Hi all! This is still a continuation of SnowClan stories from last time. This time I'm focusing on the Icestar, Applewhisker, Largefoot sideplot. This takes place around the time Dovepaw and Cloudpaw are apprentices. This is Part 1, Part 2 to come next week. After this set of story is done, I'll probably take a tiny break from all these characters and then finish it up.

Icestar sat in camp, chatting with Largefoot about patrols. She glanced up as Applewhisker padded into camp. Her eyes suddenly locked on the calico she-cat.

She had returned from hunting alone with a blue jay clamped in her jaws. Icestar's eyes had instead fallen on Applewhisker's stomach, which was quite round. She knew without a doubt that the she-cat was pregnant. Icestar had remembered what it was like being pregnant herself. How had she not noticed earlier.

"Just a second, Largefoot," the white she-cat said, going to greet her deputy.

"How are you today, Applewhisker?" Icestar asked.

"Fine," the she-cat muttered, seemingly unbothered.

Largefoot decided to jut into the conversation now. "What's going on?" he asked. His eyes fell down to the calico's belly and he glanced back up, his whiskers twitching with amusement. "You're hiding something."

"Is there something you want to tell us, Applewhisker?" Icestar asked, not wanting to interrogate the she-cat directly.

"I'm fine! What's up with you two?!" she muttered, stalking away.

Largefoot turned and whispered to Icestar. "She can't hide something so obvious. She's expecting."

"Smart catch, fox brain," Icestar muttered. "I can tell. I'm going to talk to her. You...stay out of this."

"Me? Why?!" Largefoot demanded.

"Because you only aggravate her," Icestar told him. She settled down next to Applewhisker, who was nibbling on a mouse.

"Applewhisker, it's pretty obvious you're expecting kits," she said quietly.

Applewhisker narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth to reply something sassy probably, but she paused.

"I don't want kits," she said in a hushed voice.

"You know you can't keep up your deputy duties like this," Icestar told her, her heart breaking a bit. She really did love Applewhisker's judgment, but she couldn't have the she-cat trying to keep up patrols heavily pregnant or with a bunch of kits following around.

"Well, that's a mouse-brained law," she spat.

"Applewhisker, be reasonable," Icestar said.

"BUT!" Her meow was muted as Largefoot approached.

"Icestar, I suggest we step up patrols. I found a fox sniffing around our territory," Largefoot said.

Icestar glanced at the tom. He was obviously just trying to find a way to eavesdrop.

"I will consider it," Icestar muttered.

The gray tom dipped his head. "The decision is yours. You do what's best for the clan."

Icestar nodded then turned back to Applewhisker. "I'm sorry. You know this is what's best for the clan." She didn't dare ask who the father was. Could it be Largefoot? Icestar shook her head, knowing there was no possibility.

Applewhisker's fate changed in the span of an afternoon. Icestar deemed she be moved to the nursery and relinquish her warrior and deputy duties. She chose Blacktail, a good warrior, to take over Applewhisker's spot.

Icestar hated to see Applewhisker staring so dejectedly out of the nursery entrance, but she supposed it was the best she could do for the calico right now. She didn't want to interrogate her today. Applewhisker had no mate, and if word spread too much, the situation could end up being scandalous, especially since SnowClan was a newer clan.

Icestar gave it a few sunrises before she finally approached Applewhisker about the matter.

"Applewhisker, can I ask who the father is?" Icestar asked. "Do you have a mate?"

"I-I don't know," Applewhisker muttered quietly, trying to avoid contact.

"How do you not know?" Icestar questioned.

Applewhisker remained silent.

"It's not Largefoot, is it?"

"STARCLAN, NO!" Applewhisker shouted. "How would you even suggest that?"

Icestar giggled a bit. "Just a silly theory. But Applewhisker, really, this is more serious than you're making it out to be. I'm not going to publicize anything, but as leader of this clan-"

"No, I don't have to tell you," Applewhisker muttered, stalking out of the den.

Icestar sighed. The she-cat had never had a positive attitude, but now she was never not depressed.

Icestar stepped back outside and watched as Applewhisker lurked near the edge of camp. She shot Icestar a fearful look before taking off into the forest.

Icestar quickly took off after her.

Thankfully, Applewhisker's pregnancy slowed her down, and Icestar was easily able to follow her scent and keep sight of her. The calico did not seem to realize Icestar had come after her.

