The Starless Night

[~Bellen~]

Prolouge

[/b]he stars glinted beautifully. Each of them shining brighter then the last. Woodstar sat on the long and thick branch protruding from the tree. Her gaze locked toward the sky. Would Starclan be able to show her how to save her clan from this illness that plagued them so? They had to. Starclan couldn't abandon now. Or could they... would they? She looked over her shoulder, looking down at the camp below. A few of the warriors who were still able to resist the sickness walked about the camp. Some had ether prey or moss in their mouths. Each helping their sick clan mates that lay still in their dens. The clan leader's ears flicked as he heard the sound of loud coughing. She winced, the sound sounded painful. She felt a pang of sadness came.

Only Woodstar, Snakefoot the medicine cats and a few other strong cats were able to evade the sickness. The medicine cats were scurrying around, offering healing herbs in hopes that it would be able to help the cats. Snakefoot did at times show signs of sickness, but he hid them well. He kept his head high, sometimes allowing himself to cough and sniffle in the company of others. But he was able to endure and fight against the virus that was trying to plague his body. Woodstar smiled, she knew the ambitious deputy would survive. Every time she saw him her heart would swell with the feeling of pride. She trusted him.

"Get ready for another patrol!" Snakefoot called.

A few of the healthy cats turned their heads toward the deputy. Aurajinx was visible as she exited the den, behind her was Trueheart. They padded toward the gray-furred cat. Others did as well. Snakefoot waited until they were close enough before he called out a few names.

"Aurajinx, Trueheart, Dovewing and her apprentice," he listed the names.

Dovewing stepped forward, her small, tan-colored apprentice at her side. The white she-cat eyed the deputy for a moment and then she spoke.

"Aren't you going to take your new apprentice Snakefoot," she asked.

Snakefoot simply snorted, flicking his tail as he turned around. "This sickness may be in the forest. And Ratpaw is fresh out of the nursery. I won't risk my own apprentice," he hissed.

Dovewing didn't bother to respond, watching the deputy start toward the forest. He seemed a little agitated, and he had the right to be. Hardly any warriors could obey him now that they were sick and unhealthy. He had been wanting to take advantage of his new rank. Dovewing took a step forward, then paused, giving loud coughs. She breathed in and huffed out before forcing herself to continue forward, a worried apprentice trailing behind her.

Aurajinx looked at Trueheart and then down at her paws. The tom noticed this and looked over at her.

"Your still worried about Jestervoice?" He asked.

"Yes," she said quickly. "But the medicine cats said he is getting better. He stopped coughing as much. And he regained some of his strength."

Trueheart purred. "That's good to hear. He'll be up and ready to annoy every cat in the forest in no time."

Aurajinx was startled into a purr. "Oh, Trueheart, your so mean."

"I know," he said, before starting after his deputy.

Aurajix followed him after taking a deep breath and exhaling with a sigh. Woodstar watched, a smile on her maw. She had told Snakefoot to watch the clan while she was gone for tonight. She stood up, balancing herself on the tree with ease. She then started to use her body, which was made for leaping, to go from tree to tree. She showed off her expert skill and some of the power that Starclan had gave her. She would soon arrive at Moon Cave.

______________________

The half moon was high in the sky, causing the land below to glow in it's dim light. Clouds would occasionally past by, and cause the land to be covered in darkness but they would always pass. Woodstar felt that these signs were good, and Starclan would soon greet her. She climbed up the slop of the mountain. Each paw step was a trail though. The earth and rock underneath her paws had become fragile over time. Some cats were known to fall if they placed there paw on the wrong spot. But she climbed without fear, her bravery and determination showing with each step she took. Woodstar soon arrived at the mouth of the cave.

