Prologue:

The queen flickered her eyes open. She looked through the shadows that was covering the nursery. She sighed. She tucked her head under her paw and closed her eyes. 

The mottled queen woke upon a dream. 

She opened her eyes to see a big white tom, with broad shoulders, and a gray and white tom. “Father! Stormtail!” She cried out desperately. 

“Hello Hazelfern.” her father purred. His

Green eyes showed fondness.

Have they come back for me? Hazelfern thought. 

She padded up to her father, and licked him on the shoulder. She went up to her former mate, Stormtail, 

And licked him on the shoulder, and purred loudly. 

She took a step back, and looked into Stormtail’s eyes. 

With her heart pounding, she asked, “Have you come 

Back, to take care of our kits?” she looked at him hopefully. 

Stormtail looked at her for a few seconds, and finally, 

He shook his head. Hazelferns body trembled hard.

“Why? Why have you come back then? She asked 

in a trembling voice. No answer. She turned on her

Father.

“Father? Why are you here if your not here 

To come back with me?” Her fathers eyes

Turned white, and they glowed. “Stormkit,

Like Stormtail, will be murdered, unless a single

Hazel can stop it.” her father spoke. Then, 

her fathers eyes went back to fern-like eyes.

“Good-bye Hazelfern. I will wait here for

You.” Stormtail mewed. And with that they 

started to fade away. “No. please. Please!

Please, I'm begging you, don’t go!” Hazelfern wailed. “Don’t go!” She wailed louder. 

They’re the only family I got!

But they already vanished. Hazelfern

Was in darkness once again.

Her last thought was;

I’m all alone.

                                             Chapter one

Stormkit

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She stared around the clearing…What should I

do first? It was her first time out of the

nursery. She saw the other older kits

playing in the clearing. She went up to them. 

    “What do you want this time?” Thunderkit greeted her rudely. She just sat 

There, staring at him with a questioning look. 

She felt like a mouse-brain. Thunderkit’s

Brother, Tigerkit came up next to him.

He gave a sigh. 

    “Listen, if you really want a reason

Why you can’t play, I'll give you one. 

You can’t talk.” She flattened her ears.

    “Hey Stormkit!” She turned around to see 

her sister, Cloudkit. Cloudkit looked at

The two brothers, then at Stormkit. 

    “Stormkit, what's happening?” “Have you forgotten?

She’s mute, she can’t talk to you.” 

    “I can understand

Her just fine!” Cloudkit hissed.

    “Uh-huh. What is she saying then?” There

Was no answer. 

    “She wants to play with you guys.” 

        “we’ve already said no.” Stormkits gray and white fur bristled. Don’t talk

to my sister rudely like that! Stormkit thought.

The content look in Cloudkits fern-like eyes

turned into anger. 

    “Fine! Stormkit and I

will play by ourselves!” Cloudkit turned 

Around, and walked away. Stormkit followed

Close behind.

Chapter two

Stormtail

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Stormpaw! Cloudpaw!” Everyone cheered 

they’re names loudly Stormpaw puffed

Her chest out proudly. 

Stormpaw followed her sister off of the

Highledge. They’re mother, Hazelfern,

Came up to them.

    “I’m so proud of the both of you.” She

Looked at the both of them

Wistfully. 

    “Your father would of been 

so proud.” She looked at Stormpaw with a sad expression.

Did I do something wrong?

    “Come on Stormpaw, let's set up our

nest’s in the apprentice’s den” Cloudpaw 

Suggested. Self-consciously, Stormpaw 

Followed Cloudpaw into the apprentices

Den. Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw were in

They’re nests, awake. Cloudpaw cleared

Her throat. Thunderpaw looked over. 

    “Oh, hi Cloudpaw. Hello Stormpaw.” He greeted, 

And it was a friendly greeting.

“Where were you guys? You went in here right after the ceremony.”

Cloudpaw pointed out.

    “We were tired.” Tigerpaw told her.

    “Hmm…Okay, carry on what you were doing.”

As Stormpaw was listing to Tigerpaw

and Thunderpaw’s conversation, she was setting

Up her nest next to Cloudpaw’s 

*****************************************************************************************

Stormpaw woke up in a dream. She looked 

around her surroundings. She was in the nursery.

Feeling confused, she walked 

outside the den. She looked around, 

She saw that it was midnight, with the moon shining

Brightly overhead. 

She then saw a tom on the Highledge. 

The tom turned his head, and saw 

Stormpaw. He jumped down, and padded

up towards her. Stormpaw stayed still. 

Straightening out her back, so she’s as tall as 

she could get.

    “Hello, little one.” The tom mewed calmly. 

The tom had a gray and white pelt

Like she does, and one black front paw,

And he has deep dark gray eyes

Like she did.

    “Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe to 

Talk.” He assured her meekly. I can talk?

    “...Who are you?...” She asked firmly. 

    “I am Stormtail. I am your 

father.” 

                                               Chapter three

Stormtail’s prophecy

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So…this is my father? She asked herself.

“Are you really my father…?” She asked in disbelief. He nodded. Her feelings were mixed between anger and happiness. Stormpaw had heard how he had left her mother for someone else…Do I trust him? “Why are you here?” She asked. “How can I know If i can trust you?” “I’m your father, you got to trust me.” Stormtail replied simply. “The father who’d left  my mother. Your mate? You just leave her, then just leave her for a different she-cat? And you expect me to trust you?” Stormpaw stared at her father with resentment. “You know about that…?” His eyes grew distant, like if he was remembering stuff. Then he shook his head, and said instead, “Look, I know that I made a mistake…And I regret that.” But, how am I supposed to trust you? Stormpaw just stayed silent. “Ah. I get it. If you're just going to stay quiet, then I'll just leave. I can tell you don't want me here.” Her

father looked at her, then at the ground. “Good bye Stormpaw.” Stormtail turned his back on his daughter, and started to walk away. “Wait, Stormtail. Don’t be foolish, or did you forget the reason why you came here in the first place?” Said a new calm voice. Stormpaw looked ahead, and saw a tom come from the outside of the thorn barrier. “You always did give up so soon.” “Who are you?” Stormpaw asked the tom. The cat was a big white tom with broad shoulders, and fern-like eyes, like Cloudpaw. “I’m Cloudsong. I was Hazelfern’s father. And you must be her daughter, Stormpaw.” He purred. 

