➸ coldclan: a warrior's tale

[Karma.]

ｃｏｌｄｃｌａｎ

➸ this story can also be found on wattpad.

➸ based on the Erin Hunter's warriors, this is a tale about two clans
after firestar's life, named heatclan and coldclan.

➸ comments and critiques are welcomed with open arms!

➸ it follows the tale of two young apprentices, skypaw and sunpaw,
as they attempt to figure out the mystery surrounding their clan.

➸ the cover was made by myself.

➸ there is a second book planned.






ｂｌｕｒｂ

It's fifty years after the events of Firestar's life took place. The clans
have merged down to two: ColdClan, the sturdy and kind mountain
dwellers, and HeatClan, the lithe cats living in the desert below. For
the previous year, things have been getting rough for both clans.
StarClan has not sent a sign to either clan for a long time, and the
dogs and mountain lions are becoming more dangerous.

Skypaw and Sunpaw, two sisters living in Coldclan, have found threats
in those they thought they could trust. Their bond as siblings grows
stronger with each day as those around them begin to betray them.

But when four kits are born, two in ColdClan and two in HeatClan,
the cats begin to think that StarClan still has hope for them. Can
Skypaw and Sunpaw figure out the mystery surrounding their clan?
Or will they succumb to the same fate as their ancestors; falling
in the mountain lion's paws?

contents

allegiances [one]

one

two

three

starclan's intervention, four

five

six

more

more

more

more

more

more

more

allegiances [two]

seven

eight

nine

ten

eleven

twelve

[Karma.]

COLDCLAN
Leader - Mudstar; male, 50 moons, mate is Mosspelt, daughter is Fishkit, son is Stonekit, mentor to Mistpaw.
Deputy - Cloudmask; male, 44 moons, mate is Berrystep, daughters are Sunpaw and Skypaw.
Medicine Cat - Larkwing; female, 41 moons, sister of Mosspelt and Berrystep.
Medicine Cat Apprentice - Sunpaw; female, 10 moons, daughter of Cloudmask and Berrystep, sister is Skypaw.

Warriors -
>> Berrystep; female, 41 moons, mate is Cloudmask, daughters are Sunpaw and Skypaw, sisters are Mosspelt and Larkwing.
>> Gorseface; male, 30 moons, mate is Honeystrike, mentor to Tallpaw.
>> Honeystrike; female, 25 moons, mate is Gorseface.
>> Redflight; male, 51 moons, brother of Riverdew, mentor to Skypaw.
>> Riverdew; male, 51 moons, mate of Clearwhisker, daughter is Magpiepaw, brother of Redflight.
>> Clearwhisker; female, 48 moons, mate of Riverdew, daughter is Magpiepaw.
>> Sandfall; female, 24 moons, mate of Sootleg, sons are Rowanpaw, Spiderpaw and Tallpaw.
>> Sootleg; male, 30 moons, mate of Sandfall, sons are Rowanpaw, Spiderpaw and Tallpaw.
>> Owlfoot; male, 15 moons, brother of Mousecloud, mentor to Spiderpaw.
>> Webfall; male, 21 moons, mate of Mousecloud, adoptive father to Mistpaw, mentor to Magpiepaw.
>> Lakeheart; male, 40 moons, mate of Silvernose, brother of Creekwillow, daughters are Rosekit and Lilykit, son is Echokit.
>> Creekwillow; female, 40 moons, sister of Lakeheart, mentor to Rowanpaw.

Queens expecting/nursing kits -
>> Mousecloud; female, 15 moons, expecting two kits, mate of Webfall, sister of Owlfoot.
>> Mosspelt; female, 41 moons, mate is Mudstar, daughter is Fishkit, son is Stonekit, sisters are Larkwing and Berrystep.
>> Silvernose; female, 30 moons, mate is Lakeheart, daughters are Rosekit and Lilykit, son is Echokit.

Kits -
>> Fishkit; female, 1 moon, brother is Stonekit, parents are Mosspelt and Mudstar.
>> Stonekit; male, 1 moon, sister is Fishkit, parents are Mosspelt and Mudstar.
>> Rosekit; female, 5 moons, sister is Lilykit, brother is Echokit, parents are Silvernose and Lakeheart.
>> Lilykit; female, 5 moons, sister is Rosekit, brother is Echokit, parents are Silvernose and Lakeheart.
>> Echokit; male, 5 moons, sisters are Rosekit and Lilykit, parents are Silvernose and Lakeheart.

Apprentices -
>> Skypaw; female, 10 moons, daughter of Cloudmask and Berrystep, sister is Sunpaw, mentor is Redflight.
>> Magpiepaw; female, 11 moons, daughter of Riverdew and Clearwhisker, mentor is Webfall.
>> Rowanpaw; male, 8 moons, son of Sandfall and Sootleg, brothers are Spiderpaw and Tallpaw, mentor is Creekwillow.
>> Spiderpaw; male, 8 moons, son of Sandfall and Sootleg, brothers are Rowanpaw and Tallpaw, mentor is Owlfoot.
>> Tallpaw; male, 8 moons, son of Sandfall and Sootleg, brothers are Spiderpaw and Rowanpaw, mentor is Gorseface.
>> Mistpaw; female, 11 moons, unknown family, adoptive father is Webfall, mentor is Mudstar.

Elders -
>> Shadeshell; male, 80 moons, brother of Smokepelt.
>> Smokepelt; male, 80 moons, brother of Shadeshell.


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


HEATCLAN
Leader - Foxstar; male, 44 moons, mate is Jaypelt, mentor to Wolfpaw.
Deputy - Dovefeather; female, 37 moons, mate is Coldfrost, daughter is Beepaw, sister of Rabbitnose.
Medicine Cat - Stonepool; male, 52 moons.
Medicine Cat Apprentice - Marshpaw; male, 11 moons, brother is Sootpaw, parents are Goldheart and Beechpelt.

Warriors -
>> Goldheart; male, 49 moons, mate of Beechpelt, sons are Marshpaw and Sootpaw.
>> Beechpelt; female, 38 moons, mate of Goldheart, sons are Marshpaw and Sootpaw.
>> Rabbitnose; female, 37 moons, mate of Mintstep, son is Applekit, daughter is Cherrykit.
>> Mintstep; male, 50 moons, mate of Rabbitnose, son is Applekit, daughter is Cherrykit.
>> Coldfrost; male, 40 moons, mate of Dovefeather, daughter is Beepaw.
>> Bearleap; male, 50 moons, brother of Briartail.
>> Briartail; female, 50 moons, sister of Bearleap.
>> Nettlepelt; male, 26 moons, mate of Swallowfeather, daughters are Reedkit and Ivykit.
>> Vinepuddle; male, 42 moons.
>> Dustfire; male, 30 moons, mate of Mapleheart, daughter is Breezekit, son is Sagekit.
>> Grassflower; female, 40 moons, daughter is Ashpaw, son is Wolfpaw.

Queens expecting/nursing kits -
>> Mapleheart; female, 24 moons, mate of Dustfire, daughter is Breezekit, son is Sagekit.
>> Jaypelt; female, 36 moons, mate of Foxstar, son is Pinekit.
>> Swallowfeather; female, 23 moons, mate of Nettlepelt, daughters are Reedkit and Ivykit.

Kits -
>> Breezekit; female, 3 moons, parents are Dustfire and Mapleheart, brother is Sagekit.
>> Sagekit; male, 3 moons, parents are Dustfire and Mapleheart, sister is Breezekit.
>> Pinekit; male, 5 moons, parents are Foxstar and Jaypelt.
>> Applekit; male, 6 moons, parents are Mintstep and Rabbitnose.
>> Cherrykit; female, 6 moons, parents are Mintstep and Rabbitnose.
>> Reedkit, female, 5 moons, parents are Swallowfeather and Nettlepelt, sister is Ivykit.
>> Ivykit, female, 5 moons, parents are Swallowfeather and Nettlepelt, sister is Reedkit.

