AN: Okay, this took way to long to post XD I've been... busy of sorts. And by busy I mean Christmas shopping and sorting out family problems. Hopefully things will get back together soon, because the last thing I'd want is for families to start fighting during Christmas :( But on a lighter note, here is the long-awaited new chapter! Thanks everyone for your reviews, and enjoy!

-Chapter 35-

A day had passed since Dovestar had taken Olivepaw out for battle training. Hollyleaf was busy washing herself while Dovestar continued pondering over what would happen with Minnowtail and the rogues. Camp was buzzing with activity as blue skies stretched around them. Leaffall was coming, and the forest was beginning to show the signs of an early frost. With colder air approaching Dovestar had wanted to ensure that the dens were properly patched before the first snow arrived.

To her surprise Olivepaw had offered to help the other apprentices work on the dens. The young cat had taken her words seriously as she observed the other apprentices. Snowpaw and Mintpaw were checking the dens for signs of drafts that could be patched up.

Stonepaw was out hunting with Leafpaw while Whitepaw and Mudpaw practiced their fighting skills. Every warrior was kept busy with the approaching weather. That gave Dovestar a chance to finally relax after moons of tension building within the Clan. Now that she was back she was pleased to see how well her own kits had progressed in their training.

They'll make fine warriors, along with Minnowtail's kits, she thought as she drew a paw over her whiskers. She was worried about the way Stonepaw had reacted when his mother left the Clan. The young cat had been closer to his mother than any of his siblings. Stonepaw would need to be watched before he earned his warrior name.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard pawsteps approaching. Dovestar turned to see Emberleaf watching her carefully. Maroonpelt and Pounceclaw had been her brothers. The young she-cat had refused to join them when they left with Minnowtail. Emberleaf was one of the few quiet warriors in the camp. She rarely spoke up, but when she did every cat seemed to listen. Her green eyes were glowing with warmth though when she looked at Dovestar.

"I've just visited Mothwing... I thought I was having stomach pains," the ginger she-cat admitted. Dovestar tilted her head to one side, than she suddenly understood. "I'm expecting Pepperfoot's kits!"

"That's wonderful, Emberleaf," Dovestar purred. "You deserve to have kits."

Emberleaf purred in amusement and ducked her head. "I've had kits before... but living life as a rogue I couldn't take care of them. I gave up my previous litter to Twolegs so that they would have a better life. Now these kits are going to live as real cats... as warriors." There was no hiding the truth in her voice, or the pride.

She was pleased for the ginger warrior. Emberleaf looked like she was ready to burst with happiness when she bounded over to Pepperfoot, who was eating a shrew by himself. The gray tom dropped the shrew he was eating and gaped at Emberleaf when she told him the news. She decided to leave the happy couple to themselves. News of Emberleaf's pregnancy would spread like wildfire throughout the camp. More kits meant that the Clan would have plenty of apprentices when newleaf arrived.

LakeClan is always going to live on, no matter what happens now, Dovestar told herself.

"Hollyleaf, would you mind if Olivepaw and I joined the sunhigh patrol?" she asked when she approached the deputy. It felt like moons had passed since she explored the forest. She missed the little streams and marshy terrain that occupied LakeClan's territory. Olivepaw needed to be shown the borders as well before her training continued.

"Sure, Nightfire and Smokefur were just getting ready to leave," Hollyleaf replied after blinking in surprise. "The border where the rogues were last spotted needs to be checked. I'm worried after... well, you know." She added the last part with a shrug, and Dovestar understood why she didn't finish the sentence.

"We'll keep an eye out for her," Dovestar growled. "She isn't going to lay a claw on any of our Clanmates."

Hollyleaf's eyes glowed with worry. "It's not her I'm worried about," she muttered.

Dovestar tilted her head in confusion. She didn't have time to ponder over what Hollyleaf meant. The patrol was already getting ready to leave. She pulled Olivepaw out of den repairs, and the apprentice seemed more than happy to stretch out her legs. Nightfire blinked in surprise when she joined him along with Smokefur. Snowpaw gave Olivepaw a warm look before flicking her tail across the sandy ground.

