A/N: Yeah new Chapter done don't forget to vote for Ravenpaw's warrior name do it.

I will say that these particular names are in the top 5

Tied for 5th: Ravenstorm, Ravenwind, Ravenlight, Ravenmist, Ravenpelt, Raventail, Ravenfoot

Tied for 4th: Ravenheart, Ravenspirit, Ravenclaw

In 3rd place: Ravenwing

In 2nd place: Ravenfeather

And In 1st place: Ravenflight

This isn't the official name yet the voting is still going on. I just wanted to let people know how names stack up right now. There are still other names that haven't quite made it to the top 5. Remember you have up to 5 choices.

Chapter 16

Firestorm watched as the WindClan warriors trudged slowly forward. They had just left the drainage pipe and were headed back the way the four had come earlier. Silverwind was leading the large group back since Silverwind had pointed out to Tallstar that it was a faster way then the way WindClan had come. Scorchblaze and Graystripe were assisting any cats that might be having trouble particularly the elders, whom were among the weaker cats who trailed from the back of the group. Firestorm was keeping a close eye on a WindClan queen named Morningflower, she had one tiny little kit, who wasn't very old. He wasn't big enough to walk the distance back to WindClan's territory and the queen herself seemed to be struggling to carry him in her own weak state. Firestorm was sure if he should approach her or not about carrying her kit for her. After a short debate in his mind he approached the queen.

"Let me carry him for you," he asked her gently. "I'll walk right beside you so that you can see him." She seemed wary of him at first and Firestorm was beginning to think she wouldn't let him carry her kit, so he was surprised that she set the kit down so that Firestorm could pick him up. Firestorm quickly picked the little bundle of fur from the ground gently and walked alongside Morningflower so that her precious kit was always within sight.

Silverwind had finally brought the group to the Thunderpath that would lead them back to forest and WindClan's territory. Firestorm gave the kit back to Morningflower, who brushed her cheek against his own gratefully, to speak with Tallstar, Silverwind, Graystripe, Scorchblaze and a few other WindClan cats. Once he was close enough Silverwind turned his attention to him.

"Firestorm we've decided that will cross the Thunderpath in groups, You, Scorchblaze, Graystripe and I will stay with any who need help crossing. With Tallstar's approval of course." He added briskly.

"Of course, the strongest group will go first." He called to the Clan. A young tom named Onewhisker was leading them across. He could smell the young tom's fear and asked if he wished for Firestorm to cross with them. Onewhisker politely declined. He stepped forward with the rest of his group moving closely behind him. Once all was quiet they raced over and made it to the otherside safely. Two warriors and a pair of elders came next, once Graystripe had called an all clear. They moved as quickly as they could to the other side just barely missing a monster as it raced up the Thunderpath. Two larger groups crossed without incident. There was only one more group to cross, Morningflower, with her kit and three elders. Silverwind, Scorchblaze and Graystripe agreed to cross the Thunderpath with them. Silverwind told Graystripe to tell them when it was safe to cross. Moments later Graystripe yowled a signal and the group started forward. The elders moved slowly on their paws. They did their best to help the elder's forward but they could hear a monster coming. Firestorm broke away from the elders and came up to Morningflower.

"Go on ahead, will bring the elders" he told her quickly. Morningflower moved a bit faster. Silverwind grasped an elder by the scruff and dragged him forward to the verge. Scorchblaze pulled another closer to the verge. Firestorm had pulled another forward and had crouched to brace himself. He felt another pelt pressing against his own, but he didn't open his eyes. An acrid odor filled the air as the monster raced passed them all. Firestorm opened his eyes and saw that Silverwind had come back to him and was pressing his pelt against his side. Firestorm saw that Graystripe was crouched wide eyed on the Thunderpath and the two other elders were crouched shaking wildly with Scorchblaze crouched between them. 'Thank StarClan' Firestorm thought as he looked around realizing that the twoleg monster had missed them all. Firestorm began to nudge the other elder forward and Graystripe helped him.

