Prologue

An icy mist crept through the dark trees, rustling heather, silent piles of boulders, and dreaded marshlands. All was silent this full moon night. For the sleeping animals, they could dream without a worry in their hearts. The only predators prowling tonight had selected their targets well before the moon began its long climb. Water rippled as bodies leapt over. Muscles rippled under sleek, leaf-infected coats. Narrowed eyes easily pried through the looming shadows of the marsh's willow trees. These eyes, after all, were used to hunting in the dense underbrush of the oak and birch forest. The long-legged leader froze as a few frogs began their late-night mating chorus. An annoyed twitch of the ear preceded the journey's continuation. The frogs' chorus could not be interrupted, for their enemy would surely know something was coming then. This well-planned attack could not be foiled by singing frogs.

Deep inside the marshlands, nestled comfortably amongst the reeds and long grass, was a cozy campsite. Golden eyes narrowed with concentration. A pleased smile snaked up the dark jaw, revealing long fangs to the faint moonlight. Only three shadows moved amongst the many mounds. Their enemy was foolish for leaving themselves so vulnerable. The slim tail flicked left then right. The many shadows which followed their leader split into three groups. A massive body led five bodies to the left. Six sleeker bodies darted to the right without a sound. That left four other shadows behind the leader. One would think such a small number was an idiotic ploy. The targets, however, would not be able to muster must resistance.

A single yowl managed to escape before the final guard was brought down. The two side parties had attacked in a single, coordinated fashion. Blood pooled over the ground from their bodies. More yowls, this time of fright and confusion, rang out. The two groups had divided further. Razor sharp claws and heavy weight brough down the dens' entrances. A couple warriors managed to break free of their temporary prisons. Both were immediately tackled and throats slit. The enemy leader hissed violently as she was hauled from her den. Her heavily swollen sides indicated that she was close to kitting. Green eyes widened with terror and rage as high-pitched mewling echoed in the camp. Four shadows exited the warm nursery with small bundles of fur. One, an older kit based on his size, managed to wriggle free of his captor. No sooner had he landed on the soft earth, before a white forepaw stepped down on his neck.

"Alderstar! Let that kit go!" yowled the sandy tabby leader.

Cold, golden eyes turned to her. The fourth shadow reemerged with another kitten. Blood soaked his forepaws, as he had done what was ordered: "Should any put up a fight, end it." The leader nodded to the four warriors. Immediately they headed towards home with the new members of their Clan. The young tom mewled in pain under the leader's forepaw. That unfortunately drew that cold, golden gaze. A cloud pulled away from the full moon. Moonlight glinted off unsheathed, razor-sharp claws. The mewling stopped with a sickening gurgle.

Alderstar stepped away from the lifeless body and towards the pinned leader. He leaned down and growled in her ear, "Marshclan has lost this battle. Per the Code, your territory belongs to Forestclan for the next four moons. Should any cat even think of rebelling, they will face the same fate as little Stonekit there. Understood Lightstar?" The Marshclan leader nodded sullenly, her green eyes fixated on the now-dead kit.

The Forestclan leader rose to his full height and turned to the massive shadow holding Lightstar down, "Report, Timberfang."

"Six Marshclan warriors dead along with one apprentice and one queen," the massive dark tabby rumbled. A toothy smile snaked up his face, "And now one kit as well."

Mist swirled as Alderstar snorted, "Whatever." He turned towards the camp entrance and growled, "Forestclan, head for home."

Immediately the shadows swarmed after him. None looked back as Marshclan filled their camp center to check on their leader. The Forestclan cats knew they would collect the dead and mourn. Not one cat choked or dreaded their nighttime task. This was the law of the land. The Battle Code, created and forged by their ancestors, declared it so. It was code hardened by generations of spilled blood, petty squabbles, outright wars, and secret revenge.

In the beginning, the death toll due to revenge nearly marked the end of the Five Clans. An accidental death here led to a murder there. Death in a territory squabble led to Clan war as one sought revenge on another. Starclan, in all their wisdom, intervened and declared that the fighting must end. Yet already the hatred had grown so deep that no Clan wanted to promise peace first. Therefore, an ancient being came forward and laid the first foundation of the Battle Code: "No death shall be marked as a slight." It meant that the Clans could not outright blame another Clan or one single cat for a death. It meant that all death had rules one had to follow. As the years passed, the Code was built. Now no war shook the Clans, though the deep-seated hatred remained.

Alderstar paused and glanced back as his Clanmates moved on passed him. He noted the minor injuries with pride. Forestclan was the strongest at the moment. However, a few seasons prior to his reign, that title had been held by Rockclan. The moons of raids taught the young leader one thing: the Battle Code meant only the strongest survived. His claws flexed, using the loose dirt to scrub away the kit's blood. He had become strong and risen through the ranks. No matter what, he would keep his Clan strong. Golden eyes rose to tiny stars high overhead, faintly visible through the branches and leaves. Up there were the strongest, most time-honored of warriors and leaders. The weak sunk into the ground to begin life anew. Alderstar knew that one day he would stand proudly high above all the weaker cats. He would be remembered for rebuilding his Clan to a powerhouse the others feared. He would be remembered for the masterful plan of protecting his own by keeping the others weakened. For the young kits would become Forestclan warriors. They were chosen for their distant relation to his Clanmates, allowing for them to become viable mates. Killing enemy warriors meant Marshclan could not strike back once the three moons were finished.

It was the only way the Battle Code allowed.

The Battle Code

1. No death shall be marked as a slight. Death happens from sickness, hunger, drought, and conflict, but does not mean further hostilities are warranted.

2. Medicine Cats and Elders cannot be harmed. They are allowed to cross boundaries as necessary and will be held sacred by all cats.

3. In combat, apprentices will be given the chance to surrender. In return, that apprentice will serve the victor for one moon.

4. In combat, pregnant queens cannot be killed. Their lives are sacred for they carry future generations.

5. If a Clan loses a territory dispute, they lose that territory for three moons. If a Clan loses while within their own camp, the entire territory is given to the victor. The losing Clan cannot be chased out and will still patrol and hunt, though cannot show hostility to the victor.

6. Kits may be claimed by a victorious Clan as payment for lives lost. They will become full members of the victorious Clan.

7. Warriors may only become mates with a Medicine Cat should it be dictated by Starclan.

8. When a leader dies, the deputy becomes the next leader. If another leader kills the leader in combat, the victor may chose the next leader or deputy.

9. Deputies must be chosen before moonhigh after a leader's death. Prior to battle, a second deputy must be chosen and left at camp, in case both leader and deputy perish.

10. During new-leaf only, cats may take mates from rival Clans.

The Medicine Cat Code

1. Medicine Cats are forbidden from learning to fight and hunt.

2. One can cross boundaries only to discuss with other Medicine Cats or gather herbs.

3. Medicine Cats cannot have Warrior mates. Only fellow Medicine Cats are acceptable unless by decree of Starclan.

4. Medicine Cats will meet at each half-moon.

5. Should both the leader and deputy perish without a successor, the Medicine Cat must appoint a new leader before moonhigh.