She looked into the darkness, took a breath and went in. She looked behind her once more, pausing the enjoy the view of the forest that stretched out wide and far. Her home and many others home were located there. Woodstar was pleased with the sight, and entered the cave. The darkness engulfed her, and she trotted forward, her pace only increasing when she saw light ahead. When she reached it she was greeted with the beautiful sight of a a wide and deep pool. She didn't know if it had a bottom, but the water sparkled beautifully. Above her head she saw the moon clearly. The ceiling of the cave had been eroded a long time ago, enabling the rays of the natural satellite to enter.

Woodstar took a step forward, gazing down at the water. She admired it's beauty, and dipped her head to lick up a mouth full. It tasted sweet, and it was cool. She raised her head and gazed up at the moon, and then whispered a prayer.

"Starclan, guide me to your haven and help me find a cure for my clan," she whispered.

Her nose touched the surface of the water, causing ripples. She felt peace. Everlasting peace and tranquility. But soon that was replaced by a sense of dread. Woodstar heard the sound of whispers, and opened her eyes to be greeted by the sight of a forest, a dark forest. She looked up, seeing no moon and no stars. Where was she? The shrubs in front of her rustled.

"Starclan?" She called out.

"Wrong answer," a voice drawled out. "Were actually quite the opposite from our star brothers."

A feeling of fear and terror washed over her. And in the world of the waking, her body went completely limp. Her eyes opened, revealing faded pupils that once shined with life. The moon was covered up up by clouds once more, and the cave was pitch black. And when the moon was revealed again, her body was gone.


[/size][/blockquote][/ul]

[~Bellen~]

Chapter One

[/color]" Ratpaw hissed at the older apprentice.

In the larger apprentice's mouth was a mouse that had once been the she-cats. Ratpaw glared at him, his copper orbs glinting with amusement. His skinny tail swished back and forth. He took a step back, his head dipping as he waited for the she-cat to make her move. Ratpaw crouched, her fluffy tail waving back and forth as she glared at tom. She thought about Snakefoot's training and then darted forward. Weaselpaw side stepped, turning to face her as he backed away. His tails till waggled, purring as he watched the she-cat regain her balance that was almost lost. She huffed, and went back into a crouching position as she aimed to spring at him.

Weaselpaw's friends watched, finding the whole scene amusing. Ratpaw didn't think so, she was both annoyed and angry. She hated when Weaselpaw taunted her like this. Her fur stood up on end as she hissed out. She heard a voice behind her and looked over her shoulder.

"Hey, Weaselpaw, throw it to me!" One of his friends, Foxpaw, called.

Weaselpaw took advantage of Ratpaw being distracted and tossed the prey item in the air. It sailed over her head and into the expecting jaws of the russet-furred apprentice. Giving a small gasp the smaller apprentice turned toward Foxpaw who backed up a little. Ratpaw pounced, and the larger apprentice jumped back, able to avoid the she-cat with ease. Ratpaw landed on the ground unceremoniously, earning a few laughs. Her large ears flicked and she glared up at Foxpaw who stood over her. She then proceeded to opened her mouth wide to reveal her sharp teeth and bit down on his leg.

His eyes widened and he yowled out, dropping the fresh-kill. Ratpaw caught it in her awaiting jaws and got up. She shook a bit of grass from her fur and glared at Weaselpaw. He only sneered and turned away. While Foxpaw was licking his leg he sent a glare toward the she-cat.

"Did you have to bite me, Largeears," he grumbled.

Ratpaw bristled at that name, and then gave a smirk as she spat out the mouse. "I'll try not to do it again, Foxdung."

She dipped her head, pleased when she saw Foxpaw give a growl, and retrieved her meal. She spotted Snakefoot looking at her and held her head high, happy to show him that he didn't have to intervene every time. She was use to Weaselpaw's antics. He was a annoying fur ball really, and he would never leave her alone. But what annoyed her the most was that other she-cats claimed that the tom actually liked her. That was simply ludicrous. She hated him, and he hated and tormented her. That was the natural order of things.

