It wasn't long until Willowheart was made deputy of TreeClan. It had only been a few moons since the announcement he had joined. He was announced deputy after their old deputy suddenly fell very ill and passed away.

That was the first time Sunspirit had seen his brother since the day he left. The two avoided each other throughout the entire event and sat on opposite sides of the Great Rock. Sunspirit couldn't believe it, it had taken him ages to become deputy!

Willowheart had barely even been in TreeClan for more than a couple moons, but what really bothered Sunspirit was the fact that the TreeClan cats appeared to be okay with it. Despite Willowheart's betrayal, life continued on normally for the DarkClan cats.

The first wave of foxes appeared during this time, no DarkClan cat had expected it. DarkClan was left weakened by the first battle, and Shadestar had lost another life. Since Willowheart left, it seemed like everything had suddenly become plagued by misfortune.

Sunspirit growled lightly as he shifted again in an attempt to get comfortable, but it seemed impossible. He sighed lightly and looked to his side where Silentshadow lay curled against him. Carefully, he stood up and crept quietly out of the warriors den.

His eyes fell over the sleeping faces of his friends, Ivyfoot, Cherrynose, Neoseeker, Windstream, and even Longtail. Despite the Siamese's constant attempts to win him over, Sunspirit regarded Longtail as a friend. He couldn't help feeling like this was all his fault, and that he let everyone down.

'How am I ever going to be able to lead a clan one day?' thought Sunspirit bitterly as he stepped out into the moonlight. The crickets chirped in the night, loud as usual, as Sunspirit paced across the clearing. He hated feeling so tense all the time.

"You seem troubled, young one."

Sunspirit jumped lightly and immediately whipped around to see Shadestar sitting behind him, watching with a calm expression. Sunspirit let out a breath of air.

"I don't know what to do. I feel like this is all my fault, what kind of leader will I be if I can't even solve our problems."

Shadestar listened silently, quietly absorbing Sunspirit's words with a passive expression.

"Sunstar, you have done more for this clan than any other cat for your age. If anyone is to blame it is myself." the leader replied, suddenly appearing tired and weak.

Sunspirit opened his mouth to protest, but was cut off when Shadestar spoke again, shaking his head. "I was an ignorant fool."

Sunspirit looked down tiredly, Shadestar was one of the wisest cats he had ever met, and he refused to believe the old tom's self incriminating words.

"I know you'll be a great leader one day. From the second I laid eyes on you as a kit, I knew."

No. It couldn't be possible. Sunspirit looked up at the Great Rock in disbelief, because there standing among the leaders was none other than Willowheart.

The dark warrior stood at the edge of the Great Rock, looking down on the cats below with gleaming yellow eyes. Sunspirit watched as his mouth stretched into a small grin.

"Cats of all clans," he began, "It is my duty to tell you that Oakstar, our leader, has passed on."

Shocked murmurs rang throughout the clearing, as well as several pitiful wails. Sunspirit's eyes danced around the clearing, taking in the pain filled faces of the clan cats. If Oakstar was dead...

Sunspirit froze, then very slowly he turned back towards the Great Rock in disbelief. 'No...'

Willowheart stood proudly at the edge of the great stone, his massive body casting a twisted shadow over the cats below.

"I, Willowstar, am the new leader of TreeClan."

Dualstar and Morningstar appeared to be equally surprised, yet Shadestar didn't appear to be surprised at all. His face was as calm and serious as always.

Sunspirit's ear twitched as several TreeClan cats burst into cheers and yowled enthusiastically up at their new leader. Sunspirit's head twisted around the clearing, surprised by their enthusiasm. They didn't appear to be grieving for Oakstar at all.

Nearby, he saw a TreeClan she-cat looking up at the Great Rock in awe, her eyes shone widely and she yowled enthusiastically. The sight greatly disturbed Sunspirit, the golden tom gulped and returned his gaze to the great rock.

Hazeltail, TreeClan's medicine cat, also sat on the high rock to Willowstar's side along with a peculiar black cat Sunspirit couldn't recall ever seeing before. She dipped her head respectfully, "Yes, Oakstar passed away due to illness. It is quite unfortunate."

Morningstar shook her head in admonishment. "How awful." The LightClan leader appeared to be very disheartened by the news, but she turned to Willowstar and smiled all the same.

"Willowstar, I know you will fit in well among our ranks, and we welcome you as a fellow leader."

