Darkest Paths

I KNOW ITS REALLY LONG. This fanfic consist of 11 chapters (so far... i'm still writing)
Please comment on what you think about it~


ALLEGIANCES

I C E C L A N
LEADER WINTERSTAR – pure white tom with thick fur
DEPUTY HAILSTONE – dark gray tom with broad shoulders
MEDICINE CAT TUFTYFOOT – small brown-and-white tom
APPRENTICE, WILLOWPAW
GENERALS (toms and she-cats without kits)
SHARPCLAW – blue-gray tom
STONESTEP – dark gray tom
BLIZZARDFOOT – speedy white tom
WARRIORS (toms and she-cats without kits)
WHITECLAW – large white tom
MINNOWFUR – dappled gray she-cat
LILYTAIL – ginger she-cat with white ears and foot
APPRENTICE, HOLYPAW
FROSTCLAW – pure white she-cat with icy blue eyes
GRAYFUR – muscular dark gray tom
SHADEPELT – mottled gray tom
APPRENTICE, WOLFPAW
APPRENTICES (more than six moons old, in training to become
warriors)
WOLFPAW – naughty gray tom (Wolfclaw)
WILLOWPAW – pale gray she-cat (Willowfur)
HOLYPAW – silver she-cat (Holyblaze)
KITS (less than six moons old, not yet apprentices)
SILVERKIT –silver tom (Silverfur)
SHINYKIT – light gray she-cat (Shinypelt)
ICEKIT– lithe white she-cat (Iceclaw)
SNOWKIT – white she-cat (Snowtail)
QUEENS (she-cats expecting or nursing kits)
ECHOSHINE – long-haired gray she-cat
FROZENFUR – pure white she-cat
ELDERS (cats who are too old to hunt for themselves)
OAKFUR–ginger tom with pale stripes

D A R K C L A N
LEADER IVYSTAR – small brown-and-cream she-cat
DEPUTY BROKENTAIL – long-haired silver tom
MEDICINE CAT BLACKHAWK – black tom with golden eyes
GENERALS (toms and she-cats without kits)
DARKSTRIPE – sleek black tom
ROWANCLAW – tawny brown tom
RAZORWING – clever white tom
APPRENTICE, RAVENPAW
WARRIORS (toms and she-cats without kits)
FALCONWING – dark brown-and-white tom
CLAWFACE – wiry dark gray tom
SHREWFOOT – light brown tom with black paws
EBONYCLAW – black she-cat
COLDFUR – pale gray tom with long fur
APPRENTICES (more than six moons old, in training to become
warriors)
RAVENPAW – black she-cat with white paws
(Ravenclaw)
COUGARPAW – pale brown tabby tom (Cougarwind)
KITS (less than six moons old, not yet apprentices)
KINKKIT– silver she-cat (Kinkfur)
ARCHKIT – brown tabby tom with dark stripes and a
thick stripe over eye (Archeye)
QUEENS (she-cats expecting or nursing kits)
SHADOWCLAW – black she-cat with white paws
ELDERS (cats who are too old to hunt for themselves)
ADDERFANG – old fierce brown tom

F I R E C L A N
LEADER AUTUMNSTAR – reddish brown she-cat
DEPUTY FLAMEPELT – young ginger tom
MEDICINE CAT BRIARHEART – light brown she-cat
GENERALS (toms and she-cats without kits)
REDTAIL – reddish brown tom with a bushy tail
WARRIORS (toms and she-cats without kits)
SCORCHPELT – battle-scarred black tom
HOLLOWGAZE – brown she-cat
APPRENTICE, SHREDPAW
DEADFOOT – brown tom with a twisted paw
SCRATCHFUR – ginger tom with matted fur
LONGTAIL – ginger tom with a very long tail
APPRENTICE, TORNPAW
APPRENTICES (more than six moons old, in training to become
warriors)
SHREDPAW – black tom with a long tail (Shredtail)
TORNPAW – brown tom with a badly torn ear
(Torner)
KITS (less than six moons old, not yet apprentices)
FIREKIT – reddish brown tom with white paws
and ears (Fireheart)
FOXKIT– brown-and-white tom (Foxwhisker)
EMBERKIT– black she-cat (Emberclaw)
QUEENS (she-cats expecting or nursing kits)
AMBERFUR – reddish brown she-cat
ELDERS (cats who are too old to hunt for themselves)
BROWNFUR – dark brown she-cat with matted fur
and a white tipped-tail
MUDCLAW – dark brown tom

M O O N C L A N
LEADER HIGHSTAR – silver she-cat
DEPUTY RUNNINGWIND – young white tom
APPRENTICE, BRACKENPAW
MEDICINE CAT GOLDENFUR – distinctive golden tabby she-cat
GENERALS (toms and she-cats without kits)
DUSKWATER – dark gray she-cat with white paws
LIGHTNINGSTORM – black tom
BACKSTRIPE – white tom with a dark stripe on back
WARRIORS (toms and she-cats without kits)
EDGECLAW – gray-and-white tom
APPRENTICE, DRIFTPAW
HEATHERTAIL – pretty gray she-cat
APPRENTICE, LAVENDERPAW
DOVEWING – white she-cat
APPRENTICE, DAWNPAW
WHITETHROAT – scrawny white tom
TALONCLAW– dark brown tom with long claws
APPRENTICE, HAWKPAW
APPRENTICES (more than six moons old, in training to become
warriors)
LAVENDERPAW – cream-coloured she-cat
(Lavenderfur)
DAWNPAW – silver she-cat with gray ears
(Dawnstripe)
BRACKENPAW – brown tom (Brackenfur)
HAWKPAW – loyal brown tom with pale stripes
(Hawkfur)
DRIFTPAW – silver tom with gray muzzle (Driftclaw)
KITS (less than six moons old, not yet apprentices)
LYNXKIT – small light brown she-cat with a thick pelt
(Lynxclaw)
BRAVEKIT– fluffy dark gray tom (Braveheart)
FALLOWKIT – speckled brown she-cat (Fallowtail)
QUEENS (she-cats expecting or nursing kits)
FALLWING – light brown-and-white she-cat with
thick fur
ELDERS (cats who are too old to hunt for themselves)
MORNINGSTAR – white pure white she-cat, retired
leader of MoonClan
BARKFACE – dark brown tom

C A T S O U T S I D E C L A N S
BIRCH – brown tom with a bushy tail (Birchfur)
THUNDER – ginger-and-white tom with spiky fur
(Thunderhorn)
STORM – large dark gray tom (Stormheart)
PANTHER – gray-and-white she-cat (Pantherprowl)
FLAME – jet black she-cat (Flameleaf)
DARK – ginger tom with black ears, muzzle and tail (Darkfire)

O T H E R A N I M A L S
GRUMP – brown grizzly bear















P R O L O G U E

It was drizzling.
Lithe dark shapes crouched warily in their dens, fear shown clearly in their eyes as the lightning cackled above. A hunting patrol had returned- three drenched cats padded swiftly into the camp. A long-haired tom leaped from the Jaggedstone and landed in front of them silently. He growled at them menacingly, “Clawface, why has your hunting patrol come back without any prey?”
The gray tom shifted uncomfortably on his paws. “We could not find any prey, Brokentail.” Instantly, there was a sharp jolt of pain and Clawface winced from the fresh new claw mark on his face. Brokentail’s eyes were cold and hard, his claws glistening in the moonlight. The other two cats recoiled slightly. Brokentail gazed at them unflinchingly. “I expect more from you next time.” With that, he turned around and disappeared into the shadows.
“The recent fire has wiped out all the prey. What does Brokentail expect us to do? Start breeding them?” A brown and white tom muttered, scraping at the ground furiously.
A black tom emerged from the medicine cat’s den. “StarClan will be by our side, Falconwing,” he mewed calmly, “Our ancestors will help us when we need them most.”
“Blackhawk, if I believe in StarClan, I would have believed in anything!” Falconwing spat back, his tail lashing in rage. “I don’t see any glittering cats here.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm.
Blackhawk was wise enough to not reply. He lifted his head and gazed at the starry sky.
“My apprentice is d… dying!” His voice was thick with emotion and grief. For a moment he did not speak but merely glanced at the limp brown body lying unmoving in the medicine cat’s den. He continued angrily, “And StarClan’s doing nothing to help him!”
Just then, a shooting star shot across the sky, sparks trailing behind it. The fur along Blackhawk’s spine bristled. After what seemed like eternity, the black medicine cat turned towards Falconwing. “StarClan sent me a sign,” he mewed, a distant look in his golden eyes. “DarkClan will survive. But not through a period of darkness first.”
Falconwing felt a slight flare of hope burning. “Will Cougarpaw survive?” His eyes shone brightly.
“Not through a period of darkness first.” Blackhawk echoed.




















