Fading river

Riverclan 

Leader:  

Riverstar (A blue tom with silver eyes, 4 lives left) 

Deputy:  

Maplefur (Calico she-cat with green eyes)  

Medicine cat:  

Stormcloud (Dark grey tom with a white diagonal stripe running through his back, blue eyes) 

Warriors:  

Ripplefur (A black she-cat with a fluffy grey tail and white paws. Has blue eyes.)  

Rainfur (A black she-cat with a white stomach and green eyes)  

Ottershine (A brown tom with amber eyes)  

Darkpool (Black tom with shiny fur that makes him look like a pool)  

Waterfall (White tom with grey spots and blue eyes) 

Smokefur (Smokey grey tom with purple eyes) 

Cloudfoot (white tom with sky blue eyes)  

Runningbird (A caramel she-cat with blue eyes that’s very fast)  

Harewhisker (Calico tom with amber eyes)  

Ashtail (A grey tricolor she-cat with silver eyes)  

Flamepelt (A golden and red tom with orange-red eyes) 

Fleetfoot (A tuxedo she with hazel eyes)  

Duskfall (Brown tom with light brown eyes)  

Goldshine (dark gold tabby tom with amber eyes)  

Sweetsong (striped, grey she-cat with blue eyes) 

Apprentices:  

Mistpaw (Light grey and white she-cat with light grey eyes)  

Lionpaw (A tom who looks like a lion with green eyes) 

Snowpaw (All white tom with blue eyes)  

Shrewpaw (A fawn looking tom with orange eyes)  

Springpaw (A chimera she-cat with ice blue eyes) 

Winterpaw (All white she-cat) 

Shadepaw (Really dark tom) 

Fishpaw (A all white tom with black spots) 

Queens:  

Midnight (Black she-cat with a few white spots, mates with flamepelt, kits are Shadowkit; a black tom, with green eyes, Duskkit; a golden tom with white spots, and blue eyes)  

Moonshard (A silver tabby she-cat with blue eyes and a mystical feeling about her, mates with Darkppol, kits are Dotkit; a silver she-cat with spots, blue eyes, and Wrenkit; A white she-cat, with silver spots and blue eyes) 

Elders:  

Batwhisper (Black tom with green eyes, big ears and a croaky voice)  

Snowclan 

Leader:  

Snowstar (A white she with blue eyes and a grey tail) 

Deputy:  

Coldsong (A pale gray leopard pattern she with amber eyes and a sharp tongue) 

Medicine cat:  

Fireleaf (Ginger tabby she-cat) 

Warriors:  

Blazefire (A dark caramel tom, with amber eyes)  

Mistypool (Lavender mackerel) 

Fernwisker (A lavender tom with an odd attachment to herbs) 

Hazelshade (A hazel tom with black paws) 

Skydapple (A silver she-cat with blue/grey spots) 

Duskstripe (A light amber tom) 

Rainshadow (A dark grey blue tom, amber eyes) 

Apprentices:  

Thornpaw (A black and golden ticked tabby) 

Shadowpaw (A black she-cat with a white muzzle and white paws) 

Emberpaw (Flame colored tom) 

Queens:  

Whirlclaw (A dark blue she-cat with highlights of grey and white, green eyes, mates with Rainshadow, Kits are Mistkit; A Dark blue she-cat, with amber eyes, and Dewkit, a gray tom with dark blue highlights and green eyes) 

Frostfeather (A white and blue she-cat, with green eyes, Mates with Sunkiss, one single kit named Moonkit; A white she-cat with golden socks and blue eyes) 

Silvermoon (Silver she-cat, with blue eyes, mates with Blazefire, Kits are Leafkit; a dark grey tom, Poppykit a Silver she-cat, with amber eyes, and Gingerkit; a ginger tom with a white tail tip) 

Elders:  

Wolfheart (A wolf looking she-cat with a torn ear)  

Foxtail (A black tom with a bright orange bushy tail)  

Iceclan 

Leader: Icestar (Light gray tabby tom with purple eyes and a hint of purple in his fur) 

Deputy: Thornshade (Freckled russet tabby tom with amber eyes) 

Warriors: 

Whisperwillow (A light gray tom with light purple eyes and he’s skinny)  

Copperstripe (A light brown tom with copper stripes running along his back and blue eyes)  

Ivyclaw (A dark silver tabby tom with green eyes)  

Bramblethorn (A dark brown spotted she-cat with blue eyes)  

Snowbreeze (A white leopard pattern she-cat with ice blue eyes) 

Silentmist (A pale gray she-cat with faint spots and she’s mute) 

Apprentices: 

Goldenpaw (A bright yellow tabby tom with striking green eyes) 

Sapphirepaw (A medium gray spotted she-cat with deep blue eyes) 

Diamondpaw (A white she-cat with pale gray spots and ice blue eyes) 

Queens: 

Blazefrost (A bright orange tabby she-cat with green eyes and a white underbelly, Mates with Copperstripe, Mother to Amberkit, an orange-tan tabby she-kit with blue eyes and Flamekit, a bright orange tabby tomcat with copper stripes) 

Willowshade (A dark gray tabby she-cat with green eyes, Mates with Thornshade, Mother to Frecklekit, a gray freckled she-kit with amber eyes, Stormkit, a spotted dark gray tom with deep blue eyes, and Leafkit, a russet tabby she-kit with yellow eyes) 

Elders:  

Silverthorn (A silver tabby tom with green eyes, sharp claws, and he’s grumpy) 

Slashfire (A old gray tom with blue eyes known for his quick blows in a fight) 

Ravenstone (An almost pitch black she-cat with blue eyes) 

Stormclan 

Leader:  

Stormstar (A dilute tortoiseshell she-cat with blue eyes and a fiery temper) 

Deputy:  

Shadowmouse  (A small gray tom with amber eyes) 

Medicine cat:  

Skipstripe  (A yellow tabby tom with black markings and a missing stripe) 

Warriors:  

Blazesplash  (A dilute tortoiseshell tom with green eyes; Stormstar’s brother)  

Tigerlily (A brown and white spotted she-cat with green eyes)  

Frogcatcher (A gray solid tom with green eyes and loves catching frogs)  

Whitepond (A white she-cat with blue eyes)  

Smokesand (A dilute tortie she-cat with blue eyes and Stormstar’s and Blazesplash’s father)  

Sunfall (A solid yellow tom with blue eyes, known for accidentally falling from trees a lot)  

Apprentices:  

Rockpaw (A gray scruffy tom with green eyes and big paws)  

Sandpaw (A dusty yellow she-cat with amber eyes and a big personality)  

Applepaw (A red and brown tom with amber eyes)  

Queens:  

Goldenleaf (A yellow she-cat with blue eyes and a dainty run, mate with Sunfall, expecting kits)  

Jayleaf (A light gray tabby she-cat with ice-blue eyes, mate with Frogcatcher, 1 kit named Whisperkit; A small and scrawny tom who looks like a ghost)  

Elders: 

Pebbleriver (A spotted dark gray tabby she-cat with amber eyes)  

Hawkhunter (A brown tabby tom with green eyes known for catching hawks) 

