Ohmigosh.

Guys, this is the last chapter.

Thank you so much for reading, and enjoy!

Kits

Part 1

Graypaw

I rolled my eyes. "Could you stop that? Please?"

Firepaw continued to roll on the ground and laugh like a mouse-brain."Sorry. It's-just-so-funny."

"Uh-huh. So amusing."

"But- you missed- that- squirrel- by about a- mile!" Firepaw said, finally stopping to take a breath.

"So? You haven't even caught a squirrel, and you've been here for almost a moon!"

Firepaw stood up. "That's different. I prefer to go after mice."

"Yeah, because that's the only thing you can catch," I retorted.

A flash of hurt crossed his eyes, and he didn't reply.

"Firepaw," I said, "you know I was joking. That's all I ever 're a great hunter. It takes practice, though. For everyone. For some, like Sandpaw, though it takes a lot of practice."

Firepaw's whiskers twitched in amusement. "Yeah, maybe so."

"So, what now?" Ever since Rainkit had been born, I'd been trying to keep busy. If I ever slowed down, I often started thinking about him and Silverpaw. I couldn't do that without hurting inside. Silverpaw and I had been meeting less and less lately, mostly because seeing each other made us think about Rainkit. I'd never had the heart to tell her that ShadowClan might have kitnapped him, or even killed him. I couldn't imagine the look on her face.I didn't want to put her through any more than she needed to go , I missed that kit. Even though I'd only seen him for a few minutes, he was still my son. I wished I could've actually gotten to be his father.

Stop that, Graypaw, you can't be a father. You're only an apprentice.

An apprentice that's ten moons old, I reminded myself. About two more, and I'll be a Warrior. If I can concentrate on my training.

"I was thinking we should head back to camp," Firepaw said. "Bluestar told me not to take too long, since as apprentices we really shouldn't be hunting alone. Not to mention, I've got Yellowfang duties…"

"Uh, okay," I didn't really want to go back to camp. Camp meant rest, and rest meant more time to think about what I didn't want to think about.

"I mean, as long as that's okay with you," Firepaw said.

"Yeah, it's fine," I assured him, then wrinkled my nose. "Wouldn't want you to miss out on your Yellowfang duties…"

"Are you sure? Graypaw, is everything okay?"he asked.

"Yes," I said, gathering the prey I had caught. "Camp is a good idea. I'm exhausted."

"It's a shame we only get to hunt for a little by ourselves," Firepaw said as we headed towards camp. "But then again, time alone is better than time with Tigerclaw."

I shuddered. "He's so mean. And especially to Ravenpaw. But hey, it's not like you have to worry about that anymore, what with Bluestar as your mentor."

"Well, I've still got to deal with Tigerclaw breathing down my back, "Kittypet, why can't you claw like the other apprentices? That perfect attack was hardly as perfect as Dustpaw's," Firepaw said in a mocking voice.

I laughed. "And for hardly any reason, too," I added. "What's his excuse?"

Firepaw shrugged. "It's a shame that Ravenpaw can't be proud he's the apprentice of the deputy; he's too busy being scared of him."

"How did Tigerclaw even end up as deputy? I'd think Bluestar would choose Bluetail. He's a great Warrior," I said.

"Yeah, but she doesn't want to show favoritism," Firepaw told me. "Besides, you've seen what's happened lately; every cat that becomes the deputy dies."

I cringed, remembering Lionheart, and how he'd died in the recent battle.

Firepaw stopped. "Oh, I'm sorry, Graypaw, I-"

"No, it's okay," I said. "Let's keep going."

When we entered the camp and deposited our prey into the fresh-kill pile, Blackkit came rushing towards us.

"Guys! Guys! Guess what!" his eyes were bright.

"What is it, Blackkit?" Firepaw asked.

"I've got a plan to rescue my littermates!"

"What is it?" Firepaw was instantly intrigued.

"Well, um," suddenly Blackkit seemed shy. "I…"

"Blackkit, now is not the time to be shy," Firepaw said. "What is your plan?"

Blackkit looked back and forth between us quickly. "Uh, nevermind," he said, and dashed away.

"Why that little-" Firepaw charged after him.

"Firepaw!" I called, but he wasn't listening. I watched as Firepaw chased him around camp, causing a ruckus and disturbing what everyone else was doing. Blackkit skipped around the Elders who were sunbathing in the evening light. Firepaw wasn't quite as graceful and ended up tripping over them.

"Sorry!" Firepaw called, scrambling back to his paws and continuing the chase. Blackkit scampered around Highrock, his eyes wide. He scrambled through the crowd of cats, stopping only when he had reached safety in between Bluetail's paws. He turned to face an angry Firepaw, whose anger melted as soon as he saw who Blackkit was hiding under. I crept a little closer to see what was happening.

"Blackkit?" Bluetail asked, looking down at his son. "What's this?"

"Firepaw's been chasing me," Blackkit explained, giving his best innocently-sad face.

