New Warriors And Gathering

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the thickbranch for a clan meeting!" Searingstar said, jumping onto the Thickbranch for the second time in his life.

"Tonight is the Gathering! And before I tell you who is going, it is time for two apprentices to become warriors!" he announced, his voice wavering.

"Turnpaw and Bladepaw, step forward."

"I, Searingstar, leader of Briarclan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and we condemn them as warriors in their turn."

"Turnpaw, you shall be known as Turnwind. Starclan honors your knowledge and we welcome you as a full warrior of Briarclan!"

"Bladepaw, you shall be known as Bladewater. Starclan honors your loyalty and we welcome you as a full warrior of Briarclan." he said, exhaling. I did it. And I didn't mess up. he thought in relief.

"Turnwind! Turnwind! Bladewater! Bladewater!" the cats cheered, and when it died down Searingstar spoke again.

"These are the cats who are going to the gathering."

"Ravensoar
Lilyfrost
Ivypaw
Leopardheart

Copperflare
Birdfeather
Frostymoon
Eagletalon
Rainmask
Silvercloud
Dawnwhisker
Tawnyflower
Skyblossom
Frostfire
Sleekpelt
Shadowsong
Russetstripe
Owlswoop
Whitetail
Turnwind
Mintsage
Dawnbreeze
Moonmist
Burntsummer
Leafflight
Wolfthunder
Petalbrook
Darkbreeze
Frostriver
Redleaf
Duskgaze
Nimbleheart

Burntpaw
Thistlepaw
Owlpaw
Cinderpaw
Lightpaw" he said.

"And that's it! Get ready to go."

>Searingstar<

Take one away and replace it with nine.

    Searingflame padded to the Moonstream with Lilyfrost, feeling a bit nervous. Not too long ago, I was just an apprentice. he thought. Will I be too young to recieve my Nine lives? What if starclan rejects me for that? he worried, and then they came to a sudden halt.
    He gazed upon the stream before them in awe. It was clear and sparkling, not even a fish in sight, and smooth pebbles lining the bottom.
    He walked up to the edge and looked at his reflection. Except there wasn't any. Instead there was a shining silhouette of him of moonlight. He touched his nose to that part of the water and slowly drifted into sleep.
       ~<>~

