Sorry this is a couple of days late guys! I had another horse show yesterday. ^^ New viewpoint this chapter, which is rather exciting! :3

Disclaimer - I do not own Warriors.

~ Review Replies ~

berkswarriors ~ Yeah, I don't think I can imagine any of them having other mates either. They're all meant to be. 3

Blazerkitty129 ~ Thank you! Funny enough, originally, Dewclaw and Lilystream were going to be mates. c: Ambersky and Foxleap could probably work too. ^^

Shadewind of WindClan ~ I'm just going to call you Shady from now on. :3 Thank you so much! Unfortunately, Cherith (who I believe is writing Bramblestar's Storm) has already finished writing it. That means a lot though! -huggles-

Icebreath ~ Yup, thinks are starting to heat up quite a bit! Very exciting stuff coming up this chapter onwards. ^^ Thank you!

Cupcaketail-Of-WindClan ~ ^^ I know, it's like, no Molespots. Just no. He just wants to protect his clan really, you can't blame. Still though... Ya, Dewy Claws is in a bit of a strop, that was rather harsh. I feel bad for Snowfall. Thank you so much for the lovely review! :3

Guest ~ -hugs- Thank you! Aw, I hope things work out for you. c:

Guest (the other one) ~ Thank you so much! Yeah, Dewclaw's a bit self-absorbed and was definitely a bit harsh on Snowfall. Poor baby, he's going through a lot at the moment.

Alwayssearching2012 ~ Thank you! Yup, we have a Redflower point of view and a new point of view this chapter! Exciting! :D

XtremeBlaze ~ Yup, there's still plenty of drama to come. xD Thank you!

Snowfeather4876 ~ Yeah, Snowfall's being sensible and he thinks he's doing the right thing, but in honesty, I think Dewclaw just needs time and space. Aw, GCSEs suck, make the most of the last year you've got before you start them! Exams are so annoying. :/

KatieK101 ~ Oops, did I miss a reply? I'm so sorry! Please accept my apology cookie -hands cookie-. Sorry 'bout that. Thank you! Yeah, I think I could picture Ambersky with Foxleap actually. That would be a super adorable couple. 3

AngelEnderCat ~ xD Yeah, there's a bigger age difference than you'd expect between them, probably because the Erin Hunter's made Molespots and Cherryflower apprentices SIX MOONS LATE. xD

Mnaseer2001 ~ Aw, thank you so much! There shouldn't be too much sadness coming up within the next couple of chapters, but something very sad does happen in the next book, Dark Skies. I'm dreading writing it if I'm honest. :/ Thanks! I'm taking triple science (as an option), art, geography and French. I am NOT looking forward to September. o_O

Joltray ~ Thank you! ^^

Orangeflight of ShadowClan ~ No worries ^^ Thank you! c:

Nightfeather ~ Thank you! Aha, yes, Seed that Flies in the Wind, Spotty Moles that Rule the World and Red Flowers that Scatter Ground. They sound awfully familiar, hmmm. xD Yup, Jayfeather's such a polite, friendly cat. I just had to sneak that bit of sarcasm in. ^^

arcticfoxlover ~ No problem, I don't mind, no need to apologise. c: Thank you! Well, here we are, an extra helping of drama and excitement, with a pinch of suspense. xD

Silverkitty16 ~ Thank you for the review! -huggles-

bluefrost of RiverClan ~ Thank you! Yes, one of the kits will be named Sharpkit. Redflower talks a bit about names in this chapter actually. ^^

Without further ado, I present Chapter 12! Enjoy!

Molespots

It was a calm, clouded dawn. The spotted brown-and-cream tom was one of the only few to be experiencing it, the rest of ThunderClan were safely tucked away in their nests, sleeping soundly, guarded by dreams. But Molespots couldn't bring himself to just sleep and ignore the world around them. Though it was quiet and still now, there was definitely a storm on the way.