C H A P T E R O N E

“Stonestep! Frozenfur just had kits!”
The dark gray tom, who had just returned from a long afternoon hunting patrol, pricked his ears and bounded towards the nursery. He was immediately greeted a brown-and-white tom. “Tuftyfoot, is Frozenfur alright?” He asked anxiously, pacing about back and forth.
The medicine cat did not reply but dipped his head as Stonestep rushed inside. A pure white she-cat was in the corner, suckling four tiny kits. The queen looked up and purred,” Stonestep, these are our kits.”
Stonestep nuzzled Frozenfur affectionately and flicked his tail towards the kits. “What names have you chosen for them?”
Frozenfur looked at them with pride. “Icekit and Snowkit,” breathed as she tilted her head at two pure white she-kits. Her tail gently touched the last two kits, a gray she-kit and a silver tom,” Shinykit and Silverkit.”
A purr rumbled in Stonestep’s throat loudly. “They will make into fine warriors,” He mewed firmly. Just then, Tuftyfoot emerged from outside, closely followed by a gray she-cat carrying a bundle of herbs. She dropped the borage leaves and seeds before Frozenfur. “Eat these, they will provide you with more milk to feed your kits.”
“Stonestep,” The brown-and-white medicine cat meowed, turning towards the gray tom,” You should give your mate some peace. She needs to rest.” With that, he nudged the gray she-cat, “Willowpaw, I need you to pick some catmint near the twoleg place. Oakfur has whitecough and we are running out of supplies.” The gray medicine cat apprentice twitched her ears in acknowledgement and bounded off.
Stonestep glanced back at the kits as he was about to leave. He paused suddenly in his pawsteps. His gaze lingered on the Silverkit. There was something different about that kit, he thought, narrowing his green eyes. With slight hesitation, he left the nursery.



















C H A P T E R T W O

Silverkit woke up.
He was momentarily blinded by the dazzling beam of sunlight filtering through the bramble entrance of the nursery. To keep the foxes out. His mother, Frozenfur, had told him.
“Silverkit! You’re awake!” A pure white she-cat rushed towards him, “I need you to look your best! Your apprentice ceremony will be held soon!” Frozenfur purred and started licking his ears. His sister, Shinykit, watched him with a glint of amusement in her blue eyes.. Grumbling, Silverkit squirmed out of her grip and shook his silver fur.
Suddenly two paws clamped onto his back. Silverkit eyes were wide with shock and flung the attacked off his back with all his might. He spun around and saw his sister, Icekit, tumbled into the corner of the den and crashed into another identical looking white she-cat.
“Icekit! Snowkit! Stop making such a racket!” Frozenfur grabbed Snowkit gently with her teeth away by her scruff.
Just then, there was a yowl from outside,” Let all cats who can endure the cold of leaf-bare gather beneath the Icicle Ledge for a Clan meeting!”
“That is your leader, Winterstar, speaking! Hurry! It’s your apprentice ceremony!” Frozenfur nudged her four kits out into the main clearing. Silverkit widened his eyes in awe as she led them towards the Icicle Ledge, which was flat stone with icicles at the sides in the middle of the camp. This was their first time out of the nursery. It was huge.
“Look, that’s your father!” Frozenfur cried out. Silverkit followed her gaze and saw a dark gray tom padding towards them. His tail brushed her lightly. Silverkit puffed out his fur, hoping to impress his father while Icekit and Snowkit threw themselves onto their father. Shinypaw stood silently, her blue eyes wide. Silverkit noticed his father staring at him for a few heartbeats. Did he do something wrong? he thought. But Stonestep’s dark gaze was unreadable. The gray tom nodded at Frozenfur and padded away towards a white tom and a blue-gray tom.
“Where did our father go?” Icekit piped up. Frozenfur cuffed her lightly and replied,” Your father is a general, one of the senior warriors who are chosen by the leader who take charge of the rest of the Clan. They plan battle parties and often lead patrols.”
She nodded at the two warriors Stonestep was talking to. “Those two are also generals, Sharpclaw and Blizzardfoot.”
Silverkit listened in awe. He vowed to become the best warrior ever so that Winterstar would appoint him to become a general. Frozenfur led them towards the Icicle Ledge where Winterstar stood.
“Today, we have four kits with us.” Winterstar yowled,” They have spent six moons in the nursery and are now becoming apprentices.”
“Icekit,” The white she-cat stepped forward proudly.
“From this day onward, you shall be known as Icepaw”
Winterstar looked around the clearing. “Blizzardfoot, you will be Icepaw’s mentor. May you pass on your skills and train her into a fine warrior.”
The white warrior nodded and gently touched his muzzle on Icepaw’s head.
“Snowkit,” Snowkit lifted her head and winked at Icepaw.
“From this day onward, until you earn your warrior name, you will be Snowpaw. Minnowfur will be your mentor.”
The dappled gray she-cat stepped forward and brushed her muzzle on Snowpaw’s head.
“Shinykit,” Shinykit shifted her paws and gazed at Winterstar,” You shall be called Shinypaw.”
Winterstar closed his eyes for a moment and meowed,” Whiteclaw,” The large warrior glanced up with undisguised surprise as Winterstar continued,” It is time for your first apprentice. You had a fine mentor in Hailstone. You will mentor Shinypaw and pass on the skills you have learnt.”
The gray deputy nodded encouragingly at his once apprentice as Whiteclaw padded up to Shinypaw and touched her head with his muzzle.
“Silverkit,” Silverkit trembled slightly as Winterstar called his name,” You will be known as Silverpaw.”
“Sharpclaw,” The blue-gray general jerk his head in surprise. “You will mentor Silverpaw and train him to become a great warrior like his father.”
Blinking, Sharpclaw stiffly brushed his muzzle on his head. Silverpaw shifted his paws uncomfortably as his mentor stared at him, his eyes hard and cold.
“Icepaw! Snowpaw! Shinypaw! Silverpaw!” The Clan chanted. Silverpaw looked down from the Icicle Ledge and saw his mother gazing at them with pride. Stonestep stood rigid, his green eyes emotionless.
Sharpclaw leaped down from the Icicle Ledge with Silverpaw following him. There was a long silence as mentor and apprentice faced each other. “I suppose I shall show you the camp now,” Sharpclaw finally spoke.
Silverpaw nodded.
“That is the Leader’s den.” Silverpaw followed Sharpclaw’s gaze and saw a den behind the Icicle Ledge, buried under the snow except the entrance.
Sharpclaw tilted his head towards a tall birch tree at the far end of the camp entrance. “The elders sleep near the birch tree. The branches will provide shelter for them.”
“Beside the elders den is the nursery, where queens expecting or nursing kits stay.” There was no usual mewling of kits. Silverpaw peered inside. The other queen, Echoshine was snoozing quietly inside, her belly bulging with unborn kits.
Suddenly, Silverpaw felt a sharp jab in his ribs. Sharpclaw was glaring at him. “Paying attention now?” He glanced down at his paws sheepishly.
Sharpclaw flicked his tail towards the large cave beside the camp entrance. “That is the warriors den. Senior warriors and generals normally sleep in the centre of the den where it is the warmest.” A few cats passing by dipped their heads in greeting. Sharpclaw nodded curtly back.
His mentor tilted his head towards the hollow entrance of a large boulder. “That is the apprentices den where you will be sleeping.”
“It’s already late,” Sharpclaw meowed. “Tomorrow meet me at the camp entrance at sunhigh. I’ll show you the forest.” With that, he padded away.
Silverpaw was exhausted after a long day. He curled in his own nest and went to sleep.