    “Can I trust you?” Stormpaw asked consciously. “Yes. Now, Stormtail what did you tell her?” Cloudsong asked.     

    “Nothing!” 

    “hmm…Well, Stormpaw, I need you to listen to your father. At least this once, then you can go.” He told her quietly. 

Stormpaw stood still and silent. 

    “Fine, I'll hear what he has to say. But only this once.” Stormpaw decided. And she stared at her father with a cold look.

Cloudsong dipped his head in thanks, and took a step back. 

Her father’s eyes glowed white, bright as the sun or moon. 

Then, the scenes around her started to change.

Stormpaw was now in a forest, and it was still dark out. She saw herself in front of a cat. She looked at the cat, but the face was covered by the darkness and shadows. Stormpaw saw herself with blood stained on her fur. And she was battling another cat. 

Next minute they were back by highledge. 

Then Stormtail spoke, and said; 

“Like a storm, you will someday rise and rule.

But in order to do that, you must let go of something very precious to you.” Her fathers eyes went back to normal. 

What was that? I’ve spent my time on nothing. 

“Anything else?” She asked finally. Cloudsong shook his head,

“No. You can leave if you wish.” 

Stormpaw felt something jabbing into her side. 

She opened her eyes to see Cloudpaw in front of her. 

She was trying to speak, but it didn’t work.

Can I not talk anymore?

“Stormpaw, we’re going to explore the territory!” Her sister 

told her happily. “Let’s go!” Stormpaw got up, and followed her sister out of the den. She saw Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw at the entrance.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot to tell you, the others are coming with us.” 

Let's go! Pushing back the image of what happened with her father and Cloudsong, she raced past her sister.

                                         Chapter four

The Gathering

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“The gatherings tonight!” Cloudpaw bounced around in excitement. Stormpaw shared her excitement, even if her sister couldn’t tell. “I wonder what’s going to happen tonight. Can you guess, Stormpaw?” Stormpaw shook her head quickly. I hope I can meet new cats…Maybe even make a new friend. “Look! Shimmerheart’s kits are out! It’s their first time being out of the nursery.” Stormpaw looked over, and saw Mosskit, Icekit, and Dirtkit coming out of the nursery’s entrance. “Cloudpaw!

Stormpaw! Come over here!” Their mentors called. Stormpaw and Cloudpaw raced over to them. Stormpaw saw a pure black tom, with bright green eyes, and had a shreadred ear. And a ginger and white tom, with white paws, and tail-tip. “Yes Blacktail.” Stormpaw just nodded to her mentor. “Um–Brightflame, Stormpaw said she’s ready.” “Thank you Cloudpaw.” Brightflame looked at Blacktail. “Today, we’ll be training on battle moves again.” Stormpaw’s mentor explained. 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Whoa! Do you see that?” Cloudpaw’s eyes stretched wide as she saw a big bridge. “We have to cross that to get to the other side?” Stormpaw pricked up her ears. “You scared?” Tigerpaw teased. “I am not!” Cloudpaw protested. “You sure look like it.” Thunderpaw added. Her sister rolled her eyes. “You’ll see that I'm not. Come on Stormpaw.” Cloudpaw set a paw on the bridge, and started walking. “You bet she’s going to do it?” Stormpaw heard Tigerpaw whisper. There was no answer. Stormpaw started to walk, beneath her was a river of water which was going fast. Once they crossed over, Stormpaw was looking around at the island, while Cloudpaw was

confronting the two brothers. 

She turned around, and softly tapped her sister with her tail tip. “Oh yes, sorry Stormpaw, let’s explore the island.” As they were starting to walk around, Stormpaw had realized how cold it was. She looked around, and thought it was shocking to see many cats. “Where do you want to go first?” Cloudpaw asked her. But I normally follow you! ummm…Stormpaw saw a couple of apprentices. She pointed her tail over to the small group of cats. She felt Cloudpaw push her gently with her tail. “Go to them, I'll follow you.” Whhy? Nervously, Stormpaw started padding up to the apprentices. But then hid behind her sister. “Come on Stormpaw, you got to do this.” Stormpaw shook her head quickly, flattening her ears. I don’t want to! “Listen, if you do this, I'll talk to them after, okay?” Cloudpaw promised. I suppose that's alright. She took the lead again. When she reached them, she sat down, and straightened her back. I’m not afraid! “Come on Flowerpaw–” One apprentice was saying, but got interrupted. “Hello?” Cloudpaw interrupted. All the apprentices looked at Stormpaw and her sister. “Hello!” One apprentice greeted, bouncing up

and down. “I’m Cloudpaw, and this is my sister Stormpaw.” Cloudpaw introduced. “I’m Barleypaw, I'm from WindClan.” A black and white apprentice mewed. “I’m Ashpaw, I’m from RiverClan.” “I’m Fernpaw, I'm also from Riverclan.” “And I'm Fishpaw, and this is my sister Flowerpaw.” Mewed an apprentice, who was bouncing up and down earlier. “We’re from Thunderclan. Nice to meet you all.” Stormpaw saw Thunderpaw and Tigerpaw among the cats. Stormpaw walked up, and Cloudpaw saw them. “Oh, you guys are here too–wait, why didn’t you introduce us!” “Because you already started–you can–nevermind. Sorry Cloudpaw!” Tigerpaw apologized. “He was about to say you can be a bit scary.” Thunderpaw told her. Stormpaw purred as Tigerpaw looked scared. “How long have you been an apprentices?” Barlypaw asked. “Not very long, we just had started a couple of days ago, isn’t that right Stormpaw? Stormpaw?” She had been sniffing each cat’s scent, and as soon as she heard her name, she returned to her sister's side quickly. “Flowerpaw asks if she can talk?” Fishpaw asked finally. “Uh–No she can’t. And don't say she needs to go.” Cloudpaw told them firmly, her fur bristling.

