Chapter Five

Ashpaw stepped out of the apprentice's den and arched his back in a long stretch. As the days progressed further into leaf-bare, the falling snow began to pile up more. The sun had just started to peek above the horizon, and Ashpaw noticed that the fresh-kill pile was dwindling down rapidly. He spotted Graytail and Oakpaw standing close to the camp entrance, preparing to leave on an early morning hunting patrol. Oakpaw caught Ashpaw's eye and flicked his tail in greeting. Ashpaw mimicked the motion, and then looked around the camp for Flowerheart. They were going on dawn patrol, but Ashpaw couldn't spot his mentor anywhere. He headed to the center of the camp and looked around once more. This early in the morning, not many cats were out.

Just as he was about to give up, he spotted her coming out of Stemtail's den. I hope everything's okay, he thought to himself silently.

He made his way over to meet her, catching the last bits of their conversation.

"Thank Starclan you two are going that way, I appreciate it." Stemtail way meowing.

"Anytime, friend." Flowerheart dipped her head respectfully. She noticed her apprentice approaching and purred. "Hello, Ashpaw."

"Everything okay?" He asked.

She nodded. "Stemtail asked if we'd see if there are any poppy plants left by the Seedclan border. There's a large clump of poppy there that hopefully isn't completely frozen yet." She paused and looked at the sky as snow slowly fell. "It's a guessing game though. Moosestar doesn't want any cat going alone by the Seedclan border just yet. At least until things calm down a little more."

The rogue scent hadn't been detected in quite a few sunrises, but Moosestar thought it best to continue to be cautious, especially now that Seedclan had been riled up. Something was obviously bothering them, but they would never reveal what it was to another clan, regardless of how peaceful the clans were now.

The two headed out of camp in a single file, following a well used path that Ashpaw had traveled on many times before. They trekked in a silence for a while, just admiring their territory. The snow was steadily decreasing in speed as it fell, appearing as floating white puffballs. The wind was silent as well, and Ashpaw enjoyed the peace without any noise as they traveled.

The Big Rock came into view after a little while, illuminated by the blinding sun which was rising at Ashpaw's front, behind the Big Rock. As they neared it, Flowerheart slowed her pace, and turned her head back to look in Ashpaw's direction.

"That was very brave of you to not be afraid while in another clan's territory, especially when they were so irritated and worked up."

Ashpaw stuttered. "Well, erm.. I mean I was scared. I guess I just didn't show it much."

Flowerheart turned back around, but continued speaking. Since there was no wind, Ashpaw could still hear her clearly. "That's good. Every cat should be scared in situations like that. Acting any other way would just be foolish."

Ashpaw took that as a compliment, and didn't feel the need to respond. It didn't take long for them to reach the Seedclan border, which consisted of a large row of boulders. Flowerheart paused, tasting the air.

"I don't scent any Seedclan cats or predators. Why don't you start patrolling the border towards the Gathering Island, and I'll find these poppy seeds Stemtail is asking for."

"Okay." Ashpaw started off, but paused as he hear Flowerheart's meow.

"Don't go too fast, so we don't get separated. You can remark any areas that seem faint. Just take your time."

Ashpaw flicked his tail and continued on. His mind was full of all kinds of thoughts, mainly concerning the clan. Why was Moosestar so worried about one rogue? He understood that rogues should not be in clan territory, but maybe it was just lost? He couldn't think of how one rogue could cause such a fuss.

Deep in his mind, however, he knew why. Moosestar, along with the other clan leaders, were all worried that this rogue was meeting with clan cats, potentially from all of the clans. If that was the case, who knew what the reason was for. Ashpaw had faith in his leader, and his clan. They would come to the bottom of this mystery, whether it was an actually issue or not.

He found himself padding towards a short, fat rock. It had moss growing in patches on it, all different shades of green, uncovered by the recent snowfall. A small robin was perched at it's peak, but it flew off when Ashpaw got too close to it. He remarked the scent and continued onward.