C H A P T E R T H R E E

Silverpaw yawned and glanced around the apprentices den.
The three older apprentices, Wolfpaw, Willowpaw and Holypaw, had already left for training, His sister, Shinypaw, was still asleep next to him, her gray fur rising and falling. Silverpaw prodded her with his paw. Shinypaw opened her wide blue eyes in alarm. Silverpaw let out a mrrow of amusement. The gray she-cat flattened her fur and cuffed Silverpaw lightly. Silverpaw pounced onto Shinypaw and they wrestled in their nest. After a few heartbeats, they broke apart, panting heavily.
“What has Whiteclaw planned for you today?” Silverpaw asked.
Shinypaw’s eyes shone as she replied,” His going to show me some battle moves!”
Silverpaw purred at her enthusiasm. He mewed a goodbye and bounded towards the camp entrance where Sharpclaw was waiting with the deputy, Hailstone. Silverpaw mewed a hasty greeting to both warriors.
“Today, I will be showing you the forest. Hailstone will be joining us.” Sharpclaw growled. The two warriors exchanged looks and without pausing, they followed a strong-smelling path leading out of the camp. Silverpaw quickly bounded after them, trying his best to keep up.
The forest was filled with towering birch, ash and maple trees. Fallen leaves were strewed over the ground. “That is the Great Maple,” Sharpclaw flicked his tail towards the large maple tree with barely any leaves left. He twitched his ear and continued grimly,” It wilts in leaf-bare but when leaf-fall comes, it will be the colour of red, orange, yellow and brown.”
Silverpaw nodded and sniffed the air. The cedar trees around the Great Maple were giving out a sweet smell from its bark.
Sharpclaw flicked his ear towards the forest of willow trees on his left. “You know what that is, don’t you Silverpaw?”
The Whispering Willows,” Silverpaw breathed softly, a mixture of amazement and fear in his eyes. It was rumored to be ruled by a brown grizzly bear, Grumps, who wandered around the forest of willow trees but had never, ever set a paw on any cat, not even an apprentice. It would simply stare but made no move.
“Feel no fear young one.” A deep voice mewed behind him. Hailstone gently swept his tail over his silver flank. “Now, listen to the voices of the willows.”
Silverpaw closed his eyes, feeling a wave of voices wash past him. “Your first time here young one?” a wind whispered as it brushed against him but Silverpaw stood firmly on the ground. He shivered and opened his eyes. “Now you know why this is called the Whispering Willows. Many spirits of cats rest their souls here.” Sharpclaw looked grimly, his gaze wavering on one particular willow tree beside an abandoned fox den.
The three of them padded on towards a large river. “This is the River of Life,” Hailstone told Silverpaw. “This is where we get our food mainly from.”
The gray deputy swiped his paw into the river and hauled a salmon out with his claws. Silverpaw watched the salmon flipping helplessly on the ground in admiration. Hailstone mewed solemnly,” We must give our thanks to StarClan for every life we take. However, we must not misuse the privilege and be merciful.” At the end of his sentence, Hailstone tossed the salmon back into the River of Life.
They continued their tour through the forest. “We are approaching the border between IceClan and FireClan territory,” Hailstone growled. Silverpaw curiously peered through the clumps of bushes and shrubs. Behind the tall pine trees, the land was totally bare, with not even a single patch of grass. A strong burning stench was hanging in the air. Sharpclaw noticed Silverpaw cringed and meowed,” Remember the smell of FireClan cats. They mark these borders very often.”
Sharpclaw padded swiftly away, through an uphill path full of brambles and thorns. Suddenly, two cats crowded at the end of an old rabbit path. “MoonClan,” Sharpclaw hissed under his breath.
“Sharpclaw, where do you think you’re going?* A white tom with a distinctive black stripe on his back growled, looking at the blue-gray tom with narrowed yellow eyes.
Sharpclaw kept his voice low,” Just showing my apprentice around the forest, Backstripe.”
A dark brown tom snorted. Silver pressed himself towards his mentor’s fur. He felt Sharpclaw twitched his ear and gently touched his fur with his tail.
“Your apprentice looks scared, Sharpclaw” The brown tom taunted, looking at Silverpaw.
Silverpaw shifted uncomfortably on his paws. He glanced at his mentor. Sharpclaw dug his claws into the ground and was trying hard not to fling himself onto the brown tom. “You better watch what you’re saying, Talonclaw,” Sharpclaw snarled. Turning to Silverpaw, he forced his voice to be calm. “Come let’s go.”
“Stay away from our border!” Talonclaw hissed and with a silent signal, they turned and disappeared out of sight.
Sharpclaw was in a bad mood. It was obvious as he stomped through the forest, loud enough to wake up the entire forest. Hailstone finally spoke,” The wind is blowing downhill. You won’t get the scent of DarkClan. They take the territory over at the north side. It is the darkest part of the woods.”
Silverpaw saw a glimpse of a dark forest of evergreen trees. He shuddered.
The three cats carried on quickly, turning sharply around the trees. They bounded up an uphill snowy slope. Silverpaw gasped there were four great oaks with an enormous boulder in the middle. “That is the Great Rock, right in the middle of the Fourtrees,” Hailstone meowed. “The four Clans gather here every full moon for a short truce.
“So there’s a gathering soon?” Silverpaw asked and gazed up. The moon shone brightly in the dark sky.
“In fact, there’s a gathering tomorrow!” Hailstone looked at Silverpaw, impressed. “But you won’t be attending it yet.”
Silverpaw’s tail drooped miserably.
The three of them traced their way back and took another route. “We are approaching the Windy Plains where the wind is the strongest,” The gray tom mewed. The Windy Plains was actually a plot of land with only a few trees. Silverpaw could fill the wind blowing against his fur. “We meet again young one” The wind whispered again.
Hailstone twitched his tail. “Over there is the Shining Stone, a large stone that shines in a dark cave. Medicine cats and leaders go there to share dreams with our warrior ancestors in StarClan.” Silverpaw nodded in understanding.
“It’s getting dark now,” Hailstone commented, gazing at the dark night sky. He nudged Sharpclaw, who was following them blankly, his eyes glazed. “We shall return to the camp.”
With that, the three cats headed back to the camp.



