Silent Clan: Tale of Two Sisters

Prologue


Awakening to a small, open field that reminded her of the moor near the southern border, Silverwing let out a loud yawn. The light here was dim, and the fog and mist rolled about the ground in a dull, lazy pattern. Heaving herself to her paws, the white deputy gave her head a quick shake, then began to give her chest a few good licks. Suddenly, her ears perked, the sound of paw steps slowly getting closer and louder. Silverwing looked up, mid lick, surprised to see many StarClan cats trotting in to congratulate her. There were many faces, some she knew far too well, and some she did not recognize at all. But she knew what was going to happen, and was glad she had Bluefern to help her.

Speaking of Bluefern, the white cat thought to herself, looking left and right, ears perked and eyes wide , Where is she? In front of her, to her surprise, the outline of a cat came in to view, soon turning into the distinctive grey tabby coat of the medicine cat. The elderly medicine cat got to her paws, shaking out her fur, then looked to Silverwing.

"Sorry it took so long," she mused as her whiskers quivered slightly, "I had trouble getting to sleep." The elderly she-cat then turned her pale blue eyes to the crowd of cats in front of her, her eyes sparkling as she looked from one face to the next.

From the crowd a ginger and white tom trotted forward, his yellow eyes sparkling as he approached the two she-cats. "Nothing bad, I hope?" he mewed, his long, curled fur seeming to be tangled with the very stars of Silverpelt and his deep voice seemed to calm two cats' frayed nerves, a peace coming into their eyes.

Looking at each other amusedly, the two cats gave the tom a rye look. "Curledstar," Silverwing purred, dipping her head to the former leader. He no longer looked fragile and old, and the many battle scars that had adorned his body were now healed.

"Curledstar," Bluefern echoed ominously, exchanging a knowing glance that Silverwing did not understand the meaning of. Must be something only they and StarClan know, Silverwing thought, looking once again to the assembled cats, a strange quiet resting over them for such a large crowd.

Curledstar took a step forward, his deep voice ringing loudly and clearly across the clearing. "You know why you are here," he began, "To receive your new name, and the acceptance of StarClan." He glanced to the cats assembled behind them, a few of them shifting uneasily on their paws. "Leadership is not, nor has ever been, easy. But with the guidance of StarClan and the faith of ones clanmates, it can be bearable. It is a path you must walk alone, and one your must bear alone," he mewed, his eyes flashing with what seemed like regret, but blinked, the look vanishing into one of kindness.

Silverwing nodded, watching Bluefern's tail tip twitch as they watched Curledstar step back.

From where he backed into the crowd of gathered StarClan cats, a tall black and white tom padded out, his amber eyes glittering with joy and a deep, loud purr rumbling in his throat.

"Father!" Silverwing squeaked, as she greeted him with a friendly lick to the cheek, a purr in her own throat as he nuzzled her back.

"It is not easy being the provider for a life, let alone the provider for a whole clan," Splashtail mewed, his black tail flicking slightly, "So with this life, I give you life. Even through the toughest Leaf-bare, there will always be new life and new hope."

Eagerly stretching out to touch her nose to her fathers, she did not expect the searing pain that racked her body. It clenched at her stomach, making her want to cry out in pain, but the white she-cat was rooted where she stood, paralyzed with agony. Glancing quickly to Bluefern as the pain began to ebb, she managed to choke out, "Is it always going to feel like this?"

Bluefern simply blinked her eyes at Silverwing, silently watching as the white she-cat turned her attention back to her father. Forlornly watching the tom step back, she began panting slightly, the life still numbing her body as a new cat approached her. This warrior had a slim build, her white fur brighter than the sun, and her black paws, ears, face and tail darker than shadows. But the she-cat still quickly jogged over to the deputy, a deep rumbling purr coming from her.

Silverwing let out a loud mewl of excitement as she saw her mother for the first time. "I've always wanted to meet you," she whispered, the pain from her last life finally seeped away.

Duskyfoot touched her tail tip to her kit's mouth, whispering back, "Hush now. I've always watched over you, from the time you were a young kit, to the time you were made deputy." Clearing her throat, Duskyfoot gave her daughter a look of sheer happiness. "Though we are all here to guide you, you must make decisions for your clan based on what you feel to be right," she purred, bending forward to touch noses with her daughter. "With this life, I give you independence. The fate of your clan must be weighed in with the decisions you make."

Silverwing braced for the impact of this life, and felt as if she was going to go deaf, the pain hitting her ears first, and drowning out all noise and thought. It then spread to her head, then her chest, then slowly began to dissipate. She feebly stood up straighter, watching her mother pad back to the cats and watched as the former deputy approached her. Ashpetal looked as if the disease had never struck her, her beautiful cream tabby fur still shining like the sun, olive eyes glinting as if she had always and only seen happiness in her life.

"You and your clan may fall on troubled times in the future," she mewed ominously, "But you will always have the faith of your clan and StarClan behind you. With this life, I give you trust." Ashpetal dipped her head to the she-cat, then craned her neck forward. "When it comes to your clan, their opinions may be helpful during a hard time."