Rainclan 

Leader: Rainstar (A gray spotted tabby tom with green eyes) 

Deputy: Frostday (A very pale gray tom with ice blue eyes) 

Medicine cat: Cloudedsky (A gray tom with white splotches and purple eyes) 

Warriors:  

Dawnheart (A yellow-tan tabby she-cat with navy blue eyes) 

Lilytail (A dilute calico she-cat with the only spots on her tail and amber eyes)  

Lilacheart (A light gray, purple she-cat with blue eyes) 

Waverunner (A dark blue-gray tom with navy blue eyes) 

Rabbitrunner (A light tan solid tom with a thin white line on his underbelly) 

Pineclaw (A scruffy russet-brown tom with fur that sticks up, thin claws and green eyes) 

Apprentices: 

Skypaw (A white she-cat with deep blue eyes and pale gray spotting) 

Breezepaw (A smoky black she-cat with amber eyes and a smooth run) 

Queens:  

Bluesky (A dark blue gray she-cat with deep blue eyes, mates with Frostday, and their kit is Waterkit, a light blue gray she-kit with ice-blue eyes) 

Acornleaves (A dark brown-golden she-cat with amber eyes, mates with Waverunner, kits are Divekit, a dark blue-gray tabby tomcat with amber eyes, and Troutkit, a light gray spotted tom with deep blue eyes) 

Bailey (A light brown longhaired tabby she-cat with amber eyes, formerly a kitty pet, mates with Rainstar, kits are Rockkit, a light gray longhaired tomcat with green eyes, Petalkit, a deep ginger she-kit with blue eyes, Fogkit, a light gray spotted she-kit with green eyes, and Featherkit, a silver tabby tom with blue eyes)  

Elders:  

Berryfur (A heartbroken dark grey tom with flower in his ear) 

Pondfish (A light gray tom with green eyes who is Berryfur’s mate, but Berryfur has dementia and keeps thinking Pondfish is dead) 

Mysterious forest 

Warriors:  

Ravenblaze (Most evil. Black tom with an orange tail tip) 

Wolfscar (Ravenblaze’s son, grey tom with a long scar on his side) 

Swifttiger (A small, swift she-cat who looks like a tiger) 

Dawnstripe (A grey she with black spots) 

Hollowfoot (A brown skilled tom) 

Shade (A black and grey tom. Former rouge)  

Moonlight (A white she-cat) 

Smoke (Former loner. Smokey grey tom)  

Brokenclaw (A dark cream tom with broken claws) 

Wavestorm (A jet-black tom. His coat has a subtle sheen that reflects the light, resembling waves in a moonlit sea. He has dark brown eyes. Very respected, and feared. Almost leader.)  

Apprentices:  

Poolpaw (pale grey with darker stripes she-cat) 

Snowpaw (All white tom with a black tail tip) 

Brightpaw (Tortoiseshell colored she-cat with green eyes) 

Cloudpaw (A white tom with blue tints and blue eyes) 

Weaselpaw (A caramel tom with yellow eyes) 

Prologue  

     “Shade” Ravenblaze gestured with his tail.  

“I need you to get this cat and bring her here” Ravenblaze hissed a mischievous gleam in his eyes. He looked down as the ground opened to see a small chimera she-cat. 

“Of course.” Shade grinned. A huge grey tom jumped out of a giant oak tree.  

“What can I do” He asked his tail fluffing up.  

“Go get that special cat we’ve been talking about.” Ravenblaze meowed. His brown eyes lit up with excitement as he watched his son.

Wolfscar smirked. An evil smirk.  “Of course” Clouds streamed across the blood red sky as Wolfscars paws thudded the ground. The dead deep brown tree rustled as another cat padded in.  She looked around the clearing. She found a nice spot under the big oak tree 

     “Don’t you think we need more than just a few cats” She meowed through gritted teeth.  

“Of course, we do Moonlight” Brokenclaw hissed looking directly at Ravenblaze. Ravenblaze stared back at Brokenclaw holding his gaze evenly. Brokenclaw looked away. He padded towards his mate and sat next to her, laying his tail affectionately on her shoulder.  

A light rustle came from the bushes. “Come on out Weaslepaw” Brokenclaw said kicking out his hind paw. Weaselpaw screeched as the paw thumped his chest; sending him flying.  

     “Was that good” Weaselpaw asked trying to steady his voice.  

Ravenblaze nodded. “It was okay, but make sure to crouch lower so you don't rustle the branches. ” Ravenblaze instructed. Weaselpaw’s ear flicked with excitement as Ravenblaze didn't give little praise that easily.  

“Brokenclaw, Moonlight, where are you?” A white tom came out with a pale grey she-cat at his side. 

“Welcome Snowpaw, Poolpaw.” Ravenblaze meowed, his approving gaze sweeping over them.  

The ground thudded as a new feline padded in. “Ravenblaze, Brokenclaw.” The tom dipped his head. 

 He drew closer to his apprentices. “Snowpaw. Poolpaw, I want you to find Brightpaw and Cloudpaw. They need to be prepared with what will happen in the next few sunrises.” He meowed his jet black pelt rippling like waves in a moonlight sea.  

“Of course Wavestorm.” Poolpaw meowed dipping her head. She padded off, her nose in the air. Snowpaw put his nose to the ground and padded of behind her.  

Wavestorm turned towards Ravenblaze. “We need to discuss training plans” He meowed his pelt flashing. Ravenblaze padded forward talking to Wavestorm in a low voice. Wavestorm was nodding. He looked over his shoulder and waved his tail for Moonlight to join them. She joined them warmly her spirits lifting.  

Wavestorm glanced at Brokenclaw. "Come here" He hissed. Brokenclaw tried to push in between him and Moonlight but Wavestorm blocked him. "No, you'll go here." He growled. 

Brokenclaw growled but moved anyways. "Weaslepaw's training will no longer be over seen by you. Wavestorm will take it over at sundown." Ravenblaze meowed.

"WHAT! That's not fair!" Brokenclaw snarled glaring at Wavestorm. "Will I at least get to mentor the new apprentice?"  Brokenclaw asked trying to cool his temper. 

"No." Ravenblaze meowed. "Thankfully" He whispered to Moonlight. She smirked and nodded. "Wavestorm, Moonlight, Wolfscar, Swifttiger, Dawnstripe, Hollowfoot, Shade, Smoke, and I will take on all training for now. 

"Also nothings fair in the mysterious forest." Wavestorm sneered. 

At that Brokenclaw turned and padded away. He glanced over his shoulder, meowing "Are you coming Moonlight?" He asked. 

Wavestorm shook his head, as he padded in front of Moonlight. "She will stay with me." He meowed glancing at moonlight then back at Brokenclaw.

"But she's my mate!" He growled. 

Ravenblaze stalked up to Brokenclaw. With extended claws he threw his paw across Brokenclaw's face.

Chapter one 

     I rolled in the snow cleaning my pelt.  

“Springpaw let’s go hunting.” Maplefur meowed.  

“I still can’t believe you are Maplefur's apprentice” Winterpaw meowed jealousy hinting the edge of her meow. 

“Jealous” I taunted. Winterpaw growled.  

