My god. This took me way longer than it should have to write. I seriously started this at like 5:30. It is now almost 12 AM. Stupid life, so distracting! And I got so stuck on some parts. As you will clearly see. And some, just a sprinkle, of fluff at the end of this chapter. Nothing too major though. And I personally think it's cute fluff...so...think that's it. Review Answers!

Silvertail of ShoreClan: Oh, dear, then this chapter and the next aren't going to be very enjoyable. However, chapter 20 (wow, didn't notice how many chapters I have. Ugh) goes back to ThunderClan :)

Galefire: I thought that would bring something new to the character :) And I think you're right! I got confused with Sunset and Sunrise haha.

Icestar0921: Thank you dear :)

Random Falcon: Relaxing music is da bestest...though that's coming from a girl that listens to rock like Shinedown. Huh. I'm a contradictory creature. And this is indeed Darkpaw :)

starbomb: Why, thank youuu!

Darkflight of DeathClan: I really, really hope you like this chapter! I tried super hard to capture just as you wanted her and to keep her unique character!

Ashheart15: OH, no harm done, don't you worry. I was wondering where you had gone though xD

kingszey: *gasp* you stole my nickname for them! ;) Rose and Thorn are the "Plant Pair"? I would've thought something more like...well, I don't know xD Dark Lord does suit him...GASP (again) he needs a POV doesn't he?

Mistyflower68: Thank you ever so much :) And no. Sadly, this series is just two stories. I will have others, but Thorns and Roses is the end. :'( Don't wanna think about that...

Snowflower3618: YAY! I'm so glad you're happy with her! I know you wanted her to have a mate and stuff, but I really wanted her to be the medicine cat apprentice. I have her...erm, part in the ending planned out magnificently. Oh jeesus, I just got way too depressed.

Sparrowclaw of ThunderClan: Thankk youu! And no, she definitely does not! She is loyal to her medicine cat duties and will not jeopardize that for a tom. And she just doesn't have feelings for him. :) I will have a chapter on Dapplepaw up next :) Love you tooo!

Sierra: Thank you indeed for your review! Really helped me see my mistakes :)

Viper3332: Aren't you just impatient? Tehe, love you anywhoo xD Trust me, Snowpaw is very, very diligent to her medicine cat duties and pays no heed to toms. I find the forbidden romance thing to be a bit overused since Crowfeather and Leafpool did their thing. Graystripe and Stream were fine, but CrowxLeaf were pushing it haha. Then LionxHeather and it was just ugh! And I'll try to edit that piece when I can...if I can...oh jeezus, I'm so freaking tired right now.

TearStainedAngel: No! Twigfur and Snowpaw are just closer than normal mentor and apprentice. Comes from being the medicine cats. Thank you :) Go rest!

Tatyana: It was, wasn't it? Didn't even think of it until i read your review xD You have chickens and bunnies? How stinking cute! I wish xD My writing seriously sucks and if you wanna read my new story, its already been posted! It's called "All I Want To Be". :)

Squirrelheart: Oh, don't you worry! It's fine!

Spottedflame: Thank you kidd :)

XxBlazestormXx: Aren't they just? I can't wait for Ravenwing's either. Got a lot of good ideas for that chappie.

Blue Watcher of Stars: Oh how I missed you dear :) And I don't blame you. That was my most boring chapter. Like, ever. ugh.

Bearer of Secrets: Hehe, aren't you lazzyy ;) It's all right dear, though i did miss your reviews :)

DapplenosethCoolcat: New reviewers! *hands Rosepaw plushie* Hello! Welcome to the craziness! Thank you for the compliment!

Sara: I'm really trying :)Thank you for your good wishes :)

On with this chapter. Again.

Chapter 18

Darkpaw

The dawn streaked the sky with streaks of pink and hues of orange. Darkpaw awoke to birds singing and her mentor hissing through the entrance to the den for her to wake up.

"Wake up, you lazy mousebrain!" the irate warrior whispered fiercely. Darkpaw nodded and gaped her jaws in a huge yawn.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," she muttered, standing and shaking her fur out. Yellowtail merely rolled her eyes before withdrawing her head. Mumbling curses under her breath, Darkpaw stumbled out of the den, narrowly avoiding tails and paws.