When her nose touched Ashpetal's, Silverwing felt as if she had enough strength, energy, and speed to take on a whole pack of foxes. She unsheathed her claws, a low growl escaping from her lips as she dug her claws deep into the soil below. Once the pain had ebbed away, though, the she-cat saw that a new cat had already approached her. This tom's grey coat was dappled with white and ginger over his face, back and tail, and all could here him purr as he looked down to the white she-cat.

"Olivenose," Silverwing murmured, her heart racing as his tail touched her cheek.

"Silverwing," he purred, "If you ever feel like the pain and burden of being a leader is too much, always know that you have the faith of StarClan and your clan with you. With this life, I give you faith." His tail-tip brushed one of her paws, his stormy-blue eyes penetrating her own silvery-blue eyes with more love than any cat had ever seen before. "Your whole clan looks up to you, so hold their faith with you with every breath you take."

The white cat had expected this life to be sweet and gentle, but it racked her body fiercly as she tried to scream in pain. Her pelt felt as if it was being raked by dozens of unsheathed claws and her eyes stung as if she had been scratched by brambles. Silverwing touched her paw to the now-rising toms', a pleading look in her eyes.

"Don't go," she murmured, but the tom shook his head, letting out a deep and long sigh as he rejoined the StarClan crowd. Soon enough, loud mewing broke through the assembled cats, some jumping out of the way as it grew louder and sharper. A grey and ginger ball of fur broke throught the assembled cats and landed in front of Silverwing, bright amber eyes shining as they peered up to look at her.

The white deputies former apprentice let out a loud purr, then mewed, "Never lose hope in yourself, your clan, or StarClan, for with this life I give you loyalty. When all seems lost and no hope can be found," she muttered, looking to her paws, then back up to her former mentor, her voice becoming high-pitched and sweet again, "Know that you will always have the loyalty a leader deserves and needs."
Bending down to accpet this next life, Silverwing again felt as if she could rip the pelt off of any badger anyday, but felt as if there was more paws then just hers sharing the feeling of victory, and the pang of defeat. Shuddering, the pains slowly left, watching the apprentice bounded away.

A lean, familiar figure padded up to her, this she-cats long giner and white fur no longer messy and tangled, and no longer a scared, paranoid look haunting her yellow eyes. Rosefrost gave the deputy a quick glance, grumbling about how untidy her fur was, but still her eyes shone proudly for the she-cat. "With this life, I give you bravery. Even the toughest of battles can be won when you have bravery on your side."

Preparing for the harsh pain of this life, it felt as if she was being swallowed under giant waves, her lungs screaming out in pain. Then Silverwing felt paws lift her higher and higher out of the numbing pain, and the life ended in warmth like sleeping under the sun. Letting out a purr that calmed her dizzying thoughts, she opened her eyes to see herself back in the misty clearing.

Rosefrost turned away, muttering again about how cats these days can't handle any pain, but was soon replaced by three tumbling kits, squeaks of excitment breaking the cold silence that hushed the clearing. Smokekit's deep grey fur fluffed out on end, but her slim, dainty white paws and chest looked smoothed down. Her blue eyes looked to Silverwing, then Yellowkit followed her gaze. His yellow eyes glimmered as he hopped off of his sister's back, his black fur smoother than his elder sisters. And the last kit, a small silver tabby by the name of Lynxkit, was the one who spoke. "Even ones who are bad deserve to have a second chance," she mewed wisely, "And with this life, we give you forgiveness. Courage and cunning mean nothing when you are unable to forgive."

As each kit pressed their noses to hers, the pain intensified, growing worse and worse. Feeling as if she was getting slowly crushed, Silverwing attempted to flail her paws, but saw it was no use as she was once again frozen to the spot. Let's hope no more kits give out a life, she thought to herself, closing her eyes tightly and gritting her teeth.

After the pain had left, a new cat began to stride up to where Silverwing stood, and she was astonished at how gracefully the short-haired brown tabby tom stalked up to her, all his former grace restored. His back legs... But I thought he was paralyzed from his flank down?

Watching him walk forward, Bluefern gave him a quick glance, happiness and joy shining in her eyes. She looked back to Rosefrost, who was giving her chest a few licks, and let out a small, rasping laugh.

Silverwing still stood, gaping at the tom, but closed her mouth as he approached. "I was surprised too," Owlclaw mumured, then lifted his chin. "With this life, I give you honesty. One must always be true to their clan, as any lie can lead to your clans downfall."

Again, Silverwing stretched up, touching noses to the new cat, and was surprised to feel as if she were floating through the air, as if the very winds had lifted the cat off her feet and kept her floating aimlessly.

Finally, Curledsatr stepped forward again, as the StarClan cats shuffled forward, forming a ring only fox-lengths away from the three cats in the center. Silverwing eyed many of her friends, purring as her eyes rested on her parents, wishing to go speak to them, but knew that it could wait for now.