C H A P T E R F O U R

Silverpaw felt something grab his tail.
He jolted up from his uneasy sleep and saw a white apprentice standing over him, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. “Icepaw!” Silverpaw grunted and batted him away. “Stop scaring me like that!”
Icepaw twitched her whiskers in amusement and meowed,” Come with me! Sharpclaw is waiting for you at the River of Life!”
Silverpaw immediately felt his energy burn in him and quickly rushed after Icepaw. The sound of rushing water grew louder as they raced towards the river. Sharpclaw was sitting calmly, his tail curled neatly over his paws. Spotting them, he got to his paws. “Today I am going to teach you how to fish.”
He demonstrated once. “Now try it,” He ordered Silverpaw and Icepaw. Silverpaw extended his right paw and curled it in the way that Sharpclaw had shown them. The blue-gray general prowled around, observing their attempts. He gave a satisfied nod. “Now try to do this.” He did a flicking motion. “Your claws should be unsheathed to hook onto the fish.”
Silverpaw flicked his right paw and was pleased that his muscles responded smoothly. “Very good,” Sharpclaw purred.
“Now, just stand by the river and do what I’ve just taught you.”
Silverpaw flattened his ears in concentration and stared at the fishes swimming by to and fro. He swiped his paw quickly into the water and felt something tugging at his claws. He flung the fish out of the water. A small yellowfin tuna was flipping helplessly by the bank. Silverpaw took its life quickly with one sharp bite. “Thank you for this piece of prey StarClan,” He murmured under his breath.
Icepaw watched with admiration as Sharpclaw padded forward and to Silverpaw’s surprise, he saw a glint of pride in his eyes. “Well done Silverpaw,” He mewed.
Silverpaw glowed under his praise. He had made his first catch!
StarClan must have been by their side for the entire afternoon and it took them three trips to carry all the prey back to the camp. They were greeted by high tails and friendly muzzles. “You’ve done well for today,” Sharpclaw looked at Silverpaw and Icepaw. Silverpaw purred his thanks hoarsely and backed away politely. His eyes lit as he saw his mother rushing towards him. “Silverpaw!” She gave his ears a lick. “I’m so proud of you and Icepaw!”
Silverpaw nuzzled her back. Mewing a goodbye, he picked a salmon between his teeth and dropped it before Oakfur, an elder. The brown tom greeted Silverpaw,” Well thank you Silverpaw! It’s nice when you have someone visiting and spending time with you.”
Silverpaw lay beside Oakfur until he finally swallowed the last bits of the salmon. “Sharpclaw doesn’t look happy,” He whispered, indicating at the blue-gray pile of fur staring at the warriors den dazedly. Silverpaw glanced uncertainly at his mentor, then back at the elder. “Go on,” Oakfur encouraged,” Talk to him.”
Silverpaw took a deep breath and padded over to Sharpclaw. He settled beside and lay on his paws. The blue-gray tom twitched his ear in acknowledgement but said nothing. Silverpaw broke the silence. “Sharpclaw, are you alright? You’ve been quite down lately…” His voice trailed off. Sharpclaw remained silent, staring ahead. Silverpaw mewed,” Perhaps is it alright to share your past with me?”
Sharpclaw raised his head. “I was once an apprentice like you, wanting to become the best warrior in the Clan. Before I became a got my warrior name, my father was slain in a battle. He was a great general, one of the best in the Clan. With him gone, I was well-respected by the Clan and Winterstar even promoted me to a general. My mother died giving birth to my sister and brother. My brother was also killed in battle and my sister fell into a gorge and… and…” Sharpclaw’s voice choked with emotions. “Everything was taken away from me. Being a general means nothing to me anymore, even if I become deputy or leader. I’ve lost everything I loved.”
Silverpaw’s eyes were filled with sadness. He noticed that Sharpclaw had been staring at the ginger she-cat soundlessly curled in the warriors den. “So that’s why you refuse to be mates with Lilyfur?” He asked.
Sharpclaw buried his face into his own fur. Silverpaw gently licked his cheeks. “Have faith in yourself. Not everything has to end like what you think.”
Sharpclaw lay there for a long moment. Then he looked up, a new determination that Silverpaw has never seen shone in his eyes. “Lilyfur will be my mate. And we will have kits.” He meowed firmly. “Thank you Silverpaw, I’m proud to have you as my apprentice.”
With that, he bounded over towards the ginger she-cat. Silverpaw let out a mrrow of amusement and went back to the apprentices den.






















C H A P T E R F I VE

Four moons had past.
Wolfclaw, Willowfur and Holyblaze were sitting outside in vigil in the dark, an important ritual that all cats who have received their warrior names must do. Silverpaw was watching them with one open eye. Twice, he saw Wolfclaw leaping onto the Icicle Ledge. Willowfur was fidgeting while Holyblaze seemed calm and silently guarded the camp.
Silverpaw could hear the squealing of kits from the nursery. He could see the shadows of Sharpclaw at the entrance of the nursery. Ripplekit, a ginger striped tom, Wildkit, a ginger-and-white tom and Bluekit, a blue-gray she-kit were inside with Lilyfur. He could see Echoshine’s kit, Swiftkit, rolling about on the ground.
Silverpaw purred to himself. Then, he went back to sleep.


Newleaf had arrived.
Silverpaw was having his apprentice assessment today. As silently as he could, Silverpaw padded through the Whispering Willows, his ears pricked for any sign of prey. He sniffed the air. He could smell mouse nearby. He froze and tried to pinpoint the mouse’s location. Just then, he saw a flash of gray fur. And there it was, right beside the willow tree in front. Dropping into a crouch, Silverpaw stalked forward, his ears flattened and his tail held low.
Just then, he heard the wind whispered, “You’re back again.”
Silverpaw stumbled and accidentally snapped a twig. The mouse rushed away to safety. He hissed in frustration and scanned around wildly but he could see nothing.
“You can’t see me young one. I am the one who rides with wind,” The leaves of the willow trees rustled.
Silverpaw stammered,” Who… who are you?”
“I am the wind,” A sudden gale of strong wind crashed into Silverpaw forcefully and Silverpaw quavered.
The wind calmed down, a cool breeze whirled around. “We will meet again young one.”
Just then, a voice rumbled from behind,” Silverpaw? I know I’m not allowed to speak but you should concentrate on your assessment.”
Sharpclaw silently stared at the willow tree beside the abandoned fox den. His voice was grim. “My father’s spirit is in that tree. I miss the times we had together…”
Silverpaw listened in silence. Sharpclaw shook his head and mewed,” Good luck for your assessment! Don’t disappoint me!” The blue-gray general slinked away into the shadows.
Silverpaw flattened his ears in concentration and leaped into the undergrowth.


Silverpaw returned with his eyes shining brightly. He had caught three mice, a finch and two trout. Sharpclaw was waiting expectantly by the camp entrance. He purred in approval when Silverpaw dropped his catch onto the fresh-kill pile. “You have passed. I am very proud of you Silverpaw,” Sharpclaw murmured into his ear. Silverpaw dipped his head in respect and spotted Shinypaw washing herself in the main clearing. He bounded over towards her.
The gray she-cat raised her head and brushed past him,” Come, let go for a walk.”
Silverpaw mewed in agreement and followed her. They raced through the forest and settled down by a birch tree. He stretched lazily on the ground while Shinypaw attempted to climb the tree. “You won’t make it Shinypaw!” Silverpaw playfully leaped at a butterfly.
Suddenly, he paused in his pawsteps. He tasted the air. It was filled with the smell of burning flames. “Shinypaw!” He yowled,” The camp is on fire!” Shinypaw scrambled down the tree in horror. The two of them rushed towards the camp, their eyes wide with fear. The camp was in flames, thick smoke prevented them from nearing. With their eyes stinging, Silverpaw and Shinypaw turned back and ran towards the Great Maple and sheltered in under it.
When the fire had extinguished, they rushed back, squeezed through the camp entrance and gasped. The camp was blackened with soot. Silverpaw glanced around. The camp was empty. Just then, Silverpaw spotted Winterstar lying weakly beside the Icicle Ledge with Icepaw and Snowpaw crouching over him. He padded over. The white tom gazed at Silverpaw.
"I, Winterstar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn."
"Silverpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Silverpaw replied steadily,” I do.”
“Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior name. Silverpaw, from now on, you will be known as Silverfur, IceClan welcomes you as a full warrior."
Silverfur respectfully licked his shoulder and backed away. Winterstar repeated the same few words to Shinypaw and Icepaw.
"I, Winterstar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn."
"Snowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Snowpaw shivered with excitement. “I do,” She mewed.
“Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior name…” Winterstar’s voice wavered and he lay on the ground.
The four of them stared at each other in disbelief.
“What should we do? And what is Snowpaw’s warrior name?” Iceclaw wailed and the sky rumbled as if in reply. Snowpaw shifted her paws uncomfortably, her tail drooping. Silverpaw felt sorry for his sister. He knew that she had been waiting for the moment she was made warrior.
“I think Winterstar said that your warrior name would be Snowtail,” Silverpaw gently told Snowpaw. She gave a weak nod.
Silverpaw buried his face into Winterstar’s fur. “Thank you for your wisdom.” He solemnly mewed. His littermates did the same.
Shinypelt narrowed her eyes. “Everyone, spread out and try to find our Clanmates.”
Silverfur poked his head into the nursery. It was all empty except a pile of white fur breathing heavily. “Frozenfur!” He yowled and licked her face. She gazed at him with pride. “You have a great future, my son. One day you might lead your Clan and bring victory for IceClan.”
Her voice lowered. “I should not have kept this from you. But Stonestep is not your father,” She indicated the lifeless gray body beside. “You have your real father’s silver fur. I was once a Clan cat, but your father banished me from his Clan and I have lived like a rogue until Winterstar brought me in.”
“My son… I have watched you grow up. But it is the time for you to continue on living alone…” Frozenfur shuddered,” May StarClan light your path.”
“No! Mother, don’t leave me!” Silverfur wailed.
Frozenfur closed her eyes and lay still. Silverfur’s eyes were filled with sorrow. He murmured,” I will find my true father and won’t let you down.”










