COULD EVERYONE PLEASE READ THIS AUTHOR'S NOTES? THANK YOU! 3

So yeah, this is basically an advanced warning. I have three days left of school until the summer holidays. After that, in September, I join Year 10. I don't know what the equivalent grade that is in the USA or other countries that you guys live in, but I'm 14 right now (15 in March) if that helps you get an idea. Basically, from Year 10, I'll be preparing for a really important set of exams, my GCSEs. Again, I don't know if there are similar exams elsewhere, but these are very important and can have a huge affect on my future. I'm going to have loads of work and revision to do, starting this September, until about May 2016, when I'll have my exams. This is of course going to affect Blue Moon. I am NOT stopping writing it. However, updates are probably going to be less frequent (I'll do my best to write loads of chapters in advance in the summer holidays). Please, from September, understand that I'll probably be under a lot of stress and do not beg me for updates or ask when the next update will be. Just try to understand that I will be very busy, but I will update when I can. Thank you for understanding. :)

Disclaimer - I don't own Warriors.

~ Review Replies ~

berkswarriors ~ Thank you so much! :)

Blazerkitty129 ~ He he, yes, that would definitely be interesting to see what Dewclaw says to that. :3

WyldClaw ~ He is a bit of a philosopher, yes. He's wise beyond his years, certainly. c: Thank you for reviewing!

Clearfeather ~ You're welcome, my friend. ^^ Aw, that's a shame you can't get an account, maybe one day you will? If you ever do, let me know so I can read your brilliant stories. ^^

coolgirl526 ~ Aw, yes, it's a bit sad. Poor Icecloud. Sorry for making you cry!

Shadewind of WindClan ~ ^^ If I can, they should be available as books towards the end of August. I should be able to make them available on Kindle too, if you'd like? ^^

Cupcaketail-Of-WindClan ~ I so want to say something, but I don't want to give spoilers! :3 Well, although Amber and Mole aren't mates, they're sort of at the equivalent of boyfriend/girlfriend right now if that makes sense. So, yes, they are sort of a couple. :3

Alwayssearching2012 ~ I was trying to make it quite shocking and unexpected, I'm glad it worked out! ^^ -eyes ThunderClan cats suspiciously- Who knows who they spies are? We'll have to find out! I don't even know yet. xD I haven't decided. No RedxDew this chapter I'm afraid, but there should be some next chapter or perhaps the chappie after that? Not quite sure. xD

Guest ~ Thank you so much! We didn't end up entering the class due to complications, but on the 27th of July, we're going to be doing an actual class, so fingers crossed for that! ^^ Thank you for the review, once again! 3

Spottedmoth123 ~ Aw, thank you! -huggles- That is definitely a valid question, I myself can't quite understand why anyone would be attracted to Dewclaw, but hey, I'm not judging her. xD

FrostOfTheWarriorCats ~ xD Thank you!

XtremeBlaze ~ Aha, I don't think Dewclaw really knows himself what he's going to choose. xD

Silverkitty16 ~ Aw, I'm so sorry for killing her. I do have my reasons though, which we shall find out later. She was a lovely cat though, she seemed very nice in the books. Ooh, I love it when ideas come to you at the most random times and you get so excited and you just want to laugh hysterically. xD Okay, maybe that's just me. xP That's a really good question, I wish I could ask Tigerstar that.

Cupcaketail ~ Yus, the father of Icy Cloud's kits does happen to like grass and rivers... c: Oh yeah, Finchwing's a brilliant artist, I follow her on dA. I could never get a commission from her though, I don't have enough points. :/

Guest ~ Aw. -hands tissue- Thank you. -snuggles-

Blackfur672 ~ :3 I can't wait, we're visiting King's Cross Station to see platform 9 3/4 on Monday, then on Tuesday, we're going to the Harry Potter experience itself. I can't wait! Thank you, yes those poor kits. I feel so bad for them. Their mother never told them their father's name, so they'll never know who their father is, so they're basically orphans. Poor little things. :'(

Feathermist ~ Aha, yes. I think they're a bit unsure of their feelings and stuff yet.

Owlshadow13 ~ WELCOME BACK! -hands slice of cake- :D Thank you so much and that thing you pointed out... xD If you see any other stuff like that that I've missed, just point them out, it's really helpful. :3

Ambersky

Cold, grey dawn light had begun to seep into the ThunderClan camp by the time Dustpelt, Foxleap, Sandstorm and Greystripe returned to the eerily quiet Stone Hollow. The group of cats had left just before dawn, upon their backs the body of Icecloud, set with the task of burying the fallen warrior. Now, as they slowly filtered into camp, Ambersky still couldn't help but feel utterly shocked by the whole situation. Even the day after the tragic event, she was still trying to comprehend it all and come to terms with it.