He trotted closer to the she-cat, his whiskers almost brushing hers. "If one does not believe, then one has no hope to lead. With this life, I give you perseverance. From now on, your clan is all that matters, and if you give up, then all hope is lost."

Although the deputy had braced herself for this last life, the pain was so agonizing that she felt as if she was going to die. It ripped at her skin, leaving imaginary marks and the smell of her clanmates shrouded her, their screams of terror only audible in her ears. She thought she could smell their blood and taste it, gagging slightly. But as the pain ended, Silverwing gazed up, a deep purr in her throat, and every other cat there was letting out purrs of their own.

"From now on," Curledstar mewed as his gaze swept over the gathered cats, resting on Silverwing, "SilentClan rests in your paws. Their fate lies with you, their faith lies with you, and know that sometimes hoping may be the best answer." He then tilted his head up, every cat other than herself copying as Curledstar yowled, "We now welcome you as Silverstar, new leader of SIlentClan!”

All the cats let out excited shouts and yowls, calling out proudly, “Silverstar, Silverstar!” Silverstar could distinctly hear the calls of Creampaw, her parents, but the one that stood out the most was Olivenose's yowls. But something else caught her mind, the words spoken by the former leader catching in her mind.

Hope may be the best answer? Silverstar thought, What could he mean by that? The newly named leader caught Olivenose’s eye, and opened her mouth to speak, but she noticed that the other cats' calls were growing duller and duller. Even Bluefern’s voice had began to disappear.

They’re fading away! she realized, and tried to call out to them, but they had already left. Looking around, all that Silverstar could see now was the rolling fog that shrouded the clearing, and the far trees that surrounded it.

Suddenly darkness slammed down on her, driving all the breath from her chest, and she awoke with a jerk to find herself safely by the Moon Pool, Bluefern grooming her flank. Their eyes met, and Bluefern stopped mid-lick. “You are not to speak of the ceremony to any cat,” she mewed, “Not even I.”

Giving her a nod, Silverstar felt as if more weight and responsibilities had been added to her, but shook it off. Whatever happens, she thought determinedly, rising to her paws as her eyes sparked with new hope, I will not let my clan or StarClan down.

The Clan Cats (Chapter 1)

Name: Silverstar (Silverwing)
Rank: Leader
Age: 15 moons
OCD: Unsure of herself at moments and slightly clumsy, this pretty white she-cat can't understand why Curledstar had chosen her as deputy. Silverstar has snowy white fur with one black patch above her eye and was named so for her silvery blue eyes. She tires her hardest to be the best leader she can be, even though she sometimes doubts herself, but doesn't show it to her clan. And the young leader is outspoken, gentle around kits, and only thinks of what would be best for her clan.
Family: Duskyfoot (Deceased)
Splashtail (Deceased)
Muddyear
Mate: Hailstrike
Kits: Don't want
Mentor: Tawnyfur
Apprentices: Creampaw (12-15) (Deceased)

Name: Frozenpelt
Rank: Deputy
Age: 48 moons
OCD: Lean and lightning-fast, Frozenpelt was named for his white tabby fur and frosty blue eyes. If he had a choice, Frozenpelt would rather hunt than fight, as his speed is a great skill to have when catching rabbits on the moor. And although he is sweet and gentle, he can also be grouchy and unsocial, especially when his family is brought up in a conversation. His parents both died while protecting the nursery from a badger, while his sister Tumblethorn died giving birth to Hailstrike, and Frozenpelt hasn't gotten over their deaths.
Family: Mistyfur (Deceased)
Cloudedeye (Deceased)
Tumblethorn (Deceased)
Mate: Copperfrost
Kits: (22) Olivenose (Deceased), more on the way!
Mentor:
Apprentices: Snowfoot (29-35), Brackentail (36-42)

Name: Bluefern
Rank: Medicine Cat
Age: 49 moons
OCD: With icey-blue eyes and a distinctive gray tabby coat, Bluefern was always a clear choice to be a medicine cat. She has always had one of the best memories for herbs and was one of the quickest learners ever to be seen. She hated the feeling of fur between her claws, and understood when Olivenose had changed to being a warrior apprentice.
Family: Shellnose (Deceased)
Quickstep (Deceased)
Darktooth
Mate: Not allowed
Kits: Not allowed
Mentor:
Apprentices: Olivenose (29-30) (Deceased), Cricketpaw (48-49) (Deceased)

Name: Darktooth
Rank: Warrior
Age: 49 moons
OCD: This old tom is shady and mysterious, not at all like his sprightly and talkative sister. His grey tabby coat and deep blue eyes are also far different from hers. But the only cat that has seen past his sometimes overbearing serious nature is his mate, Poppystripe. Darktooth does have a good sense of humor though, you just have to be close to the quiet tom to hear it.
Family: Shellnose (Deceased)
Quickstep (Deceased)
Bluefern
Mate: Poppystripe
Kits: On the way!
Mentor:
Apprentices: Marshfang (32-38)

