Pippy Amber: Thanks!

Guest: I appreciate the review, and I'll see if I can fit your character into the story. I'm not sure if I can, but I'll try.

BraveOcelot: Hmm, a lot of good observations. You'll have to read on to find out whether you were right or not. ;)

DappledleafTheBootiful: Thanks! Sorry that I took so long to update again.

I would like to appologize to everyone for the long wait. I've been having writer's block but hopefully will begin posting more often once again. Onto the chapter!

Chapter 37

"Yarrowleaf come quick!" A strong voice yowled, jolting Goldensun out of her thoughts. She looked up quickly, surveying the patrol that was entering the camp. Their fur was matted with drying blood, but what frightened her most was when one of the cats, a brown tabby, collapsed, his legs giving way and letting him crumple to the ground.

"Marshwhisker!" Goldensun gasped, leaping to her paws. She rushed over to her father's unconscious form, before looking up at Rattooth and Tigerlily, the other cats that had been on the patrol. "What happened?" She demanded.

Tigerlily blinked, worry apparent in her pale green eyes. "We decided to split up when hunting so we could catch more prey," She began to explain. "Rattooth and I had just bumped into each other when we heard Marshwhisker's cry." She took a deep breath and Rattooth continued from where she had left off.

"When we reached him he was badly injured and looked as if he was about to faint. His attackers didn't care what state he was in, and probably would have killed him if we hadn't shown up."

Goldensun shuddered, the mere thought of losing her father brought tears to her amber eyes. Even though she had never been as close to Marshwhisker as her mother or siblings, he was still her father, and losing him would devastate her family. Shaking away her thoughts and her tears, her gaze hardened and she asked, "What did his attackers look like?"

"Two large toms," Tigerlily replied, her voice considerably softer than Rattooth's, "One solid brown and the other brown and ginger."

"Thanks," Goldensun sighed, before taking a step back to allow Yarrowleaf to crouch at Marshwhisker's had only taken a few steps away when Tigerlily called after her, "Goldensun?"

Goldensun turned back around, her eyes meeting with the older she-cat's gentle, knowing gaze. "Yes?" Goldensun asked, her voice sounding emotional.

"Don't do anything reckless," Tigerlily meowed. " I don't need another clanmate getting hurt."

Goldensun felt slight irritation at the senior warrior's warning but knew it was reasonable. "I won't," she replied, but as soon as the words were out of her mouth, she knew they were a lie. If she ever came in contact with the rogues that had injured her father, they wouldn't be left unscathed.

Goldensun sat between her siblings and her mother, her golden tail flicking impatiently as she awaited the news on Marshwhisker's condition. After what seemed like ages, a light brown tabby head poked out of the medicine cat den, her gaze settling on Goldensun and her family. "He should be fine," Amberpaw said, her voice almost sounding emotionless. Goldensun let out a breath of relief. "However," Amberpaw continued causing Goldensun's heart rate to pick up once again. "He lost a lot blood. His breathing is steady now, which causes us to believe he'll recover. There is a chance that that'll change though, so please don't get your hopes up."

Too late. Goldensun thought bitterly but nodded along with the medicine cat apprentice's words.

After Amberpaw left, Snowfall turned to Goldensun. "At least we know something now," She sighed, trying to be optimistic.

Goldensun frowned. "But do we really? I mean, yes, she told us she thinks he'll be okay, but she also said she's not sure. How does that tell us anything?"

Snowfall's blue eyes glistened with tears, and she looked down at her paws. "I know," she mumbled, "I just don't want to lose hope."

Goldensun suddenly felt bad for sharing her negative point of view and fell silent. The silence was interrupted after a short time when Shadestar's cry cut across the clearing. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Clan Rock!" Goldensun turned to see the leader perched on the Clan Rock, her sleek back fur standing out against the vibrant blue sky. Though still upset, Goldensun stood up and padded towards the base of the rock, where the rest of the clan was assembling.