The SnowClan leader watched cautiously as Applewhisker stepped into FoxClan territory. Icestar tilted her head. What could Applewhisker possibly want with another clan?

Icestar did not want to step into FoxClan territory, but she was the SnowClan leader above all else, and was probably would receive the least amount of discipline from Sunstar, the FoxClan leader.

Icestar noticed Applewhisker sit down near an oak tree. Icestar quickly clambered up the nearest tree and glanced down. She watched as a mucky brown tom poked Applewhisker from behind.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" she hissed. Once her eyes fell on the tom, she stopped, calming down. "Oh, it's you."

The cat licked her nose. "What are you doing here?" he asked calmly.

Icestar's eyes widened. This must be the father of Applewhisker's kits. She narrowed her eyes, vaguely recognizing him. He was the deputy of FoxClan, yet she couldn't recall his name.

There was no time to waste. Icestar slid down the tree and marched up to Applewhisker.

"Um...Applewhisker," the tom said.

Applewhisker spun around, glancing fearfully at her leader. "I-Icestar!"

The mucky tom stood in front of Applewhisker, defending her with his claws unsheathed.

"Are you Applewhisker's mate?" she asked the tom.

The tom lifted his chin. "Maybe..."

"And the father of her kits?"

The unknown cat stared at Applewhisker. "You have kits?!" he meowed excitedly. "That's great," he said in a hushed voice.

"Are you not loyal to SnowClan anymore?" Icestar hissed.

Applewhisker pushed her way toward Icestar. "Of course I am!" she retorted, taking a step back into SnowClan territory.

"Good-bye, Swamptail," Applewhisker said, stalking away.

"She is like prey in my paws," Swamptail purred.

Icestar rolled her eyes and followed after the she-cat. "Well, are you going to speak?"

"What do you mean?" Applewhisker hissed. "Blabber to me about Swamptail?"

"You've just done great treason!" Icestar exclaimed.

"How? No one will know, and no one will figure it out." She lashed her tail at Icestar. "You can't tell anybody."

"Applewhisker, you know this isn't right. I understand 'it's love' and all, but you must realize the severity of this circumstance!" Icestar exclaimed, lashing her white tail.

Applewhisker narrowed her eyes. "Are you suggesting giving up my kits?" she growled.

Guilt flooded Icestar's stomach. Could she ask Applewhisker to do that? Icestar had to give up her kits long ago, and it was the worst feeling in the world. Could she really wish that upon one of her friends, of all cats?

"I hear something!" Applewhisker hissed, pricking her ears. "Come on!" she said, chasing after the faint sound of rustling.

Icestar raced after the she-cat and stepped into a clearing. Dovepaw was there with her mentor Thorndapple who was holding a struggling MoonClan cat by the neck.

Icestar paused. MoonClan had been a threat lately, threatening a great war on them. They'd had to step up security measures, though clearly they hadn't been working as well as she hoped.

"I-I saw her in a dream," Dovepaw said, pointing to the black she-cat.

"I don't care," Thorndapple growled.

"YES! YOU GOT HER!" Applewhisker exclaimed. "Why haven't you killed her yet?"

"She won't let me," Thorndapple said, glancing at Dovepaw.

"Well?!" Applewhisker exclaimed, glaring at the small ginger she-cat.

"I, um, well, I saw her in a dream. A-and she was helping me."

"Hmph, as if. MoonClan cats all deserve to rot in the Dark Forest," Thorndapple growled.

"She was trying to save me in my dream!" Dovepaw exclaimed. "I was being chased by this big tom with a mucky colored pelt and running for my life. And then she-She barreled him over and I was safe."

The black she-cat lifted her head, glancing at Dovepaw.

"Please let her go," Dovepaw begged.

"Let this she-cat go," Icestar told Thorndapple.

"You've got to be kidding. This is a MoonClan cat!" Thorndapple exclaimed.

"This one is small and looks cowardly," Icestar explained. She made direct eye contact with the she-cat. "Don't step back into our territory." The black she-cat nodded.

Thorndapple released her grip and the black she-cat scurried off.

"Well, this is just great," Applewhisker cried, exasperated. She flashed her eyes at Dovepaw.

"We'll battle MoonClan another day," Icestar told her. "The she-cat sure wasn't putting up a fight."

"Whatever," Applewhisker muttered.

They turned, beginning to head back to camp when a thundering sound came from the ground. Applewhisker froze. "What in StarClan's name is that?"