Name: Tawnyfur
Rank: Warrior
Age: 45 moons
OCD: Brave and loyal with blazing golden-brown fur and bright golden eyes, this tom has a steadfast personality, usually never getting mad and takes consideration in everything. What is most unusual about Tawnyfur is that he has black spots, ears, and a bright white underbelly. He was crushed when his mate and brother both died of greencough, when his sister was taken by an owl, and when his parents died of old age, but knew that StarClan was, and always will be, calling.
Family: Twigtail (Deceased)
Liongrowl (Deceased)
Sweetkit (Deceased)
Longclaw (Deceased)
Curledstar (Deceased)
Mate: Sparkfire (Deceased)
Kits: Brackentail, Birdwing
Mentor:
Apprentices: Muddyear (36-42)

Name: Ruddyspots
Rank: Warrior
Age: 38 moons
OCD: Sweet and handsome, Ruddyspots has ginger and black patches dappled all over his long cream pelt. He isn't the brightest, but he has a heart of gold and would defend his clan to the death. It is hard to get this warrior mad, but if he is, it is in defense for his clan. His pelt also has a white underbelly, and he has unusual deep amber eyes.
Family: Rosefrost (Deceased)
Owlcalw (Deceased)
Ashpetal (Deceased)
Mate: None
Kits: None
Apprentices: Whitetail (17-23)

Name: Gingerleaf
Rank: Warrior
Age: 34 moons
OCD: Gingerleaf is fearless in battle and always makes sure she brings back the most prey after hunting. Her pretty pale ginger tabby may attract toms like flies, but this golden eyed warrior only wants to focus on the well-being for the clan, not get distracted by mates and kits. She has the true heart of a warrior, and has been a hero a few times, once by fighting off a badger that tried to invade the nursery and had killed warriors, bringing back three carp and two squirrels during an especially hard leaf-bare, and helping fight in the fox attacks moons ago as an apprentice.
Family: Morningclaw (Deceased)
Smoketalon (Deceased)
Goldeneye
Poppystripe
Mate: Doesn't want
Kits: Doesn't want
Apprentices: Birdwing (16-22)

Name: Goldeneye
Rank: Warrior
Age: 34 moons
OCD: This dark ginger tabby is laid back, but definitely puts up a fight if his clan or clan mate is in trouble. In the camp, though, he can usually be found snoozing in the sun or watching birds fly overhead. His underbelly is white, along with his paws, and he has sparkling golden eyes from where he gets his name. He hates fishing and often would rather be chasing rabbits whenever his paws enter the Tiger Pond.
Family: Morningclaw (Deceased)
Smoketalon (Deceased)
Gingerleaf
Poppystripe
Mate: None
Kits: None
Apprentices: None

Name: Aspenfall
Rank: Warrior
Age: 31 moons
OCD: With golden fur and deep brown and ginger spots, this cold tom is hard to spot in leaf-fall or a dry Green Leaf. Yet unbeknownst to his clan, this serious and collected tom hates Silverstar, and is plotting to kill her and take charge of the clan. His heart is as black as shadows, and his yellow eyes often glint with malice and evil everytime he glances at the young leader.
Family: Rogue, family unknown
Mate: None
Kits: None
Apprentices: None

Name: Icewing
Rank: Warrior
Age: 28 moons
OCD: Often spotted daydreaming whether or not he is in camp or on patrol, Icewing is forgetful and clumsy. Tabby white fur helps him blend into Leaf-Bare surroundings, especially under tree roots or bushes. Although he is aloof and bubbly, he can also have a serious side, especially when his clan needs him. He was named for his ice blue eyes, and his tremendous speed helps both in battle and whilst hunting.
Family: Mistyfur (Deceased)
Cloudedeye (Deceased)
Graydawn
Swampclaw
Mate: None
Kits: None
Mentor:
Apprentices: Silverstar (19-25)

Name: Graydawn
Rank: Warrior
Age: 28 moons
OCD: Gentle and kind, this deep grey-blue warrior is a great cat to go to for advice or help. She has dark amber eyes that seem to penetrate anybody's, and is always good with persuading cats to her views. Icewing and Swampclaw would always get her into trouble when they were just kits, and every time she thinks of that, she get a pang of agony as it reminds her of her lost kit's and mate.
Family: Mistyfur (Deceased)
Cloudedeye (Deceased)
Icewing
Swampclaw
Mate: Curledstar (Deceased)
Kits: (16) Creampaw (Deceased), Cricketpaw (Deceased)
Mentor:
Apprentices: None

Name: Swampclaw
Rank: Warrior
Age: 28 moons
OCD: Quick-thinking and thoughtful, this warrior is usually always grumpy. His silvery grey mottled fur is often bristled in annoyance, and he is always stomping off in a huff on his deep grey paws. But he always seems good-natured and blissful whenever he is around his mate, Marshfang, but at any other time he is bad-tempered.
Family: Mistyfur (Deceased)
Cloudedeye (Deceased)
Icewing
Graydawn
Mate: Marshfang
Kits: (20) Nutpaw (Deceased)
Mentor:
Apprentices: None

