Chapter II

"I received a message from StarClan!" Tansylight yowled, bolting up. It was early morning the day after the brutal battle in which Dusknose had died in. Most of the Clan was already awake and decidedly excited at this news.

"A message." Poppyseed murmured, emerging from the meager den. "I wonder if it'll be good." Her friend Brindlesky sighed painfully. Reedstar shakily walked out of his den, bones creaking.

"I don't think Reedstar will last too long." Applewhisker mewed anxiously to her, looking at Reedstar.

"What is it, Tansylight?" Reedstar's tone was urgent, though marred with old age. Tansylight took a deep breath. Her voice nervous, she said,

"StarClan says all of us must gather at the Island tonight before moonrise." She meowed tiredly. Anyone could see that Tansylight was aging; the faded spots on her face were clear. Soon her apprentice Smokefeather would have to take over.

A hushed whisper spread over the observing cats. "What?" Poppyseed heard Brindlesky meow anguishedly to Flowerfern. "What does StarClan want us for? We've long ago forgotten them." Her tone was hurt.

Deep down, Poppyseed knew she was right. They were so caught up in fighting that not many of them seemed to take notice of StarClan anymore.

"Cats of RiverClan, I have announcements." Reedstar stood in front of his den. They didn't even have a Clan meeting place now that the War had taken over their lives.

"Streamkit, Lightkit, Fallowkit and Whitekit are ready to become apprentices. Their mentors will be Heatherpelt, Cloudfeather, Dewmint and Willowtail."

"Streampaw, Lightpaw, Fallowpaw, Whitepaw." The Clan meowed languidly. Poor kits, Poppyseed thought as Streampaw's eyes looked saddened. They don't even get a celebration.

"Also, I am retiring." Reedstar went on. He paused. "Nettlepelt will be the new leader." Nettlepelt looked weary as he took Reedstar's place with a dip of his big head. "Nettlestar, Nettlestar, Nettlestar." The Clan meowed faintly.

Poppystar watched Reedstar as he retreated into the big crowd of cats. "I now proclaim Applewhisker to be the deputy. Surprise glittered in Applewhisker's eyes as he shuffled through the crowd, herbs still bound to his paws.

"Congratulations." The whole of RiverClan said, subdued. "I now conclude this meeting." Nettlestar bowed his head.

#-#-#

The world was dark when Poppyseed returned from the patrol. The cats in the camp were getting ready to go to the Island, and were looking painful and weary. She knew that most, if not all of them had lost family in the War.

It hurt Poppyseed too, immensely. But the leader's word was law, whether it was right or not.

Putting down her prey, she went to the end of the long line RiverClan had made. Mallowheart, Poppyseed's nursery-mate stood in front of her.

None of them said a word as they weaved their way across the forest to the Island. It was in the middle of greenleaf, but no happiness emanated from any of them. Poppyseed focused on putting one paw in front of the other.

To their immense surprise, two shadow-covered bands of cats sat apart from each other. "Seems like we aren't the only Clan." She muttered, trying to make a light moment and failing.

RiverClan took their place expressionlessly. Poppyseed realized that the other two Clans were ThunderClan and ShadowClan. She'd heard tales about a time when ThunderClan was allied with RiverClan and hated ShadowClan.

But that was just a fable, a story faded long ago into the past. Before Poppyseed snapped herself back to reality, she allowed herself to dream.

What if this battle could be solved now?

Would everyone be happy?

Could I become mates with Applewhisker again if everything is solved?

The arrival of WindClan stopped her thoughts. Tipping her head back, Poppyseed gazed forlornly at the sky. A full moon glowed brightly in the sky. The Clans had used to meet every full moon to discuss news peacefully.

Maybe this was supposed to be a peaceful gathering. Stop dreaming, Poppyseed. Why would we be peaceful when a War is tearing us apart?

A/N: I cannot tell you how much I am THRILLED with this story. I mean, seriously, this is my best writing.

Remember to review, favorite and follow!

-Kay