As he was trudging along, paws covered in snow, he heard a cat coming up from behind him, and he turned around. Flowerheart was trotting through the fine snow, kicking up plenty of white powder.

"Any trouble?" She asked as she came up on Ashpaw.

"Nope. All clear so far."

They padded side by side for a little longer, stopping occasionally to check the scent markers in different locations. The tall grass here was thinned out since they were close to Seedclan's territory.

"Has any cat ever told you about Giantstar the Strong?" Flowerheart's mew startled Ashpaw, causing his heart to skip a beat.

"The name doesn't sound familiar."

"My father, Croakskin, told me about him when I was a young apprentice, probably around your age." She purred. "An interesting story actually. As well as a short one." The were nearing the Gathering Island, as Ashpaw could see the large tree that sat at it's center, tall and unwavering. "He was a massive black tom with a white tail, so broad and muscular that he would put any other cat to shame as far as size went. Unmatched in battle, he was a powerful Grassclan leader. Then, one day, out of the blue, he died. Lost all three of his lives in one death."

Ashpaw shivered. "What caused it?"

Flowerheart took a moment to reply. "His own medicine cat rubbed deathberries in his meal. Rabbit, I believe it was, if my memory serves me right."

"Why would they do that? That was their clan leader."

"Well, the medicine cat, who's name was never passed down, probably for good reason, felt that Giantstar would cause too much war and turmoil among the three clans. Which he did. Constantly fighting over new borders. To a certain extent, they were right. He was."

Ashpaw thought to himself, looking at his surroundings, before speaking. "What happened to the medicine cat?"

"Well, they were exiled once the truth was discovered." Flowerheart stopped and looked at Ashpaw. "Every story in history has a lesson. This one has two." Ashpaw perked his ears up, listening intently. He was always ready to learn something new. "First, never let power get to your head, in any way, shape or form. Power will eventually consume even the greatest of cats."

Why was she telling his this? Did she think Ashpaw would be power hungry?

She continued. "The second is to always suspect every cat. Don't think that you're safe just because you're surrounded by clanmates."

Ashpaw was confused now. "Our clanmates are family, we are supposed to trust them. Why wouldn't we?"

"In light of recent events," Flowerheart meowed, "I felt the need to tell you that. It appears that the clans all have something to hide, even Grassclan. I'm just stating that the enemy isn't always outside of the clan."

"You mean Hardfoot?"

Flowerheard nodded. "Yes. Well, maybe. He sure seems to be the untrustworthy cat out of the bunch. But it might not be him. Really, it might not be any Grassclan warrior." She started padding off again, and Ashpaw followed. "I just don't want to see anything happen to you. It's always good to be precautious." Ashpaw purred.

They continued along the border, marking as needed. Passing the Gathering Island, they traveled down along the stream bordering Waterclan territory until they reached the Fallen Tree. The snow had stopped falling at this point, and the sun was fully visible in the blue sky. Ashpaw marked a thick reed next to the stream and turned around to follow Flowerheart as they made their way back to camp.

"We can grab a bite to eat when we return. I'm sure Graytail and Oakpaw caught some decent prey today, the weather's nice for it." Flowerheart meowed as they padded side by side.

The rest of the day went by pretty quickly, and Ashpaw was getting ready to retreat into his nest for bed. He was cleaning his chest with quick licks, attempting to flatten out an awkward hair sticking straight out. Sighing, he got up and headed in to his den.

Just as he stuck his head in, he heard a caterwaul from somewhere inside of the camp. Backing out quickly, he turned around and spotted a cluster of cats near the medicine cat's den. He trotted over to see what the commotion was all about.

As he neared, he saw several cats in a tight bunch. He saw his father and Stemtail, along with Hedgestripe and Hardfoot.

This can't be good, Ashpaw thought.

"You did this! You couldn't save her!" Ashpaw noticed Hedgestripe was bristling and puffed up with anger, spitting at Stemtail. Ratface stood between the warrior and the medicine cat, blocking anything from happening.

"I tried everything I could, but nothing worked." Stemtail's voice was quiet, but full of emotion and irritation. "I cannot heal everything. That's not how Starclan created things."

