"This is the story of your life, You decide, How the rest is gonna read, This is your chance between the lines, To redefine what kind of legacy you leave, This is the story of your life, And it's a story worth telling..." - The Story Of Your Life, Matthew West

-I thought this song was very fitting for this story. Love Matthew West :)

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

"Can we be warriors now?" Amusement surged through Breezestar as she watched Flutterkit and Batkit. They were almost six moons old, and their size showed it. Flutterkit was smaller than her brother, Batkit, but she didn't let her size discourage her. In fact, Flutterkit was often the one getting into trouble in the nursery. "We're almost old enough now," Flutterkit added.

"Only when you can hunt without causing so much noise," Breezestar told them. "Until than you can practice your hunter's crouch with Batkit. We could use someone to protect the camp while the battle goes on." Flutterkit's eyes glowed with warmth at those words.

Both kits started practicing their moves while the day dragged on. They would need something to keep themselves occupied. Especially with the battle fast approaching. Breezestar could only hope that their lives wouldn't pay the price of this battle.

"We should step up the patrols," meowed Thrushfur as she approached the small group. He was with Redfire and Brooksong. Rabbitsnow was out with Mythflower and Patchwhisker, patrolling the border to ensure that no rogue had crossed it. By now everyone was getting antsy with the oncoming battle.

I wish I knew when to strike, she admitted guiltily. I've never felt more helpless than now. Maybe she should ask Archwhisker when the best time was. He had experience fighting these cats. He knew the rogues better than anyone else aside from Sootpaw.

"Breezestar, are you okay?" She jumped when she felt a tail brushing her shoulder. She hadn't even noticed that Jadeleaf was watching from a safe distance.

"I'm just... concerned, for everyone," she admitted. "I don't know when to fight the rogues, and I feel as though everyone's lives are in danger because of me."

Guilt stabbed at her heart as Jadeleaf lowered her gaze. "We joined this Clan because it gave us a sense of hope," she meowed. "We're bound by the warrior code, to protect those who need to be protected, and keep the memory of this Clan alive."

Breezestar stared at Jadeleaf in surprise. The queen had never spoken this way before. She noticed the pride showing in Jadeleaf's eyes as she looked on at her kits. They were truly the future of the Clan. And protecting them was more important than anything else now.

"Thank you," Breezestar suddenly murmured. Jadeleaf tilted her head to one side as Breezestar continued, "I've always had doubts that building the Clan was wrong... that Tangleclaw had been right to say this was a bad idea."

Jadeleaf simply dipped her head respectfully before returning to her kits. It only just dawned on Breezestar how little she knew about these cats. If they were going to fight together, than it was time she learned more about them and their past. Maybe after this battle was over she would try and find out more about everyone.

. . .

A hiss of pain escaped from Owlpaw's lungs as she followed the path to her cave. Tonight was the half moon. And though she had refused to speak with anyone, Breezestar already knew about the journey she had to make. For some reason Breezestar was determined to make sure that she was safe.

Owlpaw wasn't going to admit why she had hissed in pain. So far she had already taken more prey than necessary from the Clan. No cat seemed to notice what she was up to, and she was thankful for that. Her heart was already twisted with anger and self pity. The last thing she needed was more cats worrying about her.

It didn't take her long to reach the cave. A shaft of moonlight reached through the cave's entrance, bleaching the already gray stone white. Owlpaw held back a sigh as she padded inside. Maybe this would be a quick meeting with StarClan. She could only hope they would be understanding when they found out what had happened. She closed her eyes and wondered what her mother would say.

Mother would rip their ears to shreds, she thought bitterly. If she was still alive. But sadly her mother had died so long ago that Owlpaw could hardly remember her. At least she could see her family in StarClan now. Even if it meant facing her deepest fears.

Holding back a sigh, Owlpaw pressed her nose against the cold stone. A shiver ran down her spine, and almost instantly she blacked out.

Heartbeats seemed to pass before Owlpaw opened her eyes again. She found herself standing in the middle of a clearing surrounded by ancient looking trees. Her eyes widened in alarm when she saw there were no stars in the sky. But the moon showed brighter than ever.

"Owlpaw, my dear little kit." Owlpaw flinched when she recognized her mother's voice. There was no cold anger in Lark's voice. Only concern and the love of a mother. Owlpaw lifted her gaze to see that Lark was standing in front of her. "If I had known what they were doing, I would've found some way to warn you," she added in a low whisper.

"Even you couldn't stop this," Owlpaw hissed. She was surprised by the bitterness in her voice. Lark didn't even flinch at the tone. Instead she brushed her muzzle against her daughter's forehead.

"You're too young to face this," Lark murmured. "I wish there was more I could do for you."

Owlpaw raised her chin and tried to compose herself. She wasn't here for the sympathy. She was here to find out if there was a way to end Storm's reign without a battle happening. It seemed as though war was inevitable at this point.

"There is something I can do though," Lark suddenly meowed. Owlpaw looked at her mother in disbelief. "It is time you received a full name, in honor of the courage you have shown in these past few days."

Confusion swept through Owlpaw. She had never thought that she would make it this far.

"I, Lark, call upon our ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help, she will serve her Clan for many moons. Owlpaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from Clan rivalry between Clan and Clan, and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?"

The words sent shivers down Owlpaw's spine. "I-I do," she replied while trembling.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your full medicine cat name. Owlpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Owlheart, in honor of your courage and bravery."

Lark suddenly rested her muzzle on her daughter's forehead. Pride and a new sense of hope surged through her as she licked her mother's shoulder in response.

"You will always have a place in StarClan," Lark added after they pulled apart.

Her appearance suddenly began to disappear. There was so much more that needed to be said and done. But for now, goodbye was the only thing she could say.

AN: So there's the end of that chapter. I know it's too short for it's own good, but meh. It's mostly a filler anyways. Thanks Cookies and Cream for reviewing, you're awesome!