    Opening his eyes, he found himself in a starlit clearing. But to his surprise , it was the Brokenclan camp. Suddenly brilliant points of light lit up from a distance out into the shadowed forest, and they got brighter and bigger.
     Shielding his eyes, Searingflame felt a white light light up the forest. Then it faded, and he turned to look to see a bunch of cats, some you could see more than others, standing in the clearing facing him. Starlight glittered on then and behind them from the path that they walked.
        "Why are we in the Brokenclan camp?" he asked them first. All together they seemed to say.  "It is the place of your birth." Searingflame just nodded. Maybe it's usually like this for all leaders..... but my home is in Briarclan now. he though confidently.
       "Welcome, Searingflame. It is time to replace your one life with nine, and take your place at the head and spirit of Briarclan." they all said. "Is this what you wish?" they asked.
       "Yes." he said at once, his tone clear and confident. Then there was silence, and his eyes closed. He felt the energy swirling around him, and opened his eyes to see the first cat standing before him. It was Featherleaf. He wasn't there when she died, but Emberpaw told him that she died right before she had her kits. She felt her nose touch his head, and he felt it might scorch through his fur.
       "With this life I give you strength." she said. "Use it well to get though the tough times, even when everything good has beem lost." she said, and he felt the life though him. Searingflame stiffened. He felt his heart drop, like life was just gone, but rise back up again. Searingflame exhaled, feeling battered but refreshed.  Are all lives like that? Or are they all different? he wondered suddenly but didn't notice the cat that replaced Featherleaf in front of him. Standing there was Wildpaw, who had died by killing herself out of temporary insanity. (lovely :P) She touched her nose to his forehead.
    "With this life I give you the power to know right from wrong, and a clear mind to make the right decisions. Use it well to steer your clan clear of dark paths." Wildpaw said, and the life went through him like a storm. Then he felt warm, as if it was burning away. It was gone as quickly as it came. Searingflame dipped his head to her, and she vanished back into the mass off starclan cats. Another cat padded up to him. The cat was unrecognizable until he stepped into the light, and Searingflame saw it was Jumpfoot, who had died in battle.
   "With this life I give you Justice. Use it well to judge yourself and others fairly." he said, and he felt the life growing in him, strengthening him. Then it grew into intense pain, running through him like a lightning bolt. Then he was panting at the end. Jumpfoot nodded to him, a glint in his eyes before stalking back with his clan-mates and Sagefrost walked past him, exchanging a glance with Jumpfoot, and got up to Searingflame. He knew the Medicine cat apprentice died soon after sickness, before he was born. Sagefrost touched his nose to to his fur.
   "With this life I give you patience. Use it well for your clan-mates who are falling behind, and for the stressful times you will overcome." Sagedfrost meowed, and he felt light-hearted. Searingflame felt like he was moving forward gradually, through time. He fell into a daze and let out a sigh. Another nose pressed itself to his head and he snapped out of it, seeing it was Dustymist, who also died in the battle with Brokenclan.
    "With this life I give you protection. Use it well to keep your loved ones out of unnecessary harm." Dustymist said, and he felt a burning pain flume inside him, engulfing him. Searingflame wanted to dig his claws into fur to keep others safe. The burning faded, but the overwhelming Desire stayed. "Tell my kits I love them." She whispered, flashing him a glance. Searingflame nodded to her, and she left. The next cat padded up to him and it was Dustymist's mate, Ravenstar. The big black and white tom stalked up to him, leaning down to touch his nose to Searingflame's ear.
   "With this life I give you wisdom. Use it well to lead your clan." he said, and he felt as if a thousand pins had gone through him, all with a pain of their own. He saw all the possibilities at once, and it began to swell. Annd then it just stopped altogether. "And you must gain the wisdom as well." Ravenstar said, and walked back over to sit next to Dustymist. Brownspots came up next. And Searingflame remembered how she died with a pang. His mother killed her. He expected to see anger or revenge in her eyes, but there was only clear knowledge.
    "With this life I give you Understanding. Use it well to figure out the problems of your clan." she said, and touched her nose to his head. He felt as if he was filling up, every life was making the weight heavier, and he felt like he would burst already. "Don't try and blame yourself for my death. You weren't born yet." she said, and whisked away, leaving Searingflame gaping. Did she read my mind? he wondered. He peered to see another cat come out of the edges of the Brokenclan, a scowl on her face. It was Briarberry, the deputy before him, who also died in battle. Though he touched her nose to his.
  "With this life I give you love. Use it well to love your clan as a whole." she said, and the painless life flowed through him, and he thought of Frostriver. Frostriver..I love her  so much. He thought, and he already ached to see her even though he hadn't been gone that long. The soothing feeling kept his place, but he knew his last life would be the one that would hurt the most. Swiftstar walked up at a smooth pace, pride shining in her eyes.
   "Searingflame, it is an honor to give my successor his last life." she said. "I knew I made the right choice for you to be deputy. You escaped your past and proved yourself a worth warrior of Briarclan." she purred, and touched her nose to his.
   "With this life I give you compassion. Use well to care about your clan and put them first before all other things." Swiftstar said, her eyes glinting. He clenched his jaws as the life rippled through him like a waved, and it lasted what seemed like seasons, but eventually it subsided and Searingflame relaxed.
   "I hail to you by your new name, Searingstar. Your old life is no more, and you are ready to take your place as Leader of Briarclan, the heart of the forest." She meowed.
   "Searingstar! Searingstar! Searingstar!" the cats cheered. "The time of prophecy is over. But be warned, darkness will shadow to sun that enlightens you." She said, and Searingstar woke up startled. He exchanged a glance with Lilyfrost, and they headed back to the camp.

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As soon as Searingflame got back, he leaped onto the Thickbranch. The moon was high in the sky.

"Will all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Thickbranch for a clan meeting." he said.

"Many cats have died in battle, and we mourn for them. But if any Brokenclan cat lays a claw on any cat here, from the youngest kit to the oldest elder, I'll have something to say about it."

"Searingstar! Searingstar! Searingstar!" the cats cheered.

"It is moon-high, so I must choose a new deputy." he said.

"I say these words before starclan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice." he said, pausing. "Ravensoar will be the deputy of Briarclan." he said.

"Ravensoar! Ravensoar! Ravensoar!"

>Searingstar<

  
  
.

Coming to be

   Swiftstar looked at the battle, horror in her eyes. Briarclan was losing! She remembered the prophecy that haunted her dreams for moons.

"you have two choices
only one you can cover
one leads to death
and death the other
the obstacles
you cannot pass
live each day
like it's your last"