Ratpaw ate her meal in silence. It was in the middle of the day now, she had already delivered fresh moss to the elder's den and was about to go through some battle training. The plump mouse managed to renew her strength after she devoured it. Getting up she padded toward Snakefoot. He gave her a look that didn't hint that he was feeling much of anything. Ratpaw always thought her mentor was kind of boring. But he was plenty ambitious, there was something hidden behind that look of his. He was a complex character, that was obvious. Hard to figure out too.

"I hope your ready," he said simply.

He got up and walked toward the exit of the camp. Ratpaw followed him.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she answered, sounding a little sarcastic.

"I hope your not letting Weaselpaw bother you. He is a... distraction," Snakefoot drawled.

"Oh, Weaselpaw and his friends aren't hard to handle. It's not like I'll get all emotional because of how they treat me," Ratpaw said.

"I've talked to Weaselpaw's mentor, that young tom should show his fellow apprentices more respect," Snakefoot said.

"Snakefoot, you don't have to do anything," Snakefoot only gave her a glance. "Hey, are you even listening to me?"

"I heed some of what you say, Ratpaw, but I always know best," he replied.

Ratpaw snorted, "oh really?"

"Yes, really," he said. "Clan leaders always know whats best for their clan."

"The only thing is, Snakefoot, is that your not the clan leader, and this is not your clan," Ratpaw mumbled. "It's Woodstar's. And as soon as she comes back you'll be knocked off your high rock and be just another deputy."

Snakefoot gave a hiss, stopping and glaring over his shoulder at the young she-cat. Ratpaw had grown over the four moons he spent training her. He had wanted her to become more disciplined, another pawn in the game he called life. But her tongue just grew more sharper, and her attitude worse. He had found her interesting, and kept a close eye on her. And since she was his apprentice it was easy to do. Ratpaw was someone he didn't fully trust yet. She wasn't so easily swayed or manipulated. She was cunning, a quick learner and took in information easily. There was a pause, and then he continued toward the training grounds.

It was simply a clearing, with other cats beside their apprentices. Two young cats were in the middle of a brawl, with the bigger one being the victor.

"Good, good," a cat, who happened to be Jestervoice said. "Cricketpaw you almost had him. Make sure not to allow a bigger opponent to pin you down next time. If they do try to target their underbelly or just play dead. Rockpaw, you did well."

Cricketpaw panted, laying still for a moment as he caught his breath. The small brown-furred apprentice righted himself, standing up and shaking off leaves. Since it was leaf-fall, there were plenty of them to shake off. Ratpaw purred in amusement at the sight. Snakefoot only snorted and sat next to Jestervoice.

"Now, the move we will demonstrate is the Unbalancing Act, Rockpaw and I will-"

"I'll show them!" Ratpaw meowed.

Everybody's eyes were on her. Ratpaw stood up and walked toward the middle of the clearing. Rockpaw snorted, a smirk on his muzzle. The bulky apprentice stepped toward the small one.

"Uh, Ratpaw I don't think-"

"Let me see it then," the gray apprentice said.

"Fine, come at me big fella," Ratpaw hissed.

Rockpaw crouched a little, getting his back paws ready so he could sprint toward the small she-cat. Ratpaw continued holding her casual look and stance, her long tail skimming across the grass and leaves. Then the gray tom launched himself at her. Ratpaw did as well, both looked like they were about the collide when the she-cat side stepped. She stopped with a skid, and raised one to lash out. She kept her paws remained sheathed, and was able to hit one back leg. Ratpaw almost lost her balance, but quickly recovered. With one leg being knocked from under him suddenly Rockpaw fell. His got a mouth full of leaves as he landed on the ground unceremoniously.

"Don't mess with the best," Ratpaw hissed.

"Wow, when did she learn that? It's a little off but still effective" Jestervoice said.

Snakefoot purred. "She is my apprentice. Far ahead of all these others."

