Hello everybody! XXLightningstarXX here! I'm going to be sharing my Warriors book here, chapter by chapter. Please read it!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the Warriors content used, like the Clans, a few of the cats, etc. does not belong to me. Erin Hunter wrote and made all Warriors books.

Please read: The prophecies' formats got messed up when I transferred them from Microsoft Word to Scratch. The first one is: “Through ashes and blackness, one of the greatest will fall, and only love can mend her.” (Sorry if that's sort of messed up.) Next one is: “A cat with fur the color of blood shall come and sweep love away, leaving only the truth, the pain of betrayal.” The other one is: “A darker power is arising, and only the Clans can unite to defeat it. But only two, together, with lightning in her paws and breeze in his, can banish dark with light.” Sorry if the last one is sort of messed up, but it's close enough XD

LIGHTNINGSTAR'S JOURNEY BLURB: Lightningkit dreams of someday becoming a great warrior–maybe even Clan leader. But can she truly get through her life without collapsing when she will be scarred by the greatest tragedies?

Prologue
The night sky was the darkest blue you could imagine, barely any brighter than black. It twinkled with stars that weren’t covered by any clouds. The moonlight bathed the forest in a silver glow, making it fairly easy to see.
“Coolfang, what’s wrong?” a well-muscled white tom asked his mate.
“I don’t know…I feel…” the bright-aqua, sleek, pretty she-cat coughed in agony, and then wailed.
“Help, I think Coolfang is kitting!” the white tom yowled to WindClan’s medicine cat urgently.
The WindClan medicine cat rushed over to Coolfang, staring at the white tom.
“Is there any way I can help?” the white tom was panting now, eyes glittering with unhidden worry. “Is everything going to go right?”
“I’m pretty sure nothing will be wrong. As the kits’ father, I think you should watch, though, Sharphunter.” the WindClan medicine cat replied calmly.
Coolfang let out an ear-piercing screech, splitting open the peaceful silence and driving WindClan cats to her side. They were all trying to calm her, especially former queens, who knew how to handle kitting.
Coolfang bit down on a stick one of the queens gave her. The queen had claimed that if you have “something to put pressure on,” you can focus less on the pain.
Coolfang was biting down on the stick so hard her teeth ached and it almost splintered, but it helped with the pain and numbing the agonizing yowls she was letting out. Finally, she kitted, two young, newborn kits sprawled on the ground.
“They’re beautiful.” Sharphunter breathed as he stared down at his kits.
Just then, a huge, loud lightning bolt struck the ground, sizzling—just as Coolfang’s last kit was born.
“I love them all.” Sharphunter curled his tail around his mate’s, purring with pleasure.
“They’re amazing.” Coolfang nuzzled the squirming, furry bodies to her stomach so they could get milk.
“Two she-kits and a tom,” the WindClan medicine cat announced to any cat that was listening.
Coolfang poked the rambunctious, dark gray she-kit with a black undercoat and black paw. “This will be Ashkit.” She then smiled at the young tom, pale beige with many orange undercoats, stripes, and an orange paw. “This one is Cometkit.”
Ashkit batted at Cometkit blindly. Cometkit recoiled against his sister’s strength and squirmed. Sharphunter laughed gently as he watched kits so young they hadn’t opened their eyes yet.
“And this one,” Coolfang nuzzled the other little she-kit, also batting blindly as if battling with no eyes. She had a white undercoat, white paws, white tail tip, and a white muzzle. The rest of her was pure black fur. “This is Lightningkit. At first I didn’t know what I’d name her, but…”
“…that lightning struck the moment she was born.” Sharphunter finished for her.
“Yes.” Coolfang nodded, smiling warmly at kits. Her love for them would never seize. She would love them forever. “We have Ashkit, Cometkit, and Lightningkit—three of the most brilliant WindClan kits in existence.”

Chapter 1
Lightningkit had awoken in ThunderClan territory.
Ugh, this place literally reeks of ThunderClan! Well, what would I expect? It’s ThunderClan’s camp.
Firestar, the leader of ThunderClan, was staring down at her.
“Welcome awake, Lightningkit. You sure have opened your eyes really late. Most kits have opened their eyes by now!” Firestar said gently.
“Why am I in ThunderClan camp? I’m a WindClan cat! Where’s Coolfang? Where’s Sharphunter?” Lightningkit demanded.
Graystripe walked slowly over to her, sighing. He was Firestar’s deputy. “We know you’re from WindClan. Coolfang dropped you off here because…Sharphunter died in a battle. I am sorry.”
Lightningkit stared at him for a moment. “This is all a nightmare, I suppose?” she croaked.
Firestar shook his head. “We are sorry, Lightningkit. But Coolfang told us that, under depression of losing Sharphunter…she thought she was incapable of taking care of you anymore. You are a ThunderClan cat now.”
I am Lightningkit. I am a ThunderClan kit now. I will be a ThunderClan apprentice and then a ThunderClan warrior.
Would she ever get used to that?
“Understand that you should expect to be judged harshly. Don’t take it personally. Some cats don’t like cats that come from elsewhere—they question their loyalty.” Firestar grinned proudly. “But I remind them that I was a kittypet once. Now I am ThunderClan’s leader.”
Lightingkit’s eyes widened. “You were a kittypet, Firestar? You had Twolegs and were fed those disgusting pellets every day? You lived within a Twoleg den and your only freedom out of it was where they took you?”
“We had some grassy space outside, but it was fenced. So, yes, Lightningkit, I was one of those. But remember, there are good cats everywhere. Cats can change—and some never will.” Firestar assured her.
“But the stenches and the boredom, how did you stand it?” Lightningkit’s expression clearly conveyed complete shock.
Firestar laughed gently. “Sometimes I don’t know myself.” He gave a signal to Graystripe. “Come on, Lightningkit. You’re getting a few days past your sixth moon and you need to be apprenticed.”
Lightningkit grinned with delight. She was to be an apprentice—at that very moment! She would be training for battle and hunting with her Clanmates. She’d prove to every cat that doubted her that she was worth trusting!
“All cats old enough to catch their own prey may gather around for a Clan meeting!” Firestar yowled from the top of the Highrock. He looked amused as he gazed down at his Clanmates, all gathered beneath him. “We have a kit that is six moons old and must be apprenticed. Lightningkit, please come forward.”
Lightningkit held her head up, making sure every cat knew how proud she was as she nimbly climbed up the Highrock with no problem. Firestar looked slightly amazed at how easily the young she-cat had climbed the Highrock. She’s no longer a she-kit; she’s just a young she-cat.
“This apprentice will now be known as Lightningpaw.” Firestar announced, grinning down at the new apprentice.
Lightningpaw’s heart pounded as she imagined who her mentor might be. Would it be Graystripe? Would it be Firestar?
“Sandstorm, you will be Lightningpaw’s mentor. You show great skill, judgment, and strength, and I hope you pass that down to Lightningpaw as her mentor.” Firestar smiled.
Lightningpaw smiled. She liked Sandstorm. Sandstorm was witty, cool, nice enough, and strong. She was a great warrior, and now Lightningpaw herself was Sandstorm’s apprentice!
Sandstorm smiled happily with pleasure as she climbed to the top of the Highrock and touched noses with Lightningpaw.
Raising her head again, Sandstorm announced confidently, “I will pass everything I can down to Lightningpaw, Firestar, so that one day she will be the best warrior she can be.”
Lightningpaw was shocked as, abruptly, cats began chanting her new name. Although, she noticed, a few cats hadn’t trusted her since she came to ThunderClan—and they weren’t cheering, just sitting silently as stones.
Lightningpaw walked down the Highrock, full of dignity, only to knock into a young tom that was her size. He had a dark brown pelt with stripes that were two different shades of lighter browns. He also had a white undercoat.
“Hi! I’m Earthpaw! You’re the new apprentice; it’s awesome that you got Sandstorm! She’s the best!” the young tom blabbed. “Hey, I have Graystripe as my mentor. He’s great! But I was apprenticed just yesterday—the day before you—so I don’t really know much right now.”
Gosh, he talks a lot.
“Nice to meet you, Earthpaw,” Lightningpaw replied simply, dumbfounded about what else she was supposed to say to this chatty young apprentice.
“Sorry. I know I talk a lot. I just…don’t really have any friends.” Earthpaw confessed, eyes clouding with worry and sadness. He stared up at Lightningpaw. “Do you think we could be friends?”
Lightningpaw was taken aback. “You don’t mind I’m born in WindClan?”
Earthpaw shook his head, as if all he needed was a friend, regardless of their past.
Lightningpaw’s expression brightened. “I don’t have any friends either. And, listen; just between you and me, some cats don’t trust me since…you know…”
Earthpaw nodded as if he was urging her to go on.
“Yeah, anyway, I think you’re the best I’m going to get.” Lightningpaw stared at Earthpaw’s expression, still blank. “That means yes, I’ll be your friend.”
Earthpaw broke into a wide smile. “I know it must be weird to randomly be requested by some strange apprentice to be friends. I’m sorry. But I’m glad you accepted, and I’m really grateful for that.”