Besides, the brown-and-cream tom couldn't just put off today. Dawn had broken and with it, a new day had come, Molespots was just embracing it. Yet he couldn't help but feel a sickening feeling deep in his heart. Today was certainly no ordinary day, today was the day that had been decided for himself and Foxleap to set out to seek information about Night and his cats, The Watchers.

From where he was sat, perched high on a ledge just adjacent to the high-ledge, there were usually open views over the lake and the mountains, but today, things were quite the opposite. Rain was falling lightly, but there was a rather threatening streak of dark storm clouds just above. A thick mist had settled over the forest and visibility was low.

It may not have been the best view and it may have been raining slightly, but Molespots was still quite content sitting where he was. As he gazed out over the ThunderClan camp, he ran through his head what Bramblestar had discussed with himself and Foxleap, the plan for the twolegplace cats.

He and the reddish tabby tom would try and follow a scent trail that Night and his cats had left to find where they were based. Then they were going to declare that they wished to join the twolegplace cats, that they thought the clans had made the wrong decision in not handing the lake over. Every couple of days, they'd meet fellow clanmates at a designated meeting spot to share any information they'd uncovered. It was a rather simple plan, but with luck it would be enough to fool the Watchers.

This is for the good of my clan, he tried to assure himself, to protect my family, my friends, Ambersky… He just hoped everything went to plan.

His gaze skimmed the horizon for a moment and he took a deep breath, drinking in the damp, morning air. For a further few moments, he continued to gaze out over the world absently, until the roll of pebbles and the soft thud of pawsteps alerted him he had company.

Ambersky was carefully picking her way up the cliff face, leaping from ledge to ledge, towards the ledge where Molespots sat calmly. Her face was screwed up in concentration and from her jaws swung the limp body of a squirrel.

The spotted tom instinctively moved forwards to guide her onto the ledge. With great caution, the pale grey-and-white warrior climbed onto the ledge, Molespots nudging her to her paws, a smile naturally forming upon his face and his heart warming, "You okay there, Amber?" he mewed playfully.

The pale grey-and-white she-cat had begun dusting herself off, giving a flick of her head. The pretty, young she-cat looked as though about to speak when she remembered the prey in her jaws. She carefully set the squirrel down before grumbling, "You have to sit in the most awkward places, don't you?"

Molespots chuckled lightly, a purr rumbling in his chest, "That looks like a fine squirrel there," he commented, motioning towards it, "Did you catch it?"

Ambersky rolled her eyes, "If you want the squirrel, just go and say it," amusement flickered behind her gaze for a moment, "It's for you anyway, mouse-brain," she nosed it towards him, "You need to be strong for today," she tossed a brief glance over her shoulder before adding, "Oh, and Jayfeather said he had some herbs for you and Foxleap."

"I'll go see him before we leave," he replied, "Thanks," his gaze drifted back to the squirrel, "Come on, let's share it, I don't have a huge appetite this morning," he dipped his head graciously, offering for Ambersky to go first.

The pretty young warrior smiled, head-butting him affectionately before taking a delicate bite of the small, brown creature. Only then did the brown-and-cream crouch down and bite a small chunk off himself. It tasted of the forest, of warmth and light. It's small body was still warm, only just freshly-caught.

"This is delicious," he murmured between mouthfuls, "Thank you."

Together, they slowly made their way through the small prey. Neither wanted to finish this meal, for when they had, they would be forced to at last face the day ahead. They'd have to make their way back down to the hollow floor, Molespots would have to collect his herbs from Jayfeather. He'd have to accept this day.

It was several moments after they'd finished the squirrel before either of them spoke. Ambersky sat up a little straighter and turned to face him, their eyes meeting then locking, "So," her mew was tentative, "Do you know… Do you know how long you're going to be away?" concern flushed behind her amber eyes, usually so bright and warm.

For all he knew, after today, he may never see those eyes again. He may never be able to feel her gentle touch or hear her soft voice. He may never hear her heartbeat again, soft and fluttery beats, so delicate. He was risking his life for this cause, to try and prevent war. He swallowed, no fear, no fear, Molespots. Be brave, for yourself, for Ambersky.