Jestervoice looked at Snakefoot who kept his eyes on the she-cat. The deputy didn't see the warriors eyes narrow suddenly. Ratpaw trotted over to her mentor, sitting beside him. She felt good now that she got the show off her skill. She had trained constantly due to Snakefoot pushing her. He was a expert when it came to battling. Known to be able to take opponents head on or just find out a way to incapacitate them. Most would say Woodstar made a good choice.

The training session was almost over. There were a few question and answers, a couple of practice battles and some lectures. After the day of light started to fade was when everyone was dismissed. Ratpaw walked alongside Cricketpaw who seemed to enjoy her company.

"I can't believe you actually took down Rockpaw. You know he'll get you back," Cricketpaw meowed.

"Yeah, I know. That mousebrain doesn't know when to let things go. I'll guess I'll have to look over my shoulder and keep one eye open for the rest of my life," she sighed.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you," Cricketpaw said.

"Oh really?" Ratpaw asked.

"Yes, really. You are now in my protection dear Ratpaw. I shall never allow the evil Rockpaw to get his claws on you... ever!" Cricketpaw said dramatically.

"Oh, my hero!" Ratpaw gasped.

"I swear, you two are a pair," Cherrypaw said as she passed by, shaking her head.

____________________

When they made it back to camp everybody started to share tongues. Snakefoot started up a conversation with a few other warriors and Ratpaw went toward some of the apprentices who were talking. Mostly the female cats kept to themselves, gossiping about others. Ratpaw loved gossip, sometimes she just had to listen to a story, even though it was fabricated. She sometimes shared stories of her own.

"Hey, Ratpaw," Rabbitpaw, a brown and white she-cat, called. "Weaselpaw still tease'n ya again?"

"Yeah," Ratpaw said. "He is just a big idiot."

Rabbitpaw's sister, Harepaw, a light brown and white she-cat, gave a purr. "Do you have to call him that. I mean he lik-"

"Be quiet Harepaw. He doesn't want anything to do to me. I'm just something he goes to when he gets bored. He won't even spare me a glance," Ratpaw hissed.

"Oh really?" Rabbitpaw licked her paw. "He's looking over at you right now."

Ratpaw's ears perked, and she looked over to where the toms were located. Rabbitpaw was right, Weaselpaw was looking over at her. Her ears felt hot, and she quickly looked away. There were a few giggles.

"Your real lucky Ratpaw, you got like three toms padding after you right now. Weaselpaw and..." Rabbitpaw started.

"...Cricketpaw," Harepaw finished for her sister.

"What, no!" Ratpaw yowled.

She managed to catch some unneeded attention and lowered her voice to a hiss. "Were just friends. Can't I have a single male friend without there being some sort of affair or love interest involved."

"Nope," Rabbitpaw said simply.

"Who is the third tom anyway?" Harepaw asked.

"Oh, you know who it is," Rabbitpaw replied.

"Oh really?." Harepaw said, feigning innocence.

Ratpaw sighed. She could only rely on Rabbitpaw and Harepaw to give her reliable information. They were like spies, and always made sure they confirmed everything before spreading the news. They were always known to slink around the camp and keep their ears pricked, and their senses on alert. A few she-cats listened in, intent on hearing who the third cat Ratpaw was involved with was. And Ratpaw had a feeling what name they were going to say. There was no use in trying to stop them though well.

"Oh my, it seems I have forgotten the name of the third tom," Rabbitpaw said suddenly.

"Oh, me too, mousedung," Harepaw muttered.

There were a few disappointed looks all around. Ratpaw didn't say anything, she just got up and headed for the apprentice den. She slipped inside, sighing a little. She felt tired, and needed some rest. A daylight was fading fast, so she curled up in her nest. Her eyes were closed but she could scent as the others entered soon after. Weaselpaw and Foxpaw came in, talking as they walked past her. Harepaw and Rabbitpaw were also chatting away as they entered. And Cricketpaw, Rockpaw and Cherrypaw soon followed. Cricketpaw curled up in the nest beside her. And soon she slept.