Fishpaw’s eyes stretched out wide in shock, and said, “No, no, of course not, that's just crazy! Flowerpaw can’t actually talk, herself.” Fishpaw looked at his sister. Flowerpaw twitched her ear, and her eyes seemed like they were not focused. “Really?” Cloudpaw layed down her fur, so it didn’t bristle. “You hear that Stormpaw?” Really? I’ve not met another cat who can’t talk. Barlypaw cleaned his whiskers with his paw. “She’s a medicine cat apprentice, if i am not mistaken at all.” Fernpaw added. “Hm-mm.”

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------After talking a bit, the gathering had started. Stormpaw could see the four leaders on their branches. 

    “If you don’t mind, I would like to start.” A She-cat looked at the leaders, as if she was looking for permission. 

    “Of course Flamestar.” The leader of Thunderclan, Dovestar, bowed her head respectfully. Flamestar, the leader of ShadowClan, dipped her head thankfully. She was a black She-cat, with two ginger stripes on her face,

and she had a ginger paw, and ginger on her tail. She looked like an amazing flame in the midnight moonlight.

    “I would like to report that some of my warriors have gone missing. I think one of you did it.” Flamestar started, pointing at the other three leaders. The leader of Windclan, Ashstar, shook his head. 

    “What do you mean Flamestar?” 

        “Let me start again. They're dead. My Warriors are dead.

    One of you killed my Warriors, and you thought you could get away with it? Didn’t you? But I know exactly what you're trying to do.” 

        “That's just insane!” Smoothstar exclaimed. 

        “Why would you think we’re trying to kill your warriors? In what world do you actually believe that?” Ashstar asked, his eyes wide with surprise and shock in his voice. 

        “Do you need to ask? It’s a simple and smart plan, really. You take out my warriors, so my clan will be so small and undefensive. Well, I won't fall for it!” 

        “My warriors would do no such thing!” Ashstar protested, his mew

defensive. “Listen, Flamestar–” Dovestar began, but then interrupted as there was a howl of pain coming from behind. Stormpaw pricked up her ears. She looked behind her, to see the warriors parted away. There, behind them laid a warrior. He was laying in a pool of blood that was swelling out of a big gash that was on the cat's side. 

        “Move aside. Move Aside already!” Flamestar moved past Stormpaw, and walked up to the dead cat. There was a burst of gasps and quiet murmurs as cats saw the dead tom. 

        “Runningmist?” She whispered. “Who did this to Runningmist!” The ShadowClan’s leader’s gaze swept through the crowd.  The leader’s eyes clouded with sorrow as she looked at the warrior again. Dovestar padded up, and gently put her tail tip on the ShadowClan’s leader's shoulder. Her eyes sympathetic. Dovestar took her tail off and looked at the other leaders, and said, 

        “I think we can all agree that maybe we can end this gathering?” She mewed softly. Poor Flamestar, Sormpaw thought. 

        “I agree with Dovestar, I think it would be best if we end the

gathering.” Ashstar mewed. “I am very sorry for your loss, Flamestar.” “I don’t want your pity!” Flamestar hissed, lashing out her tail. “We are leaving. Come on ShadowClan.” A couple of warriors help flamestar pick up the dead cat, and carrying him over the bridge. Stormpaw just sat still, shocked about what just happened. Stormpaw felt something brush up against her. She looked over to see her sister, her white fur glimmering silver in the moonlight. She gave a sigh. She agrees with me. 

        Once ShadowClan crossed over, Cloudpaw said bye to the other apprentice’s, and they crossed to the bridge and headed back to camp.

 Chapter five: Thunder and Rain

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A couple of Sunrises had passed since the gathering. The thought about the cat dying bothered Stormpaw. Surely he just died of a coincidence, right? Then again…How did he get killed? We would have noticed it in the first place. And why would he get killed? There's got to be a reason. And on top of that, the message that her father had given to her…had been bothering her too. 

She looked miserably around the training area. She had been taking a break with Thunderpaw, laying in the shade away from the scorching hot sun. Stormpaw looked distantly up at the clouds. 

    She looked back, and saw Cloudpaw practicing fighting with Tigerpaw. Come on! You can beat him! After a bit, it was Stormpaw’s turn to fight Tigerpaw. She stared at him for a few heartbeats, then she darted towards him. When she jumped to land on him, the brown tom ducked. And she missed, and landed in the sandy ground. She got up, and flicked 

her ears in annoyance. She darted up once again, and was going to go on the left, but as Tigerpaw was going to dodge to the right, she quickly steered to the right and jumped and pinned him down. She got off a moment later. “That was awesome!” Thunderpaw mewed excitedly. He raced up, twitching his whiskers. 

    “You beat him!” Cloudpaw bounced around enthusiastically. Stormpaw washed her whiskers with her paw. 

    “That was really smart thinking, Stormpaw,” Brightflame praised. Stormpaw gave her chest a few licks of embarrassment, then nodded in response. 

    “Can I take a turn? I’ll fight with her–or I mean, train with her!” Thunderpaw called. “Sure.”  

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

After training, they left the training hollow to head back to camp. Instead of listening to the conversation the other apprentice’s were having, she was deep in thought. Like a storm, you will someday rise and rule.

But in order to do that, you must let go of something very precious to 

you…what in StarClan did he mean? Despite Stormpaw being really mad at her father, the prophecy was troubling her a lot. “Stormpaw, where are you going?” Cloudpaw was next to her. She stopped in her tracks, confused. She twitched her ear in curiosity. “You walked right past Brightflame and Darktail.” Cloudpaw told her with laughter in her voice. Alarmed, Stormpaw turned her head, and saw that she was way ahead of her mentor and her friends. She twitched her whiskers, angry at herself. Cloudpaw led her back to the group, and she told Brightflame that she was just deep in thought. 