 It sent shivers down her pelt.  What did it even mean? Why had it been Greystar, the former Brokenclan leader, give it to her? All she knew was something was going to happen, very soon. She lept onto a brokenclan cat, digging her claws into it's spine, making it screech. After it fled, she looked to see how her clan-mates were doing. All of them were fighting, elders and queens included, already having bloody wounds that they will carry with them for moons. This battle would be remembered for seasons to come. They were outnumbered, after Frozenstar had taken over Brokenclan and made double in size from the rouges. Swiftstar recognized some of them. And they had cats with powers on their side.
    But Brairclan had some, too. She looked at some of the clan-mates she loved the most. Thunderspirit, who was fighting with the courage of Lionclan. Brass who would give his life to the clan he just met. Duskgaze, who was taking two warriors head on. Why had her oldest son join Frozenstar's ranks? Along with some others who were in the prophecy? She didn't know. At this rate, death will surely come for everyone. Willowsun and Frostriver were after that. All my kits are either dead or turned against me. she thought sadly. Or both.
      She thought she wouldn't let any cats betray her again after Frozenstar and Hawkeyes by keeping a close eye on them, but they slipped away from her as if she was blind. At least they had kept Floe, Copperflare, and Searingflarme, Frozenstar's kit was fighting on Briarclan's side. She had just appointed him deputy, after Briarberry died earlier in the battle. She knew that he would be loyal.
   Claws raked her side, and she turned to see the cat none other than Frozenstar. Hissing, Swiftstar swept her legs from under her, sending her crashing to the ground. Her grey and white fur was stained with Briarclan's blood and she was going to pay. Pay for killing Briarberry and Brownspots too.For all the deaths that had come by this battle taking place. Swiftstar slashed out with her claws in rage, sending blood spilling from her face. The grey and white she-cat shook it off. Nine lives against my one. Frozenstar got up then leaped on her, the Black she-cat's legs buckled. Frozenstar was bigger than her, and her fur was choking her. She rolled Swiftstar around, pinning her down. She hissed in her ear.
   "I'll give you a choice here, Swiftstar." she began. "You can either let me kill you, and Brokenclan will leave. Or we'll just kill all your clanmates." she chuckled at this. "It's your choice, you can either choose death, or death." Frozenstar said, and then Swiftstar understood. She would make a choice, than leads to death of her clanmates, or she would die for them to live. She could never pass this obstacle, it was coming all along. Today was her last.
  "Kill me." Swiftstar said. "Just leave my clan-mates alone." she hissed. Frozenstar raised one paw. "Very well." she said. "Even I know it's your last life." were the last words Swiftstar heard then claws pierced her throat, and the leader of Briarclan stepped into Starclan.

>Swiftstar<

Frozenstar looked back at the cats.  "We have won!" she exclaimed to the cats of BrokenClan.

"Back to the camp!" she said, and all the Brokenclan cats seemed to melt back into the shadows leaving the BriarClan cats alone.

>Frozenstar<

The End of the End of the Beginning

      Frozenstar looked around the clearing at all the cats below. It was time. She waved her tail, a silent signal, and all cats exchanged an excited glance. Most of them, anyway. We will win, with the prophecy cats, it's more than an even match.
      "It is time! We will go, now!" Frozenstar exclaimed, and she stalked out of camp with all the other cats of BrokenClan following. They soon crossed the border, heading towards the heart of BriarClan territory. Then they crouched on the sides of it, ready to spring.....

>Frozenstar<

       Searingflame finally came back into camp, but he felt like he was being followed. By who? He knew, he smelled it. It was BrokenClan. "BROKENCLAN ARE-" he began to warn the clan but was cut off as a huge mass of cats leaped into the camp, their eyes gleaming with the wild light of battle.
     The other cats of BriarClan came out of their dens who weren't already in the clearing, and the whole ground became a mass of screeching knots of fur. Searingflame scanned the ground, and with a pang he saw Frostriver pinning down Duskgaze.
   I... can't fight her... he thought, but leaped into the fray.

>Searingflame<

Searingpaw

    Searingpaw's head snapped up. "I have to go see her again!" he exclaimed, digging his claws into the ground.
Ravensoar turned his head in Searingpaw's direction.
      "Frostriver?" Ravensoar asked him, and he nodded slowly. "Then go." Ravensoar said, gesturing to Duskgaze, and Searingpaw half-smiled. He ran over to Duskgaze, who was sitting there with a gaunt look on her face. He bit his lip. Should I really ask her? She looks exhausted.
    "Duskgaze... could you take me to see Frostriver?" he mumbled. Duskgaze hesitated. "Ok." she said after a few heart-beats, and touched her tail to Searingpaw's shoulder. Automatically they were transported the forest, though Searingpaw smelled the air. They weren't in BrokenClan territory.
      "Sorry, Searingpaw...I only had enough energy to make it this far. But we are about half-way to BrokenClan." she said, looking around. "It's okay." Searingpaw assured her, and she disappeared.

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      Plodding along, he almost reached the BrokenClan border when a scent wafted over to him. He recognized at once.
   Rouges? What are they doing on BrokenClan territory? he wondered. Right on que, three rouges slipped from the bushes, their eyes gleaming.
    "What are you doing on BrokenClan territory?" One of them growled. Searingpaw bared his teeth. He knew he shouldn't take on three rouges at once, but he was going to have to try. For Frostriver.
      "Your a bunch of rouges. What's it to you? And your the ones trespassing on BriarClan's territory!" Searingpaw snarled.
       "What are you going to do about it, apprentice?" the second one hissed. Searingpaw didn't answer, just leaped onto one of them, his claws unsheathed. He clawed the first one on the ears, making him screech. Then he dug his claws near his spine, and he tore himself free and bolted away. He barely noticed another one was sinking her teeth into his tail, tugging him back. She pinned him down, but Searingpaw turned his head and sunk his teeth into her paw, making her let go, shaking her paw. He kicked out sending her flying, and turned on the last rouge, flying towards him and knocking into his legs, carrying him off it's paws.
    The rouge let out a yowl, as he landed on his back, and Searingpaw scored his claws over and over on the rouge's exposed belly. Searingpaw had a wild look in his eyes, blood splattering on his paws.
    "Searingpaw!" he heard a voice call. "He's had enough!" the voice exclaimed, and he let the rouge go, and watched him limp away rapidly.
    Searingpaw whirled around to see Swiftstar, Briarberry, and Emberpaw standing there. Emberpaw was looking at him in awe. Swiftstar's eyes shone with pride. "I-I-" he was trying to say.
   "I'm very proud of your Searingpaw. BriarClan is lucky to have an apprentice like you." Swiftstar says. "You deserve to be a warrior early." she said. Briarberry and even Emberpaw nodded in approval.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Thickbranch for a clan meeting!" Swiftstar called, getting on the branch in one swift leap.

