bargain, though it would do me no good if Flamepaw and Brightpaw failed on their end.

As I was preparing my back-up plan, Icepaw slumped down beside me. I wrinkled my nose at the tangey scent of blood; Marshpaw's blood. Inwardly the scent made me wither uncomfortably, and I scolded myself for behaving like such a kit. If I want to survive in the Dark Forest, I can't get squeamish whenever I scent blood.

Still, it was unnerving to glance at the she-cat and note that her once-white fur was coated in sticky, faded crimson blood. I snapped, "why haven't you washed your pelt yet? It's disrespectful to Marshpaw."

"At least Marshpaw's blood didn't drench the dirt," Icepaw mumbled, without meeting my eye. "Crowpaw and Briarpaw blLed to death in the marshes. You don't care about their blood."

"I-. I don't care about Marshpaw's blood either. Just clean your pelt. It's disgusting." With that, I stood to my paws and padded a few fox-lengths away from the she-cat.

Crowpaw and Briarpaw's deaths were unfortunate, but they brought their fates upon themselves. Crowpaw refused to comply with the Dark Forest; Briarpaw was too slow to attack. They both knew the consequences of upsetting these cats, thus their deaths were their own fault.

Rustling in the undergrowth caught my attention; a new patrol trickled into the clearing and I quickly identified them as the ThunderClan patrol. I immediately began to search for a bright ginger pelt, and when I saw Flamepaw I exhaled a breath that I didn't realize I'd been holding. So he did it. He actually passed the Culling.

Flamepaw's gaze roamed the clearing until it landed on me. He grinned, and I wanted to scold him for displaying any sort of enthusiasm; was he trying to give us away?

Flamepaw sidestepped around the others as he made his way towards me. "Mind if I share your frog?" he asked. "I'm starving!" I realized that he was trying to mask his connection to me and likely didn't want any piece of my frog.

Still, I was nothing if not selfless.

I smirked slightly and nudged the frog towards him. "Of course! You can have the entire thing, since you're starving."

His reaction was comical. Flamepaw stared at me with wide green eyes and an expression of disbelief. "Uhh… thank you." He looked around to see who was watching us (a couple of warriors were), steeled his resolve, then took a small bite of frog.

He tried to mask his gagging by coughing and for the first time in a long time, I actually wanted to laugh. "How is it?" I asked instead, smirking.

"Delicious," Flamepaw replied between gritted teeth. "But I would hate to eat all of your lunch-"

"I'm not hungry. Please, have the rest!" It looks could kill, I might actually be dead.

As Flamepaw continued to nibble unhappily on the frog, the undergrowth began to rustle again. I scented the air and was met with the smell of fish; RiverClan. The warriors poured into the clearing and I was pleased when Brightpaw stepped out, chin held high and eyes dull.

She scanned the clearing, noticed Flamepaw and me, and mumbled something to her golden-furred companion. Flamepaw perked up considerably when he spotted the she-cat and waved his tail in greeting.

"Hello," he meowed pleasantly, and I barely resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "Are you here to share our frog?"

Brightpaw blinked, caught off guard when she noticed the half-eaten frog between Flamepaw's paws. "Do ThunderClanners like frog?" she asked, as she wrinkled her nose in disgust.

The ginger tom visibly deflated. "No, we don't," he mumbled. "It's Sleetpaw's, he's forcing me to finish it."

"Oh!" The creamy-colored she-cat perked up. "Well, if we're doing it as a favor for Sleetpaw…" She bent her head and took a large bite, and this time Flamepaw couldn't mask his gagging. When she lifted her head and exclaimed, "hey, it's not so bad!" I thought Flamepaw would throw up.

I scowled and snatched my frog back. It was no fun if they enjoyed it. "Get your own frog," I grumbled.

Brightpaw seemed undeterred and shrugged. "So," she meowed, looking between Flamepaw and I, "we did it."

"Let's not celebrate yet," I replied softly. "We aren't in their camp yet." Flamepaw mumbled something about being a killjoy. "How did your assessments go? Did you pick up anything useful?"

"My patrol leader already hates me," Flamepaw helpfully supplied. "Which isn't great, because I'm pretty sure he's an important cat."