"Why?" Bluetail looked up at Firepaw.

"He said he has a plan to rescue Snowkit," Firepaw said boldly. "And then he ran. So I chased."

Bluetail looked questionably down at Blackkit. "A plan? Blackkit, I've told you this-"

"Earthpaw taking care of them isn't saving them," Blackkit said. "My plan is."

"Then what's the plan?" Firepaw demanded. "Why won't you tell me?"

Bluetail kept looking down at Blackkit. "You're right. Blackkit, c'mon." Bluetail turned.

"Where are we going?" Blackkit asked.

"You're going to tell me your plan."

The two left camp, completely ignoring the fact that Firepaw was still standing turned to me. I nodded.

I ran to him, and we followed Blackkit and Bluetail out of camp. It was easy to follow them, since Blackkit wasn't exactly the best and navigating his way through undergrowth. The two ended up stopping hear Tall Pines. Firepaw and I stayed a ways back, watching and listening, and trying our best to stay out of sight.

"What's your plan?" Bluetail asked.

Blackkit looked around suspiciously. "I can use you-know-what. And so can they."

I exchanged a puzzled looked with Firepaw. You-know-what?

Bluetail looked slightly disappointed. "Blackkit, you know how I said using that would be dangerous around other cats?"

Blackkit nodded.

"Well, using it around Twolegs would be even worse."

"But who's to say the Twolegs will see them?" We can go in the middle of the night, just me and you, and get them out. It's perfect."

"I don't know, Blackkit. It's dangerous."
 "What if Earthpaw was helping?"

"Still-"

"Dad! Please! I know I can do this!"

"How, Blackkit? What are you going to do? Make it rain, and then the doors will open?"

"No…," Blackkit said, suddenly turning slightly embarrassed. "More like strike the nest with lightning... and then singe it to pieces."

What? I mouthed to Firepaw. This kit was crazy.

He thinks he can make it rain and shoot lightning? I gave a small sigh. Glancing over, I could see Firepaw looked just as disappointed as Bluetail.

"Let's go," Firepaw whispered. "This has to be some kind of joke. They must know that we followed them. If we leave, then at least Blackkit can tell Bluetail the real plan. At least then Snowkit will be safe."

I nodded solemnly, and we turned quietly and headed back to camp.

... … … … …

Blackkit

"Blackkit, I can't let you do this."

"But-"

"No, Blackkit. It's too risky. Besides, do you even know how to shoot lightning?" Bluetail asked.

"I-I…"

"See?"

"But I know I can do it!"

"Blackkit, I'm not going to argue any more. Now let's go back to camp." He glanced at the sky. "It' looks like it's going to rain."

Any why do you think that might be?

Bluetail led the way back to camp. I followed grudgingly. I couldn't believe him! It was like he didn't care if they came back or not. I stomped after him, and soon it started to thunder.I felt a slight twinge of dark pleasure. That was what I wanted.I wanted the darkest, most powerful storm ever. Who could say I couldn't control my powers then?

It started to rain. Bluetail quickened his pace, but I let him go ahead of me. I was in no rush to get back to camp. I willed it to rain harder. Let Bluetail get me get soaked. I didn't care. He deserved it. How could he say I had no control? I had complete control! Look at me now; creating this brilliant storm.

The sky darkened even further, and there was more thunder. The rain came down even harder. The wind rattled the trees and leaves started to fly everywhere. Suddenly, Bluetail stopped and turned to me.

"Blackkit," he said sternly. "What are you doing?"

I looked up at him, as innocently as possible. "What do you mean?"

Bluetail sighed. "You know what I mean."

"Sorry! I can't hear you through the wind!" I called out to him.

"Then make it stop!"Bluetail yelled back. "Blackkit! Stop! Make it stop! Now!"

"No! You need to see that I'm strong enough to do this! Look at this!" I said, looking around at the storm. "You think this isn't enough to save them?"

Bluetail didn't reply.

"Answer me!" I screamed. "You know I can save them!"

Bluetail continued to study the storm around him. His eyes widened.

He was afraid.

But was he afraid...of me?

That shocked me so much that I stumbled back a little. My own father was...scared of me.

The rain thinned to a small drizzle, and the clouds slowly cleared, until the sun shone through again. Once the wind died down, I realized that I was panting and exhausted.

"You're...scared of me," I said, looking to the ground.

"Blackkit, I'm not scared of you," Bluetail said slowly.

I looked up.

"I'm scared of what you could do, if you have no control. You saw what just happened; you got upset and then couldn't help but make a huge storm. I can't let you try and rescue them if you can't control it. What if you hurt them? What if you hurt yourself?"

"Then at least they'll be out of there, and safe. Bluetail, it's not fair to just leave them there!"

Bluetail sighed. "I know. Look, you can train and practice, by yourself. When you gain more control, you can try and save them."

"Really?" The clouds above cleared away, leaving a bright sun to shine down through the trees.

