Author's Note: I am so, so sorry for the lack of updates. I've had a lot going on, and then sort of lost the motivation to write for a while. But I'm over it, and will try hard to get this story done soon.

Disclaimer: I do not own Warriors or its characters, only the ones I create.

"You want to what?" Rain asked, not believing her sister.

"You heard me. I think we should try to persuade some of the BloodClan cats who have been abused by Shadow to join us."

Rain's fur bristled. "But that would mean going back to BloodClan territory! Sandstorm, they'll kill us."

"You think I don't know that? But we need all the back up we can get. BloodClan seems a lot larger now, and we don't have much time. Surely you had some other cats besides Shadow you trusted, that would stand by you, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did, but..."

Sandstorm growled in frustration. "We don't have time to question it. My Clan, along with the rest, are in serious danger. Cats I care about could die. I've lost too many already. If I have a chance to save them, I'll take it. If they're caught totally by surprise, they have no chance."

Rain thought a moment. "You're right, so what's the plan?"

"You need to go and round up all the cats you can and come back here, I need to see someone. Oh, and do you think you could get Sal while you're at it? I promised him I'd get him out."

Rain nodded. "Be careful."

"You too," Sandstorm told her sister. They both parted ways, hearts racing as the sun got closer and closer to setting.

Sandstorm's paws barely grazed the grass as she bounded across the fields. Her heart was beating as fast as a scared rabbit's, and her breathing began to get heavier. But she didn't have time to rest, the sun would set soon, she knew that. Instant relief washed over her as she saw the barn up ahead. With one last energetic push, she sprinted to the entrance of the barn. She anxiously scratched at the splintered wood.

A small black head poked out and looked at her. His eyes widened when he saw who it was.

"Sandstorm! It's great to see you, come in."

The ginge she-cat folowed the black tom into the barn.

"So where's Firestar?" Ravenpaw asked.

Sandstorm shook her head. "It's a long story, and I don't have much time. Where's Barley?"

"Up here." A voice called. She turned towards the sound and saw a black and white tom make his way down from a stack of hay and come towards them.

"Is there something wrong?"

"I don't have time to explain, but you need to go to Firestar. Tell him not to go to the gathering tonight."

Ravenpaw looked at his old friend. "Sandstorm, what's going on?"

"It's BloodClan, they're back. Now I need to find someone. And please hurry."

She bolted back out of the barn and went straight for BloodClan territory.

Rain stalked through the dried bushes until she came to an old, broken fence. She scanned the area, and when she didn't see anyone, she leaped over the fence.

She landed with a soft thud in the dust and ten heads all turned towards her. A dark gray tabby tom stood up. He had striking green eyes, but his left eye had a long thin scar going through it, starting at the top of his eye, down his face, and along his jaw. He turned his good side toward her, since his vision was blurred in his bad eye.

"Rain," he hissed, "what are you doing here?"

"Blade, just give me a chance to talk. I need your help."

"I'm sorry, you know what Shadow will do if she sees us with you. You and the rest of us will be seriously punished. And you know what happened the last time I was punished," he said, and Rain's gaze briefly went to his scar on his face, but then flitted to the ground when she realized what she was doing.

"I know, I know. But just hear me out. You can help me stop her. Then she won't ever hurt any other cats like she's hurt us ever again. Please, you're the only one I can count in," Rain begged.

Blade turned towards the group of cats, and thoughtfully scratched at his red, dog tooth studded collar.

They all quietly discussed the situation. After what seemed like seasons to Rain, a black she-cat spoke, "Okay, just tell us what to do."

Firestar walked through the forest alone, his mind swarming with thoughts. 'Sandstorm wouldn't have just run off without telling me, would she? Although she had been acting a bit strange lately, she surely wouldn't have left like this. And why was she in another Clans' territory? Maybe the others were right. Maybe... No. I know Sandstorm. She wouldn't betray her Clan, ever.'

'But why else would she leave? Unless she didn't want to. Maybe she was taken against her will.' The thought made Firestar's fur bristle in anger. That anyone would hurt Sandstorm in anyway, and that he felt so helpless. He couldn't keep his mate safe, then how could he keep his Clan safe? None of what's been going on has made since lately.

The shadows of the trees kept getting longer, and Firestar realized it was almost dusk, and he still needed to get ready for the gathering. With a sigh, he stood up, stretched his legs, and began to trek back to camp. A good thing about the meeting though, Firestar thought, is that he might get information on Sandstorm and what has been going on. But he didn't know how right he was.

Sorry it was another short, boring chapter. But this is just the build up. It will get more exciting and interesting in the next few chapters, I promise. I'd also like to thank all the people who've been reviewing and haven't given up on the story yet, even though I suck at updating. I really appreciate it!

So please leave me a review and tell me what you think!

-Friedchicken 23