DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of these characters. They're all owned by Erin Hunter.


Chapter 2

"I can't believe Bluestar is our new leader." The voice sounded surprise.

"Yeah, I have a feeling she'll be the best one yet!" another responded.

A third voice hissed, "Would you two be quiet! I'm trying to get some sleep!"

"Sorry Tigerclaw." The both apologized.

"Hey Runningwind, let's go. It's time for the Dawn patrol to leave." Willowpelt whispered.

Runningwind slowly got up. It was his third night sleeping in the warriors den. Willowpelt, Mousefur and himself were announced as warriors on the same day. That made him happy since they were good friends.

"Who's on patrol with us?" The young brown tom asked.

"Darkstripe and Lionheart." Willowpelt whispered. "We'll be patrolling Thunderpath today."

Darkstripe and Lionheart were waiting on top of the ravine. Darkstripe glared at Runningwind. Why is he glaring at me? I haven't done anything to upset him, have I? Runningwind thought.

As the approached, Darkstripe shoved Runningwind away from Willowpelt. The young tom wanted to lunge at Darkstripe but he kept himself still. He slowly moved closer to Lionheart. Then he noticed Darkstripe talking to Willowpelt. He strained his ears so he could listen.

"It'll be a nice day today, don't you think?" Darkstripe meowed. His voice seemed much softer and sweet.

"Yes. That means more prey." Willowpelt responded.

He's sweet-talking her! Runningwind was disgusted. Darkstripe? That big, mean fur-ball. He scowled under his breathe.

"My, you're looking awfully nice today. Well groomed and un-matted fur. You're really pretty." Darkstripe complimented.

"Thank you." She purred with amusement.

Runningwind was speechless. He was also jealous. That's when he made his move. He shouldered Darkstripe out of the way and approached Willowpelt.

"What about hunting alone this afternoon?" he meowed. Darkstripe spat and hissed but he ignored him.

A bit stunned with the interruption, she hesitated. "Yeah, sure." She mewed, it was barely heard.

Darkstripe used his head to push Runningwind out of the way. The young warrior hissed and swatted his paw at Darkstripe's head. The large tabby yowled and spat.

"Stop acting like kits you two." A strong, stern voice was heard from behind them. The two cats turned their heads. It was Lionheart.

Darkstripe lowered his head and stepped back a few steps. "I'm sorry." He grumbled.

"Me too." Runningwind meowed.

"Good. Now concentrate, make sure you don't smell any intruders." He meowed. Then he turned around and continued their walk along Thunderpath.


Later that day, Willowpelt and Runningwind went off hunting alone.

"What was the whole deal with you and Darkstripe?" Willowpelt asked.

The young tom sighed, "It was nothing." He responded.

"The must have been something wrong. Was it about me? Tell me." She demanded.

With another sigh the tom looked at her. "Well…" he paused, then continued, "I like you, a lot." He gulped, he was waiting for a laugh or a playful swat but nothing happened. He fixed his eyes on Willowpelt. She was looking down at the ground.

"Oh…I see." She said with a very low voice. Then she looked up, her expression was hard to read. "I…I-"

Suddenly she was cut off. The scent of dog was nearby. There was something else. It was a twoleg!