Bluetail nodded. "Of course. I want them back just as much as you do."

"Okay, so when should we meet tonight?"

"Whoa, slow down,I didn't say we'd start tonight. Give me a while to figure this out."

I sighed. "Nevermind. You were right before; it's too risky. If not around the Twolegs, then definitely around the other cats. Besides, the only safe time would be at night, and I'm not even supposed to leave camp until I'm an apprentice! That's breaking the rules."

"Hold on,"Bluetail said, a strange twinkle in his eyes."I only said I had a problem with other cats seeing you. I never said the problem was with breaking the rules…"

Kits

Part 2

Rainkit

It was dark.

Everything was swirling around a moment, I heard the sound of rushing water, but then it was replaced with the howling of the wind. I could smell heather, and could feel the cool air around me. Everything seemed wide and vast, like this place went on forever and ever.

I heard the water again, and then the wind. Shapes started to swirl in the darkness, and I could almost make out a face. Suddenly, thunder clapped, and there was a flash of lightning. It started to rain. I could see a gray cat…TI felt the water drench my pelt. Then it flashed again, and there was a beautiful silvery she-cat…

"Rainkit?"

I jerked awake with a start. "Huh?" I sat up, blinking.

"You're in the puddles again" Morningflower drug me out of the puddle, and back to where it was drier. She started to groom my fur to dry it off. "You poor thing," she murmured.

"Mom, I don't see what the big deal is. It's just water,"I said.

"Rainkit, you'll get sick. It's not right for a cat to be wet all of the time."

"Then why are we here?" I asked. 'In these nasty tunnels? I thought we were WindClan. I thought we belonged out in the open air, where you can run and run."

Morningflower didn't answer, only looked out of the tunnel where the sun was now rising.

"Because," I turned and saw Onewhisker standing there, "of Brokenstar."

"Who?"

"ShadowClan's leader," he said. "He and his so-called Warriors ran us out of our own territory."

"What? But...why couldn't we stop him?"

Onewhisker sighed. " A Warrior isn't supposed to kill unless necessary, Rainkit. Brokenstar seems to have forgotten that. We had no choice but to leave."

"Oh," I said.

Onewhisker gave me a solemn smile. "Don't worry though, Rainkit. Your clan is as strong as ever. He turned away and filed through the other members of the clan. The place was cramped, and smelled.

And not of flowers.

I wrinkled my nose as I watched him walk away. Strong? Everyone here was soaked with disgusting sewer water and looked completely exhausted. They didn't look strong at all.

I turned and looked back at Morningflower. She was still sitting on the edge of the tunnel, looking at the sky. I was scared for her. She was close to kitting, and it was so...depressing here. What if her kits didn't make it?

Suddenly, someone behind me pushed me and I fell in another puddle. My attacker pinned me from behind,shoving my face into the water. Behind me, I could sense a tail-tip flicking with amusement.

"Moonkit,' I groaned, "why are you always sneaking up on me?"

Moonkit shifted her weight off of me and moved to face me. Her green eyes were shining with playfulness. "Because you make it so easy," she giggled.

I stood up, spitting water out of my mouth. "Did you have to push me in the water, though?"

She gave me an innocent look. "You've never complained about the water before." She held that pose while I glared at her. Finally, she seemed to break down. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. It's just, you're my best friend, Rainkit, and honestly I didn't think you'd be so upset about it."

"It's okay," I said. "As long as you can do one thing to make it up to me."

Moonkit's ears perked up. "What's that?"

"This," I said, standing and grinning deviously. Before she could move, I ran my paw smoothly through the puddle and sent a high arc of water down on Moonkit. I turned and sprinted away as I heard her shriek.

"Rainkit!" I could hear her following me. I shifted through the crowded tunnel, looking for a place to hide. Sometimes I had to slide under lifted paws and jump over a lowered tail. As hard as it was, I heard Moonkit's attempts to chase me fade away. I'd lost her in the bustle of the rest of the Clan.

Satisfied, I sat and tried to start licking some of the water off of my pelt. Usually my pelt dried off a lot faster than everyone else's, but right now a cool wind was blowing through the tunnels, making me shiver.

"Let-me-through!" I turned and heard a sharp shriek as Moonkit pushed her way through the crowd of cats. She stumbled a few steps, but then straightened. Suddenly her eyes met mine, and they closed into slits.

"I've-" she ran towards me, "got-you-" Moonkit leapt into the air. Suddenly, there was a loud roar overhead. Everyone in the tunnels shrank down. With a sharp shriek, Moonkit fell to the ground, missing me by about a tail length.

"Rainkit!" She squealed, cowering into me. The roaring was gone as fast as it had come.

"It's okay," I said. "The monster's gone now."

Moonkit was shaking. "There'll be another one, though. There always is. Oh, I hate it here!"

"I know," I said. "Me too. We should go home. Where we belong."

