Warriors: New Stars * Chapters 1 & 2

  Chapter 1:1

Shadowpaw looked up from her vole her small delicate ears twisting to catch the sound of her meter’s voice, "There have been rumors of Shadowclan moving the border" mewed Snakeheart quietly. Her mentor Jaystorm looked up sharply his eyes flashing "They have no right to take Thunderclan's land!" his hate burned deep, Shadowclan had killed his son Dirtpaw two moons ago in a border skirmish. 2

Noticing Shadowpaw Jaystorm motioned with his tail for her to come over, "Do you want to patrol with me?" he asked "Of course" she replied her excitement showing. "Ok then go get Sandclaw and his apprentice to come too" he said giving an amused twitch of his tail as the apprentice scurried off to get her friend. Shadowpaw looked down at her reflection as she waited for Cloudpaw, sadly she looked at the black apprentice that stared back at her, and she knew that she would never be the pretty she-cat everyone wanted, no that was Cloudpaw with her pretty grey body and stunning green eyes. Soon though she was brought out of her wallowing self pity by Cloudpaw, "Come on Shadowpaw you don’t want to be late, after all you know how Sandclaw will react" her good-natured mews made Shadowpaw feel ashamed. 3

How could she be jealous of her best friend? Hurrying after Cloudpaw she saw that Jaystorm and Sandclaw were already there and by the looks of it they were annoyed at their apprentices’ slowness. 4

As they walked through the rich forest Shadowpaw's dark blue eyes looked ahead, she could barely feel the warm sun on her back. Shadowpaw's mother had been a rouge though she had just found it out a moon ago, her own father had abandoned her in Thunderclan because he thought she was the reason her mother died and had resented her for it. Shadowpaw had been raised by Dustflower and kind and sweet queen who had lost her own kits to foxes a few suns earlier and who had taken the starving kit in without question. Even with the knowledge she had she still didn’t know where her father was or even if he was a clan cat at all, Quailsong would tell her was that she had found a kit in the forest. Shadowpaw had found the rest out from a wondering rouge who had known her mother and who he had told her she looked very much like. 5

"Shadowpaw are you ok?" Cloudpaw mewed concerned; Shadowpaw had forgotten where she was until she heard her friend’s question. Glad to be out of her memories at last Shadowpaw replied "I’m fine", with a doubtful expression Cloudpaw finally gave up and trotted to catch up with her mentor. As they neared the border Shadowpaw was suddenly aware that a cloud was over the sun casting the world into a cold leaf-fall day. Seeing the single from Jaystorm she crept forward, "What Snakeheart said was true" growled Jaystorm quietly "They have moved the border". Stepping over the new sent marks her trotted to where he could still smell the old border and put down a fresh scent. "These marks are new" muttered Sandclaw "Shadowclan are close". 6

"Indeed we are" said a cold voice belonging to none other than Frostshard the Shadowclan deputy, sizing up the enemy Shadowpaw's heart sank when she saw that they were out numbered. "We have six to your four" Frostshard continued as the five other Shadowclan cats appeared, she could make out the warrior Poppyheart and the apprentices Nightpaw and Owlpaw the others she had no idea who they were. Nightpaw looked at her his eyes narrowed as he snarled "Get off Shadowclan's land!" Shadowpaw bared her teeth before replying "Its Thunderclan territory you piece of fox-dung!" but before she could get all of what she was saying out Sandclaw put his tail over her mouth, he didn’t want to provoke Shadowclan. She had first seen Nightpaw two moons ago at a gathering when they had first been made apprentices; he had been a typical Shadowclan cat, arrogant and haughty. "Why have you moved the border?" asked Sandclaw calmly and showing once again why Skystar has chosen him as her deputy. "We need land to hunt on" Frostshard said with a shrug plainly meaning that Thunderclan couldn’t defend their border anyway. A growl escaped Shadowpaw before she could help it but with a stern look form her meter she quieted. "Surely you do not want this to come to a war with Thunderclan?" Sandclaw continued "Maybe we do" Frostshard said challengingly.7