"Well mouse-dung to Starclan then!" Hedgestripe screeched back.

Hardfoot was trying to force Hedgestripe back. "It wasn't his fault, calm down."

At this point, most of the clan was gathered in a circle around the event taking place. A broad head thrust it's way to the center.

"What in Starclan's name is going on her?!" Moosestar's eyes were blazing with fury. He rounded on Hedgestripe. "This is not how a true warrior acts. What is the meaning of this?"

Boiling with rage, Hedgestripe looked at his leader and spoke. "Dovecloud is dead. Last time I had visited her, she was starting to feel better." He glared at Stemtail. "Tonight, she is gone. Because we have a medicine cat who is a failure."

"You know that is not true, we all do." Ratface meowed. "She would not want this."

Hardfoot looked at Moosestar. "I'll take him out of camp for a few moments to calm him down." For once, he seemed genuine and kind. Hedgestripe, however, wasn't having it.

"Are you bee-brained? That won't help anything." Hedgestripe was furious at this point, delusional. "The only thing that will is vengeance." With that, he shoved past Hardfoot and lunged at Stemtail.

Ratface was faster though, stepping in the way and absorbing the attack, rolling backwards with Hedgestripe scratching as hard as he could.

"Get off of me!" Hedgestripe yowled.

"Someone do something!" Skyleaf was standing by the nursery, shielding Dovecloud's kits from the view.

Ratface and Hedgestripe were locked together, rolling along the ground batting each other with unshealthed claws. Oakpaw and Ashpaw locked eyes, preparing for action. Oakpaw took off towards their father.

Before he could reach him, Hardfoot jumped in his path, deflecting Oakpaw and sending him sprawling in the snowy grass. The look in Hardfoot's eyes were not of anger or defiance, but sympathy instead.

"Ratface can handle this on his own, he can win his own battles. All you're going to do is get yourself hurt."

Ashpaw was torn. What should he do? Should he go help Oakpaw up? He knew Oakpaw would be fuming at Hardfoot, but Ashpaw could see in his eyes that for once, Hardfoot's intentions were good. The sounds of the two battling cats were ringing in Ashpaw's ears. He saw Moosestar and Branchfoot approaching the battle quickly.

"Stop this nonsense at once!" Moosestar's deep mew boomed out. Ashpaw caught Oakpaw in his peripheral vision, a look of anger in his dark eyes. Hardfoot's back was to him, and Oakpaw looked as if he were about to strike.

"Oakpaw, no!" Ashpaw dashed into action just as his brother started his attack. Before Oakpaw could hit Hardfoot, Ashpaw flung all of his weight into his side, knocking him off course. Hardfoot turned around, shocked. Oakpaw recovered quickly. He was puffed out with anger, looking the same size as a fully grown warrior. Ashpaw gulped. Oakpaw's angry eyes were locked onto his.

"Why would you stand in my way? You, of all cats?" Oakpaw hissed. "Can't you see Hardfoot is trying to get our father killed?"

Ashpaw was taken aback. "Hardfoot wouldn't do that! He was looking out for you!"

Oakpaw scoffed. "As if. Have you been manipulated like the rest of the clan?"

Before anything else could occur, Tideclaw and Rosepelt jumped in between the arguing brothers.

"That's enough now." Rosepelt meowed sharply.

"Oakpaw, sheathe your claws. Can't you see there's enough already going on?" Tideclaw sounded irritated.

Oakpaw looked down, notticing his claws were digging into the ground. He looked ashamed briefly, but quickly recovered. "I never thought you would turn on your own kin." Oakpaw spat at Ashpaw.

Moosestar had showed up now as well, glaring at Oakpaw. "That's enough. Go back to your den, Oakpaw."

Scowling, Oakpaw whipped around and stalked off. Ashpaw was hurt. They never fought. Why would Oakpaw say such nasty things? Couldn't he see that Hardfoot was genuine for once? Ashpaw knew the answer. Oakpaw would never be able to see that.

