Thanks to everyone that has reviewed, favorited, and story alerted Shattered Love. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm so excited because this story is so close to 100 reviews!

I know it's been a little while since I updated, but from now on I'll hopefully be updating every week, maybe even twice a week. No school means more time to write. And this story is getting so good!

Swiftpaw does receive his warrior name in this chapter; the name received half of the votes and I like the name also. Cinderpaw and Brackenpaw won't receive theirs for two maybe three chapters; voting is still open. The names are on the previous chapter. And the beginning is rather… peculiar but plays a major part.

I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 23: Sinister Plans

Through the night, snow continued to fall, coating the earth with a frosted blanket. The prey that roamed the forest curled up in their nests, some entering hibernation due to the extreme cold. But as the creatures slept, a single cat crept through snow doused forest, edging on as their paws sunk through, making travel difficult. Grumbling to themselves, they pushed on through the obscure weather.

The cat's dark brown pelt was encrusted with snow, forcing them to stop and free their fur. Repeatedly they'd have to draw a paw across their amber eyes in order to see. Their ears were flattened against their head to keep them from being covered, making it hard to hear anything but the blood rushing through them. Finally they stopped and growled, though they aimed it at a lightning struck tree.

"Blackfoot, come on out!" they snapped, their unusually long claws digging into the powdery white. He waited in silence for a few moments before a white tom slinked out of the snow. The newcomer's paws trudged through the flurries, hiding them. The dark brown tom narrowed his eyes as a gust of wind blasted between them. Blackfoot waited a few moments before he could finally be heard.

"Tigerclaw, I knew I scented ThunderClan. I wish you'd wait until morning, this weather is unbearable." Blackfoot's meow was neutral while his eyes were colder than ice. The dark tom huffed a greeting as he moved closer.

"Brokenstar ordered I come. If you have a problem, talk to him. And I don't smell like my traitor Clan." he replied, a hiss escaping his throat.

"You scramble in your old territory like a pathetic mouse. You're going to reek of them as long as you hide under their noses." Blackfoot spat. He was instantly met with a fiery gaze.

"Yes I hide, but its part of my plan. Now would you take me to your camp before our paws freeze off." he snapped back, his lips drawn in a snarl. Blackfoot held his ground, staring down at the exiled warrior. Finally he turned around and started walking.

"Very well, follow me." he growled, stepping carefully into his territory. Tigerclaw trailed obediently, never lagging behind. Blackfoot was surprised by this sudden change in attitude until he noticed the tom shivering from the snow. Smiling to himself, he trudged on faster, not caring about whether Tigerclaw could keep up or not.

Eventually, the two toms reached ShadowClan's camp, which was unrecognizable by the white cover. At the entrance, two cats appeared out of nowhere, both covered in snow. One was a small light brown tabby that glanced at Blackfoot with wide, blue eyes. They didn't appear scared, just surprised. The other was an extremely thin, gray tom who looked bored out of his mind.

"We didn't expect you to find him this early." the small tabby meowed, stretching his legs.

"Neither did I. Cinderfur, go tell Brokenstar of our arrival, then you can go back to the warriors den and sleep. Littlecloud, go wake Lilacfall and Wetfoot for their shift. Afterwards you should get some rest." Blackfoot ordered, his tone weary. The two toms nodded before walking away. Tigerclaw watched them before glancing back at the deputy.

"I don't believe for one moment that you were looking for me." he growled, rage blazing through his amber orbs. His fur tried to rise in fury but was beaten by the sodden snow.

"Me either, but who's Brokenstar going to believe?" the deputy answered, a gleam of amusement in his eyes as he padded forward a few steps. Tigerclaw muttered something under his breath before following his guide.

They walked across the freezing clearing, reaching a den carved into a boulder. Around the field were broken branches from no visible trees due to the blizzard. They were propped up in several exclusive locations, signaling different dens. Across from Tigerclaw, he saw another cleft, with the smell of herbs wafting from it. The intensity caused his eyes to water, sending a ripple through his fur. Sneezing, he kept walking, bumping right into Blackfoot. The deputy gave a small growl but didn't retaliate in any other form. Instead he just stalled, his eyes focused on something in the distance.

