A/N- This is my first story so please please R&R! Also, i know there are some names here that are the same as in the actual books but who cares?

Disclaimer- I don't own warriors, poor me!

Chapter 1

Silverpelt woke up. He'd just had a terrible dream. A strange intruder had pounced on a medicine cat at the Moonpool and killed her. He shook his head and stalked out of the warriors den.

The sun was high in the sky and the clearing was almost completely empty. Patchkit was leaping around, getting in the way of Swiftpaw, who was replacing the damp bedding of the nursery with new, dry moss. Swiftpaw had recently eaten while out hunting for the clan. This was breaking the warrior code, the clan must be fed first, and now he was being punished.

Silverpelt watched as Lionfur, the clan deputy, stalked over to him and ordered him to check the elders for ticks when he had finished. Swiftpaw pulled a face, gently knocked Patchkit away, and slumped over to the elders hollow under a rock overhang. Silverpelt strolled over to Lionfur and asked what he should do.

"We need more food. Prey is active, but thin and starving, due to the unusually hot leaf-bare weather. Go hunting."

Silverpelt nodded and walked out of the camp. It was protected by a wall of brambles and nettles and he winced as his fur snagged on a loose thorn as he stepped through the gap that acted as an entrance.

The weather was very hot for the season. The elders said this was a bad sign and that they should be careful. Silverpelt didn't mind, he hated snow and the slush it created later. It also made the river flood at the start of newleaf, endangering the camp.

He padded through the forest, every sense straining to detect prey. Lionfur had a fierce temper and he didn't want to anger or disappoint her, ending up like Swiftpaw.

He heard a squirrel scuffling through the undergrowth. Silently he crept nearer and nearer until… he pounced! It was too late for the squirrel to flee and in moments it hung limply from Silverpelt's mouth.

The squirrel reminded Silverpelt of when he had been an apprentice and was called Silverpaw. It had been his first prey. Tawnypelt and Greystripe had also been apprentices, Tawnypaw and Greypaw. Tawnypelt had teased him, saying things like,

"How can he be called Silverpaw when his paws are white?".

He had replied,

"Yeah, but one day I'll be Silverpelt or Silverfur or Silverear or Silvertail!"

"Silverpelt! That'll be the day! Silverpelt is the name of the stars in the sky. You don't get cats called Silverpelt."

And yet, that was his name.

It was weird. His warrior dreams were weird. Ever since he became a warrior, he had been having strange dreams. He had tried to tell Greystripe, wondering if it was normal, but he had laughed and told him not to be so stupid.

So he had asked the elders. They knew loads. They had mentioned one cat, Firestar, who had always had weird dreams. But that had been generations ago now. But maybe, part of him thought, just maybe it could be happening again. He did not want that though. The elders had told him as many of Firestar's adventures as they could remember. They had been exciting, but there had been many dire consequences and disasters. He would not wish any of them upon any cat, clan or forest.

Suddenly, a rustling sound behind him roused him from his thoughts. He spun around just as an orange and white shape hurtled into him. Paws with sheathed claws whacked him round the head and jaws bit lightly into his tail. He shook off the intruder and turned to look.

It was Orangestripe. A Thunderclan cat who was often serious, but who tended to adopt a more playful attitude around him.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Hunting" he replied.

"Okay" she said and slunk off.

This surprised Silverpelt. Usually, she hung around him and chatted for much longer but today she hadn't.

She must be busy, he thought. She's probably on a patrol.

Silverpelt spent the morning hunting. He caught a thrush, two mice and a vole as well as his squirrel from earlier. Then he headed back to camp, hoping for a quiet afternoon.

As he pushed his way through the brambles and nettles, he noticed a different atmosphere within the camp. There was nervous tension, as well as excitement. It was then he remembered, Brokenkit was going to be made an apprentice. This was probably because Brokenkit played so roughly in the nursery that he was a danger to the other kits.

At least now he'll only be a danger to Swiftpaw, thought Silverpelt.

It was a while before he would be asked to do anything and Silverpelt spent the rest of his morning sharing tongues with Greystripe. Sharing tongues was the name for when cats of a clan groomed and chatted to each other. It was a way of spreading news and strengthening bonds within the clan.

Silverpelt looked up and saw Tigerpelt talking quietly to Whitestar over by the Highrock. Tigerpelt then stalked over to the fresh kill pile, picked up a blackbird and walked away to join Brightmane and Lionfur near the warriors den. Silverpelt stepped lightly over to the fresh kill pile and picked up his squirrel. He noticed that Redpaw was sitting all alone outside his den. He looked worried. Silverpelt gulped down his fresh kill and walked over to him.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing." replied Redpaw, staring at the ground. He turned his back on Silverpelt and slipped into his den.

Redpaw was the apprentice of Whitefoot, the Thunderclan medicine cat. Medicine cat apprentices normally sleep with their mentors in the medicine cats den, but there was not enough room and so Redpaw had to sleep alone.

"Ignore him." came a voice from behind Silverpelt, "He's not been himself lately."