“It’s no problem, Earthpaw—really.” Lightningpaw assured him. “We’re friends.”
“I see you two are having a friendly little talk.” Graystripe meowed as he walked over with Sandstorm.
“Do you two want to train?” Sandstorm asked, grinning as she used her energetic voice.
“Yeah,” Earthpaw replied enthusiastically.
“Yeah, of course I do! I’m going to be the best ThunderClan warrior ever!” Lightningpaw began doing kicks with her back legs and trying to perform complicated attacks, stalking, and hunting skills.
“Well, you still have a ton to learn. But that’s pretty impressive for an apprentice that hasn’t even been taught yet.” Sandstorm watched her apprentice puff out her chest in pride. “Don’t get too excited! Who knows what kind of warrior you’ll turn out?”
Lightningpaw smirked. “I’m going to be the best I can be, all right?”
Sandstorm laughed. “Yeah, that’s fine with me!”
“Okay, let’s start with the hunting crouch. Earthpaw, you go first.” Graystripe said.
Earthpaw did as he was told, but his crouch was lopsided. It looked as though he was putting all his weight on his right side instead of just dividing his weight equally.
“Earthpaw, you’re putting all your weight on your right side! You look like a lopsided badger!” Graystripe scolded, but he was laughing.
Earthpaw adjusted himself, but he wasn’t used to it, so it still looked a bit strange.
“Better. But you’ll have to get used to doing it with your weight divided equally among your body.” Graystripe observed.
“Lightningpaw, now you try!” Sandstorm mewed gently.
“Hey! You’d better insult me if you see me doing something wrong because I need to get everything right!” Lightningpaw snapped.
“Aren’t you a bossy one?” Sandstorm mused, smiling. “But you have potential. Let’s see that hunting crouch.”
Lightningpaw crouched almost perfectly, with her weight divided equally among both sides of her body. But her tail was drooping and dragging behind her.
“That’s amazing, Lightningpaw! You’ve done everything right, except…” Sandstorm motioned to her tail. “If your tail is dragging behind you on the ground, every mouse will be able to hear you! You have to stalk with your tail straight up in the air.”
Lightningpaw nodded, determined to get everything right, and did a perfect hunting crouch. Her tail stuck straight up as if it was pinned there, right in the air.
“Perfect, Lightningpaw! That’s great! You got it!” Sandstorm congratulated her apprentice.
“I’d like to see you get everything right, Earthpaw!” Graystripe was laughing until he saw Earthpaw gulp. He turned more serious. “Hey, come on, Earthpaw, I’m just teasing you. Anyway, you’ll get used to putting weight on both sides of your body. You just need to work on it.”
“Training’s done for today.” Sandstorm said dismissively.
“Why so early?” Earthpaw asked.
“Ugh, I want to keep training.” Lightningpaw whined.
“I know you do.” Sandstorm glanced at Firestar. “But Firestar wants extra patrols today. We want to make sure RiverClan isn’t trying to take back Sunningrocks again.”
“Those selfish fish-heads,” Earthpaw mumbled sulkily.
“If they try to take it back, we’ll rip them to pieces!” Lightningpaw lashed her tail angrily.
Graystripe frowned. “This is a common mistake. Being a warrior isn’t all about battles and glory. ‘Ripping cats to pieces’ is not always a good thing, you know.”
Lightningpaw and Earthpaw exchanged a glance.
“We know. Sorry.” Lightningpaw replied quietly.
“You’ll learn over time. Now, we have to go on a patrol. You two had better not get in much trouble, you hear me?” Sandstorm nodded to Graystripe. “Let’s go.”
Graystripe nodded.
“I won’t make you two go on a patrol if you haven’t trained your apprentices at all today. Have you?” Firestar nodded at the two apprentices, talking and chatting like old friends.
“We trained them on the hunting crouch—not for long, but long enough. We can go on the patrol.” Graystripe mewed.
“Those RiverClan fish-brains had better not be trying to reclaim Sunningrocks! They were given to us by StarClan!” Sandstorm growled menacingly.
“I’m sure the RiverClan ‘fish-brains’ say the same thing.” Firestar meowed breezily. “Sandstorm, you lead the patrol. Graystripe, you already know you’re going with her. Longtail, Brambleclaw, and Foxfur, you go as well.”
As Foxfur was joining his patrol, he hissed something in Lightningpaw’s ear.
“You’re a WindClan cat at heart, mouse-brain. I know it. You were born in WindClan and you’ll return there someday, completely destroying your loyalty to ThunderClan.” Foxfur sneered. “You don’t deserve a place here with us. Firestar doesn’t know what he’s doing, letting a WindClan cat join his Clan!”
Lightningpaw let her fur bristle and she tried to intimidate Foxfur by hissing, but he just laughed coldly.
“What did he say?” Earthpaw was bristling too, sensing that Foxfur had said something horrible to his new friend.
“That piece of mouse dung said that I’m a WindClan cat at heart! He says Firestar doesn’t know what he’s doing, allowing me in the Clan! Foxfur says that I’ll return to WindClan!” Lightningpaw spat.
“That’s nonsense!” Earthpaw replied with just as much ferocity. “Foxfur was never the kindest warrior in ThunderClan. He’s not overly strong, either. But Foxfur is very cunning.” He pawed the dense earth for no particular reason. “Graystripe says that Foxfur defeats you in battle by using his brain, not his claws. I mean, he’s not great at combat. But he can figure out weak spots and advantages in a matter of seconds.”
“Whatever.” Lightningpaw snickered. “One day, when I’m a warrior, I’m going to be better than Foxfur ever was!”
“I hope so. I’ll hold you to that.” Earthpaw scoffed. “I bet Foxfur is just waiting for Graystripe to die so he can be the next deputy! You’ll give him what he deserves someday, Lightningpaw. I know you will.”
Lightningpaw was about to approve of her friend’s thoughts when Firestar came.
“You shouldn’t talk about your Clanmates like that.” Firestar said sternly. “Foxfur is as good a warrior as any of us. And you two are just apprentices—you don’t know when you’ll even become warriors, much less if you’ll become greater than Foxfur.”
“But Foxfur hates me because I was born in WindClan!” Lightningpaw’s fur was fluffed up in fury.
Firestar’s expression softened. “I’ve dealt with this before. Remember, I was a kittypet when I first came to the forest. Some cats will have no problem with you from the start, others will warm to you over time—and some cats will always hate you because of your past, no matter how much you prove yourself.” Firestar smiled at the sky, as if he was daydreaming. “Sandstorm, my very own mate, met me when we were apprentices. She despised me. She teased me with Dustpelt when he was an apprentice.”
Earthpaw snorted. “That’s impossible. Sandstorm loves you! She never hated you.”
“Yes, she did. I bet I was the last tom she ever expected to end up her mate. I bet Sandstorm expected her mate to be Dustpelt.” Firestar chuckled lightly. “I guess she was wrong, right?”
Lightningpaw nodded slowly. Firestar began to walk away.
“Wait!”
Firestar turned back around at the sound of the young she-cat’s voice.
“I…have a question.” Lightningpaw shuffled her paws, and then looked away awkwardly. “You don’t have to answer.”
“Go on.” Firestar urged her lightly.
“Okay. Well…do you ever think having a mate is a weakness?” Lightningpaw watched her leader’s expression. He looked surprised by the question. “I mean, it sounds stupid at first. But think about it. You always have to care for your mate, make sure they’re safe. You have to stay loyal to them. You have to be with them all the time.”
Firestar thought about this carefully. “I guess you’re right, Lightningpaw. But the truth is that you don’t have to do any of that. Those are just things you do to be a good mate. You can choose to do whatever you want, even completely ignoring your mate—the only consequence will be that you’re being a bad mate.”
“Is it an advantage?” Earthpaw asked slowly.
“Well, yes, I suppose. Love is powerful. It can motivate you to do all kinds of things—good or bad. But my love for Sandstorm has improved my performance as leader.” Firestar replied. “My mind always wanted to make sure she wasn’t hurt…in battles, I’d fight harder than ever to protect her and every cat else. You two will probably have mates someday, too.”
“Maybe,” Earthpaw meowed without much thought.
“Yeah, right,” Lightningpaw drawled. “And I suppose he’ll be the most handsome tom in ThunderClan, too?”
“Stop being so sarcastic, Lightningpaw.” Firestar smiled. He glanced at the two apprentices. “You two are great friends. But I doubt you’ll ever be mates.”
Earthpaw and Lightningpaw suddenly grinned at each other. “Yeah,” they mewed in unison.
All of a sudden, a play-fight ensued, the two friends knocking each other into walls, dens, and other cats. By the time they stopped, Lightningpaw and Earthpaw were panting for breath, rattled by wounds and scratches.
“You two are coming along.” Firestar nodded at them approvingly. “You’ll be good warriors in the future.” He padded away silently, looking like he was going to talk to Dustpelt about something.
Out of nowhere, the patrol ran back into ThunderClan camp, getting every cat’s attention.