Ashpaw padded over to where the rest of the clan was. Ratface was standing, blood matting his pelt around his left shoulder and his back right leg. Hedgestripe was no where to be found.

"Where's Hedgestripe?" Flowerheart asked what Ashpaw was thinking.

Branchfoot answered. "He fled camp when the fight was broken up. He was bleeding pretty bad, we should be able to track him down."

"I'll go." Hardfoot meowed. "If he'll listen to anyone, it'll be me."

Brachfoot looked at Ratface for conformation. "Take Darkthroat with you." Ratface mewed.

Hardfoot and Darkthroat padded towards the camp entrance. Ratface looked around the clan. "Is anyone else injured?" Nobody spoke up.

Flowerheart approached Ashpaw, with Graytail and Fallowberry flanking her on either side. "Are you okay? We saw what happened."

"I'll go check on Oakpaw." Graytail meowed before heading towards the apprentice's den.

"What happened?" Fallowberry asked with concern. She, like the rest of the clan, knew the two brothers never argued. Ashpaw quickly explained.

"I agree with you. Hardfoot might be a bit hostile, but he would never intentionally hurt an apprentice or clanmate." Flowerheart replied once Ashpaw had finished.

"I've never seen that look in his eyes before." Ashpaw remembered the hatred radiating from his brother's eyes, dark and evil looking.

Before anyone responded, Ratface padded up to them, with Stemtail stuck on his side, observing his wounds.

"If you keep moving, I wont be able to properly check out your injuries." Stemtail meowed irritably.

"They can wait." Ratface's meow was monotone, yet concerning. He approached Ashpaw. "What happened?" Ashpaw quickly described what happened, and as he finished, Ratface lowered his head and sighed. "I'll check in with Oakpaw soon. You did the right thing."

Did I though? A voice in Ashpaw's head spoke, soft and challenging. You defended a cat who hates your father.

Ashpaw pushed the entity out of his mind. Hardfoot was a loyal Grassclan cat, whether he seemed like it all the time or not.

Ratface padded towards the apprentice den, while Fallowberry went to check on Oldeye, nodding to Ashpaw as she passed him. Flowerheart was left standing next to Ashpaw, sadness sparkling in her large eyes.

"I know it hurts now, but it'll pass. Even the closest silbings will bicker and argue."

Ashpaw stared at the ground, feeling the cold dirt gnawing at his pads. "Oakpaw is thick skulled. He won't easily forgive me."

"He will, just give him some time to think about it." Flowerheart's meow was sympathetic. "You wanna go hunting? That'll take your mind off of things."

"Sure. I'd like that."

Ashpaw and his mentor returned back to camp a short while later, prey dangling from their jaws. They had planned to stay out a little longer, but snow had begun pouring from the sky, like a waterfall flinging endless amounts of water tumbling towards the depths below.

They dropped their catches off on the fresh-kill pile, two field mice and two squirrels.

Tideclaw padded past as they did this, commenting "nice catches" while nodding. Ashpaw nodded back.

"Did you want to go see Oakpaw?" Flowerheart cautiously asked.

Ashpaw just slowly shook his head. He wasn't ready to confront his brother yet, in any way.

"Okay. Let's go see if Ratface has anything he needs us to do. I'm sure he's busy."

Hardfoot and Darkthroat had not returned yet, which meant they probably weren't having any luck finding Hedgestripe. Ashpaw padded after his mentor as she headed for the warrior's den. Ratface wasn't out mingling around in camp so he must be relaxing in the warrior's den.

Flowerheart poked her head in the den, waited a few seconds and then backed out into the clearing again. "He's not in there." She scanned the camp and noticed Stemtail speaking to Skyleaf outside of the nursery, Floatkit and Sunkit wrestling just in front of them. "Let's see if either of them know where he's at."

They approached the group of cats, and as they did, both Sunkit and Floatkit charged into them. Sunkit jumped onto Flowerheart and Floatkit rammed into Ashpaw, almost toppling him over.

"New playmates!" Sunkit's puny meow came out as if he were trying to make it a roar.