"I-I don't know," Icestar said, pricking her ears.

Suddenly, a furry mass raced by.

"Dogs!" Applewhisker gasped. "In our territory!"

"They're heading straight for camp!" Dovepaw gasped.

"We'll have to hurry," Icestar said. "Come on! Let's go!" she said, beginning to race back to camp.

The dogs were quickly approaching camp, but they were catching up. All at once, Icestar leapt in front of them and let out a loud hiss. The dogs came to a halt. One with light ginger fur stepped out in front.

"We have to be on our way. I suggest you get out of the way," he growled.

"You're not wrecking our camp," Icestar hissed, unsheathing her claws.

"Of course not. What would we do with a bunch of dumb cats?" the dog half-barked and growled. The other dogs chuckled behind this apparent leader. The dog silenced her pack with a glare.

"We're going for something much more important than little kitties."

"Don't step near our camp," Icestar warned.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," the dog growled, taking off. She led her pack away from them.

"What was that about?" Dovepaw asked. "Wait. where's Applewhisker?"

Icestar glanced around, finding the she-cat nowhere in sight.

Suddenly, a yowl, near the direction of camp.

"Let's go!" Icestar said, motioning her and Thorndapple forward. They ran toward the sound and found Applewhisker unconscious on blood stained grass. As the dogs began to sniff at her, Largefoot ran towards them.

"SNOWCLAN, ATTACK!" he yowled.

Icestar breathed in relief, seeing Largefoot and his patrol had happened to run into the dogs. A flurry of claws and teeth filled the clearing with dogs snapping and cats hissing.

Icestar watched as Dovepaw launched at a spotted dog's shoulder. The leader herself began to leap on the nearest dog. She didn't care what their intentions were. They were in her territory, and that was an issue for her.

Reinforcements were sent by Thorndapple, and soon, the SnowClan cats were battling off the mass of dogs that invaded camp.

"Retreat!" the same ginger dog yowled.

The dogs took off, yipping in defeat.

"We did it!" Icestar exclaimed. If they could take down dogs, they could surely take down MoonClan...her thoughts subsided as she saw Applewhisker still laying motionless in the grass. Rain was beginning to fall, coating their pelts. She watched as Largefoot whispered something into the injured calico's ear.

Icestar concernedly walked over to the two. Applewhisker was still breathing but her beautiful coat was streaked with blood, and her eyes were shut.

Largefoot closed his eyes. "It can't be," he muttered under his breath. He bent down and gently licked her nose.

In an instant, Applewhisker opened her eyes. She blinked, staring at Largefoot. "S-Swamptail?"

Largefoot froze, looking surprised. "Huh? Wait, who's Swamptail?" he meowed.

Applewhisker's eyes focused more clearly and she froze, before beginning to close them again.

"Thorndapple, go get Nightwhisker!" Icestar hissed. The warrior took off as Icestar drew in closer to Largefoot and Applewhisker.

"No!" he hissed in a mixture of fear and sorrow. He helplessly started to nuzzle her cheek, hoping for her eyes to open.

Icestar dipped her head. Was Applewhisker seriously dying? What had happened?

"Applewhisker, are you alive?" he whispered.

The calico re-opened her eyes and pawed at his face. "Shut up, furball!" she murmured.

"Oh, thank StarClan!" Icestar exclaimed.

Largefoot started to lick Applewhisker's fur the wrong way in an attempt to make her pelt dry. The rain had started to stop, though the sky was still dark.

"Let's try to get back to camp to get Applewhisker some good medicine cat care," Icestar suggested.

Largefoot nodded and stood. Applewhisker attempted to stand but began falling over. Largefoot raced to her side and let her lean against him as they marched back to the SnowClan camp.

Many of the cats had already returned, though Icestar made sure to walk slowly so Applewhisker wouldn't be too strained.

As they entered, Dovepaw raced out of the apprentice den. "Are they gone?" she whispered, looking around for any sign of a dog.

"Yes. Don't worry," Icestar told the apprentice. She turned and glanced at Applewhisker. "Are you okay?"

"Of course I am," she meowed, a little snap in her voice. Icestar grinned a bit, seeing Applewhisker was still acting a bit like herself. The calico still winced after she spoke.

"Let's get you to the medicine cat den," Largefoot said, leading her away.