Although the pale grey-and-white warrior hadn't sat vigil for the white queen, she'd been awoken, before dawn light had even pierced the darkness of the sky, by those sitting the vigil as the body was prepared for burial.

She'd crawled from her nest to watch from just outside the Warriors' Den as Icecloud's body was carried out of camp. There she still sat, amber eyes clouded as her eyes stayed trained on the group of warriors entering camp.

Her tail curled around her paws and she sat quite still, simply observing what was going on around her. Hazeltail, Cinderheart and Spiderleg had slowly trickled out of the den several moments before the arrival of the group of cats, having to set out on the dawn patrol just at the break of day. After passing on regards to the mourning cats dotted around the stone hollow, they ducked under the thorn-barrier in single file, dissapearing into the forest.

In the confusion of the previous day, the young warrior had completely forgotten to see Leafpool about her wounds from the fox and the several scars that marked her pelt, especially the bite she'd received on her leg, were stinging. When she swivelled her head round to look at them, she inwardly winced. They were no longer red with blood, but a strange sort of colour, and they gave off a foul scent. Mouse-dung. I really should go and see Leafpool and Jayfeather.

Yawning, the pale grey-and-white warrior rose to stiff legs and slowly made her way over to the cave that formed the medicine cat's den. Peering into the darkness, she had to strain her eyes for a moment to make out the contents of the den before her eyes adjusted. Five or six mossy nests were dotted about to the front of the den, but only two were occupied. In one of them was Thornclaw, who in the leaf-bare moons had suffered a bout of green-cough and was now at last recovered. Even so, Leafpool wanted him to sleep in the Medicine Cat's den for a little while longer, just to ensure it was completely gone and didn't get passed on to anyone else.

The golden brown tabby tom acknowledged Ambersky's presence with a dip of the head before resting his head on his paws once more.

The next nest was occupied by Lilystream, who'd tripped in a rabbit hole and slightly sprained her ankle a couple of days before. Her condition had improved much and Ambersky knew it would only be a few days until the brown-and-white tabby she-cat was back to her usual energetic self. For now though, she was sound asleep in her nest.

To the back of the den was the herb supply, neatly arranged in the cracks in the rock. Amongst all this, Jayfeather was busily sorting a bundle of herbs into small piles. He didn't glance up at Ambersky, but the slightest flicker of his ear told the young warrior that the medicine cat apprentice was aware she was there.

She cleared her throat, "Uh, Jayfeather, I kind of forgot to come to you or Leafpool yesterday about my wounds," she beckoned to the bite on her leg and the scratches that marked her body, for a moment forgetting that, of course, the grey tabby tom was blind and obviously couldn't see the wounds, "Now they look sort of gross and they smell like mouse-bile."

Jayfeather slowly turned his head, staring at her with those sightless blue eyes of his. Even though he didn't have the power of sight, Ambersky felt as though he was looking right at her, seeing past her exterior and into her head. She swallowed uncomfortably.

He at last spoke, slowly stepping towards her and leaving the pile of herbs, "You forgot?" he echoed, a slight jeer to his voice. He sighed, shaking his head, gesturing with a flick of his tail, "Come on, show me."

The pale grey-and-white warrior moved so she was standing before the medicine cat apprentice, "Well, there's a bite on my leg, which hurts the most, and then there's a couple on my side and back," she indicated to each wound in turn.

Jayfeather leaned forward, sniffing at the wounds, then withdrawing, "Well, I've got to agree, they certainly do smell wonderful," he sighed, "They're infected. If you'd come yesterday, they wouldn't have gotten like this."

The grey tabby tom padded away and began scouring the herb supplies, using his nose to guide him. He returned to Ambersky moments later, several bunches of herbs clamped between his jaws.

He placed the herb bundles on the ground. There were three different types of herbs, as far as Ambersky could tell. The first was obvious, bright orange flowers, marigold, the grey-and-white she-cat thought. The next were fern-like leaves, with a sweet, inviting scent and small white flowers. She didn't know what herbs they were. Jayfeather had begun to chew the last bundle of herbs into a poultice, a couple of sprigs of a bristly-stemmed green plant. The grey tabby tom very much ignored Ambersky as he chewed the three different types of herb into a poultice. The pale grey-and-white she-cat had to admit, it didn't look very appetising, do I have to eat it or do I just put it on my wounds or something?

Feeling rather uncomfortable in silence, the young warrior made an attempt to spark up conversation, "What herbs are they?" she inquired, doing her best to at least look vaguely interested.

Jayfeather blinked, not looking up, "Marigold, chervil and horsetail, if you're actually interested," he told her, "I'm just making them into a poultice to apply to your wounds, otherwise they'll never heal."

"Oh."

Several heartbeats passed in silence, then Jayfeather at last lifted his head. He didn't speak, just began plastering the poultice to Ambersky's wounds. She instantly fliched away from him, her wounds stinging sharply, "Ow."