"Searingpaw fought of three rouges single-pawed defending our borders, and he is worthy of becoming a warrior. She looked at the apprentice. "Step forward."

"I, Swiftstar, leader of BriarClan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and we condemn  him as a warrior in his turn."

"Searingpaw, from this moment on you shall be known ass Searingflame. Starclan honors your bravery and we welcome you as a full warrior of BriarClan!"

"Searingflame! Searingflame! Searingflame!" the cats of BriarClan cheered.
  
>Swiftstar<

Planning To Attack!

Frozenstar leaped onto her perch, where all the cats of Brokenclan were gathering around. The clan had at least doubled in size, since they started recruiting rouges.

"Attention, Brokenclan cats! It is almost time! We will attack in two days at sunrise. We are not weak and will not hide in the night. We will win, and they will surrender. We have prophecy cats." she said, looking at Darkbreeze, Willowsun, Blossompatch, Frostriver, and her deputy Breezeflame.

"Everyone prepare for battle! Get ready! And do not let your guard down. If you remembered the last battle, they could be planning to attack, too." Frozenstar said.

"And Murkkit, step forward. From this moment forward, until you receive your warrior name, you shall be known as Murkpaw." she said.

"Darkbreeze will be your mentor." she said.

"That is all for now." she said, disappearing into her den.

>Frozenstar<

"Will all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Thickbranch for a clan meeting!" Swiftstar yowled, climbing up to the branch.

"Wolfpaw, Leafpaw, Saphirepaw, and Redpaw, step forward."

"I, Swiftstar, Leader of Briarclan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and we condemn them as warriors in their turn."

"Wolfpaw, you shall be known as Wolfthunder."

"Leafpaw, you shall be known as Leafflight."

"Saphirepaw, you shall be known as Saphirelight."

"Redpaw, you shall be known as Redleaf."

"Wolfthunder! Leafflight! Saphirelight! Redleaf!" the cats cheered.

>Swiftstar<

Kits Of a Leader Part 8- Searingpaw/Swiftstar

         As Ravensoar, Searingpaw, and Duskgaze appeared back outside camp, Duskgaze doubled over in pain. The others looked worriedly at her, but she waved her tail.

   "Go on... I'm fine. I just need to recover." she said. And then headed into camp. Searingpaw looked around camp.

     "She never got to tell me if she feels the same way that I do for her...." he whispered to himself. "The battle is coming, and she could get hurt!" He exclaimed. "What can I do to stop it.... Duskgaze's power is draining...." he trailed off looking out of camp. "What if she gets killed, and I can never see her again?" he murmured. Suddenly, Shadeshadow walked up to him.

    "She can't." she said. "She's a cat of the prophecy." Shadeshadow looked at him in the eyes. Her eyes look like Frostriver's.... he thought with a pain. His heart hurt.

   "I never told anyone this. And don't tell anyone yourself." she whispered. "I can see into the future. I didn't even knew it myself. I thought it was normal. But I see you." she said. "And I see her." she said. "And I can't say no more, but both of you WILL live, if I have anything to say about it." Shadeshadow said. "When the battle comes, and the winners stand, their greatest strength will be lost." she whispered, then walked away, leaving Searingpaw standing there, gaping.

    Was that a prophecy? he thought. It doesn't matter. We have to be ready, and the whole clan already can feel it's coming. But when this is over, I'm getting her back. he thought with determination, and looked at Floe and Ravensoar and their kits.

     Maybe we can be happy like them.

>Searingpaw<

Swiftstar was padding along the river, her eyes filled with sorrow. The prophecy rung in her ears everyday, and everyday it grew stronger.

"You have two choices
only one you can cover.
One leads to death,
and death the other.
Then an obstacle,
you cannot pass.
so live each day,
like it's your last."

She remembered when Greystar gave her the prophecy. It seemed like moons ago, which it was.

