Chapter Ten: Nightmare Mission

A/N: Slightly embarrassed by this chapter... Thank you to all of my reviewers, you make this story possible! :)

Stonepaw was warm, very warm. Starpaw's fever burned but she still shivered and cried out.

"Don't take him! No!" meowed Starpaw faintly, and wailed slightly. She tightened her muscles like a coiled spring and moved closer to Stonepaw in sleep. She seemed to be plagued with constant nightmares.

Stonepaw's heart ached. He wished he could help her more, but she hadn't come out of her strange sleep.

"Leap-paw, can you help me mash this feverfew, burdock leaf, and marigold please?" Leap-paw had become a regular around the medicine cat den, and was settling into his role as apprentice. He applied some bitter poultice to her burns.

"Can't you give her some poppyseed too? She is in pain," suggested Stonepaw bluntly. "I mean, if it's no bother," he amended hastily as Troutfin stared at him, thinking, look at this insolent little apprentice giving me orders!

"I would give her poppyseed, but I don't know what state she's in mentally. If I give her poppyseed, it might alter her sleep patterns and affect healing," explained Troutfin coolly.

"Oh," muttered Stonepaw. This constant waiting was agony. When would Starpaw wake up?

River stared forcefully at the young she-cat. Starpaw met her gaze timidly.

"Many moons ago, a young kitten named Max was born. He left his Twoleg nest one day to come to our river and was attacked by your father's father, Rapidtide. Though a brave and loyal warrior, Rapidtide did not show mercy or kindness to the small, lost kitten with no home.

"Max was attacked viciously and left to die. A WindClan she-cat found him and raised him as her own. She recognized the scent of RiverClan and told him when he was old enough to understand. The kitten Max was renamed Talonshard.

"Starpaw, listen when I tell you this. Talonshard is dangerous. He holds a grudge. He wants to attack all of RiverClan for the misdeeds done to him as a kit. He intends on war. If he should win, every Clan will be warped into a bloody haze: RiverClan, WindClan, ThunderClan, SkyClan and ShadowClan. He hates you especially for your grandfather's misdeeds. Some of the Clan may turn their back on what is right for their grudge. You are not alone. Know who you can trust.

"This coming battle must be stopped. StarClan is breaking into pieces. The darker half needs only for him to win and we will be split. You have been warned, Starsky. Destroy Talonshard or all who you love will die."

"Starsky? Is that my warrior name? How can I stop…"

"I love you forever, Starpaw, my kit. Stay safe," whispered her mother.

Her father was fading. His eyes gleamed with sorrow as he meowed "We will always watch over you, Starpaw."

"Softfur! Stormwave! Please come back! River?" Starpaw called desperately. But her parents and the proud she-cat were gone. In their place were terrible images. Her Clanmates were beaten and injured. Her friend, Nightpaw, yowling with pain and fear. Alderleaf was fighting desperately as he was overwhelmed with WindClan warriors with bloodlust in their eyes. Owlclaw was surrounded by hundreds of shadowy cats. Moonpaw was raking at enemies as one pushed him under the water.

Starpaw watched as a tom with a scarred eye and a cold glare held one long, sharp claw against Stonepaw's throat, a cruel smile on his gloating face.

Starpaw was frozen, powerless to move. She could only cry out "No! Don't take him!" as the ghostly warriors of StarClan came to collect Stonepaw's soul.

Fulfill your prophecy, destroy Talonshard, or all you see will come to pass.

Then Starpaw was falling down into the darkness.