AN: I'm so sorry it took so long to get this out! Just found a new software that converts all of my DVDs into iTunes format. So I've been busy converting all of my movies XD But aside from that, here's the next chapter!

Obssessive Bookworm - I'm glad you like her, she's definitely one of my fave's ;)

Mallowfeather of EarthClan - Keep cheering for her, she needs it!

Xelaric the Nobody - Bahaha, just wait and see, she's going to play a big role later on... Oops, did I just say that? :P

Chapter 15

She wandered aimlessly throughout the territory, eager to get away from the hustle of Clan life. Each time Ambershine turned around she saw cats leaving for patrols or returning from them. It was driving her crazy knowing that this was what she had agreed to. Yet part of her knew that it was important for the Clan to stay in this forest.

Stupid voices, why must they keep telling me this? she wondered as she glared up at the cloudless sky.

It was close to sunhigh. Ambershine knew that she had to get back before the Clan worried about her. Not that anyone would notice her sudden disappearance. Dustystar was too busy with his mate to bother noticing Ambershine's disappearing act. And Brownleaf was always on the hunt for herbs or such nonsense.

Ambershine rolled her eyes as she imagined what her life would have been like had those Clan cats avoided her territory. Maybe she would have gone on in life, carefree and ignorant to the Clan's existence. But she knew that sooner or later some cat would have tried claiming her territory. At least now she stood a fighting chance against trespassers or rogues willing to fight for the forest.

"I was wondering where you went." Ambershine narrowed her eyes when she heard a familiar voice. She turned to see Darkclaw looking at her curiously.

The skinny kittypet was always seen lurking at the edge of the forest before the Clan was formed. It was inevitable that she had joined the Clan. Ambershine remembered watching the young cat getting hurt by her Twoleg. Darkclaw had every right to flee from such a place.

"I wanted to be alone," Ambershine snapped as she turned once more.

"Well I wanted to go hunting," Darkclaw muttered. Darkclaw's tail flicked from side to side as she stood beside her Clanmate. "Besides, four eyes are better than two," she added in a low purr.

Ambershine glanced at her warily before rolling her eyes once more. She rose to her paws and began wandering once more, only to find that Darkclaw was following her.

"Why are you such a loner?" Darkclaw demanded. Her voice held the faintest hint of annoyance as she tried to keep up with Ambershine.

"Because that is the life I chose before this happened," Ambershine hissed.

Darkclaw suddenly stopped in her tracks. Ambershine let out a snort of amusement when she realized the former kittypet had given up.

"But you're not a loner anymore." Annoyance flared within Ambershine's chest when Darkclaw pointed out the obvious. She whirled around to glare at Darkclaw, but the warrior had disappeared into the undergrowth. Ambershine's tail lashed from side to side when Darkclaw returned heartbeats later with a vole in her jaws. "See, I may have been raised as a kittypet, but I'm still an avid hunter," she meowed as if trying to prove a point.

"Are you finished?" she growled. Darkclaw's eyes narrowed when Ambershine shook her head defiantly. "I'm part of the Clan now, and I will defend it. I just prefer the old days when I didn't have to rely on anyone for safety, or have them relying on me for safety."

"Guess I never thought about it that way," Darkclaw finally admitted. She looked sheepish as she sniffed the vole casually. "But I'm a warrior now, and I'm going to do what I can to protect the Clan. I'm going to forget about my Twoleg and hope he dies in a ditch." She grabbed the vole and stalked off towards the direction of camp, leaving Ambershine behind in a state of surprise.

Where did that come from? she thought as she recalled Darkclaw's harsh words. Darkclaw had never made any points in hating her Twoleg. He had abused her in every way possible, leaving her mentally scarred and terrified of other Twolegs. Maybe she was trying to hide her anger and unease. Like I did earlier, Ambershine added guiltily.

She sighed in defeat and made her way back to camp.

By now sunhigh had passed. Dusk settled around the forest, creating dark shadows along the edges as Ambershine made her way back to camp. A shudder coursed down Ambershine's back as she imagined enemies leaping out of the shadows. She knew it wasn't possible, not with so many cats around to watch them. But it seemed like anything could happen now that a Clan was formed.

Ambershine tried not to think about it as she was greeted by Brownleaf. The medicine cat had returned from her daily search for herbs. Ambershine eyed the strange smelling leaves curiously. She remembered seeing them growing near the stream. She usually avoided them because they did have such a strong scent. Brownleaf dropped the herbs when she noticed Ambershine's curious gaze.

"What exactly are those for?" Ambershine asked after an awkward silence fell between them.

"Healing wounds," Brownleaf explained with a shrug. "And these are for anyone who might have a cough," she added as she nosed the pile.

I suppose it's good to have a medicine cat, Ambershine thought as Brownleaf picked the herbs up again. She knew that the ways of a medicine cat were not for her. But it was useful to know which herbs could heal wounds or coughs. If she ever left the Clan she would know how to take care of herself.

Brownleaf picked up the herbs once more and padded across the clearing. The brown she-cat seemed perfectly content with her life, and Ambershine wasn't going to question her further. Besides, it wasn't in her place to ask so many questions.

Ambershine looked down at the ground before approaching the warrior's den. It was made up of brambles and branches that had been found in the forest. She didn't like sleeping in a large den, especially when there were other cats inside. But at this point she was too exhausted to care.

Once she curled up in a nest she knew that sleep would come quickly. For now she would take part in Clan life. Once this Clan was strong enough, she would leave and find a new home. She knew that she couldn't just push away these cats, not after everything they had been through.

AN: Yeah, not much happening right now, but the plot builds up later on. Anyways thanks everyone for your reviews, they're always appreciated :)