"In this territory, under our rules, you are either a guest or a trespasser. Which would you prefer we treat you as?" he asked, his voice level. Tigerclaw hissed; being treated this way, like a rule-breaking apprentice was degrading.

"A guest, if that allows me to talk to Brokenstar as soon as I can." he answered, though it wasn't friendly. Blackfoot opened his mouth, but instead of talking, he twitched his ears and stepped into his leaders den. Tigerclaw followed, his claws unsheathed.

"Nice of you to join me on such short notice, Tigerclaw." a voice welcomed, though it was more of a growl than a greeting. The tom turned to see a long-haired tabby with piercing orange eyes that blazed right through him. The exiled warrior noticed the leaders torn ears, scarred muzzle and bent tail, indicating the fighter he truly was.

"Hello, Brokenstar. Would you care to explain why I trudged through the cold at night?" Tigerclaw asked, with a hint of a snarl. The ShadowClan leader seemed unfazed by this little challenge.

"You know what I have planned for the Clans; well I'm putting it into affect. In four moons, we will attack the other Clans, one by one, starting with ThunderClan. If they go down first, the others will follow. But I need you to gather your little gang, and the cats I lent you. We'll need to figure out a plan of attack before then." he informed, noticing the exiled toms frustration.

"What about me then? Will you just cast me aside like a pawn? Even though this idea was all mine." Tigerclaw questioned, his tail lashing from side to side. Brokenstar gave a small laugh, but it sounded like a snarl. Blackfoot watched this little quarrel with slightly interested eyes, yet he felt like Tigerclaw was acting a little too big for his whiskers.

"Your efforts will not be wasted. Once the Clans are under my lead, I'll give you a small group of followers. If you listen and behave that is. If you dare think about mutiny, you'll be nothing more than a pile of bones and fur. Tell that to your group as well, for I'll execute any that dare to oppose me. Any fears or other concerns?"

"With ThunderClan, can I have the honor of slaying Bluestar?"

"Of course, just bring back her pelt… and the hide of that filthy kittypet."

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath Highrock for a Clan meeting!" Bluestar's voice rang through the clearing, drawing every warrior and apprentice out of their warm dens and into the frozen clearing. Fireheart's eyes darted open, revealing the sandy floor of his leader's den. Scrambling to his feet, he dashed out of the den to see the Clan gathered around him. Instantly a ripple of news traveled through as cats chattered to one another. He ignored the gossip that surrounded him like a swarm of angry bees. Sighing, he padded towards Whitestorm, who blended into the scenery. The only way he knew it was the massive tom, because there was a purring sound near a pair of floating yellow orbs.

"I heard Mossblaze kitted last night. How is she?" he asked as Fireheart settled next to him.

"Pretty good, her milk is flowing and she ate a mouse before going to sleep. Her kits seem healthy also. I'm just glad that she survived." the ginger tom answered, his eyes shining though he was exhausted. The senior warrior opened his mouth, but Bluestar's voice overpowered his.

"Snow has fallen, and yet things are wonderful. Mossblaze gave birth last night to two kits. It took place when she came to visit me, wondering about what occurred when she was unconscious. Thankfully it happened in my den and not on the way there. She has not named them yet, but both kits are healthy. Spottedleaf and Maplepaw were very brave last night, helping in the delivery. ThunderClan is honored to have both of them as our medicine cats." she paused for a second, "My next announcement is that an apprentice is ready to become a warrior and two kits are long overdue to begin their apprenticeships. Swiftpaw, please come here." she yowled, her eyes glittering with excitement. The splashed tom looked surprised as his name was called. Hurriedly, he padded up to the base of the rock, his fur rippling.

"I, Bluestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Swiftpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." he promised, his shoulders shaking from the excitement.