“Leopardstar had issued a battle over Sunningrocks!” Foxfur yowled angrily. “We cannot afford any more blood to be spilled!”
“They’re ours!” Brambleclaw retorted.
“Yes, but they’re just rocks. Are they really worth physically fighting over?” Sandstorm murmured.
“Silence,” Firestar made a deep growling noise with his throat as he leapt on the Highrock. “Graystripe, what do you think?”
“I think…” Graystripe inhaled slowly. “I think Sandstorm is right. Sunningrocks is not worth battling over.” He scratched his ears thoughtfully. “But maybe we could win them some other way?”
“Surely we could.” Firestar looked like he was thinking hard. “I have an idea. It’s dangerous, but it might work.” He turned to his Clan. “What about a one-on-one battle between two warriors? It’s dangerous and it sounds horrible, I know. But we could have a warrior from each Clan volunteer.” He turned. “Stay here. I will speak with Leopardstar.”
ThunderClan sat anxiously, awaiting Firestar’s return. In a matter of minutes, he came back.
“Leopardstar has agreed to the terms. Mistyfoot has volunteered to fight. Who from ThunderClan will volunteer?” Firestar yowled confidently.
Every cat yowled that they would except for a few kits, queens, and Cinderpelt, the medicine cat.
“Foxfur, you will fight the battle for Sunningrocks!” Firestar announced. He watched a look of pleasure cross the clever tom’s face.
“I will fight, Firestar.” Foxfur confirmed.
“Good. But I have spoken with Leopardstar and we decided that this battle will not be a fight to the death. That is unnecessary. A warrior must surrender or their leader must call them to retreat in order for a winner to be chosen.” Firestar said.
Most of ThunderClan nodded.
“The whole of RiverClan is there, waiting to watch. The kits and queens aren’t there, though.” Firestar moaned. “So, I’ll bring Dustpelt, Graystripe—“
“If RiverClan has every one of their cats except for their kits and queens, why can’t we bring every one of our cats except for our kits and queens?” Lightningpaw seethed.
Firestar paused. “Lightningpaw brings a good point. We will bring every cat except for our kits and queens.”
Foxfur bristled. “Firestar, why are you listening to an apprentice? She was born in WindClan and who knows where her loyalties—“
“Do you have any better ideas, Foxfur?” Firestar asked, a trace of coldness edging his voice.
Foxfur looked down, reddening slightly. “No, Firestar.”
“Then we will carry out with Lightningpaw’s idea.” Firestar mewed.
“I’m the one fighting the battle anyway.” Foxfur huffed. He whispered to Lightningpaw again, angrily, filled with spite. “Listen, you little—“
“Just because you’re a warrior doesn’t mean you can go around and insult me!” Lightningpaw growled.
“And what are you going to do about it?” Foxfur smirked. He was bigger and stronger than the young she-cat. He had blazing ginger fur with dark brown ears and paws. His tail tip was also dark brown.
“I am going to fight you, you big bully! You can’t get away with everything!” Lightningpaw saw her competitor flinch. “Do you back down from an apprentice?” she challenged.
“Of course not, you worthless scrap of fur!” Foxfur hissed, getting ready to pounce.
Lightningpaw growled and pounced onto the huge tom first. She unsheathed her claws, spitting into Foxfur’s face. She slashed his face furiously, watching him screech in pain. Foxfur flipped over and pinned Lightningpaw to the ground, watching her struggle madly. He grinned, but Lightningpaw slipped from underneath his powerful, sleek paws. He gasped in surprise and Lightningpaw pounced from behind, clawing his back and snagging some of his fur.
Abruptly, Lightningpaw leapt off him and stopped attacking.
“What are you doing, you fool?” Foxfur sputtered.
“I’m not going to do harsh damage to my own Clanmate! I won’t, especially not when you challenge my loyalty.” Lightningpaw spat, walking away—
She smashed right into Firestar, who appeared to have been watching the whole time—as were the other cats, including RiverClan ones.
“Foxfur, you are in no shape to battle.” Firestar winced as he saw Foxfur’s deep slashes and wounds from his recent clash.
“That’s nonsense! Lightningpaw is just a worthless apprentice!” Foxfur snapped.
“Hardly worthless, I’d say. You took quite some damage from her challenge. I’d like to congratulate her for that.” Firestar replied stubbornly. All the cats’ heads turned to face Lightningpaw. “Foxfur insulted Lightningpaw and she challenged him to defend her honor. Although it may have been a poor decision to battle a tom at least twice her size, I admire her bravery.”
Lightningpaw gaped up at him. “What?”
“You’ve done well. Lightningpaw, I know this is a deadly thing to ask of you—but this battle isn’t to the death.” Firestar glanced at Mistyfoot. “Will you battle Mistyfoot instead of Foxfur?”
Lightningpaw recoiled in pleasant surprise. “O-of course!”
Murmurs erupted around them.
“Firestar, are you sure you want to send an apprentice into battle with an experienced warrior?” Leopardstar asked unsurely.
“Yes. Look what she did to Foxfur. She is skilled and Lightningpaw was not even at her best.” Firestar insisted.
“Let’s get on with this.” Mistyfoot urged rudely.
“Whenever you want it to,” Lightningpaw replied, grinding her teeth and stepping in front of the warrior.
“Battle, begin!” Leopardstar yowled.

Chapter 2
Lightningpaw pounced onto the she-cat’s face, slashing at her eyes with claws sheathed to blur her sight. Mistyfoot hissed and spit flew into Lightningpaw’s fur from the impact. Lightningpaw unsheathed her claws and began raking them down Mistyfoot’s stomach, blood welling at the edges of the deep wounds.
Mistyfoot growled and pinned Lightningpaw to the ground, snagging her claws deeply through Lightningpaw’s side. Lightningpaw yowled in a mixture of surprise and pain. She opened her eyes and sunk her teeth into Mistyfoot’s neck. Mistyfoot fell to the ground, trying to get up, but too weak from focusing on the pain in her throat. Blood seeped from it, a small red river down her neck.
Lightningpaw sunk her teeth into Mistyfoot’s paw this time, triggering another piercing, high-pitched meow of pain.
“I surrender,” Mistyfoot rasped weakly.
Lightningpaw, along with every other cat, gasped. She blinked. “Are you sure?”
Mistyfoot nodded.
“That’s it! The battle is over!” Firestar meowed loudly and triumphantly. “Mistyfoot has surrendered to Lightningpaw. ThunderClan has won!”
ThunderClan cats screeched their approval while RiverClan cats slunk back to their camp. Leopardstar stole a glare at Firestar as she left. Mistyfoot was being guided by RiverClan’s medicine cat.
“Are you okay, Lightningpaw? Do you need me?” Cinderpelt asked.
Lightningpaw shook her head. “I’m fine.”
“That was incredible, Lightningpaw!” Earthpaw hopped up and down excitedly. “Do you think Firestar will let you have your warrior name now?”
“I already discussed that with Firestar.” Graystripe replied, padding up to the apprentices. “He won’t. Sorry. But I expected as much. You haven’t been trained enough by Sandstorm. Lightningpaw, he was thinking about it, but you need more training.”
“Figures,” Lightningpaw muttered, nodding solemnly.
“Don’t be so sad.” Sandstorm demanded, striding towards Lightningpaw. “You’re very good at everything you know how to do, even though we’ve never even taught you those things. You’ll get your warrior name shortly after you have some more training, I have the feeling.”
“I hope she gets it really soon!” Earthpaw yelped. “What do you think your warrior name will be? Do you think it’ll be Lightningstrike?”
Lightningpaw paused. “Whatever Firestar chooses, I’m fine with.”
“I’m going to be Clan leader one day!” Earthpaw bragged.
“Earthstar…what kind of name is that?” Lightningpaw snorted.
“A good one, that’s what!” Earthpaw defended himself. “How is Lightningstar any better?”
“It just is,” Lightningpaw shuffled her paws and jumped as she walked.
“Don’t get your hopes up about being Clan leader.” Sandstorm warned. “You can always aim for it, but if you get your hopes up, you might be disappointed.”
“I guess so.” Lightningpaw mumbled, skipping ahead. Earthpaw struggled after her.
“I wonder what kind of warriors they’ll make,” Graystripe marveled. “Do you think one of them has a chance at Clan leader?”
“Someday—but only one of them,” Sandstorm meowed.
Sandstorm and Graystripe exchanged a look. “Lightningpaw does.”
By the time everybody came back to camp, Lightningpaw and Earthpaw began their training.
“Today we’re going to go out of camp to try and test your hunting skills.” Graystripe announced.
“What are we going to hunt?” Earthpaw wondered aloud.
“Mice, of course,” Sandstorm drawled. “What did you expect?”
Earthpaw coughed, embarrassed.
They journeyed into the deeper, denser parts of the forest.
“I hear something.” Earthpaw twitched his ears.
“Me too,” Lightningpaw whispered, trying not to scare any prey. “I think it’s a vole.”
Graystripe sniffed. “I think you’re right. Earthpaw, you heard it first, so why don’t you try to catch it?”