I scanned the clearing and frowned when I sat Flamepaw's patrol leader. "The dark brown tom with the scars?"

"That's the one."

I sighed, frustrated. "If the way that warriors are giving their reports to him mean anything, then I would agree with you; he's important and you certainly do not want his attention."

The ginger tom cringed. "Too late. He doesn't like my parents."

Brightpaw glanced at him. "Are your parents important cats?" she asked.

Her question seemed to catch Flamepaw off guard. "You mean you don't-?" he looked between us and then shrugged. "Not really, they just fought in the first rebellion."

"Most ThunderClan warriors did," I nodded. My father did as well. "It shouldn't be a big deal. But did you overhear anything important?"

"I did," Brightpaw suddenly meowed. I turned to her as she explained, "two of the warriors were talking about the other RiverClan apprentice, Duskpaw, and said that if she survived the training camp she would be sent to the mountains."

Flamepaw frowned. "Training camp- wait, survive?"

I glanced at the mountains behind us. "What are they doing in the mountains?" I wondered aloud. "No life can grow there. It's barren."

"Maybe they're looking for something?" Brightpaw suggested.

Or someone, my eyes narrowed.

"Wait," Flamepaw meowed abruptly. "On the way here, some of the warriors were talking about who would 'get a group' this season. Is that important?"

I recalled something Onestrike said to me. "I think so. My patrol leader, Onestrike, mentioned a group. His group."

Flamepaw's eyes lit up. "Onestrike? They mentioned him! Apparently he's an important cat as well."

"Any other names?" Brightpaw inquired.

The ThunderClan tom wrinkled his nose thoughtfully. "Yeah, a couple: Silversmoke, Forestpelt-" Forestpelt? "-annd someone else…"

Rustling bushes interrupted his train of thought, and the final patrol - WindClan - appeared. Flamepaw's patrol leader stood up and announced, "Alright, that's all of the patrols! Leaders, follow me back to camp!" The dark brown tom started shoving through the undergrowth and I found myself dreading the trek ahead.

I turned to Flamepaw and Brightpaw and hissed, "we can't draw attention to ourselves! Split up and walk with your Clanmates."

Flamepaw glanced at a sulky silver tabby and replied, "Uh, I think I'll walk by myself."

"Whatever, just don't draw attention to yourself," I meowed. "We'll meet again when it's convenient. Go."

Written in the Stars

"Runningpaw, did you see the scratch on Forestpaw's nose?"

"Of course I did. Who do you think gave it to him?"

"Wow, you did that? You're such a good fighter, Runningpaw! Do you think… do you think I'll ever be as good as you?"

"You can never be as good as the best, little brother… but maybe you can be the second best."

"You really think so?!"

"Maybe, if you train harder than everyone else."

"I will, I will! Just watch me!"

I shook the memory off and strided forward.

I can't get distracted now, I scolded myself. I'm about to face Runningpaw for the first time since he- since he left. How is he going to react when he sees me? Is he going to pretend he doesn't know me, will he speak to me? What if he attacks me? I reminded myself to breathe. No, he won't attack me like that. But he won't expect me to attack him, either; he's always thought I'm weak.

Maybe I should attack him.

Sunfrost suddenly thought, don't you dare. If you blow your cover as soon as you step into camp, then this mission will end before it even begins!

I grumbled a response and continued forward.

Written in the Stars

"Runningpaw! Stormwind is-is-"

"Be quiet, Sleetkit!"

"But Stormwind-! He's dead! I-I'm alone now!"

"Calm down, little brother. You're never alone as long as we're together."

I could tell that we were nearing camp by the way that the leader - Blisterwing, apparently - speed up. By this point we were running through the undergrowth, and I hissed as branches whacked me in the face and the undergrowth tripped me up. How did ThunderClan warriors do it?

"Faster!" One of the warriors called, his voice bleeding with adrenaline. I gritted my teeth and forced myself to run faster, and my thoughts tried to keep up.

After moons of plotting my revenge and I still don't know what I'll do when I see him again! I have to surprise him; I have to prove myself! Or do I let him assume that I'm still a weak, pathetic kit? No no, he knows I've been training for this moment. Or does he?