Apprentices -
>> Beepaw; female, 10 moons, parents are Dovefeather and Coldfrost.
>> Wolfpaw; male, 9 moons, mother is Grassflower, sister is Ashpaw.
>> Sootpaw; male, 11 moons, parents are Goldheart and Beechpelt.
>> Ashpaw; female, 9 moons, mother is Grassflower, brother is Wolfpaw.

Elders -
>> Twigjaw; female, 79 moons.

(c) of the names to me, idea comes from Erin Hunter's work.

[Karma.]

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the high rock for a meeting."


There was the call. That was the signal Sunpaw had been waiting for. She hadn't been able to sleep the previous night. Her mind was clouded with anxiety for her clan. Impatiently, she had sat up most of the night to the medicine cat den entrance watching the stars. Larkwing had encouraged her to sleep and offered her poppy seeds, but she just couldn't. Today, her leader made a very important decision; one that would affect the whole clan. Her father, who was also the deputy, had explained things to her and her sister, Skypaw. Cloudmask had said about the increase in mountain lions coming onto their territory, something ColdClan had never really had to deal with before. Their home lay on a plain, slap bang in the middle of a mountain. A stream ran through the centre, providing them with fresh water, and the mountain had plentiful prey. There was a barren, desert type area below the mountain, of which their rivals HeatClan lived. The cats down there were less forgiving than ColdClan, so the border was checked and reinstated regularly.

Making her way to sit beneath the high rock, she spotted Skypaw only a fox-length away. She skipped over to her, planting herself between her sister and her mother. Berrystep licked her head affectionately, before turning back to watch Mudstar speak. Sunpaw perked her ears forward - this was the part she wanted to hear. Larkwing, the medicine cat, sat next to him showing no emotions. Sunpaw respected her mentor; she was always calm and prepared, and never lost her temper. She hoped one day she would be as good a medicine cat as Larkwing. Mudstar flicked his tail, asking for silence. With a sigh, he began to speak, yet there was a hint of joy in his voice... there was something else to this.

"Cats of ColdClan," he paused. "Four seasons ago, we lost contact with our ancestors, StarClan. As you mostly know, due to the recent circumstances with the mountain cats coming closer, this is very worrying. If StarClan aren't here to guide us, then how do we know where to go or what to do? Well, I tell you this now. Larkwing has finally received a dream from StarClan!"

A sudden chorus of curiosity and joy lit up the camp, like the suns rays in the shadows. Sunpaw looked wide eyed at her mentor. How could the she-cat she loved and trusted not have told her about this? Why, this was big! Skypaw turned to her and smiled. The two she-cats were more than just close. They were sisters, and shared an inseparable bond. Sunpaw decided this was not a moment to dwell on the fact that Larkwing hadn't told her. This was a happy moment! However, this raised the question most of the cats were thinking. What was in the dream?

As the cats began to quieten down, Larkwing started to speak. "In my dream, I saw a stone and a fish next to each other. There was shadows, but the fish and the stone were glowing, and gradually pushing the darkness away." She dipped her head as an uproar began again.

Even Sunpaw was shocked. One moon ago, Mudstar's mate Mosspelt had given birth to two kits. They had been named Fishkit and Stonekit. Were these kits what featured in Larkwing's dream? Sunpaw's mouth hung open like a shocked badger! Skypaw gave her a funny look, and she snapped out of it. These kits would save them! Sunpaw was happy. She hoped that whoever was going to mentor them did it well. Her eyes fell on her own father sat below the high rock. He looked distracted, as if something was bothering him.

When the meeting was over, Sunpaw headed over to Larkwing. They greeted each other by touching noses. "I hope you didn't mind me not telling you about the dream," The she-cat looked anxiously down at Sunpaw. "I told Mudstar straight after I had it, and he told me not to tell anyone. Plus, I knew you wouldn't mind."

Sunpaw shook her head. "Don't worry, it's okay. What's important is that we've finally had a message from them, Larkwing! This could be the clan's turning point." She turned her head, watching the other cats disperse.

The two medicine cats watched in silence, before Sunpaw spoke. "I bet Mudstar's pleased. His son and daughter, part of a prophecy!? That must be an amazing feeling!"

Larkwing smiled, her eyes lighting up. "I'm sure it is. Or even being part of a prophecy, imagine that! Well, we'd better get started on these chores. Would you possibly go find some yarrow for me? It grows a little further up the mountain. Go with the dawn patrol, if you like. I need to speak with Mudstar and Mosspelt, and also check on their kits."

Sunpaw nodded quickly, before hurrying over to where a small group of warriors stood. Among them was Gorseface, with his apprentice Tallpaw, Redflight, with his apprentice Skypaw, and Sandfall, the mother of Tallpaw, Rowanpaw and Spiderpaw. Gorseface greeted Sunpaw with a flick of his tail and a smile. Redflight and Sandfall both nodded to her before continuing their conversation. Gorseface smiled down at her. It seemed like he was leading this patrol. "What do you need and where do ya' get it, kid?"

Sunpaw always found it funny how he called her 'kid' like a baby goat they always saw on the mountains. Gorseface was one of her all time favorite warriors. He was so considerate and caring, and she enjoyed his company. "Up the mountain a bit, I need to get yarrow."

Gorseface simply nodded, taking it in his stride. "Let's get going then, this is turning into less of a dawn patrol with every second wasted!"

«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»

Two apprentices appeared either side of her. "Morning, Sunpaw." Tallpaw, a kind tom cat, said to Sunpaw.

She smiled and replied with a simple 'morning'. On her opposing flank, her sister nodded in acknowledgement. Though not one to talk about much, the she-cat did enjoy the company of the other apprentices when she could get hold of it. Being the medicine cat apprentice kept her busy most of the time. Plus, every young she-cat had a crush on one of Sandfall and Sootleg's sons, Tallpaw, Rowanpaw and Spiderpaw; just Sunpaw had to be more careful about who she told her crush. Most of her secrets she shared with her sister, and the grey cat could usually guess what she was thinking anyway. Those deep blue eyes got her every time! Sunpaw often became jealous of how pretty Skypaw was. When Sunpaw looked at her own reflection, she found herself pretty bland and boring. She was brains, and Skypaw was looks. However Sunpaw knew together they were stronger than if they worked alone; anyway, she adored her sister.

The patrol rounded a corner and stopped to place scent markers. Out of the corner of her eye, Sunpaw spotted some yarrow. However, they were covered by a bush of deathberries, probably the most poisonous herb to cats! She debated what to do. She could easily remove the bush, but she would get the deathberries on her paws and would have to wash it in the stream, which was ages away from here. Then, she had an idea. Grabbing a nearby fallen stick using all of her muscle strength she could summon, she pinned the bush back. A couple of deathberries fell to the floor, but she lifted her feet carefully around them and grabbed the yarrow. There, she thought to herself. I may not be training to be a warrior, but I certainly still have brains!

[Karma.]

A little grey she-cat stood poised underneath a gorse bush, waiting for the perfect moment. Dead ahead of her was a fat, juicy vole, just perfect for an elder to enjoy. Her sky blue eyes were focused solely on the prey. As her belly rubbed gently against the soil, she prepared herself for the kill.

Skypaw tilted her head to one side, spotting something move the other side of the vole. With no time to react, she stumbled forwards and out of the bush heavily. In a flash, it was gone, and in the jaws of another cat.

"Tallpaw!" She mewed in annoyance. "That was my kill!"

The tom turned to her, actually looking like he hadn't seen her there. "Sorry, Skypaw, I didn't realise. Here," He pushed it over to her with his nose. "We'll pretend you caught it, yeah?"