"What I mean is you would not want to anger Starclan correct?" Sandclaw said as he tried once more to move the border back without a fight, "Redstar no longer believes in Starclan and neither do we" Frostshard said as if it were normal to say. Shock rippled through the Thunderclan at this statement, she had thought no one would be mouse-brained enough to stop believing in Starclan, after all it had never been done in the countless seasons that cats had lived on the lake and even before. "How can Redstar say that?" Sandclaw exclaimed his calm resolve shattered by what the Shadowclan deputy had said. 8

There came no more comments from Frostshard and before any cat could move he had launched himself at Sandclaw baring his fangs deep into the deputy's throat. Cloudpaw sprang with a yowl of grief at the Shadowclan cat though she knew it was to late to save her meter, landing on the massive tabby's back she clawed long bloody gashes in his sides but still he wouldn’t let go and Sandclaw's struggles were getting weaker and weaker. Looking over Shadowpaw saw Nightpaw preparing to spring at her friend, launching herself she tackled the Shadowclan apprentice and soon they were locked in battle. The forest suddenly was filled with the sound of screeching cats, Jaystorm was taking on two cats at once and was yowling something to Cloudpaw who took off towards the Thunderclan camp with three cats on her tail. After what seemed like moons she felt Nightpaw spring off of her, getting up she saw Skystar sanding on top of Frostshard her eyes were filled with grief and anger as her teeth sank deep into the Shadowclan deputy's shoulder. 9

What remained of the Shadowclan patrol were pushed back by a wave of Thunderclan cats and Frostshard managed to break free from Skystar and was seen running as fast as he could into Shadowclan territory. Thunderclan had won but at what cost? Sandclaw was laying in a pool of blood, he was terribly still, "Sandclaw?" Skystar said her voice gentle. Sandclaw's glazing eyes opened and he tried to focus on Skystar but found he couldn’t "Where....is....Cloudpaw..?" he gasped and as the grey she-cat came forward he whispered something in her ear. Her eyes widened but she nodded her head and her mentor slumped to the ground dead his sightless eyes staring up at the sun. "I hope you find Starclan old friend" Skystar said her voice shaking with raw grief. Cloudpaw sat beside her and together the two she-cats were lost in grief, as the sun sank behind blood-red clouds Skystar gathered her clan around her, they had brought Sandclaw's body back to Thunderclan much to the dismay of several cats. 10

One cat in particular rushed out to meet them, "Flowerpelt I’m so very sorry" Skystar's voice was choked with grief but she left Sandclaw’s mate to grieve alone, she had to find who would be the next deputy. Shadowpaw looked up at the moon its clear glow was mocking as if the world was pretending that Sandclaw hadn’t died, "Cats of Thunderclan it is time to chose our new deputy" Skystar said her voice ragged. As the cats gathered she looked at each cat in turn before her eyes settled on one "Softstep you will be the new deputy" she said gently, Shadowpaw watched as the pretty White she-cat went to stand beside Skystar her blue eyes shining.11

Chapter 2:12

Shadowpaw fell asleep almost immediately though she could feel Cloudpaw tossing; suddenly she was in a strange forest surrounded by mist. 13

Then out of the mist stepped a pretty orange and white she-cat "Hello Shadowpaw, my name is Leafheart" her starry pelt seemed to radiate warmth and Shadowpaw trusted her at once. "Are you from Starclan Leafheart?" she mewed quietly "Yes" Leafheart replied her voice soft, "Is it true, had Redstar stopped believing in Starclan?" she whispered. Sadness glazed the pretty she-cat but she replied "Yes he has" Shadowpaw took in a sharp breath but continued "Why do you want me here?". "Darkness will save the clans". "What does that mean?" Shadowpaw mewed but the forest was fading as a paw poked her in the side. 14

