Ah! It's been so long since I updated! I'm so sorry, but I was having computer problems. My laptop went haywire and I was afraid of typing on it and end up losing everything. So I transferred all of my documents to a flashdrive and waited for my computer to be repaired. It recently was. So, I began to type like crazy for this chapter.

Thanks to Leafwing, grassfeather, stonestream, GoldenHeart15, and Rainbowzeatyou for reviewing. You're all awesome!

So, without further a due, here's chapter 32!

Chapter 32: Council

Mossblaze's gaze flickered between the medicine cat and Blackstar, who was trying his hardest not to cough. The white tom appeared frailer than he ever had, from his ragged fur, his dull eyes, to his limp muscles that used to ripple beneath his coat; he was weaker than a newborn kit.

"Get out of my den!" Blackstar rasped, his yellow eyes narrowed as he wheezed. Mossblaze flinched, horrified to see the leader this way. Looks can be deceiving. Shuffling her paws, she tried to find her voice.

"I-I'm sorry, but I need to talk to you. It's a matter of life and death for your Clanmates. Please listen to what I have to say." she pleaded, hoping that he would allow her to stay. Beside Blackstar, the medicine cat gave a small growl as she approached Mossblaze. Her yellow eyes blazed into the ThunderClan warrior, the intensity great enough to set the forest on fire.

"Why should we? You barge into our camp and ask that we listen to you. Get out of here while you still have your ears attached." she warned, turning back to Blackstar. The tom gave a low cough as his body shuddered. Wh-what should I do? I can't leave and allow them to be attacked by the rogues. But I don't want to make them mad so that they won't help is either. Oh, StarClan, please help me. Mossblaze's thoughts mingled as she tried to figure out what to do.

"But StarClan warned me about a future battle. We need all the Clans to fight together or else we'll all be destroyed!" she snapped, her voice rising. Her scarlet eyes shone with defiance, seeing the image of Fourtrees covered in blood, slain bodies littering the sacred place. She wanted to try her hardest to not make that image come true.

"Why would StarClan visit you about this? Why wouldn't they warn the leaders or medicine cats first?" the gray she-cat asked, keeping her back to Mossblaze. The warrior wished she could remember their name, but just couldn't. She didn't recall hearing about her at Gatherings, from Spottedleaf, from any cat for that matter. Her name is Yellowfang young one. A voice whispered to her. She recognized it as Thunder's, and sent a silent thank you to the tom.

"Yellowfang, I hope I don't get in trouble with Bluestar for this… but only two days ago, rogues attacked our camp. They killed my father and my two kits, which were less than two moons old. I was then warned that they would attack again, but with greater numbers. Please, believe me. I don't want any other cat to suffer." she meowed, her gaze dropping to her paws. She saw Yellowfang hesitate, thinking over what she had just said.

"Those yellow-bellied cowards! Murdering kits, that's unforgivable. I'll talk to Nightpelt, and see what he thinks. But keep your mouth closed about Blackstar, or else you'll end up having scars like mine." she warned, making Mossblaze flinch.

"Y-yes, I won't say anything to any cat." Yellowfang nodded before flicking her tail. Mossblaze bowed her head before backing out of the den. She was met with an angry Whitestorm and confused Littlecloud and Whitethroat.

"Don't ever pull a stupid stunt like that!" her Clanmate shouted, his yellow eyes blazing. She flattened her ears, though her expression was still a happy one. Hopefully they'll listen and come with us to the Gathering. She gave a small smile as she saw Nightpelt entering Blackstar's den. After a few moments of awkward silence, the deputy padded over to them with Yellowfang behind him.

"After some… consideration, we've agreed to come to this Gathering. Littlecloud, Whitethroat, go get Boulder and Darkflower. The four of you will come with me to the Gathering." he ordered, his claws digging into the snow. The two warriors nodded before heading off to fetch the two cats. Only five of their cats are coming. There must be fewer cats in this Clan than I realized, or they don't trust us because I know Blackstar's ill. Mossblaze thought, watching Littlecloud bound over with a black she-cat behind him, her swollen belly swaying from side to side with each step.