Dualstar nodded as well, "Yes."

Shadestar remained silent as Willowstar's eyes locked with his own. The sooty warrior was caught off guard when he saw something flash in the large tom's eyes. Willowstar smirked and brushed past the DarkClan leader.

Shadestar became rigid as Willowstar brushed past him, but he listened as a low growl caught his attention. "I have a proposition for you, Shadestar. Meet me at the base of the stone at the end of the Gathering."

Shadestar's deep, blue eyes narrowed as Willowstar stepped towards him. "What is it that you want?" he meowed calmly in a deep, commanding voice.

Willowstar's face broke out into a long smile, and his eyes flashed once more. The sight set Shadestar on edge, and his tail twitched tensely.

"DarkClan is weak. My clan is thriving, while yours becomes frailer each day. It would be an easy task for TreeClan to wipe you out."

As the words left Willowstar's mouth, Shadestar's fur bristled and he rose onto four legs. "How dare you threaten my clan!" he hissed.

Yet despite himself, Shadestar knew Willowstar was right. If they were attacked right now, there was no way they would be able to fend them off.

Willowstar's grin faded and his eyes suddenly became very dark. Willowstar towered over Shadestar at his full height and stared down at the older warrior with hate.

"I can destroy everything you hold dear to you. It would be unwise to doubt me." he growled. Shadestar held Willowstar's gaze, he knew the tom was speaking the truth. There was no doubt in his mind that Willowstar wouldn't do it.

Shadestar took a step back, eyeing TreeClan's new leader warily. "What do you want?"

"I will destroy DarkClan."

Shadestar's eyes widened slightly, but the tom didn't appear surprised by his words.

"However."

Shadestar's midnight blue eyes narrowed as Willowstar spoke up again, eyeing the warrior with suspicion as Willowstar turned to step around him.

"I may reconsider." he meowed eyeing the DarkClan leader, "If you come to face me, I won't attack your clan. You see, it is not DarkClan that I truly want to see get destroyed." he growled with a smile on his face.

"It's you."

Shadestar sat stiffly, ignoring the way Willowstar was circling around him.

"There is a clearing near the edge of DarkClan's territory by the TreeClan border, in the trees before the forest cuts off. I'm sure you know the place. Meet me there and I'll leave DarkClan alone."

With his final words, Willowstar turned away and walked calmly into the dark forest. "Moonrise, two days from now. Oh, and Shadestar. Don't keep me waiting."

Sunstar was sitting in the clearing with Silentshadow. The two cats sat in content silence and were happy just to watch the stars in each other's company. It had been two days since the last Gathering.

Initially Sunstar had been shocked to see his brother on the Great Rock, but he soon became overcome by anger. His brother had become a leader before him, and for a clan that didn't even share his own blood!

Silentshadow had been quick to comfort him while Ivyfoot and Neoseeker gave him some space. It was only in times like now, when he was with Silentshadow, that he was able to relax and take off the mask he wore. Sunspirit knew he could be himself around her.

The two remained by each other's side listening to the sound of the crickets and forest around them. Sunspirit's ear twitched when another sound suddenly caught his attention.

He turned curiously and blinked as he saw Shadestar outside the nursery. The tom rubbed affectionately against his mate, Blizzardpelt, and he could hear Shadestar's laughter as his two sons ran out to greet him. Barely two moons old, Darkkit and Brownkit ran excitedly to greet their father. Sunspirit smiled as he watched Shadestar bat around and play with the two kits and let out a chuckle as they tried to attack their father's ears.

Silentshadow followed his line of vision, and began to purr as well as she watched the kits. It wasn't long before Blizzardpelt called the kits inside. Sunspirit watched as Shadestar touched his forehead to both Brownkit's and Darkkit's before turning away.

He was surprised, however, when the sooty tom started coming their way. He could feel Silentshadow's curiosity pique as well.

"Shadestar."

The old warrior looked between the two cats, after a moment of silence he dipped his head lightly. "Sunspirit, Silentshadow, I would enjoy it if you two would accompany on a walk through the forest."

Sunspirit was confused by his mentor's sudden request, but decided not to question the old cat.

"Who will watch the camp?" Sunspirit replied.

"I have already asked Ivyfoot to watch over things in my absence, I only ask that I might have your company for the night."

Sunspirit looked to Silentshadow who smiled and blinked her large blue eyes, "We'd love to." she purred.