"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior name. Swiftpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Swiftclaw. StarClan honors your courage, speed and strength and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Bluestar named the new warrior before sliding down the snow covered rock. Stopping in front of the splashed warrior, she rested her muzzle on top of his head. Trembling, whether it was the cold or nerves, he licked the leaders shoulder.

"Swiftclaw, Swiftclaw!" the Clan cheered, ringing through the clearing. The new warrior nodded towards Bluestar before rejoining the crowd, sitting next to Mousefur and Brackenpaw.

"Now, we have two kits to apprentice. Brightkit and Thornkit please step forward." the blue-furred queen meowed, climbing up the Highrock again. The two kits padded forward, looking with awe at both the snow and Bluestar. "By naming these two apprentices, we show that ThunderClan is strong and will survive through Leaf-bare. Brightkit, from now on until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Brightpaw. Whitestorm, you are a strong warrior and ready for another apprentice; you will mentor young Brightpaw. I know you will pass on your wisdom and strength to her and teach her the skills that will make her a proud warrior of ThunderClan." She paused as the new apprentice touched noses with her mentor. Together they stepped back into the crowd, retaking Whitestorm's place by Fireheart. Bluestar then looked at Thornkit who was trying his best to stop his nerves from spirlaling out of control.

"From this day on, until you earn your warrior name, you will be known as Thornpaw." her eyes shifted towards Cloudsplash, who shuffled his paws nervously in the snow. "You have lived with us long enough to know our warrior code by heart; it is time you earned an apprentice. Cloudsplash, you will mentor Thornpaw. I know you will pass on your courage and wisdom, and teach him the skills that will make him a valuable warrior of ThunderClan." The two toms touched noses before sitting among the crowd. Bluestar's voice then turned dark as she spoke again.

"Leaf-bare is here, and we must remain strong. We have several enemies we need to conquer; hunger, sickness, other warriors and even rogues if they're mouse-brained enough to come here in this snow. Lionheart and I will supervise training during this insane cold. And if you scent, spot or notice anything unusual, report it to me. ThunderClan, you are dismissed!"

"Good news, you can go back to training tomorrow!" Spottedleaf meowed, glancing at the young she-cat. Cinderpaw jumped to her feet, her eyes as wide as the sky.

"Oh thank you!" she replied, bowing her head. The dappled she-cat smiled as she watched the bundle of fluff race into the clearing. She recovered well, only complaining about the Gathering. Fireheart, I hope you treat her well. She thought wistfully, though her heart had a different opinion. Even though it's against the warrior code, I love him. No cat should tell me otherwise, no cat should control my life, my thoughts. It is wrong... but I can tell that he likes her and she likes him. That's the only thing that matters. Bluestar even notices it, and she hasn't said anything about it. Every cat seems fine with it; every cat but me. Oh StarClan, why did you create such a harsh law? Can't you see the pain I'm in? Do you even ca-

"Leopardstripe needs his medicine." Maplepaw meowed, breaking her train of thought. Spottedleaf turned to her apprentice and blinked before smiling. I need to make sure no cat notices my internal turmoil. I wouldn't want them panicking.

"Thanks for reminding me. My mind has been haywire due to the snow." she replied, looking away from the she-cat. Is that even a good excuse? I doubt she'd believe it... she's not a mindless kit. In fact I wouldn't be surprised is she picks up on this right away. She's so smart and learns quickly, I'm so glad that she's my apprentice.

"I know what you mean. It's just so weird seeing the forest covered with it. I'll be happy when Leaf-bare's over. So, his medicine?" the young she-cat repeated, noticing her mentor's strange behavior. Spottedleaf's head jerked as if she came out of a daze though her eyes showed how relieved she was. Hurriedly she grabbed several herbs. Maplepaw only sighed, hoping that her mentor would return to normal; the sooner, the better.

As she watched her mentor handle Leopardstripe's medicine, she checked up on her sister, who was feeling blue due to the fact she was still sick. Gingerly picking up a few catmint stalks, she padded towards the white pile of fur that was her sister.

"I have your medicine and great news." Maplepaw purred, setting the stalks down next to the bracken and moss nest. Cloverkit glanced up before looking away, her fur rippling with annoyance.

