Okey, I swear I will make this chapter as long as possible! I know that the last chapter was short compared to my last few chapters, so I am going to make it up to you. It's NYE today, so I wish you all a happy new year!

"Great job, all of you." Stormclaw meowed. He actually seemed pleased for once.

"Thank you." They all meowed, unable to hide their excitement. Skypaw wanted to leap in the air. She was so happy that she is finally going to be a warrior.

"Let's go!" Mosspaw tapped her on the shoulder

"Coming" She turned around and followed them back to camp. Along the way, she couldn't help but notice strange shadows lurking in the trees. She flinched as the shadows moved along them, and turned her head cautiously. A flash went by, and quickly disappeared. Skypaw twisted her head around, trying to catch another glimpse.

"What are you doing?" Thistlepaw looked at her curiously. Skypaw hesitated, trying to think of a logical answer.

"I… I thought I saw a butterfly…" She lied. It was a really bad lie, but she couldn't come up with anything better. Mosspaw snorted with amusement, while Thistlepaw rolled his eyes. Skypaw wanted to say something else, but didn't get to because Featherpelt had rushed up to them and pressed herself against all of them.

"I'm so proud of you all!" She licked Mosspaw head.

"Can't… breath…" Mosspaw wheezed, but Featherpelt ignored her. Skypaw winced. She looked a bit too red. Finally, they were released from her demon grip.

"Alright, all of you! Get back to camp and eat." They rushed off "Thistlepaw! Groom your fur!"

Thistlepaw waved his tail, signaling that he heard. Skypaw sprinted back to camp, the wind rustling through her fur. This was probably her last run through the forest as an apprentice. The camp entrance was in view, she slowed her pace to avoid crashing into the bramble tunnel.

"Slow down!" Flameheart meowed crossly. Skypaw muttered a sorry, but didn't mean it at all. Flameheart has been a grouch since Thornstar's decision about the rouges. Mosspaw and Thistlepaw caught up with her, panting hard.

"Why'd you run?" Thistlepaw meowed, sounding annoyed

"I… just felt like it." Mosspaw looked at her, a hint of disbelief in her eyes.

"okay."

They padded towards the fresh kill pile, hoping to get something to eat. All that was there were a couple of small mice and a shrew. Sighing, Skypaw picked one of the mice and settled down beside Thistlepaw. She nibbled at the mouse, then realizing how hungry she was, took big bites. The mouse quickly disappeared, and she was sad to see it go. Remembering what Featherpelt had said to Thistlepaw, she licked her fur down.

"I'm going to take a nap!" Thistlepaw meowed

"You do know it's almost time." Mosspaw jabbed him in the side.

"It's not time yet! The ceremony is at sundown."

"Soon enough." Mosspaw flicked a piece of moss off her shoulder. It landed on Skypaw, who shook it off. Thistlepaw ignored her, and settled down to sleep. Skypaw was tired too, but she didn't want to be late to the ceremony, so she made herself stay awake. The camp was bustling with activities. Leaftail and her kits were outside, getting a whiff of fresh air. She was fiercely protective of her kits, and they barely get to step outside the nursery. Mosspaw was looking around the camp, her large green-tinted eyes bright.

"Who are you looking for?" Skypaw blurted out.

"Wha.. What do you mean, looking for?" Mosspaw looked embarrassed. She scuffled her paws uncomfortably.

"… Weren't you looking for someone?" Skypaw meowed slowly, tensing to brace herself from a sudden attack.

"No!" Mosspaw denied quickly "I was just… looking for stars." Skypaw knew her lies were bad, but Mosspaw was terrible at lying. Her eyes got bigger, and she looked a bit sick.

"Okay…" Skypaw didn't want to make her throw up, but she really was curious about who exactly Mosspaw was looking for. She didn't have time to wonder, because just then, Thornstar had called the clan together for the meeting. She padded up to the Highrock with Thistlepaw and Mosspaw.