"Kits! Leave them alone!" Skyleaf rushed over to gather her kits up. Flowerheart and Stemtail exchanged a glance, both looking amused.

Once the kits had been rounded up, Flowerheart asked "Have either of you seen Ratface?"

Skyleaf, still occupied with the kits, who were now wrestling with each other, shook her head. Stemtail made a face.

"I believe he mentioned going out to find Hardfoot and Darkthroat." Stemtail meowed. "That was a while ago though. I'd guess right after you both left to go hunt."

Just as he finished speaking to them, Ashpaw heard a commotion at the camp entrance. Him, Flowerheart and Stemtail all started to pad in that direction.

"Come on kits, back in we go." Skyleaf meowed.

"But we wanna see what's going on!"

Skyleaf mewed something in return, but Ashpaw was already too far away to hear. At the camp entrance stood Ratface, Moosestar, Hardfoot and Darkthroat, along with several other cats who were approaching like Flowerheart and Ashpaw were.

As Ashpaw got closer, he could just start to pick up what they were meowing.

"We followed his scent all the way to the forest, but we didn't go any further." Hardfoot was telling Moosestar what had happened. "On our way back, we ran into Ratface. Then we all came back to camp."

Moosestar sighed, looking at Ratface, and then to his clan gathering around him. "We can't risk sending any cats into the forest to look for Hedgestripe. Let's just hope he comes back."

A mew rang out from the back of the group. "Is the forest really that dangerous, that we can't go searching for a clanmate?"

Ashpaw looked over to see it was Oakpaw, who had emerged from the apprentice's den finally. He still sounded gloomy and irritated.

Moosestar lifted his head so he could see Oakpaw through the crowd of cats. "I consider myself a reasonable and just leader. I would not risk the lives of any of my loyal clanmates for a cat who turns on his own clan, and then flees the territory."

The clan went silent. Moosestar continued. "You would be the last cat I'd expect to stand up for Hedgestripe, clanmate or not."

Hardfoot stepped forward, as Oakpaw never answered. "He was a Grassclan cat regardless. But I cannot, and will not, argue the word of our leader. And he's right, the forest is too dangerous."

Oakpaw just dipped his head.

"Should we post an extra guard at night, to keep watch for his return?" Fallowberry wondered aloud.

"No." Ratface replied. "We will not change our routine. If Hedgestripe returns, and that's a big if, he will be questioned first. The forest is dangerous, and I'm not sure why he would flee there in the first place."

The clan was silent again, adhering to their deputies command. Ashpaw stepped forward, drawing in the gazes of his clanmates.

"Do you have something to add, Ashpaw?" Ratface asked.

Ashpaw nodded and looked around the clan. All eyes were on him. A lump caught in his throat.

Tideclaw danced on his paws impatiently. "Any time now."

Moosestar rounded on him. "Give him a moment."

Ashpaw took a breath. "What if Hedgestripe is the cat we scented by the forest, with the rogue scent?" He looked at Ratface and Stemtail. "Do you remember?"

Ratface and Stemtail we both nodding. "That would make sense." Stemtail commented.

"We assumed it was Hardfoot because he was out of camp, but what if Ashpaw's right? Maybe that's why Hedgestripe was so quick to defend Hardfoot." Ratface meowed.

Several cats looked at Hardfoot. "Why wouldn't he just sell me in then? To get you all off of the case?"

"I'll tell you why." Moosestar started. "Hedgestripe has always been a coward. The last one to volunteer to help with anything. It only got worse after Dovecloud got sick.."

"Isn't that understandable?" Tideclaw asked. "I'm sure that's a lot to go through."

"As true as that is, he was still a warrior, with duties to uphold. Just like the rest of us."

Ratface stepped up. "So, what do you want us to do?"

Moosestar looked around the clan. His eyes locked on Ashpaw for a moment, and then moved on. "We continue as usual. Patrols will focus extra on the border by the forest." He glanced at Ratface. "Maybe send an extra warrior with each patrol too. I know hunting should be prioritized, but I can't help but have a bad feeling about this situation." Ratface dipped his head.