"Oh yeah? What's that? StarClan came and granted every cat their wish?" she mocked, allowing her resentment to grow.

"Please don't be this way… You know you'll get better soon, if you take your medicine. I don't want to coax you like a little kit." Maplepaw insisted, a plead hidden in her voice. She wanted her sister to get better, so that she could become an apprentice… but she was so difficult.

"A kit? Very funny… just because I'm still Cloverkit while you get to be an almighty 'paw, doesn't mean you can make fun of me and get away with all your fur. It's so infuriating! I wish Mossblaze was awake so she could visit me." the white she-cat complained, glancing at the nest in the back. She couldn't see any movement, nor did she notice any scent flowing from the small crevice. A thought pricked at her mind, though she didn't say anything.

"That's what I wanted to tell you! Mossblaze woke up yesterday, and right afterwards she gave birth to two beautiful kits. I'm sure once you're healthy you can visit them. And she'll be able to come visit you as soon as possible. But she also has to get her kits into the nursery. She's been in Bluestar's den since last night and couldn't be moved because of the snow. She hasn't named them yet, but they're healthy and that's all that matters. And it'll only be another quarter-moon before you're all healed up." The tawny apprentice rambled, not noticing her sisters glare until she was done.

"But we're both seven moons old! Even Brightpaw and Thornpaw were apprenticed before me! And I want Mossblaze to be my mentor… but since she has her kits, I'll be getting either Dustpelt or Longtail. And both of them are annoying tabby toms."

"No, that's not it! As soon as Mossblaze's kits can open their eyes, then she can leave them in the nursery for a short time, allowing her to be your mentor. Everything will work out fine. Uh… how did you know about Thornpaw and Brightpaw?"

"I heard Spottedleaf telling Leopardstripe about it. She also said in three moons Brindleface's kits will be apprenticed. Cinderpaw and Brackenpaw should also receive their warrior names by then. Plus Sandstorm and Willowpelt will give birth before then. Willowpelt is huge, I swear she swallowed a rabbit and squirrel whole. ThunderClan will have plenty of warriors and apprentices to fight ShadowClan."

"Fight ShadowClan? What in StarClan are you talking about? They aren't going to attack us."

"You don't know that, in fact no cat knows except Brokenstar. But it'd be better to be safe than sorry. In fact we should practice running through the snow. The resistance will help strengthen our legs and make us faster. And we could climb trees in order to have the element of surprise. That way we could hide in the trees and attack if we needed to, and we'd be able to catch prey like squirrels and birds better. Then we'd be more fed and able to fight with full strength. Understand?" Cloverkit explained, her eyes flashing with excitement as her plan unfolded in her mind. Her sister wasn't as enthusiastic and just looked on with confused eyes.

"Yeah, I guess so…" she paused, her ears twitching as she heard her mentor. "So, will you take your medicine?" she persisted, picking up the stalks. The speckled she-cat nodded, though her mind was off wandering. Slightly irritated, the apprentice gave the mouthwatering herbs to her sister. Hesitantly, she chewed the tasty plants, feeling a warm sensation flood through her body. Giving a small purr, she drew her tongue around her mouth.

"Thanks, even though you're annoying, you're a wonderful medicine cat and a great sister." she meowed endearingly, leaning over to lick her sister's ears. Astonished, Maplepaw returned the purr and smiled.

"You're very welcome."

Bluestar padded into her den, her head low to the ground as her tail dragged through the sand. A war in four moons... how will we prepare? Who will we even be fighting against? ShadowClan, rogues or an enemy we've never encountered before? Will we win? And if not, who won't be returning? StarClan please give me answers! She prayed, hoping her ancestors were paying attention. Silence greeted her, causing her to give a low groan.

"Is something wrong?" Mossblaze asked, causing Bluestar to jump. She had forgotten that the queen was here. Sighing, she walked over, deciding that the truth was needed.

"Yes, but it's about the future." she whispered, sitting next to the white she-cat.