The she-cat shook her head. "Oh, don't bother. Keep it... but thanks." She added, making sure she didn't hurt the tom's feelings. He was always kind to her, and there was no reason not to be back.. but Sunpaw often teased her about him having a crush on her.

Skypaw was always honest with herself; he really wasn't her type. She liked mischievous rule breakers, much like Tallpaw's brother, Spiderpaw. Ah, now that was a cat she wouldn't mind as her mate. She drifted off into a little reverie, before being brought back to earth by her mentor calling her name. Redflight was a great mentor. He was fun, kind, and she had made a lot of progress with him. She trotted eagerly over to him.

"Skypaw, we're done here. Could you fetch your sister, she's over there getting some yarrow." He nodded in the direction of some thick bushes. Skypaw nodded and walked over to the bushes, looking for a way in. Sunpaw was smaller and more lithe than she was, with less muscle. Skypaw considered her lucky, for she disliked her pelt colour and her size. It was just so annoying to be big all the time! This was proved at that very moment, as she tried to crawl through a gap, but instead got scratched by a load of roses.

"Ugh!" She said, looking down her flank at the little cuts. Looking up, she realised that Sunpaw was stood directly in front of her, laughing slightly.

"What, Sunpaw!? If you've got something to say, say it to my face!"

Sunpaw rolled her eyes. "Hey, if you're going to be rude, I won't help you out."

Skypaw sighed and looked at the ground sheepishly. Sunpaw took this as an act of submission, and crawled next to her sister, easing her out of the bush.

Taking a few steps backward, Skypaw shook herself free and gave a little leap of joy. "Ready to return to the clan?" She asked kindly. "I'll race you!"

"You're on!" Sunpaw smiled, leaping into a gallop.

«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«

When the patrol returned to the clan clearing, the day had turned gorgeous and the sun was shining bright. Most of the cats decided it was time for a nap, and laid curled up in the sun next to each other. This included Redflight, so Skypaw was left to find something to do for herself. Her best friends Magpiepaw and Mistpaw appeared from behind a den. They had been training with their own mentors, Webfall and Mudstar all morning. They looked tired out, compared to Skypaw, who still contained a sea full of energy. She was about to scamper over and pester Sunpaw when her father appeared behind her. He seemed nervous and upset. Skypaw guessed he had been fighting with her mother again - they seemed to do that a lot recently. She bent her head respectfully, before weaving herself in and out of his legs.

"What's up, Cloudmask?" She frowned. The deputy turned away, looking into the distance.

"The sky, Skypaw?" He joked with a tiny laugh that came from the bottom of his throat. The smile soon passed, and he was back to his usual self again.

Skypaw nudged him affectionately. "It's okay, Cloudmask. We can just sit if you'd like?"

The older tom shook his head, before turning his back to her. "I've got things to do. But remember, it's almost time for the gathering at half point. If you're well behaved, Mudstar may let you come." He finished on that note and wandered off up the cliff face, followed by his friend and confident Riverdew. She had been told the two were insperable as kits, and that hadn't changed now.

«»«»««»«»«»«»«»«»«»«

After taking a quick nap, Skypaw was awoken by the tiny paws of kits. She found a small face peering right into her eye as she began to open them, and realised it was the mischievous Echokit.

"Hey, Echokit." She grinned.

"Hey, hey, Skypaw!" The little kit tumbled back and forth over her paws. He was always getting into trouble somehow.

"Won't your mother be worried about you?" She asked the kit, half grinning half pretending to frown.

Echokit cowered under her tail. "Mum's looking after Lilykit. She's sick, you know."

This was news to Skypaw, and she was quite stricken by it.

"Ill, Echokit? What's wrong with her?"

The little kit laid on his back and wriggled around slightly before answering her question. "She's coughing and it's all ew." He stuck his tongue out, obviously disgusted by what he'd seen.

"And Rosekit? Where's she right now?" Skypaw frowned. She couldn't see the fluffy grey kit anywhere in the camp.

"Rosekit said she wanted a drink.. but that was ages ago." Echokit looked at Skypaw with worried eyes. "Do you think she's okay?"

Skypaw shrugged, but got up quickly and rushed towards the stream, taking the little silver tabby cat with her. When she reached the stream, she instantly heard distressed mews. Dropping Echokit and commanding him to stay put, she made her way to the waters edge. She glanced in the water - there was no sign of a cat struggling. However, on a rock that sat just above the water, sat a shaky kitten. Skypaw's eyes widened, but she did not panic.

"It's alright, Rosekit! I'm coming, just stay put!" The little kit saw Skypaw and became hopeful, only to lose her balance and a single paw plunged into the water. The current dragged at the kit, trying to pull her in. It made Rosekit more scared, and made Skypaw instantly pick up the pace. She had to do something, now. Without another thought, she leaped into the stream, the icy waters greeting her like a lightning bolt. She swam with power, but the current had more of it. Rosekit's bottom half of her body was now submerged, and she was clinging on for her little life. Skypaw tried to ignore the cold and paddled towards the kit. "Nearly... got.. you!" She called to the kit, but swallowed a mouthful of water of which she had to spit out before she choked. Reemerging from the chilly depths, Skypaw realised she was only a short distance from Rosekit. "Rosekit!" She called. "Let.. go.. of the.. rock!"

The little kit looked at her as if she was crazy. "Let go!? I'll die!" She cried out.

"No, you won't! I'll.. I'll catch you! Do it, now or never!" Skypaw urged. The little she-cat put on a brave face and squealed as she let go. Skypaw lunged to grab the neck of the kit... had she got it? She just kept paddling. She didn't know what was happening. Suddenly, the world went dark around her. All she heard was a single voice and a splash.. was that Rosekit? Was she okay?

[Karma.]

From her seat in the medicine cat den, Sunpaw was watching the two prophecy kits playing. They were so normal, Sunpaw wondered how on earth they would ever save the clan. But she knew she could not doubt them, for one day they could be her superiors.

The warmth of the midday sun raised her spirits, and she rolled onto her back, gazing up at the sky. Listening closely, Sunpaw heard birds twittering above her head and in the distance, a mountain goat bleating to it's child.

The chorus was broken by a kit's squeal. Sunpaw instantly jumped to her feet in surprise.

That was the sound of a kit in trouble, a cry she had only heard a few times in the past. It chilled her to the bones.

Rowanpaw sat only a fox-length away from her, and his eyes flickered up too. "Did you hear that?" He asked Sunpaw, trotting over to her hurriedly. He looked around, half expecting to see the kit come running into the camp crying.

"There it is again!" Sunpaw said quickly, getting to her feet. "It's coming from the stream!" The two young cats instantly set off at a full blown run. They skidded to a halt at the waters edge, glanced nervously at each other, before beginning to scan the waters.

"There!" Sunpaw piped up, as she spotted something struggling upstream. There was no time to get an older cat, as Rowanpaw seemed to have guessed. The fluffy light brown cat pushed off with his hind legs and plunged deep into the water. Sunpaw was shocked, her own ginger fur dampened from the splash.

"Rowanpaw, be careful!" She ran next to him as he swam. He was good, for he had powerful muscles. His brother Spiderpaw appeared out of nowhere, and looked agitated.

"I saw Rowanpaw jump in! What's he doing, is he mouse-brained?" Spiderpaw frowned at Sunpaw.

"He's rescuing a kit.." She broke off when she saw what Rowanpaw had between his jaws - it was her sister! "Oh, StarClan, Spiderpaw, look! He's got my sister!" She clawed at the river bank unhappily. She had never been a strong swimmer, and knew she'd probably drown if she attempted to help. Spiderpaw sensed her worry, and lay a comforting tail over her shoulders, looking into her eyes.