The grey tabby tom just stared at her, "Oh, I suppose you don't want me to heal you then? Fine. Doesn't bother me," he was about to get up when Ambersky stopped him.

"Sorry, I didn't mean…" she trailed off, "it just stings a little."

The grey tabby medicine cat apprentice paused before at last continuing to apply to the poultice of herbs. This time, Ambersky tried to ignore the stinging pain, sinking her claws into the earth and breathing deeply. It didn't help that Jayfeather was applying the mixture of herbs rather roughly, but she decided to hold her tongue and not comment on it, he'd only bite her head of if she did.

Ambersky couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when the grey tabby tom at last moved away and the stinging pain slowly began to ease. Jayfeather paused for a moment, before meowing, "Come back tomorrow, so I can check on your wounds. That bite on your leg in particular is rather nasty so I'd say, off your duties until I'm satisified that the bite is healing."

Off duties? So, I have to sit in camp all day, doing nothing? She inwardly groaned, but she made the effort to smile a little for the grey tabby medicine cat apprentice, "Thank you, Jayfeather."

Jayfeather sat still for a moment, before rising to his paws and padding to the back of the den to rearrange herbs once more. No polite goodbye, or even a dip of the head, he just walked off. Ambersky rolled her eyes, the grey tabby tom wasn't the nicest of cats, but he was an excellent medicine cat.

Exiting the den, Ambersky was consciously aware that her pelt was plastered in poultice and tried to avoid the eyes of her clanmates.

But there was no one looking at her. No, everyone's gazes were trained upon the high-ledge, where Bramblestar had just leapt up and was inhaling a deep breath before yowling, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather below the high-ledge for a clan meeting."

Curiousity prickling at her, the pale grey-and-white she-cat gingerly stepped forwards and sat herself down below the high-ledge, lifting her head to where Bramblestar stood. The dark brown tabby tom looked powerful and strong in his stance, his chest puffed out, his head high and his tail flicking from side to side. But there were flecks of worry in his amber gaze. Ambersky swallowed nervously.

As cats began to slink out of the shadows and spill into a gathered crowd, Ambersky let her gaze drift across the hollow for a moment, seeking out the brown-and-cream pelt of Molespots. She hadn't seen the spotted tom since yesterday evening.

She scanned the clearing for a further moment until she at last spotted the young warrior. He noticed her almost immediately and smiled, padding over to sit beside her. A small smile automatically crept to Ambersky's face and her amber eyes lit up a little.

He didn't utter any words, simply dipping his head before sitting beside her, his eyes rising to where Bramblestar stood. They only had to wait a heartbeat or so until the ThunderClan leader at last began to speak.

The dark brown tabby tom took a deep breath, before speaking, his voice loud and clear, "My clan, we have suffered a tragic loss, with the death of one of our queens, Icecloud, who had just recently become the Mother to Splashkit, Tricklekit, Specklekit and Oak-kit," he bowed his head out of respect.

Much of the clan copied the ThunderClan leader's motion, lowering their heads and closing their eyes briefly, their thoughts focused on the young queen. It still seemed so… so unreal. Ambersky could hardly believe it had really happened. Killed by a fox whilst protecting her kits. It was a noble way to go, but the pale grey-and-white warrior still couldn't help wondering, why was it that Icecloud had been out in the forest with her kits?

Her kits had said they were going to live with their father, could it mean their father was in a different clan? Perhaps their father was even a rogue or a loner? Ambersky couldn't imagine Icecloud seeing a tom from another clan, but then again, she hadn't noticed when the white queen had been expecting kits, nobody had. ThunderClan had underestimated her abilities at hiding the truth.

Bramblestar's tail flicked from side to side in a snake-like motion, "Although we know her to have been killed by a fox, it seems there might be something else behind this sudden death," he paused, his gaze washing over the clan, "Molespots has told me that as he was preparing to bring the body back to camp, he detected a trail of twolegplace cat scent and prey scent, as if trying to lead the fox to a certain place. This was no accident, this death, this was an act of war and unfortunately, Icecloud was the victim this time."

Shocked gasps rippled amongst ThunderClan and though Ambersky had already heard this from Molespots, sitting quiet beside her, she couldn't help but find herself still in shock that the twolegplace cats could do such a thing. A few cats tried to speak and make their voices heard, but Bramblestar silenced them with a flick of his tail.

"I haven't finished yet," he told them, "This, of course, brings up questions. How did the twolegplace cats know that Icecloud would be there? Why would they target a queen, of all cats, why not myself or Lionblaze, higher ranking cats in the clan?" he hesitated for a moment before continuing, "But, we know this; Night mentioned at the gathering that he'd done 'research', which explained how he knew where and when the gathering was held. This research could quite easily be his watchers, essentially, spying on the clans. Spies, amongst us, in our territory, undetected."