He took a deep breath, before murmuring, voice low, "I don't know," he pressed his muzzle to her cheek softly, "But don't worry, I'll be fine, I promise," he whispered softly, "I'll be back before you know it."

Ambersky didn't look convinced, but she murmured quietly, "Okay."

Molespots smiled and gave a tip of his head down towards the Stone Hollow below, "As much as I hate to say this, we should probably head back down there. I'm supposed to be preparing to leave."

The pale grey-and-white she-cat sighed, "You know it's not too late? You don't have to do this, you're not being forced to," she pressed, leaning against him gently.

Molespots chuckled softly, "Of course I don't have to, but I want to, I feel like this is what StarClan's willing me to do."

Ambersky's eyes widened a little, "You want to do this?" she echoed.

It took a moment for Molespots to realise what she was getting at. He quickly shook his head, mewing soothingly and touching his tail-tip to her flank comfortingly, "Oh no, no, I didn't mean it like that. Of course I don't want to leave you, to leave ThunderClan," his gaze lifted to the clouded sky above, "but if by doing this, we can find out information about the twolegplace cats and finish this war before it has truly begun, then it's worth it. I don't want you to suffer."

"I know, I know," Ambersky's mew was almost inaudible, "I just wish things were different."

He gave a small smile, drawing his tongue over the top of head affectionately, "Me too."

The sun had risen over the forest by the time the spotted brown-and-cream tom stood at the Thorn Barrier, a reddish tabby tom at his side, preparing to depart on their quest, with no idea where they might end up.

Whilst Foxleap was sharing goodbye with Rosepetal, who he'd become mates with just days before, Molespots was with Ambersky and his sister. He'd just shared a few words with his parents, Berrynose and Poppyfrost, who now sat nearby, their gazes lingering on him.

"Just stay safe, okay?" Ambersky's mew was urgent, concern flickering behind her amber gaze, "Promise me you'll stay safe?"
The spotted brown-and-cream tom was trying to hold it together for the both of them, "Don't be silly, I'll be fine, Amber," he purred softly, flicking his tail to her side reassuringly.

"Just promise, just promise you won't do anything mouse-brained," the pale grey-and-white she-cat was persistent and rather fretful, "Promise me, okay?"

"Okay," he murmured softly, nuzzling her lightly, "I promise I'll stay safe, though I can't guarantee I won't do anything mouse-brained," he then added, his mew humorous, "Although, I am a warrior, you know? You don't need to worry about me too much."

Ambersky blinked, "But I do worry about you," she murmured softly.

"Aw, you two are so adorable!" Cherryflower meowed brightly, tipping her head slightly to one side, "Tell me again, why you aren't mates yet?"

Ambersky's ears flattened against her head in a shy embarrassment. Molespots chose to ignore his sister's words, "You take care of yourself, make sure you get yourself checked out with that bite," he motioned to where the fox had bitten Ambersky's leg.

"I will."

The spotted tom flashed a white-fanged grin before turning to his sister. Although the pale ginger she-cat could be a pain in the tail most of the time, Molespots loved her deeply, "I'll miss you," he purred softly, "Try and keep out of trouble whilst I'm gone, 'Kay? Don't forget to look where you put your paws," amusement lit his amber gaze.

Cherryflower smirked, "I'll try not to," she told him, green eyes glittering.

"Hey, Molespots, I think we should get going," Foxleap approached the young warrior, giving a small smile, "You ready?"

The spotted brown-and-cream warrior swallowed the mounting fear and smiled. His gaze flickered from Cherryflower to Ambersky, "Well, this is it," his eyes trailed to the Thorn Barrier ahead of him, "I'll be back in no time," he dipped his head to the two cats.

Foxleap flicked his tail to Molespots' side lightly, "C'mon."