I felt like I was slowly being pulled apart. My heart thundered in my ears.

"Almost there!" One warrior hollered gleefully. "Get ready, kittens!"

Ready, I have to be ready. I won't attack him, I'll let him make the first strike. But does that first strike make the entire battle lean in his favor? I'm overthinking this, but it's so simple!

I reminded myself to breathe again and inhaled a gulp of air.

A large brown-and-black warrior shoved past me and sprinted to the lead, yowling. My eyes widened as the other warriors followed his lead, each yowling like they were charging into battle.

The camp is near; Runningpaw is near. No, he's a warrior by now, he won't be called Runningpaw. He'll have a a warrior name. I have to be ready.

Suddenly I was slammed by the scent of Dark Forest warriors, so powerful that it was overwhelming. We were here.

"I'm not ready," I gasped, and slid to a halt. I'm not ready I'm not ready I'm not ready he's going to kill me if I step into that camp-

Breathe, Sleetpaw!

Cats snarled and hissed as they were forced to weave around me, but I hardly noticed. A cream-colored pelt stopped beside me. "Sleetpaw?" Brightpaw cried. "What are you doing?!"

Flamepaw appeared at my other side and hissed, "In case you didn't know, this is called drawing attention to yourself!"

"I'm not ready," I huffed as I shook my head. No no no he's been preparing for this moment, he knew I would come after him, he's so much stronger now-

"None of us are ready, Sleetpaw," Brightpaw meowed desperately. "But you can't just stand here! We have to follow them now!"

I shook my head again. "I-I'm not ready-"

"Too bad," Flamepaw growled before he shoved me forward.

I tried to dig my claws into the ground, but instead I caught one on a branch. I hissed and tried to free it, but when Flamepaw shoved me again I tripped and rolled-

And rolled right into the Dark Forest camp.

Flamepaw, Brightpaw, and the remaining cats behind us poured into the camp right behind me. My breath hitched in my throat when I noticed just how many cats called his camp their camp; it seemed like hundreds!

Muscular, battle-scarred warriors prowled the camp and hissed when another warrior got too close. Pelts bristled, tails were bushed- and there were so many different pelts! I scanned the camp for one specific, black-as-night pelt. Get ready, he's here somewhere!

Keep moving, Sunfrost thought.

Brightpaw hissed quietly in my ear, "We have to follow the patrols."

It was some miracle that my paws weren't frozen to the ground. I swallowed and followed one of a patrol leaders, the WindClan leader, to a large clearing in the center of the camp. Warriors clustered all around us, eyeing us with curiosity and cruelty. I could hear my heartbeat thundering in my ears. Where is he?

"You alright, Sleetpaw?" Brightpaw whispered.

My breathing felt labored. "I can hear my heartbeat in my ears," I murmered back.

"Impossible," Flamepaw mumbled. "You don't have a heart."

Brightpaw whacked Flamepaw with her tail. "We're all anxious," she whispered to me. "You're doing fine. Keep moving." I nodded.

The camp was large, much larger than ShadowClan's camp. It felt like forever until we finally came to a halt. I pulled my gaze away from an ordinary black-pelted tom and observed the clearing. It was spacious and empty of undergrowth, just dead grass. In front of us loomed a tall, tall rock, and I noticed a den carved into the side.

I managed to drag my thoughts away from Runningpaw to think, this must be where the Dark Forest conducts business. That den must belong to the leader.

And we must be just in time for a ceremony.

One of the warriors weaved between us apprentices and hissed, "spread apart! Lionslayer will want to see each of you."

"Lionslayer," Flamepaw echoed. "I know that name." He was the Dark Forest leader, most infamous for murdering his previous leader in his sleep and stealing his authority.

"Quiet!" Brightpaw hushed him, her green gaze trained on Blisterwing.

The scarred-tom padded surely towards the foot of the boulder and sat down. He raised his voice above the anxious chatter and hollered, "Show some respect for your leader!"

At once, the clearing fell silent. It was rather impressive, considering every cat in camp was squeezed into that clearing. Wait, not every cat… where is Runningpaw?!