"Yeah," Moonkit agreed. "I mean, we've never even gotten to see it."

I nodded. "What do you think it's like?"

"Well, my mother's told me about it. She says there's a big, open sky, and there's land to run and run forever. She told me the ground is so high up, that's it's the closest Clan to StarClan."

"It sounds great," I said. "We just have to convince some of these Warriors to fight for what's ours."

"Rainkit," Moonkit chided softly. "We've tried that. But you've seen everyone. Their tired. My mother says there's no prey here. We're all...just dying...slowly."

"Which is all the more reason to leave," I told her.

"That's a good point," she said. "But I think we need help. We can't do this by ourselves. Our Clan is too weak now."

"You're right," I said. I looked around, and noticed that we'd run from one end of the tunnel to the other. I looked out the opening, much like Morningflower was on the other end. "Moonkit, we need a hero."

Kits

Part 3

Blackkit

I groaned, gritting my teeth, and pushed harder. I dug my claws into the ground and concentrated on the sky. The clouds were moving, but very slowly. I couldn't believe how hard this was. I thought I'd had at least some control over my powers. I'd told Bluetail I could do this, but obviously all I was doing was proving him right.

"Blackkit," Bluetail sighed. "That's enough. Besides, I think a patrol's coming."

I ignored him. I needed to do this. If I never gained control, how could I save my brothers and sisters? Bluetail would never even let me try unless I gained control.

I continued to push hard. The clouds above me darkened.

I felt a twinge of pleasure. Yes! Now, please, just rain.

The clouds shifted and rolled around each other, and even darkened a little more, but no rain fell.

I grumbled. How hard could this be? I was supposed to be able to do this.

"Blackkit," Bluetail said again. "Stop! You've been practicing all morning. You can take a break."
"Are the Twolegs going to take a break?" I demanded. When Bluetail didn't reply, I turned away and urged the storm even harder.

I was in control.

But that's when something slipped inside me, and I lost my grip on the power. I stopped holding my breath, and the clouds in the sky disappeared. I collapsed on the ground, panting. I felt light-headed, and exhausted. I would've stormed away, but I was too tired to be angry. Besides, my vision kept blacking out in places.

"Blackkit, you pushed too hard," Bluetail said gently. "Again."

"I know," I said, after I'd caught my breath. I stood slowly and turned to him. "Why can't I do it?"

"Because you're a kit, and only just found your powers a few moons ago," Bluetail said. "You just need to practice more."

I sighed. "You tell me that practically every day."

"Because it's true," Bluetail said. "You just need to practice."

"Well who made you the expert on powers?" I demanded.

"Shh!" Bluetail said, looking around nervously. "Someone might hear you. And I've told you; your mother told me all she knew. I watched her train Earthpaw with his powers, , can we go back to camp? I'm starving."

"Fine," I agreed grudgingly. "But eating won't rescue them."

"Well, maybe not," Bluetail said, as we headed back towards camp, "but you won't be able to do anything when you're tired and hungry. Why don't you get something to eat, and then come and find me? I've got something I want to tell you. Afterwards, you could take a nap in the Nursery if you like; there won't be any annoying apprentices to bug you there."

"Dad, no! I'm hardly a kit anymore, and I've already got my own nest with the apprentices. I don't need to sleep in the Nursery," I said, quickening my pace and entering the camp.

I heard Bluetail sigh behind me. "I know."

After I entered the camp, I headed to the fresh-kill pile and found a mouse. After settling down, I saw Firepaw and Graypaw enter the camp, with Tigerclaw hot on their heels. Firepaw met eyes with me, and for a moment I saw suspicion.

I rolled my eyes. Was he still suspicious about my plan?

But the suspicious look didn't last, and soon Firepaw was racing towards me.

"Blackkit! You'll never believe what happened!" he said, looking breathless.

"What?" I asked.

As an answer, I saw Whitestorm enter camp. He was followed by Sandpaw, and….

Tiny?

I looked at Firepaw in awe. "How…?"

Firepaw was grinning broadly. "I have absolutely no idea. Must be destiny."

"Or fate," Sandpaw said dryly, as she walked by. "I can't believe I'll have to deal with two of them now."

Firepaw scowled as she walked by. "You'd be lucky to be friends with one of us," he muttered.

Whitestorm led Tiny over to where Firepaw and I were. I stood up to greet him.

"Tiny!" I said, scampering up to him. "Whoa, you're not so...tiny anymore, are you?"

Tiny shook his head. "Not really. I mean, look, I'm taller than Rusty now!"

I saw Firepaw cringe a little at hearing his old name, but he smiled through it. "Yeah,you're also a lot wider than me."

Graypaw wandered over. "Um, Tiny, his name is Firepaw, now."

Tiny looked slightly confused. "Oh, yeah, you told me that out in the forest. But…" he leaned in and whispered, "Is your paw really on fire?"

Firepaw grinned. "Nope." He held up a paw. "Same as always. No flames here."