This brought up even more shock. Cats sat wide-eyed, quite unable to believe the words leaving Bramblestar's jaws. For a moment there was a shocked silence, several cats sending suspicious glances around the hollow, then they began raising their voices.

"That's preposterous," Berrynose dismissed the suggestion immediately, "Impossible. They may be 'watchers', but our patrols would've picked up their scent or at least spotted them, they're not invisible."

"This can't be true," Birchfall was also in denial, "Spying on us? It can't be true. Like Berrynose said, we would've found traces of them."

"Have any of you actually considered that he might have spies amongst us, like with the dark forest warriors? Clan cats who he's perhaps threatened to do his dirty work," Poppyfrost's mew, though only quiet, managed to silence everyone else's concern.

"That could quite easily be true," Bramblestar commented, "I hadn't considered that Poppyfrost, thank you."

The tortoiseshell she-cat simply dipped her head to the ThunderClan leader. The dark brown tabby tom inhaled calmly before speaking once more, "However it is that the Watchers have managed to learn this information about us, if we really are at war, we need to learn more about them, to discover their strengths and weaknesses, which we can use to give us an advantage in battle," his gaze drifted to his deputy, Lionblaze, "I have spoken with Lionblaze, Molespots and a few senior warriors and we have decided that the only way to do this is, as Night has done, using spies."

There were mixed responses to that suggestion. Molespots hadn't told Ambersky about that and, in honesty, the pale grey-and-white warrior had no idea what to think of it. Spying on the twolegplace cats? There was just something about that Ambersky didn't like the idea of.

Bramblestar continued, regardless of the opinions of his clan, "We wouldn't send out too many cats as spies of course, for the risk of being uncovered, and so Lionblaze and I have decided that it will be just two cats. One cat has already volunteered, Molespots."

Ambersky's amber eyes widened in alarm. She jerked her head to face Molespots, sitting calm beside her, "What? You're going to do this? You didn't tell me."

Molespots blinked, "I didn't think I needed to tell you. I don't need to tell you everything, do I?"

Concern growing, Ambersky swallowed, "But, it's dangerous. I…" she trailed off, "They're mad, those cats. If they find out, they'll kill you. They will, they'll kill you, like they killed Icecloud," there was anger in her voice now, "Why didn't you tell me? You can't do this, what if they hurt you? I don't know what I'd do if I lost you," her voice was cracking a little with emotion.

Molespots looked confused, "I, I," he stuttered, concern flickering behind his amber gaze, "Amber, it's okay, they're not going to kill me, I think you're over-reacting."

"Over-reacting?" she echoed, "I don't think being worried about you is over-reacting, seriously, Molespots, they're dangerous, they're mad, those cats. I just don't want you near them," she lowered her voice a little, gaze slightly softening, "Look, I'm sorry, but you can't seriously be thinking of doing this?"

Molespots took a deep breath and for a moment their gazes met, "I know, you're only worried, but the only reason I want to do this is because I want to protect ThunderClan," he pressed lightly against her side, "because I want to protect you. Please, just let me do this. I don't want war, if we find out more about our enemies, we might be able to defeat them before too many lives are lost, please."

Ambersky sighed. As much as she hated to admit, she agreed with him. She didn't want this war, neither did she want them spying on the twolegplace cats, but if it meant a faster victory, with fewer casualties, then it was worth the risk, "Just be careful."

All the while, Bramblestar had been speaking, his voice echoing out across the Stone Hollow, "-now, I must ask, is there anyone else who wishes to volunteer? I know it may seem dishonest, at the same level as warriors of the dark forest or the twolegplace cats themselves, but if it means a greater chance of ending this war, then we must take this chance."

For a moment, all was silent and not a cat moved. Then, slowly but surely, a cat rose to their paws.

"I will," Foxleap's voice was loud and confident, despite the hollow, empty look in his amber eyes, "We must defeat these twolegplace cats, we must avenge Icecloud's death. If it means spying, then I'll do it. For my sister," his voice broke off into a sort of whimper and for a moment he had to stop and swallow the grief that welled within him.

Bramblestar flashed the reddish tabby tom a sympathetic smile, "Thank you, Foxleap, ThunderClan appreciates what you are doing for the clan, for all the clans," he dipped his head to the warrior, "Thank you, Molespots, too, ThunderClan will be forever grateful."

For a moment, there was a hush that fell upon the Stone Hollow, then a cat began to call. Ambersky wasn't quite sure who had started it, but it wasn't long until almost everyone was chanting along, "Foxleap! Molespots! Foxleap! Molespots!"

The pale grey-and-white she-cat was quiet for a moment before she eventually joined in, but she couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling at her heart. What if the twolegplace cats find out about them? What will happen to them? She forced herself to swallow these nagging worries, managing a slight smile, stop fretting, it'll be fine, she tried to assure herself.