"My brother's got her, Sunpaw. It's okay." The two cats held each others gaze for a second, before turning away to look back at the stream. Rowanpaw didn't seem to be feeling the effects of the current. At that moment, Sunpaw noticed something fluffy hanging from Skypaw's jaws. Although her sister seemed to have been knocked out, she still had a hard grip on whatever she was carrying. The large apprentice reached the bank, and Spiderpaw and Sunpaw assisted him up. Sunpaw flickered into medicine cat mode, long enough for her to instruct Spiderpaw so he could help her.

"I need lavender, catmint and feverfew from mine and Larkwing's den. Rowanpaw, lick your fur backwards, keep your blood moving!" She barked orders, before turning to her own sister. "Oh Skypaw, why do you always try and be the hero? StarClan knows what damage you'll do to yourself one day!"

Spiderpaw returned quickly, followed by Larkwing and Rosekit's father, Lakeheart. Lakeheart took over licking Rosekit, so that Sunpaw could focus on her sister. Larkwing hurriedly chewed the herbs into a poultice, and fed it to each of the cats. "Well done, Sunpaw. This should help stop any chill developing." The older she-cat smiled down at Sunpaw, who did not break away from sharing tongues with her sister. Spiderpaw assisted Rowanpaw, who had begun shivering.

"Lakeheart, Sunpaw, Spiderpaw, we need to get them back to my den." Larkwing ordered. Climbing to her feet, Sunpaw began dragging Skypaw back towards the camp. Her sister was heavy, and she barely got a fox-length before she felt tired. Spiderpaw left Rowanpaw's side, as the tom cat seemed to be able to carry himself to the medicine cat den. Hooking his teeth into Skypaw's scruff next to Sunpaw, the two apprentices pulled the unconscious cat across the dusty floor. When they reached the den, Mudstar noticed them, and Spiderpaw left to explain what had happened to their leader. Sunpaw was grateful for his help, but she could thank him later. For now, she needed to wake her sister up.

«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»

A short while later, Sunpaw awoke to find darkness had fallen and the medicine cat den was cold. Neither her sister or any other cat involved in the previous events were in the den with her. Surprised, she stretched her body and with a flick of her tail headed out. Noticing Mudstar speaking with Larkwing, she trotted over to join them and hopefully get some answers.

"Ah, Sunpaw, you're awake!" Larkwing smiled at her apprentice affectionately.

Sunpaw managed a half smile. "Yeah, I'm a bit groggy though." Her eyes flickered around camp, noticing only a few warriors. "Was everyone okay? Rowanpaw? Rosekit? My sister!?"

"Don't panic, little one." Mudstar grinned. "Your sister saved Rosekit's life! Skypaw's asleep in the apprentice den regaining her strength, along with Rowanpaw. Rosekit's back with her mother and siblings. They're all better."

"Without your quick thinking, Sunpaw, they may not have survived. Good job." Larkwing added.

"I just did what any other medicine cat apprentice would do." She blushed, looking at her feet. "May I go visit Skypaw now?"

The two older cats nodded, before turning back to each other and continuing their conversation. Sunpaw span on her heels, the moon bright in her face. Not long till the gathering, she thought to herself. I wonder who'll be going? Or how HeatClan are doing? I know how often they can have a shortage of food... Her glance flicked back to her own clan as she looked through the entrance to the apprentice den. There was her sister, curled up in a tight ball against Rowanpaw. Smiling at the two lovebirds, something at the back of the den caught her olive shaded eyes. A grey tabby and white tom cat came forward, stepping lightly over the sleeping apprentices.

"Spiderpaw!" Sunpaw greeted him quietly but affectionately, for this was the cat that had looked after her earlier and kept her calm. He smiled back at her.

"Greetings, Sunpaw. I hope you slept well. I was wondering if you'd like to come out with me tonight, to the moon cave? There's only a quarter-moon left till it's full and as you may have noticed, it's always big and beautiful at this point of the season. The evening hunt will have to join us, though." His gaze met hers and gave her the feeling of a lightning bolt. The power was shockingly comforting. She had always thought Spiderpaw to be the rough, brash one, but it appeared she had found his soft side.

"Of course I'll go." She whispered quietly. "Lets go see who's on the hunt?"

The two cat's pelts rubbed gently as they walked side by side, the ginger meeting the white like a river estuary joining the sea. Sunpaw was content. She may never be able to be mates with Spiderpaw, but she could enjoy his company.

«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»

"So the sundown hunt consists of me, Mistpaw, Honeystrike, Owlfoot, Spiderpaw and Sunpaw's coming along to collect herbs. Right. We'll just let Owlfoot catch up and then we'll be off." Mudstar commented. The majority of warriors had gone to sleep as the moon was high and the night was well underway. Sunpaw and Spiderpaw stood next to each other sharing was little body heat each cat had. The little she-cat felt bad about lying to her leader, but there was no way he'd let her go just so she could talk to Spiderpaw.
Only a moment later did Owlfoot appear, as he had been checking on his sister Mousecloud who was pregnant. Although he wasn't very old, Owlfoot was wise, and therefore named after an owl. He was also Spiderpaw's mentor. Sunpaw had respect for the warrior, and smiled at him in greeting.

The hunt entered the forest in silence, moonlight reflecting off their eyes. They made their way up the mountain, padding softly. When they reached their destination, the cats began to hunt. Mudstar took Mistpaw into a nearby tree to look for birds nesting. Honeystrike and Owlfoot went further up the mountain together to make the borders stronger and look for mice living in the moon caves. Flicking his tail showing that he wanted to follow her, Spiderpaw rounded a corner. Elsewhere, crickets chipped and an owl shooter. The night was alive.

Spiderpaw sat at the edge of the mountain. The moon lit up the world below, including the vast barren, desert type lands at the foot of the great hill, where their fellow clan lived.

"It's peaceful, but not lonely." Spiderpaw remarked as Sunpaw sat down next to him.

Sunpaw nodded. She understood what he meant; you were alone, but there was always the comforting noises of the nocturnal animals. Pushing her body closer to his, for a chill ran down her spine, Sunpaw closed her eyes for a few moments. "The prophesied kits..." She began, only pausing as her eyes adjusted again when they flickered open. "Will they really save us?"

Silence came from the tom. Sunpaw guessed he was thinking about the death of their previous leader, Dawnstar, who had been savagely killed by the mountain lion threat. She had originally been Spiderpaw's mentor, and the two had been close. "I'd like to think so, Sunpaw. I truly would."

She sighed. Yes, she'd like to think so too. Enough with the death, the sadness and the pain. She silently prayed to StarClan for the kits to bring the closure and the end to the madness that the clan needed.

[Karma.]

Dawnstar looked through the moonpool at Sunpaw. With a sigh she turned to her mate, Runningpelt, and gazed into his gentle eyes. Both the cats, along with their three daughters, had been savagely killed by a mountain lion. The previous leader now hunted in StarClan, alongside her fellow clanmates that had also been killed by mountain lions: Greysplash, Ashstone and Aspenpaw. Ashstone had taken a particular liking to the ways of Skypaw, whereas Dawnstar preferred the more deep nature of Sunpaw. The two had been watching the apprentices for a whole moon, and we're beginning to grow very attached. However, today was a worrying day for Dawnstar as Sunpaw seemed to of neglected her medicine cat ties and was getting close (perhaps too close for comfort) with Spiderpaw.

Runningpelt flicked his tail at Dawnstar. The she-cat rubbed her flank against his affectionately. She knew what it was like to be in love, for she was deeply so with Runningpelt. To be in love against the will of StarClan? Dawnstar may never had experienced that, but knowing the strength of love, she guessed how young Sunpaw must have been feeling.

"Do we intervene?" She asked, turning to the small huddle of cats with sparkling, star-like eyes.

A short pause occurred, where she guessed the three warriors were thinking about their answers. After what seemed like an eternity, Ashstone spoke. "Sunpaw may not know that she is part of something bigger, but we do. Being distracted by Spiderpaw could prove fatal to her destiny. I vote we do something."