Earthpaw nodded. He stalked near a bush, then darted around it and pinned down the vole.
“I got it!” Earthpaw yowled triumphantly. Just then, the vole escaped his grasp. “Mouse dung…”
“That was good, Earthpaw, but you can’t say things that loudly when you’re around prey. The vole sensed you were distracted, so it escaped.” Graystripe explained patiently.
Lightningpaw sniffed loudly for a few minutes, and then twitched her ears. “I think I hear a mouse.”
“Good. Now, go and catch it, Lightningpaw.” Sandstorm mewed.
Lightningpaw nodded. She stalked silently near a tree, spotted the mouse, and took one step forward, minding the twig she was lightly stepping on. Still having not made any noise, Lightningpaw darted around as she heard the mouse running through a bush. She chased after it, growling and hissing, until she pounced. The moment the mouse was under Lightningpaw’s paws, she performed the prey-killing bite.
“That’s great, Lightningpaw! Your first catch for the fresh-kill pile!” Sandstorm mused happily. “Just, here’s a suggestion. The mouse began running from you because you were making a bit of noise. Try to be slightly quieter.”
Lightningpaw frowned. “But I was perfectly silent the whole time!”
“Not as silent as you think,” Earthpaw teased. Lightningpaw pounced on him and they began a friendly play-fight.
The four cats returned to camp, Lightningpaw holding her head high, making sure every cat could see the dead mouse dangling from her jaws.
“Well done, Lightningpaw.” Firestar purred. “Earthpaw, I suppose you need to work on your hunting skills, right?”
Earthpaw nodded sadly.
“You’ll get the hang of it. Don’t lose hope, Earthpaw.” Firestar assured him.
Foxfur sat down in front of Lightningpaw and began snootily grooming himself.
Lightningpaw rolled her eyes.
“Ugh. You apprentices are the worst.” Foxfur complained. “Just because you challenged me once doesn’t mean you can disrespect a warrior.”
“Too bad,” Lightningpaw snickered.
“Foxfur, you shouldn’t make fun of her like that. She’s going to be one of the best warriors ever!” Earthpaw snapped.
Foxfur snorted. “I doubt that. You, of all cats, should know better. You weren’t born in WindClan, you are a ThunderClan cat. If any apprentice will end up a leader, I’d bet on you, Earthstar.”
“I have as fair a chance as Earthpaw any day!” Lightningpaw retorted.
“Maybe I shouldn’t give either of you a chance. In fact, I’ll probably be Foxstar someday! You two don’t have a chance against me.” Foxfur held his head haughtily.
“Right,” Lightningpaw shook her head in doubt. “I think Firestar made a mistake when he named you. You shouldn’t be Foxfur—you should be Foxdung!”
Foxfur gained a look of extreme embarrassment and confusion while Earthpaw began laughing hysterically.
“Funny,” Foxfur said drily. He walked away stiffly, not being able to manage ignoring the laughter proceeding behind him.
The next day, Lightningpaw woke up to Foxfur next to her.
“What are you doing in the apprentices’ den?” Lightningpaw demanded.
“Come on, Lightningpaw. I have something very great to show you.” Foxfur’s eyes glinted and gleamed in the faint moonlight. “It is beautiful and you will love it. I promise that this will be one of the greatest moments of your life.”
“What is it?” Lightningpaw replied uneasily.
“It is a place where you can connect with StarClan.” Foxfur meowed softly.
“You mean, Moonstone?” Lightningpaw asked uncertainly, glancing around warily. “I don’t think cats are allowed to go to Moonstone randomly…”
“Not Moonstone,” Foxfur replied impatiently. “This place is a place all the great cats go.”
“Yeah, Moonstone,” Lightningpaw pouted. Whatever he was describing, it sure did sound like Moonstone!
“For the last time, you worthless—I mean,” Foxfur coughed, “I mean, Lightningpaw, you can trust me. I am one of your Clanmates.” His voice lowered, so quiet Lightningpaw had to strain to hear. “I would never hurt you.”
“I should hope not,” Lightningpaw huffed. “I will come when I am a warrior. Nobody will worry that I’m gone. They’ll think I’m on a patrol or something.”
Foxfur seemed amused and smiled. “Good choice, young one. I can see you are going to be valuable. But there’s one thing.” He stared at her. “Do you promise you will come with me when the time comes?”
Lightningpaw yawned in boredom. “Yeah, yeah—Foxfur, I’m getting sleepy. Go back to the warriors’ den.”
As Lightningpaw drifted to sleep, Foxfur let out a naughty grin, slinking back to his own den.

Never mind this part, I accidentally posted chapter 2 twice. For chapter 2, look at the comment before this. Chapter 3 is the next comment.

Chapter 3
Lightningpaw yawned as she got up from the ground. She stretched, only to find herself face-to-face with Sandstorm.
“Graystripe and I would like to test you and Earthpaw.” Sandstorm whispered sharply. “Are you two up for it?”
Lightningpaw looked to the right and found Earthpaw at her side, hopping.
“We’re up for it! Let’s go!” Earthpaw yelped. He shoved Lightningpaw, who shoved him back.
Sandstorm and Graystripe exchanged a concerned look.
Once Lightningpaw and Earthpaw had gone to the center of camp, waiting for their mentors to follow, Sandstorm and Graystripe began whispering.
“Do you think they’re ready for their warrior names?” Sandstorm asked hesitantly. “Firestar insisted on testing them, and he’ll be watching. He says if they do well they’ll become warriors.”
“I know. I’m worried too.” Graystripe agreed. “This is almost unnatural quickness for apprentices to become warriors.”
“Don’t worry. They’re perfectly ready for their warrior names.” Foxfur coaxed mysteriously. “Those two have potential, you know. I’ve taken them for granted.”
Sandstorm and Graystripe gaped at the blazing, huge tom as he ambled away, head high.
“All right,” Firestar meowed as Sandstorm and Graystripe came to their apprentices. “We won’t be here to help you and you won’t be able to see us. But first, we will proceed with going into the forest and catching prey. Once both of you have caught one piece of prey, we will move on.”
“After that, we will watch behind a bush as you battle—of course, it’s a play-fight. Keep your claws sheathed. But be ferocious.” Sandstorm continued. “Go to the forest. We will be following but you will not see us.”
Lightningpaw and Earthpaw padded into the forest, both of the young cats listening for a sign of their leader and mentors. But not a sound followed, and, glancing behind them every few moments, Sandstorm, Firestar, and Graystripe were nowhere to be found.
Earthpaw sniffed constantly, trying to find prey before his companion, but Lightningpaw scented something first.
“I smell a mouse!” Lightningpaw hissed under her breath.
Earthpaw began gritting his teeth, hoping that Lightningpaw would do well.
Lightningpaw’s tell stuck straight up, her fur fluffed out and bristling, as she silently slunk through the forest. She took careful notice of her surroundings, making sure she was stalking properly. Finally, the mouse-scent began to get much stronger, and she pounced. Fiercely performing the killing bite, the mouse was soon dead in her jaws.
“Nice!” Earthpaw said sharply, whispering. Just then, he also scented something. It was another mouse! Here was his chance!
He stalked, trying to do it properly, taking careful note of how perfectly Lightningpaw stalked. Earthpaw heard the mouse running from him, and he waited until the mouse didn’t sense him there anymore. He saw the mouse behind the bush, and, instead of pouncing first, right away, Earthpaw bent down and bit the mouse. It was soon clamped between his sharp teeth.
“It’s time for the fight,” Lightningpaw slurred through mouse fur.
Earthpaw nodded, slurring as well as he talked through the mouse. “Let’s get back to camp.”
The two apprentices walked back to camp and dropped their mice on the fresh-kill pile. Then they went to the middle of the camp, ready for their play-fight.
Lightningpaw and Earthpaw checked once again for their leader and mentors, but, again, there was no sign of them.
Earthpaw immediately pounced onto Lightningpaw, growling and hissing. He slapped her face painfully with claws sheathed, Lightningpaw having only one eye open.
“Oh, you won’t get away with that!” Lightningpaw spat. She reared her back legs, sending Earthpaw flying into the warriors’ den.
Earthpaw winced as he collided with the hard den. “Ouch.”
Lightningpaw ran up to him, spitting on the ground, and smashed her paws into his side. Earthpaw yowled, and Lightningpaw grinned triumphantly.
“You two will be amazing warriors. Especially you, Lightningpaw,” Foxfur had a fond smile on his face as he watched the two cats. “I’m sorry I judged you, Lightningpaw. I was wrong. Do you forgive me?”
Lightningpaw nodded briefly without looking at Foxfur as she gave Earthpaw another hard slap.
“All right, you two, that’s enough!” Graystripe crowed. Earthpaw and Lightningpaw turned around to see Graystripe, Sandstorm, and Firestar coming out from behind a bush.
“That was great!” Sandstorm laughed loudly.
“Congratulations. You two have passed.” Firestar smiled warmly.
Lightningpaw and Earthpaw exchanged a concerned glance. “Passed? What do you mean?”