"Foxleap! Molespots! Foxleap! Molespots!"

The words echoed throughout the Stone Hollow, rising high into the sky. Ambersky bowed her head, praying silently, Oh StarClan, please, watch over them. Protect them. Please.

Snowfall

It was a dreary day. There was no other way of putting it. Dark clouds had settled over ThunderClan territory and from the tension in the air, Snowfall knew that a storm was fast approaching. Already, rain was fast falling, only light rain, but much of it had left the white tom soaked to the skin. After Bramblestar had left for the alliance meeting with Leafstar and Mistystar, the young warrior had decided to head out hunting and try and bring back prey for the clan.

It may have been early green-leaf, but due to the weather, much of the prey were hidden away in their nests. Rightly so, Snowfall thought, turning up his nose. He didn't particularly want to be out in this weather, but he needed to get away from it all, to clear his head. He hadn't caught any prey so far, but he was feeling a lot calmer already and the weight that always seemed to press down on his shoulders had lifted slightly, There was just too much going on right now, too much.

Lifting his head to the canopy, the snowy-pelted tom drank in a deep breath, analysing the scents of the forest that greeted his senses. If he didn't find prey soon, he would head back to camp, he was already soaking for StarClan's sake, why stay out any longer?

The rain had washed away a lot of the scents and made it difficult to track anything. Still, the white tom persisted, taking in another deep breath, trying to make sense of the jumble of scents that overcame him. Eventually, he managed to pick out one distinct scent, squirrel.

Snowfall gave a hopeful smile. At least there was some prey out there.

After a further heartbeat or so, the young white warrior at last managed to work out where the prey seemed to be. If he was correct, the squirrel was just down-wind of him, towards the deepest parts of ThunderClan's territory. Taking a deep breath, the white warrior began on his way.

When he spotted the squirrel, the white tom immediately froze, amber eyes narrowing to slits. He was consciously aware of just how much his snowy-white pelt stuck out against his forest surroundings, he'd have to be cautious.

The prey was currently crouched in the branches of an elder tree, its button eyes bright as it nibbled at what looked to be a nut. Snowfall simply observed his prey for a moment, taking note of its behaviour. After a couple of heartbeats, the small creature at last glanced up, dropping the nut. It fell to the forest floor.

For a moment, the squirrel was motionless apart from the twitching of its whiskers and nose. Then it slowly began to climb down the tree's trunk to the roots of the tree. When it reached the bottom, it paused for a moment, glancing around. Then it began rooting around around the base of the elder.

Snowfall wasn't quite sure of what this squirrel was doing, but he knew now was his chance. Dropping to a Hunter's crouch, the tom carefully withdrew from the cover of the undergrowth. His belly was pressed against the earthy forest floor and for a moment, he paused, before skulking closer to his prey. The squirrel seemed oblivious to his presence and continued at it's activities.

Snowfall smiled confidently. He should be able to catch this, it shouldn't be too hard.

He hesitated for a heartbeat, breathing softly, before at last, in a swift, fluid motion, he pounced. Before the squirrel could even respond, it fell limp in Snowfall's paws. He'd killed it with a neat bite to the neck, a clean, quick death. He lifted his head to the sky, silently giving thanks for the life of this prey.

He didn't pause for long though. Heavy rain droplets were falling onto his pelt, sending cold shivers through him. He closed his eyes, shaking the droplets from his pelt furiously. He'd caught prey, he'd gotten thoroughly soaked, he was heading back to camp now.

Taking a deep breath, the white tom, no sooner than he'd arrived, was on his way, back to the safety of the Stone Hollow.

Moving at a steady pace, it was past sun-high by the time the Stone Hollow at last came into view, but casting a glance up at the sky, there wasn't a break in the thick cover of clouds. In fact, the sun was completely concealed.

Instead, the rain was continuing to pour down onto the forest. The heavy pattering against the canopy reflected Snowfall's quick pawsteps as he ducked under the Thorn Barrier and entered the ThunderClan camp.

The moment he'd entered the stone hollow, Seedflight immediately rushed over to him, "Snowfall, are you okay? You're soaking," she licked his ear softly, then motioned to his squirrel, "Come on, I'll go take that squirrel to Ivypool; Leafpool thinks she might kit within the next quarter-moon. Go on, go dry yourself off."

Snowfall's heart stirred and he gave a half-hearted purr, "Thank you," he purred softly, dropping the squirrel at her paws. His mate immediately picked up the prey neatly in her jaws, shaking a heavy droplet of rain from her long, white whiskers. Green gaze warm, the pale ginger she-cat touched noses with him briefly before padding off in the direction of the nursery.

Snowfall didn't hesitate in making his way over to just below the high-ledge where it was sheltered from the worst of the elements. He settled beneath the overhanging, fluffing up his thick white pelt which, in his sodden state, clung to his frame and giving him a frail, skinny appearance. Shaking the moisture from his pelt, the white tom began to groom his pelt, rasping his tongue over his snowy-white pelt in swift, hurried motions. The rain had managed to reach his skin and sent cold shivers through the young warrior every couple of seconds.