The spotted brown-and-cream tom took a deep breath, rising to his paws, "May StarClan light your path," he meowed softly, his eyes meeting Ambersky's once more before he ducked under the Thorn Barrier and entered the forest.

Molespots was glad that it was Foxleap who was his companion on this quest. As the reddish tabby tom had mentored his sister, he'd often trained with him and very much admired his experience and knowledge. Although he was still only young, he'd fought in the battle against the Dark Forest, something which Molespots could only ever dream of. The brown-and-cream tom was glad to have him at his side.

It didn't take them long to reach the spot of Icecloud's death. Molespots had hoped that they might be able to follow the scent trail that the twolegplace cats had left and trace it to their camp. Whether the scent would even be strong enough to follow though was debatable. With the rain, it would be very weak, so it would very difficult to follow.

"This is it," he murmured to Foxleap, his gaze falling to the very spot which Icecloud had her last breath. There was a sort of achingly hollow feeling to this clearing, with it being completely bare of undergrowth and the skeletal remains of the fallen tree which Icecloud's kits had taken shelter in.

Foxleap gave a nod, instantly lifting his head to the sky and drinking in a deep breath, his amber eyes clouded. Molespots knew the reddish tabby warrior was a skilled tracker, whereas he was, on the other hand, not quite so talented. He didn't have a very sensitive nose, at least not as sensitive as Foxleap's.

They spent a little time scouring the clearing, Molespots, not to his surprise, being unable to pick up any traces of the twolegplace cats. But Foxleap, eventually, lifted his gaze to the spotted brown-and-cream tom, meowing, "I think I've found the scent. It's faint, but I think I've got it."

The spotted brown-and-cream tom smiled, "Great, 'cause I can't find it," he chuckled softly, "I don't have the right nose for following scent trails."

The reddish tabby tom grinned, giving a sharp tip of the head to behind the spotted brown-and-cream tom, "It comes from behind you. Although it leads out that way," he motioned downslope, towards the lake, "I suggest we follow it back."

"Sounds like a good idea," Molespots concluded, "Although that's towards ShadowClan territory, do we cut through or go around?"

"That depends which way the scent trail goes," Foxleap replied, giving a beckoning flick of his head before heading off in pursuit of the trail, "It's going to be hard to find if we leave it. Either we follow it exactly or we're not going to find their camp."

Heading through ShadowClan territory? The spotted warrior blinked, before following the reddish tabby tom, slightly unsettled by this. It would break the warrior code if they were forced to trek through ShadowClan territory and they would almost certainly be caught. It might stir up unwanted tensions between ThunderClan and ShadowClan as well, as if they didn't have enough trouble already. He gave a sigh. But you've got to. You can't lose this trail, or you'll never find the twolegplace cats.

There was no choice in this matter. If the scent trail led them through ShadowClan territory, they had to follow it. It wasn't optional. If finding the twolegplace cats and learning about them in order to stop this war meant breaking the warrior code, then they had to do it.

Breaking the warrior code though? Without the warrior code, what are we? If we don't abide by the code, then we're just as bad as them.

Redflower

The tortoiseshell-and-white warrior was picking distastefully at a half-eaten starling when Brightwing approached her. It has just begun to rain, so the young she-cat had tucked herself away, beneath the shelter of a bramble thicket that grew in the walls of the red-stone cliff, alone in her thoughts.

"Hey, Redflower," Brightwing meowed warmly, settling in beside her, the traces of a smirk upon her face.

Redflower glanced up the ginger-and-white she-cat, "If you're here because you want this," she motioned to the remaining starling, "You're welcome to it. I'm not that hungry really."

Brightwing blinked in surprise, before shaking her head, "Oh no, I'm not here because of that," her gaze fell upon the prey, "Although if you're really not going to eat it?"

"Be my guest," Redflower nosed the starling towards her friend.

The older warrior smiled gratefully, dipping her head, "Thanks," she took a bite from the starling before lifting her head once more, "You're awfully subdued today, are you okay? You don't seem quite yourself," she seemed to be hinting at something.