"Mossblaze, this is Darkflower. Darkflower, Mossblaze." the tom introduced, looking at the two she-cats. The black queen glanced at the white she-cat, her eyes scanning her face and fur. She gave a small smile.

"It's nice to meet you." Darkflower meowed, flicking her ear. Mossblaze returned the grin. Together, the patrol of ThunderClan and ShadowClan cats headed to Fourtrees.

The frosted covered trees towered over the cats, shimmering in the little light. Mossblaze narrowed her eyes to shield them from the reflection. Almost stumbling, she glanced around at the gathered cats. Nightpelt bounded over to the other leaders, Boulder behind him. Bluestar looked surprised by the two toms, but seemed happy that ShadowClan had arrived. Beside her, Crookedstar was talking to Tallstar. Mossblaze glanced away from them and saw a small group of queens talking. Dawnflower was in a conversation with Ashfoot, Panthertail, and a golden-brown and silver she-cat. Kit's trotted around them, which intrigued her. Shrugging, she headed off towards a group of ThunderClan and RiverClan warriors.

"I see you managed to persuade ShadowClan to come, it must've taken a miracle." Slashfire murmured, earning a laugh from his companions. Mossblaze smiled as she cuffed his ear with a sheathed paw.

"I almost lost my ears in the process." She paused and looked at her group of friends. She was met with warm gazes from her Clanmates and the RiverClan warriors. "Were you told what this was about?" Fallingshadow and Smoketail fidgeted as Slashfire flinched. Cindersky watched on as she sat next to Brackenstorm.

"No. Crookedstar just asked us to accompany him to Fourtrees. He told us that we'd find out why when we got here." Fallingshadow answered, glancing at her leader.

"Let's hope that we do find out soon." Smoketail meowed. Mossblaze nodded and twitched her ears, hearing cats approach. She turned to see Galestorm, Tornear and the golden queen from earlier walking towards them. Littlecloud bounded after them, his light blue eyes shimmering as he chased a small kit.

"There you are. I wanted you to meet someone." Tornear chirped, smiling as he looked at the golden queen. Her lime eyes shined as she looked at the tom, a purr in her voice.

"I'm Yewdeath, Tornear's mate." Her voice sounded like a song, draping through the air in a melodious way. Behind her, the young kit jumped away from Littlecloud and trampled into Tornear.

"I got you!" the tabby kit squealed, glancing at Tornear. The tom rolled on the ground with the kit, laughing as the kit battered him with her small paws.

"Spiritkit! Calm down." Yewdeath meowed, looking at the kit. The tabby she-cat left Tornear and bounded up to Yewdeath, her eyes wide.

"Mom! I wanted to come and have fun." she whined, though her voice resembled her mother's; pretty and soothing. The golden she-cat bent down and gave her daughter a lick.

"You should still count your blessings that Tallstar let you come with us. Normally kits aren't allowed at Gatherings, but due to the events, you were able to come." Tornear explained, looking at the young kit. Spiritkit nodded before glancing at Mossblaze.

"You helped my father fight the rogues off. You're really pretty." she whispered, causing Mossblaze to flatten her ears in embarrassment.

"Thank you." she replied, causing the kit to beam with happiness. The cats murmured amongst themselves until Tallstar let out a yowl, causing the entire clearing to fall silent.

"Until today, the Clans have lived apart, keeping their problems to their selves. That has all changed. We now need to unite to stop the force that will invade us in three and a half moons. If we don't fight together as the Clans of the forest, we will lose our home, our kin, and our lives. I have talked with the other leaders, and Nightpelt who is acting for Blackstar, and we have agreed to train for this upcoming war. Together, we will take down the evil that want's to plague our existence." The gathered cats listened to Tallstar as he spoke, taking in every word. Mossblaze watched her friend's expressions, seeing the RiverClan cat's shock and uncertainty. Fallingshadow whispered something to Smoketail as Slashfire bounded over to Panthertail. He spoke to his mother in a quick tone two other RiverClan cats joined them.

"Who are we fighting against?" a voice asked. Mossblaze recognized it as Leopardfur; she was sitting next Whitethroat, Mudclaw, and Blackclaw. A ripple of whispering went through the cats as they commentated to one another. The leaders shared a glance with each other, struggling to figure out what to say.