“Come on Springpaw” Maplefur hissed.  

"Coming! Bye Winterpaw”  I called over my shoulder. I pushed through the thorn barrier wincing as they scraped my back. Springpaw! How nice it is to finally meet you! Well, I guess I’ve been in your head - Um never mind. Who are you? I ask. Ha just don’t tell anyone about me, I’m your little secret. 

     “What can you smell?” Maplefur asked jerking me out of my thoughts. 

I drew in a sharp breath. “Squirrel, mouse, and rabbit.” I meowed.  

“Good” Maplefur’s meow was surprised.  

"Let's try to hunt as much as we can; in this cold it will be hard to catch anything. The prey pile has been low and even our best hunters are struggling” She replied softly.  

“I’ll follow you. You tell me what to do” Her voice was challenging but polite. 

 I nodded nervously. I padded around for a second catching the first sent. “Rabbit!” I exclaimed.  

“It’s eating a left-over carrot.” Maplefur looked at me with curiosity.  

“How can you tell?” She asked.  

“Well, the scent is easy to find; I can hear it nibbling.” Isn't that obvious? I thought. 

     “I’ll follow you” She repeated. I nodded waving my tail for her to follow me. What if I mess up? This is weird telling the deputy what to do. I thought. 

 “There” I whispered angling my ears towards the rabbit. I crouched down into a hunting crouch. I kept my tail low making sure not to brush the ground. I avoided a stick. There! I thought, peering into the small clearing. I pounced on the rabbit landing squarely on its shoulders. I gave it the killing bite before it had time to escape. “Squirrel!”  I whispered looking into the trees above us.  

     I padded into camp Maplefur on my heals. Prey dangled from my and Maplefur’s jaws. “Wow!” Winterpaw exclaimed.  

“You caught all of that!?” Riverstar asked, leaving his spot next to his mate.  

“Is it bad if I did” I asked nervously.  

“Of course, not” Riverstar said nodding his head approvingly. I caught a rabbit, mouse, squirrel, three pine martins, a lucky eagle, and a thrush.  

“The clan will eat well today” Ashfoot meowed padding up next to Riverstar. Riverstar licked his mate affectionately.  

     “Can we go practice battle moves” I pleaded after everyone left. Maplefur shook her head. 

 “You need rest. You went on three patrols today. It’s also too cold” She decided. 

 “Okay” I meowed. 

 The snow pressed into my paws as I padded into the den. “There you are” Winterpaw said padding in after me. 

 “How did you catch all of that” She asked settling down next to me. Her warmth spread through my pelt as I shrugged 

. “I could just hear and smell them” I said licking my fur dry.  

     “Hi, Shadepaw” I meowed sweetly. Winterpaw rolled her eyes. I glance at her. Was that jealousy in her eyes? 

“Hi, Springpaw” He meowed. I rested my head on my paws and looked up at him 

 “I’ll see you later. Goodnight” I meowed, my eyes closing. I felt his fur gently brush mine as I drifted to sleep.  

Chapter two 

     “Hello, little one” A sweet voice meowed. 

 “Stop being so nice to her” A voice hissed. Where am I? That voice it sounds like a male. I thought, opening my eyes.  

     “Why we need to gain her trust. Did Ravenblaze teach you nothing?!” The female hissed into the other cat's ear. My ears were pricked as I sat up. They don’t know I can hear them, do they? I questioned myself.  

“Who are you” I sniffed the air reaching for a familiar scent. Emberpaw?!  

“Are you scared at all” The male asked fixing his eyes on me.  

“Why would I be” I snapped back. I threw my paw down spraying dirt everywhere. Ferocity blazed in his eyes. 

     “I’m Moonlight” The she meowed as the tom scowled.  

“That’s Shade” Moonlight added letting out a mrrow of laughter. Her tail flicked over to the tom.  

“You're scared of a little dirt” I taunted. Moonlight burst out into laughter, covering her mouth with her bushy tail.  

     “My name is Springpaw” I meowed sitting down silently. 

 “Come on follow me” Moonlight meowed nudging Shade ahead. Shade went ahead padding through the forest. His black and grey pelt disappeared.  

“Ravenblaze, we have her” Shade meowed.  

“We’re close, right” I meowed curiously. Moonlight nodded surprised that I knew that. I hoped over a piece of bark.  

     “Welcome Springpaw” A new voice meowed as we padded into the clearing. 

 “So, you must be Ravenblaze.” I meowed to danger flashing in my ice blue eyes.  

“Very good” Ravenblaze hissed.  

“So, what do you want me to do?” I snarled.  

“We just want to make you the best warrior you can be” He meowed as sympathetically as he could. 

     “I may be young but I’m not stupid” I snapped. 

 “Calm down Springpaw” Moonlight meowed resting her tail tip on my shoulder.  

“Stop being so soft” Brokenclaw hissed. Lashing out with a hind paw; I threw him to the ground. He rose to his paws instantly getting ready to pounce.  

“Enough!” A black cat padded in.  

“Yes wavestorm” Brokenclaw 

     A light thud sodded from behind us. “Emberpaw! Are you ok” I exclaimed running over to the small flame colored cat. He responded with a whimper. “Why is he here?!” I snarled, turning around, my tail lashing. “Because he has potential” Moonlight meowed. Emberpaw was getting to his paws. “W-where am I” He whimpered. “This is the strange forest” I meowed. “Scaredy cat” Brokenclaw sneered.  

     “Enough!” “If he is too scared to fight then he shouldn’t train to be the best warrior." Ravenblaze meow was sharp. “Fight? I can do that!” Emberpaw exclaimed. He leaped to his paws and bared his teeth. “Let’s see it” Ravenblaze snickered. “Who do you want him to fight” I asked staring at Ravenblaze.                                             

     “Brokenclaw let’s see how well Shrewpaw is doing. If he does bad, your to blame” Ravenblaze growled. Brokenclaw nodded. “Shrewpaw!” Brokenclaw yowled. I took a step forward squaring up to Brokenclaw. “Do you want to fight or our you to scared?” I asked tauntingly. I took another step forward. “I’m not too scared of you” Brokenclaw snickered. “Really” I challenged. Before he could move, I pounced. 

     I landed on his tail. He scowled as he lost balance; crashing down. Backing up, my hind legs pushed up against a tree. Brokenclaw turned and started to pounce. I waited for him to get a whisker away before jumping out of his range. His head banged against the trunk. His eyes were dazed as he got up.  

“Very good Springpaw” A voice purred. “Thanks” I meowed with a light pant. Brokenclaw was panting so hard he collapsed onto his side. “Wolfscar” Brokenclaw meowed dipping his head nervously. 

Wolfscar looked at Brokenclaw. His hard gaze flickered over Brokenclaw a growl deep in his throat. He leapt at me. I stepped around him. “Let’s see how you do with two cats.” Wolfscar meowed.  

My loud growl stopped them both. “This isn’t your battle.” The cat spoke. His head turned towards Brokenclaw. “If your worthy enough to live, train, and fight here then prove it.”   

“Yes, Wavestorm”   

A loud whimper echoed through the clearing. My head flew around scanning for the noise. Shrewpaw was lying on the ground; a long gash on his side. His hind quarters were sprawled out as chunks of his caramel fur scattered on the ground. 