Blinking in the dawn light, Darkpaw found her mentor waiting for her at the entrance to camp. Padding up to her, she cast a longing glance at the prey pile and prayed she would have a chance to eat before their training.

"Go ahead and eat. I'll wait here for you. Nightstar asked we do a patrol with Thornclaw and Shrewpaw before beginning battle training. You got a big day," Yellowtail meowed, tail flicking restlessly behind her. Feeling a thrill go down her spine at the mention of Shrewpaw, Darkpaw gave a short nod before turning and bounding to the prey pile.

Shrewpaw joined just as she had bit into her juicy mouse, amber eyes gleaming with amusement. "That good?" he asked good-naturedly. Darkpaw gave a grunt, mouth full. How attractive, she thought to herself sarcastically.

Shrewpaw gave a chuckle, settling down beside her to eat his own breakfast. When his fur accidentally brushed against hers, Darkpaw had to struggle not to shiver with excitement. Something about this tom threw all her rules away and made her forget the guards she'd painstakingly built around her heart.

"Hear the plan for the day?" she inquired. He shook his head, mouth full of rabbit. Darkpaw went on to tell him all that Yellowtail had told her. In his eyes, she saw the faint traces of worry for his real mentor, Breezetail, who remained in the medicine den.

Swishing her tail over his ears playfully, she stood and waited patiently as he rose beside her, shaking his anxiety away. "Thanks," he muttered, pressing his head into her fur briefly before trotting towards Thornclaw and Yellowtail.

This was a good start to a busy day.

Weaving her way between the dense pine trees, Darkpaw reflected on the murky beauty of their part of the forest. The tall trees cast shadows on the marshy ground, the light dappling in certain places. Her paws sank into the soft ground and the mud squeezed up between her toes, giving her a wonderful, refreshed feeling. Looking all around, Darkpaw barely resisted a purr of joy.

Casting a sidelong glance at the young tom beside her, she saw him watching her contentedly, bliss glowing in those dark depths. Shifting to the side, she bumped him playfully. He gave a low growl and bumped her back. Soon, they were laughing and jumping around like kits.

As they approached the WindClan border, the two warriors shushed them. The two fell into a solemn silence. Darkpaw opened her mouth slightly and pricked her ears, keeping her senses open for any scents or noises out of the ordinary.

After a while of marking the borders and checking for unusual scents, Darkpaw became keenly aware that something was…off. The creatures of the forest were abnormally silent, no leaves rustled, and the scent of WindClan was becoming overpowering.

The two warriors exchanged uneasy glances, fur bristling. "Something isn't right," Thornclaw muttered. Yellowtail nodded in agreement and Darkpaw felt herself tense. They were right. Something was definitely wrong.

As a strong breeze blew over them, Darkpaw caught the overpowering stench of WindClan and realized that it was much stronger than before. "Yellowtail," she called, afraid for once in her life.

Her mentor was just turning to respond when a cat sprang from the bushes in front of them. His light amber eyes blazed angrily at the rival cats and Darkpaw found herself struggling not to gasp. Badgerfoot, deputy of WindClan, hadn't come alone.

Behind him, more warriors and apprentices slipped from the undergrowth. Cloudstar herself approached, ice eyes glinting malevolently at the four cats who found themselves surrounded.

"Afternoon Yellowtail, Thornclaw. Just though we would let you know, WindClan claims this land now. We need more prey, and this is a perfect stretch of hunting ground for us," the white she-cat purred silkily, sending chills down Darkpaw's spine. The cat was plain creepy sometimes.

"Don't be a fool, Cloudstar. This is ShadowClan ground, and in case you've forgotten, your cats don't hunt in undergrowth," Thornclaw spat furiously. Ashfeather stepped forward, snarling.

"We can learn," the hostile tom stated angrily, pale gray fur bristling. Darkpaw glanced at Shrewpaw, who was eyeing a small opening in the cats. He was well-known as the fastest of the apprentices, his lean figure giving him an edge in running.