“Come and see.” Firestar replied before heading up the Highrock. “All cats old enough to catch their own prey may gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!”
Cats gathered beneath their leader, staring up at him and wondering what was going to happen.
But Foxfur already knew.
“Two apprentices have taken their assessment and have proceeded to impress me. Although this may seem too quick for most of you, I’d like to reward them their warrior names.” Firestar beckoned Earthpaw with a simple nod.
Earthpaw shyly walked up to the Highrock, legs shuddering. Lightningpaw was watching her best friend carefully. Both cats were amazed. Were they really going to earn their warrior names?
“Earthpaw, we honor your well thought out concepts and how you give thought to every cat.” Firestar nuzzled Earthpaw softly. “This apprentice will now be known as Earthpelt.”
Earthpelt smiled as he heard spirited chants of his new name. He padded off the Highrock, grinning at Lightningpaw. “Your turn,” he whispered softly.
Lightningpaw nodded, gulping. Firestar flicked his tail, giving Lightningpaw permission to come onto the Highrock. Although inside she was nervous with anticipation, she held her head high and smiled, walking forward with dignity.
“Lightningpaw, we honor your strength, bravery, and loyalty. We value that in any cat.” Firestar touched noses with the young she-cat. “This apprentice will from now on be known as Lightningclaw.”
Lightningclaw held the same delighted expression as Earthpelt as she heard her Clanmates hooting and hollering her warrior name.
Slipping down from the Highrock, countless cats congratulated Lightningclaw and Earthpelt. But as the crowds died down, Foxfur approached Lightningclaw.
“Are you ready?” Foxfur whispered sharply.
“What?” Lightningclaw snapped around to see the huge tom.
“To go to the place where you can communicate with StarClan,” Foxfur snapped quietly. “You promised you would go when you became a warrior, and that was just last night. Now it’s time.”
Lightningclaw looked down skeptically. “Well, I have to sit vigil tonight—“
“And you’ll be back in time for it!” Foxfur sneered, seeming to be getting desperate.
Lightningclaw sighed, finally giving in. “Fine, Foxfur. Lead the way.”
Foxfur let himself grin with delight. “Thank you, Lightningclaw. Here, follow me. It will be a fairly long journey.”

Chapter 4
Lightningclaw gasped and panted as she walked with Foxfur. It had felt like miles, and the day was nearing an end. The sun was finishing setting.
“What—about—my—vigil?” Lightningclaw took deep breaths between each word.
“Be patient. We’ll be there soon enough. And you’ll get back to ThunderClan camp for your vigil.” Foxfur assured the young warrior.
“I hope so.” Lightningclaw grumbled. “If not, Firestar might make me an apprentice again!”
“I doubt that,” Foxfur snorted.
After a few more minutes, Foxfur smiled and motioned to a tree.
“This is it. It may look like a regular tree, but you can meet with StarClan if you put your head against it.” Foxfur glanced around. “But don’t do anything yet. I’ll tell you when.”
Lightningclaw nodded slowly. “Okay, Foxfur.”
Slowly, Lightningclaw felt dread rising in her as she heard a loud hiss from behind a bush.
WindClan—I forgot we’re on WindClan territory!
Skybird stepped out of the bush, spitting. She was known for being an extremely high jumper and she was excellent at catching birds. Unfortunately for her, WindClan mostly hunted rabbits. But Skybird was a good warrior.
“What are you ThunderClan mouse-brains doing on WindClan territory?” Skybird gnashed her teeth.
“We are communicating with StarClan.” Foxfur explained calmly.
Suddenly, Skybird looked confused. “Moonstone is not this way.”
“Not Moonstone,” Foxfur smirked, his patience thinning quickly. “This tree right here is what we’re looking for—the Nighttree.”
“That is just a regular tree.” Skybird looked even more confused now. “I’ve never even heard of a ‘Nighttree!’”
“That’s too bad.” Foxfur replied angrily. “Are you going to let us stay here for the night?”
“Of course not,” Skybird growled. “What makes you think I would?”
“We’re going to communicate with StarClan. Do you really want to interfere with that?” Lightningclaw covered hastily.
“There is no Nighttree! You are just fooling WindClan into letting you stay for the night! You’ll steal two thirds of our prey by the morning.” Skybird unsheathed her claws. “Well, listen. You’re not going to fool me.”
“Fine, Skybird—but what are you going to do about it?” Foxfur challenged.
Skybird made a low hissing noise with her throat. “Leave or I’m going to attack you!”
“Go right ahead,” Foxfur spat.
Horrified, Lightningclaw ducked behind the Nighttree. Skybird leapt for Foxfur, who snagged her fur with unsheathed claws, letting blood well through the cuts. Skybird’s snow-white fur turned crimson, and she yowled with pain. Foxfur pinned her to the ground, and she struggled madly, but the huge tom was too strong for her. Foxfur bit her throat and let it bleed, not trying to help her at all.
“I’m going to miss my vigil!” Lightningclaw yowled. “Hurry up and let’s leave! But first, let’s save Sky—“
Lightningclaw looked horrified as she realized Skybird was lying perfectly still on her back, her chest not rising nor falling.
Foxfur had killed Skybird.
Foxfur noticed her terrified expression and shrugged. “What? Skybird could’ve killed you! I saved your life.”
“But you didn’t have to kill her.” Lightningclaw shuddered, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Foxfur snorted in contempt. “Right—do you think Skybird would have left us to escape? She would’ve finished you off in a heartbeat! You should be thanking me.”
“I guess.” Lightningclaw’s heart was in her throat; gagging as she realized Foxfur had killed a cat! How could he have done that? Skybird wouldn’t have killed them!
“Well, what did we come here for? You have to fall asleep beside the Nighttree for StarClan to come.” Foxfur went on, ignoring Skybird’s dead body lying next to the tree.
“What! I thought you said I wouldn’t miss my vigil!” Lightningclaw hissed.
“I lied so that you could just get on with greater things. Wouldn’t you sacrifice a mouse-brained vigil for a chance to speak with your warrior ancestors?” Foxfur looked away. “Oh, and StarClan will only come if you’re alone. I’ll be back at camp as always, you know.”
“Okay, fine…” Lightningclaw lay down next to the Nighttree, shivering as she noticed Skybird beside her.
“I’m just going to go now. Good luck, Lightningclaw.” Foxfur began running away, going as fast as he could back to ThunderClan camp.
Grinning, he knew his plan had worked.
Lightningclaw fell asleep, night came and went—and she dreamed. She dreamed of something horrible happening, about Foxfur trying to kill every cat in the forest.
Why didn’t I dream of StarClan? Why didn’t the Nighttree work?
Lightningclaw woke up, stretching, ready to go back to camp—and she woke up to a patrol of two WindClan cats in her face.
“Hey! You scared me!” Lightningclaw screeched.
“You monster!” the black she-cat seethed. “You killed Skybird! She was only attacking you because you were on our territory! She would never have killed you—but you killed her!”
“I didn’t! I can explain!” Lightningclaw stared at Skybird’s body, and she realized—
I’ve been tricked.
Nighttree really was just a normal tree! She wouldn’t have dreamed of StarClan. Foxfur had leaded her straight into WindClan territory. He’d killed Skybird, and then left Lightningclaw sleeping beside her body. That would lead the WindClan cats to think she’d killed Skybird! They would kill her!
Foxfur has left me to die.
“Let her explain,” the light gray and black tom said calmly.
“Nighttree—Foxfur said it was a tree that could give me communication with StarClan if I slept beside it. When Skybird attacked, he killed her. He left me sleeping beside her body, leaving me to die in your paws.” Lightningclaw blurted out desperately. “He wants you to think I killed Skybird when he did!”
“I don’t believe you!” the black she-cat sneered.
“Blowrun, calm down—let me smell Skybird’s body.” the tabby tom demanded. Blowrun nodded sulkily.
The tabby tom lifted his head in astonishment. “Lightningclaw is right.”
“What do you mean, Breezeheart?” Blowrun asked, tilting her head to one side.
“Skybird’s body—it reeks of Foxfur.” Breezeheart confessed sourly. “He did trick her!”
Blowrun shook her head angrily.
“Lightningclaw—how nice to see you…how are you doing?” Foxfur asked dryly. He came out from a bush. “I came back to see how you’re doing. I see a patrol has found you.”
“You tricked me.” Lightningclaw remarked sourly, her eyes blazing with spite.
“I did, didn’t I?” Foxfur grinned cruelly. “It’s really too bad you fell for it.”
“I can kill you for this, you know! You killed Skybird!” Blowrun screeched.
“Blowrun, go back to camp. I can handle this.” Breezeheart meowed calmly. For a moment, Blowrun hesitated, but she ran back to camp.
Foxfur smiled toothily, showing off razor-sharp fangs. “You think so?”
Foxfur pounced onto Breezeheart. Lightningclaw couldn’t help but brace herself for seeing the young WindClan tom torn apart—Foxfur was cunning, strong, and huge.
Foxfur unsheathed his claws and traced a smiling face on Breezeheart’s forepaw—with Breezeheart’s own blood.