I found myself thinking of Brokenpaw, and his fire powers. I missed him a lot. Without him, there was no one to goof off with. The only other kits around here were Brackenkit and Cinderkit, and they were too young to play. Besides, having my brother here would be a lot better than just having a friend.

"Well, we should take you to Bluestar," Firepaw said, looking up at Whitestorm, who nodded.

"Ru-er-Firepaw," Tiny said, correcting himself just in time, "it's not even night time. How are we going to see the stars, let alone a blue star?"

Firepaw laughed. " 'Star,' is just the ending of a leader's name. Bluestar's the clan leader, and she'll probably want to meet you. Maybe she'll let you join the clan!"

Tiny grinned. "That would be amazing. Especially since my Housefolk have left."

"Left?" I asked. "What do you mean?"

Tiny shrugged. "I mean they were here one day, and gone the next. It's okay, though, I didn't need them all that much. They just wanted me to catch any mice that found their way into the nest."

"Well, let's get you to Bluestar," Whitestorm said. "Firepaw, care to join us?"

"Of course!" Firepaw said. The three toms headed towards Bluestar's den.

"Hmph." I looked and saw Graypaw sitting there, sulking.

"What?" I asked.

"First, he's my best friend. Then, he meets you again and won't shut up about your precious sister. Then he meets his brother. Guess who's out of the picture now?"

"Graypaw, Firepaw's not going to forget about you. Besides, you're one of the only cats that were nice to him when he first came here. He's not going to abandon you."

Graypaw huffed again. He didn't believe me. But I'd tried my best. What else could I say?

"Well, I've got to go and find Bluetail. See you around Graypaw." He didn't reply as I walked away, but I brushed it off. I found Bluetail lounging outside the Warrior's den, talking to Willowpelt, probably about me and Graypaw. Bluetail looked up as I walked nearer.

"Oh, Blackkit, there you are. Ready?" he stood.

"Where are you going?" Willowpelt asked.

"Just out for a walk. I've cleared it with Bluestar; besides, we're not going far from camp," Bluetail replied. "Why?"

"Tigerclaw's asked us and Mousefur to go on a hunting patrol."

Bluetail gritted his teeth. "Can't you ask someone else to go? I've got to speak to Blackkit."

"Bluetail, you know how cold it is out there. The could be more snow will be coming soon, and the clan needs food," WIllowpelt said. "Besides, you've been out with Blackkit all morning. Can't this wait?"

"Um," Bluetail said, dragging the word out. His eyes flashed to mine. "Nope." He dashed away, and I followed him before Willowpelt could protest.

Bluetail didn't stop until we were far away from camp.

"We're staying close to camp, huh?" I asked mockingly.

Bluetail shrugged. "I never liked the rule that kits had to stay in camp. I mean, I'm with you, right? What's going to happen? Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I think we should stop training-"
"What?"

"No, not in that way," Bluetail said. "I just think we should take this in a different way. The whole 'control,' thing was mouse-brained. I'm sorry, Blackkit. I think we need to come up with an actual plan."

"Oh," I said. "So...any ideas?"

Bluetail nodded. "You are going to create the biggest storm you can."

"What?" I asked again. "Dad, I can barely make a small storm."

"That's because you've been trying to control it. For this storm, you can just let go, just like you did when you were mad at me."

"Are...are you sure?" This didn't make any sense. This...this was Bluetail telling me to do exactly what a few days ago he'd forbidden me to do.

Bluetail nodded slowly. "Yes, Blackkit. They need to come back. I can't let them be trapped there, and I don't know why I ever thought it was okay for them to be there. Please, Blackkit. Do it for them."

I nodded. "Okay. I'll do it."

After that, Bluetail explained to me the details. I was to create the biggest storm I could. This storm was only supposed to target Twolegplace, and if harm at all, only harm there. I was to do my best to avoid hurting any of of the clans. Bluetail also explained that I might not need to actually hurt anything. He told me that if the storm looked bad enough, the Twolegs would abandon their homes and hopefully leave my siblings there. When the Twolegs were gone, that would be the perfect time to jump in and rescue them. Once there, Bluetail believed he'd be able to coach one of my siblings to use their powers to break a hole in the nest, or at least make some sort of escape route. This rescue mission was not to be told to anyone else, because it involved our powers.

While Bluetail was rescuing them, I was to stay in camp and keep the storm brewing. If it just disappeared, the clan would get suspicious. Especially since I had to concentrate so hard on it. They'd notice something was up. I suggested just staying hidden outside of camp all day, but Bluetail said other cats would wonder where I was. I'd need to stay inside camp the whole time. I couldn't look suspicious even for a second, or I could be caught. I still didn't completely understand why it was so bad for the clan to know about my powers, but I still went along with it. If Bluetail said it was bad, then I would believe him.

"So," I said, "when do we start with this plan?"

"Tomorrow," Bluetail said, his blue eyes shining.

