Pft... This is waayyy overdue.

Sorry for the insanely long wait. :(

Well, I hope the chapter makes up for it. ^^

The Journey Begins

Birdsong

''Everyone ready?'' Ashheart asked. His gaze flicked across of us.

We all nodded in unison. The gray tabby tom nodded. He turned his gaze at me. ''Birdsong...''

''I'm fine,'' I replied sharply. I stretched my sore limbs to show that I was fit for travel. Even though I had awoken without any of the wounds I had received, it sure felt like I had them. My entire body hurt like crazy. And I had, in fact, fallen asleep on a cat. Since we were both so tired, neither of us noticed the other one until the morning. Scene went something like this:

''Uh?'' I awoke to the voice. I almost yelped when I realized who I was sleeping on. ''I'm so sorry! I didn't realize that I...''

The tom smacked his paw against my muzzle. I back up, feeling that same fear I always have had around him. His cold brown eyes locked into mine. ''You do that again, I'll open up that gash again. I'm not afraid to do something twice.'' I nod numbly as he walks past me. His light brown pelt brushes mine as he leaves.

My body suddenly fills with pain, both physical and emotional. Why couldn't I stand up to him? I could brush off anyone else, but why can't I do that to him?Why? To hide the emotions, I grimaced in pain at what was physical. Some day, I will be big enough so that he won't hit me. Some day.

The rest of the day was spent doing what a normal Clan cat does. Apparently, StarClan told Runningstar that Ravenwing and I were part of a group that will save the Clans. She basically kicked us out of the territory when no one was looking.

It also seems that Rainstar, Darkstar, and Jadestar did the same thing. Maybe StarClan commanded them to that. Though that seems pretty stupid. I have a hard time thinking of what the conversation like that would sound like. Hey! We chose two of your warriors to go on a quest! Kick them out when no one is looking! Thanks!

When Ravenwing and I had arrived, only Ashheart and Flowerstep were there. Ashheart greeted us in a very friendly manner. Flowerstep had been nice to Ravenwing, greeting her like they had known each other forever. But she was pretty cold to me. Her amber eyes slitted as she said, ''Welcome to the group. I'm fine with you as long as you don't steal anything.'' What was there to steal? I don't know, but it rubbed me the wrong way.

The next to arrive had been Creampaw and Surviorpaw. She had greeted us all happily. She always had a smile on her face when she talked. Just like Dreampaw. Her brother was more reserved. His greeting was a nod and look that read, do you approve of me? He seemed more like me.

The last ones to arrive where Pinetail and Skypaw. Pinetail seemed was a bit moody, but cordial, unlike Skypaw. That kid was just an obnoxious brat. I swear he thought he was better than all of us. So the group is consisted of Ashheart, who's alright, Flowerstep, who doesn't like me, Creampaw, the girl who seems fine with everyone, Surviorpaw, a shy boy, Pinetail, who is moody, Skypaw, who's a brat, Ravenwing, a happy go lucky cat, and me. I don't know what role I play in this group.

Right from the beginning it seemed that Ashheart was the leader. It frustrates me that he is, but I can't decide if it'll good or bad. It all depends on his leadership skills. If he proves that he's a good leader, I'll follow. If he turns out to be bad, I'll take over. It's as simple as that.

But back to what's currently happening. Ashheart seemed unconvinced, but let it slip. I guess he understands that arguing with me is useless. While he was talking to me, Flowerstep was shoting dirty looks at me. I have no clue what I did to step on her nerves. I'll talk to her later about it. If she lets me talk to her.

''Well, looks like everyone is here,'' said Ashheart. He smiled. ''Let's start this journey.''

''I'm tired!'' complained Skypaw.

''Shut up! We've only been walking for a while!'' snapped Creampaw. Her cream and white fur bristled with hostility. Skypaw's blue-black fur was bristled as well. It was getting annoying that they fought over everything. I'm sure Flowerstep and I could get along better.

I lean to Ravenwing. ''If Skypaw keeps this up, maybe we should just drop him off somewhere. It would be easier for the group. No more whining. Or complaining. He does either of those two, I'll give him a good kick.''

''That's not very nice.'' she replies.

I shrug. ''I wonder why StarClan chose him. I can figure out why they chose the others. Ashheart has been a good leader so far. Flowerstep has helped him. Surviorpaw is shy, but smart. Creampaw is full of energy. Pinetail can be grumpy, but he's very cordial to everyone. You're a nice cat. Skypaw? Maybe they thought we needed someone annoying.''