Greysplash shook his head disapprovingly. "Doing something to Spiderpaw could hurt Sunpaw, and distract her even more. I think we shouldn't do anything.The loss would be too great for Sunpaw; I know what it's like to love and lose." The old, dark grey tom looked away. Dawnstar knew he was referring to the HeatClan cat Grassflower. She had once been in ColdClan, but when she fell pregnant with Greysplash's kits, she joined her mother Twigjaw in HeatClan, leaving Greysplash behind. Now the tom hunted with StarClan, Dawnstar wondered how Grassflower felt about it.

Her own mate Runningpelt seemed to have the final say in the matter, and Dawnstar wondered what he would choose. When Dawnstar had been a warrior named Dawnfoot, her and Runningpelt had been the best of friends. They told each other everything, and it had only been towards their death did they both realize they were in love. Her marbled brown tabby flank glittered in the starlight as she waited for her mate to speak. Finally, the cat said, "I think every cat is entitled to love." Leaving it at that, the tom turned on his tail and headed towards where their kits Fawnkit, Asterkit and Spotkit were playing.

Dawnstar smiled proudly. She loved her mate dearly and was glad that they could share their time in StarClan together. If Runningpelt believed that Sunpaw was capable enough to look after herself, then so be it.

She glanced once more down at Sunpaw caringly, promising the cat silently that she wouldn't leave her side.

[Karma.]

Dawn rolled in like a storm to the clan cats. The sky was gloriously bright, but the cat's faces were not so. Fear had flooded the camp, and the sunrise's colours reminded many of the cats of blood colouring the usually perfect sky.

The dawn patrol had been hit like a wave crashing against rocks by the mountain lions.

The cats had been patrolling the border furthest up the mountain, and the mountain lions had taken them completely by surprise.
Thankfully, none of the cats had died, but all five had been injured badly. Larkwing had said they were all lucky to survive - the mountain lions loved to play with their prey before killing them completely. The siblings Lakeheart and Creekwillow had fought bravely back to back protecting each other. Gorseface's back legs had been mauled, resulting in his apprentice Tallpaw and mate Honeystrike having to drag him back to camp whilst suffering from their own injuries.

The camp was a flurry of cats rushing around; multi-coloured pelts lined the dusty floor. Uninjured cats crowded those less fortunate, trying to help in whatever way they could. Larkwing and Sunpaw were rushed off their feet, barking orders to those willing to help. It was a clan cat's worst nightmare.

Guiltily, Skypaw crept out of the apprentice den, closely followed by Rowanpaw. The two were together all night, as Skypaw was very impressed that he had jumped in after her.

Afraid of being told off due to the fact they hadn't woken up when everyone else had, the two parted ways and went to see where they could help. Skypaw sat at the foot of an ash tree, contemplating what to do. She decided to take in what was happening from a distant. Breathing in steadily, she looked to the left of the camp, where the queen's den was. Gratefully, she saw the three queen's being fed by Magpiepaw and Mistpaw. That took one weight off her shoulders, as that was usually her job. Silvernose, a gentle grey furred tabby queen, looked on edge because her mate Lakeheart had been involved in the most recent mountain lion fight. The two she-cat apprentices seemed to be reassuring her, however.

In the center of the camp, Mudstar was assisting Larkwing with applying more cobwebs to Tallpaw's wounds. The young tom stood boldly, trying not to show his pain. Feeling proud that their leader didn't just sit around telling people what to do, Skypaw met Mudstar's gaze. The tom flicked his tail at her in acknowledgment. Her mother was nearby, helping Sunpaw make poultices. Gorseface seemed to have suffered the worse injuries, and Honeystrike was worriedly licking his wounds. The other two apprentices, Rowanpaw and Spiderpaw were leaving camp with Sandfall to bring back fresh kill and replenish the pile. Skypaw felt quite isolated.
A sudden wave of realisation flooded over her when she noticed that Cloudmask was nowhere to be seen. Where was the tom in their hour of need? It wasn't like him to abandon them when they needed him most. She contemplated it for a moment. The cat could easily had left to fetch supplies, but Mudstar would prefer his right hand cat next to him in these harsh times.

Turning on her heels making sure nobody was watching, Skypaw slipped out of camp, her silver pelt slightly dirtied but still beautiful. Her nose soon found a slightly musky trail of her father, leading down the mountain. Surprised, Skypaw followed the winding route he had taken. The trees that were at an angle on the face of the mountain were beginning to flatten out, and she guessed she had reached the base of it. Surely enough, the trees became sparse until eventually she reached their border with HeatClan... and Cloudmask had crossed it!

Skypaw stopped on the edge of the border, not daring to take another step. Glancing behind her she saw the huge mountain looming towards her. It was a scary sight for a she-cat who had lived most of her life on the great hill itself! Questions burned in Skypaw's mind, the main being what was Cloudmask doing on HeatClan territory?

As if StarClan were answering her question, Cloudmask emerged from behind a sand dune. Instinct told Skypaw to not let her father know she was there, and she dived behind a nearby desert bush. Thankfully she was downwind, and so Cloudmask hadn't noticed her there. The black and white deputy made his way back into the mountain trees, and disappeared among them. Where were all the HeatClan cats anyway?

Skypaw was about to cross back over the border when she heard a noise behind her. It was a sound she had never heard before. Her ears perked left and then right, but her eyes were not cooperating with her ears and she couldn't see anything. The noise was almost a rattling. She took a step back, only to tread on something she thought was a stick. But sticks in a desert? Something wasn't right... As her foot met the ground, something leapt at her leg and bit down hard. Instantly Skypaw let out a yowl of pain and stumbled forwards on to her side.

Turning back at to the stick that was alive, she saw not a stick but a moving creature heading in the opposite direction, obviously satisfied that it had scared the predator away. It was a rattlesnake, a ghastly critter that she had only heard about from the older cats.

Pain seared up her leg and she fell to the ground once more. She tried to scramble back to her border, but to no avail. "Fox-dung!" She cursed, almost tearfully. "I'm going to die out here!"

[Karma.]

Late morning had arrived in a flash for ColdClan. The confusion had begun to die down and many of the cats were now basking in the sun in the center of camp. Sunpaw was assisting Larkwing in the medicine cat den, as the two she-cats had realised that Gorseface's injuries were worse than they first expected. Larkwing had guessed that the tom had broken his hind legs, and she'd been right. It was a first time experience for Sunpaw, and she watched over her mentor's shoulder as the cat attempted to help Gorseface. Working quickly, Larkwing bound the legs with cobwebs.

"How are you feeling, Gorseface?" Sunpaw asked, knowing that the cats they treated always tried to act tough - nobody wanted to retire to the elder's den early.

Gorseface was half asleep due to the poppy seeds he had been given, but managed to mumble a sentence out. "It doesn't hurt as much as it did; I think the poppy seeds are helping."

As Larkwing tied the final bind, the injured cat let out a yelp, but relaxed soon after. "You'll have to stay in here until you feel up to moving, Gorseface. I've only ever seen a few cats recover from a broken leg, but you have two... We need to be serious - this could be the end of being a warrior for you."

Gorseface's body tensed as he was agitated by Larkwing's comments, but it obviously hurt him so he tried to relax again. "A-as long as there's a little hope for me..." The medicine cat nodded, and headed out of the den. Taking a moment to look at the yellow eyed cat, Sunpaw eventually followed in her brown mackerel mentor's footsteps.

The camp was almost silent. Sunpaw guessed they were all reflecting on the previous events. With a sigh, Sunpaw headed towards the fresh-kill pile. Her belly rumbled because she hadn't eaten all morning. As she began to eat a tiny shrew, Mudstar jumped up onto the highrock. "Let all ColdClan cats gather for a meeting!" Instantly, Sunpaw buried her food for later. She'd make time to eat when her clan didn't need her.