Silverpelt turned around. Whitefoot stood behind him, also looking sad.

"What's the matter?" asked Silverpelt. "You look glum too."

"It's nothing. You wouldn't understand. Please, don't ask questions."

He turned and stalked away towards the patrol which had just re-entered the camp. He said something to Tawnypelt and she limped away with him towards his den.

"Thorn in her paw." said Swiftpaw, walking over to him.

"Mmm." replied Silverpelt, half distracted by the conversation between Tigerpelt, Brightmane and Lionfur.

"Listen, if you won't talk to me, just answer me this question." said Swiftpaw impatiently. "Have you seen Greystripe?"

"Oh yes, he's right over there." said Silverpelt, turning round to indicate the spot by the nursery where they had been sharing tongues.

But Greystripe had vanished.

Silverpelt raced over to the spot where Greystripe had been.

"Oh no!" he wailed. He lowered his head down and followed Greystripe's scent trail. Other cats came over to see what was happening. The trail lead behind the nursery.

"Oi!" screeched Greystripe, "Can't a cat get some privacy!?"

"Sorry!" cried Silverpelt racing away and into the warriors den.

He heard Brightmane say,

"Well he got a shock and a half!"

"Serves him right for panicking. Greystripe wouldn't run off!" agreed Swiftpaw, laughing. A sharp look from Orangestripe silenced him.

Greystripe returned from behind the nursery.

"What was that about?" he asked.

"Silverpelt went to show me where you were but you'd vanished. He panicked. He probably thought a badger had got you!" joked Swiftpaw.

"I'd better go and see him." said Greystripe.

He padded over to the warriors den and entered. He approached Silverpelt.

"I heard you got a big shock!"

"Go away." mumbled Silverpelt, turning his back on the grey warrior.

"I don't want to see you."

"Well you did earlier. And you found me too!"

"What was I supposed to think?!"

"I don't blame you for that!"

"Well everyone else does. I heard them!"

"But that's not what I think!"

"I don't care. I'm off hunting." Silverpelt pushed out of the den and sprinted across the camp. He was almost at the entrance when…

"Silverpelt!" He turned around. It was Lionfur. Silverpelt's heart sank. She looked furious.

"What was that earlier!? You probably woke up the whole of Thunderclan!"

"I'm sorry. I panicked."

"And what situation was worthy of that uproar!?"

"Well, Greystripe had disappeared and…"

"You don't think Greystripe can't look after himself!? He's a warrior!"

"I'm sorry Lionfur. I do think Greystripe is independent. It's just…"

"As punishment you are cleaning out the nursery for a week. Swiftpaw's punishment has ended."

"Yes, Lionfur."

"Good. Are you going hunting?"

"Yes, Lionfur."

"Your punishment starts when you return. But be back for moonrise."

"Yes, Lionfur." She turned her back on him and stalked over to Swiftpaw. She said something and his face lit up with joy.

It's probably the fact that his punishment has ended, thought Silverpelt, he must be grateful.

Silverpelt turned and walked out of camp. The fresh air would clear his head and he could be alone. He hadn't intended to have that outburst, he just panicked. Tigerpelt and Brightmane would be teasing him for weeks!

He leapt across a small stream and caught the scent of prey. Rabbit! Hunting would make him feel better. He crept closer and then pounced. The rabbit tried to run but he was too fast and it was over in seconds.

I do feel better, he thought.

The sun was just beginning to set when Silverpelt returned to camp. He raced down the slope and into camp. His mouth was full of prey and his mind was clear. He did not regret this afternoon's events. It was a natural reaction, it could have happened to any cat. He pushed through the entrance and stepped into the clearing. Lionfur turned to look at him. She nodded at him and he trotted over to the fresh kill pile. He dropped his catch in it.

Silverpelt look up and saw Redpaw staring at him. Silverpelt tilted his head, puzzled. Redpaw turned away, looking sad.

He's not still doing that is he? thought Silverpelt.

A cry sounded from the highrock.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here, beneath the highrock, for a clan meeting!"

The thought of Redpaw's sadness continued to nag at Silverpelt as he made his way over to the highrock.

Whitestar, the leader, stepped forward a began.

"We are gathered here to give this Thunderclan kit it's apprentice name." Brokenkit edged forward nervously.

"That's right, come here." said Whitestar warmly. The black kit bounded forwards, now full of confidence.

Silverpelt remembered when that was him and Greystripe, stood infront of the highrock. He remembered the awe of looking up at Whitestar and the jealous looks he had received from Tawnypelt, as she had still been a kit then, only five moons old. You had to be six moons old to become an apprentice. Whitestar continued,

"Tigerpelt, you have told me you are ready for another apprentice. You will be mentor to Brokenpaw."

Tigerpelt stepped forwards and stood alongside the kit.

"Tigerpelt," Whitestar carried on, "you have shown yourself to be a brave and fearless warrior. See that you pass on your courage and wisdom to your new apprentice." Tigerpelt stood with his head held high, gleaming with pride. It seemed he was just as excited as his new apprentice. Silverpelt noticed that Tigerpelt's whiskers were quivering with happiness. Tigerpelt touched noses with the newly named Brokenpaw and they both withdrew to the edge of the crowd, the apprentice ignoring the jealous looks of his former denmates.

