Chapter 11

"I will speak first." said Truestar, stepping up. Lightleaf noticed that the old tom was limping slightly. She guessed that it wouldn't be long before Graybird became leader of RiverClan. "The green-cough has finally ended in RiverClan, though it has taken its toll. We hope that the cats that passed are now happy in StarClan. The fish have become plentiful once more. That is all." Truestar said. The RiverClan leader's voice croaked with age, but ran nice and clear. Lightleaf felt bad for the Riverclanners. Perhaps because the apprentices had been good friends of hers. She could still remember the gathering in which Mimicpaw's death was announced.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the voice of WindClan leader, Ravenstar. "Prey is running well in WindClan. Muddydove has retired early due to her loss of hearing. Moonpaw has received his full medicine cat name, Moonpath. That is all WindClan has to report." he said.

The black leader was nearly interrupted from the last part when Lionstar spoke, "A kit has been born to Widepelt and Sunpatch. Her name is Larchkit. Darkpaw has received his warrior name, Darkstream. In addition, Tallspruce has left ShadowClan for reasons unknown. That's it." Lightleaf heard a snort behind her. Lionstar hadn't even mentioned the attack on their camp that seemed to be for no reason.

Silverstar was last to speak, "Runningpaw has decided to change mentors. He is now Blueheart's apprentice and training to be a medicine cat. Prey is running well, and I'd like to question you, Lionstar. Do you have a reason for the attack on ThunderClan's camp?"

Lionstar's eyes widened, then narrowed. "I do not believe a gathering is a good time to speak of fighting." he said.

"Yes, but when else will we discuss it then?" Silverstar asked. Whispers were heard among the cats below the two glaring leaders.

"A reason is what you want? Well your out of luck, the is none." Lionstar said.

Lightleaf watched as Silverstar's neck-fur bristled and his tail twitched. It was obvious that he was not happy. "The gathering is over!" Silverstar said, jumping from the tree to lead ThunderClan away. As Lightleaf got up and followed the clan, she pondered on what Lionstar said about Tallspruce. She knew that warrior, and he wasn't the type to "just leave." What could have happened then?

xxxxxx*xxxxxx

Shadowclaw walked into camp, immediately heading for the warriors' den. He saw Silverstar stalking into his den, still angry. Best not to play 'comforting son', he decided. "Hey Shadowclaw," a voice said, surprisingly close. Shadowclaw jumped, turning to see Lightleaf.

"Oh, you scared me." Shadowclaw said.

The tabby beside him laughed slightly, "Sorry. I just wanted to ask you something."

"Shoot." Shadowclaw said.

"Do you think Tallspruce really just left ShadowClan?" Lightleaf asked.

"Considering I never knew him, I don't know." Shadowclaw said, "Why, do you think he wouldn't?"

Lightleaf nodded, "I knew him. He's too attached and loyal to ShadowClan. There's no way he'd just leave. I think Lionstar wasn't telling the truth."

Interest sparked in Shadowclaw, "Hmm, I can't say Lionstar wouldn't do that. I still wonder why Firstar let him be her deputy. There was a huge difference between them. She was so nice, and he's so… not."

"True, but that's not the case here. I think something happened to Tallspruce. Something Lionstar doesn't want to be known by the other clans," Lightleaf mewed softly.

Shadowclaw raised his brow, "What can we do about it?"

Lightleaf looked at him as though he were the most clueless cat ever. "Shadowclaw, we are Leafpool and Crowfeather! You were on The Great Journey. I was the one to stop Bronzeclaw. We can do anything if we put our minds to it!" Lightleaf appeared to be serious. She obviously wanted the truth out.

"I suppose you're right, but how do we get any information? We can't just walk into ShadowClan's camp and say: 'Hey, we think Lionstar was lying about Tallspruce. What really happened?'" Shadowclaw said.

"Okay, you're right about that. Maybe we can ask one of their warriors-" she was interrupted.

"Are you crazy? No warrior would ever give away their clan's business to a rival. You know that." Shadowclaw said.

Lightleaf smiled, "Just wait and see. There's a way. There is always a way."

xxxxxx*xxxxxx

(Later That Night)

*Why do I always find myself out here in the middle of the night? Shadowclaw wondered. He was walking through the forest as he now found himself doing almost every night. Something caught his eye. Curious, he neared to where he'd seen what looked like movement. Cursing softly when a thorn poked his side.

He was then looking at a small clearing. There was a small creek that ran nearby, the reflection of the moon and stars making it sparkle a bit. Why had Shadowclaw never seen this place before?

Then there was that movement. His jaws parted slightly at the sight, his eyes widening. It was Lightleaf. The tabby she-cat walked gracefully through the somewhat tall grass that appeared blueish in the moonlight. When had she ever appeared so... beautiful?

Her brown and white tabby fur looked softer than an owlet's feather, and her eyes were like twin suns. Shadowclaw felt his heart race when she looked at him. "Oh, I didn't see you there Shadowclaw." she said, approaching.

Shadowclaw gulped. She was now standing directly in front of him, purring while looking at him kindly. "Shadowclaw, there's something I want to tell you." she said.

"What is it?" Shadowclaw asked. Before Lightleaf could speak, everything faded.*

Shadowclaw woke up, and wasn't too happy about it. That has to be the perfect dream ever, he thought. His eyes traveled to the sleeping form of Lightleaf. She was curled into a ball with her fluffy tail covering her nose and one paw over it. She looked completely at peace. Shadowclaw felt his heart flutter. Could this be love?


Author's Note: Yeah, going into love mode. The "Could this be love?" came from Wolves of The Beyond: Star Wolf when Whistler thought to himself after hearing Dearlea howl. I wrote this chapter while listening to the sounds of Neptune, Pluto, and Saturn. It's dark outside. I'm scared as crap, those sound were so creepy yet so beautiful!

Yeah, that above author note doesn't really apply anymore. I'm not listening to any music at the moment, but Takashimo was when she was writing this! :D We are about 13 chapters away from my writing! Yay! Can't wait, but hope you enjoyed!