His gorgeous light brown coat shining in the sun showing his health, Mudstar began to speak. "There is much to discuss." The tom said as the cats gathered round. Sunpaw saw her father at the base of the rock and her mother next to Webfall, but her eyes did not fall upon the familiar sight of the silver pelted blue eyed she-cat that was her sister. However, there was no time to discuss such matters, for Mudstar had already began talking.

"ColdClan cats, my friends. You all know that the dawn patrol was attacked by the mountain lions. What you don't know is that the brave cats on that patrol did manage to successfully injure one of the biggest cats, perhaps so much that it could die from it's wounds. I hope everyone would join in celebrating. Us ColdClan cats know more than any other cats about teamwork. Here's to Gorseface, Honeystrike, Tallpaw, Creekwillow and Lakeheart!" The leader paused at the clan cats shouted the heroes names.

"Sadly, Larkwing tells me that Gorseface's legs are broken, and may never heal properly. We must help him in any way we can to get back on his paw, as he is so young and should have a long warrior life ahead of him. His bravery will not be forgotten." More cheers, but Honeystrike was looking at the ground dismally. The two cats were not only mates but the best of friends, and Sunpaw couldn't imagine what it'd be like to lose her best friend Skypaw. Gratefully, Webfall and Berrystep were comforting the sandy coloured she-cat.

"Onto some good news, for StarClan has not forgotten about us. I had the same vision as Larkwing, yet the fish and the stone were more powerful than ever. My kits grow stronger every day, and I know that they will be great when they are warriors." Mudstar looked lovingly at his mate who sat in the queen's den entrance, their kits buried in the sides of her fur.

"Finally, we have some apprentices becoming warriors and kits becoming apprentices. We'll start with the kits. Rosekit, Lilykit and Echokit, please come up." Sunpaw smiled at the gorgeous kits. The adventurous Rosekit who had nearly drowned, the kind Lilykit who had suffered from greencough and survived, and the brave Echokit who was always prepared for whatever was thrown his way.

"Rosekit, Lilykit and Echokit, you have all reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior names, you will be known as Rosepaw, Lilypaw and Echopaw. Rosepaw, your mentor will be Berrystep. Lilypaw, your mentor will be Clearwhisker. Echopaw, your mentor will be Cloudmask. I hope Berrystep, Clearwhisker and Cloudmask pass down all they know on to you." He stepped back, allowing the new mentors and apprentices to greet each other by touching noses.

Sunpaw joined the cats in shouting the new apprentices names, before settling back down to watch her friends become warriors. Mudstar beckoned to Magpiepaw and Mistpaw to come forward. The two had worked well together this morning and had their assessment the day before, and Sunpaw was proud.
"I, Mudstar, leader of ColdClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turns. Magpiepaw, Mistpaw; do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

With bright grins, the two she-cats nodded and both boldly said 'I do.'

Mudstar continued, warmly looking down at them with his crystal blue eyes. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you both your warrior names. Magpiepaw, from this moment you will be known as Magpiefur. Mistpaw, from this moment you will be known as Mistheart. StarClan honors your cleverness and determination, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ColdClan." Resting his muzzle on the apprentices heads in turn, the new warriors licked their leader's shoulders. The two new warriors would sit vigil for the night, but not before the cats had called their names to welcome them into the clan. Sunpaw shouted loud and clear. She couldn't wait till it was her sister standing up there!

»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«

A short while later, Larkwing and Sunpaw were sharing tongues just outside the medicine cat den. The afternoon was cooler than the morning, and Sunpaw felt relaxed and comfortable. "Today was eventful!" She chuckled cheerily.

Larkwing nodded her head, her eyes lit up with happiness. "It had a rough start, but it's ended well. Gorseface may never be a warrior again, but at least he's alive. Oh, and it's great news that Honeystrike is pregnant. Gorseface can be with her all the time, so perhaps StarClan meant him to be injured." She paused, glancing around the camp. "I haven't seen Skypaw for a while. Do you know where she is?"

Sunpaw shook her head, though she'd been wondering the same thing. She hadn't spoken to her sister one today, and had no clue where she could be. All of a sudden, there was a cry from the queen's den. A grey cat charged out, straight over to Larkwing, almost crashing into her.

"Larkwing, Larkwing, come quickly!" Bouncing around, the tom nipped at Larkwing trying to make her get up. It was Webfall. "Come on! It's Mousecloud! She's having her kits!"

Making her grin from ear to ear, Sunpaw leapt to her feet. More good things were happening to the clan; StarClan was truly blessing them!

Hurriedly explaining to Sunpaw what supplies she'd need, Larkwing rushed to the queen's den. Sunpaw made her way over to their den and selected the herbs. From what Webfall had explained to Larkwing, it sounded like Mousecloud had been in labour for some time. This was true, for when Sunpaw reached the queen's den, two beautiful kits laid snuggled into Mousecloud's warm brown fur. The queen said she ached, and so Larkwing gave her a few herbs, but the birth had apparently been easy and not too painful for the young Mousecloud, though Mousecloud had always been tough.

"They're gorgeous, Mousecloud. What are you going to call them?" Gently, Sunpaw licked Mousecloud's head caringly.

The queen turned to her mate Webfall, partly tired but mainly joyful of the fact the kits were healthy. "Webfall wanted to call one Robinkit, after his father." The she-cat rested her tail on the tortoiseshell kit. "This is Robinkit." She moved her tail over to the other one, a handsome grey kit. "This is Heronkit, named after my brother who died when he was a kit."

Nodding in agreement, Sunpaw and Larkwing turned away and let the proud parents have time to themselves.

"I should tell Mudstar, he'll want to know that there are two healthy strong kits in his clan. He mentioned to me that he wanted us medicine cats to learn a few defensive moves in case the mountain lions attack. Your father said he'd take you and his new apprentice Echopaw to the training hollow when you're ready to go." Affectionately, the she-cat rested her muzzle on Sunpaw's head, before heading to Mudstar's den.

Only a few fox-lengths away stood her father, speaking with Echopaw. The apprentice looked bolder and much more confident already, and he'd only had his ceremony this morning! Sunpaw was proud. She greeted her father and her clanmate, and the three of them trotted towards the training hollow.

Annoyingly, the training did not put her sister out of her mind. Sometimes her parents had joked that her and her sister were 'connected'. Sunpaw hadn't really believed them until recently, where she'd started dreaming the exact same thing as her sister. Although the dreams had only been trivial things, like fishing, hunting or climbing, every detail had been the same.

As Cloudmask was showing both Echopaw and her a defensive position, her back leg began to ache. For a while she ignored it, but there was a constant gnawing in her mind that her sister may be in trouble.

[Karma.]

MAJOR EVENTS
Both Clans

>> It's been a moon in the book since the last 'Allegiances and Relations' chapter was posted.
>> The next gathering will be very soon.

ColdClan
>> New elders in ColdClan: Gorseface has retired early to the elder's den.
>> New warriors in ColdClan: Magpiefur and Mistheart.
>> New apprentices in ColdClan: Rosepaw, Lilypaw and Echopaw.
>> New kits in ColdClan: Robinkit and Heronkit.

HeatClan
>> News: Foxstar lost a life due to greencough and Stonepool died from it. Marshfoot is now the medicine cat, and his apprentice is Ivypaw.
>> New elders in HeatClan: none
>> New warriors in HeatClan: Sootsplash.
>> New apprentices in HeatClan: Reedpaw, Cherrypaw and Applepaw.
>> New kits in HeatClan: none.

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

COLDCLAN
Leader - Mudstar; male, 51 moons, mate is Mosspelt, daughter is Fishkit, son is Stonekit.
Deputy - Cloudmask; male, 45 moons, mate is Berrystep, daughters are Sunpaw and Skypaw, mentor to Echopaw.
Medicine Cat - Larkwing; female, 42 moons, sister of Mosspelt and Berrystep.
Medicine Cat Apprentice - Sunpaw; female, 11 moons, daughter of Cloudmask and Berrystep, sister is Skypaw.