"An army brought up by Tigerclaw. He has sworn to take vengeance on the Clans." Crookedstar answered, looking at his warrior.

"Then shouldn't ThunderClan face his wrath because they were the ones that caused it?" Boulder asked. Whitethroat looked at his Clanmate, surprised by his remark.

"Not when he plans on destroying all four Clans. If we don't fight together, we will all perish at his claws. Understand?" Bluestar replied, narrowing her eyes. Boulder nodded and looked away.

"But, why now? Why are we going to fight them now?" Panthertail questioned. Bluestar looked at WindClan, their eyes wavering. Tallstar lowered his head and sighed, causing the other leaders to tilt their heads.

"Two of the four Clans have been attacked. If we don't band together, who knows how many lives will be ruined and if the Clans will even survive. We need to preserve the way of the Clans by fighting together to get rid of Tigerclaw. That's why we need to prepare now." Bluestar responded. A wave of understanding went through the throng of cats.

"Until the war, each leader will assign a warrior to travel to the other Clans to spread news of training. We must make sure that we can fight together. For my Clan, I will assign Galestorm to be WindClan's messenger." Tallstar addressed.

"RiverClan's messenger will be Stonefur."

"ShadowClan's will be Whitethroat."

"And ThunderClan gives the honor to Runningwind." The four leaders looked at each cat as they named them.

"Also, WindClan invites two new cats to our Clan." Tallstar started, focusing on a silver she-cat. "I have talked to her, and she has decided to join WindClan with her son. They have sworn to remain loyal to my Clan and I. So, I, Tallstar, welcome Riverfrost and her son Forestpaw to WindClan as a full warrior and apprentice. Forestpaw will become my apprentice until he earns his warrior name. Riverfrost will train alongside Runningbrook and Onewhisker as she learns our Clan's way." The black-and-white tom leapt down from the rock and bounded to the dark gray tom. The two toms touched noses, signaling the faith the rogues had in becoming true warriors.

"Forestpaw! Forestpaw!" the crowd chanted, welcoming the new apprentice.

"We will meet on the full moon for our normal Gathering. Until then, may StarClan light your path and good hunting." Nightpelt yowled, ending the meeting. The cats broke up into their own patrols, following their leaders' home. Mossblaze said goodbye to her friends, noticing their surprise and nervousness. We're one step closer. We'll defeat Tigerclaw and bring peace to the forest.

"Now all we have to do is tell the Clan." Fireheart meowed, causing her to jump. "I know the apprentices will be happy, but some of the warriors will be edgy."

"I know, but after what happened at our camp, they'll want revenge. Same with the WindClan cats." she replied, stepping beside him. Ravenshadow joined her as they followed Bluestar. The black tom twined his tail with his mate and gave her a lick on the cheek. She purred in relief as she noticed no major wounds on him.

"Tough times are ahead, we'll need you to lead us along with Bluestar." he whispered. Fireheart nodded as he stepped closer. Mossblaze released a soft sigh and hung her head.

"I'll just be happy when all of this is over." Her words traveled through the approaching night. A star appeared through the dark clouds, shining upon the cats. Mossblaze saw it twinkle as two smaller stars appeared below it.

"We love you, and we'll always will. We'll watch out for you during your training and when the war occurs. We don't want you joining us yet." Leopardstripe's voice entered her mind, circling around as she looked at the star. She felt her paws twitch as she remembered her father's face as he died.

Thank you, father. I hope you have found peace in StarClan and I hope Sunkit and Icekit are alright as well. Wolfkit, I love you and hope that you're with father again. She thought, thinking about her kin. Closing her eyes, she sent a silent prayer to them.

When the patrol arrived back at camp, an electric buzz stirred. The Clan seemed more active as they asked questions and begged to be told what happened. Every apprentice wished they could have fought while they bounced around excitedly. Featherfur rushed to her daughter while Mousefur went to Cloudsplash. It was obvious that the two were growing more attached.

"Thank StarClan you're not hurt." Featherfur cooed, licking her daughter's ears. Mossblaze smiled at her mother's concern.

"StarClan is watching over me and I'm thankful for that." she replied. The splashed queen grinned at the warrior, happy to see her beaming with pride.