Name: Snowfoot
Rank: Warrior
Age: 25 moons
OCD: Ever since her mate and kits died,Snowfoot has been a mess. She used to be one of the best hunters the clan had seen, but now her pounce is sloppy, and she rarely ever catches anything. Her black fur is often ruffled and untidy, her white paws and underbelly often covered in dust, and her amber eyes have lost their spark and are now often dull and unfocused.
Family: Ashpetal (Deceased)
Unknown rogue
Mate: Whitetail (Deceased)
Kits: (24) Lynxkit (Deceased), Smokekit (Deceased), Yellowkit (Deceased)
Mentor: Frozenpelt
Apprentices: Nutpaw (23-25) (Deceased)

Name: Loudgrowl
Rank: Warrior
Age: 23 moons
OCD: Hot-headed and arrogant, some cat's can't believe he is Marshfang's brother. He has grey tabby fur with a white underbelly, paws, but Loudgrowl is often too proud to care about how others see him. Due to his immense size, he is slow but extremely strong, making him an excellent fighter. And the only cat that seems to know all of weaknesses and strengths is Birdwing.
Family: Morningclaw (Deceased)
Smoketalon (Deceased)
Marshfang
Mate: Birdwing
Kits: None
Mentor:
Apprentices: None

Name:Marshfang
Rank: Warrior
Age: 23 moons
OCD: Mellow and calm, cats can't believe she is sister to Loudgrowl. Marshfang has sleek, long pale grey tabby fur, blazing silvery-blue eyes, and two white paws. Without Swampclaw, this sensible warrior says she would be lost. Despite her size, she can pack a powerful blow, and is extremely agile and quick. Marshfang went through a slump where she never ate for days after her only kit's death, but eventually Swampclaw got her to nibble on a mouse, and is back to normal and better than ever.
Family: Morningclaw (Deceased)
Smoketalon (Deceased)
Loudgrowl
Mate: Swampclaw
Kits: Nutpaw (Deceased)
Mentor: Darktooth
Apprentices: None

Name: Hailstrike
Rank: Warrior
Age: 20 moons
OCD: Hailstrike is extremely kind and caring, willing to lay his life down for the sake of a clan mate. He is well-muscled and tall, with short brown tabby fur and deep green eyes. He is the tallest cat in the clan, and one of the most courageous for once he fought off a fox when he was little more than 7 moons old. He can be a little clumsy at times though, which makes him and Silverstar fit for each other.
Family: Tumblethorn (Deceased)
Gorsefang (Deceased)
Mate: Silverstar
Kits: Doesn't want
Mentor: Curledstar (Deceased)
Apprentices: None

Name: Brackentail
Rank: Warrior
Age: 18 moons
OCD: Brackentail is a jokester, always playing some sort of wild joke on some unsuspecting cat. He has fluffy brown fur with white paws, underbelly, and has deep olive eyes. When he is not causing trouble, he is out of the camp with his sister, as the two are inseparable. Sometimes this tom's jokes may be too much, and is sometimes even scolded by the senior warriors.
Family: Sparkfire (Deceased)
Tawnyfur
Birdwing
Mate: None
Kits: None
Mentor: Frozenpelt
Apprentices: None

Name: Birdwing
Rank: Warrior
Age: 18 moons
OCD: This golden-brown warrior is the twin to Brackentail, but isn't like him at all. She is calm, assertive and serious, but golden eyes twinkle like stars whenever she talks with Loudgrowl. She has the same white underbelly as her brother, but is much more sleek-furred and strong, missing the white paws. Birdwing hopes to someday have kits with Loudgrowl, and dreams of being a mentor soon as well.
Family: Sparkfire (Deceased)
Tawnyfur
Brackentail
Mate: Loudgrowl
Kits: Wants them
Mentor: Gingerleaf
Apprentices: None

Name: Muddyear
Rank: Warrior
Age: 15 moons
OCD: Long, sleek black fur is what is often seen lurking in shadows in late dusk hunting patrols, as this brown pawed and eared she-cat loves to hunt when it's late out. She has the same silvery-blue eyes as her sister, and could never imagine life without Silverstar. She is very sweet, but impatient, except for when she deals with kits, as it seems her patience grows more around them. Muddyear will always think of others before herself, but also wants to be one of the best warriors in the clan, already being one of the best trackers.
Family: Duskyfoot (Deceased)
Splashtail (Deceased)
Silverstar
Mate: None
Kits: None
Mentor: Icewing
Apprentices: None

Name: Copperfrost
Rank: Queen
Age: 42 moons
OCD: Hyperactive and energetic, this bouncy queen is the friendliest cat in the whole clan. She accepts all with an open heart, and her beauty is stunning to new cats. She has long white and tortoiseshell fur and blazing yellow eyes that gleam brighter than the sun when she is with Frozenpelt. This is going to be her second litter with Frozenpelt, and she cannot wait.
Family: Kittypet origins; family unknown
Mate: Frozenpelt
Kits: (13) Olivenose (Deceased), more on the way!
Mentor:
Apprentices: Graydawn (26-32)