Authors Note; So this starts out my series. Okay, here is some things you need to know. I know that Jestervoice is mute in roleplay, I hope nobody minds me changing that. I'm planning to make him one of the most intelligent cats of all the main characters. You see a bit of Ratpaw's personality and also a little bit of Snakefoot's. The next chapter will be centered around Trueheart, Aurajinx and their relationship. Now, of course their going to start off as friends. So there won't be a romantic scene or anything yet. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it. [/size]
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[~Bellen~]

Chapter Two

[/color]" Trueheart murmured.

Said tom turned his head, his ears flat and his eyes wide. He looked surprised, and then he sighed when he saw it was only Trueheart.

"Don't scare me like that," the tom whispered before looking at the other tom. "What are you doing here anyway?"

Trueheart paused and then walked up until he was beside the young warrior. He sat down and dipped his head, placing the single flower on the pile of earth. He closed his eyes, sending a prayer to Starclan before sitting up, speaking as he stared down at the grave.

"I came to pay my respects to Dovewing," he answered. "She was a great warrior."

"And a great mentor," Sunspot added before bowing his head. "If only she was still here. If only she had gotten better."

Trueheart placed a tail on the younger cat's shoulder, attempting to comfort him. "She is in a better place now."

Sunspot breathed in heavily, the emotions he was trying to hold at bay starting to come out. The older warrior watched as the tan cat attempted to hold it all in once more, before finally giving way.

"It's all my fault. If she hadn't decided to train me she would be alive," Sunspot murmured.

"Don't blame yourself for this tragedy. Starclan had decided it was time she joined their ranks. She is relieved of all pain now," he said softly. "I bet she is in a warm bed of moss now. Thinking about how good of a warrior you turned out to be. She is at peace."

Sunspot paused, feeling a little better as he thought about this he raised his gaze to look into Trueheart's green eyes. "Do you really she thinks I'm a good warrior?"

"Of course. I could tell she was watching you. Did you feel anything when you were given your warrior name?" Trueheart asked.

"Y-yes, I did. It was the oddest feeling. Like there was something brushing up against my fur, and I scented Dovewing," Sunspot said, looking at Trueheart with wide eyes.

"Then she was more then pleased. She may have not been there in body to see you turn into a warrior. But she was there in spirit," Trueheart explained.

"Yeah..." Sunspot trailed off, a look of confusion crossing his features. "Do you think Woodstar was there is spirit too? She didn't give me my name, Snakefoot did."

Trueheart paused, unsure how to answer such a question. He didn't want to say their leader was dead. But perhaps she was. He didn't know. Sunspot looked up at the larger warrior, and then he looked down at his feet, shuffling his paws a bit.

"I'm sorry Trueheart. I mean, I don't think she is dead or anything. But maybe... I don't know, it's all so confusing! How could she just disappear when we needed her. Was it Starclan who took her away? Maybe she left or maybe-" Sunspot rambled on.

"Do not speak such nonsense," Trueheart said in a stern voice. "Woodstar has not left us, I know she is somewhere. Just... lost."

Sunspot's ears flattened, and he gave a whimper as he looked up at Trueheart. The black tom sighed as he looked at the warrior, he should have known better then to speak to Sunspot in such a way. The young warrior was always a sensitive cat. He wasn't much of a fighter but when it came to hunting he was one of the best. Sunspot was also a smart cat, and a quick learner. The only thing wrong with him was that we was at times to passive and submissive. Accepting things without much of a fight.

"Go rest. We have a hunting patrol in the morning, lets just hope that the rain lets up," Trueheart said.

"Okay," Sunspot said, averting his gaze so that he was looking at the single flower on the grave. "Thank you for the flower, I'm sure Dovewing will love it."

The young cat dipped his head respectively before trotting toward the warrior den. Trueheart soon followed after taking the time to clear his mind. He entered the den, seeing individual bodies curled up. He saw Sunspot curl up at the end of the den, and Trueheart took his place in between Snakefoot and Aurajinx. The she-cat only gave a small murmur as his tail brushed against her face. And Snakefoot muttered something undecipherable before quieting down. The black tom sighed, and closed his eyes. Allowing sleep to take him.