"ThunderClan!" Bluestar yowled, jumping to the top of Highrock. Instantly every cat silenced themselves and focused on their leader. "War is coming and we must prepare. The newest apprentices will mainly focus on hunting. Brightpaw, Thornpaw, and Cloverpaw will train with their mentors on their fighting skills. They are the only apprentices that will fight in the battle. I want every warrior that doesn't have an apprentice to train with another warrior. Spottedleaf, I want you to teach Maplepaw some defensive moves, otherwise, continue with her apprenticeship as if everything was normal. During all of your training, check in with Whitestorm." Bluestar glanced at her nephew before looking back at her Clan. "If you encounter any problems, or sense any strange presences in the forest, come and warn me immediately. We showed those rogues a lesson today, but when they come back, we'll show them the true power of the Clans. Tomorrow, we will begin preparation. ThunderClan, you are dismissed." she ended with a roar that rang through the camp. The Clan followed, echoing their leader. As Bluestar jumped to the ground, Mossblaze watched her, thinking about how far she had come. I won't let you down, Bluestar. I'll follow you to the end of time. Flicking her ears, she heard Cloverpaw running towards her.

"I'm going to be in the battle? Really?" she asked, her leaf green eyes wide.

"Yes, because you are my apprentice and I'm sure that you'll be great in battle once I teach you some moves. Just don't go bragging to the other apprentices." Mossblaze meowed. Cloverpaw nodded before twirling around in the snow.

"Ooh! Training is going to be so much fun." she exclaimed, earning a laugh from her mentor.

"You think that now, but just wait when you're exhausted and sore." Cloverpaw's excitement didn't disappear as she continued to bug her mentor. Slightly annoyed, due more to fatigue and sore muscles than her apprentice, Mossblaze picked Cloverpaw up and hauled her over to the apprentice's den.

"Just get some rest. In the morning, we'll start training. If you don't get any sleep, you'll regret it." With her words, Mossblaze headed to the warriors den. She curled up between Ravenshadow and Graystripe. Placing her muzzle under her paw, she drifted off to sleep.

After only seconds, a scream sounded. Opening her eyes, she saw an empty den. She raced to the clearing, seeing a blood-colored sky. There was no sun, nor any clouds in the crimson heavens. She turned around wildly to see no one near her.

"Hello kittypet. Prepare to die." A voice hissed. Before she could blink, claws raked down her back. Yowling, she twisted around to catch a glimpse of her attacker. All she saw was smoke swirling around.

"What the…" she muttered, tilting her head. She felt the cold chill of her wounds on her flank digging deeper into her muscles. She flinched, but felt her fear run through her veins when two amber eyes appeared in the foggy smoke.

"Die!" Two dark brown paws stretched forward, the glinting claws slicing through the air. A tabby pelt appeared, forming Tigerclaw. He lunged at Mossblaze, dragging his claws down her chest and shoulder. Blood sprayed out, drenching her fur and the ground. She let out a blood-curdling scream as she fell to the scarlet snow.

Blackness swarmed her eyes, turning her vision blurry. The last thing she saw was Tigerclaw's smug face as he dug his claws into her fur.

Mossblaze bolted awake, panic racing through her. She was relieved to see the den full of sleeping warriors. It was only a nightmare. Sighing, she rested her head on Ravenshadow's flank. He didn't twitch, which meant he was deep in sleep. However, she didn't dare try to fall asleep again, but spent her time thinking about anything that popped into her mind. When Runningwind awoke, she stood to her feet, acting as if she had just waked.

As soon as she exited the warrior den, she was barreled into by Cloverpaw. Remembering her dream, Mossblaze whisked around and growled. Cloverpaw stopped still, her fur on end as she stared at her mentor. Seeing the young she-cat's fear, Mossblaze froze.

"Don't sneak up on me like that." she warned, her voice barely more than a whisper. She didn't want to frighten Cloverpaw, she was just jumpy from her dream. Scared, the speckled she-cat nodded her head, her eyes squeezed tight. Feeling bad, Mossblaze leaned forward and licked Cloverpaw's ear. The apprentice almost flinched at her touch, but when she opened her eyes, she was relieved to see her mentor smiling.