The next moon seemed to possess almost too much excitement for SnowClan. On top of Cloudpaw becoming a warrior, the clan was launched into battle with MoonClan. There were many casualties, but they had come up on top, and that threat had been gone.

Applewhisker recovered, and while there was no open knowledge that Swamptail was the father, cats still whispered a bit about her, knowing she had no mate.

Icestar had still punished the she-cat in a quiet way. She knew tradition called for exile, but Applewhisker was a good warrior and one of her closest friends. She had practically helped the she-cat grow SnowClan.

Icestar could sense Applewhisker's depression on a daily basis, and she at last went and visited the she-cat one day.

"Applewhisker," Icestar whispered, seeing that the pregnant she-cat was asleep outside of the nursery.

"Wha?" she asked, looking up sleepily. "Oh...it's you. What do you want?"

"I just wanted to check if you were okay," Icestar said.

"I'm fine. Go away," she mumbled, turning her head away.

"You don't seem fine."

"I'm peachy," she growled.

"What's wrong, Applewhisker?"

"None of your concern," she mumbled.

"You look like you're thinking deeply about something," Icestar noticed.

"Yeah?! So what if I am?! Leave me alone!"

"Applewhisker..." Icestar knew the calico didn't want to talk, but she didn't want the she-cat to live like this either.

The she-cat paused and glanced at Icestar. "I'm thinking of...leaving."

"What? Why? You've had your punishment. I'm not threatening you with exile," Icestar told her.

"You don't understand. I have to go."

"Is it Swamptail?" Icestar asked, lowering her voice. She watched as tears began to fill the calico's eyes.

"Swamptail...He said if I don't leave with him, he'll kill my kits."

"Hello!" came a friendly voice. Icestar turned, watching as Largefoot and Dovepaw approached. As soon as he glanced at Applewhisker, he froze.

"Uh, is this a bad time?" the gray tom asked.

"Um..." Icestar murmured. None of them knew what to reply.

"What's the matter?" Largefoot asked.

"She's being threatened by her mate," Icestar explained. She knew Applewhisker wouldn't want her to speak of it, but she couldn't keep everyone in the dark.

"Applewhisker...who is your mate?" Dovepaw asked.

The calico queen dug her claws into the ground. "Swamptail," she muttered.

"You mean...the exiled FoxClan deputy?" Largefoot asked. It was true. At the latest gathering, Sunstar had announced the exile of Swamptail. He had apparently tried to attack her and take her role as leader.

"I need to leave," Applewhisker said again.

Largefoot's eyes glimmered with fear. "Applewhisker, you can't leave! Stay here!"

She shook her head. "No, Largefoot." Suddenly, the gray furred warrior nuzzled her.

Icestar stepped back in surprise and made awkward eye contact with Dovepaw.

"We can stop Swamptail from doing anything to you," Icestar offered.

"Icestar, he is much more powerful than you think. He has cats working for him, and we'll be well outnumbered," Applewhisker explained.

"I'm going to find him right now," Icestar said.

"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Applewhisker hissed.

Icestar took off, noticing the she-cat taking off behind her. She ran quickly, knowing Applewhisker couldn't keep up her pace being so pregnant.

As she dipped into FoxClan territory, a rustle came from the bushes, and a mucky colored cat leapt out of the bushes. His eyes fell on Icestar and he cursed to himself, "Oh, for StarClan's sake, really?!"

Swamptail, Icestar thought, recognizing that mucky pelt.

"You leave Applewhisker alone," she growled, unsheathing her claws.

The mucky cat's blue eyes looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play games with me," she hissed.

"No! I really don't know!"

"I know you've threatened Applewhisker, and I will send an army of SnowClan warriors after you if you don't back down."

"Who's Applewhisker?! I really don't know!"

"Icestar, what are you doing?!" came a hiss. She spun around to see Applewhisker, who had apparently managed to catch up to her after all. Largefoot had followed as well and came moments behind her.

Applewhisker approached slowly and glanced at the tom.

"He's telling the truth, Icestar. This isn't Swamptail."

Largefoot narrowed his eyes. "It looks just like him."

Applewhisker shook her eyes. "Swamptail doesn't have blue eyes."

The tom looked much relieved. "Thank StarClan. I thought you were going to rip me to shreds."

"Who are you, then?" Icestar demanded.

"Yarrowfur. Swamptail is my brother," he said.

"Oh...forgive me," Icestar murmured.