“Emberpaw!” I exclaimed happily. I rushed over to him. Shrewpaw laid still on the ground beside the twitch of his tail tip. The sky started to turn a light blood red. “See you all tomorrow” Shrewpaw meowed with a grunt. As I padded out into the forest Emberpaw caught up with me.  

“Who was that?” Emberpaw asked tilting his head.  

“That was Wolfscar” I meowed sitting down to lick the scratch on my paw. 

 “He is Ravenblaze’s son” I meowed. Not waiting for his response, I closed my eyes. 

Chapter three 

A paw prodded me awake. I looked around my muscle stiff from the night before. Moonlight filtered through the den branches. 

 “What!” I snarled pushing down the growl rumbling in my chest.  

“Oh, I’m sorry” Shadepaw meowed. I sat up feeling instantly guilty.  

“I-I" I stuttered. My pelt was hot with embarrassment. 

“It’s fine” He reassured me. I rose to my paws.  

“Want to go on a walk with me” Shadepaw meowed a hopeful gleam in his eyes.  

“Of course I want to” I meowed. I carefully stepped around Fishpaw and Winterpaw. That cat is a waste of your time Springpaw, your life is too tangled with him.  

“Who are you?” I mutter, under my breath. The voice inside me laughed; Uh, well I guess you should know. I’m Scorchkit, you’re combined sibling. What! I scream inside my head. Well, you're a chimera, which means Sweetsong had three kits but two of them combined, that means you and me. And when we were born, we were born combined, so you have me inside your head. I gasped, Hyperventilating. 

“Let all cats old enough to catch your own prey gather around for a clan meeting” Riverstar meow echoed around the clearing. I woke with a start, my mind still fresh from the night with Shadepaw. “We have gathered here today for two reasons.” He meowed.  

“Where’s Maplefur” Shadepaw asked. I shrugged too tired to respond. “It is time for two kits to become apprentices” He meowed. Shadepaw pointed with his tail at the well-groomed kits. “Shadowkit, Duskkit, have reached the age of six moons and are ready to become apprentices.” Riverstar meowed. A chill breeze ruffled my fur. Shadepaw pressed close our fur brushing.  

“Shadowkit step forward” Riverstar meowed a proud expression on his face. “Ripplefur, you have shown yourself to be kind and skilled, you will mentor Shadowpaw” He purred summoning the she-cat. Shadepaw touched noses with Ripplefur. Following her back to her spot beside Ottershine and Waterfall.  

“Dustkit step forward” Riverstar said drawing in a sharp quick breath. “Ottershine, you have shown yourself to be compassionate, clever, and show commitment, you will mentor Dustpaw” He meowed with the wave of his tail. A wave of exhaustion washed over me. Shadepaw wrapped his tail around my back as I leaned into him.  

Ottershine padded up to touch his new apprentice’s nose. Dustpaw padded towards his littermate with Ottershine on his paws. “Dustpaw, Shadowpaw” The clan chanted. Riverstar waved his tail for silence ready for his next announcement.  

“Maplefur has gotten really sick.” A gasp of shock spread around the clearing. I sat up strait shaking of Shadepaw’s tail. He shot me with a worried gaze before looking back at Riverstar. “Ripplefur, you have mentored an apprentice and have shown courage and loyalty to Riverclan. You will be the temporary deputy until Maplefur has recovered. Springpaw your new mentor will Darkpool.” 

I nodded waving my tail in farewell to Shadepaw before going to sit next to Darkpool. “This meeting is dismissed.” Riverstar yowled. “You can have today off. we will start tomorrow” Darkpool meowed following Ripplefur into the warrior's den.   

The forest smells relaxed me as I curled on some moss. The little clearing letting in a ray of sunshine was warming. The canopy of trees around the clearing shaded a piece of my nest. The little stream was cold but refreshing. My mind drifted away. Birds chirped, mice scuttled on the forest floor, squirrels ate nuts off the ground. The world was peaceful. I drifted into sleep.  

I walked out into the forest. I stood at the edge of a cliff. My paws were frozen to the ground, I heard a voice; a calming but worried voice. An Ember will spark with Spring and Sky at its side. The power will rise with the help from the Shade. 4 will work together to save a Ripple from the flowing river. But beware the river will fade, and the Ripple will get blamed. 4 must become 3 to save the river from the monsters that rome the land. A breeze ruffled my fur as mist figures walked past. The shape disappeared into the forest. 

Cold ice trickled up my paws making me shiver. I pelted through the forest back to camp.”Springpaw are you ok?” My mother Sweetsong meowed. Goldenshine looked at me with a confused look. “Yes, do you know where is Winterpaw is.”  I meowed with a silent tear running down my face. “She should be in her nest” Goldenshine meowed tilting his head to one side. 

I ran off to the den. Confusion and helplessness flailed through my head like a cat drowning in deep water. “Winterpaw!” I whimpered. “What!” She meowed with a sharp edge to her voice. “I had a vision, and a prophecy” I meowed lowering by voice. “What was it?” She meowed sitting up strait looking around for any other cats. I let out a whimper before starting to talk. “An Ember will spark with Spring and Sky at its side. The power will rise with the help from the Shade. 4 will work together to save a Ripple from the flowing river. But beware the river will fade, and the Ripple will get blamed. 4 must become 2 to save the river from the monsters that rome the land.” I said drawing in quick and shallow breaths. 

The world started to spin. My paws were trembling. “Spring?” My sister asked using my nickname.  

“Are you ok?!” Another familiar voice spoke. It was Shadepaw! “What did you do!” He yelled at Winterpaw rushing over to me. My paws couldn’t hold me any longer and I collapsed on the ground. The world went black... 

Voices sounded around me. My eyes opened just a bit. The world was blur but I can see shapes. “She’s awake” Shadepaw meowed urgently in his voice. His usual smoothed pelt was ruffled. My eyes opened all the way fear creeping in my head. You’re fine, just relax. Scorchkit meowed in a soothing voice. His little orange paw smoothed my fur. 

“Where am I” I asked my voice more confidently. “You're in my den” Stormcloud meowed. “How are you feeling?” Shadepaw asked sniffing at my paws. “Her fever is gone” He meowed to Stormcloud looking at me with a worried glance.  

“F-fine” I stuttered getting to my paws. My legs were shaking, and my paws trembled. “Whoa, sit down.” Stormcloud meowed. An icy chill ran through my paws and into my legs. “How long was I asleep?” I asked feeling the presents of Scorchkit. “2 moons.” Shadepaw meowed. “2!” I exclaimed.  

“Come on let’s go tell everyone you’re awake.” Shadepaw meowed nudging me up. Leaning on Shadepaw’s shoulder I padded out into the clearing. “Springpaw!” Sweetsong exclaimed. Goldenshine ran over to me with Sweetsong on his heels. “Hi mom and dad” I meowed through constant licks from my mother. A small group of apprentices gathered around me. “You grew even while you were asleep.” Fishpaw meowed. Looking around I saw that Fishpaw said was true, all the apprentices were smaller than me. 