"You can tell me, maybe I can even help." Mossblaze meowed, curling her kits closer. She gazed at her leader, horrified by what she saw.

Defeat. Her leader looked utterly defeated, as if the life was drain from her. It caused a shiver to run along the white queen's spine.

"In four moons, there will be a war. The sides are unknown, the enemy unknown, even why it's happening is unknown. But Snowfur passed on the message, and she's never betrayed me. I'm hoping to train all our warriors and apprentice to be fit and ready by then. After that, all we can do is pray and hope that our ancestors will listen. Some will while others won't, and if they can stop a casualty, then hopefully they will. Snowfur helped you deliver those kits; she watched over Whitestorm and took Mosskit under her care. I trust her and love with all my heart…"

"She loves you to, along with Mosskit. Neither of them blame you for anything that happened when they were alive. It's ironic for me to say this, but life goes on and you can't hold onto fear and shame forever. Whatever happened, happened; nothing can change that nor can you dwell on those facts forever. ThunderClan will always survive as long as there's spirit."

"You are a unique cat… StarClan chose well." Bluestar meowed, her eyes glimmering. Mossblaze smiled and gave a purr as her fiery eyes glowed with happiness.

"Every cat keeps telling me that; you, Snowfur, Sunstar, Featherwhisker even Goosefeather. I just hope I don't let you all down." she whispered, lowering her head slightly.

"As long as you follow your heart, you won't let any cat down." Bluestar paused and looked at the two kits sleeping. "I'll be taking Fireheart, Whitestorm and Swiftclaw to RiverClan to retrieve Ravenshadow. If you need anything while we're gone, just call for any cat. I told all of them to stay in camp until we return; just incase anything happens. Tigerclaw is still out there, and won't go down without a fight." she informed, getting to her feet.

"Aright. I wish you luck." Mossblaze meowed, watching the she-cat leave.

Fireheart's paws twitched with excitement, though the snow numbed them almost instantly. His mind raced as he glanced at the patrol gathered around him. They didn't look so enthusiastic, for they had no idea what this was about. We're actually going to save Ravenshadow! He'll finally be home! He wanted to scream those words, but no other cat would understand. In order to complete this mission, the Clan wasn't told everything. Bluestar had said nothing except that they were heading to RiverClan. That alone caused commotion and questions. But everything would be answered when they returned home with Ravenshadow.

The other two toms were confused as Bluestar headed towards them. Whitestorm twitched his unscathed ear while Swiftclaw's tail plowed through the snow. They looked both anxious yet nervous; Fireheart let out a sigh. I understand why she brought Whitestorm, but not the new warrior. She could've chosen Runningwind or Mousefur, but instead she brought Swiftclaw. At least he seems ready for this small adventure. And he's quick on his feet, which will be good when we cross the stepping stones.

"I know I haven't said much about this, but I can't. You will find out when we reach RiverClan camp. And when we get there, play along with everything I say. You have no idea how important this is. Understand?" Bluestar ordered, gazing at them with expressionless eyes. The trio of toms nodded, though two were uncertain about what lay ahead. Giving a flick of her tail, Bluestar headed towards the gorse tunnel. The toms scrambled to keep up.

"Streamkit! Get back to the nursery!" Panthertail called, watching her daughter bounce around in the snow. The young kit glanced at her mother before running towards Ravenshadow, who resided outside Mudfur's den. The tom looked into the she-cats silver orbs and gave a purr.

"You better listen to your mother. You wouldn't want to catch a cold." he meowed, watching disappointment shine in her eyes. She was only half a moon old and yet getting in more trouble than all the apprentices combined. Sighing, the bundle of fluff padded back to the nursery, her tail dragging through the powder. The tom gave a small laugh before turning to the warriors den. Thankfully, his leg was almost healed, allowing him to travel with more ease. He was hoping to go home soon; how was a different problem. He couldn't travel through the snow alone, considering another storm was on its way. Plus if he went across the stepping stones straight into ThunderClan, the RiverClan warriors would point out his mistake. And then they might see him at the following Gathering which would raise even more questions.