She knows. She knows about the kits.

Redflower smiled, "I suppose there is something that I haven't been telling you."

The dappled tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat hadn't told anyone other than Dewclaw about the kits yet. Frecklewish of course knew, and perhaps Brackenpaw, but that was about it, as far as she knew at least. It had been just over a half-moon since she'd found out, she was going to have to start telling cats about it soon, before they realised for themselves, as Brightwing seemed to have done.

She took a deep breath, tail instinctively curling around with her belly, which was only very slightly rounded with her unborn kits, "But you've got to promise to tell no one, okay? I haven't told anyone yet," she inhaled another breath, "I'm expecting kits."

Brightwing gave a soft, raspy purr, "I knew it," she murmured, grinning, "Congratulations, I'm so happy for you," she nudged her friend affectionately, blinking warmly, "Who's the lucky father then?"

Redflower's heart faltered a little. This was the bit she hadn't been looking forward to. What could she say? She couldn't tell the ginger-and-white she-cat that the father of her kits, her mate, was a ThunderClan warrior. Instead, she came up with a lie, "I'd rather not say," her green gaze was shifty, "He… He doesn't want to be involved with the kits. Things aren't good between him and I," her eyes drifted to her paws. She just hoped that Brightwing believed the lie.

Her friend was quiet for a moment before she gave Redflower a sympathetic smile, touching her tail to her side gently, "I'm sorry," she mewed softly, "That must be so hard," she gave a small smile, "Don't worry though, I'll support you," her gaze flickered upwards and around the camp around them, "and I'm sure Cherrytail will too, as will Whitefern."

Redflower turned her head away, "I doubt Whitefern will. She's been avoiding me lately, I don't know why," she sighed, "I don't know what it is with her. She's been acting weirdly for moons, she just doesn't seem like Whitefern anymore."

"I'm sure she'll come around," Brightwing mewed reassuringly, lowering her head and taking a bite from the starling.

"I don't know about that," the dappled warrior replied, unconvinced, her gaze dropping to her paws, "We used to be so close, she's just… different now."

"If I were you, I'd just try and talk to her," Brightwing suggested, "I'm sure you can be close again. I know I'd do anything to have my brother back, make the most of it."

Redflower's gaze flickered over the ginger-and-white warrior. Redflower was fortunate that she was surrounded by her family, Brightwing however, was far less lucky. She was the daughter of Egg, a loner who joined SkyClan, and another loner who wandered between twolegplaces, named Mia. Egg had brought Brightwing and her brother, named Blazekit, to SkyClan to be raised as Warriors, but when Egg chose to leave the clan, as he felt the life of a warrior didn't suit him, Blazekit went with him.

Redflower lifted her gaze across camp, "I'll try, if I can actually get anyway near her," she muttered.

They were both quiet for a moment. Brightwing finished the starling, brushing the remains to one side, before mewing to Redflower, "Would you like to come hunting with me later?" she asked, giving a little smile, "I mean, if you don't want to do so much now you're expecting, that's fine, I just thought it might be nice," she glanced up at the clouded sky, "If this rain stops at least."

The rain was starting to fall much heavier now, the storm clouds above casting dark shadows upon SkyClan territory. Redflower didn't think it would be stopping any time soon.

"Sure, I'll go with you," she smiled, "I quite like the rain actually, although if it gets any heavier…" she trailed off, her eyes following the rain droplets as they fell to the stone floor.

Brightwing shuddered, "How can you like the rain? It makes your pelt all wet and heavy and it just makes you feel down."

"Not the way I look at it," Redflower murmured thoughtfully, "It's so cool and refreshing. It makes the forest green and beautiful."

"Well, you're welcome to see it like that. I certainly don't."

Perhaps it was the rain or perhaps it was just talking to a friend, but Redflower's heart felt a little lighter than before. She gave a smile, amusement glimmering behind her green eyes, "So, what's going on between you and Berrystep? Has he asked you yet?"