Seedflight shortly reappeared from the Nursery and quickly spotted him beneath the Highledge, carefully making her way over. She nuzzled him fondly when she reached him, green eyes warm with love, "Ivypool says thank you," she purred softly.

The white tom blinked thoughtfully in response.

"I didn't know you were going out hunting," she murmured as she too began to groom his pelt, carefully working her way through the long, snow-white fur, "You should've said. I would've gone with you, I could do with stretching my legs."

Her touch was soothing, reassuring, and the young white warrior couldn't help but smile, the warmth starting to return to his body, "Sorry, I didn't know," he glanced up from his pelt, across to the Thorn Barrier, "Do you think Bramblestar will get back soon from the alliance meeting?" he asked, amber gaze thoughtful and slightly distant.

Seedflight paused momentarily, "I would've thought so," she replied, before returning to the task at hand, mewing between rasps of the tongue, "They've been gone a while now, so they should be back quite soon. I hope everything went okay. I wonder whether ShadowClan or WindClan turned up?"

"I doubt it, Crowstar's very stubborn and I don't think Onestar would ever agree to an alliance with SkyClan."

They were both silent for a while. Snowfall stopped grooming his pelt after a little while, when it began to feel a little lighter, no longer heavy with rain. It was damp still, but unfortunately, Snowfall was going to have to live with that for a little while, at least until it dried properly.

But the rain, on the other hand, didn't look like it was going to hold off. Quite the opposite, dark clouds were starting to gather above the lake territories. There was definitely a storm on the way.

The white tom took a deep breath, "Looks like a storm's going to break," he commented with a tip of the head towards the storm clouds gathering above.

Seedflight followed his gaze to the sky, "We haven't had rain in a half-moon, it should be good for the forest at least, though perhaps not the best conditions for hunting," she chuckled ever so slightly, snatching a glance at him. He still looked a rather sorry state, not quite so much like a drowned rat as when he'd first entered camp, but his pelt was far from dry.

Snowfall rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help smiling a little.

It was mere heartbeats later that there was a stirring in the Thorn Barrier and Bramblestar and Leafpool burst through the tangle of thorns, both rather bedraggled in appearance. As with Snowfall, they'd also found themselves caught out in the rain.

Several warriors instantly raced out to greet the leader and medicine cat, but Snowfall was quite content simply watching. Seedflight too was still for a moment, before she licked his cheek, muttering softly, "I'm going to go and see what happened at the meeting," then she raced off towards the two cats.

The long-haired white warrior watched for a moment, before deciding to go after her. He had nothing better to do.

Blinking distastefully at the rain that greeted him, the white tom padded over to Bramblestar and Leafpool, weaving in and out of the gathering crowd.

"How did it go?"

"Take a swim on the way home by any chance?"

"You look like a drowned rat."

The last comment had come from Squirrelflight. The ginger she-cat was smirking a little at her mate, who shot her a glare, but there was warmth behind both of their eyes.

"C'mon, you mouse-brain," Squirrelflight motioned with a tip of her head towards his den, "Dry yourself off, I'll get you a mouse from the fresh-kill pile. The clan doesn't need to know about what happened right this moment."

Bramblestar gave a rumbling purr, nuzzling her softly, "Thank you."

She instantly moved away, shaking her whiskers in disgust, "Hey, hey, you're getting my pelt wet," she flicked her tail sharply, "Get dry first," she padded off towards the fresh-kill pile. Bramblestar chuckled, rolling his eyes a little, before making his way over to his den.

Snowfall's gaze followed the ThunderClan leader, I hope the meeting went okay. He swallowed. Judging from the dark brown tabby tom's behaviour, however, all seemed to be well. The white tom forced his fur to lay flat.

"Well, everything sounds okay," Seedflight commented.

Leafpool, who was also rather sodden, approached from behind them, "Yes," she murmured, "the alliance has been agreed," she gave a sigh, shaking her head, "but that's not going to stop this war."

A shudder passed through Snowfall at the word. War. He had yet to come to terms with the fact that it seemed a war was approaching. Like the storm beginning to gather above their heads, it was inveitable that this war was going to reach the clans and there was nothing they could do about it. They could fight, fight with all the strength of TigerClan, but in the end, it was destiny that decided how this war all ended. That in itself was the most hopeless feeling in the world.

Dewclaw

"Like many of you may have heard; yes, the alliance has been agreed. Now, should any battles present themselves, we will be fighting alongside SkyClan and RiverClan," Bramblestar's booming meow bounced off the walls of the Stone Hollow and passed through the ThunderClan camp, reaching the ears of the many gathered below, such as Dewclaw.

