Anova: Thank you! And I guess, now that you say it, it will be a little like Dovewing and Ivypool.

Moonbeam141: Strikepaw can be prone to overacting, probably from the lack of a true father figure in his life. The story doesn't state but he is very intimidated of Spiderfur since he isn't his father.

Sunripple: I hate Lionblaze, but that is how Slashpaw has turned out to be. I do see him as a Lionblazeish character.

The Age of Awesomeness: Strikepaw was an orphan found on the ShadowClan border as a newborn, his parentage is unknown. (Although his love of water is a hint!)

Please review and tell me what you think!

Chapter 5

"All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather underneath the Great Pine for a clan meeting!"

Strikepaw wearily opened his eyes, his muscles screeched in protest from yesterday's training. Slashpaw didn't look any better.

Mudpaw stood and shook out his fur, stretching out. Tabbypaw was already gone; she had done the dawn patrol early this morning. The three toms slipped out into the corner of the clearing and looked up at their leader.

"A meeting, this early?" groaned Dustswirl as she settled in a sunny patch.

"As we all know, there is the threat of ThunderClan growing by the day. We have already lost two of our warriors to vicious skirmishes and that is two too many. The Gathering tonight may give us a better insight on our enemy, but for now, be prepared. Battle training will increase, fight with your claws out if needed. I have spoken to Stonestripe and he says there is a great supply of herbs for this winter, but be careful. We may be going into battle soon. As for the Gathering tonight we must look strong. The cats going are Berrybright, Spiderfur, Snowspring, Tigerstripe, Tangleclaw, Dovesoar, Sparrowcall, Hawktail, Swallowleap, Slashpaw, and Strikepaw. Dismissed."

Strikepaw froze; he was going to the Gathering! Slashpaw leapt on him, eyes shining. "We're going to a Gathering!" he squealed.

Dovesoar and Sparrowcall padded up, their faces strangely grim. "There also may be a battle." Sparrowcall mewed. "Battle training for the day."

Dovesoar nodded. "Go with Slashpaw and Sparrowcall, I'll get the other two and Tigerstripe and Berrybright." She nodded to Strikepaw.

Strikepaw nodded, realizing the grim emotion that had taken over the camp. The three cats took off towards the grass hollow. Strikepaw relished the run; it shook the stiffness of sleep from his joints. They reached the hollow faster than yesterday and Sparrowcall jumped on the opportunity of extra time.

"Alright, jump and twist, no Slashpaw, twist! Strikepaw straighten your tail, it will give you extra balance for the twist. Oh look, the others are here, Mudpaw, help Slashpaw with the twist. You do that move well. No, Tabbypaw, Dovesoar can help Strikepaw. Meanwhile, you will mock fight me to see your skills. Don't expect anything easy. Berrybright, Tigerstripe, why don't you two fight the other three apprentices to see how well the younger ones can fight next to Mudpaw?"

Strikepaw lines up nest to Mudpaw, Slashpaw flanking the other side. He was barely listening to Mudpaw's lecture though. He was staring at the amber eyes that peered out from the branches above. They blinked, locked eyes with his, and quickly disappeared.

"Strikepaw are you listening?"

"Oh, oh yeah. Let's go with that."

"Good. MudClan, attack!"

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0oo0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

He almost saw me. Or did he?

The cat leaped through the branches, landing on a particular pine, and sliding down on the bark. It landed neatly, careful to not gather mud on its paws.

If I'm not careful, someone might know what I do. It not like I know what's going on anyway. I feel battle brewing on the border. It was a shame when the two cats died. I feel the anger in the air.

If only they knew. I could be a great asset. I can fight well. She won't give me a chance though. She's worried, stressed.

I know her secret.

She probably knows mine.

I saw her.

But she also saw me.

But did she see what I did?

They deserved it; I just didn't expect him to get caught up in it. If they knew, he wouldn't ever be accepted, him and his memory scorned.

Poor kit.

Sorry, short chapter. Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate it!

QOTC: Who is the cat with amber eyes and dark secret?