Sorry it took me so long to update! I've been working like crazy to get ready for finals, which is coming in like...a week and a half. Anyways, thanks to those who have reviewed!

~Chapter 24~

The clearing was still and silent. Blazepaw's eyes narrowed as he began to wonder where he was. Part of him already knew this place. It was surrounded by rotting fungi, and glowing green moss. The place had a dark, eerie effect on him. Blazepaw shuddered with a strange sensation of want and power, and the strong feelings unnerved him.

His paw was burning furiously like fire as he limped onwards, to where, he didn't know. But something in his mind told him that he was getting closer to the answer of his question: What was wrong with his paw?

Suddenly the ginger tom stopped. Flecks of leaves scattered the ground. Dead, curled up wheat grass surrounded his every turn. Blazepaw's eyes scanned the clearing, until he quickly spotted what had caused the unusual marks. A dark brown tom stood in the center of the clearing. He had thick muscles, a white underbelly and icy blue eyes. Blazepaw stared at the cat in horror when he recognized him.

That's the cat from my dream! He gasped at the revelation. But before he could spit anything out, the dark brown tom padded forward. Every pawstep made the ground vibrate, causing Blazepaw to shudder with dread.

"You're Blazepaw, aren't you." His words were more like a statement rather then a question. "I thought I would meet you eventually." The dark brown tom snorted and looked away, into the shadows.

"Wh-where am I?" Blazepaw asked, stuttering. His pelt crawled like there were ants in them. Blazepaw gazed at the dark brown tom, and suddenly realized that he had fleas in his pelt. What kind of a place is this? he wondered as his nose wrinkled with disgust.

Suddenly the older cat bared his teeth down at Blazepaw. He shrank back, suddenly realizing that this cat could easily flay him if he wanted to. Blazepaw knew if he were to get out of this nightmare alive, he would need his very wits about him.

"You have no idea who I am, do you?" the dark brown tom growled. When Blazepaw shook his head, the dark brown tom drew back. "My name is Hawkfrost. I was once the greatest warrior in RiverClan, until that mousebrain of a brother murdered me!" He was spitting now, writhing around furiously.

Blazepaw stared at him in shock. He remembered tales of how Bramblestar, leader before Hollystar, had had a half brother in RiverClan. Hawkfrost had mysteriously been killed, though most cats believed that Bramblestar had actually murdered him. Blazepaw never even wanted to believe the tales were true. Suddenly his mind reeled back to thoughts of Cinderstar, and how she had admitted that she was Rainshower's mother. Though it was a random thought, it made his fur burn with curiosity.

"You want to know why you're here," Hawkfrost meowed. His tail tip twitched slightly at the sound of approaching pawsteps. Blazepaw followed his gaze until he saw a brown-and-cream she-cat, standing in the center of the clearing. Her blue eyes gleamed coldly as she looked up at Hawkfrost, who now sat down and grinned at them. Blazepaw tilted his head to the side as he watched the she-cat. He had never seen her before, not even on any patrols.

"What is that ThunderClan rat doing here?" she demanded in a snarl. The intensity of her voice made Blazepaw gasp in surprise. He didn't think a cat could be so cold, especially a she-cat.

Hawkfrost looked at both cats before replying. "Brownpatch, you should know," he replied. "Blazepaw is kin of Lionblaze, and Cinderheart."

Brownpatch's eyes widened in astonishment. Then she looked furious, cold, and battle-hungry. She turned to glare at Blazepaw through hate-filled eyes, before springing on him. With a yowl of surprise, Blazepaw fell to the ground, with her weight on top of him. He could barely struggle as she kept a firm grip on his scruff. Her white paw held steadily on his throat, nearly choking him.

"Now, I'm sure you two have met," Hawkfrost meowed with one more flick of his tail. When neither cat replied, he sighed an shook his head. His voice dripped with disappointment as he spoke. "Brownpatch is kin of the great Breezestar, and Blazepaw, you are kin of the great Lionblaze, or Firestar. I have called you here, because I know what you are searching for: Power. You want to protect your Clans with your lives, and at no matter what the cost will you do so. I've seen you both work and fight, and you have skills that even I could never surpass. And I wish to teach you everything I know."

Blazepaw stared at the dark brown tom in shock. But before he could, his paw began to throb with pain. He gasped slightly as he closed his eyes. When the pain dulled, he opened them once more, and found himself back in his own nest, next to Amberpaw. He sat there, panting for several moments before finally relaxing. What was he going to do now?

Sort of a crappy ending. I admit that, I know. But I wasn't sure what else I could add there. And do you guys remember Brownkit from Stars of Glory? I'm not sure if I killed her off, but she's back if I haven't. And she's...well, you'll find out soon enough XD Thanks again everyone for reviewing!