The two headed towards Cloudsplash and Thornpaw, who were walking away from Graystripe and Swiftclaw. Mossblaze was surprised by all the commotion, considering the sun had just risen. She looked at her uncle and grinned.

"We're going to go training. Would you like to join us?" she asked, looking at the splashed tom. The two apprentices talked amongst themselves, not paying attention to their mentors.

"Sure. Cloverpaw could spar with Thornpaw. It'll be good practice for the both of them." he replied, glancing at his golden-brown apprentice. The quartet headed out of camp, racing to the Training Hollow. They didn't run into any problems, which Mossblaze was thankful for. Examining the clearing, she ran a plan through her head.

"Alright, you'll watch Cloudsplash and I. Then you'll attempt to copy us." she explained, facing the two apprentices. They nodded, their eyes setting with determination. Stepping away from the young cats, Mossblaze and Cloudsplash circled each other, judging the distance between them. Flicking his ear, Cloudsplash darted forward, moving in a serpentine pattern. Mossblaze attempted to swipe at him, but missed. He slid underneath her front paws, twisted around and flung the she-cat into the air. Hissing, she spun in the air, using her tail to find her balance. Aiming, she landed on the tom's shoulders, holding him down. He attempted to play dead, but she didn't fall for the trick. Laughing, Cloudsplash admitted defeat.

"Cloverpaw, I want you to attack Thornpaw just as I went after Mossblaze." the tom instructed, getting to his paws. The speckled she-cat jumped, but stepped in front of her den-mate. Mossblaze gave her an apprentice an encouraging smile, hoping to give her some confidence. Hesitantly, Cloverpaw ran towards Thornpaw, dashing from side to side. He attempted to swipe her, managing to hit her muzzle. She was put off track, stopping herself from falling over. Kicking out her hind leg, she tapped Thornpaw's chest. Twirling on her free hind paw, she was able to fling herself at the tom. She slid under his paws and pushed with all her might, sending him flying. Knowing what he was going to do, she leapt in the air.

Thornpaw lunged at her in the air, his front paws pushing into her belly. Using her hind legs, she tried to turn herself around. She managed to spin in the air, making Thornpaw closer to the ground. Before they could land, he jumped away. Cloverpaw had no time to react as she hit the ground, landing on her shoulder.

"Ow!" she shrieked. Mossblaze rushed over, seeing her apprentice starting to shudder. Lifting Cloverpaw to her feet, she saw that her shoulder blade was jutting out slightly.

"Can you put any weight on it?" she asked. Cloverpaw gently placed her right paw down, only to lift it back up with a hiss of pain.

"No, it hurts." she whined. Mossblaze examined her apprentice, brushing the snow off her shoulder. She didn't see any blood, but thought that Spottedleaf should check it out.

"I-I'm sorry Cloverpaw. I didn't mean for you to get hurt." Thornpaw stuttered, looking at the injured she-cat. She gave him a small grin, hoping to remove some of his guilt.

"Mossblaze, you should take Cloverpaw back to camp. Thornpaw and I will do a little hunting." Cloudsplash meowed, stepping towards them. Mossblaze nodded, picking Cloverpaw up by the scruff. Her apprentice let out another whine as she was carried back to camp.

After seeing Spottedleaf, Cloverpaw's dislocated shoulder was put back in place. She was advised to stay off her paws for the rest of the day. Once she made sure that Cloverpaw was alright, Mossblaze went hunting with Fireheart and Cindersky. It felt nice to be with her friend again, even though she noticed that the two cats had grown closer. It wouldn't be long until the entire Clan noticed but them. In fact, she noticed that almost all the warriors were in a relationship. There was her and Ravenshadow, Sandstorm and Dustpelt, Whitestorm and Willowpelt, Mousefur and Cloudsplash, and Runningwind and Frostfur. Within a few moons, the Clan would be overrun with kits.

Pushing her thoughts away, she leapt from her spot. She landed on a blackbird, killing it before it could make a sound. Beaming with triumph, she picked up her quarry.

"Nice catch!" Cindersky shouted, stepping out of the undergrowth. She pulled a limp sparrow out and stepped closer to the warrior. Mossblaze returned the smile as she set her prey by hers.

