Skypaw sat with her head bowed in front of the dark ginger body that lay in the middle of the clearing. Redflower had been resting in her nest just outside the Medicine Cat Den when some foxes bursted into camp. One of them had attacked and killed her before Skypaw could react and do anything. Skypaw had grieved for a long time, just sitting in front of her mother with her head bowed.

She slowly stood up and walked over to her mother, curling around her limp, cold body. Suddenly, fury pure as lightning flashed through her. Skypaw jumped up quickly and ran to Stormstar's den. We must avenge her death! she thought, we must send a patrol to hunt down the foxes!

Skypaw stopped in front of Stormstar's den, took a deep breath and meowed loudly "May I come in?" Inside, Stormstar sat up straight and answered, "Yes, come in." Sky paw stalked in and sat down, dipping her head in respect. "Well? What is it, Skypaw?" Stormstar meowed patiently, tipping his head to one side. Brief fear flashed through Skypaw's body as she realised that she was only an apprentice and had no actual right to start demanding things from a leader of all cats!

She hesitated, "Well?" Stormstar was starting to get impatient, "I don't have all day, Skypaw! Spit it out already!" Skypaw gulped and stammered "I think we should send out a search party for the foxes and drive them out for good!"

Stormstar nodded, "I was going to arrange that. So, is there anything else?"

Skypaw nodded, "I would like to be part of the raid."

"What?" Stormstar wore an expression of disbelief, "But you've only started your apprenticeship!"

"Yes, I know that!" Skypaw was starting to get angry and impatient. "But she was my mother, for StarClan's sake! I deserve to go on this raid!"

"But-" Stormstar tried to protest but was cut off, "If you don't let me go on this raid, I'll still go anyway! You can't stop me!" Skypaw was on her paws now, snarling with anger and desperation laced her tone.

"Very well, you may take part of this raid, but on one condition." Stormstar agreed reluctantly, yet his eyes were flashing in defiance. "Name it!" Skypaw stared at Stormstar expectantly. "If any warrior tells you to run back to camp to fetch help or gives you any commands of any kind at all, I expect you to listen and do it immediately. Is that clear?" Stormstar glared at Skyaw, who gulped, all confidence lost and replied, "Of course."

Stormstar softened immediately, "Now go take a rest, you must be tired after the events of today. Rest up for tomorrow, the raid will be the day after tomorrow at sunhigh, when the foxes are out hunting, we will take them by surprise."

Skypaw nodded reluctantly, and headed towards the mouth of the den. "Stormstar?" she turned back to face the leader, who was just settling in his nest. "Yes?" The grey leader looked up again, fatigue in his eyes. "Thank you, for everything." Skypaw meowed earnestly, her blue eyes showing gratitude. "You're welcome." Stormstar dipped his head towards her. "Get some rest, you'll need it."