"Congratulations, Brokenpaw!" came a cry from a nearby cat.

"Well done, Brokenpaw!" came another shout from further off. Soon all the cats were shouting and cheering the new apprentice's name. Silverpelt wondered why he was called Brokenpaw. He had heard many different rumours, such as the one that said that Brokenpaw had been born with a broken tail. Or the one that said the as a young kit, before he got a name, he broke his mother's tail. Silverpelt suspected that only the apprentice, his mother and Whitestar would know the true reason. And Silverpelt guessed that he would probably never know.

It was mid-morning the next day and Silverpelt was lazing around camp. It was the hottest day yet and he was not needed for anything. He had checked with Heavyfur, the only current nursery queen, but as it was so hot, the bedding wasn't damp and Patchkit wasn't making a mess as he could spend most of his time outside. Greystripe, Brightmane and Swiftpaw were on a patrol and Orangestripe and Tigerpelt were out hunting. Silverpelt noticed Brokenpaw emerge from the apprentices den.

"Hey, Brokenpaw!" he shouted, "shouldn't you be out training?" He noticed how the apprentice winced whenever his name was used.

"Tigerpelt said we need food and I should help the elders." he replied. He turned to walk away when Silverpelt said,

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure." replied Brokenpaw. He sounded confident but his eyes betrayed his fear.

"I don't want to offend you but, why are you called Brokenpaw?" Brokenpaw took a step back before stammering, "I, I, I don't know." He turned and started to walk away.

"One last thing," said Silverpelt. The apprentice stopped and looked back.

"Good job at hiding your fear. I never would have guessed until you took a step back."

"Th, th, th, thank you." he stammered, then turned and hurried away. Silverpelt looked around the camp. He had to find something to do. He glanced at the fresh kill pile. Not much there, he thought, even with Orangestripe and Tigerpelt's catches, we'll need more.

"Lionfur." he said as she walked across the clearing. She turned and paced towards him.

"What is it?" she asked.

"I'm going out hunting. We need more fresh kill."

"Good." she replied, "you can take Tawnypelt with you." She turned and went into the nursery. Silverpelt scanned the camp for Tawnypelt. He spotted her with the elders, crouched down, listening to them talking. He approached. She looked up.

"Come to listen to Whitestorm's story of how a previous Whitestorm, along with the rest of Thunderclan and the other three clans, saved the forest just after Firestar had been made leader?"

"It's an excellent story." added Blackclaw, an elderly she-cat white large black claws.

"Sorry." he said, looking guilty, "I've come to tell Tawnypelt that she's to come hunting with me."

"But that would leave the camp unguarded!" protested Whitestorm, "It's reckless!"

"It's been done before!" put in Blackclaw, "When the wicked Tigerstar tried to murder Bluestar!" Soon the two elders were engrossed in their story and Silverpelt and Tawnypelt were able to slip away unnoticed. They crossed the camp and headed out through the bramble and nettle entrance to the camp. They climbed the slope and headed out through the forest. Soon Silverpelt smelt something familiar, but it was not prey. It was Redpaw!

"Hush." he told Tawnypelt, "I can smell Redpaw. I'm going to creep up on him!" She nodded in agreement and both cats slipped forward, through the undergrowth, until there was only a bush separating them and the unsuspecting Redpaw. Silverpelt peered through the bush and saw him. Redpaw was gathering juniper berries, his back turned to them. A perfect target. Tawnypelt looked at Silverpelt and he nodded. Together they leapt out on the medicine cat apprentice.

"Surprise!" cried Silverpelt. Redpaw nearly jumped out of his skin.

"We thought we'd surprise you!" said Tawnypelt, her eyes gleaming.

"Yeah, well, it worked." said Redpaw contemptuously. "Just don't try it again, okay?"

"Fine, whatever you say." agreed Silverpelt, his tail twitching with glee. Then he noticed something about Redpaw, Tawnypelt must have noticed too because she was now stepping towards Redpaw, full of concern.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"Nothing! Leave me alone!" he snapped, his eyes blazing for a moment, before he turned and stalked away.

"He's been like this for two days now. I don't know what it is." said Silverpelt.

"It's a complete mystery then?" asked Tawnypelt.

"Only Whitefoot knows, but he won't tell me either." he replied.

"Come on then, let's carry on." They headed out towards Fourrocks and the middle of the forest. They followed the river down along the border of Windclan territory, the warm winds ruffling their fur.

"I could do with this being a cool breeze!" said Tawnypelt.

"Yeah."

Suddenly, Tawnypelt stopped.

"What is…" Silverpelt began, but she silenced him. She indicated ahead with her tail. Silverpelt strained his senses to detect anything, but he could not. Then the breeze blew again and he smelt it, coming from up ahead on Thunderclan territory. The unmistakeable scent of Shadowclan.