Lightningclaw gasped. “Foxfur, don’t do this!”
“Would you like to try and stop me?” Foxfur gritted his teeth in anger as Breezeheart bit his neck.
Foxfur reared his back legs and sent Breezeheart flying into a tree. He then ran into Breezeheart, smashing him once again into the tree. Breezeheart yowled with pain.
“Good riddance,” Foxfur drawled. He began laughing manically, ready to give Breezeheart a killing bite to settle his fate—
“No!!” Lightningclaw screeched with horror, leaping onto Foxfur’s back. She and Breezeheart each bit Foxfur in the back, hearing Foxfur let out a long, high-pitched meow of pain.
Breezeheart watched, stunned, as Lightningclaw gave Foxfur the killing bite. Foxfur yowled in unimaginable pain, and then collapsed to the ground. Lightningclaw backed up, horrified.
I’ve killed Foxfur—my own Clanmate.
Lightningclaw felt tears running down her face.
“You saved my life.”
Lightningclaw turned around to see Breezeheart, astonished beyond belief. Lightningclaw sniffed and batted at her eyes, swallowing tears.
“Thank you.” Breezeheart shuffled his paws. “Lightningclaw, you are the bravest cat I have ever seen.”
“Why do I feel bad?” Lightningclaw turned to Breezeheart, weeping. “Foxfur tricked me and left me to die. He killed Skybird and tried to kill you—he would’ve killed Blowrun too. And yet…I still feel horrible.”
Breezeheart ran his tail down her spine gently. “Killing scars you for life, Lightningclaw. It’s just was killing does. You will always remember what you did and feel like you did something horrible, even if it was for the good of every cat in the forest.” He stroked Lightningclaw’s spine one more time. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”
Out of nowhere, Sandstorm appeared. “I’ve been looking all over for you, Lightningclaw!” she froze as she took in the scene. “Lightningclaw, what are you doing with a WindClan—“
Sandstorm gaped again as she stared at Lightningclaw and Breezeheart, suddenly aware of their battle scars and bloody wounds.
“What in StarClan–?” Sandstorm exclaimed, panicked. “What happened?” she stared at Skybird’s dead body. She sniffed it, and then lifted her head, horrified at what she smelled. “The body smells like Foxfur.” She noticed Foxfur’s dead body now, lying next to Skybird. “And he smells like you, Lightningclaw.” She took a step near the two warriors. “Explain.”
“Foxfur tricked me. He told me I could communicate with StarClan if I slept next to this tree. But he lied. He took me straight into WindClan territory. Skybird attacked because we were on her territory, but Foxfur killed her. Telling me StarClan would only speak to me if I was alone, he left. It wasn’t until Breezeheart and Blowrun accused me of killing Skybird did I know that Foxfur tricked me. He left me there, knowing I would be killed for killing Skybird—a crime I didn’t do.” Lightningclaw exclaimed, rushing to finish, gasping for breath. “When Breezeheart smelled Foxfur on Skybird’s body, they believed me. Foxfur came back and attacked Breezeheart—he would’ve attempted killing Blowrun as well if she hadn’t gone back to WindClan camp. Foxfur tried to kill Breezeheart, but I fought against him—and I killed him.”
Sandstorm stared, taking this all in. She stared at Breezeheart now. “Is this true?”
Breezeheart nodded.
Sandstorm looked thoughtful. “Then you have done the right thing, Lightningclaw. Foxfur…” her eyes narrowed dangerously, “…is a traitor.”
Lightningclaw gaped at her Clanmate. “You’re not going to punish me for missing my vigil—or killing?”
“Not for killing Foxfur, no, because it was for self-defense, and for the fate of other cats.” Sandstorm replied. “As for the vigil, you can take it tonight.”
“Goodbye, Breezeheart.” Lightningclaw gave Breezeheart a light lick.
Breezeheart nodded slowly, lost in staring at Lightningclaw.
“Come on. We have to get this news back to Firestar.” Sandstorm urged.
Lightningclaw walked away, but as she did, she couldn’t stop staring at Breezeheart.
He was still staring at her, too.

Chapter 5
Sandstorm quickly told Firestar about everything, exasperated.
“All cats old enough to catch their own prey may gather around for a Clan meeting!” Firestar climbed on top of the Highrock to share the news.
Once he was done, every cat was shocked. Foxfur had betrayed them all!
“I can’t believe it.” Earthpelt hissed. “I always knew there was something wrong with that fox-heart!”
“Firestar said I saved a WindClan warrior’s life.” Lightningclaw muttered quietly, thinking of Breezeheart.
“Yeah, and you did. You saved Breezeheart.” Earthpelt replied.
“I can’t stop thinking about him.” Lightningclaw moaned.
Earthpelt snapped to attention. “You’re not saying…”
Lightningclaw narrowed her eyes. “Breezeheart is not my mate! You know that! But, still…”
“Lightningclaw, be careful with who you think about like that. Do not let a WindClan tom become your mate.” Earthpelt warned.
Lightningclaw shook her head. “I wouldn’t, Earthpelt! Great StarClan, do you not trust me anymore?”
Earthpelt looked down sadly. “Of course I trust you, Lightningclaw. You are my best friend. But I can’t let you make the wrong choices.”
“I know you’re just trying to help.” Lightningclaw sighed, staring at the sun going down. “I’ve got to take my vigil. I’ll talk to you later.”
Earthpelt nodded curtly and watched his friend walk to sit in front of the warriors’ den.
Something’s changed about her. It’s making me nervous.
Is she in love with Breezeheart?
Lightningclaw sat vigil for a long time, thinking the whole time about Breezeheart.
I saved his life. He’s a WindClan tom, and Foxfur tried to kill him. Breezeheart seems so kind and caring…why am I even thinking about this right now?
It was killing Lightningclaw to sit vigil. She finally fell asleep after she was done, sleeping late into the afternoon.
She had a vivid dream about Breezeheart and her, sitting together in the spot they’d first met. It was so happy and wonderful. And Lightningclaw woke up with a jolt and a single thought—
I have to go there.
Although Lightningclaw didn’t know what was driving her, she left camp when no cat was looking. She snuck off to the place where she and Breezeheart had first met.
“You came.”
Lightningclaw swung around to see pure, devoted Breezeheart, smiling and waving his tail in the sunlight.
“Did you have the dream too?” Lightningclaw breathed.
“Of course—why else would I be here, at the exact same time as you?” Breezeheart gasped for air.
“This is wrong, Breezeheart. We’re sneaking off to see each other, and we’re from different Clans.”
“We are not mates. The warrior code states that friendships with cats from other Clans are not restricted!”
Both cats went quiet.
Lightningclaw’s heart pounded. “This is more than just a friendship, isn’t it?”
Dread slithered through her as Breezeheart nodded silently.
“What are we going to do?” Breezeheart looked down at his paws.
“I can’t stop thinking about you.” Lightningclaw stared up at Breezeheart, shame sparking in her electric-blue eyes.
“Me either.” Breezeheart confessed, looking up at Lightningclaw.
Lightningclaw and Breezeheart both stared at each other for a moment, having nothing to say.
“Meet me here in the same spot, tomorrow.” Lightningclaw gasped at herself as she said this.
Breezeheart had admiration glowing in his emerald-green eyes. “Every day, you mean.”
Lightningclaw was stunned. “Do you mean we’re—“
“Yes, Lightningclaw,” Breezeheart took a deep breath, flicking his tail and twitching. “We are mates.”
“This is breaking the warrior code.” Lightningclaw murmured. But as she and Breezeheart heard the remark, they both knew that she wasn’t denying the offer to become mates.
Breezeheart and Lightningclaw each gave each other gentle licks on the ears before walking off.
Lightningclaw ran back into camp before stumbling and skidding to a stop because of a brown tabby.
“Earthpelt,” Lightningclaw groaned.
“Where were you? I was getting worried about you!” Earthpelt jabbered. “Lightningclaw, you smell like Wind—“
Lightningclaw went rigid.
I’ve forgotten to roll in some strong-smelling herbs or go to the river. Every cat in ThunderClan can scent WindClan on me if they try!
“You were with him.” Earthpelt concluded. His eyes clouded with grief and concern. “You were sneaking off to meet Breezeheart.”
Lightningclaw sighed, tears welling in her eyes. “Earthpelt, I need you to keep this a secret.”
Earthpelt paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. He turned to her, dead serious. “Do you love Breezeheart?”
Lightningclaw nodded. She was sure of it. Her heart ached for Breezeheart and she lived to see him. She could live on her own—but she’d feel empty. Lightningclaw would be alive, but as good as dead. Breezeheart, although she’d only met him a day ago, was a cat she truly loved.
Earthpelt smiled softly. “If you love Breezeheart, I can’t ignore you, can I?” he didn’t wait for an answer. “All right, I see you forgot to disguise his scent. I’m going to tell Firestar you and I will patrol the camp.”
Earthpelt dove off to Firestar, meowing lies to him about patrolling.
He’s such a good friend.