“How are you?” Wrenkit asked. “Fine, how are you?” I repeated her question. “Amazing, Ripplefur is such an amazing mentor.” She meowed. “You’re an apprentice now?” I meowed, tilting my head. She nodded bouncing up and down. “Maplefur is my mentor” Dotpaw meowed. “B-but she wa-” My head was filled with questions.  

“Come on Springpaw let’s go get some fresh kill.” Shadepaw interrupted. I picked out a squirrel from the pile laying down to eat. Shadepaw laid down next to me and we shared the squirrel. “How are you feeling?” Shadepaw asked finishing the last bit. “Better” I meowed grooming my tail.  

We sat up and started talking about what had happened while I was asleep. “Hi Shadepaw” Winterpaw meowed sweetly resting a tail on his shoulder. Tears rolled down my face. It’s like I was invisible. I got to my paws and pelted out of the clearing into the forest. Tears rolled down my face as I ran. “Springpaw!” Shadepaw yowled racing after me. Winterpaw streamed after me hard on Shadepaw’s paws. The world started to spin as I ran into the clearing. I slumped down onto my already made nest of moss.  

Winterpaw’s white pelt was in the clearing, but I didn’t care. I curled into a ball ignoring the pleas of Winterpaw and Shadepaw. My eyes felt heavy, and I slowly fell asleep. The world went black. Paws prodded me awake. I let out a low growl flinging open my eyes.  

“Winterpaw go away!” I meowed getting to my paws. I pelted through the forest waking my body up. Winterpaw was hard on my paws. The world started to spin once more. I felt as though I would pass out once more. A few tears rolled down my face making my face wet. I climbed up a tree knowing that Winterpaw couldn’t catch me. I was the fastest tree climber in the whole clan. 

“Springpaw are you ok?” A voice said from the branch above me.  

“Emberpaw?” I meowed jumping up to his branch. The smooth fiery pelt of Emberpaw soothed me. “Why are you in Snowclan’s territory?” He asked. I looked around smelling Snowclan sent.  

“I guess I wasn’t paying attention” I meowed feeling guilty.  

“It’s fine” he meowed a big grin on his face. I smiled feeling my cheeks blush. 

“So, are you going to tell me why you were crying?” He meowed scooting closer to me. 

“It’s just that I woke up after two moons from fainting and I found out that my sister likes my crush ever though she knows I love him so much” I sobbed leaning into him. His muscles tensed as a rustling sound came from below us. 

“Springpaw there you are!” Shadepaw meowed. I looked away from him burring my head into Emberpaw’s shoulder. Emberpaw let out a deep growl wrapping his tail protectively around my back.  

“Go away, she obviously doesn't want you here” Emberpaw snarled. I’m here if you need me. Take a deep breath. Stop crying. Just talk to Shadepaw when you feel ready. Scorchkit meowed in my ear. His breath was warm and sweet in my ear. Taking a few deep breaths, I looked up from Emberpaw’s shoulder towards Shadepaw. Winterpaw was right next to him, her eyes filled with tears. 

“I’m so sorry.” Winterpaw pleaded. “Forgive us please” She meowed brushing her tail over her eyes trying to dry them. I looked back at Emberpaw. He gave me a nod. I went to his ear and whispered “I will see you later” I whispered. Giving him a quick lick on his cheek I brushed his tail off gently. I padded over to Shadepaw and Winterpaw.  

“I forgive you” I meowed looking back at Emberpaw. He nodded once more before jumping down back to his territory. 

“We should get back to camp.” Shadepaw meowed licking my cheek. I nodded, jumping down to a lower branch. I leaped to the ground, my paws outstretched. I padded through the forest with Shadepaw next to me. His tail entwined with mine. Winterpaw still struggling down and muttered to herself. I stretched out my hearing to try to catch what she said.  

“I wish she never woke up. I could have been with Shadepaw by now” She muttered under her breath. A growl rose from deep within her throat. I snarled turning around yanking my tail away from Shadepaw. I padded over feeling strength pulse under my skin.  

“Say that again!” I snarled. 

“Springpaw what?” Shadepaw asked brushing next to me.  

“I said I wish she never woke up. I could have been with Shadepaw by now” She growled.  

“Why would I want to be with you!” Shadepaw screeched. Without another word I hurled myself at Winterpaw knocking her off the ground. She staggered trying to get to her paws. I nipped at her shoulder feeling the muscle rip beneath my teeth. I bit her one more time before leaping off. Winterpaw screeched in pain as I stepped on her tail.  Shadepaw pulled us apart stepping in. 

“Why would you say that to your sister!” Shadepaw snapped. “Come on Springpaw” Shadepaw emphasized my name spitting at Winterpaw. She looked sad more than anything. I looked at Shadepaw tears welling in my eyes.  

“I’m sorry” I sobbed to him. The world was a blur as I stumbled into camp. 

“Come on let’s go to your nest” Shadepaw meowed his tail wrapped around me.  

“Springpaw are you ok? You have a bit of blood on your paws!” Sweetsong meowed frantically sniffing me.  

“Get of her!” Shadepaw growled shoving her onto the ground. She let out a scowl of anger and surprise. Shadepaw nudged me forward until I was in my nest.  

“Springpaw? Are you ok?” Wrenpaw’s small body pressed next to mine. I nodded collapsing on my side. Shadepaw paced the entrance growling at every cat who got close to the small den. Wrenpaw looked at me worriedly . She curled down next to me to help me relax. I fell asleep letting Wrenpaw sooth me. 

“Shadepaw get away now!” The growl of Riverstar woke me up. Wrenpaw jolted up. Dawn light filtered through the den. You slept the whole night; you must feel rested. And no, I don’t blame you for what happened yesterday. You should focus more on Emberpaw. 

“No, nobody gets to see her except me and Wrenpaw.” He replied, his gaze flickering back at me.  

“Who’s here” I meowed my voice hardly heard over my stomach. It rumbled harder.  

“I’ll check when I get you some food. I’ll be back” She promised.  

“Thanks” I murmured. She squeezed past Shadepaw sharing a quick word with him.  

“Let me see her” Goldenshine demanded a growl rising in his throat. He tried to shove Shadepaw away, but Shadepaw held his ground fighting back. He pushed Goldenshine away with his fore paws. I shook my head peering through the leaves of the den. Wrenpaw was padding back with a squirrel and vole in her jaws. She scooted past Shadepaw padding up to me.  

“I didn’t know what you wanted so I got your choices” She meowed.  

“Thanks” I meowed before adding “Who’s out there, are there a lot of cats?” I asked nervously.  

“Riverstar, Sweetsong, Goldenshine, Ripplefur, Ottershine, Darkpool, Rainfur, Waterfall, Maplefur, Smokefur, Stormcloud, Mistpaw, Dotpaw, Lionpaw, Snowpaw, and W-winterpaw.” She meowed, her voice becoming more and more nervous as she came to Winterpaw’s name. I growled loud enough for Shadepaw to hear. He jerked his back looking around before standing his ground. I padded up to him whispering in his ear. 