The ginger-and-white she-cat ducked her head shyly, "Oh, uh, no" she stuttered, "We're not mates," she gave a nervous smile, her gaze drifting to her paws, "He hasn't asked me."

"Really?" Redflower had to admit, she was a little surprised at that. Berrystep and Brightwing were constantly spending time with one another, going hunting together and sharing tongues. Surely Berrystep would ask her to be his mate soon?

Brightwing smiled sheepishly, nodding.

"Though, who says he has to ask you? You could ask him," she pointed out.

The warrior blinked, "But that's not how it usually works."

"It would probably help him out though," Redflower replied coolly, "He's probably to afraid to ask you, in case you'll say no."

"As if," Brightwing rolled her eyes.

"Exactly," Redflower purred, "Just ask him. He's bound to say yes, he's head over tail for you."

Brightwing's whiskers twitched. Her gaze swept across the clearing before she meowed, grinning, "Speaking of head over tails, those two seem to be getting along very well."

Redflower followed Brightwing's gaze to where Robinsong and Cloudfoot were sharing tongues. Until now, the dappled tortoiseshell-and-white warrior hadn't noticed a particular relationship between the two of them, but come to think of it, they had been spending an awful lot of time together recently.

"I expect it won't be long until they're mates," Redflower commented.

With all the troubles, the worries about the twolegplace cats, her kits, it was nice to simply relax and gossip with one of her closest friends, occupying her mind and forcing away her anxieties about the future. If only it could stay like this.

"It's funny, I never thought of those two as mates, but now, it seems natural really," Brightwing mewed, tilting her head a little to one side, "Can you imagine how adorable their kits would be?" she was quiet for a moment, before she grinned, turning to her friend, "Can you imagine how adorable your kits are going to be?"

Redflower chuckled, "Aren't all kits adorable?"

The ginger-and-white she-cat hesitated before meowing, "Just out of curiosity, their father… What colour pelt does he have? You don't have to give me his name, I was just wondering, so I can try and sort of visualise what they'll look like?" there was amusement behind her gaze.

The dappled warrior hesitated, before realising that tell Brightwing the colour of Dewclaw's pelt was probably be okay, then meowing, "He's grey."

A grin stretched across Brightwing's face, "They are going to be totally adorable bundles of fur," she purred, "I bet one of them will have your tortoiseshell pelt, do you think they'll have your tufted ears?"

Redflower blinked, "I hadn't really thought about it," she admitted, "I suppose they might?"

"Thought of any names yet?" Brightwing pressed, gaze brimming with hope.

"I was thinking of naming one after Sharpclaw," she mewed softly, "I don't know though. I haven't really thought about it much, I was hoping… I was hoping their father would help me name them."

Brightwing gave a soothing purr, "Aw, don't worry, I'll help you think of some names," she meowed. She tipped her head slightly to one side, gaze clouding as she lost herself deep in thought, "Hm. Names," she muttered to herself distantly, before suddenly grinning, "Perhaps Rainkit, because you love the rain," she suggested, "If one of them has a really long pelt, you should totally name them Fluffykit."

Redflower chuckled, rolling her eyes, "I'm not sure I'd want to name my kit Fluffykit, although Rainkit is a nice name…" she trailed off slightly, "What about for a tom?"
"Sharpkit, like you said," Brightwing meowed matter-of-factly, "Or maybe Stormkit or… Or Hawk-kit, that's a strong name."

"After almost being killed by a hawk, I don't think I'd like to name my kit Hawk-kit," she meowed cautiously, the events of that day when the bird of prey had attempted to make a meal of her rushing back, "Stormkit is a good one though, although there's already Stormwhisker."
The two friends chattered on for a while about names before going back to gossiping about clanmates. It was a rather peaceful afternoon and due to the rain, most warriors were in camp, taking shelter or complaining about soggy pelts.