Soon they had all crossed over safely to the other side, Tallstar and Deadfoot followed after them. Onewhisker came up to Firestorm and pressed his nose to Firestorm's.

"You would have given your life for us, we will forever be grateful to you all." Onewhisker meowed warmly. Taallstar padded up to them and meowed an agreement.

"Yes you all will be honored in our stories for seasons to come," Tallstar meowed humbly. "But now we must keep going, I fear it will rain soon." With that said they started forward once more. Firestorm found Morningflower and carried her kit for her. As they trudged onward and the sky began to get darker. Silverwind moved to speak to Tallstar telling him that they would need to stop soon for a rest.

They suddenly came upon a twoleg farm, it was getting close to dusk and all the cats were tired. Firestorm was beginning to wonder if there would be somewhere safe they could rest for the night. Suddenly a black and white tom approached them suddenly. Silverwind, Graystripe, and Scorchblaze greeted the tom with familiarity. After talking with the tom briefly, Silverwind went to speak with Tallstar. Firestorm came up to stand next to Scorchblaze and looked questioningly at him. Scorchblaze purred and gestured toward the unfamiliar tom with his tail.

"Firestorm, this is Barley, he's a loner that lives in that twoleg barn over there." Scorchblaze explained, "He's agreed to let us stay there the night since the twolegs around here let their dogs off leash at night." Firestorm recognized the name Scorchblaze had spoken, When Goldenstar had taken him to see the moonstone for the first time she had told him about a loner named Barley who lived in the Twoleg barn, He hadn't gotten the chance to meet the tom then, so he was surprised to meet him now.

"It's nice to meet you Barley," meowed Firestorm, "Goldenstar told me a little about you."

"It's nice to meet you as well, Goldenstar is a good friend, and I trust she's doing well?" he asked casually. Firestorm nodded

"She is" Barley purred

"I'm glad, well bring WindClan into my barn there is plenty of prey and it's nice and warm they can continue home at dawn," Just as he fininshed speaking Tallstar had begun to lead his Clan into the barn. Some of the older cats were hesitant to step foot into the barn. After much protest the cats reluctantly entered the barn. WindClan settled into the straw that littered the floor. Some cats immediately went to sleep, while others looked around checking for any danger. Barley took a look around the barn once all cats were settled and gave a nod to Firestorm, Scorchblaze and Graystripe.

"I have some rat hunting to do, but feel free to eat and rest, Goodnight," he meowed as he took off out of the barn and the three answered him with their own goodbye, before looking around wondering what they should do next. Suddenly Onewhisker, Deadfoot and Tallstar along with Silverwind and a warrior named Mudclaw approached them.

"We should hunt, the scent of mice is everywhere," meowed Mudclaw

"Not everyone is strong enough to hunt now, it's been a long and exhausting day." Onewhisker commented.

"We could hunt," Graystripe offered, "If we work together we could probably catch enough to feed everyone."

"The mice I've seen so far are plump and easy to catch I don't think it will take us long." Firestorm added in.

"I agree lets split up and catch as much prey as possible, we'll meet back here." Tallstar meowed as he disappeared behind some haystacks. They split up and started searching. Firestorm sniffed around and spotted a plump mouse distracted by eating some seed. Firestorm crouched down into a hunting position and crept forward slowly and in an instant pounced onto its back sinking its teeth into its neck, it was killed with a swish of his tail.

Moments later Firestorm was carrying five plump mice and a sparrow that had flown into the barn, back to the spot where they were supposed to meet up. When he got there he found that some of the others had returned. Silverwind had caught four mice and had put them in pile, Graystripe had caught six mice to give to the pile. Scorchblaze had brought back five mice, Deadfoot returned with four mice to add to the pile, Onewhisker had brought five mice to give to the pile, Tallstar had brought three mice to the pile. Mudclaw brought another four mice into the fresh-kill pile. The cats had their fill of prey and started to settle down for rest.

"We should take turns keeping watch, who wants to start the first shift?" asked Tallstar.

"I'll stand watch first, everyone else can get some sleep," Silverwind volunteered. With that said the others started to settle down to sleep. Firestorm hesitated and looked at Silverwind.