     "To find your last peace your heart must be searing like a flame." someone spoke, and she almost fell. Slowly, she turned around.
      "I came to find you." he said. "This black cat- the one who looked just like you, told me to tell you. That. That to find your last peace your hear must be searing like a flame." he said. Swiftstar looked confused.
   "Your... having kits?" he asked, staring at her belly. "And you didn't tell me?" Brass said. "I-I-" Swiftstar stuttered, but Brass rushed over to her. "That's lovely! Wonderful! Fantastic!" He purred. "They'll be beautiful, like you." he said. Swiftstar smiled.
    "I missed you." Brass said. "I missed you so much. I thought you might've died. But no! Your still alive."
But not for long. Swiftstar thought sadly, with a twinge of pain. But that pain spread, and she collapsed on the ground.
    What's... the kits! "The kits are coming." Swiftstar said shakily.  "Great Starclan!" Brass explained. "I've helped my mother deliver a later litter of kits. I can do this." he said. "Now push." he said. "Oh! And here's a stick!" he said, picking up a stick and shoving in her face, and she bit down onto it.
          She felt the kit come out and sighed. She saw Brass bend over and nip the kit's sac and it started mewling. "That's it." he said.
   "That's it?" she asked. Brass nodded. "Yup. It's a tom. And a hansom one too, if i do say so myself." he said, chuckling. The tom had the same bracken-colored fur as Brass.
    "Bronzekit." he said. "Can he be called Bronzekit?" he asked. "Of course, and let him be prophecy free." she breathed, licking the kit on the head.
    "Who knows if he'll remember me?"  she said. "I'll miss him so much. Almost as much as you." Swiftstar said to Brass.
    "Don't talk like that! You know what? Tell this 'Starclan' that if they want to take your life, they have to get through me first." he said.
     "I'll try. But we have to get back to camp now. I mean I have to get back. Before the clan notices I'm gone." said, picking up Bronzekit who squeaked in protest.
      "Take care of our son." Brass said quietly. And Swiftstar nodded. "I will." and with that, she walked in the direction of camp, with Brass looking on.

>Swiftstar<

Faytekit is back and new apprentices.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the thickbranch for a clan meeting!" Swiftstar said, heaving herself onto the branch.

"It is time for Five kits to become apprentices! Emberkit, Burntkit, Thistlekit, Spiritedkit, and Searingkit step forward!"

"From this moment on, until you receive your warrior names, you shall be known as Emberpaw, Burntpaw, Thistlepaw, Spiritedpaw, and Searingpaw!"

"Emberpaw! Burntpaw! Thistlepaw! Spiritedpaw! Searingpaw!" the clan cheered and Searingpaw stood tall, unknown emotions sparking his eyes.

"And also. Shadepaw. Do you wish to be a member of Briarclan?" Swiftstar asked her daughter, who nodded.

"I, Swiftstar, Leader of Briarclan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and we condemn them as warriors in your turn."

"Shadepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect and defend this clan, even if it cost your life?" she asked.

"I do." Shadepaw responded.

"Then by the powers of starclan I give you your warrior name. Shadepaw, you shall be known as Shadeshadow."

"Shadeshadow! Shadeshadow! Shadeshadow!"

"And lastly, Floe has had Ravensoar's kits! Murkkit and Charcoalkit!" she said.

"That is all." Swiftstar hobbled into her den, while the clan milled around.

>Swiftstar<

Kits of a Leader Part 7- Breezeflame/Frozenstar

    "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the thickbranch for a clan meeting!" Swiftstar called.

"I have found out what happened to our Five apprentices! They have.. joined Brokenclan. We do not no why, Frostpaw gave me a message! Their numbers are growing! They told us to fear them but we will not, we will stand up and face them! All of them!" Swiftstar yowled.

"Today would be the day I'd give them their warrior names, but we will give the others today."

"Duskpaw, Webpaw, Petalpaw, and Ravenpaw. Step forward."

"I, Swiftstar, leader of Briarclan, call apon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and we condem them as warriors in their turn."

"Duskpaw, Webpaw, Petalpaw, and Ravenpaw. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect and defend this clan, even it cost your lives?"

"I do." they all said.

"Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior names.

"Duskpaw, you shall be known as Duskgaze."

"Webpaw, you shall be known as Webfeather."

"Petalpaw, you shall be known as Petalbrook."

"Ravenpaw, you shall be known as Ravensoar."

"Duskgaze! Webfeather! Petalbrook! Ravensoar!" the clan cheered.

"Also, Floe has been asleep since the last gathering, and we do not know why. Let us hope that soon she will wake up."

The clan murmured solemly for Floe, and Ravensoar's eyes glinted with hidden emotion.

>Swiftstar<

Frozenstar leaped up onto her perch, where Brokenclan was already sulking below.

"Cats of Brokenclan! It's time to make five worthy apprentices warriors! With more warriors it will make us more powerful than Briarclan ever was! And we will defeat them!"

"Frostpaw, Darkpaw, Blossompaw, Breezepaw, and Willowpaw! You Shall be known as Frostriver, Darkbreeze, Blossompatch, Breezeflame, and Willowsun!"