When the first clap of thunder rumbled from the darkening sky, most of the warriors went to their nests early. Redflower, however, was quite happy to watch the gathering storm, sheltered beneath the bramble thicket. Brightwing had left her to return to her nest with Berrystep, so the dappled she-cat was quite alone, apart from a couple of other stray warriors dotted about camp, when the patrol came racing into the red-stone gorge.

It was the clattering of stones as they scrambled down the rock-path that first alerted the dappled tortoiseshell-and-white warrior of their presence although, at first, she mistook it for yet another thunder clap.

She didn't think much of their hurried arrival initially; they were probably just desperate to get out of the storm and into shelter. But when she noticed their wide eyes and pelts standing on end, she rose to her paws, concern pooling in her green gaze.

"They're… They're coming," Sandypelt breathed heavily, flanks heaving, "Tell everyone, they're coming."

"Who's coming?" Redflower questioned, her concern growing. Who's coming? Who do they mean?

"Twolegplace… cats… WindClan…" Mintfur, another member of the patrol, gasped between breaths, "Attacking."

Redflower's heart sank. No, no, no. This can't be happening. Before she could even comprehend what was going on, she spotted the first figure at the top of the rock-path. They were quickly joined by a second cat, a brown tabby tom.

Onestar nodded to Night, meowing some inaudible sentence, before the black tom also nodded. And then, all at once, cats began to swarm out of nowhere, spilling down the rock-path, their claws sheathed, their hackles bristling and their eyes narrowed.

Heart in her mouth, the dappled warrior hurled herself as fast as she could towards the Warriors Den, yowling at the top of her lungs, "Everyone out! We're under attack! We're under attack!"

Snowfall

After the storm had set in, like many of ThunderClan, Snowfall had chosen to resort to his nest early, hoping he might be able to catch a little sleep. As if. Until the rain clouds had gathered, the white tom had been having a comfortable day. He'd gone on the Dawn Patrol, which although some found irritating having to get up early, it was ideal for the white tom when he simply couldn't sleep, then, after seeing off Molespots and Foxleap, he'd been hunting with Seedflight. It'd been a successful hunt and he now lay, his belly full, curled up next to Seedflight, listening as the storm began to rage above their heads.

It was really setting in now, thunder frequently disrupting the ongoing, heavy rain showers. It was then, as he lay there, that lightning first struck, a flash of brilliant, bright white. Some of the Warriors were asleep and remained oblivious to the events going on in the sky above, but those that were awake jerked their heads up, eyes wide.

Snowfall didn't think much of it, it was only a storm after all, so long as the lightning didn't strike any trees, they should be fine. Seedflight however gave a visible flinch, eyes widening in alarm. The white tom knew she didn't like storms, so he licked her cheek reassuringly, giving a soothing purr, "Don't worry," he murmured softly, voice full of a caring, tender love, "Nothing more than a little thunder and lightning. I'll stay right here."

Although she didn't reply, she gave a grateful smile, despite the fear flickering behind her green eyes, and rested her head on her paws once more, forcing her neck fur to lie flat.

Snowfall smiled fondly upon his mate, before he too lowered his head to the moss, his tail curling protectively around Seedflight. Eyelids fluttering shut, he was surprised to find himself slowly drifting into sub-consciousness.

"Everyone wake up!"

The white-furred tom jerked awake, forcing open tired eyes. Around him, weary warriors peeled themselves away from their nests, disorientated and confused at such a rude awakening. A flash of lightning illuminated the den for a brief heartbeat and Snowfall managed to locate the cat responsible for waking every warrior up.

Whitewing, who'd been sitting guard of camp, stood in the entrance to the Warriors Den, tail flicking from side to side impatiently. Just behind her stood another cat, who the snowy-furred tom didn't recognise immediately.

After blinking a few times he at last realised, to his surprise, it was not one of his clanmates, but a SkyClan warrior, Sagewhisker.

"Come on!" the SkyClan tom meowed impatiently, "WindClan and the Twolegplace cats are attacking our camp!"