Warriors -
>> Berrystep; female, 42 moons, mate is Cloudmask, daughters are Sunpaw and Skypaw, sisters are Mosspelt and Larkwing, mentor to Rosepaw.
>> Redflight; male, 52 moons, brother of Riverdew, mentor to Skypaw.
>> Riverdew; male, 52 moons, mate of Clearwhisker, daughter is Magpiefur, brother of Redflight.
>> Clearwhisker; female, 49 moons, mate of Riverdew, daughter is Magpiefur, mentor to Lilypaw.
>> Sandfall; female, 25 moons, mate of Sootleg, sons are Rowanpaw, Spiderpaw and Tallpaw.
>> Sootleg; male, 31 moons, mate of Sandfall, sons are Rowanpaw, Spiderpaw and Tallpaw.
>> Owlfoot; male, 16 moons, brother of Mousecloud, mentor to Spiderpaw.
>> Webfall; male, 22 moons, mate of Mousecloud, adoptive father to Mistheart, sons are Robinkit and Heronkit.
>> Lakeheart; male, 41 moons, mate of Silvernose, brother of Creekwillow, daughters are Rosepaw and Lilypaw, son is Echopaw.
>> Creekwillow; female, 41 moons, sister of Lakeheart, mentor to Rowanpaw.
>> Silvernose; female, 31 moons, mate is Lakeheart, daughters are Rosepaw and Lilypaw, son is Echopaw.
>> Mistheart; female, 12 moons, unknown family, adoptive father is Webfall.
>> Magpiefur; female, 12 moons, daughter of Riverdew and Clearwhisker.

Queens expecting/nursing kits -
>> Mousecloud; female, 16 moons, sons are Robinkit and Heronkit, mate of Webfall, sister of Owlfoot.
>> Mosspelt; female, 42 moons, mate is Mudstar, daughter is Fishkit, son is Stonekit, sisters are Larkwing and Berrystep.
>> Honeystrike; female, 26 moons, mate is Gorseface, expecting three kits.

Kits -
>> Fishkit; female, 2 moons, brother is Stonekit, parents are Mosspelt and Mudstar.
>> Stonekit; male, 2 moons, sister is Fishkit, parents are Mosspelt and Mudstar.
>> Robinkit; male, less than 1 moon, brother is Heronkit, parents are Mousecloud and Webfall.
>> Heronkit; male, less than 1 moon, brother is Heronkit, parents are Mousecloud and Webfall.

Apprentices -
>> Skypaw; female, 11 moons, daughter of Cloudmask and Berrystep, sister is Sunpaw, mentor is Redflight.
>> Rowanpaw; male, 9 moons, son of Sandfall and Sootleg, brothers are Spiderpaw and Tallpaw, mentor is Creekwillow.
>> Spiderpaw; male, 9 moons, son of Sandfall and Sootleg, brothers are Rowanpaw and Tallpaw, mentor is Owlfoot.
>> Tallpaw; male, 9 moons, son of Sandfall and Sootleg, brothers are Spiderpaw and Rowanpaw, mentor is Gorseface.
>> Echopaw; male, 6 moons, sisters are Rosepaw and Lilypaw, parents are Silvernose and Lakeheart, mentor is Cloudmask.
>> Lilypaw; female, 6 moons, sister is Rosepaw, brother is Echopaw, parents are Silvernose and Lakeheart, mentor is Clearwhisker.
>> Rosepaw; female, 6 moons, sister is Lilypaw, brother is Echopaw, parents are Silvernose and Lakeheart, mentor is Berrystep.

Elders -
>> Shadeshell; male, 81 moons, brother of Smokepelt.
>> Smokepelt; male, 81 moons, brother of Shadeshell.
>> Gorseface; male, 31 moons, mate is Honeystrike, ex-mentor to Tallpaw, early retirement because of damaged hind legs.

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

HEATCLAN
Leader - Foxstar; male, 45 moons, mate is Jaypelt, mentor to Wolfpaw. (7 lives.)
Deputy - Dovefeather; female, 38 moons, mate is Coldfrost, daughter is Beepaw, sister of Rabbitnose.
Medicine Cat - Marshfoot; male, 12 moons, brother is Sootsplash parents are Goldheart and Beechpelt.
Medicine Cat Apprentice - Ivypaw; female, 6 moons, parents are Swallowfeather and Nettlepelt, sister is Reedpaw.

Warriors -
>> Goldheart; male, 50 moons, mate of Beechpelt, sons are Marshfoot and Sootsplash, mentor to Beepaw.
>> Beechpelt; female, 39 moons, mate of Goldheart, sons are Marshfoot and Sootsplash.
>> Rabbitnose; female, 38 moons, mate of Mintstep, son is Applepaw, daughter is Cherrypaw.
>> Mintstep; male, 51 moons, mate of Rabbitnose, son is Applepaw, daughter is Cherrypaw.
>> Coldfrost; male, 41 moons, mate of Dovefeather, daughter is Beepaw, mentor to Applepaw.
>> Bearleap; male, 51 moons, brother of Briartail.
>> Briartail; female, 51 moons, sister of Bearleap, mentor to Ashpaw.
>> Nettlepelt; male, 27 moons, mate of Swallowfeather, daughters are Reedkit and Ivykit.
>> Vinepuddle; male, 43 moons, mentor to Reedpaw.
>> Dustfire; male, 31 moons, mate of Mapleheart, daughter is Breezekit, son is Sagekit, mentor to Cherrypaw.
>> Grassflower; female, 41 moons, daughter is Ashpaw, son is Wolfpaw.
>> Sootspalsh; male, 12 moons, parents are Goldheart and Beechpelt, brother is Marshfoot.
>> Swallowfeather; female, 24 moons, mate of Nettlepelt, daughters are Reedpaw and Ivypaw.

Queens expecting/nursing kits -
>> Mapleheart; female, 25 moons, mate of Dustfire, daughter is Breezekit, son is Sagekit.
>> Jaypelt; female, 37 moons, mate of Foxstar, son is Pinekit.

Kits -
>> Breezekit; female, 4 moons, parents are Dustfire and Mapleheart, brother is Sagekit.
>> Sagekit; male, 4 moons, parents are Dustfire and Mapleheart, sister is Breezekit.
>> Pinekit; male, 5 moons, parents are Foxstar and Jaypelt.

Apprentices-
>> Beepaw; female, 11 moons, parents are Dovefeather and Coldfrost., mentor is Goldheart.
>> Wolfpaw; male, 10 moons, mother is Grassflower, sister is Ashpaw, mentor is Foxstar.
>> Ashpaw; female, 10 moons, mother is Grassflower, brother is Wolfpaw, mentor is Briarleap.
>> Reedpaw; female, 6 moons, parents are Swallowfeather and Nettlepelt, sister is Ivypaw, mentor is Vinepuddle.
>> Cherrypaw; female, 6 moons, parents are Mintstep and Rabbitnose, brother is Applepaw, mentor is Dustfire.
>> Applepaw; male, 6 moons, parents are Mintstep and Rabbitnose, sister is Cherrypaw, mentor is Coldfrost.

Elders -
>> Twigjaw; female, 80 moons, mother of Grassflower.

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

ROGUES/LONERS/KITTYPETS
>> Buzz; male, 43 moons, loner, mate is Fawn.
>> Fawn; female, 22 moons, loner, mate is Buzz.

(c) of the names to me, idea comes from Erin Hunter's work.

[Karma.]

Darkened skies and a cold breeze were two of the factors to wake Skypaw. Whilst her silver body lay motionlessly on the floor, her crystal blue eyes flickered alive and her gaze rested upon a brown cat. Shocked by this cat she had never seen before, Skypaw attempted to get up; instantly, her legs collapsed beneath her and she scrabbled at the sand trying to move away from the cat, who seemed to be amused by her attempts to move.