"Are you sure you want first shift? I can stay up with you" Firestorm offered, Silverwind purred and shook his head,

"There's no need, I'll be find go ahead and get some rest." He meowed lowly. Firestorm hesitated a moment more before relenting and finding a spot to sleep comfortably in.

Firestorm awoke to a paw prodding his side, and he opened a bright emerald eye to Silverwind, Firestorm stretched out of his makeshift nest, feeling his spine ripple.

"Is it my turn for the shift?" he asked with a yawn, Silverwind shook his head

"No it's time to get going," That jolted Firestorm awake. Had he slept through his shift? Had he been that tired? His face must have given away what he was thinking since Silverwind wore a look of amusement on his face.

"No you didn't oversleep, Barley came back and offered to stand watch all night for us and sent me to rest with everyone else." Firestorm felt relieved and looked around to see other cats starting to wake up. He walked outside and looked up into the sky. A brown tom with a short tail came to sit beside him. The tom looked up into the sky and suddenly let out a loud screech of horror. The other WindClan cats came out to see what was wrong.

"What is it Barkface?" asked Morningflower anxiously "Is it a sign from StarClan?" Firestorm then realized that this tom must be the WindClan medicine cat and he began to fill dread as he saw the tom's bristling pelt.

"The clouds are covered in blood, our ancestors have spoken," he rasped "There will be an unnecessary death today"

They were on their way once more despite Barkface's ominous words, Tallstar led the way through the chilly morning air. Firestorm heard Silverwind speak casually to Tallstar.

"Shall we scout ahead?" he asked

"Yes, let me know if you see any dog, rats or twolegs." He meowed "my Clan is stronger but not enough to deal with a dog." Silverwind nodded and beckoned Firestorm forward, Firestorm chased after Silverwind as they shot ahead of the others they looked around for any danger, satisfied that there wasn't any and reported as much back to Tallstar.

Once sunhigh had approached the sky began to fill with dark clouds and rain began to fall. Firestorm and Silverwind had raced ahead once more to check for danger when the ground began to slope upward and Firestorm realized that they were entering WindClan hunting grounds. Firestorm turned back to let the others know they were nearly there. When he heard some pawsteps coming quickly and found it was Deadfoot with some of the WindClan warriors. Firestorm showed them they through the hedgegrow and sprinted close behind the last cat as they all began to pick up speed knowing exactly where they were. Firestorm shared a look with Graystripe and Scorchblaze none of them spoke, they could feel WindClan's excitement stirring within them. Even the elders were moving fast.

Before long they had made it to the dip in the ground that concealed the WindClan camp. Morningflower surge toward the camp with her kit in her mouth, Tallstar sent three warriors to escort her into the camp. The rest of the camp followed suit.

"I cannot thank you and your Clan's enough for what you have done for us." Tallstar told them with a respectable nod. "I'll send you an escort to make sure you all make it safely back to your territories."

"That's not necessary Tallstar, I'm sure we can manage." Silverwind spoke up.

"I insist, Deadfoot, Onewhisker," The WIndClan leader called. "Escort them back to their territories." The two warriors nodded and lead the four through their territory. As they walked Scorchblaze suggested they travel through the way closer to the gorge. Silverwind argued that it wouldn't be a good place to travel since it was RiverClan territory, but Scorchblaze countered that the other Clans knew about the mission to bring back WindClan, and that they shouldn't attack them because they were just heading home. After much debating everyone decided to Scorchblaze's way feeling it would be faster.

They were close to the ThunderClan border when the overwhelming scent of RiverClan assaulted their nostrils they knew it was a patrol and to their dismay it was led by the newest RiverClan deputy Leopardfur. Firestorm heard Silverwind curse under his breath, this is exactly the situation that they wanted to avoid. Within an instant the patrol was upon them and a fight ensued.

Firestorm raked his claws through the pelt of a large brown tom, he kicked and scratched furiously trying to get free of the tom. He twisted his body and sank his teeth deeply into the cat. The cat yowled louder but continued to batter him with his claws.