Suddenly thunder thrummed underneath my paws. Then again, and again, and again. I looked around and realized that the warriors were pounding their paws against the ground until it sounded like the steady beat of war drums.

Blisterwing hollered, "Lionslayer!"

"LIONSLAYER! LIONSLAYER! LIONSLAYER!" The warriors chanted.

Suddenly there was movement in the shadowy den. I narrowed my eyes, only for them to widen until they resembled the full moon. From the den outstepped the largest warrior I'd ever seen before.

Lionslayer was a dusty golden tom with a serpent-like tail and too many scars to count. One of his ears were torn in half; he looked like the kind of warrior in control of the Dark Forest.

"Great StarClan," Flamepaw whispered weakly. "That's who we have to fight?"

I shushed him, never once taking my eyes off of Lionslayer. The warriors continued to chant as he prowled and then leapt on top of the boulder. They cheered as he observed them, dark eyes moving from cat to cat. His gaze lingered on the new apprentices and I resisted the urge to shrink into the dirt; those eyes…

Finally he roared, "Silence!"

The warriors immediately ceased. Blisterwing sat up a little taller. Lionslayer's expression morphed into one of a sinister hunter who was toying with his prey. "Warriors of the Dark Forest, once again the Culling has been completed!"

Cheers met his announcement, but Lionslayer signaled for silence. "Every other season, we assess the Clans' apprentices and select the two we think will strengthen our ranks. It looks like this season has produced another successful harvest."

To my right, Brightpaw simmered. "Harvest?" she mumbled angrily. "What, like we're plants?"

"However," Lionslayer continued, "the Grouping Ceremony will have to wait. Right now we have apprentices that must be rewarded for their survival," he smirked. "Apprentices, come forward."

Grouping Ceremony? Apprentices? Where is Runningpaw?!

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a group of cats begin to rise. They were all muscular and scarred, and their eyes gleamed with the trademark Dark Forest cruelty. One by one they stood up like a unit, then marched to the front of the tall boulder. A few of the Dark Forest warriors joined them.

Lionslayer stayed where he was, but Blisterwing obeyed an unspoken command and moved to stand beside a sturdy brown tom. The Dark Forest leader flashed a yellow-fanged smirk. "Clawstick, you still have a full group. Don't tell me you've gone soft?"

The brown tom scowled as his Clanmates chuckled harshly. "My group is strong," he replied. "They will each make you proud, Lionslayer."

"They better," Lionslayer said, ominous. "Blisterwing."

Clawstick stepped backwards as Blisterwing took his place, and laid his tail on an apprentice's back - a black and white tom. Lionslayer scrutinized him for a moment, then nodded. "Toadpaw, you have completed your training. From this moment on you will be called Toadscar. The Dark Forest welcomes you into our ranks."

Blisterwing bit down on Toadscar's shoulder, and the tom flinched slightly as his fangs punctured flesh. The Dark Forest warriors stomped once. Blisterwing gestured for Toadscar to join an invisible group to the left.

Blisterwing moved to the next apprentice; a steel gray she-cat. A she-cat? I mused. Does the Dark Forest demand that she become a queen, or will she be a warrior?

Lionslayer sized her up for a long moment, then nodded. "Slatepaw, you have completed your training. From this moment on you will be called Slatefall." Blisterwing repeated the same process with Slatefall that he did with Toadscar, except he directed her towards a seperate group.

The warrior ceremony made sense as it went on. Blisterwing, the "deputy", would lay his tail on the back of the apprentice while Lionslayer gave them their warrior name. After they received their new name the warriors would stomp once in approval, and Blisterwing would subtly direct them to one of the groups.

The first group was made of only two warriors: Toadscar and Glintwing.

The second group was much larger: Ratfang, Slatefall, Snareclaw, Stainpelt.

I narrowed my eyes as Blisterwing directed the last warrior, Splotchfur, to join the second group. What was the difference between the groups? Why were they important?

Once Splotchfur joined the second group, Lionslayer nodded to them and said, "follow the path we have marked for you, and remember where your loyalty falls." That's a threat.

The large group stood to their paws and immediately sprinted out of camp, tails streaming behind them as the Dark Forest warriors pounded their paws against the ground in cheer. I stared after the group until the last tail-tip disappeared. This must have something to do with the mountains. But what?