Shadestar let out an old, tired smile of his own. "Ah, thank you Silentshadow. As always your kindness knows no end."

The three cats left camp and began to pad through the dark forest with Shadestar in the lead, The old tom brushed calmly through the forest with an expression Sunspirit had never seen before. It looked as if Shadestar was recalling memories of his past, or attempting to memorize the forest's every detail.

It was silent for a while until Shadestar suddenly stopped abruptly in their path, taking Sunspirit and Silentshadow by surprise. The tom remained completely still, but said nothing.

Silentshadow's eyes flickered to Sunspirit who returned her gaze with a concerned one of his own.

"Shadestar?" Sunspirit asked curiously. The golden tom's ear twitched at the sound of approaching pawsteps and unfamiliar scents. Silentshadow turned to him, alarmed, and he could see the fear and confusion in her eyes.

Sunspirit opened his mouth to speak again, but froze when he saw four cats pad out of the bushes. Willowstar examined the group and snorted.

"I never said you could bring anyone."

Shadestar remained impassive. "True, but then again, you never said I couldn't."

Willowstar's tail twitched in irritation and the cats behind him hissed at the DarkClan leader. "How dare you speak to Willowstar with such-"

The she-cat was silenced by a flick of Willowstar's tail, causing her to dip her head and step back.

Sunspirit and Silentshadow were still trying to figure out what exactly was going on. Sunspirit didn't recognize two of the TreeClan warriors, but the black tom from the Gathering was unmistakable. It suddenly dawned on him this meeting had been planned, but for what purpose?

Silentshadow and Sunspirit exchanged nervous glances and Sunspirit stepped forward. "Shadestar? What is this?"

The attention of all the cats in the clearing suddenly focused on the golden tom who was now eyeing the group curiously. Shadestar was silent for a moment, but the tom looked as if he was about to reply when he was suddenly cut off by a low chuckle.

Sunspirit's eyes snapped forward towards Willowstar who had taken a step forward, leaving his cats to remain standing in the background.

"Why, a duel of course."

Silentshadow blinked, "A duel?" she whispered.

"Yes," Shadestar replied, catching the cats' attention, "Just like the warriors of old, Willowstar has challenged me to a duel. A fight between clan leaders, based on our agreement."

Willowstar smirked. "I'm glad you decided to come, a smart choice on your behalf."

Sunspirit's eyes widened in realization. He was familiar with the stories, it was said that the two cats fought to the death. Shadestar couldn't possibly be thinking of accepting such a challenge.

Shadestar took a step forward into the center of the clearing across from Willowstar. "I will do anything it takes for the safety of my clan. That is what a leader does, something I'm sure you will never be able to understand."

Willowstar's face darkened at his words, but very slowly his grin widened and his eyes took on their wild look. "You're going to die here!" he hissed as his large bushy tail lashed back and forth.

Shadestar was about to take another step forward, but was suddenly cut off when Sunspirit ran in front of him, blocking his path.

"No! I won't let you do this!" he cried, eyes locking with Shadestar's. The old warrior met his gaze and was quiet for a moment before taking a small breath.

"Sunspirit," he meowed, "Silentshadow, I have never done enough for my clan, please, allow me to do this. None of this would have happened if I had been able to see clearly." He closed his eyes and dipped his head in regret, "It is often in the path we take to avoid our fate that we end up meeting it.

Sunspirit, I see great things in both you and Silentshadow, and I know that you can lead DarkClan to greatness. My path ends here, now remove yourself from my way and allow me to take care of something I should have done long ago."

With his final words, Shadestar's voice had become strong and powerful again and the sooty tom stepped past Sunspirit and stood before Willowstar.

Sunspirit had stepped back to the edge of the clearing to stand by Silentshadow once more.

Willowstar laughed as Shadestar stood proudly before him.

"You're a fool Shadestar! You always were, and now you're going to be destroyed for it!" Willowstar's teeth were gritted so tightly together that Sunspirit was sure his smile was going to crack at any moment.

Silentshadow couldn't take it anymore and she suddenly cried out into the clearing at Willowstar. "Why? Why do you hate Shadestar so much?! There are plenty more cats who have more reason to hate him than you do!"

"More reason than I?!" Willowstar sputtered. "Shadestar has to die and I'll tell you why: because he killed me. He killed Willowheart!"

