I am back! Enough said, On with this long overdue chapter...

Shadowpaw played with the mouse in her paws in boredom. Two weeks had past since her fathers death and everyone seemed to have moved on. All except Shadowpaw. She had also noticed that Icepaw was avoiding her ever since that day, and even Eaglepaw didn't talk to her. It was beginning to frustrate her, how no one cared that her family was torn apart. What made matters worse, was that she over heard Redpaw saying that it was all MoonClan's fault. Their ancestors would never even think of taking an innocent cats life... would they?

She shook her head, glaring at the mouse as she was unable to glare at herself. How could she even think about that?

"Cats of LavaClan! Please gather for a Clan meeting!" Breezestar yowled over the bustling of cats. Shadowpaw remained sitting where she was, as she had a good enough view already.

"I have some good news," she began, "young Skykit has been taking an interest in Medicine cat duties, and has wished to become Silverstreak's apprentice. Tonight, the two will journey to the lavapool, where Skykit will become Skypaw." The cats cheered as the shy light blue-grey she-cat ducked in embarrassment behind her mother.

"That is all I wish to say," the leader concluded the meeting, "but I would like to see Goldheart, Redleaf and Cloudstride in my den please." Hearing her mentors name, Shadowpaw's ears perked up. What could Breezestar want them for? She thought to herself, not noticing Swiftpaw and Hawkkit walking towards her.

"Shadowpaw?" Hawkkit asked, her head tilted slightly to the side, "what are you looking at?" Shadowpaw flinched in fright before quickly regaining her composure.

"Nothing, it's just strange that Breezestar wants to talk with senior warriors," she replied, looking towards the gold tabby. Hawkkit shrugged and also looked towards the den, which Dogtooth was standing guard at.

"Why would they need a guard?" Swiftpaw asked confused. Usually the leader would just tell the Clan of any danger, however this time was different.

"I don't know, but something's up..." Shadowpaw meowed, staring at Dogtooth. When the deputy turned his head towards Shadowpaw, both cats' eyes locked onto each other. His yellow eyes to her blue ones. Dogtooth suddenly lowered his ears and snarled at her, scaring Shadowpaw into looking away.

"Maybe we should go and see if we can join a patrol or something," Swiftpaw suggested nervously. Shadowpaw nodded and began waking over to the gathering dusk patrol. She saw Swampfur, Thunderfoot and Mintpool talking with Birdwing in a hushed tone. Thunderfoot saw the three coming and quickly raised his voice.

"We'll talk after we get back, Birdwing," he said quickly before turning towards the newcomers, "what are you three doing?" Hawkkit backed away slightly giving a sheepish smile.

"Swiftpaw and I want to join the patrol. So, are we allowed to?" Shadowpaw spoke giving Hawkkit enough time to race off back to the nursery. She never knew why Hawkkit was still a 'kit' and not a 'paw'.

"I'm not-" Thunderfoot was cut off by Swampfur shoving into his side.

"Let them come, brother. You know Shadowpaw hasn't been up to patrolling since... you know," she argued in a low voice. Shadowpaw heard her words, but didn't bother to say anything.

"Alright, but I still think too many of us are on this patrol," he replied, still annoyed that no one listened to him even though he was in charge of the patrol. Swiftpaw counted the group.

"Six isn't too bad," she said matter-of-factly. Thunderfoot rolled his eyes and gestured to a cat running towards them. Shadowpaw followed his gaze and her tail drooped.

"Let's get going, we're wasting time. Redpaw growled in annoyance and began stalking towards the entrance.

"We were waiting for your stupid hide, Dark Cat," Swampfur hissed back in fury. The apprentice flicked his tail and continued walking. Shadowpaw followed him through the entrance without saying anything.

Breezestar sighed and lowered her head, "So there is nothing that we can do?" she asked the three warriors before her. They all nodded sadly.

"We could send a well trained SmokeClan cat to keep a close eye on him, or confine him to the camp," Redleaf suggested.

"No, that would only result in trouble. He could realise that we're up to something, and that's the last thing we want," Goldheart disagreed. The leader sighed, occasionally flicking her tail.

"We should increase the number of apprentices, that way we can have more cats around him," Cloudstride said.

"But, none of the warriors, apart from Moonflight, are experienced enough yet. It could damage our rankings and the other cats would be furious," the leader shot back.

"It's our only chance, besides, some of the kits have surpassed the six moon limit, and are becoming too big to stay in the nursery,"

"I suppose... But still, we can't let them have less of a chance of becoming great warriors just because we need to watch a furball!"

"It's also for their sake, Breezestar. They are probably wandering why we are keeping them down and will become angry soon,"

"I agree with Cloudstride. We can always have more experienced warriors watch over them in training time. Just to make sure they're doing it right," Goldheart interrupted.

Redleaf nodded as well, "besides, you don't want a generation of your Clan hating you do you?" The leader lowered her head.

"Of cause not... a leader is meant to be looked up to and be a role model for younger cats..."

"Then it's settled, there will be a naming ceremony tomorrow, when Skypaw and Silverstreak return," Redleaf concluded, "This is for the best of the Clan."

Suddenly, a cat ran into the den, "I caught the black apprentice staring over here, do you think she's on to us?" Dogtooth fretted.

"She's probably curious. She is an apprentice after all," Goldheart replied, "I'm sure she means no harm." Dogtooth didn't look convinced, but didn't talk back.

"Dogtooth, you can lead the hunting patrol with these warriors. Prey is becoming scarce as leaf-bare approaches..."

"Of cause, Breezestar," and with that, the cats left the den.

Shadowpaw hadn't spoken since she left the camp. It was becoming awkward, and no one knew how to start a conversation. That is, until Thunderfoot announced their arrival at Glare River.