... … … …

"Hi, Blackkit!" I looked down and saw Cinderkit smiling up at me. I was sitting just outside the Nursery, where the least amount of traffic went through. Besides, no one would question a kit near the Nursery. I'd started the storm this morning at dawn, and by now there was a good amount of dark clouds surrounding the area. Soon, I'd be able to get the winds going and then the rain would fall. Hopefully it'd be enough to scare the Twolegs away.

I did my best to smile at Cinderkit. "Hi."

"What are you doing?"

My stomach dropped. Was my cover blown?

Hold on, hold on.

"What...what do you mean? I can sit here by Nursery if I want, right? I am a kit." It was kind of hard to talk, what with trying not to let go of the storm and all.

Cinderkit seemed to be thinking. "Well, I guess."

"You guess? What if I'm just a little tired?"

Cinderkit giggled. "You're never tired."

"Okay...then what if I just wanted to visit you and your brother?"

She looked thoughtful again. "You've never wanted to see us before, though."

I sighed, then drew in a sharp breath. Sighing had almost made me drop the storm. Careful…

"Well, then...what if I just want to sit here, because...because…"

"Because you can watch Sandpaw?"

"Yeah, sure," I said, without thinking. "Wait, what did you say?"

Cinderkit giggled, and I noticed Sandpaw walking by, looking disgusted.

"Sandpaw, wait-oh…nevermind. Thanks, Cinderkit."

She smiled, oblivious to the sarcasm."You're welcome."

… … … …

Icekit

"What's wrong with them?" Brokenkit asked.

I listened closer, but I still couldn't come close to understanding the Twolegs. All I could see was one of them waving their arms,panicking, and the other pointing at us and then shaking their head.

Snowkit sat next to us, yawning. "Maybe...they're just tired."

"Or maybe that's you," I said, flicking her on the shoulder with my tail-tip. "Snowkit, you've got to stay awake. This could be important."

"Maybe it's the storm," Brokenkit suggested. He had turned around and was looking out the clear square in the wall. I turned and saw that there were dark clouds forming outside.

"Wait...is it...snowing?" I asked.

Brokenkit stepped closer, and shook his head. "Nope. Just rain."

"But...it's Leaf-Bare. Shouldn't it be snowing?" I asked.

"Maybe," Snowkit answered. "But maybe it's not cold enough out ?"

"It just seems like…"

"What?" Brokenkit asked.

"What if...what if it's Blackkit making the storm?"

"What makes you think that?" Snowkit asked.

"I don't know...but this storm, it just came out of nowhere. What if it's him? What if they found a way to rescue us?" I asked.

Snowkit shrugged. "It's the most hope of rescue we've had this whole time."

Brokenkit nodded. "Let's go with it. There's no harm in waiting and seeing, right?"

I nodded.

There was a loud yell from behind us. We all whipped around, and saw the Twolegs were arguing again. One of them yelled again, and looked like she was crying. The other pointed out the window, probably indicating the storm. It did look pretty bad out , the first Twoleg turned and left the room, slamming the door behind her. The other threw his hands up and followed her.

We heard a rumbling sound, and then the sound of a Monster. Then it was quiet.

We were alone.

Blackkit, save us!

… … … …

Earthpaw

"Snow, I can't do this!" I protested for what felt like the thousandth time.

"Earthpaw, you must!" Snow said.

"But why?"

Snow closed her eyes. "Because-"

"It's my destiny," I finished for her mockingly. "I know. But what difference would it make if I went to ThunderClan?"

"More than you know," Snow replied.

"Uh-huh," I said, pacing back and forth in front of my guide. "Snow, I'm tired of this. I just want to stay with my family."

"Earthpaw," Snow said gently, "why are you so against going to ShadowClan?"

"Because," I snapped,"They're evil."

"Those are the stories you've grown up with from a ThunderClan Warrior. Of course he's going to tell you they're evil."

"But my family is in ThunderClan. And besides, I've heard of Brokenstar. He's terrible! He makes kits into apprentices. Snow, he makes kits into Warriors. Not to mention...they live in a swamp. A sickly, sticky, disgusting swamp."

"Your views of this clan tell me that going there is exactly what you need. Earthpaw, go to ShadowClan. I promise everything will be okay. Sure, the clan is corrupted. But just think what you could do to help them."

I sighed. She was right. And putting a stop to Brokenstar would leave the forest better off.

I looked up at Snow. She was right. But could I leave my family?

I guess I didn't really have a choice.

"Okay," I said. "I'll do it."

.. … … …

Blackkit

"Thanks for letting me sit in here, Spottedleaf. I just needed to get away from the rest of the clan for a bit."

"Don't mention it," she said, slipping into the crevice where she kept the herbs. "It's not as if you're a nuisance. You're a good kit, Blackkit."

"Thanks," I said.

"Spottedleaf!" I heard a howl from outside, and Firepaw rushed in. "Spottedleaf, I stepped on a thorn. Can you get it out?"