"You won't set foot in our territory ever again." Hissed the tom, Firestorm could see the others having a tough time. Even though it was an equal match up in numbers, the WindClan warriors still weren't at full strength yet. Suddenly a loud yowl broke through the air and the scent of ThunderClan increased. 'A patrol,' Firestorm thought as he battled more fiercely with the tom he was pinned under. He could make out the familiar pelt of Tigerclaw, Willowpelt, Whitestorm and Sandpaw. The ginger she-cat, who Firestorm recognized as Sandpaw, knocked the tom over, who he was battling and started to roll with him close to the edge. Firestorm raced forward and pulled the two apart flinging the tom away and Scorchblaze caught the ginger she-cat by the scruff. She hissed at him in annoyance.

"I can fight my own battles," she hissed at him, he was going to explain when a horrifying yowl reached their ears, making them turn their attention elsewhere. They spotted Graystripe straining to reach a paw that was struggling to cling onto the rock. Graystripe wailed in horror as the paw disappeared before he could reach it stopping the fight as the cats stopped fighting to see what had occurred. Firestorm thought back to what Barkface had said earlier. 'There will be an unnecessary death today,' Firestorm saw that Scorchblaze seemed to be thinking the same thing, for he wore a look of guilt on his face. Sandpaw wore a look of horror on her face as she know seemed to understand that she had come close to the same fate.

"This has gone far beyond a border fight." Leopardfur murmured to Tigerclaw, "We will settle this elsewhere at a different time and by different means," with that said she led her cats back toward their camp. Tigerclaw nodded in acknowledgement and watched her go. Deadfoot then took the moment to speak up.

"We should head home know, your warriors served us well, as did SkyClan I ask you pass on our thanks to Goldenstar as well as Bluestar." Tigerclaw nodded and the two warriors head back toward their own territory.

"Everyone follow me that includes the two of you, Bluestar wishes to speak to you both." Tigerclaw meowed looking at Firestorm and Silverwind. Firestorm began to follow behinsd the rest of the patrol, with Silverwind walking beside him. Firestorm snuck worried glances at Graystripe wondering if the gray warrior would be alright. He could tell Graystripe was beating himself up over the RiverClan cat and that had died. He sighed and looked at Scorchblaze who wore a look of guilt. He had been the one to insist going that route through RiverClan territory. He wanted to go and comfort his friend but knew it wasn't an appropriate time to do it. He continued onward wondering what Bluestar wanted with them.

It wasn't long till they reached the ThunderClan camp, it didn't seem to have changed much since his last visit there. He saw Yellowfang out of the corner of his eye as he made his way to Bluestar's den, he remembered that she had taken Spottedleaf's place as medicine cat and wondered how ThunderClan was taking it. He didn't have long to think on it before he was in Bluestar's presence.

"It's good to see you all made it back safety. But what has happened?" Bluestar asked solemnly. Tigerclaw told her all about the fight on the gorge. Bluestar's face turned grave. Scorchblaze sighed and spoke up.

"It's my fault I suggested we go that way," Firestorm was going to protest but Graystripe beat him to it.

"We all agreed to go that way," Graystripe spoke clearly but with some sadness in his voice. Silverwind shook his head.

"I should have insisted we go a different way." He spoke softly. Bluestar rasied her tail in silence.

"It will be dealt with, Tigerclaw let our guest have some fresh-kill before sending them on their way." Bluestar told him. Silverwind spoke up again.

"We couldn't impose on you any longer then we already have, besides we should report what has happened to Goldenstar." Silverwind spoke without a trace of insult in his tone Bluestar considered his words then nodded in approval.

"Very well then, you may go. Tigerclaw have Whitestorm and Sandpaw escort them back to their territory. Tigerclaw grunted and led them out into the camp once more.

"Whitestorm you and Sandpaw come here," he called across the clearing. The two approached curiously. Sandpaw looked blankly at Firestorm.

"Escort these two back to SkyClan," Tigerclaw told them with a dismissal flick of his tail. Whitestorm took the lead of their little patrol leading them outside the gorse tunnel once more.