"We will begin here and follow the river until the boarder. Breezestar told me to keep a close eye out over the river since MagmaClan has been seen in AshClan territory. We will end at the old Twoleg Barn," he explained.

"MagmaClan... Those dirt-faced satanic pieces of-"

"Shadowpaw!"

"Sorry Waterpelt..."

The warrior sighed and looked over the river, "If they do show up, you, Redpaw and Swiftpaw have to run back to the camp as fast as you can and tell Breezestar. We can't afford to loose any more cats, especially since Blazestar seems to have a vast amount of warriors at his disposal." Shadowpaw wanted to refuse, but she knew it was the right thing to do. Besides, Waterpelt was too caring of a cat to say no to.

"Alright, lets stop bickering and start walking," Swampfur announced, walking alongside the river. The rest of them followed, looking and sniffing on their way.

Silverstreak and Skykit left the camp to go to the Lavapool an hour ago. Skykit was the happiest in her life as she was finally on her way to becoming a respected Medicine Cat apprentice.

"What happens when we get there?" she asked excitedly. Silverstreak smiled and flicked her tail on one of Skykit's ears.

"You will find out. After all, it's a surprise," she replied, giving her a wink.

"Alright, fine. But you have to tell me what to do,"

"I will don't worry. I can't have you running away now can I?" Skykit gulped.

"Wh-why would I run away?"

Because, lava isn't something every cat wants to be around." Skykit's ears lowered. Why would lava be scary? Their ancestors talk to them there, not to mention, her Clan was named after the substance.

"We're here Skykit," Silverstreak said stopping at the base of a steep mountain, "MoonClan will explain everything, alright? Off you go,"

"Wait... your not coming with me?" Skykit meowed frantically.

"Of cause not, you have to do this on your own. Remember, MoonClan have walked those very tunnels, they will guide you," Silerstreak then sat under a nearby tree.

"OK..." Skykit repied, "here I go!" She then entered the small cave entrance and disappeared from sight.

It was dark, and Skykit had to rely on her senses in order to find the Lavapool. She walked straight at first, but then had to go down and around in a spiral. She eventually ended up in a dead end and began to breathe frantically.

"No, no, no, no... this can't be happening..." she was on the verge of tears when a burst of heat flowed into the cavern. Hesitantly, she followed the heat wave back into the spiraling tunnel.

"MoonClan? Could they be watching me?" she whispered to herself. She suddenly smiled and ran down the tunnel, all the while following the heat that began to get stronger. She began to slow down as she saw a light at the end of the pathway.

"No way..." Skykit was breathless. She stood in an ancient room with claw scrapes running horizontally all around the circular wall. Crystals that looked to be over a thousand years old jutted out from the ceiling of the cave and glowed in the reflection of the beautiful Lavapool. It was only small, but it crackled with fire and swirled as if beckoning her. She was stunned to say the least. So this is the lava that all cats have heard of but most haven't seen...

"It's amazing..." she had so may other words that could describe her sight, but this one suited it the most. Light suddenly shined from the roof as the crystals glowed blindingly. Skykit closed her eyes and looked away to protect her eyes, but when she looked back, she was no longer in the cave.

"Skykit, we have been expecting you," a voice echoed through the pine forest.

"MoonClan? Is that you?" came a small voice from Skykit. A cat, whose pelt shined with stars and eyes glowed like the moon, formed in front of her. Skykit swore he looked familiar.

"Yes, young kit, it is us,"

"This is... amazing! I... I never knew how great this experience would be!" The cat of stars laughed slightly and sat before her.

"We welcome you to the hunting grounds of MoonClan. You will now be known as Skypaw, and I know you will become a fine Medicine Cat,"

"Thank you so much! However I have a few questions," the cat nodded, awaiting her questions, "You keep saying 'we', are there others here?"

"Of cause, all good cats that have died come here, I thought you would have known that,"

"Well, I did, sort of... But where are they?" Skypaw was curious. The cat in front of her was the only MoonClan warrior she could see, yet he said there were others.

"They're... taking care of other things right now," he replied. Skypaw then realised something.

"I forgot to ask, who are you?" the cat smiled fondly, his tail swishing from side to side.

"I am Thorntail," the MoonClan warrior introduced himself. Skypaw's eyes widened in realisation.

"You're Shadowpaw's father!" She exclaimed, "I didn't recognise you before but... It really is you!"

"Yes, but as hard as it is to say it, I have to discuss a more... important matter," Skypaw's facial features became serious at the dullness of his voice.

"Something horrible is going to happen, and... nothing can stop it," Thorntail's voice darkened.

"What are you taking about?!"

"You must not interfere with what is meant to be, thus I cannot tell you. However, you will know after the event has passed, and only then, shall you return to the Lavapool. And remember, don't tell anyone of what I just said," he then disappeared in a blinding light.

Skypaw opened her eyes to find herself back in the cave. Regaining her bearings, she bolted up the spiral tunnel and out of the cavern where Silverstreak lay under the tree. Noticing the newly appointed apprentice, she stood up and gave a warm smile.

"How was it?" she asked curiously. Skypaw returned the smile and swished her tail excitedly. She really wanted to tell her new mentor about the warning, but she knew Thorntail would be disappointed in her.

"It was amazing! An experience I will never forget!" she decided was the best answer, "I am now to be known as Skypaw!" Silverstreak smiled and licked the apprentice over the head.

"Let's go, Skypaw," She said and began the long journey back to the LavaClan camp.

There you go! One extra long chapter that thanks you for reading it! I won't be able to post until next month due to holidays and going overseas, sorry to those who are following this story! :( Bye!

~LegendaryGriffin