Snowfall took a moment to comprehend what the pale grey tom had just said. What? SkyClan are being attacked? His gaze instinctively moved to Dewclaw, who was standing just a few paces away, amber eyes stretched wide with fear.

After exchanging worried meows, the cats quickly rose to their paws and filed out of the den into the Stone Hollow. The rain was heaving down and above, in the dark, clouded sky, thunder rumbled ominously. Many cats were a little ruffled by the awakening and the fact that they were now standing in the rain, getting their pelts wet.

Bramblestar emerged from his den, having just been alerted by Lionblaze on the situation. The dark brown tabby tom's gaze fell to Sagewhisker and he gave him a nod before yowling, "ThunderClan, SkyClan are under attack from Night's cats and WindClan! As we agreed in the alliance, we will fight beside them to defend and protect their home. As I understand, RiverClan will also be fighting, this is a battle we cannot lose!"

Bramblestar nodded to Lionblaze and the deputy quickly began reeling off names in the battle party, "Bramblestar, myself, Berrynose, Birchfall, Whitewing, Hazeltail, Poppyfrost, Toadstep, Blossomfall, Bumblestripe, Ivypool, Mousewhisker, Snowfall, Lilystream, Ambersky, Pebblepaw, Puddlepaw and Mosspaw, we will fight," he announced, "Everyone else must remain here, to defend the Stone Hollow in the event that we are also attacked."

Bramblestar and his deputy both leapt from the Highledge and quickly gathered by the entrance. Bramblestar motioned for the battle party to join him with a flick of his tail.

Glancing over at Dewclaw once more, he realised his brother hadn't been picked for the battle. The dark grey tom's eyes were narrowed to slits and his neck fur was standing on end when he marched over to Bramblestar, "I am fighting this battle," he growled.

The dark brown tabby tom eyed him coolly, "No, Dewclaw. You're staying behind and defending our camp, that is an order," his meow was firm.

"You don't understand!" the dark grey tom hissed, "I wasn't requesting to go with you, I was stating that I am going with you, regardless of what you say."

"I am your leader and you will listen to me," Bramblestar challenged, eyes narrowing at the young warrior, "You are not fighting. Unless you want to be punished, I suggest you do as I say."

"Punish me all you want, I'm fighting!" the dark grey tom spat and before he could be stopped, he raced out of camp, not even waiting for the battle patrol. Bramblestar swallowed, a growl rumbling in his throat, but he didn't run after him, "I'll talk to him later," he muttered to himself.

"Good luck, Snowfall," Seedflight pressed against Snowfall lightly, briefly entwining her tail with his, "Stay safe, okay?"

He nodded, giving a weak smile. Fighting was not his strongest point, nor did he enjoy it. He would much rather stay behind at camp, but he knew much better than to argue with his clan leader, he wasn't Dewclaw.

"ThunderClan, go!"

Snowfall touched muzzles with Seedflight, murmuring softly, "I love you."

He was gone before he could even hear a reply.

Wow. Drama. The thunder storm was very atmospheric, huh? Notice that the storm's been gathering since the last chapter. ^^ What did you guys think, eh? Do you think Molespots and Foxleap will be able to find the twolegplace cats? What if they have to trek through ShadowClan territory? Do you think they'll be caught? On the other hand, or paw should I say, what do you think about Brightwing's name suggestions? Fluffykit? I think so. And that brings us to the attack on SkyClan. -everyone says 'ah'- So that's what Onestar was planning.

Question of the Day ~ Can't think of anything original, so I'll just ask this, what do you think's going to happen? Not only in the next chapter, but just generally in the future of Blue Moon.

Next Chapter ~

- BATTLE!

- We take another look at how Foxleap and Molespots are doing

- An unexpected occurrence (ooh, that sounds posh, doesn't it? xD )

Well, live, love, read and review! First four reviews get a sneak preview of the next chapter!

Love Leafy x