"Lead the way," Dovestar meowed with a wave of her paw.

The five cats left camp in the safe paws of their Clanmates. Dovestar felt warmth spread through her when she padded through the forest. Now she didn't feel like the prey, whereas while she was in exile she had. Instead she could roam freely throughout the forest and protect the borders in peace.

"Remember to keep your senses open," Dovestar instructed when Olivepaw began trotting alongside Snowpaw. The apprentice gave no heed that she had heard. Dovestar rolled her eyes and wondered how Smokefur was fairing with Snowpaw. The two cats seemed to be getting along. Smokefur was a strict cat, and often reminded her of Dustpelt or Spiderleg. "We need to keep an eye out for any intruders," she added in a low voice.

"I'd rather we not run into these rogues," Smokefur sniffed. "All I can see is trouble coming from them. They need to learn their place in the forest."

She couldn't help but agree with Smokefur. All the rogues had ever done was cause trouble since LakeClan was created. Mistystar had never given the Clans any signs of rogues attacking RiverClan. These strangers had come out of nowhere when she and Nightfire went to look for new recruits. Lightning had seemed friendly enough when he told the cats who were leaving to go. Now she understood that he only wanted to use them in to get close to LakeClan.

"This is all my fault," she whispered. Nightfire glanced at her in concern. Of all the cats in LakeClan she had grown close to her former apprentice. Nightfire was always there when she needed someone to talk to. "None of this would have happened if we had stayed and helped the Clan. Lightning would have never learned about our Clan... and Minnowtail..." Her shoulders trembled when she mentioned Minnowtail's name.

"Would have found some other way to take over," Snowpaw meowed. "The Clan would be smaller in numbers... we would've been vulnerable."

It took Dovestar a few heartbeats to realize that Snowpaw was right. She was surprised that Snowpaw had such wisdom. The apprentice was young, but she had put up with Minnowtail all of her life. Dovestar guessed that Snowpaw was speaking from experience.

"And I would've never joined the Clan," Olivepaw boasted.

"You say that like it's a good thing," Dovestar purred.

Olivepaw turned to glare, but Dovestar could tell that she was enjoying herself. For the first time since they had met Dovestar noticed a change in her. Olivepaw had been keen on getting away from the Clans, but now that she knew how they lived, she wanted to become part of one.

"I don't see any rogues at the border's edge," Nightfire announced when he opened his jaws to taste the air.

"That doesn't mean they aren't out there," Dovestar muttered. "I want you to take Whitepaw out later on and make sure no one has crossed." She glanced down at Olivepaw and Snowpaw. Both young cats looked exhausted after their long trek through the forest. They had been busy helping the other apprentices patch up dens most of the morning.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to send just two cats out?" Smokefur asked. "What if the rogues are expecting them?"

"Honeylight can go with him. It would be good experience for Mistpaw to explore the forest at night," she replied. She didn't miss the surprised look in Nightfire's eyes. Spending time with his family was important after losing Pyre, the fox cub he had tried to raise. "And make sure it's done quietly; the last thing we want is to attract attention."

Both toms nodded in agreement and left it at that. Once the decision was made all five of them returned to camp. Whitepaw looked more than happy when her mentor told her what they would be doing. Her tail flicked from side to side as she tried to contain her excitement.

Amusement coursed through Dovestar as she watched her kit. Whitepaw reminded her so much of Ivypool. The way she spoke and the way she got excited any time she went out for extra battle training. This was the way Ivypool had acted when they were apprentices. Always eager to prove herself to the Clan.

The Clan is getting stronger, she thought. Soon we will be able to handle any threat the Dark Forest throws at us. She looked up at the darkening sky, as if expecting the stars to accept her challenge. One day the Dark Forest would pay for what they had done to the Clans. She would make sure of it.

AN: I think someone's getting a little ambitious... This is only the beginning of the end :P