C H A P T E R S I X

Silverfur must have been crouching by the ground where Frozenfur was buried for ages.
He turned around and saw Shinypelt, Iceclaw and Snowtail solemnly sitting behind him, their eyes fixed onto him. Silverfur nodded and on a silent signal, they padded stiffly out of the camp. Silverfur glanced back. Winterstar, Frozenfur and Stonestep had been buried right in the main clearing. He wondered when he would ever return. On a silent signal, the four of them left their camp, which had been their home once.
It was a miserable journey. Iceclaw had cut her paw on a thorn and was limping. Just then, there was a yowl in the distance. Wolfclaw was bounding towards them, followed by Willowfur and Holyblaze. “You’re alive!” He nuzzled them one by one.
Holyblaze beckoned them with her tail. “Come with us! We have found some shelter!”
The four cats could not believe their luck. Silverfur felt his spirits lifted. Even Iceclaw was trying hard not to show her pain and tiredness. Willowfur stayed at the back to help Iceclaw while Holyblaze lead the group. Wolfclaw was walking beside Silverfur, his tail held high.
They ventured deeper into the Whispering Willows and saw places that they had never seen. There was a cave at the bottom of a waterfall, with a few stepping stones leading towards the entrance. They entered the dark cave. Inside, there was a gap at the top, allowing light from the sun to shine through. There were a few shadows inside. Taking a deep breath, Silverfur stepped inside.
“Silverpaw!” Sharpclaw got up and there was relief in his eyes. “It’s Silverfur now,” Silverfur purred and lightly batted the blue-gray tom’s head. “I’m so glad you’re back with us,” Sharpclaw murmured into his ear. With that, he stepped back and allowed them to walk through.
The cave was surprisingly large. In the centre, Lilyfur was soundly resting with Ripplekit and Wildkit. Silverfur frowned. Where was Bluekit? Sharpclaw seemed to have read his thoughts. “Bluekit breathed in too much smoke. She did not make it. Oakfur too.” His tail drooped miserably and flicked his tail towards the small blue-gray pile of fur lying at the corner of the cave.
Silverfur felt a lump of sadness in his heart. He felt sorry for Sharpclaw and would miss the company of the brown elder. “Winterstar, Stonestep and Frozenfur didn’t make it.” He croaked. Sharpclaw bowed his head in grief and padded away.
Silverfur glanced around the cave. Where was the rest of the Clan? He must have said it aloud without realising it when Holyblaze replied, “Shadepelt and Blizzardfoot had gone out to search for prey. Hailstone is on his way to the Shining Stone to receive his nine lives.”
Silverfur felt uncomfortable as she stared at him with mysterious green eyes. He could still feel her eyes burning on him as he turned away.
He could see Minnowfur, Whiteclaw and Grayfur having a heated discussion in hush voices. Tuftyfoot was arranging all the herbs he had managed to carry with him when he escaped from the fire and Echoshine was snoozing with her tail curled protectively over Swiftkit.
Iceclaw limped over towards him. She winced,” Willowfur applied dock juice onto my wound.” Silverfur gave her a pitiful look. The white she-cat lowered her voice. “Frostclaw and Grayfur are gone. No sign of them.”
Silverfur was shocked by the unexpected news. He was speechless. Shaking his head, he padded towards a corner of the den where Shinypelt was stretching and fell into an uneasy sleep.








C H A P T E R S E V E N

Suddenly, Silverfur heard an angry yowl.
Shadefur and Blizzardfoot were hissing loudly as they returned from their hunt. Silverfur opened his eyes, startled by the sudden aggression. Blizzardfoot had a huge gash at his shoulder while Shadefur had a torn ear and some scratches.
Shadefur growled,” We were ambushed by a patrol of DarkClan cats.”
“And they stole all of our prey!” Blizzardfoot hissed, his fur bristling.
There were outrageous snarls and mutterings among the Clan. Silverfur flattened his ears. How there they steal another Clan’s prey!
“Let’s go after them!” Wolfclaw yowled, his eyes darkened with fury.
Just then, in the mist of the furious yowling, there was a calm voice,” Wolfclaw, you are head-strong and reckless as usual, always rushing into battles.”
“Hailstar!” Wolfclaw bowed his head as his father stepped into the light.
“We shall wait until we are strong enough before we launch an attack on DarkClan!” He yowled, raising his head. A new confidence shone in him.
Hailstar continued," Sharpclaw shall be the new deputy of IceClan.”
The blue-gray tom looked up in surprise. He glanced at Silverfur and he nodded back at him.
Sharpclaw dipped his head in respect. “I accept,” He mewed.
The rest of the Clan yowled in approval.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Many moons had past. With their territory burned beyond recognition, they had treated the cave as their current camp. Rippleclaw, Wildstripe and Swiftfoot had discovered a tunnel in the cave and a small patrol had been sent to explore more parts of the cave. The tunnel had led them to more tunnels. Dens were made in them.
In the main clearing of the cave, there was an uphill slope leading towards a hollow space for the leader’s den. Much further behind, there was a constant trickle of water leaking from the gaps. Tuftyfoot and Willowfur had made the medicine cat den there where his herbs could stay fresh for a longer time. The nursery and elder’s den was deep inside the cave where it was safer. Warriors and apprentices den were near the entrance.
Just then, there was a yowl,” Let all cats who can endure the cold of leaf-bare gather beneath the Rocky Ledge for a Clan meeting!”
The rest of the Clan gracefully got to their paws and settled down comfortably before the Rocky Ledge, gazing at their leader.
Hailstar mewed,” Today, there is a gathering. We must prove to the other Clans that IceClan will remain strong despite the fire.”
A ginger-striped tom stepped forward. His voice rang clearly throughout the cave.” We should also warn the other Clans about prey stealing.”
Swiftfoot stepped forward and growled,” DarkClan better stay away from us.”
Hailstar nodded in approval. “I will warn the other leaders about that.”
“The following cats will attend the gathering tonight- Sharpclaw, Tuftyfoot, Holyblaze, Wolfclaw, Silverfur, Shinypelt, Rippleclaw and Swiftfoot.”
Silverfur’s eyes shone when he heard his name being called. It was his first time being chosen to go to a gathering!
He noticed his sisters, Iceclaw and Snowtail, looking crestfallen. “It’s alright! I’ll tell you everything that happens when we return!” He nudged them affectionately.
Sharpclaw glanced around and padded towards Blizzardfoot. “I shall put you in charge of guarding the camp.” The white general nodded.
With that, Hailstar led them out of the camp entrance.