The cats of Brokenclan stayed silent though, and Frozenstar glared at them.

"Also, Searingkit has been stolen by Briarclan! Right now they are making him soft, but his siblings will become apprentices!

"Twistedkit and Ashkit! From this moment forward untill you recieve your warrior names you shall be known as Twistedpaw and Ashpaw! Breezeflame, you are young but ready, you shall mentor Ashpaw. Willowsun, you shall mentor Twistedpaw!"

"Twistedpaw! Twistedpaw! Ashpaw! Ashpaw!"

Frozenstar walked up to Breezeflame, smiling. "Breezeflame, you have much potential. You see, Flameblaze has been spying for another clan." she said softly. "It's such a tragedy, but he must be stopped." she said, looking at Flameblaze.

"Kill him, and you'll be the next deputy of Brokenclan." and she chuckled as Breezeflame aimed for Flameblaze's throat.

>Frozenstar<

Ceremonies, Good Surprise, and Bad Surprise.

     "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the thickbranch for a clan meeting!" Swiftstar said, fumbling up to the thickbranch and jumping clumsily on it.
  
    "It is time for Briarclan to have new warriors! Nimblepaw and Yellowpaw, step forward!" the two toms stepped forward.

      "I, Swiftstar, leader of Briarclan call apon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and we condemn them as warriors in their turn."

"Nimblepaw and Yellowpaw. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect and defend this clan, even if it cost your lives?"

"I do." Both apprentices chorused.

"Then by the power of starclan I give you your warrior names.

Nimblepaw, you shall be known as Nimbleheart." she said, pausing and looking at Yellowpaw.

"Yellowpaw, you shall be known as Yellowspots." she finished.

"Nimbleheart! Nimbleheart! Yellowspots! Yellowspots!" the cats cheered.

"And we have four kits to become apprentices. Wildkit, Sunkit, Spottedkit, and Ivykit come here."

"From this moment forward, until you recieve your warrior names, you shall be known as Wildpaw, Sunpaw, Spottedpaw, and Ivypaw."

"Lilyfrost, I leave Ivypaw in your hands as Medicine cat apprentice, and may starclan accept her by the half-moon."

"Wildpaw! Sunpaw! Spottedpaw! Ivypaw!" the cats cheered, and Swiftstar leaped from the Thickbranch, landing heavily.

>Swiftstar<

   Breezepaw narrowed his eyes. He looked at Swiftstar. It was time to tell her. He looked at Willowpaw, then nodded. Swiftstar was turning into her den, when Breezepaw and Willowpaw walked up to her.
  "Swiftstar, we have to tell you something... that we don't think you know yet." he confessed. Confusion passed between her narrowed eyes, but she nodded.
   "Okay....." she mumbled, and went into her den with her two kits following. She sat down facing them, curling her tail around her paws. "What's this about? Do you know what happened to Darkpaw, Frostpaw and Blossompaw?" she asked.
    Willowpaw took a step forward. "Our group." she began. "Well, Frostpaw, when she was a kit, received a prophecy." she began. "Frost glitters-" Breezepaw clamped his tail over her mouth.
    She mustn't know! Not yet..  Breezepaw thought. Willowpaw rolled her eyes. Fine, fine.  she thought. This new power of yours tends to get annoying, you know. If you weren't blocking me I'd order you to jump off a cliff! she ranted. Just shut up.... we have to think of something to distract Swiftstar so she'll forget we'll said this. Breezepaw replied.
   "Sorry, she's been having too much fresh-kill lately." he said, chuckling. His eyes dropped to Swiftstar's belly. Oh course! 
   "Swiftstar did you know your expecting kits?" Breezepaw asked. Swiftstar's eyes widened.
"How'd you know?" she asked. Breezepaw smiled. "Well congratulations mother." he said. Willowpaw nodded.
   "So have you told Thunderspirit yet?" Willowpaw asked. For a second Swiftstar's eyes flashed with alarm.
"No, not yet." she said in a rush. "Well, goodbye, Swiftstar." Breezepaw said. Swiftstar narrowed her eyes.
"Goodbye? Where are you going?" she asked, confused.
       "To Brokenclan." Willowpaw said, and they both ran out of the den, with Swiftstar staring on.