    “What happened?” Tigerpaw asked.

    “Just that she was busy...with thinking,” Cloudpaw replied. Stormpaw twitched her ear, as she heard Thunderpaw and Tigerpaw snicker. She glared at the two toms, until they stopped. 

    She looked at the sky…

    Cloudpaw started hopping, looking happy. “Why are you happy now?”

    “Ohhhh. Nothing. I was just thinking how Stormpaw beat your brother so easily,” Cloudpaw replied. “I didn’t think she'd go to the side like that!” “Me neither, that’s how she beat you. She won so easily, like how you 

could catch a mouse so fast.” Tigerpaw shook his head in disbelief. 

    “You're enjoying this, am I right?” “Well, yeah. It’s fun.” Stormpaw flicked her ear in amusement. Thunderpaw chortled in laughter. 

    “Yeah, yeah, have your fun,” Tigerpaw mewed satirely, but Stormpaw could tell that he was having a bit of fun. 

Stormpaw yawned, feeling a bit tired. She shook her head vigorously. It had started to rain a few moments later. 

    “Huh. Strange.” Cloudpaw mewed. “Huh?” “The weather changed so suddenly. It was so hot, then the next moment, it started to rain.” That is strange…It started to thunder. Once they were back at camp, Stormpaw’s fur was soaking wet. She was eating a mouse–a wet one–in the apprentice’s den. She quickly looked behind her. And saw her sister and Tigerpaw sleeping peacefully in their nests. Her sister decided to go to sleep after they got home, and told Stormpaw to wake her when she was needed, or when the rain had stopped. She would have liked some company…but, of course, she couldn’t ask. Not now, or ever. Distracted by the sound of falling rain droplets, she hadn’t noticed Thunderpaw coming

towards the apprentice’s den. He came inside, and shook himself, and the rain droplets fell off of his pelt, but none of them really hit Stormpaw. He sat down near her. He glanced around. 

    “Hi.” He mewed. Stormpaw gave a slight nod of her head, as a sign of acknowledgment. “Where’s Cloudpaw?” He asked. She flicked her ear over to Cloudpaw’s nest. 

    “Oh…” He trailed off awkwardly. Stormpaw’s mind grew distant as she heard the raindrops. Then she looked around, and saw Thunderpaw sitting there, staring out of the apprentice’s den, completely forgetting that he had been there. He looked at her warmly, like he just realized he had been quiet for a while. 

    “You were awesome today. By beating Tigerpaw I mean. No one really beats him very easily.” He commented, amusement in his voice. 

Is there a point why you’re here, talking to me? Come here to make fun of me, or something? Or just come to talk, and keep me company? Stormpaw didn’t really like talking to Thunderpaw all that much, well at least not without Cloudpaw with her…Well, sure, he’s nice…

but teases a lot. And I can’t even tell him off like Cloudpaw does! 

    “Um…Stormpaw?” He started uncomfortably. Stormpaw’s ears pricked up just a bit as she heard the uncomfort and anxiety that was in his voice. She looked at him, and saw that his deep yellow-amber eyes were glittering with worry. 

    “I wanted to say that–” He broke off, then took a deep breath, and started again. “I wanted to say that, and on behalf of Tigerpaw too–we’re both very sorry for being rude to you when we were kits…We shouldn’t have done that, we should've known better. And even if Tigerpaw hasn’t said it, he’s very sorry too.” His ears drooped a bit as he was talking. Stormpaw was very surprised. You’re sorry? I forgive you…Stormpaw purred, and hoped he took it as a thank you. She really wished she could say something comforting, or something. He seemed to understand, because he gave a little purr. He stayed quiet for a while. Stormpaw looked off out of the apprentice’s den, watching the rain. Out of tiredness, she closed her eyes slowly, and fell asleep. 

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, she felt rough shaking. Her throat felt like it was almost closed off. She smelled…Smoke! She opened her eyes, and jumped up in alarm. She saw Thunderpaw, his eyes wide with fear. 

    “Great, you're awake! Come on!” He urged. Stormpaw raced outside of the apprentice’s den with Thunderpaw. And saw the camp almost covered in flames. Doestar was helping a few of the cats get outside of the camp. Her lungs were hurting, as they needed fresh air. Her throat nearly closed from all the smoke. But luckily Thunderpaw and Stormpaw raced outside the thorn barrier just in time. She saw Hazelfern, and her…sister next to her! Thank StarClan they’re both safe! She ran up to them. 

    “You're safe!” Hazelfern exclaimed as she saw her daughter.

“Where are my kits? I lost my kits! They’re still inside!” Someone called. Stormpaw saw the troubled looking queen, Dappeltail exclaimed. Stormpaw pricked up her ears, listening intently, straining her ears for any sounds of any mewling of kits. Without thinking, she dashed into camp again. 

    “Stormpaw!” She heard her mother and sister call. “Stormpaw! Come

back!” She heard Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw call, but she ignored all of them. The faint sound of kits sounded. Stormpaw whipped around, and saw the tiny helpless kits sitting next to the nursery. She was starting to run up to them. But her throat burned. Everything was getting hazy. Her vision was getting darker…and darker…and darker, until she could not see anymore. The last thing she heard was her family calling her name desperately. And hearing Thunderpaw’s voice getting closer. Stormpaw’s last thought was;

    Is this the end of me?

                                                Chapter six

Scorchpaw

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stormpaw opened her eyes to see that she was still in camp. She got up. Her throat felt fine. There were no fires in camp. She heard no desperate calls from her family. Everything must have been all right. She looked around her, trying to look for her sister, and her mother. But she didn't see them. But, she saw Cloudsong, standing there. 

    “You're here.” He said. Why are you here? She opened her mouth to say something, and it actually worked. 