Ashpaw caught Oakpaw's gaze through the crowd of Grassclan cats as they dispersed. There was a look of regret in his dark eyes, and Oakpaw turned away before Ashpaw could search for an answer in them.

As he was watching Oakpaw pad away, Flowerheart approached him. "Ratface wants a word with you." She looked sad, or depressed. She usually didn't look that way.

Ashpaw spotted Ratface sitting a way's off, on the side of the camp entrance where no cat ever was. The dens were all congregated towards the center of the clearing, so the outsides weren't really used. The tall grass next to him that served as the camp's wall was shading the patch of ground where Ratface sat. He was lazily gazing into the sky.

As Ashpaw approached, Ratface stood up. "How are you feeling?"

Ashpaw tilted his head. "I should be asking you that. You're the one who fought with Hedgestripe and has to assign all the patrols."

Ratface sniffled and chucked slightly. "True. But, I know the argument with Oakpaw is bugging you. I'm sure every cat in the clan can see it."

Ashpaw was looking at his paws. "It wasn't just an argument. I can tell by his eyes how angry he actually is. With me, and the clan."

Ratface twitched his whiskers. "The clan? Why?"

"He's hated both Hardfoot and Hedgestripe for as long as I can remember. They don't like the fact that you are deputy. I defended Hardfoot, and now he hates me."

Ratface sighed and looked out into the camp with sullen eyes. "They don't like it, but they accept it. You saw how Hardfoot acted. As for Hedgestripe.." He trailed off. "I fear he is a lost cause. He broke all of our trust, in one short day."

Ashpaw paused and stopped thinking for a moment. "That doesn't make sense.." He whispered.

"What's that?" Ratface meowed.

"If Oakpaw hated Hedgestripe, why did he seem so interested at first about going into the forest to get him back?"

Ratface didn't say anything. Ashpaw continued, half arguing with himself. "Or, did it not involve Hedgestripe, but the forest itself?"

"That might be something you have to ask him yourself." Ratface mewed softly. "Oakpaw's temper has always been more aggressive then yours. Once he calms down, perhaps he'll tell you." Ratface padded away, waving his tail at Ashpaw.

Ashpaw remained where he sat, deep in thought. Something wasn't adding up. He didn't think Oakpaw was the traitor, of course, but something was up with him. Or, Ashpaw thought, he's just that angry with me. He suppressed a shudder.

He rose to his paws quickly. He would find out right now. If Oakpaw was that upset about what Ashpaw did, he would have to get over it and accept that sometimes they wouldn't always agree.

As he neared the apprentice's den, he noticed the snow had started to fall again, large, white balls of white dust that would disintegrate as soon as they hit the ground.

He stuck his head through the den entrance, and after his eyes adjusted to the change of light, he spotted Oakpaw laying in his nest, facing the other way. Ashpaw thought for sure his brother would have heard him enter, but maybe he just didn't care enough to check who it is.

Ashpaw stood in silence for a moment, before finally meowing, "Oakpaw."

Slowly turning his head to look at his brother, Oakpaw's eyes were full of nothingness. A blank void that was empty of any meaning.

"Oakpaw." Ashpaw repeated. "Why don't you step outside with me so we can figure things out?"

Oakpaw rose, shaking the fine grass and soft moss scraps off of his pelt. He looked into Ashpaw's eyes with meaning. "Figure what out? This is all my fault now."

Ashpaw tilted his head. "What is?"

"You and I arguing. How is it that I cannot forgive Hardfoot for hating Ratface? Am I that wrong?" Oakpaw mewed softly, but fierce with emotion. Ashpaw was not used to seeing his like this. Sure, he had his angry outbursts, but this was odd in its entirety.

"You have many reasons not to like Hardfoot, but even if he hates Ratface, he still upholds clan rules and listens to his command." Ashpaw countered. "You do not have to feel this way."

Oakpaw slowly approached Ashpaw. "No, but I do, and now we have quarreled."