"Of course," Spottedleaf said, coming to look at his paw. "Just hold still."

Spottedleaf gripped the thorn with her teeth, and pulled. Firepaw grunted a little, and then the thorn was out.

"Thanks, Spottedleaf," Firepaw said, his eyes bright.

"No problem," Spottedleaf grabbed a leaf and rubbed it on his paw.

Firepaw pulled his paw away. "That stings!"

"You can't be getting an infection, though." She kept rubbing the leaf on his paw for a few more moments. "Okay, you can go."

"Thanks," Firepaw said again.

"Firepaw?" Graypaw came rushing into the Medicine Den. He met eyes with me. "What are you doing here?"

"Um-"

"Yeah," Firepaw said, instantly looking suspicious. They both stepped closer.

"Nothing," I said, a little too quickly.

"Uh-huh," Firepaw said.

"No, really, I just wanted some peace and quiet for a bit," I told them. I was so nervous, it was hard to keep the storm going. I needed to get rid of them.

"Peace and quiet? Since when do you want peace and quiet? You never stop running and yelling." Graypaw didn't look as suspicious as Firepaw, just curious.

"Headache," I explained quickly. "Now please go."

"Go?" Firepaw asked. "Why? Doesn't Spottedleaf have some herbs to help with your head? A headache isn't bad enough for you to have to sleep here. Why aren't you in your nest in the apprentices den?"

"Just leave me alone, okay?" I turned away.

"I know you're up to something, Blackkit!" Firepaw said, raising his voice.

"Go away!" I yelled. Outside, lightning flashed. Firepaw's eyes widened, and he backed away. "You heard me! Get out!" There was another flash outside. Firepaw and Graypaw turned tail and ran.

I sat down, licking my paw. Maybe showing my powers wasn't too bad after all.

… … … …

Brokenkit

"Earthpaw?" I raced over to him, not believing what I was seeing. "You're okay! You're okay!" I practically sobbed into his fur.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Earthpaw replied. "No more headaches."

"What cured you?" Icekit asked as she and Snowkit rushed over.

Earthpaw hesitated for a moment. "Well, my guide, Snow...we had a talk, and when I woke up, I was better."

"Your guide," Icekit said, in awe.

"Why don't we have our guides yet,Earthpaw?" Snowkit asked.

He shrugged. "It's just not time for you yet."

"Blackkit has his guide," I pointed out.

"Everyone's different," Earthpaw said. "You'll get yours when the time is right."

I tilted my was Earthpaw, my wise older brother, and yet...he didn't sound like himself.

"Is everything okay?" I asked him.

Earthpaw's gaze snapped over to me. "Fine."

There was an eerie silence, where Earthpaw just kept looking at me. I knew everything was not fine.

"Earthpaw," Icekit said, breaking the silence. "We've found a way out! Blackkit's going to save us!"

"Blackkit?" Earthpaw looked surprised.

"Yeah, look outside," Snowkit said brightly.

"What-" Earthpaw froze when he saw the looked back at us in awe. "Blackkit made that storm?"

We all nodded. "At least we think so," I said.

"I hope so," Earthpaw added. He looked around. "Where are the Twolegs?"

"Gone," Icekit told him. "All we have to do is wait for Bluetail."

"No we don't," Earthpaw said. "Now that the Twolegs are gone, guess what we can use?"

"That's right!" Snowkit said. "But...Earthpaw,we've had no practice for a really long time. What can we do with our powers?"

Earthpaw looked to me. "Well, I don't think all of us can use our powers, but there is someone who might prove to be useful." His eyes were twinkling. I could see the old Earthpaw coming back, even if it was just for a moment.

"Me?" I asked. "What can I do?"

"Nothing too amazing," Earthpaw said sarcastically. "You know, you're only able to burn everything down around you."

"Oh yeah," I said. "Forgot about that." Earthpaw flicked me on the shoulder with his tail-tip.

"So, what do I do?" I asked.

"Let's go over there, to the door." Our group moved over to the door that led outside. Earthpaw examined it. "Okay, Brokenkit, hold your paw up."

I did as he said, and held my paw up in front of the door.

"Now, burn it down."

"What? I can't just burn it down," I said, dropping my paw back to the floor."I don't know how!"

"And you never will, if you don't try. Brokenkit, if Blackkit really is creating the storm, and scaring the Twolegs away, how long do you think he'll last? When the storm is gone, the Twolegs will be back. We need to get out of here. Now."

"I-" I looked at Earthpaw, and then over to my sisters. They were all counting on me to do this. I looked back at the door. "Okay."

I raised my paw again. "Can you help me, Earthpaw?"

He looked sad for a minute, but then nodded. "Mom taught me everything she knew about the different types of powers. I think I can coach you through this.

"First, you need to warm your paw up. Don't actually shoot flames yet. Just concentrate on the heat inside your paw, and expand it," Earthpaw instructed.