>Breezepaw/Willowpaw<

Brass, Part 2

   Swiftstar's eyes widened, and she looked at the ground. "Wait, I mean that........ thanks for saving my life again." She stammered, and Brass walked up to her.
    "Now Swiftstar." he began, and she thought she would melt where she stood. "Even though I've only known you for a day." he started. "I knew you mean it, when you said you loved me." he pressed. His amber eyes were gleaming.
   "But-" she said but was silenced as Brass came up very close, until they were touching noses. She suddenly collapsed.
   "Swiftstar!?!? Are you o-" he began, but Swiftstar sat up quickly. "Of course I'm okay!" she insisted. "Just don't get to close...." she said. And before she knew it his voice was in her ear.
    "Does it bother you?" he asked, and she backed away from him, a little wobbly. She shot Brass a glare.
"Yeah, it does." and Brass laughed. "Cool." he said casually. Walking back in forth, he looked Swiftstar up and down.
    "It's so weird... I feel like I've seen you before.... but I know I haven't..." he trailed off, narrowing his eyes.
"Were you once a rouge?" he asked. And Swiftstar was about to say no, when she remembered. "I was a rouge." she said. "Once." she said. "But that was a long time ago." she said, turning around.
   "Wait." Brass said, and she stopped. I know I can move... but why aren't moving? "C'mon now, turn around." he said softly, and she did. "You were Swift, weren't you?" he asked.
    "I remember you, a loner, just like me." he said. "Word passed around that you and Kiki were dead." he choked out the last word.  "and you did die there, right in front of me, but your alive right now." he said, narrowing his eyes in thinking. "How..."
    "I lost a life. You know, I had nine lives." she explained. "How many do you have left?" he asked. This time she didn't hesitate.
    "One." her voice cracked as she suddenly realized it. I'm closer to the prophecy then I thought.... she thought, and she realized she said it out loud. "I'm gonna die... soon." she said.
   "No, Swiftstar! You can't die!" Brass exclaimed. "Why is that?" Swiftstar questioned. "You can't die... because I love you too." he said, and Swiftstar's legs felt like jelly as she took it all in. After what seemed like seasons, she spoke.
   "You mean it?" she said softly. "Always." he said. Something sparked at the back of Swiftstar's mind.
"Great Starclan! My clan, I forgot I have to get back!" she exclaimed, and started hobbling to the river.
    "No." He said. "Your in no condition to go anywhere right now." he said, almost dryly. Swiftstar stiffened as he blocked her path. "Just relax." he murmured, and she dropped like a wet leaf, flopping down on the ground.
   "How do you keep doing that?" Swiftstar wondered. And Brass smiled. "I'm that charming?" he pressed.
"Okay, sure." she said, rolling her eyes. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to stay a while..." she said. Ugh fine, I surrender. "That's more like it." he said.
                                      ~<>~


   "Brass wake up." he heard a voice, and he peered open his eyes. Once he saw Swiftstar, he remembered what happened. 
    "Swiftstar." he purred. "I never understand how you can wake up so easily." he mumbled, exasperated for a second. "That's the way of the clan." she said. The way of the clan? Whats wrong with sleeping in there? Brass rolled his eyes. It had been three days since they were attacked by Brokenclan cats, and Swiftstar was back to full health.
     "I have to go now...." she mumbled reluctantly. Brass looked down at the ground. "I know..."
"I'll see you again, though, right? Before I...." she trailed off. Brass pressed against her.
    "Yeah." Brass pushed the subject away, and Swiftstar turned to leave. "Bye, Swiftstar..."

(to be continued) .... (maybe.. i don't know... any purpose with the italics? it makes it look cool....)

Brass, Part 1

     Swiftstar crouched by the river, with her eyes closed. Over and over she kept telling herself how banishing Stormwater was for the greater good.
  He could've been a spy. She thought. But a small voice was nagging in the back of her head. What if he wasn't? But she ignored it.
     Sighing, she listened to the rush of the river and the birdsong in the air. It was home. But not for much longer, for her. I know the prophecy will only end in my own death. She thought. With only Two lives left...
    I should live like I'm dying. the thought rushed to her suddenly. She smirked to herself. Despite the constant storm of negativity, she would live. A thought suddenly dawned on her, and she took a deep breath. Opening her eyes, she peered at the river. The sunlight reflected off it made it so.... beautiful. Swiftstar turned around so her back was to the river, and took a few steps forward, then a few steps back. Then she ran, straight to the river, and jumped, and then only saw blackness.
                                                   ~<>~