C H A P T E R E I G H T

There was a tensed feeling as they padded through the forest.
Hailstar paused in his pawsteps and so did the rest of the Clan. Silverfur could see the Great Rock right in the middle of the Fourtrees. The rest of the other Clans were already there. Hailstar raised his tail and the Clan rushed forward into the clearing. Silverfur and Shinypelt stood closely together.
Sharpclaw mewed towards them,” The gathering has not started yet. You should talk to the other cats from the other Clans, try to learn more about them but do not give away any secrets from IceClan which they may use against us after this short truce.”
Silverfur and Shinypelt dipped their head in understanding. Just then, Wolfclaw bounded over towards them excitedly. “Look! That’s FireClan’s leader, Autumnstar!” Silverfur followed his gaze and saw a pretty reddish brown she-cat leaping onto the Great Rock.
” Which one is the MoonClan leader?” Shinypelt asked.
“You mean Highstar? It’s the silver she-cat up there! With her deputy, Runningwind, the white tom,” The gray warrior replied.
He shuddered. “That’s Ivystar, the DarkClan leader,” He whispered. Silverfur looked up. A small brown-and-cream she-cat was sitting near the Great Rock, her tail curled neatly over her paws. “Don’t doubt her size. Rumours say that she fought a Twoleg dog before. Ivystar is a merciless leader. Look at her warriors!”
Silverfur noticed that the DarkClan warriors had claw marks on their faces and the ears were torn badly.
Just then, there was a clear yowl from the Great Rock, signaling the gathering to begin.
“Welcome, cats of all Clans. Autumnstar wishes to speak first,” Hailstar dipped his head and let the reddish brown cat move forward. There were fierce snarls and growls from MoonClan. Silverfur heard that they had a battle between both Clans. Autumnstar mewed,” Prey is running well in FireClan. We have nothing else to report.”
Highstar immediately stepped forward, glaring at Autumnstar. “MoonClan has a new warrior, Hawkfur.” Silverfur saw that Talonclaw glowed with pride at his former apprentice.
It was Hailstar’s turn. He meowed in a deep voice,” IceClan has recovered from the recent fire and is coping well. We would also like to give a warning that the other Clans should stay away from our borders.” His gaze lingered at Ivystar. She stared back with her unnerving green eyes.
The DarkClan leader nodded curtly at Hailstar and started to speak softly,” DarkClan has grown stronger for the past few moons. We are glad to welcome two new warriors.”
A white she-cat and a gray tom stepped into the moonlight.
Silverfur could hear shocked mews from IceClan.
It was Frostclaw and Grayfur.









C H A P T E R N I N E

Silverfur could see fury burning in Hailstar’s eyes.
The gray leader growled with great self-control,” IceClan would like to congratulate DarkClan on their new warriors.”
He lashed his tail and yowled,” The meeting has come to an end.”
The IceClan cats gathered themselves together, murmuring in hush voices.
“How could they do that?”
“I can’t believe it!”
“Look at Hailstar, I’ve never seen him so furious…”
His fur was all fluffed out and his ears were flattened. It was all silent throughout the entire journey.
The cats who had remained in the camp rushed out when they sensed the uneasiness of the return.
Hailstar leaped onto the Rocky Ledge. There was no need to call for a meeting since all the cats had already gathered beneath.
He spoke in a grave voice. “Frostclaw and Grayfur had joined DarkClan.”
There were indignant yowling but they were silenced when Hailstar raised his tail. “Loyalty makes us strong. Where do your loyalties lie?”
“IceClan!” The Clan yowled back.
“Protect your Clan even at the cost of your life. Follow the warrior code. I have no more to say.” With one long gaze at his Clan, Hailstar disappeared into his den.
Blizzardfoot was hunched in a corner with Iceclaw beside. Willowfur whispered to Silverfur,” Blizzardfoot is in shock. He did not expect his brother to do such a thing.”
Silverfur nodded with sympathy to the white general. Her next words surprised him.
“Iceclaw is going to have kits with him.”
He stifled a purr. He hoped that Hailstar would get him an apprentice soon, probably Hailstone and Minnowfur’s son, Coldkit.
It was already getting dark. The moonlight shone through the gaps of the warriors den. He gazed up at the starry sky. Then, he closed his eyes and went to sleep, not knowing that he would have a great destiny lying ahead of him.












C H A P T E R T E N

“Sharpclaw! Sharpclaw!”
The blue-gray tom looked up from the finch he was devouring, a look of surprise on his face as a white tom bounded towards him, his eyes wide with horror.
“Whiteclaw? What happened?” The deputy asked. Silverfur could see a look of anxiety on his face.
Silverfur braced himself for the answer.
Whiteclaw took a deep breath and stared into Sharpclaw’s eyes. He bowed his head. “Wildstripe has been taken away.”
Sharpclaw let out a desperate yowl of alarm and flung himself onto the tom. “What happened?” He demanded.
Whiteclaw’s eyes widened. “We were on a border patrol and some DarkClan cats ambushed us. Wildstripe fought like a warrior. But there were too many enemy warriors. We were outnumbered…” His body was limp in Sharpclaw’s grip.
The blue-gray deputy released him and murmured,” You have done well Whiteclaw. It was my fault. Patrols must now travel in larger groups.”
He shook his fur, muttering angrily to himself. He gazed up into the sky. “Look what StarClan has done! They have taken away my loved ones! What did I ever do to deserve such a fate?”
Silverfur flicked his tail across his former mentor’s flank. “Do not worry Sharpclaw. We will find Wildstripe and free him. You have not lost everything yet. You still have Lilyfur, your sons, IceClan and me.”
There was a long pause as former mentor and apprentice stared at each other. Sharpclaw dipped his head. “Thank you Silverfur. I am proud to have been your mentor. I must organise two patrols to get Wildstripe back.” There was a flash of determination in his eyes.
He leaped onto the Rocky Ledge. “Wildstripe has been taken away by DarkClan. We must rescue him. When a Clanmate is in need, we must always be there to help. Silverfur, Rippleclaw, Shinypelt and I shall be in the first patrol. Whiteclaw, Holyblaze and Blizzardfoot shall be in the second patrol.”
The cats whose names had been called padded forward. The air was thick with excitement and anxiety. “Our first mission!” Shinypelt purred into Silverfur’s ear. Hailstar emerged from his den. “I wish you good luck,” He dipped his head. Sharpclaw twitched his ears in acknowledgement. Something flashed between both cats. It was as if they were saying goodbye forever.
Silverfur shared tongues with his sisters.
“We will be waiting for you,” Snowtail mewed and licked his fur.
“Always.” Iceclaw nodded firmly, sweeping her tail against his fur. She was lying stiffly in the nursery, her belly swollen with unborn kits. “Make sure you come back. My kits will be waiting for you.”
He turned to leave, glancing back at the remaining cats who were watching them silently. I will be back, he vowed.
I will be back.