Lionslayer flicked his tail dismissively, and then Toadscar and Glintwing stood up as well. Instead of following the others they joined the throng of Dark Forest warriors. They must be staying. Why would Lionslayer keep only two warriors, one of which will likely become a queen? And where in this blasted camp is Runningpaw?!

So many questions, and not nearly enough answers. However questions were the least of my worries at the moment; Lionslayer leapt down from the tall boulder and strided towards us, eyes dark.

To my right, Brightpaw went rigid. To my left, Flamepaw dug his claws into the ground. I raised my chin and refused to display an ounce of weakness in front of this cat.

The dusty-golden warrior stopped at one end of the group and stared straight into a cat's eyes; one of the WindClan apprentices. I begrudgingly gave the ginger-and-brown tom credit when he didn't immediately shrink into the dirt.

"You're WindClan, aren't you?" Lionslayer purred, an unnatural-sounding rumble.

The tom nodded silently.

"What's your name?"

"Leafpaw."

Lionslayer's dark amber gaze drifted to the other WindClan apprentice; a gray-and-brown tom with a bobbed tail. Unlike his companion, this tom was shaking like a leaf in the wind. "What's your name?" Lionslayer asked him.

"B-B-Beetlepaw," the tom stuttered.

Lionslayer smirked. "Nice to meet you, B-B-Beetlepaw." The Dark Forest warriors howled with laughter. "B-B-Beetlepaw" looked like he was going to pass out.

I imagined Lionslayer would toy with the frightened apprentice a little longer, but he didn't seem to waste any time. He moved on to Icepaw next, took an interest in her blood-stained pelt, and asked what her name was.

He was doing quick assessments of all of us, obviously. Giving us quick once-overs, asking us our names; he was preparing to assign us to a mentor. Or… a group? Is that what Onestrike meant earlier? Does one mentor train more than one apprentice?

"What's your name?"

"Echopaw."

"Mhm. What's your name?"

"Duskpaw."

Brightpaw was next.

Lionslayer stopped in front of Brightpaw, gave her a once-over, and I noted the way she stiffened underneath his gaze. He asked, "What's your name?"

"Brightpaw," she replied calmly.

Lionslayer nodded slowly before muttering, "A lot of she-cats this season."

And then he was standing in front of me. The Dark Forest leader gave me a once-over, and I grit my jaw when his gaze lingered on the black of my pelt. Something's wrong. He raised his dark amber eyes until they bore into mine. "Who are your parents?" he asked, deliberately calm.

I met his gaze and replied, "Swiftstrike and Dapplebird of ShadowClan."

Lionslayer didn't react. "I don't believe I know those names."

"They both died in the first rebellion."

"Aha," he hummed. "They were traitors."

I nodded.

"And your name, then?"

"Sleetpaw."

Lionslayer eyed me for a moment longer before he meowed, "Welcome to the Dark Forest, Sleetpaw." And then he moved on.

I thought I could breathe a sigh of relief when he didn't see through my lie, until I remembered who was next. "Well, don't you look familiar." Lionslayer sneered at Flamepaw. "What's your name?"

Flamepaw stood up to his paws and snarled, "Your successor. I'm going to murder you in your sleep and then I will reign over the Dark Forest!"

I choked on my own gasp. Brightpaw groaned. The other apprentices stiffened and the warriors whispered fiercely to one another.

I expected Lionslayer to slit Flamepaw's throat right then and there. But instead he threw his head back and howled with laughter: a gritty, bitter sound. Flamepaw stared at Lionslayer with all the hatred in the world, and when his muscles tensed as if about to pounce, I nearly jumped Flamepaw myself.

Then Lionslayer shot forward, shoved his muzzle against Flamepaw's ear, and mumbled something violent. Even as I strained to listen I couldn't hear what he said, but I watched all of the fight fade from Flamepaw's fiery green eyes.

When Lionslayer stepped back and asked, "What's your name?"

He answered meekly. "Flamepaw."

Written in the Stars

"What was that?" I hissed to Flamepaw, as Lionslayer scaled the tall boulder once again. "Are you trying to get us all killed?" The ginger tom refused to raise his gaze from the ground.

