Elsi: Hello! Look at this thing that I have done for you! More work! Hooray! I wrote this on a whim, and I really would like to write more, I really would, but it's ish bedtime. I know, I know, what is this kid doing going to bed at like 9 PM? You go wake up at 5:45 every morning and have too much work to do. Then complain. But anyways, I thought I would take a bit of time out of my day and share my thoughts with you :) I hope you enjoy them!

Elsi: Man, this is lonely. You see, I tend to post when I'm sick, and those are the times when Trek is in town. Trek's not in town :( but maybe I'll get him to send a postcard to you guys or something! YAY!

Elsi: ...still really lonely. Well, I don't own Warriors. Just my ideas. Enjoy!

Chapter 6: Shades of Green

Littlepaw's heart began to race as he caught a whiff of her scent, its fresh and icy power drawing him to her. They understood each other, his mind whispered. He and his sister were the most connected; water and ice, they went paw in paw. A tiny gasp escaped Skypaw, and as Littlepaw looked up, his sister's whiskers were trembling with careful glee.

"Calm down, Skypaw," Littlepaw said, but he could barely keep his excitement from bursting out of his chest and running free. When Doveheart pushed through the tunnel, looking exhausted, he sprung to his paws. The cat that followed was familiar and yet a stranger; she was nervous, ruffled, slightly manic, but he didn't care. He could mend the tear in her brain easily – that was a lie, and Littlepaw knew it. There were other things that would repair Willowpaw, but eventually, she would recover.

"Willowpaw," purred Littlepaw. Willowpaw winced as he pressed beside her, but after a moment, she carefully threaded her tail with his. Skypaw nuzzled her other side, and for a moment, the chill of her pelt was the best thing Littlepaw thought that he would ever feel. Then something heavily collided with them, and Mountainpaw's rocky scent and Birdpaw's smoky one crashed over him suddenly. Willowpaw took a shuddering breath, looking up at them with wide icy eyes.

"You aren't angry with me," she meowed, looking around. "No one is angry with me."

"We're just happy to see you," Skypaw promised. "We were worried about you."

That was about the time when the rest of the Clan realized that Willowpaw had returned, and for what seemed like moons, cats were crowding Willowpaw, meowing greetings and praises and words that warmed everyone. Littlepaw pressed into his sister's side, and for a long moment, he knew her. He knew that she had killed cats, that she was afraid to hurt others, that this close contact with others was hurting her. She was worried that she would get overworked, and he felt the warmth in his own blood just as she did. He was her.

His eyes saw all that she did, his heart beat in time with hers, his mind lined up with hers. Fear swam around him, fear and suffocating warmth and a small, surprising feeling of hope. When Brackenheart approached, his amber eyes swimming with adoration, he felt a sprout of returned affection take root in his chest. When Mouseclaw arrived, he felt his paws began to shake, too, his paws that were bigger now, and furrier now. All that he was…was Willowpaw.

Then he saw the world through his own eyes, and Willowpaw turned her bright eyes to him in surprise. Had they just…? Yes, Littlepaw was sure of it. For a moment, they had been one and the same, a combination of Willowpaw and Littlepaw. Her emotions had been so frighteningly new that he had forgotten to feel his own, and so had she, except that she was within him, too.

We'll talk about this later, Littlepaw promised. Willowpaw gave him a soft nod.

A long while later, the crowd died away, and the novelty of seeing Willowpaw returned to them had vanished as the Clan returned to its duties. Only a small crowd remained: Willowpaw's four siblings and Brackenheart, along with Icecloud, Mouseclaw, Lionstar, and Doveheart. Honeypaw and Snowpaw bounced around Willowpaw's paws, their own eyes gleaming.

"You have to come tell us about your adventures!" declared Honeypaw. Willowpaw laughed, smiling, but there was still a manic note to her amusement. Everything about her was slightly off now, and Littlepaw knew exactly how she was feeling.

"I will," she promised, and the two apprentices scampered off to their duties.

Lionstar stared at his kits, and Littlepaw read the masked adoration and relief in his eyes. He imagined what that looked like, seeing them all together. It hadn't happened in a long time, and Littlepaw secretly suspected that something huge was about to sweep in and overtake them again. Something held him back from greeting Willowpaw as Icecloud had, wrapping her entire body around her kit and licking her from head to toe. Littlepaw caught Doveheart's eyes and understood: Willowpaw had passed her troubles to Doveheart, and she had warned Lionstar. That made sense, and Lionstar was giving Willowpaw the space that she craved.

"I'm glad you're back," Lionstar rumbled. "I know Doveheart has told you what has happened." He dipped his head. "We'll need every set of paws if we're to rebuild after this disaster." Willowpaw nodded firmly. "I want Jayfeather to take a look at you and make sure that nothing's wrong."

"Nothing will be-," began Willowpaw, but Doveheart broke in.

"We want to make sure that you're not in shock about what has happened to you, and that your transition back to the Clan is alright," she said slowly. "Once Jayfeather is done, I'm sure Lionstar will let you back into Clan life."