I took a deep breath, and did what he said. It felt like it was working. My paw was getting warmer. When I looked back over at it, I realized it was glowing with heat.

"I'm-"

"Shh!" Earthpaw said. "Just relax. Too much excitement from you could kill us all." I thought I saw Snowkit and Icekit take a few steps back.

"Now what?" I asked.

"Keep it going," Earthpaw said. "When it gets hot enough, unsheath your claws. You should be able to cut a hole big enough for us to fit through."

After another minute or so, my paw was so hot is was glowing blue. I unsheathed my claws, and pushed my paw up to the door.

"Go ahead," Earthpaw said.

I clawed my way around in a circle, forming a space big enough for us to fit through. Once I made it all the way around, I moved my paw back and blew on it.

"One escape route, coming right up," I said, grinning over at my siblings.

The circle I'd cut out fell out of the hole and to the floor, smoking a little.

"Brokenkit, you did it!" Snowkit squealed.

"I did!" I said, smiling.

"Never forget about your powers again," Earthpaw said. "Now let's get out of here." He led the way through the hole. I followed, and Snowkit and Icekit were right behind me. We were so close to ThunderClan now.

And so close to home.

Kits

Part 4

Earthpaw

I paused, letting the others go ahead of me. I knew Bluetail would be somewhere nearby, just waiting for the right moment for the escape. Little did he know that we'd solved that all on our own.

Brokenkit, Snowkit and Icekit, scampered across the grass, and to the fence. Rain was pelting down hard, but they didn't seem to care. They just pushed straight through. I followed them at a slower pace, beginning to wonder just how I could leave them.

If what Snow had said was true, and I was needed in ShadowClan, then I needed to go. I'd figured that by fixing all the corruption there, I'd actually be protecting them. In the end,that's what really mattered; that they were safe.

Even if I wasn't with them.

We made a break for the fence. I was ready to help them up, but felt a small pang when all three of them climbed up with no problem.

They're ready to be apprentices.

I was sad I wouldn't get to see their ceremony, or their nests in the apprentice den. Or even be a part of their lives anymore.

But I have to do this.

"Earthpaw?" Brokenkit was still perched atop the fence. He looked back at me. "Aren't you coming?"

I did my best to smile up at him, "Of course."

After we'd made it over the fence, we paused for a moment. We were already soaked completely, and I was beginning to shiver a little.

"Wow," I said, "Blackkit sure did a good job with this."

Brokenkit nodded, shaking a little. "Yeah. But, which way to ThunderClan?"

"And where's Bluetail?" Icekit hollered through the wind.

"I don't know," I said back. "But...I'll go and look! You guys stay here!"

Oh boy. Yep. I was really just going to get up and leave them here, alone. might never see these guys I couldn't face Bluetail. How could I explain to him that I was betray his clan? It was best that I got out of here before it was too late. Bluetail'd find them eventually.

"Okay!" Snowkit said, her eyes bright.

I felt my heart break. They didn't suspect a thing. I looked at them one last time, my siblings. Icekit, who was so smart. Brokenkit, who was almost a younger me. And Snowkit, who looked just like our mom.

"Earthpaw, aren't you going to go?" Icekit asked.

"Yeah," I said finally. "I am."

I stood and ran. I couldn't bear to look at them any longer.

… … … …

Snowkit

"Kits!" I heard a voice from the trees. They were obviously yelling, but the wind and the rain were so loud I could hardly hear them.

Next to me, Icekit pricked her ears. "Is that Bluetail?"

Brokenkit stood and scanned the trees. "Dad?"

"Kits!" I heard the voice again.

"We're here!" I said.

That's when he broke through the trees. Bluetail was panting and looked tired, like he hadn't slept right in weeks. His eyes brightened, and he dashed over to us.

"Kits!" he said again. We swarmed around him, rubbing against his sides affectionately. We'd found him! We were safe!

We could go home.

"Where's Earthpaw?" Bluetail asked, looking around.

"He went to find you," I explained through the wind.

Bluetail looked at me for a long time, like he was thinking something over. Then he seemed to realize something. "Oh," he said. "Well, let's get you guys home."

"But what about Earthpaw?" Icekit asked.

"I...he'll find camp. He knows how to find us," Bluetail said, turning away. "Now, let's go. Blackkit will be so glad to see that you're back, you can all have your apprentice ceremonies!"

That's right! Blackkit's there!And ...our apprentice ceremonies.

Icekit and I exchanged an excited glance.

Bluetail led us through the trees. After a while Brokenkit asked, "Can we run?"

Bluetail glanced back at us, a twinkle in his eye. I realized that it was the same twinkle Earthpaw got in his eyes. I couldn't wait for all of us to make it to the clan together. This was what we'd been waiting for, for as long as I could remember.

Bluetail gave us a small nod, his eyes still twinkling, and we took off running together.

Yes!I thought, let's go home!

The End

Keep your eyes out for Book 2! :D