Name: Poppystripe
Rank: Queen
Age: 34 moons
OCD: Sharp-tongued, this pale ginger she-cat is definitely not a good cat to make mad, as her patience is shorter than a mouses whisker. She has dark ginger stripes rippling down her tail, legs, and on her face, and she has two white paws. Her long, curving claws prove formidable in a fight, although she won't be in one anytime soon as she is expecting Darktooth's kits. And the only cat that has been able to stop her from lashing out at her clan mates is Darktooth.
Family: Morningclaw (Deceased)
Smoketalon (Deceased)
Goldeneye
Gingerleaf
Mate: Darktooth
Kits: On the way!
Mentor:
Apprentices: None

Chapter 1

Looking around the clearing, the sleek black she-cat let out a troubled sigh, prodding at a small mouse. It had been the hardest Leaf-Bare the clans had seen in moons, not to mention that many of their cats, both kits and warriors alike, had been wiped out by a strange disease. The leader, Curledstar; his deputy, Ashpetal; Olivenose, Silverstar's mate; both of the elders, Rosefrost and Owlclaw; Whitetail and all three of his and Snowfoot's kits, Smokekit, Yellowkit, and Lynxkit; and the only apprentices Nutpaw and Creampaw. Picking up the mouse, Muddyear tried her best to take her mind off of the subject, so she brought it to the queens den, seeing Bluefern hovering over Copperfrost like a fly.

"She's going to have her kits any minute now," the elderly medicine cat mewed, as she brought some herbs closer to herself with a sweep of her long tail. Looking up to the warrior, she let out a large purr. "Ah Muddyear, Copperfrost could really use that," she purred, "Could you bring it here?"

Padding up, Muddyear dropped the mouse next to the queen. A small, low moan escaped Copperfrost's mouth, and she opened an eye to look up to the sleek warrior. Her beautiful creamy white and tortoiseshell fur looked ruffled in all directions, and her yellow eyes showed slight terror.

"Thanks," she managed to croak, wincing greatly as Muddyear guessed a contraction was rippling through her pelt.

Running a paw down the queen's flank, the elderly grey tabby she-cat once again glanced to Muddyear. "Best be off," she mewed, "Maybe fetch Frozenpelt if you see him?" As Copperfrost let out another groan, Bluefern looked to Copperfrost again, murmuring soothing words to the queen.

With a curt nod, Muddyear backed from the nursery, her eyes searching over the clearing, but saw no sign of the elderly deputy. Must be on a hunting patrol, she thought, her thoughts flinging her back to a memory that seered her mind.

"The moor is no good to hunt in!" a large golden black-spotted tom hissed, clawing at a large clump of snow. "It's too deep to even set foot in there, why do you think a rabbit would go off in there?"

The small-sized tom beside the even smaller apprentice let out a snort, giving his tail a quick flick. "Maybe for you Aspenfall," he growled, pulling himself higher onto the snow, "But your also a large lump of fur. Muddypaw and I could walk across the snow, there has bound to be a hard layer of ice under all this."

Aspenfall growled back as he watched the white tabby carefully set all four paws in the snow as he began to search for a hidden ice layer. Placing a small paw in front of him, it sunk into the snow until it was up to his dew claw, and let out a short purr of relief.

"Come along, Muddypaw," he mewed to the small apprentice, "Who knows, maybe we may find a nice, plump rabbit for Tawnyfur."

The apprentice could see doubt flash in the warriors eyes, but she scrambled up onto the large snow pile, hearing Aspenfall stomp off saying, "Icewing, I'm going to the forest!" Muddypaw followed Icewing as best she could, but the snow rubbed on her fine belly furs and had to take larger steps to get through the snow.

Keeping low in the hunters crouch, the two cats slunk slowly across the snow, keeping both ears and eyes out for any signs of prey. Icewing felt the cold, harsh winds blast his pelt, looking back to see if the apprentice had been knocked off her paws from the sharp gust.

Suddenly, Icewing perked up, eying a footprint in the snow. "Rabbit," he confirmed, taking another giant smell, "And fresh too. Must have just gone by," he mewed, scanning the snow for any traces of the rabbit. But before he could set eyes on anything, a large scraping sound behind him made him jump, as he saw a flash of black fur dart past him. Squinting as a splash of snow whipped his fur, he saw his apprentice speeding after an almost invisible blur. She's found the rabbit! he thought remarkably, then saw where she was headed. The snow is getting lower and lower! he yelled in his mind, She might fall through and hurt herself!

"Muddy-" he began, but stopped himself as he watched the apprentice give a mighty leap, rolling in the snow and hearing a short, high pitched shriek as both the rabbit and the apprentice disappeared through the thin ice layer. He raced to the place where the hard, icy layer below had become too thin, making a giant hole. "Muddypaw!"

From the snow, a black face appeared, some of the snow surrounding her head flecked with red. As the apprentice continued to heave herself to her paws, shaking mounds of snow from her pelt, she dug her claws into the sides of the hole, reaching into the snow and ice with her teeth to come back up and reveal a rather large white rabbit.

