Well, lookee here, it's an update from moi. XD

In case you were wondering, I'm NOT DEAD! My computer just got a virus and I have to use my friend's computer, which means updates are gonna be a little slow. Luckily I saved some prewritten chappies onto my flash drive..!

I have no idea if a lot of my old reviewers still want to read this story, but I feel like talking to you guys, so I shall do that:

Shmancy-Fancy-Kitteh: Lol! XD I hope you keep reviewing, I love your reviews!

Luckyfur: Thank youu. :)

violentyetawesome: Yep! Why, did I write down somewhere she was a dude..? XD

ladycullen001: My first reviewer! :) Super glad you're still reading.

By the way, guys, there's an allegiances list in the verrry beginning; I think it's the second one listed in the drop-down menu :)

Chapter 9

Once they were at camp Maplepaw led Silkpaw immediately to Mossleaf.

"Mossleaf?" Maplepaw asked the medicine cat anxiously.

"Yes?" she inquired, turned to face another injured cat. She put some cobwebs on the wound and then glanced at the two apprentices.

"Oh, my!" she exclaimed, staring at the deep gash on her shoulder. She looked up at Maplepaw. "I'm sorry, I have to care for these others, unless you would like to wait. They have deep wounds that are very important to tend to. I recommend asking Smokepaw; I've taught him well, and I know he will be able to heal it."

Maplepaw nodded and searched for the medicine cat apprentice. Her eyes rested on his dark gray figure emerging through the den, his pelt rippling in the sunlight. Smokepaw made his way toward the two at once. He fixed his attention on Silkpaw, and then his green eyes flickered to Maplepaw.

"Mossleaf said you would be able to tend to Silkpaw's wounds," Maplepaw mewed quietly. She jerked her head towards Silkpaw.

"Sure," he meowed. As Maplepaw turned to leave, he meowed, "Would you like to stay? You could help me."

Maplepaw met his gaze. "O-okay."

"First things first. Maplepaw, I need you to gather some cobwebs from my den."

Maplepaw nodded obediently and hurried to the medicine cat's den. A few heartbeats later she was bounding out with cobwebs between her teeth. Smokepaw took them carefully and wrapped it around the gash in Silkpaw's shoulder.

"This will soak up the blood and keep the wound clean," Smokepaw explained.

"Ouch! It hurts!" Silkpaw yowled.

"Don't worry, Silkpaw," Smokepaw soothed. He turned to Maplepaw. "Now we need comfrey."

"Anything to help Silkpaw," Maplepaw muttered resolutely, racing into the den once again.

Smokepaw took the comfrey from her jaws when she returned.

"Silkpaw," he meowed, beginning to chew up the fat black roots of the plant. He beckoned for Maplepaw to do the same. "This will soothe your wound. Just stay still."

She followed his directions as Smokepaw rubbed the chewed-up comfrey onto her injury.

"Does it feel better?" he asked.

She nodded stiffly, shooting her friend a small half-smile. Smokepaw turned to Maplepaw.

"I can take care of the rest. Do you need to be tended to?" Smokepaw asked. Maplepaw shook her head, and, with a flick of her tail, waved good-bye as she went.

But before she could make it at least two foxtails away Stormstar padded up to her. "Maplepaw, we need to feed our Clan. Do you think you can go on a hunting patrol with two other warriors?" She dipped her head mutely. "Just make sure they're healed enough!"

Maplepaw gathered Sunpelt and Nightstripe and they left for the Great Sycamore.

"I'm going to hunt near the Thunderpath. Is that okay?" Maplepaw asked Sunpelt.

"As long as you're careful!" Sunpelt meowed sternly. Maplepaw promised of course she would be careful and trotted to the path.

Feeling the familiar sensation of hunting, Maplepaw opened her mouth slightly, and, struggling to find a scent over the Thunderpath's bitter one, finally smelled squirrel. She dropped into a crouch, stalked towards her prey, and pounced after a moment's hesitation. Before it could climb up one of the trees she killed it in one swift bite. Maplepaw buried it quickly and efficiently.

She caught a few more: two mice, a vole, and a starling. She buried them as well.

Another scent caught her attention, but it was faint. ShadowClan! She looked across the Thunderpath, and, sure enough, she could spot an apprentice of that very enemy Clan. But this ShadowClanner was not an enemy.

"Shadepaw!" she yowled. He glanced up and, when he realized it was his friend, his eyes sparkled.

"Maplepaw!" he meowed. Shadepaw's expression turned troubled. "Look, I have to tell you something really important—"

"There you are!" Sunpelt came bounding towards her, and Shadepaw raced away. "C'mon! Bring your catch – we have to feed the Clan!"

Maplepaw nodded absent-mindedly, digging up her fresh-kill. What was bothering Shadepaw?

R&R dears! Boring chappie, I know, but reviews motivate me! If I get a truckload of reviews, I will beg my friend to let me come to her house again, promise. ^^