“You can let one in at a time. I will tell you when to let one in and out.”  I whispered peering out at all the cats. Some were laying down while others sat up glaring at Shadepaw. Sweetsong paced with Goldenshine next to her, while Riverstar sat next to Maplefur, Rainfur, Ripplefur, and Waterfall their heads close as they talk. Hostile glares came from Winterpaw as tears welled in her eyes.  

“Let Dotpaw and Sweetsong in.” I meowed to Shadepaw. 

“But you said 1 feline in at a time.” Shadepaw meowed, not taking his eyes off the cats that surrounded in front of him.  

“I want to talk to my mother and Wrenpaw deserves to talk to her sister. W-” I cut my self-off the rest of the sentence.  

“Very well” he said barely blinking.  

“Thank you” I meowed padding back to my nest. I settled down waiting for Shadepaw to call them. 

“Dotpaw, Sweetsong Springpaw will let you come in.” Shadepaw meowed holding his spot until the two she cats stood in front of him. He took a nervous step backwards still halfway in the entrance. He took another pace back, his tail quivering.  

“Wrenpaw!” Dotpaw meowed running up to meet her sister.  

“Oh, Springpaw!” My mother exclaimed, covering my face with licks. I shook my head pushing her off. Shadepaw had moved back to his spot defensively. His eyes blazed as if they were fires started by rage, confusion and love. After my mother finished licking me, we shared my squirrel, each taking a bite. 

“Please let Winterpaw in.” My mother pleaded after I told her what happened. 

“Shadepaw” I meowed anger flaring in my veins. He at once turned around and looked at me. I tilted my head towards my mother, my eyes flickering between her and Shadepaw.  

“Sweetsong it’s time to get out” He meowed holding my gaze for another minute before looking at Sweetsong. 

“Me too?!” Dotpaw paw whined. 

“No” I meowed. “Stay here and visit with your sister.” I replied calmly. “You didn’t do anything to deserve leaving” I smiled. The grunt of my mother jerked me away from my conversation. I glared at my mother. Suddenly Goldenshine almost thrust himself through the brambles of the side of the den. Shadepaw whipped around, leaping across to meet Goldenshine through the brambles.  “Shadepaw watch the entrance!” I meowed as cats started to stream in. My heart pounded. I can’t do this! He flew around pushing against the ground. He threw himself forward knocking Smokefur into Darkpool. “Get out!” I screeched pushing against my father. By the time I had gotten Goldenshine out Shadepaw had fought off all cats in the den. 

“Are you ok?” Shadepaw asked. I nodded. Wrenpaw ran over to me with Dotpaw on her tail. 

“Are you ok, you have a gash on your side?” Dotpaw meowed. 

“Yeah.” I promised. I rose to my paws padding over to Shadepaw’s side. I peered out “There is so many cats.” I meowed. 

Shadepaw nodded. “Yeah.” I took a step out looking around once more.  

Riverstar looked up “Springpaw!” He meowed relief flooding his eyes. The clearing froze and looked up. I drew in a nervous breath. I took a pace forward and then another. Soon I was in the middle of the clearing with Shadepaw and Wrenpaw behind me.  

“Oh, Springpaw,” Goldenshine meowed in sync with Sweetsong. “Why, just why” Goldenshine whimpered tears in his eyes. Sweetsong moved with Darkpool and Riverstar around me. Soon the rest of the cats in the clearing circled around me and Wrenpaw. Shadepaw dropped back waiting for everyone to stop talking. I looked back but instead of feeling comforted by Shadepaw I felt longing. Shadepaw stepped forward explaining what happened. He rested his tail on me while explaining. I shook him off. 

I pushed away from the circle before explaining “I’m going for a walk, please don’t ask me any questions when I get back.” I meowed politely. I pelted out of the clearing. The canopy of red and yellow trees darkened the floor. The sun just peeked above the trees. The morning dew was fresh. I slowed down at a light pace. My paws barely skimmed the ground. I padded up to the tree where I met Emberpaw. I leaped up to a high branch making sure my paws didn’t touch the trunk. I caught on the next branch with my fore paws. My hind legs swung not being able to get a grip. I took a deep breath then hauled myself up. My muscle rippled beneath my fur. “Emberpaw” I breathed smelling his fresh scent. I jumped up higher and higher until his sent faded away. Walking across my branch I stared down looking for his brown-colored pelt. There he is. He’s sitting there like prey. I thought. I leaped down landing squarely beside him.  

He let out a small screech. “Springpaw?” He meowed. His eyes hinted nervousness and excitement. “Get out of here” He whispered.  

A hiss sounded from the other side of him. “Why are you here?!” The voice spoke. “This isn’t your territory.” The cat snarled. Emberpaw winced. 

 I peered around Emberpaw. “Shadowpaw?” I meowed. I had seen her at gatherings but nowhere else.  

“Are you lost little kitty?!” She meowed tauntingly.  

“Let her go!” Emberpaw growled waving his tail, gesturing I should go. He turned towards Shadowpaw his tail lashing. He turned and whispered in my ear. “I promise to be here tonight.” He meowed before turning to whisper back to Shadowpaw. Without another word Shadowpaw  jumped down. I looked once more at Emberpaw before getting ready to jump down.  

My claws dug in the bark. I looked down to find where I was going to land. “Bye” I meowed annoyed. My voice shook. The forest was quiet. Why didn’t I hear her?  I thought pausing to hear any forest sound. A cold breeze whistled in my ear caring the sound of squirrels digging for nuts. 

“I’m sorry” Emberpaw meowed sadly. “Meet me here at moon high.” Emberpaw meowed. I nodded feeling relaxed.  

“Meet me here” I growled. Adrenaline pumped through my veins. Anger surged through me as I thought about going home. "I'll be here” I promised. I jumped down feeling the cold breeze. My pelt was ruffled as I padded through the shaded part of the forest. I reached camp as the sun was in the middle of the sky.  

“Hey Springpaw you're going to be a warrior!” Wrenpaw squeaked like a kit.  

“Really” I purred. She nodded fast. She ran off towards the apprentice's den.  

“Let all cats old enough to swim the river gather around for a clan meeting.” Riverstar yowled, his voice echoed through the ravine. I sprinted through the gathering group and sat up front. I made sure my fur was nice and smooth. After the clearing settled down, he meowed “It’s time for 4 apprentices to become warriors. They have trained hard to respect the ways of your code and I make them warriors in their turns. Shadepaw, Springpaw, Winterpaw, and Fishpaw step forward.” He called. Murmurs of surprise and rebellion spread through the clearing as my name was called.  

“She shouldn’t be a warrior.” A cat called. 

“Yes, she should. It’s not her fault that she fainted. Her skills are still sharp” Another cat called.  

“ENOUGH!” Riverstar yowled. “It is my decision not yours!” He meowed. The clan quieted as Riverstar continued. “Shadepaw from now on you will be named Shadefur. Springpaw from now on you will be named Springtail. Winterpaw from now on you will be named Winterflake. Fishpaw from now on you will be named Fishleap. I expect you all to continue respecting our code.” Riverstar meowed.  

“Shadefur, Springtail, Winterflake, Fishleap” The clan chanted the names out loud. I went up to my parents. Winterflake followed.  

“I’ll talk to you later.”  I meowed as Winterflake approached cautiously. She looked down sadly.  