C H A P T E R E L E V E N

The towering dark evergreen trees swayed in the cold wind.
The sky was getting darker as they ventured deeper into DarkClan’s territory. Sharpclaw was leading them, deep in thought. The two patrols had split up. Blizzardwind had been in charge of the second patrol, to scan the DarkClan forest for signs of Wildstripe and take on any enemy warriors. Sharpclaw paused by a bracken tree and sniffed the air uncertainly.
“Intruders!” There was low growl.
A dark gray tom stepped from behind the shadows of the trees, followed by a light brown tom.
The gray tom smirked, circling the four cats. “Look who we have here, Shrewfoot. Ivystar might make us generals.”
The brown tom was licking a black paw calmly. In mid-lick, he mewed,” Unlikely, Clawface. She will probably give you another claw mark on your face.”
Clawface gritted his teeth, attempting to hide his scarred face. Sharpclaw thrust his muzzle into the gray tom’s face. “Where-is-my-son?”
Before he could reply, a shadow loomed over them.
“Darkstripe,” Both of them dipped their head in respect as a sleek black tom strutted into the clearing.
“Well well, Sharpclaw, you left and have you come crawling back again? “ Darkstripe sneered. Rippleclaw and Shinypelt growled as Sharpclaw seemed deaf to the taunts.
“Bring the intruders back to the camp,” The black tom commanded. Clawface and Shrewfoot nodded and surrounded the four cats. Silverfur flattened his ears.
Darkstripe paused in his pawsteps. He glanced back at Sharpclaw, who was reluctantly following. “Oh, and Sharpclaw?” The blue-gray tom looked up.
“We changed our camp location.”
Darkstripe watched in satisfaction as a look of fury burned in Sharpclaw’s eyes. They continued through the forest.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The cold wind was chilling. Silverfur shivered. He could feel many eyes staring unblinkingly at them as they entered through the camp. Silverfur glanced around. The fresh-kill pile was empty. Warriors were eating crow food, snatching prey from each other.
Prey must have been scarce here. No wonder, they were so desperate that they attacked Wildstripe and Whiteclaw.
A snarl from behind immediately jolted him from his thoughts.
Silverfur warily sat down on the hard cold ground as instructed by Darkstripe.
“Just wait for the deputy,” The black warrior hissed and slinked away into the shadows. He could feel the fear and tension in the air.
Silverfur could hear the ragged breathing of the DarkClan warriors as a long-haired silver tom pushed past the brambles leading to the leader’s den. He leaped onto a large boulder.
He growled menacingly,” Sharpclaw? Why have you come back?”
The blue-gray tom snarled back,” You know why I am here, Brokentail. Release Wildstripe!”
Brokentail drew his lips back. “Do you think that I’ll follow the orders of a mere traitor?”
Sharpclaw was sinking his claws into the ground, trying to stop himself from flinging onto Brokentail.
Just then, a white tom approached Brokentail, whispering something to the deputy. His bright orange eyes lingering at Silverfur and Shinypelt warily. The deputy’s dark gaze flickered at the white tom, then back at Silverfur and Shinypelt.
“It’s impossible Razorwing!” Brokentail snapped at the white warrior. He dipped his head and backed away respectfully.
The deputy shook his fur. He yowled,” Prison guards!”
Two cats padded towards him, shifting uncomfortably as the IceClan cats stared at them hostilely.
“Bring all of them to the prison,” Brokentail commanded, lashing his tail. Frostclaw and Grayfur wordlessly led them away.
Silverfur padded into a long hollow cave. Frostclaw and Grayfur were sitting outside, guarding the entrance.
“How unusual, why is the deputy commanding the Clan? Where is the leader?” Rippleclaw muttered.
“The leader isn’t here. She’s away for some personal stuff,” Razorwing told them, appearing suddenly beside them. There was a yowl behind the thick bushes and a cat rushed out, his shoulders were raked fiercely, blood flowing profusely. Ivystar emerged from the bushes, staring coldly at the prisoners, her claws glistening in the moonlight. She nodded at Razorwing and padded away.
“If you do something that does not please her, the punishments are horrible.” Razorwing indicated the deep cut below his eye and the claw marks on his fur.
The IceClan cats stared in horror as they padded deeper into the cave.
But it wasn’t empty.
There was someone there already.

C H A P T E R T W E L V E

There was a ginger figure cowered in the corner of the cave.
“Wildstripe!” The blue-gray tom yowled and father and son nuzzled each other.
“I thought that you left me, father,” Wildstripe whimpered, his tail tucked between his legs.
“I would never leave my son,” Sharpclaw murmured, stepping back. All those times he had been separated from Wildstripe, he was like a fish out of water. Like a piece of soul had been torn from his soul.
Rippleclaw merely nodded at his brother. There was no need for words to express his happiness. Silverfur and Shinypelt dipped their heads to welcome back the warrior.
A dark gray tom stepped out of the shadows, followed by a ginger-and-white tom with spiky fur. “Looks like you have been captured by the DarkClan warriors,” The gray tom solemnly mewed. A few more cats stepped out of the shadows.
“I am Storm, the leader of the rogues. This is Thunder,” The gray tom tilted his head towards the ginger-and-white tom beside him.
“Flame,” A black she-cat looked up when she heard her name being called.
“Dark,” A ginger tom with black ears, muzzle and tail stared at them with unblinking eyes.
After the introduction, Silverfur lay near the entrance of the cave, staring sadly out of the cave. He wanted to curl in his own nest and sleep. And he missed Iceclaw and Snowtail dearly.
Just then, there was a friendly mew from behind.
“Silverfur?”
He turned around to find Flame settling comfortably beside him.
“You seem lost,” She turned towards him, her tail brushing him lightly.
Silverfur sighed and stared at the bright moon in the night sky. “I miss my home,” He finally spoke. Flame’s eyes softened. “We don’t have a home. I only have Dark. He’s the only thing worth living.” She too followed his gaze up. “I wish that I was Clan-born. It would be great to have a real home to stay. To belong to somewhere.”
She crouched even lower. Silverfur licked her fur. He mewed,” Maybe one day, your dream might come true.”















C H A P T E R T H I R T E E N

Silverfur felt a paw on his shoulder.
He opened his eyes and found Razorwing in front of him with a black she-cat and a pale gray tom behind him.
“This is my apprentice Ravenpaw. And this is a senior warrior Coldfur. We are going to help you out of here.” He noticed Silverfur’s shock and continued, “DarkClan is strong. We listen to our leader because we fear her.”
Sharpclaw and Storm were nearby, their ears pricked as they listened intently.
“IceClan will join you,” Sharpclaw dipped his head.
Storm glanced at Sharpclaw before looking at Razorwing. “The rogues are at your service too,” He growled.
Razorwing twitched his whiskers in acknowledgement. “Alright. I can show you the way out of here. But Ivystar has posted warriors all over the territory. So, the only way is to fight. But here is a warning. It may be your last fight. DarkClan has a lot of warriors and they have vigorous training, personally by the leader and deputy themselves.”
Storm looked thoughtfully and mewed,” When they captured us, some escaped. We will call them back for help.”
Sharpclaw remained silent. Silverfur suddenly blurted out,” We could send one of us for help back at IceClan!”
The blue-gray deputy looked up, his eyes shining. “Great idea Silverfur! Shinypelt, you are the fastest among us all, run back to camp and alert Hailstar.”
Shinypelt nodded firmly, She rushed out of the cave. Outside, Silverfur could hear vicious snarls and there was a loud thudding of pawsteps. Then, it was silent.
Storm threw his head back and yowled. To Silverfur, it sounded more like a howl. It was a long one that sent shivers down his spine. There was a similar yowling in reply.
“They heard,” Thunder growled to the IceClan cats,” We rogues have our own calls. Ours is imitating a wolf’s howl.”
“Hopefully, Shinypelt will return,” Storm meowed uncertainly.
“Of course she will!” Silverfur snarled at the gray tom, surprised at his own fury. The gray tom dipped his head apologetically. Silverfur immediately regretted his words.
“I’m sorry. She will return,” Silverfur mewed firmly.