Now, he crouched low, ears flat as he glanced around. "Think I can make it?" he muttered out of the corner of his mouth. Darkpaw sized up the opening, and Shrewpaw's body. She forced herself to ignore his taut muscles, sharp beneath his shining fur, as she assessed the situation. Their mentors were busy arguing with Cloudstar and Badgerfoot, both obviously trying to stall the inevitable battle.

"Maybe. You'll have to be careful, they are WindClan," she murmured hesitantly. Her friend nodded and narrowed his eyes. "Shrewpaw, be careful. Please," she whispered painfully, feeling a tug at her heart. Shrewpaw gave her a glance filled with humor, readiness, life and a tint of fear.

"Don't worry about me, Darkpaw. Just promise me not to die till I get back. I want-I want to fight beside you," he blurted out in a rush before launching himself towards the opening. Darkpaw watched, feeling alone and vulnerable, as cats cried out and Cloudstar ordered he be stopped. Runningpaw suddenly broke off and began to bolt towards the brown apprentice.

I don't think so, Darkpaw hissed at herself, lunging towards the silver apprentice. And that's when all hell broke loose.

Gripping the lean tom beneath her claws, Darkpaw rolled him to the ground, spitting frantically. They were going to get ripped to pieces.

Runningpaw suddenly lurched, sending her flying from his back. Landing easily, she darted forward again, ignoring the fact that the tom was her friend. Around her, she could hear Yellowtail and Thornclaw's desperate howls and screeches.

Raking her claws across his face, she slammed her paws into his chest. Grunting, he hit the ground. Darkpaw was instantly on him, raking and biting frenziedly. "Go, Runningpaw! Go!" she hissed furiously. One glance into her eyes, and the tom gave a curt nod before loosing a bone-chilling wail and fleeing the scene.

Chest heaving, Darkpaw spun and leap on top of the next cat she saw, a slender brown she-cat. Spitting, the two she-cats rolled and rolled, scratching and biting fiercely. Darkpaw finally managed to sink her claws in good, drawing blood. Finchfeather yowled, leaning her head and driving her teeth into Darkpaw's throat.

Screaming, Darkpaw wrenched her head free, swatting Finchfeather's head. The warrior howled, scrambling to her feet and dashing away. Spinning, Darkpaw felt her stomach plummet. There were still too many cats, and she couldn't see Yellowtail or Thornclaw anymore. They were going to lose.

Meanwhile, blood poured from her throat wound and she could already feel her paws weakening. Darting forward yet again, she threw her whole body against a huge gray apprentice. The tom spun, eyes glowing with the light of battle.

Darkpaw slashed her claws against his shoulder, hoping, praying that Shrewpaw had somehow reached camp. Just as the WindClan tom had pinned her down and was readying himself for a nasty bite, Darkpaw heard the most beautiful sound to ever reach her ears.

Nighstar's battle cry.

Squirming, Darkpaw tried to throw the heavy tom off. He merely dug his claws in a little deeper, eyes glinting down at her mercilessly. "Your buddies aren't going to save you," he hissed angrily. Darkpaw glared at him disbelievingly.

"Warriors don't kill in cold-blood," she whispered, fury burning in her stomach. She tried once again to throw him off, scoring her hind claws down his stomach. But she was injured, losing blood, and tired. It still did nothing.

Then, she caught a glimpse of black fur out of the corner of her eye and the battle cry sounded right above them.

Nightstar glared down proudly, his warriors around him as they looked down at the blood soaked clearing savagely. Giving another chilling call, he lunged towards Cloudstar, who battled a very worn down Yellowtail.

Darkpaw was relieved to see Dapplepaw, who took one look at her and went crazy. "You murdering, fox-hearted, WindClan scum, get your filthy paws off my sister!" she screeched, practically flying to his back. Shrewpaw followed her, rabidity in his eyes.

The two ShadowClan apprentices hurled themselves against the tom, both nearly mad at the sight of Darkpaw dying slowly beneath his claws. The tom took one look at them and fled, tail between his legs.

The battle was over in a few minutes. Dapplepaw rushed to her sister, who lay on the blood stained earth, chest heaving for breath. Thornclaw and Yellowtail were in the same shape as her, both bleeding from several wounds.