Firestorm kept feeling like something was watching him and out of the corner of his eye he saw it was Sandpaw, he wondered why she was watching him so intently, and He didn't have time to wonder when Whitestorm suddenly spoke up.

"Well here's your border, I hope all is well when you reach your camp." He told them, Silverwind dipped his head in appreciation.

"Yes and may StarClan light your path," Silverwind told him.

"And yours as well," Whitestorm returned, "Come along Sandpaw," Sandpaw gave one last look at Firestorm before following her mentor back toward their own camp. Silverwind touched Firestorm's shoulder gently. With his tail.

"Let's go, Goldenstar will want to hear from us as soon as possible." Firestorm agreed and the two raced off toward camp.

Firestorm felt relief once they had reached camp, he wondered how his friends were doing, he hadn't gotten the chance to tell them where he was going. As he padded through camp he looked around and hadn't seen any of his friends, he figured they were out hunting or patrolling and figure he would see them soon. Goldenstar rose to her paws and beckoned them to her den.

"I pleased to see you both returned safe and sound, I trust you were successful?" she asked.

"Yes but I'm afraid something unexpected occurred on our way back from WindClan territory," Silverwind explained. Goldenstar's amber gaze narrowed as they explained what had occurred at the gorge earlier. Once they had finished they waited for Goldenstar's reply.

"I feared something like this could occur but I never expected it to happen so soon." She confessed suddenly. "We will have to keep an eye on the RiverClan border and expect some accusations of an alliance forming between ourselves, ThunderClan and WindClan."

"Despite this unexpected issue, you both did well on your mission and we will feast to night on your valiant return." Goldenstar looked at each of them with pride. "Firestorm I wish to speak with you a moment. Silverwind you may go" with a dip of his head Silverwind left the den. Goldenstar turned her eyes onto Firestorm.

"I just wanted you to know that Redflower's and Thrushfur's kits are ready to be apprenticed and I've been picking mentors for them since the day before." Firestorm nodded his head slowly listening to her speak.

"I want you to mentor Sunkit," Firestorm's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Are you sure?" he asked curiously, "Not that I don't want to it's just that I don't understand why I'm being chosen."

"I'm choosing you because I think you're ready and because Redflower asked for you." Firestorm's eyes widened once more.

"She did?"

"Yes, you are the only one warrior, besides Redflower, Finchflight and myself who can mentor her." Goldenstar confessed. "Redflower once her to trust other warriors besides herself, so she doesn't want to mentor her, Finchflight as her father would be too gentle with her, and she needs to learn like every other apprentice. I myself have too many responsibilities to take her on as my apprentice and with the new crisis with RiverClan I'm afraid I don't think I will give her all the attention she'll need." Firestorm understood now why he was chosen and it made a lot of since. 'Sunkit doesn't like to be around other cats, she used to be okay around Dovefeather, Runningstream and Longclaw when they were apprentices but now…'

"I accept Goldenstar, I'll work hard and make sure she learns everything," he promised

'I don't doubt that, well the ceremony will be at dusk, I'm sure you are exhausted get some rest." Goldenstar requested gently. Firestorm nodded and head for the warrior's den. He was immediately assaulted by his friends.

"Welcome back Firestorm," Longclaw meowed loudly nudging his friend. Runningstream and Dovefeather touched noses with him gently.

"It's good to see your back in good health." Firestorm thanked them and yawned a little.

"Tell us what happened," Dovefeather asked curiously. Firestorm nodded and recounted everything that had happened on the journey up to the battle by the gorge.

"That must have been horrible." Runningstream meowed sadly

"Oh and Goldenstar is letting me mentor Sunkit," Firestorm added in. They dropped their jaws in shock.

"You, but Lightningstrike, Runningstream and I have been warriors longer then you have and we weren't considered to mentor." Dovefeather murmured in confusion.

"It's because of Sunkit's unwillingness to communicate with anyone isn't it?" Runningstream asked softly. Dovefeather looked at her in confusion.