"As soon as possible," Lionstar agreed. He turned to Mouseclaw. "I want Willowpaw caught up with her littermates as soon as possible."

"Yes, Lionstar," Mouseclaw agreed firmly. Lionstar nodded at the five siblings, gave Brackenheart a curious glance, and then pulled back, taking Doveheart with him.

"Come on, Willowpaw, let's get you to the medicine den," Birdpaw said cheerfully, turning to look at her sister. Willowpaw glanced at Littlepaw questioningly.

"Later," he insisted. Nodding, Willowpaw followed Birdpaw across their damaged camp, Icecloud following. Brackenheart wandered a few paces after her, entranced.

"I'm glad she's back," Mouseclaw said thoughtfully. "I've missed training with her."

"I've missed more than that," Brackenheart answered hotly. Littlepaw frowned to himself, glancing between the two toms. There was a battle brewing between them, over his little sister, and he could see it and its outcome without much effort. So long as it wouldn't impact the Clan, they could have fun; that would never happen, though, thought Littlepaw.

This would be interesting.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Moonlight washed over Littlepaw's golden fur, and he turned his attention to the commotion that was a Gathering. A few cats turned to regard ThunderClan's arrival, but they had little interest in him. No one cared about the littlest apprentice, the one with the calming eyes, the soothing voice, and the odd blue paws.

Littlepaw smiled to himself. They would care about him soon.

Mountainpaw and Stealthstep turned in opposite directions, leaving Littlepaw standing on the edge of the island, looking around. Was she here? Was she…?

"Littlepaw!" A purr rose in his throat as he turned around, meeting Ivypaw's dark green eyes. "Can I talk to you?"

Something was wrong. The joy fell from his chest, and he nodded, following her. Ivypaw was thinner than she had been when they'd last met, and her entire face swam with sadness. Was something wrong with WindClan…or was it worse than that?

"What's the matter?" Littlepaw asked as they pushed out of sight. Ivypaw turned to him, her eyes swimming with conflict.

"Lizardpaw's dead." The words tumbled out, hollow and frail, and at once, Littlepaw's heart dropped. He pushed forward, nosing into his friend's shoulder in some attempt to comfort her. There were no words to say, nothing that would take away the burden of losing the littermate that she had grown up with. He knew it well, having lost Willowpaw for several moons; but Willowpaw had returned, and Lizardpaw never would.

"Ivypaw, I'm so sorry," he breathed. She nosed into his fur in response, and Littlepaw gritted his teeth when he found that her muzzle was wet with tears. "I know that she meant a lot." Ivypaw nodded without a sound.

A buzzing erupted in Littlepaw's mind, and he knew that they would be interrupted shortly; the Gathering would begin, and they would have to return to their Clans.

"Ivypaw," he whispered. At the sound of her name, his close friend leaned back to stare at him. "We have to go back. But…" he took a deep breath. "Meet me in two nights, at the border. Our usual spot." She nodded, still distressed. Littlepaw took a good look at her, in her grief, and his heart melted again. He focused on her mind, which exploded open to him, desperate and filled with sorrow.

"You will stop worrying," he said lowly. "You will go back to your Clan without tears." Ivypaw blinked, reading into his eyes, her mind processing his command without resistance. Then, she nodded, pressed her nose to his cheek, and vanished through the bushes.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Littlepaw stretched, looking up at the moon. He could sneak out easily now, when no one was watching him… they'd never know.

As soon as he took three steps, though, his attention was averted to his father, who glared at him from across the clearing. Lionstar gave a mighty tilt of his head in summoning. With a sigh, Littlepaw trotted towards him, suspecting what this was about. He didn't want to do this now.

"Where are you going so late?" asked Lionstar. Littlepaw stretched, knowing that he could avoid the question – and knowing that it would do nothing.

"For a walk," he replied. Lionstar gave him a withering amber glare.

"Would this walk, by chance, take you to meet a particular WindClan apprentice?" he wanted to know. Littlepaw's hesitation gave Lionstar the answer he needed; Littlepaw winced as his leader's face morphed into a look of disappointment and anger.

"It's a spy mission," Littlepaw pleaded, his heart speeding up. "Bramblestar wanted me to talk to Ivypaw."

"I don't believe that that's the nature of this mission," Lionstar growled. "And I thought that your mission was over."

Littlepaw blinked in surprise, and Lionstar stood up, so that he towered over his son. Littlepaw swallowed, but then he straightened. He wouldn't be intimidated; one day, he would be Littlestar, the greatest leader the forest had ever seen! Or at least, that was his dream.

"You aren't to meet with her again," insisted Lionstar. "After tonight, you are never to talk to her again. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Lionstar," whispered Littlepaw, but his chest burned with anger. He didn't want to promise never to see Ivypaw again! She needed him now, more than ever before. If they were never to meet again…Littlepaw would be devastated.

Lionstar nodded, firm, and turned back to his thoughts. Understanding the dismissal, Littlepaw turned away and trotted out of camp, calm as possible. From there, he went in a full-out sprint, heading for the border without thinking of consequence, or being caught, or anything else. He had to leave Ivypaw behind. How could he tell her that? How would he do it?