Brightpaw whispered urgently in my ear, asking what was wrong and if Flamepaw was okay, but I shook her off. Now wasn't the time to fret over the poor lizard-brain for acting like a fool.

Lionslayer cleared his voice and demanded our attention. Once everyone was silent, he began. "Apprentices, you have displayed skill and ambition during the Culling, but don't become comfortable; you aren't safe yet. The Dark Forest does not tolerate your Clans' weaknesses, and if we believe that you've got too much heart; too much sympathy; if you're too weak for the Dark Forest then we will kill you."

"Or worse," one of the warriors murmured. Brightpaw shuddered.

"From this day forward, you will train as Dark Forest apprentices. You will be assigned to a group: one mentor, three apprentices. If one of you is killed during training then we will not mourn for you."

The concept of a group caught me off guard. So that's Onestrike meant. He wants me in his group, along with two other apprentices. I didn't dare glance at the two cats beside me. What are the odds that the three of us will share a group?

"Leafpaw," Lionslayer suddenly boomed. "Step forward." The WindClan tom silently obeyed. "Icepaw, Beetlepaw, step forward." They obeyed him as well. Icepaw's pelt was matted with blood. "You three will train as a group. Your mentor will be Silversmoke."

A pale gray tabby tom emerged from the throng of warriors and padded smugly towards his new group; clearly, being chosen as mentor was a high honor. Is Runningpaw going to mentor a group? Certainly he must be skilled enough.

"Duskpaw, Echopaw, step forward," Lionslayer continued. I grunted when both Brightpaw and Flamepaw stiffened against me. From the group of apprentices, two she-cats stepped forward; one was golden-colored with burning eyes, the other was a sleek, silver tabby. "Sparrowpaw, step forward."

"Sparrowpaw?" Flamepaw echoed, confused.

Suddenly a long-legged, dark brown tabby padded forwards. His amber eyes were dull; as if he were bored with the proceedings. He couldn't have been any older than us.

Lionslayer looked at the tom. "Sparrowpaw, your other group members were not fitted to the Dark Forest, and thus you're in need of a new group. Duskpaw, Echopaw, Sparrowpaw, you three will train as a group. Your mentor will be Onestrike."

Onestrike! The brown-pawed tom was already joining his group, and although his stride was confident, his features were twisted. Mentoring a group might be an honor, but it was clear that this wasn't the group he expected.

"Sleetpaw, Flamepaw, Brightpaw, step forward."

It's our turn, and we're a group together! It was a fortunate turn of events, but our luck could be running thin. Who will our mentor be?

The three of us stepped forward at once; the Dark Forest warriors shifted and hissed to each other, and their suspicious gazes provoked a glare in return. They weren't Runningpaw, and I wasn't scared of them.

Lionslayer's rumble commanded my attention. "You three will train as a group. Your mentor will be-" I held my breath- "Wolfmask."

I returned my attention to the throng of warriors. Wolfmask? I don't know that name. The Dark Forest warriors parted once more, and outstepped-

No one.

Lionslayer cleared his throat. "I said, your mentor will be Wolfmask."

Still, no warrior stepped forward.

Lionslayer snarled, "Wolfmask!"

The clearing was deadly silent.

Lionslayer glared at Blisterwing but the other warrior shrugged in response, clearly just as lost as his leader.

Finally, once it became clear that "Wolfmask" wasn't going to grace us with his presence, Lionslayer moved on. He assigned the Dark Forest-born apprentices to their groups. Then he gave a rousing conclusion that inspired his warriors and chilled the apprentices to our bones, and announced that training would begin tomorrow.

The other groups followed their mentors out of the clearing. Brightpaw, Flamepaw and I shared hesitant glances.

"So," Flamepaw finally meowed, "welcome to the Dark Forest. We made it, guys."

"Why does it feel like our quest is only just beginning?" Brightpaw sighed. "And where is our mentor?"

I shook my head. "Maybe this is a joke. Lionslayer doesn't seem fond of any of us." I shot Flamepaw a glare. "Although he might be onto something. What was that stunt you pulled?!"