"What do you mean? She talks to all of us not just Firestorm." Longclaw shook his head

"Have you ever tried to speak with her, by yourself?" he asked carefully "or has Firestorm always been with you?" Dovefeather thought for a moment before fully understanding what they were saying to her.

"I understand now she only feels comfortable around him, it would just be easier to let her train with Firestorm, then to have Firestorm constantly helping her mentor." She thought aloud.

"Well good luck with that Firestorm, Let us know if you need any help okay?" Longclaw told him with a touch of his tail. Runningstream agreed also. Dovefeather nodded as well. Firestorm was overwhelmed with warmth. 'I was worried they would all responed negatively to me becoming a mentor before them, I'm relieved that they support me.' He thought to himself.'

"Thanks guys I need some rest though, it's been a long mission." Firestorm yawned again and the three led him to his nest.

Firestorm awoke to a paw prodding him in his side, he looked up and saw SIlverwind looking down at him.

"Come on Firestorm it's time for the ceremony." He murmured to the fiery warrior. Firestorm thanked him and stretched out of his nest. He gave himself a quick wash then headed for the Highbranch where Goldenstar made her speeches. Beneath the Highbranch sat Leafkit, Sunkit and Sharpkit, looked as though they had been thoroughly groomed. Firestorm could see that Leafkit and Sharpkit were excited about the ceremony, but Sunkit looked a little scared and her eyes were filled with worry. Suddenly Goldenstar called for silence.

"By naming apprentices, we show that SkyClan will survive and remain strong." Goldenstar looked down at the kits. "Come forth you three," Leafkit and Sharpkit scrambled forward, Sunkit followed a little hesistantly.

"From this moment on, until she has earned her warrior name, this apprentice will be known as Leafpaw."

"Icefeather, you are now ready to take on an apprentice. You will be mentor to Leafpaw. Icefeather, you have shown yourself to be a warrior of intelligence and enthusiasm. I'm sure you will pass on all you know to this apprentice." Icefeather padded forward and touched her nose to Leafpaw's and the both moved off to sit at the edge of the clearing. Goldenstar then turned her gaze onto Sunkit.

"From this moment on, until she has earned her warrior name, this apprentice will be known as Sunpaw."

"Firestorm, you are now ready to take on an apprentice. You will be mentor to Sunpaw. Firestorm, you have shown yourself to be a warrior of patience and skill. I'm sure you will pass on all you know to your apprentice." Firestorm saw Sunpaw's eyes light up with happiness as Firestorm came up to her. He could still see a trace of fear in her gaze but he ignored that for the moment and touched noses with her. He could hear her purring softly as their noses pressed together. He quickly started to lead her over to where Icefeather settled down with Leafpaw. He could see Lightningstrike staring at him with undisguised loathing and he could hear the Clan murmuring about complaints about him being chosen as a mentor. He ignored them as he sat beside Sunpaw, who was watching her brother's naming with a little anxiety.

"From this moment on, until he has earned his warrior name, this apprentice will be known as Sharppaw."

"Stonetooth, you are now ready to take on an apprentice. You will be mentor to Sharppaw. Stonetooth, you have shown yourself to be a warrior of strength and cunning. I'm sure you will pass on all you know to this apprentice." Stonetooth proudly stepped forward and touched noses with his apprentice. The Clan erupted into cheers for the three apprentices.

"Leafpaw, Sunpaw, Sharppaw, Leafpaw, Sunpaw, Sharppaw" called the Clan. Firestorm looked down at Sunpaw expecting her to have a look of happiness on her face, but he felt his blood run cold as he saw the look of absolute horror on her face as she stared forward unblinkingly. He followed her gaze and saw that it was directed a one cat in particular.

:D

Leaving it here not telling who she's staring at though I'm sure some of you know… or maybe all of you know but in case you don't I'm not going to spoil the surprise just yet.

Review

Once more there is still time to vote on Ravenpaw's warrior name, I haven't decided if he'll be a warrior in the next chapter or not, but if you haven't already voted then…VOTE!

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