She was waiting for him when he arrived, staring blankly into the river. Taking his chances, Littlepaw glanced both directions before diving into the water. It slid over his fur, welcoming him, but then Littlepaw pushed up on the shore beside her.

"You're a RiverClan cat," Ivypaw meowed, but the joke was half-hearted. Littlepaw touched his nose to her cheek, his heart rate already increasing.

"How are you?" asked Littlepaw, sitting beside her and pressing into her side. "I'm sure you're…"

"It was the earth shaking," Ivypaw gushed, not even caring that he hadn't asked. "She was trying to get me and Thrushpaw out of the apprentice's den, and…" Her voice cut out, and Littlepaw turned, nuzzling into the warm fur around her neck. She was so warm and soft…he loved to be close to her.

"You'll be okay," he insisted. "She's in StarClan now. She probably pities you."

"She never even got to be a warrior," whispered Ivypaw, ignoring him. "Or a mate…she was growing close to Hailstorm, and now…" Ivypaw shook her head dully. "I don't know what to do."

"You keep going," insisted Littlepaw. Ivypaw glanced at him, her eyes bright as the moon above the forest. "You're a warrior, Ivypaw. And Lizardpaw died to save you. That's what she would have wanted, right?"

Ivypaw just stared at him, and then, after a moment, she nodded. They sat there for a few minutes, not saying anything, just sitting and enjoying the fact that they were together. Littlepaw sighed, Lionstar's words coming back to him. He had to do it, if he was ever to become leader.

"Lionstar knows." The words were flat, empty, but Littlepaw hated that they didn't express his feelings for the decision. Ivypaw glanced over at him. "He told me that I could say goodbye, but that I'm not allowed to see you anymore."

She was hurt, and he could see it in her eyes. Littlepaw opened his mouth to explain, but then she hissed in her anger, and he stopped.

"I don't understand," she growled after a moment, her short claws sliding out to pull at the grass below them. "Why is this against the warrior code?"

"I should be able to attack you and your Clanmates in battle, no matter what," Littlepaw responded. "We're friends…I wouldn't be able to do it."

"That's so stupid," wailed Ivypaw. She turned to him, her eyes fire to his water. "I won't stop seeing you."

"Ivypaw, we can't," insisted Littlepaw. She stood up, then, her fluffy tail lashing back and forth as she paced a tight circle around him. "We have to stop doing this."

"Why?" she demanded, staring at him with eyes wide. "Why, Littlepaw? Tell me why."

His words got caught in his throat, but Littlepaw forced them out.

"If you had to choose between me and WindClan, what would it be?" he managed. Ivypaw sat facing him, frowning.

"It's not like you're my mate," she snapped. "I'd choose WindClan."

"Really?" asked Littlepaw. "If Onestar asked you to kill me or be exiled, what would you do?" Ivypaw stared at him for several long seconds, and Littlepaw saw her realize it, knew that she was realizing it all. He had done so, as well, and there was only one right choice. It was his dreams, or Ivypaw, and he would never sacrifice the thing he cherished most.

"I'd choose WindClan," Ivypaw repeated carefully.

"Then choose WindClan," stressed Littlepaw. He pulled away from her, backing towards the river. "Choose WindClan right now, just like I'm choosing ThunderClan." He could feel the tears in his throat, a blockage of raw pain, but he held them back. Now, Littlepaw had to be the brave one. Taking a deep breath, he turned and dived into the river, swimming across and shaking dry on the other side. She was still standing there, watching him.

"Littlepaw…" meowed Ivypaw quietly. She strained forward, her neck outstretched, her tail raised, balancing on her paws. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you, too," Littlepaw called. He paused. "I'm really sorry, Ivypaw. About Lizardpaw, and…this…"

"I am, too," said Ivypaw. She managed a smile, her eyes bright green. "Goodbye, my RiverClan cat."

"Goodbye, Ivypaw," called Littlepaw. Then, casting his head down, he walked away from her for the final time.

Elsi: Awwww, no! LittleXIvy was my favorite! So, I'm very aware of the fact that this chapter is pretty bad and jumps around quite a bit. I've gotten quite long-winded with my writing lately (5-6 pages, my hopeful chapter length, is now superduper short). Anyways, this is what I've got for you. Enjoy this sad little snippet, in which you find out that ThunderClan isn't the only Clan impacted by the earthquake...and you get foreshadowing about Willowpaw! YAY!

Elsi: Okay, I'm just really alone here. I'll see if I can get Trek to write some comments for the next chapter...nice, easy, random comments...yeah...

Elsi: Anyways, you should review! And if you like this story, and you haven't gone to check out my other stuff, take a look at Sunstrike's Story and/or War of Shadows. They're both related to this story, with WoS being the prequel and Sunstrike's Story being a prequel-side-story-thing. :) Thank you so much for all of your wonderful reviews, by the way! You guys make me want to keep writing this!