A/N: Okay, I'm really sorry it took me so long to update. My computer crashed and it took my mom a really long time to go and get it fixed. Anyways, on a ligher note, updates will be much more frequent now! Anyways, thanks xXPeaceLoveWarxX, flareon200, allygirl56, Shiori12 and icefox425 for reviewing!

~Chapter 34~

Hollyheart felt her fur rush with fear. Why would Raggedstar, a leader from ShadowClan, come to her for help? She knew that Snakeclaw was a dangerous cat, and he was changing ShadowClan, but wasn't it up to Russetstar to help her own Clan? "I'm sorry, but I don't know how I could help your Clan," she meowed. "I'm already deputy of ThunderClan, how could I help?" Though she knew that she could help them, it was a big task. And that task might be too much for a deputy.

"Please, I am begging you for help," Raggedstar pleaded. His pale eyes were like fire as he stared at her. Hollyheart had to suppress a shiver. This cat was desperate. Especially if he were asking for help from a ThunderClan cat. "My Clan has been changing over the past few moons, since Blackstar died." Raggedstar's words came out in a rush, and it was almost difficult to understand what he was saying. "I need you to...stop Snakeclaw from taking over completely."

Before Hollyheart could say anything, his image began to disappear. Her tail lashed out in frustration. How in the name of StarClan was she supposed to help ShadowClan out if she couldn't leave her camp in the first place? She growled to herself, and blinked. Something had to be done about Snakeclaw, no matter how much she wanted to avoid a confrontation. The dark brown tabby had changed her father, and two brave warriors who could have been fine members of ThunderClan. His ambition was slowly spreading through the other Clans, and if he wasn't stopped soon, it would continue to grow.

"Are you okay?" A voice made Hollyheart open her eyes. She was back in the warriors' den, sleeping next to Muskedfur and Kerntail. Muskedfur's eyes were filled with concern as she slowly rose to her paws.

"I need to speak with Jayfeather and Rainshower," she mewed quietly. It was still dark out, and most of the warriors were sleeping. The only cats who were out were Branchfoot, Berrynose and Mousewhisker. The three warriors were out in the moonhigh patrol, and they weren't likely to come back until dawn. She padded out of the den, stepping lightly over Whitewing and Birchfall, who were sleeping together. Hollyheart was well aware of the fact that Whitewing's belly was slowly swelling. It wouldn't be long before the white she-cat moved to the nursery, and it was good for ThunderClan to have more kits.

Camp was silent as she slipped through; the only cat who was awake was Bramblestar. He was sitting on the Highledge, gazing towards the entrance. Hollyheart wondered if he would like some company, but she knew that she had more important things to consider. Bramblestar would just have to wait.

When she entered the medicine cats' den, Hollyheart saw that Silverpaw was fast asleep. Her daughter looked like she was finally getting better, and she drew a breath of relief. Silverpaw had been badly injured when she was out patrolling, and she had to stay in the medicine cats' den for the last two moons. Jayfeather was also asleep, but Hollyheart noticed that Rainshower was still awake, organizing some herbs. He glanced up from his work and stared at her in surprise.

"Is something wrong?" He asked. His blue-gray fur was sleek, and his blue eyes gleamed with worry.

Hollyheart dipped her head, and hoped that she didn't look as terrified as she felt. Was she really willing to defeat Snakeclaw? She would have to face him on her own of course, but the thought of it made her fur crawl. "I'm fine, but I need to speak with you," she murmured. "Alone."

Rainshower seemed to notice the urgency in her voice, because he immediately padded over. His whiskers were quivering with excitement, and Hollyheart had to let out an annoyed sigh. Rainshower was always worried about her. She knew that he was her best friend, but there were times when she wished that he could just treat her like any other warrior in the Clan. It was like he was her brother, and even Lynxclaw was not as protective!

She led him out into the forest, hoping that Bramblestar would not notice their disappearance. Hollyheart spotted an uprooted tree nearby, and thought that would be the perfect place for them to speak. It was quiet out, and the stars gleamed in the sky. As soon as they reached the root, she explained her dream. Rainshower didn't interrupt her, but his eyes did widen in astonishment as she described Raggedstar's sudden appearance, and the pleas that he made. She also explained the feeling she had when ever she was near Snakeclaw, or when he haunted her dreams.

"It sounds serious," Rainshower finally meowed. "I don't know what to say," he added with a flick of his tail. He looked frustrated. "But it sounds to me like Raggedstar is really desperate if he visited you." Though he didn't make it sound like an insult, it still stung to hear that. Hollyheart did her best to ignore the possability that the former ShadowClan leader may have visited other cats dreams. "I think you should do something about it though," Rainshower added. "If what he says is true, then it must be your duty to stop Snakeclaw."

"But what if I can't face him?" Hollyheart asked. Her voice came out as a squeak. She didn't realize that her heart was pounding as well. She felt as though a lump had formed in her throat. Could she really finally defeat her one true fear?

Rainshower just shook his head. The two of them sat there in silence. Hollyheart knew that she had to stop him, but something inside her told her that it wasn't up to her. I will wait a while longer, she decided. What more could he possibly cause? She wondered.