    “What are you doing here?” Stormpaw asked. “Well, I got to see you, to make sure you’re okay.” Cloudsong replied. 

    “Isn’t Stormtail here to bother me? I mean, he should. Since I’m supposed to trust him, and he's my father?” She asked bitterly. Cloudsong just looked at her gently. 

    “Little one…Your father has decided not to bother you anymore. He  

hasn’t wanted to anger you anymore, than you are now…” He mewed softly. “Oh…Good–I didn’t really want to see him anyway.” Stormpaw meowed. She wanted to ask Stormtail about the message that she had received from him. 

    “You know…When your father had left you and your sister to live with Hazelfern, my daughter was heartbroken. And then became devastated once–once she heard that he had died…But–But you reminded her so much of him.” Cloudsong purred.

    “Why are you telling me this?” Stormpaw’s heart dropped as she imagined what it had felt to have her mate leave her, and then dying…she would have felt awful, and that thought just made her feel more bitter. 

    “I’m just telling you–No matter what happens with your mother and you…she will always love you and your sister.” The tom answered. Stormpaw took a big breath, and nodded her head slowly. “So…I have a question–How did Stormtail die?” “That. Little kit…is another story for another time…” Cloudsong said ominously. “But in the meantime, how about you go back to your friends. They must be worried. Goodbye

Stormpaw.” The white tom dipped his head, and everything around her vanished.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stormpaw heard muffled voices. 

    “Please! Yarrowpelt! You’ve got to let us see her!” She heard Thunderpaw’s desperate pleading voice. 

    “Sorry. There’s nothing I can do, she needs to rest, and she’s really hurt, and with you two in there she’s not going to sleep.” She heard the young medicine cat’s voice. “Oh come on Yarrowpelt! She’s my sister! I got to see if she’s alright! So let me through!” She heard Cloudpaw’s stubborn growl. “I said no! She needs her rest.” The medicine cat hissed. Stormpaw opened her eyes, and saw that she was in a little place. Not the medicine cat den, but she did smell the fresh scent of herbs. Her back hurt. Once she got up, she instantly got a bit dizzy. Once she shook it off, she walked off to the entrance of the little place. She pushed through the medicine cat, who was blocking her way, to see what was happening. 

    “Stormpaw you’re awake!” Cloudpaw exclaimed, then she went next to

her, and licked on the head, and purred. 

    “We’ve been worried about you.” Thunderpaw put in. Stormpaw tilted her head, but then gave a purr a moment later. “Stormpaw, you're not supposed to be out here!” Yarrowpelt scolded. Stormpaw looked over, and saw a white tom, with green eyes, with a bit of yellow in them. And he looked a bit angry. “You’re supposed to be in your nest, resting!” “Well, I guess she heard us. Because you wouldn’t let us in! And, she feels fine, I'm sure. Right Stormpaw?” Cloudpaw twitched her ear in annoyance as she talked. Stormpaw nodded. Her throat didn’t hurt, only her back. Yarrowpelt thought for a moment, then replied. “Fine…you can go…just no hard jobs, and don’t wander out of camp.” Stormpaw nodded. “Come on Stormpaw! We’ll go grab some prey.” Stormpaw followed her sister and friend over to the fresh-kill pile, and they all sat down somewhere once they had their prey. Stormpaw started to give small bites of her rabbit. She looked up, and looked around to see where they were exactly. The place smelled of crow-food, and…ShadowClan! Out of panic, she wanted to do something, but she stayed still.

    “Oh, yes, we’re staying in ShadowClan…Dovestar says at least until the fire burns out. Then we can return to camp.” Cloudpaw told her, as she saw the expression on Stormpaw’s face. But, that’s not why I’m worried! I’m worried because…Her thoughts trailed away, as a group of cats came through the entrance. 

    “Oh! That must be Tigerpaw!” Cloudpaw said. “I’ll go and tell him you’re awake!” She got up, and padded away.

    “Chipper as always.” Thunderpaw watched her go. “Tigerpaw had to go train…he wanted to stay here. But he had to go…he’ll be glad to see you’re okay too.” the tom purred. Stormpaw could see that the sun was at its highest. 

    “Hey! You're awake!” Stormpaw whipped around to see who was talking. And she recognized Fishpaw, the ShadowClan apprentice she had met at the gathering. Tigerpaw came up, and gave a purr. “You’re safe! Thank StarClan! Cloudpaw couldn’t wait. She kept bothering me to come and hurry–``''No, I wasn’t! You’re making it sound worse than it was!” Her sister exclaimed. Stormpaw couldn’t believe it. You were all worried about

me? She thought. As she was looking at all her friends, she let out a purr.

The ShadowClan medicine cat apprentice, Flowerpaw, padded up, followed by another apprentice. 

    “Oh! Flowerpaw you’re back from your trip!” Fishpaw exclaimed in a happy voice. “Hi, Scorchpaw,” He added. The apprentice was a handsome dark striped tom, with vivid and shocking light blue eyes, that kind of did not look real. 

“Who are you?...” The apprentice asked rudely. “You guys, Smell like ThunderClan.” He glared at the others. Cloudpaw and Tigerpaw looked kind of shocked by the question, while Thunderpaw flicked his ear in anger.

    “You are correct, Scorchpaw…their from ThunderClan–their camp burned down–didn’t Finchtail tell you?” “I heard him mention something about it, of course I didn’t believe it though. And, of course, It’s none of my business, I’m ever so sorry.” Scorchpaw mewed sarcastically. Thunderpaw flattened his ears, clearly looking annoyed. “Well, I better get going.” He said, then turned around, and left. Stormpaw watched the 

apprentice go helplessly. 

    “He doesn’t like us, clearly.” Cloudpaw pointed out bluntly a moment later. Fishpaw looked at the ground, then backed up at them, looking uncomfortable. 