Willowstar's voice was completely enraged and he seemed to have lost any sense of reason. Willowstar had unsheathed his claws and was now crouched across from Shadestar with anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

Shadestar remained completely calm, the only thing that could be seen in his eyes was pity. "Willowstar, I will not let you destroy my clan!"

By now Willowstar had broken into a bout of psychotic laughter.

"My family is more important to me than power, and I won't let you harm them!"

Willowstar was still laughing as Shadestar let out a furious yowl launched himself at the massive tom. Ina flash, Willowstar's eyes had darkened again and he laughed as he knocked Shadestar effortlessly to the side with his massive paw.

Shadestar scrambled to regain his balance from the blow and quickly spit out a trail of blood from his mouth.

Sunspirit and Silentshadow could only watch in horror as Willowstar knocked Shadestar around like a mouse. Yet the warrior always got back up, ready to take more. Across the clearing, Sunspirit could see the TreeClan warriors with content smirks on their faces.

Silentshadow and Sunstar's eyes widened as Willowstar lashed out at Shadestar, only this time he allowed his claws to dig into the tom's chest. Shadestar let out a hiss of pain and struggled to get out of Willowstar's grip.

Willowstar smirked at Shadestar's pathetic attempts to free himself. Silentshadow gasped in astonishment as Willowstar began to lift the older cat off the ground with his single paw. Shadestar cried out in pain at the claws now deeply embedded in his chest.

What happened next was something Sunstar would never forget.

Willowstar let out a psychotic laugh, and Shadestar suddenly began to scream in pain. Silentshadow had clenched her eyes tightly shut and backed away, she couldn't take it.

"You can never defeat me! I am the most powerful cat in the entire forest!"

Sunspirit himself couldn't bear to watch, but he didn't understand what was happening. Willowstar kept Shadestar off the ground, the tom's struggling eventually becoming weaker and weaker before his body suddenly became very limp.

Sunspirit could only watch in shock as Willowstar dropped Shadestar's lifeless body onto the ground. Blood coated his claws and he looked down at the dead cat with a triumphant smile before letting out another laugh and roughly kicking Shadestar's body one more time.

Silent tears now streaked down Silentshadow's face, while Sunspirit was experiencing a wide range of emotions. Mostly, he stared at his brother in shock.

Willowstar finally appeared to calm down and his eyes suddenly locked with his brother's. "A deal is a deal." he meowed.

"Let's go." Without another word the four TreeClan cats disappeared from the clearing, leaving Sunspirit and Silentshadow to stare in shock.

That was one of the most painful nights Sunspirit had to experience. The looks on his clanmates' faces when he came into camp carrying Shadestar's body tore through his heart. Silentshadow had relayed what happened to the other cats in tears.

Ivyfoot, Neoseeker, Blizzardpelt, and Cherrynose had all howled in grief and rage. It wasn't until Shadestar's body was laid in the center of camp that Sunspirit broke down.

He sat by Shadestar's side, hot tears streaming down his face and his eyes clenched tightly shut in pain. The golden tom's body shook lightly and he couldn't stop the tears from falling down.

It wasn't until a small sound from behind caught his attention, that the tom stopped in his grieving. Behind him stood a small white kit, his pelt spotted with numerous black flecks, the kit's eyes were wide and confused as they stared up at Sunspirit.

"Where's my daddy?" he mewed.

Sunspirit stepped forward, blocking Shadestar from the young kit's view, which only seemed to confuse the kit more.

"He's gone, and I'm afraid he won't be coming back." Sunspirit replied, sniffing in an attempt to get a hold of himself.

The kit perked up, his eyes becoming wide. "Where'd he go? I don't want him to leave."

Sunspirit held back the emotions building up inside him and stepped forward leading the kit back to the nursery.

It wasn't until the kit was tucked back inside his nest beside his sleeping brother that Sunspirit looked down at the kit with a measure of sympathy.

"Your dad was a hero."

AUTHOR'S NOTE

If you ever played nd stfd you might get a ref in this chapter ;) Ill admit this one is crap Dx I tried and hey i did this instead of studying, so i hope i dont regret this later. xD Read and Review! Questions, Thoughts, Suspicions!

Shadestar v. Willowstar/ Shadestar's character greatly inspired by this song: Neville the Hero from harry potter and the deathly hallows 2 soundtrack

Lost Out

P.S Drew a new pic, it's on my tumblr if you're interested