“Let’s go, Lightningclaw. We need to get Breezeheart’s scent off of you as soon as possible.” Earthpelt mewed. “The mouse bile patch would disguise his scent, but you’d smell horrible. You should go to the edge of the river to wash off Breezeheart’s scent.”
Lightningclaw nodded in agreement. “All right, let’s go to the river.”
Lightningclaw and Earthpelt traveled to the river. Once they got there, Lightningclaw carefully washed every part of her pelt, making sure her mate’s scent was entirely disguised.
Earthpelt sniffed her excessively for a few minutes, and then stopped. “You’re good, Lightningclaw. No cat will even be able to smell a trace of Breezeheart.”
Lightningclaw nodded and rolled in the grass, making sure she was dry.
“I love hunting. I’ll catch a mouse every time I go so that the Clan thinks I’m gone hunting.” Lightningclaw announced triumphantly.
“I just hope no cat finds out where you’re actually going.” Earthpelt meowed skeptically.
“They won’t.” Lightningclaw assured him.
Will they?
Lightningclaw caught a mouse and went back to camp, dropping it softly onto the fresh-kill pile.
“Is anything interesting going on?” Firestar asked.
Earthpelt and Lightningclaw shook their heads as Firestar nodded dismissively.
Lightningclaw sat down and yawned next to Earthpelt in the warriors’ den.
“I’ll guard your secret.” Earthpelt whispered protectively. “But love can be troublesome. Don’t convince yourself to make the wrong choices.”
Lightningclaw nodded. “How would you know that, though?”
“Watching and hearing about other cats,” Earthpelt mewed casually. “I don’t have a mate, remember?”
“You might someday.” Lightningclaw suggested lightly.
“Although she’ll probably be in ThunderClan,” Earthpelt grumbled.
The two best friends went silent.
“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Lightningclaw asked awkwardly.
Earthpelt shifted uncomfortably. “Maybe,” he said.
“Tell me. I’ve told you my secret. You can trust me with anything.” Lightningclaw nuzzled her friend, trying to ease him into a better mood.
“Okay, Lightningclaw, I believe you.” Earthpelt buried his head in his paws, losing hope. “I’m in love with Singetracker.” He looked up, eyes watery.
“Singetracker is a great she-cat.” Lightningclaw stared at the fellow warrior, sitting outside and talking with Brambleclaw. She had bright pink eyes and fiery ginger fur.
“But she doesn’t approve of me.” Earthpelt sniffed. “She knows I love her—any cat can. Singetracker tells me I should give up, although she’s not trying to be mean. She says she can’t trust anybody anymore.”
Lightningclaw stopped. “I know why.”
Earthpelt suddenly looked more interested. “Please tell me…”
“Of course,” Lightningclaw nodded. “Singetracker had a father. His name was Bearclaw. He was a savage killer, kicked out by ThunderClan for his murdering. But his mate, Rosepattern, didn’t know about any of this. They had Singetracker, and Bearclaw acted as if he loved them both—until the day he murdered Rosepattern. Singetracker was utterly broken and was horrified that someone else would betray her like Bearclaw did. Then he tried to kill her. And she killed him before he could kill anyone else.” She took a deep breath. “She was hurt so beyond measures, Singetracker is paranoid. She believes if she ever cares about someone they’ll turn on her, just like her father did.”
Earthpelt gaped at his friend. “How do you know that?”
Lightningclaw looked away. “Singetracker has admitted her story to most cats, but lately, she’s locked up even more.”
Earthpelt finished what his friend was saying. “And so she didn’t tell me.”
Lightningclaw nodded quietly.
“Listen, I know I love Singetracker. Without her, I would be lost.” Earthpelt meowed firmly. “And if you love Breezeheart the way I love Singetracker, I will do everything I can to protect your relationship.”
Lightningclaw smiled fondly. “I’ll do the same for you, Earthpelt. I’ll try to get Singetracker to realize what a good cat you really are!”
“Thank you, Lightningclaw. But I need you to remember something.” Earthpelt did not look pleased. “Breezeheart is from a different Clan, and although I will protect your secret…if another cat finds out, nobody says they will.”
“I get it, Earthpelt. You need to trust me.” Lightningclaw sighed.
“I do trust you! But I can’t help worrying that your mate is in WindClan!” Earthpelt exclaimed, frustrated. “Couldn’t you have just fallen in love with some other tom?”
“Like you?” Lightningclaw snorted indignantly. “Earthpelt, you don’t choose who you fall in love with.”
“I know.” Earthpelt sighed, exasperated. “Could you talk to Singetracker now?”
Lightningclaw nodded stiffly as she padded over to the she-cat, blazing like fire in the scorching sunlight.
“Hello, Singetracker.” Lightningclaw decided to begin with a simple greeting.
“Lightningclaw,” Singetracker nodded curtly, but she was still facing away.
Lightningclaw’s optimistic thoughts shattered. “Are you still thinking about Bearclaw?”
“Yes.” Singetracker sighed. “But I’ve decided…I can accept a few friends. I guess. It’s not like I’ll care about them so much.”
Singetracker turned around and watched Lightningclaw wince.
I thought we were friends!
“You are my friend. I’m sorry. I just can’t bear…caring.” Singetracker’s light tears stained the pale ground. “Ever since Bearclaw killed Rosepattern…and he tried to kill me…and I killed him in self-defense…”
“I know.” Lightningclaw sounded soothing, but inside she was panicking. In this state of grief, how was she supposed to lightly bring up the topic of Earthpelt’s admiration?
“Do you have something to tell me?” Singetracker asked, as if reading Lightningclaw’s mind.
“Maybe,” Lightningclaw looked down, shuffling her paws. After a few minutes, she forced herself to tell the truth. She could barely choke out the words. “You know Earthpelt is in love with you, right?”
Singetracker went rigid. “Yes. It’s too obvious for any cat not to know.”
“How…do you feel about that?” Lightningclaw coughed petulantly.
Singetracker shrugged numbly. “I mean…it’s not like I don’t have feelings for him too—“
“You have feelings for him?” Lightningclaw perked up.
Singetracker growled weakly. “We’re pushing this too far. I can’t care about anyone, okay? I just can’t.”
Lightningclaw nodded solemnly and told Earthpelt, who hung his head for hours.
“Lightningclaw, could you go hunting?” Firestar asked suddenly.
Lightningclaw snapped around. “Sure.”
Lightningclaw walked outside of camp. She smelled in unfamiliar scent—not ThunderClan—in the air…but it was distant.
It’s probably gone by now.
Lightningclaw kept walking, but she couldn’t hear or smell any prey nearby. Did something scare everything away?
Just then, Lightningclaw heard a low hissing coming from behind a shrub.
“Come out.” Lightningclaw said calmly.
Blowrun, the black furred, red-eyed WindClan she-cat, revealed herself. Her shackles were raised, pelt bristling. Her red eyes glinted with danger.
“Blowrun, what’s wrong?” Lightningclaw was concerned now.
“You know.” Blowrun meowed silkily. “You know everything.”
“No, I don’t—tell me.” Lightningclaw mewed softly.
Blowrun’s fur bristled further. “Don’t take that tone with me!” she made a low growling noise from deep inside her throat. “Breezeheart was my best friend. And then you came along.”
Lightningclaw tilted her head to the side. “And…?”
“And you took him from me!” Blowrun grinned as she saw Lightningclaw’s shocked expression. She gnashed dangerous fangs. “Yes, that’s right. I know about your little secret. Breezeheart and you, meeting, becoming mates—I know everything. Breezeheart told me. He trusted me with the secret.”
Lightningclaw staggered back. “Why are you so mad, then?”
“Why?” Blowrun cackled cruelly. “Because I was building up our relationship, you know? Breezeheart is everything I’ve ever wanted in a mate. I fell in love with him after we became best friends. I used our friendship as a way to build things up to being mates. And then he met you.” She glared, eyes burning. “All my progress—was for nothing.”
“Listen, Blowrun, I’m sorry. I love Breezeheart.” Lightningclaw’s voice was barely more than gasps of air.
“I know you do. And that’s not going to change, is it?” Blowrun didn’t wait for an answer. “Well, then. I think it’s time you were gone.”
Lightningclaw gaped. “What?”
“If you’re dead, Breezeheart will want to find a new mate! His choice will be me!” Blowrun laughed manically, and then just smiled evilly. “It’s a genius plan, isn’t it?”
“No! Blowrun, don’t do this. We can be friends.” Lightningclaw pleaded desperately.
“Friends, right?” Blowrun curled back her top lip, revealing more fangs. “I’d rather die.”
Lightningclaw hissed as Blowrun ferociously leapt onto her. Looking into Blowrun’s eyes, you could see a deep desire to tear something—Lightningclaw—apart.
“You took him!” Blowrun repeated, slicing her claws down Lightningclaw’s stomach. She grinned, amused, as Lightningclaw yowled with agony. “Hurts, doesn’t it? That’s what it felt like when I found out about you and Breezeheart.” Blowrun’s red eyes glinted. “But the pain I had lingered. This will heal. You deserve worse.”