    “Sorry about Scorchpaw…He’s usually nice, and sweet–but, he’s been like this for a couple of days since Brightstream and Smokepaw died. I’m sure he’ll warm up to you guys, sooner or later” He explained. Stormpaw nodded. Everyone still looked a little shocked, except for Flowerpaw. The medicine cat apprentice’s eyes looked a little more focused than the last time Stormpaw had met her. I wonder if Thunderpaw’s okay…She thought as she stared at the ginger and black tom. 

                                    Chapter seven:

Days in ShadowClan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been two days since they had been in ShadowClan’s camp. Stormpaw was sitting down with Thunderpaw and Tigerpaw, with her ears pricked up, keeping alert, and keeping watch around camp. She couldn’t relax, nor appreciate herself. Cloudpaw came up, her pelt bristling. 

    “I missed a squirrel!” She hissed, as she sat down with her sister. “They’re hard to catch, so don’t blame yourself,” Thunderpaw told her. “He’s right, give yourself a break Cloudpaw. You just missed a mouse yesterday, no big deal,” Tigerpaw put in carelessly, and with a yawn, he gave a quick stretch. Cloudpaw looked shocked.

    “Of course, It’s a big deal! I’m usually so good! But ever since we’ve got 

here, I’ve been missing everything!” Cloudpaw growled. 

    “At least you hadn’t had someone yell at you for it,” Thunderpaw said, and gave a yawn too. Cloudpaw twitched her ear. “What do you mean?” “I mean, I was trying to catch a vole, but once I got it, Scorchpaw came out and yelled at me saying that it was his.” “Same thing happened with me.” Tigerpaw mewed. 

    “Oh, okay. But I don’t get it. Scorchpaw seems to be getting along with me and Stormpaw, and you guys don’t seem to like him at all.” “Well, let's see. He’s rude, he’s sarcastic.” Tigerpaw hissed. Hmm…

    “Well maybe you’ll start liking him, once you start talking and getting to know him.” “We’ll try…or at least until he’s tried it.” Stormpaw heard Thunderpaw say under his breath. 

    “I still don’t get this though. Ever since we’ve got here, I’ve been missing everything! I get this feeling like something’s watching me!” Stormpaw’s pelt pricked. Me too! She thought.

    “Wait, were you training while you were hunting?” Tigerpaw asked 

Cloudpaw. She nodded, and said, “Yes–I was.” “Then, it doesn’t matter as much. Now, if it was a hunting patrol, it would matter.” Tigerpaw said. “That seems right.” Thunderpaw agreed, nodding his head. Stormpaw’s sister sighed, shaking her head. “How could you two be so careless! Of course it matters!”  She hissed.

“Okay, okay. It matters. Just an opinion.” “You always say it’s an opinion, Tigerpaw,” She growled softly. 

    “There’s a hunting patrol going out now.” Thunderpaw said, nodding towards the entrance. “Maybe you can go catch something now. You know, redeem yourself, or something.” Tigerpaw mewed. Cloudpaw flicked her ear in irritation. 

    “Well, maybe I will then.” She hissed with her fur bristling, then got up, and headed towards the entrance. Tigerpaw watched her go for a moment, then gave a small snort, and shook his head. 

“I’ll be right back.” He said, then got to his paws, and left. What’s happening! She glanced nervously between her sister, and her friend. 

    “I should probably see if he’s alright,” Thunderpaw meowed, and left. Stormpaw sighed, and got up herself. She raced up to catch up with Cloudpaw, hoping she could go on the hunting patrol too. 

                                                    ******

Stormpaw pounced, killing the mouse quickly a moment later. Finally! I caught something! She thought. Now, if only I could have done that with all the others…Stormpaw stiffened, and pricked up her ears, as she heard movement in the shadows. She strained her ears for any sounds. Please let it be a mouse or something! She started to walk towards where she had heard the sound. She sniffed the air–it did have a strange smell to it–She waited for a few moments. It’s gone! Where did it go? She didn’t smell anything, nor did not hear anything. Am I going crazy? Her pelt started to heat up as her anxiety and worry started to rise up. She felt 

her fur bristling. She forced herself to lay down her fur flat. She compelled herself to calm down. Stormpaw swallowed. Everything’s okay…Everything’s okay, Stormpaw. Nothing was there. It was all in your head. Feeling shaky, she continued her hunt. 

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stormpaw awoke in a nest. She pricked up her ears. Looking around, she saw nothing out of the ordinary. She got up, and shook her tiredness away. There was Cloudpaw uphead, with Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw. Cloudpaw seemed to notice her, she scrambled up and raced to her. 

    “Stormpaw!” She said breathlessly. “You’re awake! Finally!” She panted. “Make sure to breathe.” Thunderpaw mewed, coming up with his brother. 

    “I know. Sorry. Buut! Guess what?” She started bouncing up and down in excitement. Stormpaw twitched her ear, intrigued to hear what her sister had to say. What? Say it already! Her sister took a deep breath, but didn’t stop bouncing. 

    “We’re returning to camp in a couple of days!” She looked exhilarated as she talked. Really, yes! Stormpaw started to hop with her sister in

delight. She’d bet that she had a thrilled look on her face too. 

    “Why are you two so excited?” A sudden voice asked. Stormpaw’s heart started to beat fast, she stopped hopping, and saw Scorchpaw. 

    “That’s none of your business, Scorchpaw.” Thunderpaw hissed softly. “I’m not asking, you.” Scorchpaw hissed back. “Thunderpaw, be nice!” Cloudpaw said. The tom flicked his ear in annoyance in response. 

    “We’re excited because–We’re returning to our camp in a couple of days.” “That’s it? I’m going to miss you guys,” Scorchpaw mewed, sounding disappointed. Before Cloudpaw could respond, Tigerpaw answered. 

    “Aww, you're going to miss us? How sweet.” He said sarcastically. “Because we’re not going to miss you.” He finished with a snarl. Scorchpaw’s fur bristled, and hissed. 