Flamepaw avoided my piercing gaze. "Just trying to show some of that infamous Dark Forest ambition, that's all. Come on, let's follow the other groups. We can meet our mentor in the morning."

He started after the other groups without looking back. Brightpaw and I shared a glance; concern pooled in her pale green eyes. "What do you think Lionslayer whispered to him?" she asked. "I've never seen Flamepaw look so-so defeated before."

I grunted. "That's not important right now. We need to follow him and get as much information about this place before tomorrow. I have questions, and I want answers."

Brightpaw nodded. We followed Flamepaw without another word, both of us lost in our own thoughts.

Where did the patrol of new warriors go, and does it have something to do with the mountains? Why are there groups instead of the traditional mentor-apprentice method? Who is Wolfmask, and why did he not show up to such an important meeting?

Where is Runningpaw, and does he know I'm here?

So many questions, and not nearly enough answers.

Written in the Stars

As the sun began to set behind the mountains, the steady buzz of activity slowed down to a lull; queens ushered their kits to their nests, warriors finished their duties, and the night guards took their positions. Soon the only sounds came from the Pit.

Lionslayer sat atop the Tall Ledge and watched his "Clan" through narrowed eyes. The Culling was the most important day of the season, and tomorrow a fresh batch of Clan-scum would undergo their transformation to ruthless Dark Forest warriors; or, for some, they would take one more step towards their untimely deaths.

Blisterwing cleared his throat from beneath the Tall Ledge. Lionslayer's dark gaze scanned the camp one final time before he descended the rock and joined his second-in-command at the bottom.

The dark brown, battle-scarred tom dipped his head. "One more Culling taken care of."

Lionslayer hummed in response.

"A few of the apprentices seem promising. Not the skinny WindClan tom or the ShadowClan she-cat, but-"

"Was that blood matted in her fur?"

"Yes. Onestrike said she killed her sparring opponent; apparently he was twice her size and supposed to be an easy victor."

"Hm. Is she underestimated, or insane?"

"Onestrike leaned towards the latter."

"Interesting. Keep an eye on that one. She may need to join the Pit."

Blisterwing nodded. "Of course, Lionslayer."

The toms fell silent after that. Lionslayer could sense his second-in-command wanted to say something but was holding his tongue. Suddenly pawsteps sounded from behind them, and a scent that he instantly placed.

A gray tom with dark tabby markings sat down beside Lionslayer. "Lionslayer, Blisterwing. I heard you two missed me."

"Where were you?" Blisterwing demanded. "You missed the Culling Ceremony!"

"Oh no, that's not possible. The Culling Ceremony is next season." The tom leaned in towards Lionslayer and murmured, "I think it's time to throw Blisterwing to the Pit, don't you agree?"

"Wolfmask," Blisterwing growled.

Lionslayer gestured for his second-in-command to silence. He turned towards the gray tabby tom and said, "You knew you were going to receive a group, Wolfmask. You made me look like a fool!"

"You? A fool?" Wolfmask repeated incredulously. "Never."

"Wolfmask!" Lionslayer snarled, and finally the warrior seemed to take him seriously. "Is the Culling a simple matter to you? It's the most important day of leaf-fall, and mentoring a group is an honor!"

"If groups are so important then why do you continue to choose me as a mentor?" Wolfmask challenged him. "With what just happened in the mountains, I would think you want as many apprentices alive as possible."

The golden-pelted warrior shook his head, irritated. "If you could train just one apprentice to your standard-"

"None of them are strong enough. Clan blood is weak blood."

"I've given you a group of pureblood apprentices before. They all died within the moon."

Wolfmask snorted. "One had a fear of drowning, one couldn't hunt to keep herself alive, and the other died from white-cough. They were no stronger than Clan-scum."

"You've been given an exceptional group this season," Blisterwing cut in. "The other mentors envy you."

Wolfmask raised a brow. "I doubt that."

"It's true," Blisterwing insisted. "At the very least your group is the most interesting. Two toms and a she-cat; the she-cat is spirited, more spirited than half of the toms; the black tom is perfectly skilled, and the other tom is the son of your- friends."

The gray tom sat up immediately. That was news. "You're positive it's him?"