"Darkpaw, stay with me, please! Don't you dare close those eyes," Dapplepaw begged desperately. Darkpaw scrabbled at the ground weakly, fighting the urge to slip into oblivion. Shrewpaw's face suddenly swam before her.

"Let me see those beautiful eyes, please. Darkpaw, you promised," she heard him whisper achingly. Keeping her eyes open for just a few seconds more, she took a deep breath, the blackness creeping in on her vision.

"My eyes…aren't beautiful," she gasped. Dapplepaw tried hard not to cry as warriors lifted her sister gingerly, the opening in her throat still bleeding freely. Shrewpaw padded beside them persistently, head bowed and tail dragging in the dust.

To Darkpaw, what happened after that became a blur of pain and hopelessness. She remembered faintly the sound of heavy pawsteps, the grunts of pain. When they arrived to camp, she hear gasps, cries of dismay, heard Snowpaw yowling for cats to get back. Darkpaw remembered seeing her brilliant white pelt flashing before her, and Twigfur's own brown fur.

The last words that drifted through the haze of fear and torment that surrounded were, "You're beautiful."

Darkpaw awoke to bright sunlight filtering through the entrance to the medicine cat den, nearly blinding her. Beside her, her sister Snowpaw sat, hunched over, eyes dark, face gaunt and drawn and fur stuck up in clumps.

Darkpaw was aware of the aching, dull pain of her wounds, her sore muscles, her hungry stomach, her dry throat. A weakness she had never felt before permeated through every limb and bone in her body. Cobwebs coated the ugly wound on her throat and her fur stank of marigold. But all of this was small compared to the look in her sister's eyes.

Desolate. Empty. Hopelessness. Despair. Fear. Fury. All these emotions and thoughts seemed to haunt her sister, giving her an almost…dead expression. Her blue eyes, usually alight with the fire of life and brilliance, were now dark and shadowy. Tormented. Yes, that was the word, tormented.

Giving a small moan, Darkpaw opened her mouth and shifted in her nest. "What's eatin' you?" she rasped weakly. Snowpaw gave a huge gasp, lurching backwards before leaning forwards again, eyes blazing with new vivacity.

"Darkpaw! Oh, StarClan above and beyond, your awake! You're awake!" her sister yowled joyfully, standing and bouncing around the den. Darkpaw winced from her screeches, ears pounding as she still tried to adjust to the waking world. At Snowpaw's screeches, a brown blur suddenly flashed into the den.

Shrewpaw nearly knocked over a pile of red berries and almost tripped over his mentor, who still lay asleep on the other side of the den. "Darkpaw!" he panted, rushing over. The injured apprentice was trying not to have pain spasms at the volume of noise and the hectic activity.

"Shrewpaw, please, noise hurts," she muttered, covering her head with her paws and wincing at the explosion of pain. The poor tom instantly shut up.

Darkpaw looked at him affectionately, regretting her words. "Nice to see you, Shrewpaw. How's the prey running?" she mewed good-humoredly. Suddenly, a blaze of pure torture entered his amber eyes.

"Darkpaw, don't-just don't. While you were lying there, so…limp. Darkpaw, I thought you were dead. As in, gone forever. Please, please don't make me go through that again. I-I-I can't. Not ever again," Shrewpaw whispered painfully. Darkpaw sat up, muscles screaming in fervent protest.

She stretched her paw out and lay it over Shrewpaw's black one. Forcing him to look into her eyes, she murmured gently, "Never again, Shrewpaw. I'm sorry."

Suddenly, his head was against hers, nose pressing against hers gently. The sunhigh light warmed her fur and set them aglow. Snowpaw watched from the background, tears falling from her eyes as she realized that her sister was going to live. Really going to live.

"I love you," Shrewpaw whispered fearfully. Darkpaw gave a warm, long purr.

"Maybe I love you too."

My gosh, how do you guys read this story. I just realized that I am nearing the 20th chapter, and this story has gone practically nowhere. Wow. Sorry, I'm super tired right now guys. My body just aches, outside and in.

Again, it's a miracle you guys have read this far. This story is a disgrace. God help anyone who dares read this. They may just burn their eyes out...and their brain cells.

~See you later...maybe, Monkey~