Before I padded away Winterflake whisper no louder than a mouses footsteps. “I’m sorry” I padded away. An orange color lit the sky as the sun started to set. The day went by so fast! I thought. I left the clearing and went to the back of camp. The big pond was filled up more than normal. The small stream connected to it. I followed the stream through the forest. It curved around a tree and into a small clearing. My clearing. From there I padded up to the tree that separated Snowclan from Riverclan. I leaped up the tree as the sun settled behind the lake.  

“Well, well look who decide to show up” I meowed as Emberpaw joined me.  

“Springpaw I hav-” Emberpaw meowed. 

“Springtail.” I cut him off.  

“You're a warrior now.” He meowed sadness deep in his voice. 

“What’s wrong?” I asked. 

He looked sadly at me. “I’m sorry. We can’t see each other much anymore.” His eyes were filled with tears.  

“It’s me isn’t it” I meowed tears rolling down my face.  

“What no!” Emberpaw exclaimed. I didn’t care. I jumped through the tree far on to my territory. “Wait, stop please.” Emberpaw pleaded. 

“I-I’m not good enough for you, am I? You only care about Shadowpaw!” I whispered to angry to speak any louder. 

“It’s not like that. Come back, please!” He wailed.  

“Why you're just going to ditch me aren’t you.” I meowed. You're putting your body under too much emotion. You need to relax. I-I can’t. Tough times never last, but tough cats do. You just need a break. You’ll make it through. I promise.  Scorchkit meowed encouragingly. Emberpaw looked like he was going to jump after me; just then Shadowpaw appeared beside Emberpaw. A growl rose deep in my throat. Lionpaw appeared next to me.  

“Come on. You don’t deserve this.” Lionpaw meowed. He licked my cheek. “Let’s go hunt. Maybe it’ll help you calm down.” I nodded.  

“Springtail.” Emberpaw meowed one last time.  

Chapter 4 

         “Spring wake up.” A paw nudged me. I woke up to a lush green forest. Starclan’s forest. It’s so cool. I thought rising to my paws 

         Nobody calls me spring except.... “Ryestar!” I meowed dipping my head, respectively. 

         “I missed you.” He meowed nuzzling my head affectionately.  

         “I wish you were still here. I can’t deal with Winterflake anymore.” I meowed. 

         “She’s your sister.” He meowed, tilting his head to the side. 

         “And she’s yours too. You're my older brother.” I pointed out. 

         “Come take a walk with me.” He meowed. As I padded alongside Ryestar, the sun warmed my back, but shadows danced just out of sight as if they wanted me to know something. The cool day breeze ruffled my fur. “This is Snowclans territory. We don’t really have borders, but we still have territories suited to our need.” He explained. His voice clung in the air.  I nodded curiously looking around. “We have to talk about the prophecy.” He meowed abruptly.  

         I groaned “Why?” My voice echoed.  

         “Just know when the time has come when the Ember starts to fade Spring will help him spark with help of Shade. Sky will come to help the Ember stay strong. Beware love will strike, and You will have to choose courage over heart. Destiny is resting on your paws. And remember, never give up on your dreams and destiny, no matter how painful and difficult your journey is”.   

         I nodded “Okay, wise kitty.” I meowed seriously, my voice fading into a sarcastic tone. He looked at me. He threw a playful paw at me; I ducked; thrusting my paws against the ground, I threw myself at him knocking his legs out. “You can’t win this fight. I won’t let you.” I let out a mrow of laughter.  

         “Okay, okay.”  He meowed. “I love you” He meowed. 

         “I-I love you too” I stuttered. And without another word I woke in my nest.  

         “Are you ok?!” Shadefur's frantic voice jerked me from my thoughts, and my fur bristled defensively. 

“I don’t need you to look out for e like I’m a kit!” I snapped, heat rising in my cheeks. Shadefur's concerned expression only worsened. 

 “Let me have some peace. “I growled. The cold breeze brought the smell of rain. Leaffall had come fast and hard.  I need to talk to Emberpaw. Lionpaw can help me right? I licked my fur clean feeling the hot gaze of Shadefur on my neck.  I padded out towards the apprentice's den. My stomach rumbled but I didn’t feel like eating.  

“Hi Springtail.” Lionpaw meowed. 

I padded over to him whispering in his ear “I need to speak to Emberpaw” His face turned to question.  

“Ok.” He meowed simply. I nodded gratefully. “Let’s go.” He meowed padding out quickly. His paws were silent as we padded through the forest. Hu nudged me forward towards the tree. A shadowy figure jumped out of the tree.  

The fur lifted along my spine. “Who are you” I growled. “Get behind me” I added. My voice barely whispered to Lionpaw. He shook his head dismissing my order. I thrust him back without lifting my eyes off the figure.  

“So scary” It taunted. It was a cat. The cat padded out of the shadow. It was a large, muscular, tawny tom with dark stripes and deep brown eyes. “My names Turtle.” He meowed. My muscles were tense as he took a pace forward. I got ready to pounce. “I’m here to protect you” He meowed. His brown eyes dazzled in the sun.  

“Why?” I meowed.  

“Don’t worry about it. I was sent by someone.” He meowed. 

“Fine but worry about me after I talk to Emberpaw” I meowed. He nodded and stepped out of the way of the tree. My muscles relaxed but not for long as I jumped up the tree behind Lionpaw. 

Lionpaw halted. “We need a plan.”  

I turned my head “Why?” I meowed. 

“Because we should see how he feels about you behind your back.” He responded. 

I nodded “Ok” I meowed jumping up towards the top of the tree. I crouched down where I could see lionpaw in his spot. He looked up as if he was searching for me. He nodded approvingly as he spotted me.  

“Lionpaw right?” A sudden voice meowed. Emberpaw padded from the leaves.  

I noticed how Emberpaw looked small and frail next to Lionpaw. “Yeah.” He meowed.  “You’re Emberpaw right?”  

“Emberfur” He corrected Lionpaw.  

Lionpaw dipped his head apologetically. “Lucky you were here” Lionpaw meowed. “I wanted to know what you think of Springtail.” ”I won’t tell anyone.” Lionpaw continued. I felt the cool breeze ruffle my fur. The scents of the forest filled my nostrils, mixing with the lingering scent of rain. But beneath it all, I sensed something different, like a storm brewing just beyond the horizon. I couldn’t ignore it.  

Emberfur 's voice drifted up, nervous yet sincere, “I think she’s awesome. She is so pretty and nice, she’s caring and heartfelt...” My heart fluttered, warmth flooding inside me. But did he truly mean it?  

“You can’t just say that and expect me to believe you,” I found myself whispering half to myself. Lionpaw look towards where I was and nodded at me. Jumping down I padded over to Emberfur  ignoring his gasp of astonishment.  My eyes dazzled as they reached his eyes. “You have one chance to explain everything” I meowed.  

He hesitated before meowing “Shadowshine is just a friend, and my mom forced me to love her not you.” He meowed. “I’m sorry” He sighed.  

I took a deep breath. Lionpaw nodded farewell. “I’ll let you two be.” He meowed before adding “I’ll go get Turtle and introduce him to Riverstar, and the rest of the clan.” I nodded. 