"That's all right...I think? Swamptail has been exiled for a while after his attempt to kill Sunstar. I'm sorry I couldn't give you more information."

All of the sudden, there was a yowl, and a cat leapt out of the bushes. Icestar glanced, immediately recognizing the cat as Yarrowfur's brother.

"SWAMPTAIL!" he shouted, launching at his brother.

"Wait, wait!" Icestar shouted. "We need to speak to him."

Swamptail shook his brother off then turned, his eyes narrowing on Largefoot. "I know you!" he hissed. "You're Largefoot, aren't you?"

Largefoot gulped and nodded.

Swamptail marched up to him, his sharp teeth gleaming. "Applewhisker is my mate."

A boom of thunder interrupted whatever conversation the two toms were having. Largefoot stood his ground and dug his claws into Swamptail. The tom just laughed though.

"Foolish cat!" Swamptail hissed. He got ahold of Largefoot's paw and threw him off with great strength. Then, he turned to Icestar.

Before Icestar could even move, he scraped his claw across her muzzle. Icestar let out a yowl of pain as her white muzzle became stained red with blood.

Applewhisker stood to the side, paralyzed.

Meanwhile, Yarrowfur snuck up from behind and bit down hard on his brother's tail. Swamptail yowled in pain and turned around, about ready to attack his brother when a mocking laugh came from the sky.

They all froze and glanced up. Up on a tree branch sat a slim, white cat. She gave a wicked smile to all the cats.

"KOROSU!" Applewhisker yelled.

Icestar had heard of the she-cat before and her wicked nature, though she had never dealt with this cat before.

"Now, now darling. That's no way to treat someone when you just saw them." She smiled and leapt down from the tree. She walked between the cats and grinned. Icestar slowly unsheathed her claws, trying to ignore the pain in her muzzle.

Swamptail blinked. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I just dropped to say hi," she said. She calmly sat down and licked her paw. She peeked one eye open at Icestar. "That is, if it's not too bad of a time," she chuckled.

"Get out of here," Icestar hissed, already not a fan of the white she-cat.

"Oh my. Someone woke up on the wrong side." The she-cat still sat while the others all stood around her, their claws unsheathed.

"YAHH!" Yarrowfur charged at her, but before he could hit her, she stepped to one side, and Yarrowfur ran straight into a tree.

She awkwardly poked him. "My dear."

Yarrowfur twitched his leg and groaned.

Largefoot hissed at the she-cat. "Don't joke around, Korosu. You're outnumbered."

"Oh, you're so very wrong," she said, laughing. Suddenly, four cats appeared out of the bushes behind her.

Icestar gulped. The four cats did not waste their time, and one gray tabby launched at Icestar, beginning to claw at her.

Icestar yowled and threw the cat off. She glanced around, trying to see what the others were doing.

Yarrowfur was battling a black an white tom. Largefoot was pinning down a tortoiseshell she-cat. Applewhisker was struggling under a tabby she-cat's paws.

"Get off!" Icestar shouted, pushing the tabby off the pregnant she-cat.

Applewhisker got up. There was a claw mark over her face, and blood was trickling down from the gash. She glanced up, eyes widening.

"DUCK!" she shouted at Icestar.

Icestar crouched down, and a gray tabby flew over Icestar, his claws unsheathed. He missed and went over her, landing awkwardly.

"What should we do?" Icestar asked.

"I don't kn-ahhh!" Applewhisker shouted as another one of Korosu's cats chomped down on her tail. She spun around and hissed as another bit her leg.

A cat launched at Icestar from behind. She turned, recognizing it as Swamptail. He sunk his teeth into her shoulder, and she let out a yowl, clawing at him.

"Give up!" he snarled.

"SnowClan will win. We'll get reinforcements," she growled.

"So? I can take seven SnowClan mouse-brained cats any time!" He held a claw to Icestar's throat but was knocked over by Yarrowfur. What followed was a flurry of fur and claws as the two brothers engaged in battle.

Icestar stood up, a bit shaken. Largefoot was wandering around beside her, shouting, "Applewhisker! Applewhisker?!"

"Here!" she shouted, pinning down a gray tabby.

"Let's get out of here!" Icestar shouted.

"Yes, that would be a good idea," Largefoot meowed.

"Come on," she said, taking off into the woods. The two cats followed after their leader, walking/running at a fast pace. They slowed as they got deeper into SnowClan territory, but Largefoot suddenly whispered in Icestar's ear, "Don't look now, but I think we're being followed."