The dark brown tabby continued speaking, his voice clear and confident, "WindClan and ShadowClan did not attend, so they of course will not be included in the alliance. But even without the other two clans, this alliance will make us stronger, much stronger," his words pierced the heavy, evening air. Though the rain had ceased falling, clouds still lurked overhead and the air was humid and thick with moisture. Snowfall had been right about a storm approaching, but when it was going to hit, Dewclaw was unsure of.

He cast a suspicious glance up at the darkening sky. He was supposed to be meeting Redflower tonight, hopefully the storm would hold off until then, he couldn't wait to see her, to check if she was alright. Now that she was expecting kits, the dark grey tom couldn't help but grow increasingly worried for her safety.

-"but of course, if we can, we will try to avoid this war. Not because we are cowards, but because too many lives have already been lost. The Great Battle against the Dark Forest is not yet a distant memory. We all still feel the pain of the losses of that fateful day today. We are going to attempt to make peace with Night and his cats. If any patrols meet him, there is no harm to come to him. Instead, he is to be brought to me for discussion."

Dewclaw wasn't particularly listening, drifting in and out. He still hadn't yet made a choice on whether he would stay in ThunderClan or leave to be with Redflower. He'd given much thought to it over the last few days, but that hadn't made making the decision any easier. In fact, it had made him think much more about all he had here in ThunderClan and now he was much more reluctant to leave his birth clan, if anything.

Yet, he couldn't help but feel a burning desire to be at Redflower's side. Especially now, when she was carrying his kits. He didn't want her to face it alone, he couldn't let her face it alone, could he?

Most of his life, all of his decisions had been so reckless, in the spur of the moment. He'd made them without thought or consideration, simply picking the option that sounded most tempting to him. Yet this was different. He couldn't pick in an instant. It was simply and honestly the most difficult decision he'd ever had to make.

"-so we must support each other in these dark moons to come. They will be difficult times, I won't lie to you, but we must stay strong. Let's take this opportunity and grow closer, as a clan. Together we live, together we'll fight. If we fall, we all fall. But it's a risk we must take. We are fighting for our home, we won't let Night drive us away like the twolegs did all those seasons before. We are stronger than them, we have the warrior code, our warrior ancestors and the support of SkyClan and RiverClan behind us. We will fight. For ThunderClan, for StarClan, for all the clans!"

Cheers and yowls of support met the dark brown tabby tom's words. Bramblestar was certainly skilled at motivating and inspiring his warriors. He was a noble leader, Dewclaw very much admired him and hoped that one day, if he were ever to become leader, he could be as good a leader as Bramblestar was.

If I join SkyClan, I'll never be chosen as deputy, let alone leader, he realised with a sigh.

Having not been at all listening to the meeting, it took a few moments for the stocky dark grey tom to realise why the cats around him were starting to break away, leaving in their own separate directions, some heading to their dens, others going to greet others. The meeting was over.

Dewclaw blinked, sitting still for a moment before rising to his paws. He cast a brief glance upwards at the sky. Night was quickly setting in, but the storm clouds still lurked, poised to strike.

As he was meeting Redflower that night, the dark grey tom decided to head to his nest early and rest a while before he headed out to meet her. Better to get a little rest beforehand so he wasn't too tired the next day.

Jaws opening wide in a yawn, Dewclaw began to make his way over to the Warriors' Den. Out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed a white pelt. Snowfall.

The young warrior had been deliberately avoiding his brother, now that he knew his secret, so he picked up the pace and began to power towards the bramble den. But Snowfall stopped him, blocking his path, "We need to talk."

Dewclaw deliberately avoided eye contact, "Excuse me, but I'm trying to get to my nest, if you'll kindly move out of my way, that would be great."

However, the small white tom seemed to think otherwise, staying rooted to the spot, "Dewclaw, please."

The dark grey tom shoved his brother aside, "I said no. Do you know what that means? That means I want to go to my nest and sleep. Okay? Okay."

He strode into the den, ignoring his brother's meows of protest, and quickly settled himself in his nest. Unfortunately for him, his nest was right next to the nest which Snowfall shared with his mate, Seedflight. Dewclaw just hoped he'd let this go. Because he knew what this talk was going to be about. It was going to be about Redflower and about making a choice.

Having Snowfall nag him about choosing a path was the last thing he wanted right now. He didn't want to talk about this decision, he didn't want to bring himself to thinking about it any more at the moment. Although he kept thinking about it, he was deliberately putting off making a final decision. He'd only make it when he had to and when he knew he was making the right choice.

The dark grey tom rested his head on his paws and closed his eyes. He heard the shuffling of paws for a little while as cats settled themselves in their nests, but not the voice of Snowfall. He heaved a sigh of relief; the white tom must've given up on him.

At least, by the time the moon was high in the sky, he'd be with Redflower, the one cat he'd never tire of, unlike his brother. He smiled ever so slightly.

