After over 1yr. of this story, I have finally made it to TWENTY CHAPTERS! I endlessly thank everyone that reviewed, it brightened up my day and made me feel like I wasn't a horrible writer after all (we've all been there, amirite?) Your work has paid off- we're in the 20th chapter.


"How are we going to get food?" wondered Ember, gazing around at the smooth-pelt-filled city.

"Watch this," mewed East, then jumped on one of the gray boulders. Slowly, he rocked back and forth.

East jumped free as the boulder, which was seemingly hollow, spilled trash everywhere. "There," he said proudly. "Food."

East dragged the remains of a rotisserie chicken from the heap. "Here you go, ladies," he said, pulling the chicken over to Mink and Ember.

Suddenly, he was bowled over by a black-and-white tom, accompanied by a black tom. Hissing and snarling for the food, he and East grappled.

Recalling her long-ago training sessions, Ember lunged at the black tom. Clawing his cheek, she hissed, "This is our food, mange-pelt."

Suddenly, the black-and-white tom backed off. "Ravenpaw!" he called, his voice dripping with scorn.

"Hold off. We wouldn't want to hurt the Clan leader over here. He's too important." Ravenpaw rushed toward him.

"What do you mean, Barley?" he asked. "Don't you know?" Barley sneered. "This is the rightful leader of BlodClan. Unfortunately, the stress was too much for

him, so he ran away wif his wee wittle tail tucked behind his legs." East flinched. "Hey," called Ember. "Leave him alone."

"What're you, his mate?" Barley snickered, then turned to leave. "Wait," cried Ember. "Agh, what is it?" asked Barley impatiently.

Undaunted, Ember continued. "Did you say… Clan leader? And isn't Ravenpaw an apprentice name?" Ravenpaw recoiled.

"What do you know about the Clans?" he asked. "I'm a SkyClan cat," said Ember proudly. Ravenpaw looked confused. "Never heard o' that before."

"Well, what about Firestar?" asked Ember, desperate. "He's the ThunderClan leader; he founded us." Ravenpaw nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, we're good friends." Ember began again. "Do you know where he is now?" "Over the mountains and through the woods," he replied.

"In the direction of the setting sun." "Yes, thank you so much!" said Ember. "Feel free to share our food."

Ravenpaw blinked gratefully, then started to eat with them.

Over the mountains and through the wood, thought Ember happily. Towards the setting sun.