“Thank you” I meowed before turning back to Emberfur. My eyes sparkled.  

“Can we talk on the grass”  he mumbled.  

I smiled slightly “Sure” I meowed a slight giggle in my voice. We jumped down from the tree on to the ground.  

Emberfur stared at his paws the blades of grass swaying in the wind. He sighed then meowed “I don’t like her like that. Look it’s just complicated.” He sighed, frustration and sadness rising in his voice. 

“Complicated?” I echoed. Why? I thought. My heart pounded out of my chest. I felt a surge of emotions—confusion, hurt, and a little hint of anger, all mixing together like a storm gathering strength. “So you rather listen to your mothers wishes then your what you want?” I meowed as if feeding the storm in my head with more emotion. 

“It's not just my mother's wishes,” Emberfur insisted, looking up to meet my gaze, his own eyes shimmering with anxiety. “Shadowshine has always been there, you know? She's supportive and… and familiar. But that doesn’t mean my heart isn’t drawn to you, too.” He meowed slowly. 

I took a step closer, my heart racing. “Then why not choose what you want? Why not choose me.” The wind swept through the trees as if promising to keep the secret safe. 

Emberfur hesitated, glancing toward the ground as if searching for the right words. “It's not easy,” he admitted at last, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve known Shadowshine since we were kits, and she’s been a good friend to me. She’s familiar. She has always been there. She’s been by my side since I can remember” Emberfur burst out. His eyes watered as he met my gaze once again  My heart felt like it split into a million pieces. “B-but then I met you, and everything felt different. You’re not just pretty; you’re brave, and there’s something just something… special about you.” 

I blinked, a blush creeping over my cheeks. “I just want you to be honest with yourself,” I said gently. “You should be able to choose who you want. Don’t worry about others opinions” I meowed my voice calm and steady. “Who do you want?”  

“I want you, Springtail,” he said, his voice stronger now, the relief shining in his eyes. “But I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’ve been torn between what is right and what I feel is right for me.” he whimpered.  “I can't leave what I have built”  

My heart pounded in response. “Let me help you,” I said. “You deserve to be happy. And if that means making difficult choices then you can face them” I padded forward to sit next to him. I entwined my tail with his. “We can face them” I added. 

Just as he was about to answer, a rustle behind us made us scramble our feet and pull apart. Turtle, emerged from the underbrush, his bulk taking up space in the clearing. “Sorry to interrupt, but I thought you two might need help,” he said with a playful flick of his tail. “It seems like you guys were stressed” He meowed his fur shining in the sun turned to him, my heart still fluttering from the conversation. “Turtle, this is Emberfur,” I said quickly. “He’s an ally.” 

“Yeah, I gathered,” Turtle replied, his gaze flicking between us. “But I also hear you’re dealing with some complicated things, and I’m no stranger to that.” He took a seat, looking comfortable among the trees. 

Emberfur, his confidence bolstered by my words and Turtle’s presence, turned to me once more. “Maybe we can talk about this more openly. I want you to know how I really feel, but I think I need a little help. With someone to help me think through my options.”  

“Then let’s do it. We can find a quiet spot by the river where we can talk freely. And Turtle… you can come along too, if that’s alright,” I added.  

“Of course,” Turtle grinned, his whiskers twitching with amusement. “I might learn a thing or two about how to help others too” 

Emberfur took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Okay, lead the way,” he said. Together, we padded toward the river, the sound of rushing water growing louder as we approached. The cool breeze brought a sense of clarity, washing over us, and I felt a sense of purpose. We were in this together, and whether it was facing family expectations, friendship conflicts, or exploring new feelings, I am determined to help Emberfur find the right path. 

As we reached the riverside, the sunlight danced on the water, creating shimmering patterns. I settled down at the riverbank, motioning for Emberfur to join me. Turtle stayed a few paces back, allowing us some privacy.  

“Now,” I said, turning to Emberfur, “let’s talk." 

Emberfur mirrored my position beside me, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “I don’t want to disappoint anyone—especially my mother. She has this idea of how my future should look.”  

“And what about your future?” I pressed gently. “What do you want it to look like?” 

He stared into the water, his reflection rippling. “I want to train hard, grow strong, and make my own choices. I want to follow my dreams—if they include you.”  

There it was—the truth of his heart laid bare. No longer did he sound like a cat tethered to expectations.  

“Then let’s make that happen. I will be by your side, no matter what happened.” I said, my heart racing at the thought of what could be. “We’ll figure this out. Together.” 

Turtle cleared his throat, breaking the intensity of the moment. “And whatever comes next, you can count on me to back you up. I’m good at keeping secrets,” he said with a wink. I laid down rolling on to my back. The flowers swayed gently beside me.  

“Emberfur! What are you doing here!” The voice sounded from a tree that overhung the river.   

“Yeah, what are you doing here?!” Another cat meowed.  My fur spiked up.  

“Shadefur! Shadowshine!”  I yelped. Turtle jumped to his paws.  

“Why is he here!?” Shadefur growled. Shadowshine looked as if she was about to pounce at me. Turtle thrust us back guarding us from the cats about to pounce.  

Shadowshine’s eyes reflected hurt and anger. “Emberfur get over here!” She snarled. “Now!” She meowed in a commanding voice. 

Emberfur looked hurt. His gaze met mine “I’m sorry” He whispered. He padded towards Shadowshine his head down. It felt like a cat was clawing at my heart.  

“You come too” Shadefur’s voice was angry with a hint of hurt.  

“No! You’re not the boss of me!” I snarled.  

“He will be now.” Riverstar meowed leaping over a fallen tree. 

“R-r-riverstar what d-do you mean?” I whimpered my voice automatically changing.  

“I heard you like Emberfur. You have broken the warrior code. For this Shadefur will watch your every move and be confined to camp for 2 moons and will be stuck doing apprentice duties.” He meowed justified.  

“W-hat!” I exclaimed. 

“Don’t you think that's a little extreme.”  Turtle meowed.  

“No it’s actually a normal punishment” Riverstar explained.  

“Thanks a lot. I thought family was supposed to have each others back" I meowed to Riverstar. I ran off towards camp.  

“You’re her family?” I heard Turtle ask.  

“I'm her uncle”  Riverstar sighed.  

Before I knew it I was in camp. I could hear the chatter of the cat all around me but one stuck out. I could hear the sound of Snowstar and Stormstar! But how? I asked myself. “Maplefur I didn’t realize you were there” I exclaimed  

Maplefur looked at me. “I think you may have a power.” She meowed.   

“W-what?” I meowed. My heart raced.  

“Tel me what you can hear” She continued. 

My fur felt hot and I thought Starclan could hear my heartbeat. “W-well I can hear Snowstar basking in the sun next to Coldsong and Blazefire. They’re talking about prey and how the flowers may effect them. I hear Pebbleriver talking about young ones to Hawkhunter. 2 little kits running around them.”  

Maplefur nodded. “I thought so” She meowed. “You have amazing hearing. Remember when we went hunting for the first time?” She meowed. 

I nodded. “Yeah I caught a lot of prey”