   Brass looked on from the other side of the river. In the height  of green-leaf, the river was fast flowing, and he couldn't suppress a shiver. A cat could easily get swept away by the current. Pricking his ears and inhaling, he smelled something... fresh. Cat-scent. It might be.... Brokenclan again..... he thought with fear. Those cats who clawed their way though all the loner and rouge's territory, and it was either get lost or join them. Most chose to join. But Brass thought he was one of those smart few who ran.
     Not Brokenclan scent...... he thought, and he knew this wasn't a scent he encountered before. Suddenly he heard paw-steps, and he turned his gaze sharply across the river. A black she-cat stood there, backing up.
  "What is she-" his mutter broke off as she raced towards the river and leaped. Brass tried to will her to make it to the other side but her paws skimmed the surface of the river, and she barreled in. In the same heartbeat he dove into the water after her. His paws skimming the pebbles, he felt soft fur and ducked his head to sink his teeth into her scruff. Hauling her out, with her scratching at him, Brass dragged the black she-cat out of the water.
     He dropped her on the shore, and she spat out a mouthful of water. "Hey-" he started to say, but suddenly she got up lightning fast and had him pinned to the ground. His eyes widened.
   I've never seen a cat move so fast.... she bared her teeth. "Who are you, and what did you want." she said, still dripping wet.
   "Well, you were obviously begging to be saved!" he retorted. Her blue eyes narrowed for a second, as she considered this. "True. But answer my first question." she demanded, and Brass saw his chance, and flipped her over, this time he was pinning her over.
   "Brass." he said. "And what's yours?" he asked, and she hesitated. "Swiftstar." she said. Swiftstar? That name is familiar........  he thought, but then shook it off.
  "Why'd you jump in the river in the first place?" he asked. And her gaze clouded for a second. "I don't know, it's.... a long story." she murmured. He looked into her eyes. "I've got a the time." he suggested, and her eyes widened, and she looked dazed, and then her head went back, and she stopped breathing.
    She's... dead? She can't be, I can't loose her again!  he thought in sudden panic, but then stopped his thoughts abruptly. Again? He's never seen this she-cat in her life! But he couldn't have saved her for nothing, he knew that.
   She's gonna wake up... She's gonna wake up...  he kept repeating to himself. Time stretched on that could have been days or a few hear-beats, and her eyes suddenly fluttered open.
   "Your alive!' Brass exclaimed and and the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. She looked at him confused, but then sat up next to him. She wobbled, and Brass got to her side before she can fall. "Oh, thanks." she mumbled.
   "I forgot to tell you something." Swiftstar said, looking at brass. "You saved my life!" she said, and pressed against him, before shying back.
   "Oh, sorry." she said, stiffening. Brass shrugged, but his fur felt like it was warming where Swiftstar leaned against it.
     "S'okay." he mumbled, looking down. "Where are you from, Swiftstar?" he asked her. "I am Swiftstar, leader of Briarclan." she said. "Briarclan? That sounds like....." he said, and froze.
   "Sounds like what?" she asked, leaning in, her face a mask of worry. "Brokenclan." he said. Swiftstar looked around, and growled.
  "Brokenclan!?! Are you one of them?" she said, glaring at him. Brass backed up. "N-no, I'm not. I'm a loner. Frozenstar drove us out. She said we either had to join, or run." he stammered. Did this she-cat know about Brokenclan?
   "So that's what she's been planning." she spat. "Brokenclan are sworn enemies of Briarclan." Swiftstar explained. And then Brass remembered something.
   "So, were you going to explain to me why you jumped in the river?" he asked her. "Oh, right. You see there was this prophecy.." she began, explaining everything.
                                              ~<>~
    "And I don't know how long left I have to live." she said, trembling. Why am I showing my weakness to a cat I barely know?!?  she thought for a second. But... I at least owe him this. 
   "That's terrible!" he exclaimed after a few heartbeats. "Is there something I can do?" he asked in a rush, and Swiftstar looked into his eyes, that shown with concern. She felt... lighter... then blinked.
   No..... I love Thunderspirit....... she thought.
"No, your just a loner, what can you do!?!" Swiftstar mumbled. Brass looked back into her eyes, his gaze filled with hurt.
  "Well, If that's what you think-" Brass was interrupted by growls as three Brokenclan cats jumping in front of them.
    "What are you doing here?" Lizardclaw hissed, and Archear and Raggednight chorused the with growls.
"It's doesn't matter. You stole Briarclan apprentice's. Why?" she asked.
"Stole? ... You think we stole them?!?" Lizardclaw said, and laughed. "No, you've mistaken us. We've got Blossompaw, Frostpaw, and Darkpaw. But they've come to us willingly, shown us their powers. Just so we could defeat you." he finished. "Enough talk. Attack!" and the cats fall upon them. Swiftstar bit into Lizardclaw's ear, while scratching at his pelt. She looked over at Brass. He was taking on both Raggednight and Archear, cuffing them both around the ears.
    Not even I can take on two warriors that easily... she thought. Suddenly Raggednight screeched, tearing away from him and running into the forest, and he turned to Archear, a wild light in his eyes.
    Suddenly, claws went into her back, and everything again went black.
                                 ~<>~
    Brass saw Swiftstar fall, blood streaming from her back. Snarling in rage, he aimed a hard blow at Archear, sending him whirling around and running away. He leaped onto Lizardclaw's back, claws fully extended. He sunk his claws into Lizardclaw's neck, and he went limp and collapsed. Brass turned him over with one paw. He was dead.
   "Good riddance." Brass growled, and turned to Swiftstar. She was bleeding heavily, but he could see the faint rise and fall of her chest. He searched for the nearest moss, pressing it onto her back.
   "It's gonna be okay, Swiftstar. You died and came back, I know you could make it through this." he whispered in her ear, and she seemed to shudder, her eyes now open and her mouth in a large grin.
     "I forgot to tell you something..." she said, but hesitated. Just say it again! That he saved your life again!

      "I love you." she said the words without thinking, and he waited for his Reaction.

(to be continued)

 

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