Prologue:

A gray she cat lay in the storm, crying in agony. A white tom leaned over her with worry. "Will she be alright?" The white tom fretted.

"I won't know until you move out of the way, Mintsplash!" A blue-gray she cat snapped.

"I'm sorry, Lakeheart, I'm just worried." Mintsplash growled.

Lakeheart gently nosed the gray she cat. "Everything's fine. It's not your fault the kits had to come while you were out on a walk while a storm was approaching."

Eventually, two small kits were on the ground, mewling. "See, Streamflower? Your kits are beautiful." Lakeheart sighed.

Streamflower sighed with love. "Yes they are."

Mintsplash nuzzled his mate. "Thank you, Lakeheart." He said to the medicine cat before looking at his kits.

"Let's name the white one Snowkit." Streamflower murmured, nuzzling the soft white she kit. Mintsplash murmured agreement.

"And the silver and white she kit can be named Ivykit." Mintsplash breathed, touching the kit softly.

Lakeheart let out a hiss. "The Ivy's power is great, but blood will shed blood."

Neither Streamflower or Mintsplash payed attention; instead, they nuzzled their kits until the storm was over.

Chapter 1:

Ivykit's ears rung with fear as she ran through the nursery. A shadow approached from behind her and soon toppled on top of her. "No fair!" Ivykit squealed to her sister, who was pawing her back. "You had a head start!"

Snowkit rolled her eyes. "Your just a sore loser." She teased.

Ivykit opened her jaws, about to snap a sharp protest when Streamflower meowed. "Kits, come to me. I have to tell you something."

Ivykit immediately ran to her mother, hoping it would be a story. "Is it a story?" She squeaked. "I want to hear the one when we were born, or how ShadowClan is evil, or how ThunderClan steals our river, or-"

"No, young Ivykit." Streamflower meowed softly, hushing her. "I have to go on a journey with Swanstar. I might not be back for a moon."

Ivykit felt fear and anger storm through her small chest. "What?" She growled, stomping her paw as hard as she could. "Our apprentice ceremony is in a moon! You can't leave us!"

Ivykit heard Snowkit mew, "Yeah, we need you."

Streamflower sighed softly. "I'm so sorry, my kits. I'll try to come back as soon as possible."

"When are you leaving?" Ivykit mumbled, trying to act angry with her mother. The truth was, she didn't want Streamflower to leave. What if she never returned?

"Oh, Ivykit, I'm leaving tomorrow. I still have the rest of today with you." Streamflower nuzzled her and Snowkit gently. Ivykit poked her head outside. The sun was getting ready to hide behind the grassy hills, and the moon was rising.

"But today is gone!" Snowkit yelped. Ivykit stood next to Snowkit in agreement; why couldn't their mother leave later? What was so important, anyway?

"My kits, please understand. Sweetriver will be here to take care of you, along with your father, Mintsplash. I'll be back before you know it." Streamflower explained.

Ivykit still couldn't believe her mother was leaving. She sagged. "Well, at least tell us where your going." Ivykit mumbled.

Streamflower purred. "It's a secret. Now rest, my kits. Come sleep with me." Ivykit curled next to her mother, soon joined by Snowkit. She slowly fell into a silent sleep, all anger and sadness swept away.