"Excellent job!" the larger tom mewed, as he bent down into the hole and grabbed the rabbit. With a heave, he tossed it behind him, then looked again into the hole to grab Muddypaw. But to his amusement, he spotted her staring at a small tunnel hidden under all the snow. "Must be a mouse trail," he mewed quietly. "But you must come out of there before you freeze your whiskers off. I think Curledstar would be happy himself with this assessment."

Muddyear shook her head, a sneeze interrupting her thoughts. The last of the strange illness had died when Curledstar had, but now even the tiniest cough or sneeze set all the cats on edge. It came from a patrol walking into the camp, shaking snow from their fur. Frozenpelt was at the head of it, followed closely by Snowfoot, then bringing up the rear Graydawn plodded in.

"Frozenpelt!" Muddyear called, padding up to the tom, "You may want to go to the nursery. Bluefern says Copperfrost may kit any minute now!"

A look of both terror and joy crossed the tom's face, and he dashed to the nursery, as another deep moan came from it.

Looking to the sky, the warrior was happy to see the sun poking out from behind the clouds, warming her dark fur. Soon enough, GreenLeaf will be here, she reminded herself, And then there will be enough prey to feed our clan and all of StarClan! Staring up to the dull grey-blue sky, she slightly cocked her head, wondering if a cat from StarClan was looking down on her right now.

"Muddyear, want to go on a hunting patrol?" The all-too familiar voice snapped Muddyear from her thoughts, and she whisked around, purring as she saw her sister. She returned from her trip to the Moonstone two days prior, looking as if her whiskers were going to fall from her face, but now that she was leader, the white she-cat was becoming more and more energetic each day.

"Of course!" the black warrior purred, looking around the vacant clearing, "Is anyone else going to join?"

"Everyone else is either sleeping, exhausted from hunting, or already hunting," Silverstar mewed. The two she-cats exchanged a quick glance, then looked to the entrance. "Let's just hope there will be enough prey today to feed everyone," she murmured, her eyes glazing over slightly. "The sun should have melted some of the snow on the moors."

"Where are we going?"

Giving her head a quick shake, Silverstar looked to her sister, then back to the entrance. "To the Jagged Rocks," her sister purred, "Maybe the prey will be coming out to sit on the nice, warm rocks." She let out a contented purr, imagining the sun warming her belly fur.

"Yes, let's hope so," Muddyear replied, as the two left the camp.

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Slamming a paw down hard on the rocks, Muddyear lifted her paw, but let out a low growl as she swiped her claws at the crack in the rocks where her vole had escaped off to.

"Almost had it," Silverstar murmured, a small shrew hanging limply from her jaws.

Letting out a snort, she relaxed her muscles, letting her breathing slow as she pricked her ears, scanning her surroundings for the sight of prey. Frustration pricked at her pelt, as this was the second piece of prey she had missed since hunting. And all I have to show for my efforts is a scrawny magpie. She cast a quick glance to her sister, seeing her drop the shrew onto a mouse.

A tiny scuffle shook her from her thoughts as the vole poked it's nose out farther down the deep crack along the rocks, it's nose twitching as it searched for a sign of the cats. Now fully alert, Muddyear began to stalk as silently as she could towards the prey, her paws barely making a sound as she stealthily pulled herself closer to it. The vole pulled itself farther out of the crack, scrabbling it's front claws on the rock as it began a search for food. Her mouth watering profusely, her wriggling hips gave way to a mighty bound.

This time I have you! the sleek-furred warrior thought to herself, as her claws met their mark, scooping the tiny rodent into the air and a bite to it's back quickly ending the scuffle. Picking it up triumphantly, she placed it on top of her sisters pile, but was caught off guard by her sister's concerned look, Silverstar's nose twitching as she scented something.

Looking to her sister, SIlverstar mewed in a small voice, "Do you smell that?", her silvery-blue eyes deep pools of worry.

The sun had begun to shine even brighter above their heads as Muddyear took a few quick whiffs, and immediately regretted it. The scent carried both death and fear towards her, and without a word between them, the two sisters darted to where the strange smell was coming from. But once again, Muddyear regretted it as she took in a horrible sight.

In front of them, a frightfully skinny queen was lying down, but no breath came from her. Her pale grey fur was covered with dust, and the smell of death hung over her body. Yet beside her, two very small, very thin kits let out small, quiet mewls of hunger, their rasping breaths setting Muddyear's fur on end.

Turning to her sister, the warrior whispered, "We-we have to take them back to camp!"

A look of doubt and trouble flashed through Silverstar's eyes and she looked like she was about to protest, but Muddyear leapt forward, picking up the tinier of the two, it's rasping breathes haunting her ears as she looked pleadingly to her sister.

Sighing, Silverstar padded over, picking up the other kit, it's ginger tabby fur dirty and his breath ragged as he hung limply in her jaws.

Without another word, Muddyear blazed through the trees, forgetting about her prey at Jagged Rocks, and all her other thoughts. All she knew was that she wanted this kit safe and healthy. Bursting into the camp, she looked to the nursery, poking her head in as she spotted Bluefern still whispering soothing words to Copperfrost.