"Shadowpaw are you going to sleep all leaf-fall?" Bluepaw asked her eyes excited "Cloudpaw wants to tell you something" Bluepaw was Cloudpaw's only sibling. Stepping outside the apprentice den alongside Bluepaw she spotted Cloudpaw staring at the forest, "Are you ok?" Shadowpaw said uncertainly. "Skystar said I’m going to become a warrior soon" Cloudpaw said her voice confused, "Its kind of bittersweet, Sandclaw will never get to see me become a warrior" the sadness in her voice made Shadowpaw flinch. Looking up she saw Jaystorm limping toward her "Since you weren’t badly hurt in the battle I have given your training over to Softstep, her own apprentice Dirtpaw was killed so she will be happy to train you", Jaystorm had been injured so that he couldn’t move his leg like he used to, this meant he would have to retire to the elder's den early. His mate Fernwisker had just had kits so he was content to stay in camp and to help look after them. Flowerpelt was also expecting kits Shadowpaw thought with a pang of sadness, they would never know their father. 15

"Do you want to go with me on my last hunt as an apprentice?" Cloudpaw said the excitement of being a warrior affecting her at last, "Sure" Shadowpaw mewed and followed her friend out into the dew soaked forest. As she padded beside her Cloudpaw she couldn’t help but remember her dream and Leafheart's warning, "Darkness will save the clans, what had she meant?" Shadowpaw hadn’t noticed but their wanderings had lead them to the border with Shadowclan, what had happened four suns ago still made her shiver. Cloudpaw had already caught a mouse but for some reason they didn’t head back to camp. As she walked along the tree-lined path she saw where there was a small clearing and on the other side she knew was Shadowclan's territory. Thinking of Shadowclan brought a well of anger, they had killed Sandclaw while he was talking, was there no honor. Had Shadowclan given up the warrior code along with Starclan? 16

As the two friends padded back into camp Cloudpaw laid her mouse on the fresh-kill pile, just as Shadowpaw was planning to go look for Softstep she saw the white warrior heading toward them. "Shadowpaw I was thinking about starting your training tomorrow" she said her blue eyes radiating happiness, Shadowpaw couldn’t help but feel a little excited. "We will begin with battle training" she added before walking off, turning to Cloudpaw she felt a bittersweet sadness inside, she wanted her friend to become a warrior but it would be moons until Shadowpaw would hit her twelfth moon. 17

Tonight would also be a gathering; it would be interesting to see what Shadowclan would say for themselves. "Will all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath high-ledge for a clan meeting" Skystar's clear voice sounded through the clearing and soon everyone had gathered beneath her. "Today we will be honoring two new warriors into Thunderclan, Bluepaw, Cloudpaw please step forward" Cloudpaw murmured goodbye to Shadowpaw and stood beside her sister on the stone ledge. "Will Starclan call upon these two apprentices as they have served their clan and I believe they are ready to become warriors, Bluepaw and Cloudpaw do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect your clan even at the loss of your own life?" Skystar looked at them intently as the two sisters answered "I do" Skystar nodded "Then Bluepaw from this moment on you will be known as Blueheart, and Cloudpaw you will be known as Cloudwind" Blueheart and Cloudwind dipped their heads and licked Skystar's shoulder before jumping and land in the middle of the chanting cats. Shadowpaw was the first to yowl "Cloudwind, Blueheart, Cloudwind!" her voice soon blended in with the others, her friend was now a warrior and she was not. 18

"Also" Skystar mewed when the chanting and subsided "You all know tonight is the gathering, I would like the following cats to attend, Blueheart, Cloudwind, Softstep, Rednose, and Shadowpaw." with that said Skystar went back into her den followed closely by Softstep as the clan began to talk about what the gathering was going to be like.19