Blisterwing nodded. "He all but announced it to the entire camp during the ceremony."

Lionslayer frowned. "The black tom - Sleetpaw. Did he seem strange to you?" Wolfmask didn't dare react to that name.

The second-in-command shook his head. "He glanced around a lot, but they were all searching for familiar faces. Why? Did you sense something, Lionslayer?"

The golden-pelted tom was quiet for a few moments, and then, "I don't know. Find Nettlewhisker and ask him if he knows Swiftstrike or Dapplebird of ShadowClan. I want to see if his story checks out."

Blisterwing stood to his paws. "Right away, Lionslayer." He shot Wolfmask one more cautious glance, and the gray tom thought that Blisterwing shouldn't be worried about him.

Wolfmask and Lionslayer watched the warrior pad away silently. Then Lionslayer remarked, "maybe it is time to throw him to the Pit."

"Oh? You think he's plotting something?"

"He will be soon."

"If you're growing paranoid, I would get rid of Onestrike first. I never have trusted that cat. Too ambitious, if you ask me."

Lionslayer glanced at the gray tom. "Who would replace Blisterwing, then?"

Wolfmask ignored the not-so-subtle hint and instead replied, "send me to the mountains."

"No. You're needed here."

Wolfmask lashed his tail. "Why? Because you want more apprentices dead?"

"I don't think you'll kill this group so easily. They remind me of a few cats."

Three faces appeared in Wolfmask's head right then; they were younger and brighter but no less innocent. "I'm sure you're mistaken. History does not repeat itself, Lionslayer."

The golden-pelted warrior stood to his paws and flicked Wolfmask with his tail. "For your sake, I hope you're right. Get some sleep, Wolfmask. You have a busy day tomorrow."

Then he disappeared into his shadowy den, and left Wolfmask alone with his thoughts.

Question of the Day

What do you think is the situation with Runningpaw? Why does Sleetpaw want him dead, and where is he?

Review Replies:

DappledleafTheBootiful: I certainly wasn't drawing inspiration from Heathertail, but I can see where they're similar, for sure! Echopaw is a layered character, and as the story progresses, we'll peel those layers back one by one. I think it's interesting that you already ship Flamepaw and Brightpaw; I was wondering what people were beginning to ship!

Cara Lee: Rest assured, there is a reason that WindClan isn't participating in this quest. I just can't disclose that information right now because it's a minor spoiler.

Runningflight2001 - I'm really glad you liked the last chapter so much! Thank you for pointing out that quote - I love when readers mention their favorite lines/scenes/etc. I was particularly pound of that one myself :) You hit the nail on the head with Spottedpaw; she would make an ideal queen. As for Flamepaw's parents, the best I can explain it is that their situation is very "remind me to forget you", if that makes sense? Everyone remembers them, but they don't dwell on them, so they fade. StarClan cats don't fade after everyone forgets about them, they fade once everyone stops trying to keep their memory alive. The 'fading' method is a bit flawed on my part, so I'm still working on that.

Finally, you were spot on with your analysis with Echopaw! She's a complicated kitty.

Oohh boy, we're finally in the Dark Forest! This is where a lot of different characters come into play.

A lot of you guys mention that Sleetpaw is too robotic, too unfeeling, especially after his Culling. I think this chapter proved that he's still just as 'human' as everyone else; he's just trying to hide it. I would say that Flamepaw wears his heart on his sleeve, Brightpaw tries to be unfeeling but simply can't, and Sleetpaw has triggers.

We met Wolfmask! He's my favorite character in the entire fic, and I think you guys will like him as well. He has an interesting backstory for sure and as for his personality... we'll just say that his warrior name is very fitting.

I'm sure you all noticed that the line breaks read "Written in the Stars" now. I'm officially changing the title from Written in the Shadows to Written in the Stars, which I like much much more.

Final note: I made a tumblr account for this AU! It's called written-in-the-stars-au (how original). I just created it so there's not much to it yet, but follow it for behind-the-scenes stuff, artwork, trivia, and my general rambling! :) Oh, and you can ask me questions there too!

Reviews are better than the new Jonas Brothers single. (Not by much tho, Sucker is awesome)