"I left my heart in Metropolis" - Metropolis, Owl City. Love this song!

Chapter 17

Yowls of outrage filled the air after Fallenstar called for a Clan meeting. Icepaw stayed in the back of the crowd, ears flat and tail wrapped neatly around her paws as she listened to their valid arguments.

"We shouldn't fight them!" Whitefoot hissed.

"Of course we should. They don't deserve to live after what they've done to us," Shadefrost snapped.

"Enough!" Fallenstar's yowl sounded above the others. "I do not care what you or the others think. All we need to do is show the other Clans that we have lived and they will flee with their tails between their legs." His tail was lashing from side to side while Flarepelt nodded in agreement. Even Seawhisker looked more than ready to rip any of her 'old Clanmates' to shreds. "Anyone who does not wish to fight is more than welcomed to stay here and guard the camp. Otherwise we will leave tomorrow at dawn."

Icepaw let her fur lay flat as the meeting drew to an end. She wasn't sure which side to choose as the Clan dispersed into small groups. Cats were discussing, more like arguing, over what was right or wrong. As far as Icepaw could tell Fallenstar had the support of most of the Clan.

What bothered her more than anything was seeing Rosefall again. Memories of the look Rosefall had given her the night before she was Chosen still haunted her. And now the very law that had supposedly kept the Clans at peace was going to be their downfall.

"This is going to be our first real battle," Bramblepaw murmured when the apprentices gathered.

"So the battle against the rogues wasn't our first battle?" Brightpaw looked more confused than ever.

Icepaw held back a mrrow of laughter when Stormpaw whispered something to his denmate. Brightpaw's eyes widened when she realized what she had said. Heartbeats later and she ducked her head in embarrassment before backing away.

"Does everyone remember their training?" Stormpaw asked.

"I'm more concerned about where this is headed." Fawnpaw looked bored as she washed her face with her front paw. Stormpaw and Bramblepaw gave her a curious look before she continued, "I mean, why is Fallenstar so intent on fighting the other Clans? Those cats made it clear that they weren't here to fight."

Fawnpaw has a good point, Icepaw thought warily. It would have made more sense if they suddenly declared war on the Clan. But they had left peacefully after they were told to leave.

"So you believe he wants revenge?" Icepaw looked at Fawnpaw curiously.

"Obviously," Fawnpaw replied without hesitation.

Once again unease crawled through Icepaw's fur. If they went to war against all four Clans, it could mean the end of them. Fallenstar didn't realize just how large the other Clans were. And if the Chosen did fight against the Clans, they would inevitably lose.

"So what now?" Bramblepaw glanced at Fawnpaw nervously.

"You will be joining in the fight." Flarepelt's meow made every apprentice look at her in disbelief. "Every able warrior and apprentice will be joining the fight," she added warily. "If Fallenstar believes we can win than we will."

Someone has a bit of confidence in their leader. Icepaw knew that Flarepelt and Fallenstar were close friends. But it seemed like they were both blinded by their anger towards the other Clans. Rushing into battle wasn't always the answer.

Flarepelt left the apprentices once that was said and done. Greenclaw emerged from his makeshift den and looked around warily. As medicine cat he should have known the danger that would come from this battle. Icepaw was beginning to wonder why he never said anything. After all the health and safety of the Clan relied on him.

"This is so mousebrained," Windpaw grumbled after returning from a day of training. Brokensong had taken him out before the meeting was called. Icepaw knew that she was trying to keep him from guessing what Fallenstar was up to. "Why can't things just go back to the way they were?"

"You know that will never happen," Fawnpaw pointed out. She pressed herself against her brother as Windpaw sighed in frustration.

"None of this would've happened if you hadn't survived!" Windpaw was glaring at Icepaw and the others now, eyes bright with anger. Icepaw could only gape at her denmate. "Life was perfectly fine until those she-cats came looking for you!" he added.

"Shut up you furball," Fawnpaw snapped. "This would have happened even if there weren't any Chosen this newleaf."

Windpaw's ears flattened when his sister glared at him coldly. Icepaw couldn't help but admire Fawnpaw's courage as she stood up to her larger brother. She would make a good warrior when the time finally came. For now they needed to stop arguing and get along during these darker times.

This battle would tell her whether or not it was right to hate StarClan for what they had done. And whether or not LeafClan was meant to survive after all these seasons. Icepaw only hoped and prayed the casualty numbers didn't include any of her friends or family. She would defend this Clan with her life if she had to.

AN: Seems like all I can do is write these short, unimportant chapters. Sorry about that ^^" I'm listening to the song 'Metropolis' by Owl City right now and it's kind of got my mind churning. Love this awesome music XD Thanks everyone for your reviews, they mean a lot! Next chapter will not take as long to get posted.