“Good, because I want you two gone!” He spat at the two brothers, unsheathing his claws. Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw flattened their ears in anger. Cloudpaw sat in their way, looking worried. 

    “Stop it, you three! Will you just stop it already?” She exclaimed loudly.

Scorchpaw’s bright blue eyes showed bitterness, while the two brother’s eyes looked furious, and full of hatred. 

    “Let’s all try to be friends here. Alright?” “No way I’m going to be friends with him!” Thunderpaw said, his ears still flattened. “Me neither.” Scorchpaw looked mad, like he wanted to attack them both, but he held his ground and sheathed in his claws. Tigerpaw! Thunderpaw! Whatever you do, don’t attack him, please! She thought desperately. 

    “Fine. you win. Enjoy the time you’re still here.” Scorchpaw said, and yawned, and turned around and walked away. Huh? What just happened? Cloudpaw watched him go. She turned on the two toms. 

    “This is what I was talking about, with you three fighting! It’s not going to get any better with you guys acting like that!” “I still don’t see what you two see in him,” Tigerpaw said. “Well, you’ll get to know, if you talk to him nicely.” “I don’t see the point, he’s still going to hate us. And we don’t like cats being jerks to us.” Thunderpaw mewed defensively. “I can’t talk

to you both, right now!” Cloudpaw glared at the two toms with disgust, then marched off. Stormpaw’s head was spinning. Are we not all friends anymore? She didn’t know what to do. Her mind felt like it was melting.

                                                    Chapter eight

Home sweet home

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Stormpaw was watching the warrior ceremony go on, she was looking warily around the camp from the back of everyone. Cloudpaw was on her right, and Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw were on her left. She gave a flick of her ear. 

    “Scorchpelt! Scorchpelt!” The ShadowClan cats cheered loudly, and happily. Cloudpaw joined the cheering. Only Tigerpaw, Thunderpaw, and Stormpaw stayed silent. After the ceremony, Cloudpaw went up to congratulate the new warrior, while Stormpaw went to the medicine cat den. 

    “Hello?” A young she-cat came out. “How may I help–oh, it’s you.” the young she-cat mewed. “Yarrowpelt! Stormpaw’s back.” She yowled. “No need to do that, Featherpool! I’m right here!” Yarrowpelt said, coming 

                        ***

Stormpaw awoke by prodding. When she opened her eyes, she saw Cloudpaw in front of her. 

    “Stormpaw! Wake up! Dovestar’s getting everyone ready to leave!” Stormpaw got to her paws, shaking off her tiredness. Really! She followed her sister, as she made her way into the crowd of ThunderClan cats who were sitting down patiently. Dovestar was sitting at the front.

    “Thank you, Flamestar, for letting us stay here when we needed it, and I am grateful. But we must be going back to our own home.” The ThunderClan mewed, dipping her head respectfully .

“Okay…Won’t you stay, and eat first?” Flamestar asked. Dovestar thought for a moment. Then responded.

    “Very well. But we must take our leave after.” She replied with a purr. 

Stormpaw watched as the two leaders made their way to the fresh-kill pile. She thought that they looked just like two old friends. 

    “No!  That means we’ll have to wait longer!” Cloudpaw kneaded the ground impatiently. “And I’m not even hungry!” Scorchpelt came up a moment later. 

    “Well, looks like you guys are staying for a little longer…” He commented.

    “Yes, thanks for pointing that out.” Cloudpaw said unhappily. “Get me when we’re leaving, please.” She left with her fur bristling in impatience. 

    “She’s angry…I wonder why.” When it was time to go, Stormpaw and Cloudpaw said goodbye to Scorchpelt, and left the entrance and caught up to Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw. Goodbye ShadowClan…Stormpaw felt sad that she’s leaving her friends here. But she is going back to camp! She was so excited. 

    “I can’t wait to get this ShadowClan smell off me.” Tigerpaw commented. Thunderpaw nodded in agreement. 

    When they finally got to camp, they went inside the entrance. Cloudpaw gave a gasp of surprise once she saw it. Everything was ruined. The dens were all broken, burnt to the ground. The ground was scorched from the fire. Yarrowpelt padded up, and looked around. He raced to the medicine cat den. Which to Stormpaw’s surprise, was the only thing that was not destroyed. He came out a moment later. 

    “The den is ruined on the inside. I’ll have to restock on herbs.” He growled as he came padding up to the group again. Some quiet and scared murmurs were coming from cats. Dovestar walked through the group, and stood in front to face everybody. 

    “Alright. It may look bad now. But we can fix it.” She said loud, and clearly. 

    “We are going to fix this. so I need everyone’s attention.” And at that, everyone went quiet, with their ears up, and listening. 

    “Yarrowpelt. We’ll fix your den, if you need it. But, you can restock on your herbs if you’d like.” Yarrowpelt nodded, and left the entrance. 

    “I need the dens fixed. And I need them fixed by tonight, unless we have to sleep in the open. The nursery and elders' den are the most important. So Darktail, Brightflame, and Sandheart, you guys can do the nursery. Deerleap, Snowclaw, and Hazelfern, would you please do the elders' den.” They all nodded, then left. Afterwards, she assigned hunting patrols. Stormpaw, Cloudpaw, Dovestar, and Mapletail got to go. The patrol left outside of the entrance. 

    “It’s going to be good being home!” Cloudpaw exclaimed. Stormpaw flicked her ear happily. It is going to be good…

After hunting, Stormpaw and her sister went over to help Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw with the apprentice’s den. 

    “Oh, welcome back. How was the hunting patrol?” Thunderpaw asked. 

    “Good! I finally caught prey. And a lot too!” Cloudpaw purred happily. Stormpaw nodded in agreement. Cloudpaw gave a long stretch. 

    “Home sweet home! It’s nice to be back!” She gave a delighted, loud purr. 

beside the other medicine cat. Featherpool tilted her head. “Well, you're no fun.” She sat down, frowning. Yarrowpelt sighed. “How about you go do whatever you were doing before, alright?” “Okay. fine.” The young black and gray she-cat went inside. 