The den was still and quiet, apart from the rising and falling of pelts as the cats around Dewclaw breathed softly, sleeping soundly. The dark grey tom had been awake a little while, but now it looked like, at last, all the occupants of the den were asleep. Taking a deep breath, he slowly stood up in his nest, holding his breath, his movements stiff.

When no cat responded to his movement, he relaxed a little, and began to cautiously pick his path out of the den, weaving in and out of sleeping cats, afraid of awakening them.

It was a relief to emerge into the moonlight. The storm clouds, which had previously obscured the moon, had moved away and now hung directly over the clans. The air was thick and hot, but it wasn't raining. That was good at least.

As always, Dewclaw padded over to the dirt-place tunnel and had begun to slink through it when he spotted the cat at the end of the tunnel, watching with narrowed amber eyes. His heart instantly began hammering in his chest. Mouse-dung, not tonight.

"Snowfall," he growled, "What are you doing?" he emerged from out of the dirt-place tunnel to stand before his brother, who was eyeing him rather suspiciously.

The white tom sat, facing him, quite still, "Did you forget? Cats are to sit guard by the dirt-place tunnel, in case of attack. I'm on duty tonight. The question is, what are you doing?"

Dewclaw forced the fur on his neck to lie flat, "You know exactly where I'm going, you mouse-brain."

Snowfall blinked, studying him through amber eyes, narrowed to slits, "Meeting Redflower again?" he sighed, disapproval swimming in his gaze, "I thought I told you, Dewclaw. You can't go on like this. You must make a choice. Putting it off is only going to make it worse."

The dark grey tom swallowed, staring at his brother coldly, "You expect me to make a choice like that in an instant? Do you know how much I've been thinking about this, trying to make a decision?" he challenged, eyes narrowing, "I will make a choice, Snowfall. But I'll make it in my own time. Now, I'm going to meet Redflower."

Snowfall stepped forward, obstructing him, "No," he meowed coldly, "You've got to decide. You're not meeting her tonight, I won't let you."

Dewclaw chuckled, "You won't let me? I'll go if I want to, you can't stop me."

"I'll tell Ambersky."

The dark grey tom stared at Snowfall, "You wouldn't," he scoffed. If he told Ambersky, it would be only a matter of time before the whole clan knew, their sister was constantly gossiping.

"I will," snarled the long-furred white tom, "I will and you know I will. Do you realise you're breaking the warrior code? Think of how dangerous this is for both of you! What if Leafstar found out? What if Bramblestar found out? You could be exiled," he took a deep breath, before speaking more softly, "I'm only doing this because it's what best for you. I don't want you to get hurt."

"What's best for me?" Dewclaw snapped, pelt bristling, "You have no idea what's best for me! You have no idea what I'm going through! Don't you dare act as if you know what's best for me, I know what's best for me, not you," he spat, amber eyes blazing, "Why do you care so much about what I do anyway?"

"Because I'm your brother. Do you know what that means? That means we look out for each other, we care for each other," he snarled, "But come to think of it, when was the last time you ever looked out for me? You should be grateful you have a brother like me, who looks out for you!"

Dewclaw was furious now, "So, telling me what to do is looking out for me? Some brother you are. Why did you have to poke your nose where it doesn't belong anyway, I wish you weren't my brother!" he spat bitterly.

Snowfall flinched and for a moment, Dewclaw detected hurt behind his amber gaze, but the dark grey tom felt no remorse. He deserved it. So what if he's upset. He has no idea what I'm going through right now.

The white tom still refused to back down, "No, I won't let you do this. You are not meeting Redflower until you come up with some sort of a decision," his meow was firm.

The dark grey tom sunk his claws into the earth, "You know what, I don't care if you think you're doing what's best for me, I don't care what you do, I'm going to meet Redflower and there's nothing you can do about it!" and with that, he turned on his heels and raced off into the undergrowth.

SO MUCH DRAMA. What did you guys think about all that? Molespots is going to be a spy, as is Foxleap. Ambersky's worried for him, naturally. The alliance has been agreed. Snowfall and Dewclaw have had a major fall out, Snowfall's threatening to tell Ambersky about Dewclaw and Redflower.

What do you guys think about Snowfall stopping Dewy Claws from meeting Redflower? Was he doing the right think, or did you want to bonk him on the head? xD I really enjoyed writing this chapter, I hope you liked reading it! 3

Question of the Day ~ If Dewclaw, Snowfall and Ambersky weren't to be mates with Redflower, Seedflight or Molespots, who could you see them being mates with?

Next time:

~ Redflower point of view.

~ Molespots and Foxleap set out to find out information about the twolegplace cats

~ MAJOR DRAMA AND EXCITEMENT.

Live, love, read and review! The first 4 to review get a sneak peak of next chapter!

Leafy x