____________________

"Aurajinx," a smooth voice called.

The she-cat eyes fluttered open, revealing amber eyes. She found herself looking at cat paws and raised her gaze to find herself staring into the face of the indifferent Snakefoot. He narrowed his eyes a little before turning toward the entrance.

"Wake Trueheart. Were about to go on a patrol," he ordered before making his way out of the den.

Aurajinx only blinked lazily and then opened her mouth to yawn. Her tongue curled and she got up to stretch. Her beautiful silver and black coat shining even in the dim light. She shook herself and then turned toward the black tom. He was curled up in a ball, looking peaceful. Aurajinx looked down at him for a moment before starting to prod his side with a paw.

"Trueheart," she called softly. "Wake up..."

Trueheart opened his eyes slowly, and looked up at her with a dazed expression. "Starclan...?"

Aurajinx blinked, and then gave a purr in amusement. "No silly, you aren't dead yet."

"Oh..." He then closed his eyes.

"Wake up," Aurajinx said again, and continued to prod at his side.

Trueheart grumbled, giving a sigh as he opened his eyes to look up at the persistent she-cat. He glared at her for a moment and they spent a short moment looking into each others eyes before he yawned and finally got up. Aurajinx watched as he stretched, and yawned once more before looking in her direction.

"So, what do you need?" He asked.

"Oh, um," she thought for a moment before remembering Snakefoot's message. "Snakefoot wanted us to go on a patrol."

"Oh really?" He thingyed his head to the side. "What time is it, it still looks dark."

Aurajinx turned her head to look outside the den. It indeed looked dark, but there was still a bit of light. She turned toward the entrance and poked her head out. Dark gray clouds still covered the skies, but thankfully there wasn't much rain.

"It's only the clouds. Let's hurry," she said.

Trueheart reluctantly followed her, his limbs feeling a little stiff. He couldn't help but feel a little old, and he wondered how Aurajinx seem to just wake up and go with such a good amount of energy. He continued to look tired even when he stood in front of the awaiting Snakefoot. At his side was his apprentice, who looked tired as well. The young brown she-cat sat and licked her paw, rubbing it once and then twice over her face before repeating the action. Soon other warriors started to come in. The small and short-legged Moleclaw who had dusty brown fur and large claws. The tall and attractive looking Scarletpool, who had russet colored fur. And the small and shy Fawnheart, who had a gray-ish brown coat.

"Your apprentices?" Snakefoot drawled.

"Mines coming," Moleclaw said.

Stonepaw padded up to them, sitting beside Moleclaw as he sent a glare toward Ratpaw. The she-cat paused mid-lick and stared at Stonepaw. The gray apprentice snorted and looked away. Soon Foxpaw appeared beside Scarletpool. Then Cricketpaw walked up and sat beside Trueheart, smiling up at the tom who smiled back. Aurajinx and Fawnheart were the only ones that didn't have apprentices. Snakefoot nodded and then turned around and padded out of the camp with everyone trailing behind. The patrol went along well. Ratpaw decided to pick up a conversation with Stonepaw, who at first was quiet before starting to become interested and more involved. Cricketpaw soon joined in, and Foxpaw did as well.

"So, here is what I was thinking," Ratpaw said. "If you aim for the eyes first then you have a better chance at taking it down."

"Nah, I think you should aim for the paws," Cricketpaw said.

"Idiot, it'll step on you then," Foxpaw muttered.

"I think it's better if you climb up on it's back. It won't be able to reach you then," Stonepaw said.

Ratpaw thought for a moment, her eyes widening when she realized that was a good idea. "Hey, I never thought of that before. Where did you learn it?"

"Oh, I asked Jestervoice, he knows almost everything," Stonepaw informed.

"Yeah, he is one of the smartest cats isn't he?" Foxpaw meowed.