C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N

Shinypelt returned the next morning.
“Hailstar will be coming right over with a patrol,” She mewed, breathless with excitement. Silverfur licked her ear.
“I’m glad you’re back, Shinypelt,” He murmured.
There was a long look between brother and sister and the gray she-cat nodded at him.
Just then, a pretty gray-and-white she-cat entered the cave, followed by a brown tom with a bushy tail. The she-cat dipped her head at Storm. “We have come.” Her mew was mysteriously unique, not like the other cats that Silverfur had heard before in his life.
Silverfur’s gaze lingered on her. To his surprise, the gray-and-white she-cat turned around and stared back, her blue eyes narrowed. “Panther and Birch, our best hunters and spies,” Thunder growled with a glint of approval in his eyes.
“We must get ready for the battle. It can happen anytime,” Sharpclaw mewed grimly. His son was next to him, his bright ginger fur fluffed in anticipation, his claws unsheathed. All of them stood near the entrance of the cave. Razorwing, Ravenpaw and Coldfur would be joining them in the battle.
Everyone was muttering in low voices. Birch mewed,” We should form a line, when the front ranks are weak, those behind will come forward and fight. That way, we will not weaken so easily.”
Sharpclaw nodded approvingly. “Hailstar’s patrol will try to take down as many enemy warriors as possible. We will try to break through the ranks and defeat Ivystar and her followers.”
Just then, a yowl, signaling the start of the battle, interrupted their conversation. They rushed out of the cave and flung themselves onto the DarkClan cats. Silverfur felt his warrior blood up. He pounced onto a black she-cat and sank his teeth into her hind leg. She hissed in pain and he felt two huge paws clamped onto his back. With all his strength, Silverfur shook them off. He fiercely gripped the she-cat and clawed her with all his might. She screamed in pain and thrashed around wildly. Silverfur released his strong grip and she fled out of the camp.
He saw Brokentail in the middle of the clearing, pinned onto a white tom. “Traitor!” Silverfur heard him snarl at the whimpering tom. It was Coldfur. Silverfur leaped onto the deputy and bit down hard. Surprised, the silver tom let go of Coldfur, who instantly retaliated with a furious bite.
But Brokentail was too quick. He swiped at the white tom and he tumbled away into the fighting mass of cats. Unfortunately, he landed in front of Thunder, who was clawing wildly. The spiky-furred tom immediately retracted his claws but it was too late. The white tom slumped limply onto the ground, his throat torn open.
Silverfur was so distracted by the gruesome sight that he did not notice the blow from Brokentail. He was knocked away. Recovering in a heartbeat, Silverfur pinned the brown tom, who was weak from the previous fight, onto the ground. His eyes were burning with hatred. Silverfur gave him a fierce bite.
Suddenly, a look of recognition flashed between both of them, one dying and one weak with exhaustion.
Silverfur let out a yowl as he stood before the body of Brokentail. He did not cared whether they had won the battle or not.
He had recognize Brokentail.
It was his father.



C H A P T E R F I F T E E N

Silverfur could feel the IceClan warriors and the rogues still fighting.
He buried his head in Brokentail’s fur. “Father… father…” He murmured. He felt a nuzzle beside him. To his upmost surprise, it was Panther. Her eyes were filled with sympathy. “I’m sorry for you,” She mewed.
“I killed my own father,” Silverfur’s voice was so soft that he could barely hear it.
He sheathed his claws and strode away from the body. A yowl of outrage jolted him from former IceClan warrior.
It all happened in a heartbeat. A flash of claws and a shriek of pain. Grayfur slumped limply onto the floor.
Hailstar roared in outrage, crouching over his brother. “Why… why did you do that?” The gray leader stuttered, lost for words.
Grayfur blinked. “Because you’re my brother.” His breathing became shallow and he closed his eyes for the last time.
Hailstar buried his face in Grayfur’s fur. The DarkClan warriors had already fled. Blizzardfoot stood next to Hailstar and in his mouth held a cat, not prey. It was his sister, Frostclaw, her face was distorted in fury. He gently placed the white she-cat onto the ground.
Silverfur gazed up at the sky. Thick dark clouds shielded the sun’s rays. There was a rumbling of thunder. Although they had defeated DarkClan, they felt no victory. Both sides had suffered losses. Shadepelt had gone to StarClan. Minnowfur had broken her hind leg, falling of a boulder. The rest of the Clan had obtained injuries,
And Silverfur had suffered the most.




















C H A P T E R S I X T E E N

Silverfur silently lay in the clearing of DarkClan.
He noticed Panther padding over to him, her fur well-groomed and shining in the moonlight.
“Did Ivystar go to StarClan?” He asked as she elegantly sat next to him, licking a forepaw.
She looked at him with her bright blue eyes. “StarClan? Where all those cats who died go?” She bowed her head. “No, she managed to escape with a few DarkClan cats.”
Silverfur mewed,” But she will never lead DarkClan again.”
Razorwing padded towards them. “I will rebuild DarkClan to the times before Ivystar became leader. I have a few cats who had refused to follow Ivystar. There were a few shadows moving behind him.
Sharpclaw was behind him and so was Storm. “We will be leaving now,” The blue gray tom mewed. Storm nodded in agreement. The IceClan and the rogues began to leave. Silverfur lingered behind with Panther. She gazed deeply into his eyes. “Did you know something?” she mewed.
“I’m joining IceClan.”

Wow keep writing I love it!

Thanks~ i know its very longggggggg

Its soooooooo GOOD!!!

Thanks Kittykitty!!!! I'm glad you like it! I took two months to write those! Next chapter will be out very soon!

C H A P T E R S E V E N T E E N

Silverfur opened his eyes wide.
“Really? That’s great!” A purr rumbled in his throat loudly. He immediately bowed his head in embarrassment, surprised by his own enthusiasm. A glint of amusement shone in Panther’s eyes.
“The rest of the rogues are joining too!” The gray-and-white she-cat mewed.
Silverfur twitched his ears, in acknowledgement. He padded towards Hailstar. “Hailstar we should return to our old camp. It was where our ancestors lived.”
He felt a pang of sadness at the thought of Frozenfur, Stonestep and Winterstar. The gray leader nodded solemnly.
When they had made sure that all the remaining IceClan cats waiting nervously in the cave had all gathered in the main clearing of their old camp, Hailstar immediately leaped onto the Icicle Ledge and yowled,” Let all cats who can endure the cold of leaf-bare gather beneath the Icicle Ledge for a Clan meeting!”
He paused as he observed the cats looking at him. “This shall be our camp. The IceClan camp had been there for many generations. We must preserve it.”
The cats below yowled in approval.
“The rogues will be joining IceClan. IceClan has suffered many losses lately,” Hailstar grimly turned to Storm.
“From today onwards, you may be known as Stormheart. IceClan honours your courage and wisdom and welcomes you as a full warrior.” The dark gray tom licked his leader’s shoulder respectfully and backed away.
Silverfur spotted Iceclaw by the entrance of the nursery, her eyes shining in delight. He bounded over towards her and licked her ears. Two kits flung themselves onto him.
“I’m Northkit,” The larger tom mewed, his blue eyes wide.
“I’m Shimmerkit!” A silver tom yowled, his fur fluffed out in excitement.
Silverfur purred, “They will turn into fine warriors.”
Coldpaw leaped onto his back. “I’m an apprentice now! Icetail is my mentor!” He crowed. Silverfur saw Icetail cuffing him lightly. Pantherprowl appeared beside Silverfur.
“Hey Silverfur, care to join me out for a walk?” She asked, her fur brushing against him.
Silverfur noticed the hostile look between Iceclaw and Pantherprowl. Both cats were extremely tensed. “Sure! Why not?” Silverfur answered hastily.
Pantherprowl’s eyes flashed. She padded away, her tail raised high in the air. Silverfur casted an apologetic look at his sister and hurriedly followed the gray-and-white she-cat.
It was all quiet as they walked through the forest. The sound of rushing water grew louder as they approached the River of Life. Just then, a shriek pierced through the air.
A black tom was thrashing wildly in the currents of the water, his head bobbing up and down as he desperately tried to breathe. “Help me!” He spotted Silverfur and Pantherprowl.
Silverfur immediately jumped into the water, swimming gracefully in the cooling water. He grabbed the black tom’s scruff and dragged him onto the bank. The black tom lay still for a moment and started coughing out water. He was drenched thoroughly and was shivering from the cold. Silverfur shook the water out of his fur.
“Thank you for saving me,” The black tom spluttered. “Something suddenly attacked me and I fell into the river.”
“I’m Lightningstorm, one of the generals of MoonClan,” He mewed, glancing around warily.
Silverfur noticed a deep gash on his shoulder and his ear was badly torn.
The black tom dipped his head as he got to his paws unsteadily, “Thank you for saving my life.”
“You’re cold,” Silverfur’s voice was gentle. “Come back to the camp with us. Our medicine cats will treat you. No cat should be left in this state.”
The journey back was silent, Pantherprowl and Silverfur supported Lightningstorm as he limped towards the camp, his left paw bent in an awkward way.
Something in Silverfur’s mind kept bothering him. Who attacked Lightningstorm, and why?