Padding forward, she set the kit down beside the queen, excited mewls coming from it as it scented milk, immediately latching onto Copperfrost and suckling.

Looking shocked, Bluefern glanced to the kit, then to Muddyear. "Where did it come from?" she croaked, the whites of her eyes showing as Silverstar burst in, placing the small tom-kit next to his sister as he too latched onto the queen.

Silverstar scuffled her paw in the dirt, meowing, "We found them next to their mother. She had died, and we couldn't let them..."

With a grim look on her face, she gave Muddyear a quick nod. "Can you watch over her?" she mewed, motioning to the queen with her tail, "I have to have a word with Silverstar."

Looking as if her tail had just been trod upon, Copperfrost let out a low moan, but gave each small kit a lick.

Seeing Bluefern give a twitch as Copperfrost licked the kits, Muddyear nodded, but pricked an ear as the she-cats padded from the den, mewing urgently to the awaiting Frozenpelt and lounging Tawnyfur.

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"They cannot stay!" Frozenpelt blurted out after hearing Silverstar's story about the kits, "We don't know how their mother died. What if she died from the disease, and they carry it with them?"

A troubled sigh came from Bluefern, a torn look clouding her eyes as she gave each cat in the leaders den a mournful look. "I hate to say this, but I agree with Frozenpelt. As much as I hate to abandon any kit," she stated, "They could be carrying the disease with them. And if they are, we could have another epidemic on our paws." With an uncomfortable shift on her feet, she wrapped her tail round her paws, her eyes set on the floor and unreadable with emotions.

Having listened to the other two speak, Tawnyfur cleared his throat. "Not once have I seen kits abandoned, and never in the history of the clans has it been done." He let out a small snort, then continued. "If we send out a patrol to see what her cause of death is, it should be enough to let us know how she died. If we don't, we could be condemning healthy kits to their deaths."

Nodding, SIlverstar added, "Muddyear and I could not scent the disease on her or the kits." She gave her tail a flick, giving Frozenpelt and Bluefern a sad look, "But a patrol can be sent out to determine her death. If it was not the disease, then they can stay. Frozenpelt, you and Tawnyfur can go." After a nod from each cat, she continued, "Her body can be found near the Jagged Rocks, just outside of the borders. And until you come back with the information, they stay."

As the two tom's sprinted from the den, Silverstar could sense the waves of fear coming from Bluefern. "I swear by all of StarClan, Bluefern, those kits do not have the disease."

Raising her head to give Silverstar a remorseful look, Muddyear ran into the den, panting slightly. "Bluefern, come quickly!"

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Letting out a purr as she looked into the den as Bluefern anxiously circled the queen, Silverstar looked content. Now nestled beside the two new-found kits, were two newborn kits. They both let out strong, healthy mewls as Copperfrost rasped her tongue over each of their pelts.

The first one the leader spotted was a fair-sized tom, his long, ginger and white spiky fur standing on end. He battered his paws against his mother's stomach, not to mention pummeling all the other kits along Copperfrost's belly.

And the other one was a large, short furred tortoiseshell much like her mother, but the absence of a tail astonished Silverstar.

"What are their names?" she mewed, giving her tail a small flick. But as Copperfrost opened her mouth, the patrol she had sent out burst in, panting. Frozenpelt looked to his mate, eying her and the new kits, but turned back to Silverstar.

"She died after giving birth to them," he announced, his tail flicking slightly.

Giving each cat a nod, she backed from the den, but Frozenpelt's voice made her stay put.

"Their stunning!" he purred, running over to his mate, then ran a paw over each of their backs. "How's Bramblekit for the tom's fur?" Attempting to smooth one of the tufts of fur that stood up on end, he let out a small sneeze as it bounced back up.

Copperfrost purred, giving the she-kit a quick lick. "And maybe Puddlekit for her?"

Eyes sparkling, Frozenpelt gave his mate's head a lick, then turned to Silverstar. "Would you like to name the other two?" He slightly wrinkled his nose as he cast a glance over them, still suckling strongly beside the two newest kits.

"Yes, but I was not alone in finding them," she mewed, as she let Muddyear squeeze in past her. "Would you like to name them? If it weren't for you, they may not be here."

A surprised look crossed her sister's eyes that melted to modesty. "Your the one who scented them," she mewed, giving her sister a light nudge. But she turned to the two kits, giving each a sniff. The little ginger tabby turned slightly, exposing his white belly and paws as he squealed slightly. "Sproutkit," she mewed, giving her sister a look. Satisfied at seeing her nod, she look over the second kit. Even smaller than her brother, her grey fur looked much like that of her mothers, but her face was ticked with small grey and white flecks, as was her tail and legs. "And Rainkit."

Nodding, SIlverstar stood up as Bluefern began to push some of the cats from the den. But she heard Copperfrost's purr as the others were corraled out. "Bramblekit, Puddlekit, Sproutkit and Rainkit," she purred lovingly, Frozenpelt washing her head.