"Feeling blue?" Fallingshadow asked, surprising him. He turned around to see her covered in snow, her eyes glittering as she sat down.

"A little. My leg is better and I should be going home soon. But I don't know how or when." he replied. She nodded and gave a sympathetic sigh. Ravenshadow felt even more conflicted because Fallingshadow was a nice cat to hang around with. True he missed Mossblaze and his friends, plus the company of his kin… He could still see the sweet she-cat at Gatherings, along with Silverstream once she had her kits.

"It'll be different when you leave… but Mossblaze will be happy. So will Firehe-" she stalled as her fur rose, sending the powdery flakes falling. Her eyes widened as she whirled around to face a quartet of ThunderClan warriors. At the lead was Bluestar, her eyes a vacant slate. Her whiskers were frosted, as were the rest of her patrols. The three toms behind her looked utterly confused, but tried their hardest not to let it show.

"Bluestar!" Fallingshadow squeaked, bowing her head. "Wh-what can I do for you?"

"Please take us to either Crookedstar or Oakheart. I have something to say to them." she replied, her tone betraying no emotions. The young warrior nodded before dashing away, leaving Ravenshadow alone with his old Clanmates. They stared at him with blank eyes, though Fireheart fidgeted uncontrollably.

"H-hi." the black tom meowed nervously. His paws shuffled through the snow as he refused to look them in the eye. The four said nothing in return as they waited. Oh this is not good! I hope they don't recognize me, but I don't like the way Fireheart is acting. In fact I don't like the way any of them are looking. It's as if they're playing mind games and refusing to show emotion. It's rather creepy. Ravenshadow thought, anxiety racing through his veins.

"They'll see you now." Fallingshadow informed, padding back into the clearing. The quartet stood as one and walked away from the RiverClan warrior and Ravenshadow. Instantly the pale she-cat turned to her friend.

"Did they recognize you?" she demanded, her eyes worried.

"No, they didn't even say a word. But there was something in Fireheart's eyes that told me it'll be alright." he replied, praying it was true. His eyes lingered on his friend's fiery pelt, watching as it disappeared between two snowy clefts.

"Bluestar, to what do I have this surprise." Crookedstar announced politely, staring at the queen as she entered through the frosted fronds. He tilted his head as she simply sat down, her patrol mirroring her moves.

"StarClan has told me that one of my warriors was found by you. I've come to reclaim him. He was lost awhile ago by falling into the gorge. We believed he was dead until StarClan visited me." she notified in a steely tone. The tom froze for a moment, confusion flashing through his mind. His tail kinked for a moment before he finally let out a breath.

"He never mentioned anything, but if you're sure. I'll have Oakheart fetch him." he retorted, flicking his tail. Instantly the reddish-brown tom dashed out of the den, leaving only the rustling fronds a reminder that he was there. Moments later, the tom arrived with a lithe black cat a few steps behind. Ravenshadow lowered his head and stared at the ground as he entered the den. When he sat, he curled his tail around his ebony paws, refused to look at his former Clanmates and tried as hard as he could to keep his fur flat.

"Apparently, these cats say you belong to them. Is that true? Are you a ThunderClan warrior?" Crookedstar demanded, though his voice was neutral. The jet-black tom lifted his head, his leafy eyes staring at the aged leader.

"Yes, it is true. I didn't want to tell you because I was afraid that you wouldn't help me. But my leg is better; I could leave with my Clan. I'm sorry I kept this from you. Please forgive me. I'm thankful to you for healing me; I'll never forget it." he whispered, fear beginning to overcome him. The two RiverClan toms shared a glance before turning towards Bluestar and her patrol.

"Very well… you may return home. Don't forget what we've done, and you better go thank Mudfur before you leave. You may also want to say good-bye to Fallingshadow and Silverstream. They'll be depressed to hear of your departure… Bluestar, may I speak to you alone. Your warriors can go along with Shadow… er Ravenshadow. May StarClan light your path." Crookedstar instructed, slight defeat in his voice. Fireheart tilted his head in confusion before being ushered out of the den along with his comrades. As soon as they were in the clearing, the fiery tom crowded around his friend.