As the afternoon shadows lengthened Skystar flicked her tail motioning the cats to follow her, Shadowpaw walked beside Cloudwind, her friend’s excitement was unbearable for this would be her first gathering as a warrior. As they neared the island she could smell Riverclan, Windclan......and Shadowclan, "What are Shadowclan doing here if they don’t believe in Starclan?" she murmured to Cloudwind who shrugged. As Shadowpaw jumped from the log she saw Cloudwind run off you join Whitefoot her Windclan friend, looking around she spotted a familiar ginger coat as her Riverclan friend approached, "Hey Featherpaw" she mewed trotting up to the ginger she-cat. 20

"Um Shadowpaw I’m a med. cat now...Im Feathersky" her friends discomfort was plain, "Its ok Feathersky she mewed, everyone was going on but her, Feathersky went on to tell her about how Runningheart had died making Feathersky take his place. After she said that something caught her eye it was the Windclan med. cat Quailwing as he gestured for her to come share tongues with him, probably about Runningheart's death. Suddenly she felt as if she was being watched turning around she saw the Shadowclan apprentice Nightpaw staring at her his amber eyes glancing away when he saw her looking, the black apprentice was sitting with his clan-mates who were together in a tight group. 21

Shrugging she looked up at the leaders, it looked as if they were about to start anyway. Silentstar padded forward "All is well in Riverclan, the River had gone down but the rain has brought it back to normal" as he finished Rainstar stepped forward her eyes glancing from one cat to another "Windclan is growing strong with new kits and Whitepaw has become Whitetail" as she finished she stepped back for Skystar to step forward. "There is much to report in Thunderclan, we will start with the good news first" nodding to Blueheart and Cloudwind she continued "Bluepaw and Cloudpaw have been made warriors, they are now Blueheart and Cloudwind" as the yowled of approval died down she continued softly "A few suns ago Sandclaw lead a patrol out to settle some border problems with Shadowclan, Frostshard killed him unfairly" her words brought an on slot of sad words and glared aimed in Shadowclan’s direction. Skystar waited then finished her report "Since his death our new deputy is Softstep" again there her several yowls of approval, Softstep was very popular in the clans.22

Finally Redstar stepped forward glaring at Skystar her announced "It is true that we killed Sandclaw but it was during a battle witch Thunderclan started" at this several Thunderclan cats stood up roaring "That not true!" Shadowpaw once again felt a gaze warm her pelt, turning around she glared at Nightpaw. Standing up she stalked towards him "What do you want?" she growled through her teeth, "I need to talk to you" he hissed. Shadowpaw faltered "W...why?" she said "What I’m about to tell you is a secret, do you sear by Starclan you wont tell anyone" his amber eyes stared at her until she replied "Well...I guess but haven’t you noticed we are in the middle of a what here?" she growled baffled at why a Shadowclan cat would want to talk with her. Sighing he started talking "Redstar has gone crazy he sees only enemies, he killed Sootpaw my sister" Nightpaw stared at her his eyes serious "Cats like Frostshard love this new kind of leadership but" Nightpaw was cut off as Frostshard walked over "What are you doing?" he asked coldly. 23

Nightpaw looked up his face betraying no emotion "I was telling her what mouse-brained idots Shadowclan thinks of them" Frostshard looked at them once again before walking away "The gatherings almost over Shadowclan are leaving" Nightpaw said then hesitated "Meet me at the border tomorrow" he added before running after his clan-mates. Shadowpaw looked after him, he was from Shadowclan, she couldn’t go, and yet what he had said disturbed her. How could a leader do the things Nightpaw had said Redstar did? Confusing emotions battled inside Shadowpaw but finally she sighed "I will go tomorrow, after that I will make my decisions.24

Important Characters:25

Shadowpaw- Small pure black she-cat with dark blue eyes26

Cloudpaw (Cloudwind)- Pretty grey she-cat with sparkling green eyes27

Nightpaw- Pure black tom with amber eyes28

Skystar- Light grey she-cat with amber eyes29

Redstar- Dark redish-brown tom with icy blue eyes30

Frostshard- Dark colored tabby with green eyes31

Softstep- Pure white she-cat with light blue eyes32