Chapter Seven

Lionblaze's eyes flew open. He was standing in an familiar clearing in Thunderclan territory. He shuddered at the memory. This was the fox den he, Hollyleaf, and Jayfeather had met their first fox at. It was deserted. But suddenly, Lionblaze heard a yowl and saw a small grey cat struggling, clawing at the den entrance. Lionblaze heard growling and could smell the rank of fox. As he looked closer, fear shot through his body like ice.

The trapped cat was Greypaw.

Suddenly, Lionblaze felt someone beside him. He turned and gasped. "Jayfeather!" His brother turned his ice blue gaze on him. His eyes were full of fear.

"Please! Lionblaze! You must save him! He is my last chance!" Jayfeather pleaded. Lion blaze nodded, knowing he wouldn't be hurt. I have the power of the stars in my paws!

. . .

Lionblaze snapped awake. In an instant he was on his paws, and in two heartbeats out of the camp. His clanmates turned in surprise as he streaked out, nearly nocking Bramblestar over. "Lionblaze?" he called, but he just kept running. It seemed as if he was flying, his paws knowing the way to his first ever adventure automatically. He could hear Greypaw's cries for help and the fox's yelps as he neared.

Not even stopping to think, Lionblaze burst through the undergrowth and raced to the fox. It had now pinned Greypaw flat on his back, but he wasn't expecting Lionblaze.

He landed flat on the fox's back, his claws digging into flesh, yowling. He bit hard and the fox whined in pain. It reared back and turned in circles, trying to bite the clawing cat on it's back. But Lionblaze, although old, was still one of the three. He clawed it's eyes as it bucked and bit it's ears. The fox crashed against a tree and threw Lionblaze off. Getting up in a daze, he stumbled. This wears me out faster now.

Greypaw took this chance to hobble forward and slash at the fox, trying to balance on one leg. He did scratch it, but he fell hard on his injured leg and yelped in paid. Lionblaze shook his head to clear it and rammed into the fox, clawing its soft underbelly. Blood welled between his claws as his vision grew hazy. He was forced to stumble off of the fox to keep from collapsing. He leaned against a tree, gasping for breath as the fox turned on Greypaw.

Please! I'm so sorry Lionblaze, but please! Lionblaze felt some strength fill him and knew Jayfeather was trying to help. But he was still exhausted, and the fox was about to strike. Suddenly, two grey shapes appeared.

"Hey! Fox! Over here, you mangy mutt!" Lionblaze's head shot up at Cinderheart's voice. The other cat- Jayfeather!- stood protectively over Greypaw. His image was fainter, as though his whole spirit wasn't there. Finding new strength, Lionblaze leapt on the fox and bit deep into it's throat, feeling Cinderheart beside him.

It's nice to se you again. I'm sorry, I should have taken the chance you gave me. I miss you, Lionblaze. I'll be waiting!

The fox's struggles died as Lionblaze felt cinderheart leaving him. "I miss you too," he murmured, and then turned. He gasped at what he saw. Jayfeather's spirit was quickly fading, and he was crouching as though in pain. His eye opened, and they were burning.

My spirit is weak…out of his body….only some can come out….thank you, brother… Lionblaze watched as jayfeather faded, seeming to fall into Greypaw, who was shivering, eyes wide.

"It's okay. It's over now."

Greypaw's POV

Greypaw screeched in pain as the fox bit me. He was going to die, he knew it. Just as he gave in, a flash of golden fur hit the fox. Lionblaze! The cat who can never loose a battle! But is was old, and tiring fast. He tried to fight, but his leg felt wrenched and he was bleeding all over. Greypaw fell in pain.

The fox was looming over him, and Greypaw felt the end coming. he screwed my eyes shut tight, expecting claws and teeth to come crashing down on him. But a she-cat's voice called the fox. He opened his eyes and was surprised to see Lionblaze fighting again. But where is the she- cat? Greypaw wondered. And then he spotted her. She was grey and had blue eyes. She glimmered like she was made of stars… A Starclan cat! Another cat stood above him, and he too had stars in his fur. But he was much fainter. And…he looked exactly like Greypaw! Could this be…Jayfeather? The cat I look so much like? But why is he here? Maybe because Lionblaze is his kin. But why is he so faint?

As the fox let out it's last breath, the she-cat disappeared. And Jayfeather buckled, falling. His eyes were filled with pain, and he was fading. Greypaw stiffened and he felt Jayfeather coming into…him. Lionblaze's eyes widened, and they seemed to be meeting Jayfeather's as he dissapered. Lionblaze padded up to him.

"It's okay. It's over."

It sure doesn't feel like it.