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed movement. She nodded.

"WE NEED TO DO IT NOW!" Applewhisker shouted as they neared camp.

"This way," Icestar said, taking a corner fast that led them away from camp. Largefoot curved around and followed. Applewhisker mimicked the move, but nearly fell over.

One of the cats following skidded to a halt. "Wait! I think it's a trap!" His voice was muffled over the trampling paws of Korosu's cats.

"I think we lost one," Largefoot whispered to Icestar.

"Which way should we go?" Icestar asked.

"How about over there?" Largefoot suggested, flicking his ear over to a stream on the far left. "I think it leads to a lake and we can lose them!"

They began moving quicker, hoping to lure the cats away. Suddenly, Largefoot came to a halt.

"Where's Applewhisker?!"

"I thought she was right behind..." Icestar spun around, seeing that the calico was nowhere in sight."

"Applewhisker!" Largefoot shouted.

They heard yowls and rushed toward the noise.

"I'll rip your eyes out!" they heard. Icestar rushed forward, finding Applewhisker standing down Korosu's cats.

Icestar unsheathed her claws. "GET OUT OF HERE!" she shouted, launching at them.

The three cats yowled when they saw her and rushed away, but Applewhisker began to follow.

"Hey! Come back here, you cowards!"

"No. Let's head back," Icestar said, rushing up to her.

"Yes. I suppose you're right."

"Thank StarClan, you're all right," Largefoot said as he saw her, letting out a sigh of relief.

"We need to get back to camp."

The two nodded in agreement.

As they headed back, Applewhisker let out a heavy sigh. "It felt like we'd never get out of there."

"Yes, a strange SnowClan kitty indeed," came an odd voice.

Largefoot froze. "Applewhisker? Did you say something?"

Applewhisker froze. "No. Icestar?"

"I didn't say anything," she said, her heart beginning to pound.

"But who said that?" Largefoot and Applewhisker asked in unison.

"Oh my, two mousebrains. What ever shall we do?" the voice came again.

Icestar glanced up, watching a feathery tail sway. Largefoot batted at it with his paw.

"Well, aren't you a playful kitty?"

Icesta's eyes locked on the white and cream cat watching them from below. How had Korosu managed to follow them here?

Korosu leapt down from the tree and grinned. Largefoot stood in front of Applewhiser. "What do you want?" he asked.

She moved her long tail over Largefoot's noise, and he let out a sneeze. Applewhisker cuffed him over the ear.

"What was that for?!" he hissed.

"For being an idiot."

"Come to take over SnowClan?" Icestar asked the she-cat.

Korosu sat in front of Icestar. "In your dreams, little kitty. Oh, yes. That reminds me." She looked deep into Icestar's eyes. There was suddenly a flash of light, and she was in a weird forest.

"Hello?" Icestar asked, not sure where she was. In StarClan, the Dark Forest, a dream. What if she had died?

There was silence until a cat, far away from Icestar, made a cry.

"You can't do this!" It sounded like a she-cat.

Then another cat spoke. "Oh, yes I can, so shut up and let me do this!" It sounded like a tom, and a tough one at that.

Icestar glanced down at the ground below her. She was sitting on a trail of ground with grass lining the edges and lots of pine trees.

The two feline shapes seemed to fade away before the clan leader could figure out who they were, and then there was only a squeal, a scream, a flash, and al was gone.

Icestar opened her eyes, hearing Largefoot speak. "Is she dead?"

"What? Huh?" Icestar asked.

"Icestar, you're awake!" Largefoot explained.

She glanced around, realizing she was in the leader den back in SnowClan.

"What happened?" Icestar asked suddenly. Her heart was pounding after that strange dream.

"After you passed out, we tried to fight Korosu, but we couldn't that well. Swamptail came and fought her too. We managed to drag you back without them following us and brought you to your den."

Icestar glanced at them, noticing fresh claw marks on both. She felt guilt stir in her. How had she just passed out like that?

"You didn't see Korosu again?" Icestar asked.

"No. I don't think she followed us."

Icestar sighed and shook her head. "What are we going to do?"

"You need to rest for now," Largefoot told her. "We'll figure out how to deal with both Swamptail and Korosu later."

She nodded, but even as she left, she had this odd feeling inside her that all would not be as solved as she hoped.