Aurajinx looked over her shoulder at the talking apprentices. She gave a smile, proud that her brother had such a reputation. He was quite a intelligent tom. He even knew about medicine herbs, but his expertise showed itself when he was fighting and teaching apprentices. He never kept one of his own since Snakefoot decided that he should teach in training sessions. She then found herself bumping into someone. It was Trueheart, and he gave a grunt and stumbled forward.

"Oh, Trueheart, I'm sorry!" She apologized.

"It's fine," he said before looking at Snakefoot whose nose was raised. "What's wrong?"

"A smell Ghostclan... Moleclaw!" Snakefoot yowled.

The experienced tracker walked up and stood beside the deputy. "Yes Snakefoot?"

"Track the scent, we'll follow you," Snakefoot said.

"Yes sir," Moleclaw said.

He bowed his head, his short legs allowing him to keep to the ground as he walked forward. His nose twitched as he followed the scent. Moleclaw kept to it, weaving around trees and ferns. Everyone followed him, earning warning glances from Snakefoot if they made a single nose. Soon the small cat raised his head, as he stared in a certain direction.

"Patrol..." Moleclaw said.

Soon they saw cats walk around the large trees. All of them were from Ghostclan. And they were walking toward them. Aurajinx froze, her eyes widening. What were they doing in Fireclan territory? Almost all of the apprentices started to hiss, instead of Cricketpaw whose ears flattened. Moleclaw took a step back, whispering something to Stonepaw that Aurajinx couldn't quite catch. Snakefoot took a step forward greeting the leader of the patrol with a nod. The cat happened to have silver-colored fur. It shined brightly, and he stood tall and proud.

"Wolfstar... what brings you here? And why are you in Fireclan territory" Snakefoot asked, eying the leader.

Wolfstar remained silent, his gaze traveling over the Fireclan cats. When he spoke he spoke in a calm and cool voice. It sounded cold.

"I am here to compromise," he said.

"Compromise?" Snakefoot gave a confused look. "What do you mean?"

Wolfstar paused, and then spoke. "Ghostclan is in need of more hunting territory. And Fireclan has plenty of it. We wish to... obtain some of it."

There was silence, and then it was Ratpaw who said something next. The she-cat gave a laugh, a steady purr sounding.

"You want some of it? You must be joking," Ratpaw said.

Wolfstar's eyes narrowed as he stared at the apprentice. "I do not joke, Ratpaw."

Ratpaw hissed when she heard the leader said her name. But before she could say anything herself Snakefoot interrupted.

"We shall not 'compromise', because I doubt we'll get anything in return," Snakefoot hissed.

"You will," Wolfstar drawled. "I shall promise that Fireclan and Ghostclan will become allies."

Snakefoot paused, considering what Wolfstar said. Ratpaw hissed, her hackles rising as she stepped forward. The other apprentices followed, even Cricketpaw started to growl. Trueheart just watched his leader with a calm expression. Aruajinx moved to stand in front of the apprentices to try to stop them from making a mistake. Molepaw just watched, and Scarletpool looked amused by the whole situation.

"No," Snakefoot said, bluntly.

Wolfstar looked at the deputy, and then sighed. "Then you have made a mistake. I hope you can forgive me in the future, but this is for my clan."

Wolfstar flicked his tail, and the Ghostclan cat's started to surround them.

Author's note; So, finally some action is going to happen. This fight will actually be my first one since I'm new to writing fanfiction. Anyway, don't look at Wolfstar as the bad guy. There is a reason why he is doing this. The reason shall be revealed in later chapters. I will decide who wins the fight by flipping a coin. If it's heads Snakefoot shall win, and if it's tails Wolfstar will win. I want everything to happen by chance. So both good and bad things will happen. In the next chapter there shall be a fight. Jestervoice will also be the main character in the next chapter. Also I have things planned for Sandspot, but that will have to wait. Anyway, I hope ya liked it. [/size] [/blockquote][/ul]