Shadestar's blue eyes swept across the gathered cats before she spoke, "I'm sure most of you have heard what happened earlier today," she began, sending a ripple of murmuring through the clan. "To prevent events like this from occurring again," she continued, quieting the assembled cats. "We will have to be extra vigilant while on patrol, as well as making sure that you are always with at least one other cat," Shadestar took a breath before adding, "That's not the reason I called you here though. We are gathered here today to witness three kits become apprentices."

Her gaze flitted to the back of the group. "Archkit, Brightkit, and Seedkit, please step forward." Goldensun followed the leader's gaze to see the kits making their way through the crowd. Seedkit's head was raised in confidence, each of Archkit's steps had an excited bounce, and shy Brightkit followed behind her outgoing siblings, obviously not liking all the attention.

"Onemouse," Shadestar continued, "You have shown yourself to be a worthy warrior, and therefore I have decided you will take on another apprentice. I trust that you will pass on your knowledge to Archpaw." Archpaw's green eyes shone brightly as he bounced over to Onemouse.

"Applefall," Shadestar turned to face the red-orange she-cat, "Though you are the youngest warrior, I decided you would be the perfect cat to mentor Brightpaw. I trust you will pass on your good judgment to this young apprentice."

The only one left to become an apprentice is Seedkit. Goldensun noted, fixing her amber gaze on the brown tabby. "Goldensun," Shadestar's voice cut through her thoughts, and Goldensun turned to face her leader, surprised. "Though young as well, you have shown yourself to be brave in the face of danger. I trust you will teach Seedpaw all you have learned."

Goldensun dipped her head, before bending down to touch noses with Seedpaw, who had come bounding over to her. As cats chanted the names of the three new apprentices, Seedpaw whispered, "I promise to try to be a great apprentice."

Goldensun smiled at Seedpaw; still shocked from the fact she was to train her, the prophesized cat. "And I promise to be a great mentor and teach you everything you need to know. Now go get some rest, your training starts tomorrow morning." Seedpaw nodded vigorously and strutted over to her siblings. Goldensun watched her go, feeling both anxiety and excitement blossom in her chest. Oh StarClan, please help me not mess this up.

It was long after nightfall when Goldensun got up from her nest and made her way out into the clearing. Sticking close to the camp's edge, Goldensun was careful not to be noticed by Rattooth, who was guarding the camp entrance. Eventually reaching a gap in the camp wall, Goldensun snuck out of the camp and into the territory. The ground was littered with sodden leaves, and as Goldensun hurried towards Fourtrees, she could hear the soft sound of her pawsteps against the forest floor. I'm already a bit late, she thought. I don't want to keep Lakewave waiting much longer.

However, as she arrived at Fourtrees and peered down into the hollow, she found it to be empty. "Lakewave?" She called curiously, making her way into the gathering hollow. She fell silent, waiting for a reply, but heard nothing. All of a sudden Goldensun heard laughter, and took a step forward, peering into the bushes. "Come on, Lakewave," she began, before pausing. The laughter wasn't lighthearted; it didn't come from a cat pulling a prank. No, this laughter was bitter almost cold. Blue eyes showed from the undergrowth, and out stepped a sleek silver she-cat.

"Shimmerwater," Goldensun greeted her warily, "What brings you here?"

Shimmerwater rolled her eyes. "I'd ask you the same thing if I didn't already know the answer." Goldensun opened her mouth, but Shimmerwater spoke before she had the chance. "Yes Goldensun, I was the one spying on you and Lakewave as you broke the Warrior Code."

"We were helping your clan!" Goldensun objected in frustration.

Shimmerwater flicked her tail in disdain. "RiverClan doesn't need your help. I don't know what Lakewave told you, but we are not weak. Don't bother coming here again, because I've already spoken to Lakewave and he won't show up."

She turned to stalk away, but paused and looked over her shoulder at Goldensun. "Oh, and if I do find you two meeting up again, I won't stay silent, remember that." With a final lash of her tail, the silver she-cat disappeared into the undergrowth, leaving Goldensun alone and fuming in the darkness.

So you all finally know who the mysterious blue-eyed cat was. So what did you think? Let me know!