"Come up." Thornstar signaled to them. Skypaw padded eagerly towards him, Mosspaw and Thistlepaw flanking her sides. She could feel Thistlepaw trembling with excitement.

"Stormclaw and Pinepelt, are your apprentices ready to be warriors." The two warriors nodded solemnly. "I, Thornstar, leader of FireClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look upon these apprentices. They have worked hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in return." His gaze was warm on them.

"Mosspaw, Thistlepaw and Skypaw. Do you promise to uphole the warrior code, and protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." They meowed in unison

"Then by the powers invested in me by StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Mosspaw," She looked up at him, eyes lighting up with anticipation. "from this moment on, you shall be known as Mosscloud. FireClan honors your intelligence and thoughtfulness."

He turned to Thistlepaw, who was shaking nervously. "Thistlepaw, from this moment on, you shall be known as Thistlefoot. StarClan honors your enthusiasm and your determination." It was finally Skypaw's turn. Thornstar looked at her in a strange way, but she wasn't exactly sure that it was. "Skypaw, from now on, you shall be known as Skyblaze. FireClan honors your courage and your dedication. We welcome you all as full members of FireClan." This was the moment Skyblaze had been dreaming for her entire life. Thornstar leaped down from Highrock, and placed his muzzle on her shoulder. She licked his shoulder like all other new warriors, and he moved onto her siblings. Mosscloud and Thistlefoot's eyes were both shining like stars. Thornstar's eyes lingered on her for a while, then he looked away. The clan began chanting

"Mosscloud! Thistlefoot! Skyblaze!" They chanted happily. Skyblaze looked around, a warm feeling flooding her.

"It's your vigil tonight!" Someone shouted from the back. Mosscloud looked around, like she did before. Skyblaze followed her gaze. It was Flameheart! Her soft, gentle sister was looking at Flameheart! She hoped that she didn't actually like him, but there was an admiring glow in her eyes.

"Skyblaze, can I see you real quick?" Thornstar interrupted her thoughts. Skyblaze nodded and padded over to him.

"Yes?"

"Lilyripple got another dream," He looked at her "Have you?"

"Yes…" She hesitated "StarClan said to look out for someone near me."

"Do you have any idea who?"

"No. I don't" She didn't tell him who she suspected

"Okay," He cleared his throat "Lilyripple was told that you will have a mentor to help you with your powers. I do not know who. You will be informed right away when we have any more information."

She nodded. A mentor? But who possibly could know anything about opening up the ground? She padded away to sit with Thistlefoot and Mosscloud, who were waiting for her near the bramble tunnel.

"We're warriors!" Thistlefoot meowed happily. He trotted around his sisters, chanting.

"I know! You're making me dizzy!" Skyblaze complained

"Sorry." Thistlefoot continued trotting around. Skyblaze rolled her eyes. He'll never change.

(RippleClan)

Hawkfeather blinked awake. He and a couple other warriors had stayed awake trying to catch Wetclaw when he came back. Looking around, it seems that no one could stay up. He looked at the entrance, eyelids barely open. Sunlight was just pouring into the camp, warming the cold ground. He had just the mind to go back to sleep, when Cloudshine bursted into the camp. He leaped onto his paws, with Mudwhisker following him.

"Wetclaw…" He started, but Cloudshine interrupted him

"You mean Wetstar?" He meowed

Hawkfeather looked around for the new leader, who padded out slowly from the tunnel. The white of his eyes were red. He looked extremely worn out.

"Wetstar.." Hawkfeather meowed, dipping his head. Mudwhisker followed

"Thank you." He meowed tiredly.

"You should go back to your den and get some sleep." Cloudshine meowed

"No, I need to appoint a new deputy." He protested

"You still have till moonhigh."

He sighed "Alright." And padded slowly to his den. Hawkfeather couldn't help but wonder who he was going to choose for deputy. He knew it wouldn't be him, but he couldn't help but feel that he should be deputy. He was chosen to save the clan…

"Let's go tell the others!" Mudwhisker meowed. Hawkfeather rushed after him, hoping to be the first to announce the good news. Some of the warriors have already woken up, but most were still snoring in their nests. Hawkfeather hesitated, but Mudwhisker did not

"Wetstar is back!"