"All siblings fight. It's just how cats are." Ashpaw meowed cheerfully, trying to brighten Oakpaw's mood.

Oakpaw just looked back at his with tired eyes. "Other siblings do. We don't." He pushed passed Ashpaw and exited the den, leaving Ashpaw to stare into the dimly lit den himself.

Ashpaw was left standing there, bewildered and confused. What was Oakpaw talking about? Of course they could fight! What made them any different then every other clan cat? Ashpaw shook his head, then turned around to go look for his brother.

When he entered the clearing again, Oakpaw was no where to be found. Stemtail was in front of the medicine cat's den with Moosestar and Branchfoot, Darkthroat was sharing a sparrow with Fallowberry close to the camp's wall where the snow was falling a little less, and Sunkit and Floatkit were running amok, as usual. Skyleaf was sitting close by where the kits played, watching with keen and observant eyes. Ashpaw approached her.

"Hi, have you seen Oakpaw around? He was just here."

Skyleaf flicked her ear. "I haven't seen him. Is everything alright between you two now?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out." Ashpaw sighed. "I'm sure he's around here somewhere. If you see him, could you let him know I am looking for him?"

Skyleaf looked at him sympathetically. "Of course."

Ashpaw set off in search of his brother once again. Surely he couldn't of disappeared so quickly? A group of cats near the entrance to camp caught his eye. It was Graytail, Flowerheart, and Tideclaw. He figured he should ask Graytail where Oakpaw had went, she might know. Maybe she had sent him somewhere.

As he got closer to them, Graytail noticed him. "Ashpaw, have you seen Oakpaw anywhere? I thought he was in camp, but I can't find him. We were going to go train a little."

Ashpaw frowned. "I was coming to ask you the same thing." He meowed. "I can't find him either."

"That's not like him." She observed. "Maybe he just needed some time to himself."

Tideclaw shrugged. "Could be. Every cat needs a little time to themselves to decompress. Especially after the day we've had."

Flowerheart padded up to him, flicking her tail across his back. "Don't worry, I'm sure he's around. Do you want to go train? I don't have to be on patrol until sundown, and maybe Graytail and Oakpaw will join us when they meet up."

Ashpaw nodded. He followed his mentor out of camp and to the training area. The ground looked like a complete sheet of white, with the snow beginning to pile up. Flowerheart looked towards the sky as they stood together in the clearing. "I was hoping the snow wouldn't come just yet, but wishful thinking I suppose." She motioned to Ashpaw with her tail. "Stand a few mouse-tails away from me. We will start with some basic moves and then progress from there."

Ashpaw obliged, and they trained until the sun began to fall through the sky. Ashpaw was exhausted, but he felt like his senses were as keen as ever. Flowerheart had ever shown him a new move, one that involved a false retreat, followed by a quick spin and swipe.

They caught two scrawny mice on their way back, barely big enough to fill any warrior's belly, but better then nothing. As they padded into camp and deposited their catches, the air seemed.. off. Ashpaw looked around to see if he could spot what was causes his belly to clench up.

Flowerheart's mew rang in his ears. "Ashpaw, over there." Ashpaw followed her gaze, and spotted Graytail meowing frantically to Moosestar and Ratface. Both cats looked concerned, and soon Branchfoot and Rosepelt joined the small group. "Let's go see what's happening."

Ratface was looking desperately at Moosestar, Ashpaw noticed, and Graytail was pacing. More of the clan had gathered around at this point to hear what was going on.

Moosestar was gazing at the snow covered ground, deep in thought. "So you think Hedgestripe took him?"

Graytail nodded. "When Oakpaw's scent trail ended, it was mixed with Hedgestripe's."

"You're certain?" Ratface inquired.

"Yes. Plus, what other cat would be out that far right now, with what's all occurring?"

Ashpaw and Flowerheart pushed to the middle of the group. "What's going on?" Ashpaw asked.

Graytail looked over at them, eyes full of worry and desperation. "I'm pretty sure Hedgestripe took Oakpaw."