CLANLIFE

This is an account of all the stories (in correct order) that have happened to the cats of ThunderClan. These tales will begin just after a great flood that has destroyed most of ThunderClan and RiverClan. In these times the Clan leader Greystar was sick with greencough and sent his deputy, Lionheart, to the gathering instead. That day the Clan was struck with a massive flood and the cats could not return from the Gathering. When they finally were able to get back they found everyone who was left in the camp to be dead.

Our story begins one moon later.

WIND AND BONE - Fourtrees - Sunset

Hopepaw glanced nervously at her brother. Apprentices had to make the trip to the Moonstone through WindClan territory before they could become warriors, and rumor had passed around the camp of Amberheart's encounter with WindClan, so none of the four cats were really sure what to expect from the plain-dwelling Clan.

"Let's go." Said Lionstar grimly, heading off into WindClan territory, closely followed by Hopepaw and Shadowpaw, behind whom traveled Greysong.

A sudden shriek split the air and a small black bundle of fur collided with Hopepaw. The apprentice rolled around with the other cat while Shadowpaw stood back, attempting to swipe at his sister's attacker whenever they came close.

Finally they broke apart and circled each other, hissing angrily. The black she-cat smelled of WindClan and Lionstar guessed she must be an apprentice. Suddenly another cat leaped out at them, landing between Lionstar and the she-cat apprentice.

"What are you doing here?" Snarled the tortishell warrior.

"Passing through." Replied Lionstar calmly. "I'm on my way to the Moonstone."

The she-cat stood her ground, yellow eyes burning into the ThunderClan leader, but he did not flinch. "It's ancient law; we're to pass unharmed."

"If you wish to discuss matters concerning BoneClan, ShadowClan does not belong. You should see that. WindClan will fight to protect the truth. BoneClan stays." Snarled the warrior and her apprentice joined in the chorus of growling. Hopepaw arched her back and hissed at the apprentice.

"Crowpaw!" Ordered the warrior. "Get reinforcements to rid our Clan of these traitors!"

"Yes, Morningflower!" Yowled Crowpaw obediently and dashed off towards the Clan.

As soon as she was gone, Morningleaf proceeded to charge at Lionstar, who reacted quickly, knocking the smaller cat away. They weren't that far from WindClan camp, and it wouldn't take long for the WindClan cats to arrive.

"Run!" Commanded Lionstar. "Hurry!"

-----

Greysong, Shadowpaw and Hopepaw exchanged worried looks before they tore off towards the Moonstone, Lionstar at their heels, closely followed by Morningflower.

It wasn't long before seven warriors, led by Crowpaw dashed towards them. Lionstar recognized them all from previous gatherings; there was Longtail, a white she-cat with a white tail; Redclaw, the big black deputy of WindClan; Nightsong, a black tom with an ugly voice; Wolfclaw, a grey tom with abnormally long claws; Twotails, a calico she-cat with two tails; Gingerpaw, a pretty ginger she-cat; and Firepaw, a ginger tom. The cats charged at them, breaking their formation.

"Back to camp! Retreat!" Yowled Lionstar before he was knocked to the ground by Redclaw.

Hopepaw squealed as Crowpaw's claws sank into her sides and Shadowpaw thrashed wildly in attempt to fight of Firepaw. Meanwhile Greysong was struggling with Twotails and Nightsong while the other cats swiped randomly whenever they saw an opening.

A sudden, low yowl split the air. It was a wild sound, clearly a cat but an old one. Redclaw snarled and leaped back from Lionstar as a filthy, once-white tom bowled him over and charged at his Clan, biting and snapping wildly.

"Kill him!" Hollered Redclaw, charging back at Lionstar.

Longtail, Wolfclaw and Gingerpaw leaped at the wild tom, but the old cat fought back bravely, despite how they injured him.

Despite the loner's help, ThunderClan was still losing the battle. Seven to five was really no battle at all, but WindClan left no space for retreat.

"Run when you can!" Called Lionstar as he continued to struggle with Redclaw.

Shadowpaw fought until he managed to slip away and tore off into the darkness. Seeing her brother escape, Hopepaw cast a tentative look to Lionstar before she attempted to do the same, but Crowpaw leaped at her again, crushing her to the ground. The ThunderClan apprentice rolled over, knocking the wind out of Crowpaw, but explosing her underbelly to Morningflower, who immediately raced forwards. In a moment she was cut off by the rouge and Hopepaw got to her paws and raced off after her brother.

Greysong felt Twotails's claws dig into his side while Nightsong fastened his jaws around the big grey tom's neck. Greyvoice rolled over, forcing Twotails to jump back while Nightsong remained crushed beneath the massive warrior. Greysong stumbled back to his paws and was immediately attacked by another group of warriors and once again forced to the ground.

Meanwhile Lionstar was weakening. Redclaw still seemed full of energy and continued to fight just as enthusiastically as he had since the start.

"Greysong, save yourself!" Panted Lionstar, struggling to fight off the WindClan deputy.

Greyvoice whined pleadingly. He wouldn't leave his leader now.

"GO!"

At that moment Redclaw lunged forwards, slicing at Lionstar's underbelly. The ThunderClan leader let out a cry of pain and fell to the ground. At the same time Greysong cried out too and threw off his attackers. With one last glance at his dead leader he tore off into the night.

-----

"Lionstar."

Lionstar felt a wet nose collide softly with his and he opened his eyes. Firestar was standing in front of him, Greystar off to his left and Bluestar to his right. The three past leaders stared at him admirably as he staggered to his paws.

"You're dead!" He exclaimed when he managed to stand.

Bluestar laughed and stepped forwards. "So are you, but we will give you the time you need to recover."

"But why didn't I die like Tigerstar? He tore me apart!" Exclaimed Lionstar, looking down at his body, lying silently in the blood-stained grass.

"He must have forgotten," Said Bluestar wisely. "That you're a Clan leader."

"Bluestar, I came out here tonight to tell you about-"

Greystar stepped forwards, silencing him. "We understand your intentions, Lionstar. But we know nothing more then you do."

"You'll learn more at the next gathering." Added Bluestar.

"The Moonstone sometimes supplies one with more information then StarClan ourselves." Firestar pointed out.

"But don't try going again. Don't put your Clan in danger." Advised Greystar.

"And don't go by yourself." Commanded Bluestar, then the three cats stepped back and bowed their heads to the new ThunderClan leader.

"Good luck, Lionstar!" They called, then faded away.

The grass was red. The cats were gone. The sun was up. Lionstar groaned and got to his paws. Eight lives left. He shivered at the thought that Redclaw had actualy killed him. Amberheart's suspicious were right; WindClan did have something to do with this. He had to get back to camp.

Lionstar tore off towards Fourtrees, eager to get back and warn his Clan of this allied evil.