Most warriors looked up, but a few were annoyed

"You may not need your sleep, but we sure do!"

"Sorry."

Hawkfeather sighed. Mudwhisker was always impulsive.

"Come on, lets get something to eat." Hawkfeather led his friend away from the glaring warriors.

"Alright, I'm starving." He meowed happily

They settled down in the front of the warriors den with a fish to share. Mudwhisker delved in, gulping down more than half the fish. Hawkfeather took a few bites, rolling the slippery flesh around in his mouth. The fresh flavor sunk into his mouth, and he swallowed. Taking another bite, he got up on his paws to get some more sleep.

(BreezeClan)

Windheart lied on the floor of his den. It was only after sunhigh, but he was extremely tired and wanted to take a nap. Deadheart was sleeping not very far away from him. He rolled to look at him. The warrior had suddenly developed severe chest pains again. He had fed him catmint, hoping it will do something, but he seemed to be in even more pain. Sighing, he closed his eyes to try and sleep again. StarClan still have not sent him any other signs.

"Argh…" Deadheart moaned. Windheart padded over to him, hoping he's not in too much pain.

"Are you okay?" He whispered to him

"Yes, I'm fine." Deadheart denied his pain. Windheart didn't believe him, and padded to the back of his den to get some poppy seeds for him. There was only one lonely head left, and he shook a couple seeds from the flower. Carrying the seeds, he gave them to the writhing Deadheart. He licked them up, then seemed to relax. Windheart padded back to his nest, hoping to get some sleep. Lying down, he flicked couple pieces of leaves off his pelt, and when to sleep.

"Windheart…" A whisper ran through his dreams, and Windheart blinked awake. He was no longer in his den, but in StarClan.

"Hello? Anyone here?" He meowed

"Hello, Windheart." Frecklepelt meowed warmly. She had appeared from some of the bushes lining the clearing.

"Do you have answers for me?" Windheart blurted, unable to keep the desperation out of his voice. Frecklepelt looked at her filled with sympathy.

"I have gotten some information from Swallowtail. It seems that the pains come from the heart. It is a very rare disease, caused before birth.."

"Before birth? How's that possible?"

"I do not know for sure." She admitted "But she did tell me there was a special and extremely rare herb that can help the patient slowly be rid of it."

"What is it?" Windheart meowed

"It's called Gingko, and it is only available in the eastern plains."

"Eastern plains? Where is that?"

"Not many cats have heard of this place before," Frecklepelt explained carefully "It is a far journey from here, in the direction of the rising sun."

"How are we ever going to get there?" Windheart kneaded the ground anxiously

"Keep believing, Windheart. Remember to watch the stars…." She faded away, and the beautiful scene of StarClan's territory disappeared along with her. He fell back into a deep sleep.

(Tigerstar's Clan)

"Tigerstar, this is absolutely hopeless!" Darkstripe growled. Their "warriors" were lazily lounging around, asking for food.

"Patience, Darkstripe." Tigerstar coaxed him. Inside, however, he was bubbling with annoyance also. These kittypets had lost the fight with the fat, lazy RippleClan cats.

"They are obviously not fit as warriors!"

"Be quiet! I know what I am doing!" Tigerstar let out a growl. When was he coming? They had agreed to meet before sunset, and it was almost moonhigh!

"Where is this guest?" Darkstripe meowed

"Be patient okay?"

Darkstripe opened his mouth to disagree, but he was interrupted by a unfamiliar voice

"Are you waiting for me?"

(RippleClan)

Hawkfeather waited underneath the Highrock along with Jaygaze and Clawtail. Mudwhisker was still sleeping.

"Should I go wake him?" He asked Jaygaze.

"It's almost moonhigh… so yes."