"I'm so glad you're coming home with us! Mossblaze will be so happy." he purred, pressing his nose against his friend's ear. Immediately Ravenshadow perked his ears as concern clouded his eyes.

"Is she all right? Because Fallingshadow told me that you said she was sick. Was that true, or just a cover-up for something?" he asked, worried for his mate. Fireheart flattened his ears and looked away. Whitestorm let out a sigh before he answered the young tom's question.

"She was unconscious for about a moon. She woke up the other night, in fact as soon as she awoke; she gave birth to your kits." the senior warrior informed, his eyes glittering with excitement. "Soon my kits will also be born… I'm sure you're proud to know." As soon as the words were spoken, Ravenshadow stalled, his eyes were wider than an open field. His heart thundered faster than a pair of hummingbird wings, the blood in his veins seemed to boil, as if it could melt the entire forest. For a moment he couldn't breathe, almost as if the world froze. Finally he drew in a breath and blinked.

"This is amazing. I can't wait to see them!" he shouted, picturing his wonderful kits in his mind. He saw their eyes glistening in the sun, their sleek fur shimmering as they bounded through the forest with their parents; he could see his beautiful kits growing up, becoming apprentices and then warriors. It was a perfect scene.

"We should go say good bye to Fallingshadow then; I need to thank her anyway." Fireheart quipped, bringing his friend back to reality. Ravenshadow nodded before padding towards the medicine den; he told her to wait there when he was called into Crookedstar's den. His fellow Clanmates followed without a moment's hesitation.

"How'd it go? Are you going…" the RiverClan warrior trailed off as she saw the other warriors come in. Immediately Mudfur perked his ears and trotted over.

"What's all this then?" he asked, interested as the three ThunderClan warriors formed an arc around Ravenshadow. The lithe ebony tom bowed his head and closed his eyes.

"I'm not who I appear to be, I'm actually a ThunderClan warrior that fell down the gorge. I'm just blessed that I was found and I wouldn't have survived if it wasn't for you. Thank you Mudfur, and I want to thank you Fallingshadow for being a wonderful friend to me. I hope to see you at the Gathering, may StarClan light your path." he mused, his leafy orbs shining with warmth. The light brown tom looked shocked, but nodded all the same.

"You're welcome." he replied, giving a small purr. Fallingshadow just stared on, her pale-blue eyes shimmering with slight distress. Her ears flattened against her head as Ravenshadow moved closer.

"I'll still see you around. I'm not leaving to join StarClan just yet." he reassured, hoping to cheer her up. She spun around and gazed into his eyes. He saw several emotions swirling around, clouding the aspect of what she was truly feeling. All the words were erased from his mind as if he couldn't speak anymore. Feeling empathetic, he placed his tail around her shoulders. She flinched away as if he was made of singeing fire. Without saying another word, she dashed out of the den, leaving only rustling fronds.

The toms looked at each other before giving a sigh. It seemed as if there were no words for this situation, nothing to even do in order to help. Standing to his feet, Fireheart padded towards his friend. He pressed his ear against Ravenshadow's ear. Instantly the agile sable tom snapped out of his trance.

"Sorry, we should probably be going." he whispered, his voice cracking slightly. His Clanmate's agreed, trailing him into the clearing. They were met by Bluestar, who looked rather pleased yet worried at the same time. Fireheart understood, though the others were in confusion. Warned Crookedstar about the war, most likely. I hope he listens and will be on our side; whatever our sides turn out to be. He sighed as an image of cats fighting entered his mind. He shook his head to clear these thoughts as Bluestar opened her mouth.

"Come on, it's time we went home."

Ooh… a war in four moons, Tigerclaw plotting with Brokenstar, Ravenshadow's going home, Swiftclaw has his warrior name, Brightpaw and Thornpaw are apprentices… Interesting huh? I hope you liked the chapter.

Disclaimer: I have not nor will I ever own Warriors.

Until next time!

Sayonara!