Chapter 14

Hey guys, posting a new chapter two times in as many days! I know I have been lazy with this story, but I am getting back on track now. I will finish this story!

I don't own Warriors.

As the night fell, most warriors began to go into the warrior's den to sleep. I, however, made my way to the dirtplace. I hoped that Jaypaw would be able to meet me there, and that Leafpool didn't question him.

"Hey," a voice whispered. "Jaggedscar."

I turned. "Jaypaw? Is that you?"

Jaypaw sneaked into the dirtplace. I tried to give him more room, but we were cramped anyways.

"So, what do you want to tell me?" Jaypaw asked, his sightless eyes staring up at me.

I had already thought about how I would tell Jaypaw about the Dark Forest. I decoded to start with the second prophecy.

"As I told you, there is a second prophecy from Starclan. Here it is: The end of the stars draws near. Three must become four, to battle the darkness that lasts forever."

Jaypaw cocked his head. "And you're the fourth cat in this prophecy?"

I nodded. "Yes. I am the fourth cat."

Jaypaw nodded. "And what is this darkness they speak of?"

I sighed. I had hoped he would not ask that question. "The darkness is the Dark Forest, the place that all evil cats go to, like Tigerstar and Hawkfrost."

Jaypaw looked like he understood. "And why can't I tell Lionpaw and Hollypaw? They're part of the prophecy; they have a right to know as well."

I sighed. "They cannot know because they cannot handle it. They'll think that Starclan thinks that they are not strong enough to complete the prophecy on our own. You'll hear it again, from a different cat, and that is when you must tell them." I looked at Jaypaw; he looked confused, but it seemed he understood.

"Okay,' Jaypaw meowed. "I won't say a word to any cat."

"Good," I said. 'I'm glad that I can trust you with this."

Jaypaw gave me a look that shone with trust, and he nodded and padded out of the dirtplace. I was left alone.

About half a moon later, Firestar called for a Clan meeting. The night before had been the disastrous Gathering in which Blackstar had revealed to the Clans that Shadowclan had rejected Starclan. Most of the cats were still in shock. We all knew that Shadowclan was now very dangerous.

"The Gathering was not what we expected," Firestar began. "Shadowclan didn't come." He ignored the gasps of disbelief from below. "Blackstar came with the loner, Sol, and told us that Shadowclan are turning their backs on Starclan."

Mouswhisker looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Firestar looked into his eyes with a look that chilled me to the bone. "Shadowclan no longer believe that Starclan hold all the answers. They have lost faith in their warrior ancestors and will not be attending anymore Gatherings." He raised his voice. "The loner Sol appears to be encouraging this belief. But I hope Satrclan will have a greater influence over Shadowclan in the end. I believe they will speak through Littlecloud and to Blackstar himself. Starclan have never let us down before. Perhaps they let Shadowclan stray for a reason. But I'm sure they will bring him back to the Clans. all will be well. Remember how the sun disappeared? But then it came back, as warm as ever. This darkness will pass too, I'm sure."

You don't know that, I thought to myself. However, Firestar was not done. He began speaking about bow to get through, and I was lost in my own thoughts until something totally unexpected hit my ears.

"There are three new warriors to be named."

My head shot up, and I looked for Lionpaw and Hollypaw. They, along with Cinderpaw, came up as Firestar called their names.

"I, Firestar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these three apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn."

Firestar looked at the three cats in front of him. "Hollypaw, Lionpaw, and Cinderpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," the three cats meowed, trembling in excitement.

"Then by the power of Starclan I give you your warrior names." Firestar looked at Hollypaw. "Hollypaw, from this moment you shall be known as Hollyleaf. Starclan honors your thoughtfulness and loyalty.

Firestar stepped up to Lionpaw. "Lionpaw, you shall be known as Lionblaze. Starclan honors your courage and skill in battle."

Finally Firestar moved up top Cinderpaw. "Cinderpaw, you shall be known as Cinderheart in honor of those warriors who have gone before. Starclan honors your bravery and your determination. You are a warrior at last."

As the Clan chanted their names, I felt a strange feeling inside me. It took me a few seconds before I realized that it was pride. I was proud of them for becoming warriors. As I looked up at them, my gaze met Hollyleaf's. As we stared at each other, I bursting with pride, she with excitement, I felt another feeling well up inside me, and I somehow knew she felt it too.

And I was sure it was not pride.