    “Good, you're here.” The tom mewed, and seemed pleased. “Now I can check you over. but first come inside.” Stormpaw followed the medicine cat through the entrance. Inside, had nests, and a little crack that led further in. After Yarrowpelt checked her over, he gave a twitch of his ear in approval. 

    “You're making a good recovery. Even after that tree branch that fell on you. But, I’ll go grab some stuff for you, just in case.” He left into the tiny backspace. Stormpaw’s chest filled with anxiety. A tree branch fell on me! Is that why my back hurts? Is it going to heal? She swiftly looked around, hearing movement. Featherpool came up. The she-cat sat down, and twitched her ear. 

    “Are you feeling alright?” Stormpaw gave a nod of her head. “Featherpool, I can’t find where you put my herbs.” Yarrowpelt said, as he

was coming out of the little area. 

“I’ll grab what you need.” She got up. 

    “You're just the same as when I first met you.” She sighed, as she was walking past Yarrowpelt. “No, I’m not. I’m very different from when you first met me!” He objected, following from behind her. 

    “Yes, you are. But, here are the herbs that you were looking for.” She put down the herbs. 

Once Stormpaw was done, she left the den. She could see that the sun was setting from behind the tree’s.

                                                        * * *

Stormpaw awoke by prodding. When she opened her eyes, she saw Cloudpaw in front of her. 

    “Stormpaw! Wake up! Dovestar’s getting everyone ready to leave!” Stormpaw got to her paws, shaking off her tiredness. Really! She followed her sister, as she made her way into the crowd of ThunderClan cats who 

were sitting down patiently. Dovestar was sitting at the front.

    “Thank you, Flamestar, for letting us stay here when we needed it, and I am forever grateful. But we must be going back to our own home.” The ThunderClan mewed, dipping her head respectfully .

“Okay…Won’t you stay, and eat first?” Flamestar asked. Dovestar thought for a moment. Then responded.

    “Very well. But we must take our leave after.” She replied with a purr. 

Stormpaw watched as the two leaders made their way to the fresh-kill pile. She thought that they looked just like two old friends. 

    “No!  That means we’ll have to wait longer!” Cloudpaw kneaded the ground impatiently. “And I’m not even hungry!” Scorchpelt came up a moment later. 

    “Well, looks like you guys are staying for a little longer…” He commented.

    “Yes, thanks for pointing that out.” Cloudpaw said unhappily. “Get me when we’re leaving, please.” She left with her fur bristling in impatience. 

    “She’s angry…I wonder why.” When it was time to go, Stormpaw and

Cloudpaw said goodbye to Scorchpelt, and left the entrance and caught up to Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw. Goodbye ShadowClan…Stormpaw felt sad that she’s leaving her friends here. But she is going back to camp! She was so excited. 

    “I can’t wait to get this ShadowClan smell off me.” Tigerpaw commented. Thunderpaw nodded in agreement. 

    When they finally got to camp, they went inside the entrance. Cloudpaw gave a gasp of surprise once she saw it. Everything was ruined. The dens were all broken, burnt to the ground. The ground was scorched from the fire. Yarrowpelt padded up, and looked around. He raced to the medicine cat den. Which to Stormpaw’s surprise, was the only thing that was not destroyed. He came out a moment later. 

    “The den is ruined on the inside. I’ll have to restock on herbs.” He growled as he came padding up to the group again. Some quiet and scared murmurs were coming from cats. Dovestar walked through the group, and stood in front to face everybody. 

    “Alright. It may look bad now. But we can fix it.” She said loud, and

clearly. 

    “We are going to fix this. so I need everyone’s attention.” And at that, everyone went quiet, with their ears up, and listening. 

    “Yarrowpelt. We’ll fix your den, if you need it. But, you can restock on your herbs if you’d like.” Yarrowpelt nodded, and left the entrance. 

    “I need the dens fixed. And I need them fixed by tonight, unless we have to sleep in the open. The nursery and elders' den are the most important. So Darktail, Brightflame, and Sandheart, you guys can do the nursery. Deerleap, Snowclaw, and Hazelfern, would you please do the elders' den.” They all nodded, then left. Afterwards, she assigned hunting patrols. Stormpaw, Cloudpaw, Dovestar, and Mapletail got to go. The patrol left outside of the entrance. 

    “It’s going to be good being home!” Cloudpaw exclaimed. Stormpaw flicked her ear happily. It is going to be good…

After hunting, Stormpaw and her sister went over to help Tigerpaw and Thunderpaw with the apprentice’s den. 

    “Oh, welcome back. How was the hunting patrol?” Thunderpaw asked. 

    “Good! I finally caught prey. And a lot too!” Cloudpaw purred happily. Stormpaw nodded in agreement. Cloudpaw gave a long stretch. 

    “Home sweet home! It’s nice to be back!” She gave a delighted, loud purr. 

    At least none of us got hurt in ShadowClan, Stormpaw thought as she looked at the three of her friends.

Chapter nine:

Herb hunt

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A few days had passed since they came back to ThunderClan camp, and since then they had got done with all the dens. 

    Right now, Stormpaw was now sleeping peacefully in her nest. After a few minutes, she had woken up, and opened up her eyes. She saw that she had her head tucked under her paw, and her face in the moss. She got up, and shook herself off, having little moss bits flying off. She saw her sister stirring from her own moss bed. Stormpaw walked out of the apprentice’s den, to see the clearing filled with sunshine.

    “Hey, Stormpaw!” Yarrowpelt called, Stormpaw turned her head. She saw the white cat sitting by her den, she padded up to the tom. 

    “Great, you’re awake…I was wondering if you could get some catmint for me?” He asked her. Catmint? But, why would you ask me…? Stormpaw nodded slowly, and at that, the medicine cat’s eyes showed appreciation. 

    “Great! In that case, Catmint usually grows in the twolegplace–” he