"Thanks. Yours is pretty good as well." she replied. Cindersky's happy exposure turned into one of confusion and hesitance. When she touched the gray warriors shoulder, she flinched.

"Oh, sorry… I'm just a little distracted." she whispered, looking at her paws. Mossblaze tilted her head, wondering what her fellow warrior was thinking. She didn't have any time to ask, for Fireheart joined them. He had only a mouse in his jaws. Fireheart shared a glance with Cindersky, causing them to both look away. Instantly Mossblaze understood.

The two were waiting for the other to admit how they feel. Stifling a laugh, she motioned that she was leaving for camp. The two followed, not looking at each other. The trek through the forest was silent and slightly creepy. Mossblaze was worried out of her fur that something was going to jump out of the snow and attack her. She knew it was because of her nightmare, but not being able to smell anything but feathers and blood made her even more skittish. When the ravine came in view, she let out a breath of relief as she ran down the gorge's side.

Entering the gorse tunnel, she saw Galestorm talking to Bluestar. He seemed livelier than yesterday, though he appeared jittery in ThunderClan's camp. She dismissed it as post-battle paranoia, something she knew about. At least he hasn't been visited by Tigerclaw in his dreams. That tabby makes fire turn to ice by his malicious nature.

"Hey Galestorm!" she called, heading over to him once she placed her blackbird on the fresh-kill pile. The black tom turned to look at her, the poultice covered wounds on his chest stretching slightly.

"Hi Mossblaze, I see you're doing well." he meowed. She stepped towards him and saw Whitestorm joining them. She touched noses with her WindClan friend, trying not to wrinkle it by the overwhelming aroma of horsetail.

"Is all well in WindClan?" Whitestorm asked, looking at the black tom. Galestorm nodded, his right paw curling around something. Before he could open his mouth, Bluestar interrupted him.

"Yes, he was just telling me that WindClan is repairing their Clan and that Riverfrost is getting along with the warriors." she meowed, appearing happy about the news. Mossblaze could see why, they had crossed a difficult road by letting the other Clans know about the war. However, it worked in their, and the rest of the Clan's, favor.

"That's right. But there was something else. We think we were left a sign for you by the rogues." he murmured, causing Bluestar to wince. Whitestorm tilted his head and asked about the sign. Galestorm shuffled his paws before lifting a flower up so that the others could see. "It's a golden flower with blood on it. We found it near Fourtrees, by a patch of moss that was uncovered. Spiritkit found it and brought it to Tornear and Onewhisker who gave it to Barkface and Tallstar. Barkface remembered that there was a queen in ThunderClan named Goldenflower. He thought it was a long stretch, but considering it was also on a patch of moss after Mossblaze had come to our rescue, he wanted me to take it to you and see what you thought."

"Since she didn't return to us after the battle nor did we find her body, I guess this means that she's with Tigerclaw. But why would they put blood on it?" Bluestar whispered, not taking her eyes off the wilted flower.

"Maybe he plans on killing her? Or maybe he'll release her if we admit defeat." Mossblaze suggested, knowing she was probably wrong. There was no way to know what was going on in Tigerclaw's mind.

"Surely he wouldn't kill a queen?" Galestorm retorted, sounding disgusted. Whitestorm flicked his scarred ear, remembering his time with the tabby.

"He could, without even feeling remorse. And that sad part, he most likely will."

Dun-dun-da! Goldenflower's missing, Tigerclaw's building an army, secret enemies are prowling through the forest, StarClan can't do anything, what's Mossblaze to do?

Mossblaze: That's a lot for me to figure out. Can't I have any help?

Yes, you have Ravenshadow, Fireheart, all of ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan, and most of ShadowClan.

Mossblaze: Most of ShadowClan? What in blazes do you mean by that?

If I told you, then it wouldn't be a secret. Just wait until the next…four or five chapters. Well, eight at most. I hope to finish this by chapter forty.

Mossblaze: But there's a sequel right?

Yep. Along with you and a few more "special" cats.

Mossblaze: Yay… more cats being told what to do. That will be a lot of fun.

Ugh, just say the disclaimer.

Mossblaze: Fine. Kawakage doesn't own Warriors, Erin Hunter does.

Thank you. Until next time!

Sayonara!