Hawkfeather padded towards the warriors den. Even from outside, he could hear Mudwhisker's loud snores. Padding inside, he meowed loudly

"Wake up! It's time to name the new deputy!" Mudwhisker jumped up, fur fluffed

"You scared me!"

"Sorry, but we've got to go."

He sighed "Alright… I'm coming."

They padded out of the den, and sat beside Jaygaze and Clawtail. Wetstar padded out of his den onto the Highledge. He waited for the clan to settle.

"I say these words before, StarClan, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of RippleClan will be Deadtail"

Deadtail looked surprised. Hawkfeather had to admit that he was the best choice for deputy, though he was a bit old. Deadtail had experience, and he was a very wise cat. Most of the other warriors were also nodded with approval.

"He made a good choice." He heard Jaygaze murmur. Jaygaze had always been the more mature and wise one of the new warriors.

"Deadtail! Deadtail!" Mudwhisker chanted. The others joined in. Rosefur pressed herself against her brother. She was quite younger that him, and you could see the obvious difference in age. Cinderclaw padded up to him and congratulated him, but he didn't seem very happy. His father had always been ambitious.

(Next day, FireClan)

Skyblaze stretched. She was extremely tired, and she could tell that Thistlefoot and Mosscloud were too. She stood guard, eyelids drooping, waiting for someone to tell her the vigil was over. Sadly, it was still not dawn yet. She sighed, and settled back into a more comfortable position. After what was like five lifetimes, the sun finally rose.

"You're done!" A voice meowed from behind them. Skyblaze looked around. It was Pinepelt, and he had an amused glance on his face.

"Thank StarClan! I thought I was going to fall asleep on my paws!" Thistlefoot meowed, yawning

"Go get some sleep. Your duties don't start till tomorrow." He reassured them. Thistlefoot sprinted to the warrior's den. Skyblaze and Mosscloud ran after him. They squeezed into the den, and settled down in one of the outer nest. She closed her tired eyes, and fell quickly asleep.

(BreezeClan)

"Windheart, we're running out of poppy seeds!" Deadheart heard Grasspaw meowed quietly "I need it for Flufftail's aching joints." Deadheart looked up. Wasn't that was Windheart had been feeding him? He was such a burden to the clan!

"I get it. I'll manage to find more soon." Windheart murmured. Deadheart got up on his paws "Are you okay, Deadheart?"

"I'm fine, Windheart." he waved him away "You shouldn't waste all your herbs on me."

Windheart looked at him in confusion "What do you mean, waste my herbs?"

"There are people who need them more than me."

"You're just as important, Deadheart" Windheart looked at him in the eye "Every clan needs you." When Deadheart didn't reply, he continued "I have gotten another dream from StarClan. They told me that your condition can be cured by a special herb." He couldn't help but feel that Windheart was hiding something. He nodded, not wanting to question him.

"Thank you, Windheart." He meowed "But please don't go looking for it just for me."

"It might not be just for you, there may be other cats that need it too."

Deadheart nodded, and padded out of the den.

"Deadheart! You're wanted for patrol!" Swiftclaw meowed gruffly.

"Okay, I'm coming." He meowed and padded over to him. Some of the clan seemed to be looking at him with a strange look in their eyes. What were they looking at him for?

"You are going with them, so hurry up." Swiftclaw commanded, pointing his tail at Mapleleaf and Stripeheart. They greeted him with a cold glance, and Deadheart winced at the harshness. Mapleleaf had always been one of the friendlier cats. Why were they all acting so weird? Of course, he realized, they were mad. Why wouldn't you be, when you're feeding some useless cat who didn't do anything for the clan. Guilt filled Deadheart.

"Are you just going to stand there all day, or are you coming?" Sneered Stripeheart. Deadheart ran towards them, nearly colliding into them.

"Watch it!" Mapleleaf snarled. He flinched, not used to the harshness. His life is completely changed by this stupid condition. He followed the two she-cats out of the camp.

So I realized that some of these things in this chapter didn't exactly make sense, like cats laughing. But... it fit. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even though the timing of the events are a bit strange. :) R&R