Ravenwing giggles. ''Maybe they did what someone annoying. Maybe they thought if we got caught, we would need someone to distract them. But maybe they'll do that to me instead. I can talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk until they they get bored, or something. Speaking of bored-''

She never got to finish. ''I'm reaaaaalllly tired!''

''Shut up!'' We all looked at Ashheart in surprise. He approached Skypaw and said coldly,''Keep on complaining and I'll give you something to complain about.'' Scared, Skypaw laid back his ears. I couldn't help be feel deja-vu.

''Serves you right!'' scolded Pinetail. His russet fur bristled. ''You're really leaving a stain in ShadowClan's name. I expect more out of my apprentice.'' Well, at least the mystery behind Skypaw's coming is resolved.

''Let's keeping moving. No more complaints.'' said Flowerstep. She stepped beside Ashheart, who seemed unnerved by her. I've been noticing that Flowerstep seems to like him a lot. But Ashheart always pulls himself away from her. I wonder why that is.

Ashheart keeps us walking until it's painfully obvious that most of us can't go any futher. ''I think we should rest now.'' he pants. The intense walk has taken it's toll on him. Skypaw sinks into the floor, exhausted. Hey, maybe he was tired. Flowerstep, Creampaw, Surviorpaw, and Ravenwing also decide to plop down.

''If I move anymore, my paws will explode.'' grumbled Creampaw. Her brother gently rubbed his paws, showing that they hurt.

''I'm hungry!'' announced Flowerstep. She looked up at Ashheart. When Ashheart looked at her blankly she said, ''I said I'm hungry.'' When Ashheart looked even more blankly she said with contolled anger, ''Will you please bring some food?''

''Of course I'll bring food.'' said Ashheart. He seemed disgruntled by her request. Looking around, I noticed that everyone seemed hungry.

''Well, Pinetail, Ashheart, and I will hunt. But next time, you guys hunt.'' I proposed. Ashheart looked at me in surprise, but seemed to relax.

''It's a good idea.'' said Pinetal approvingly. He turned to the rest of the group,''What do you think?'' Everyone nodded and said it was a great idea.

''Then it's settled! '' said Ashheart happily.

With that, Pinetail, Ashheart and I went in search of prey. It didn't take me too long to already catch three mice. I think I have to credit the fact that they were very stupid mice. I had made the same mistake of making to much noise, but they didn't seem to hear it. Proud of my catch, I walked back with one of the mice. When I arrived, Skypaw jumped up and snatched the mouse of my mouth.

''You little...!'' I exclaimed. I pushed him and yanked the mouse back. ''You ask for it,'' I growled.

''S-s-sorry. I was just really hungry...'' his voice trailed off. He then looked up at me in a sad way. ''Can I please have the mouse?''

I scrunched my nose. Then, I dropped the mouse at his paws. ''Take it. You already bit it.'' He looks up at me, frightened. Yes, he as to understand that he can't mess with me. ''You know, you're the first one back.''

''I catch prey quickly. It's not my fault if the boys are slow.''

''You're a WindClan...''

''DOES IT EVEN MATTER?''

''No, it doesn't!'' he exclaims. ''It's just... strange.''

''Well, I'm going to get the rest of the prey.'' I said dismissively.

I'm about to leave and get the rest of the prey when Ashheart bumps into me. ''Oh, sorry, Birdsong!'' He turned to the rest of the group. ''We're leaving, now!'' A chorus of protests arose, but Ashheart paid no attention. ''Where is Pinetail?''

''He hasn't come back.'' reported Skypaw.

Ashheart said something under his breath. ''I'll go look for him. The rest of you guys, go towards the mountains. I'll catch up.'' He was about to turn away when he abruptly said, ''Birdsong,'' I looked up. ''Lead them until I get back.''

''Are you sure that is a good idea?'' asked Flowerstep innocently. She batted her eyes in an alluring way. ''Someone else should do it.''

''I chose Birdsong. If any of you have a problem with that, say it now.'' No one said anything. ''That settles it. Birdsong is leading. I'm going to find Pinetail. Head for the mountains. Don't you dare look back.'' With that, he sped off.

When he left, Flowerstep gave me a cold gaze. ''So, what now, leader?''

''We do as he said. We go to the mountains.'' No one was thrilled to get moving so early, but it's not like we had a choice. Ashheart had told us to move it. I waited until everyone seemed to be ready. Then, I headed towards the mountains. Everyone followed me.

What had spooked Ashheart? It was unsettling to think that someone was after us. But thoughts like that could get us distracted. I hoped that whatever was going on, Ashheart and Pinetail would catch up to us in time.

Well, there you have it. ^^

I hope you enjoyed it!