"You," the tom began, taking a step towards her. "Are trespassing on HeatClan territory." He said it in a matter of fact way, as if he didn't care too much and was just pointing out the obvious. The cat didn't seem that much older than her, but had the confidence of a leader.

"I-I didn't realize, honestly! I was bitten by a snake and..." She trailed off, realizing she had just given away all her weaknesses to this enemy cat.

"Oh, I noticed that." Carelessly, he nodded to her hind leg. "I put some poultice and cobwebs on it. It wasn't a bad bite, actually."
Frowning, Skypaw glanced down at her leg. The cat hadn't lied - her leg was expertly treated, perhaps even better than her own sister could do. "Are-are you a medicine cat?!" She asked, shocked. How could a cat with all the strength to be an amazing warrior have chosen the path of medicine and herbs? That was a life that Skypaw found extremely boring, and couldn't understand why her sister had chosen.

The cat turned to look into the distance, supposedly towards where his clan's camp was. He looked distant for a second, as if remembering something or someone. "Only recently have I been appointed as the medicine cat. My name is Marshpa- sorry, I mean Marshfoot." Embarrassed to have forgotten that he wasn't an apprentice now, the tom looked at the floor. Skypaw pitied him. It must be hard to lose your mentor, and thankfully she hadn't had to endure that yet.

"I'm Skypaw." She said gently, for this cat hadn't shown any signs of being hostile to her - in fact the complete opposite! "Uh, why did you help me? I'm on your territory, I would have thought you would be ripping my ears off or something."

Marshfoot looked back up at her, laughing heartily. "I'm a medicine cat, I couldn't just let you die. You're probably valuable to your clan, and although I may not like them, I respect them."

Skypaw nodded. It was true, all apprentices would be assets to the clan. From what Marshfoot had done to her back leg, she guessed that he was valuable to his own clan. Not only that, but he had powerful, muscular legs that would be great for fighting.
Suddenly remembering why she had come here in the first place, Skypaw wondered if she should mention it to Marshfoot. Could she trust the cat she'd only just met? Well, she guessed it was a risk she was going to have to take, for she had to know why her father was coming to HeatClan territory!

"Marshfoot, I need to know one thing. Why has my father been coming here?" She blurted out. There was no going back now.
With his brows furred, the brown cat tilted his head.

The cat looked surprised at the question she was asking. They'd only known each other for a few moments! "Your father? You mean Cloudmask? Foxstar told the clan that he was a rogue kicked out of your clan and considering joining ours... but it was weird. He only stays for a short period of time, and spends most of that with Foxstar's mate Jaypelt and her kit, Pinekit."

Questions exploded in Skypaw's brain. Her father was visiting HeatClan to see some mangy queen and her kit? Why, it made no sense! Especially as Foxstar himself seemed quite happy to let Cloudmask in and see his mate...

"I know we've only just met, Marshfoot, but it'd be so great if you could do me a huge favour." She pressed her head against his neck for a second, showing that she trusted him. Slightly astounded, the confident brown tom seemed lost for words. However after a few moments he nodded. "I need you to spy on Cloudmask. If you can, find out exactly why he's visiting your clan. If you find anything, we'll share it at the next gathering. It's close now, isn't it? I need to know that I can rely on you, though."

"Oh, StarClan, I'm helping the enemy." The young medicine cat glanced at the sky. "Yes, of course I'll do it. I can't promise anything though."

Shrugging, Skypaw let out a sigh. "I can't believe he'd betray his own clan like this, let alone StarClan's warrior code!"

Marshfoot laid a comforting tail on her spine. "Everyone makes mistakes, Skypaw. He may have his reasons for doing this, and if he does, I will find them for you." The two cat's eyes met for a moment, and Skypaw felt a connection. However she was the first to break away and attempt to stand. Marshfoot assisted her, and soon she was back on four legs and feeling as strong as ever. It was almost moonhigh. If she didn't get back soon, cats would be missing her.

"Goodbye, Marshfoot. And thank you! I'll see you at the next gathering." The little grey she-cat trotted towards her own territory.
Marshfoot was content. The she-cat had certainly brightened his day. Stonepool's recent death had hung over him like a storm cloud, but now it felt slightly lifted. "Farewell, Skypaw. May StarClan light your path!"

»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«

When Skypaw arrived back in camp, only four cats were awake. One was her sister, anxiously pacing the edge of the camp, obviously conflicted about what to do. The other three were the brothers and elders Shadeshell and Smokepelt, and Spiderpaw, surprisingly sat next to Sunpaw offering her some kind words. As they noticed Skypaw, Sunpaw ran straight over and bowled her onto the floor. She winced at her leg, but took the embrace anyway. Spiderpaw was less forward, pressing his nose against hers.

"Oh, Skypaw, we were so worried! Where have you been? You've missed so much!" Sunpaw bounced around Skypaw, making her dizzy. She stopped when she noticed her leg. "Oh my, how did you do that!? It's been treated so expertly... who did this?"

"It's nothing.." Skypaw muttered.

Spiderpaw was looking over Sunpaw's shoudlers, obviously also impressed. Was it really that obvious? "Look, you two. I need you to keep a secret." She glanced at the two elders sharing tongues. One of them was almost completely deaf anyway, so it didn't matter too much, but Skypaw wanted to be careful anyway. Gesturing to the furthest corner of the camp, the three apprentices trotted over and sat down together in a little huddle.

"Firstly, I want you to both swear to StarClan you won't tell what I'm about to tell you to anyone. I mean it. Nobody can know. Spiderpaw, I'm trusting you because Sunpaw does. Defy me and I will make your life a misery." The cat didn't look scared, but he didn't look comfortable either. Sunpaw was obviously embarrassed by the way Skypaw had interpreted their relationship and was looking at the floor. "I know where Cloudmask has been going and why he's been looking so edgy." Skypaw said blatantly.

Sunpaw's jaw dropped. "You followed him!?"

With a nod, Skypaw continued. "He's been going to HeatClan. All the cats there are under the influence that he is a rogue and that ColdClan kicked him out. However, Marshfoot told me that whenever he goes there, he only stays for an hour or so and only ever speaks to Jaypelt and Pinekit, who are Foxstar's mate and kit."

Both the apprentices eyes were wide, for neither of them expected that their own deputy could be capable of this. "Wait," Spiderpaw interrupted. "Marshfoot? Don't tell me you've been secretly meeting with a HeatClan cat too.."

"No, of course not!" Skypaw shook away the thought. "Sunpaw, HeatClan's medicine cat died. Marshfoot is the new one. You may have known him when he was Marshpaw?"

Sunpaw pondered for a moment, before nodding. "Yes, I do know him. He's bold and quite bulky for a HeatClan cat. Larkwing always said he'd have done well as an average warrior, but he took the path of a medicine cat instead - by the looks of this binding on this wound, he's a good one! This is a snake bite, am I right?"

"Yeah. I got bitten by one tracking our father." The silver she-cat muttered. Her own stupidity had caused her that wound, and she didn't like to admit it.

All of a sudden, Skypaw was overtaken by tiredness. She let out a huge yawn, and clumsily took a step backwards, as if she was going to fall on the floor.

"You need to rest and get that leg healed. If anyone asks, I'll say you were bitten by an adder and I bound the wound - they're common on our territory, more so than any desert snake." Skypaw licked her sister's head affectionately, and she and Spiderpaw let Skypaw lean on their flanks as they helped her to the apprentice den. That night, she was comforted as her sister said she would sleep with her. The warmth of her pelt made her swiftly fall into a dream, of which she was chasing Marshfoot in the open desert. Although it was strange to dream of a cat she had only met today, she enjoyed it, and soon forgot about all the cares in the real world.