Lightningclaw’s eyes widened with terror and Blowrun bit Lightningclaw’s throat.
Lightningclaw felt the world fading around her, swirling into darkness, vision blurring—
She used the death bite.
But then Lightningclaw realized she had to live. She had to, because of…
…Breezeheart, Earthpelt, Singetracker, ThunderClan, and any other cat that cares about me…
Lightningclaw rose up, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to knock her over. She pounced onto a stunned Blowrun.
“I used the killing—“
Blowrun yowled as Lightningclaw snagged her claws down her back. Then Lightningclaw bit Blowrun in the stomach.
Blowrun sneered, hissing and spitting, as she flipped over and pinned Lightningclaw to the ground.
“I’m going to kill you, use the killing bite as many times as it takes to send you to StarClan!” Blowrun snarled. “Or wherever you may go—the Dark Forest, perhaps?”
Lightningclaw spat in shock at the suggestion—she would not go to the Dark Forest!
Blowrun was putting all her weight on her paws, which were strangling Lightningclaw as she was pinning her by her neck. Lightningclaw saw no escape for this.
Wait.
Her throat his within my jaws’ reach…I can use the killing bite and get out alive!
Lightningclaw, without thinking about it, used the killing bite on Blowrun.
Blowrun struggled madly, stuttering and slurring things that were illegible. She finally collapsed to the ground, her eyes beginning to glaze over horribly.
“I’m sorry, Lightningclaw. I’m…a monster…”
Blowrun’s voice receded with every word until she had no voice anymore.
I’ve killed another cat.
Why did I kill her?
Lightningclaw shook her head furiously, turning around—and finally facing Breezeheart.
“I saw,” Breezeheart wheezed, losing breath. “My best friend—tried to kill—my mate.”
“And now she’s dead.” Lightningclaw fell to the ground, beginning to feel numb. “And it’s my entire fault. I could have tried to scare her away—could’ve done anything besides—“
“Calm down…she was trying to kill you…what else would you have done?” Breezeheart’s soft, quiet voice was only heard faintly as Lightningclaw began to go ballistic.
“I’m the worst cat that ever existed! ThunderClan should just exile me!” Lightningclaw shrieked insanely.
“No, they shouldn’t.” Breezeheart replied softly. “I love you, Lightningclaw.”
Lightningclaw didn’t reply, but she nuzzled Breezeheart so weakly it seemed as if she was dying herself.
“Come on; bring Blowrun’s body back to our camp.” Breezeheart muttered.
“We’re not in the same Clan.” Lightningclaw whispered.
“I’m…changing for you…” Breezeheart began, stuttering. “I’m no longer a WindClan cat. With you, I will be a ThunderClan warrior.” He sighed. “Tallstar and WindClan already know what I’ve decided.”
Lightningclaw licked one of his ears. “Thank you…”
“We should mourn alone, actually.” Breezeheart bowed his head to lick the black she-cat’s body. “Let’s keep her here and I’ll tell WindClan to mourn her later.”
Breezeheart ran off to tell WindClan while Lightningclaw ducked her head down to Blowrun. She collapsed next to her, panting manically.
“I’m sorry! I never should have fought back—it was me who should’ve died, I took him—“
“Calm down, Lightningclaw.”
Lightningclaw looked up in shock to see Blowrun in the starry sky.
But there was something different about her.
Blowrun’s black pelt was slightly transparent and she didn’t seem…mortal.
“I am in StarClan now.” Blowrun explained, smiling. But this was a real smile—not the cruel one she showed off as she was hurting Lightningclaw. “It is my fault about everything. I should never have attacked you for such a ludicrous reason.” Her expression softened even further. “Breezeheart is your mate, Lightningclaw. I was wrong. He would only love you—even after you died; he never would have chosen me anyway.”
“I’m still sorry.” Lightningclaw said, eyes welling.
“Do not be sorry. It was the right thing to do—it taught me a lesson.” Blowrun seemed to be ignoring the fact that she was dead. “I will watch upon you and Breezeheart forever. I will try to help you throughout your worst times. It’s my way of repaying debts.”
“Repaying debts—Blowrun, I should be repaying you—“
Blowrun smiled softly as she disappeared.
Lightningclaw shook out of a sort of trance to see Breezeheart had been there too.
“WindClan knows.” Breezeheart whispered simply.
Lightningclaw nodded, smiling softly.
Blowrun forgives me.
Breezeheart and Lightningclaw padded back to camp. Lightningclaw quickly told Firestar everything. He immediately walked away, looking completely shocked.
“Lightningclaw, why are you bleeding?” Earthpelt asked frantically. He nodded to Breezeheart, now whispering. “And what are you thinking, bringing him straight into—“
“All cats old enough to catch their own prey may gather around for a Clan meeting!” Firestar yowled abruptly. He waited until ThunderClan was staring up at him. “The WindClan cat Blowrun has tried to kill Lightningclaw.” Gasps followed his words. “Blowrun was in love with Breezeheart and claimed Lightningclaw ‘stole’ him from her. She thought if Lightningclaw was dead she would become his mate.”
“Why would she think that?” Brambleclaw sputtered. All of a sudden, his eyes grew wider as he realized everything with horror. “Do you mean—Breezeheart is—Lightningclaw’s mate?”
Firestar nodded slowly. “Yes.” Seemingly trying to ignore that subject, he went on. “In self-defense, Lightningclaw killed Blowrun. Breezeheart then told her he wanted to join ThunderClan so they would be following the warrior code as mates.”
“Are we going to exile her?” Dustpelt meowed. “Two things in the warrior code have been violated. She took Breezeheart as her mate—who was in WindClan at the time—and she killed Blowrun.”
Firestar thought about this carefully. “No, we will not exile her. Lightningclaw has shown great service to ThunderClan and has excessively proven her loyalty. We will accept the fact that her mate was Breezeheart right now. Killing Blowrun was self-defense and entirely accidental—and, as I mentioned, Lightningclaw is valuable.”
“Are you thinking about taking in Breezeheart?” Earthpelt asked.
“We will take in Breezeheart.” Firestar replied simply. “After all, he is doing this so he will not be violating the code with Lightningclaw. He is even leaving behind all of WindClan for it.”
Firestar flicked his tail, signaling the meeting had ended.
“Firestar,” Tinyblitz, the new medicine cat, yowled from his den. “Graystripe has greencough!”
“I will not see another cat die!” Lightningclaw said desperately as she, Breezeheart, and Earthpelt raced over to Tinyblitz’s den.
Firestar was already there.
“Graystripe is dying.” Tinyblitz mewed, panicking. “I’ve tried herbs, remedies, everything!”
“And nothing works, even a little?” Firestar laid his head beside Graystripe’s.
“Firestar, I don’t want to die.” Graystripe moaned softly. He coughed violently.
“I won’t let you. I’ve known you ever since I came to the forest. You are my best friend.” as he said this, Firestar sounded like an apprentice again.
“I hope I get replaced by a good warrior.” Graystripe rasped.
“Don’t speak as if you know you’re going!” Firestar urged, heart aching. “You can’t die!”
“I’ll always watch over you in StarClan—and ThunderClan, too—“
“You’re not going to go—I won’t allow you to!” Firestar pleaded.
“I have to go, Firestar.” Graystripe wheezed. “Goodbye.”
“No!” Firestar’s eyes were brimming with tears that flowed down his face. “Graystripe—if you have to go to StarClan—choose ThunderClan’s next deputy for me.”
For a minute, Graystripe looked unsure. “You are ThunderClan’s leader.”
“Please.” Firestar looked down.
Graystripe nodded. “Lightningclaw will be the new deputy of ThunderClan.”
Lightningclaw gasped in shock as Graystripe coughed petulantly—and then went still.
“You heard him, Lightningclaw.” Firestar sounded as if he was choked with tears. “You are ThunderClan’s new deputy.”

Chapter 6
Firestar just sat and stared at Graystripe for a minute.
“Aren’t you going to announce this to the Clan?” Tinyblitz croaked.
Firestar snapped out of some sort of trance. “Yes.” He got up weakly and climbed up to the Highrock, legs trembling with every step.
“All cats old enough to catch their own prey may gather around for a Clan meeting.” Firestar said this barely loud enough for ThunderClan to hear, but they all heard. “Graystripe had died of greencough. We will always remember him for his loyalty and undying kindness.” He looked away. “He was the greatest friend any cat could ever have.”
“I can’t believe I just watched another cat die.” Lightningclaw sighed.
“And that cat chose you to be his successor.” Earthpelt sounded half sad, half completely surprised.
Breezeheart remained silent, but the solemn, cloudy look in his eyes revealed everything.
“Right before Graystripe went to StarClan, I gave him the honor of naming ThunderClan’s new deputy—his successor.” Firestar stared upward at the sky. “I name ThunderClan’s new deputy among our warrior ancestors so they can hear and approve my—and Graystripe’s—choice.” He shifted his gaze so he was staring at Lightningclaw. “Lightningclaw will be the new deputy of ThunderClan.”
There was a dreadful moment of silence, Lightningclaw wincing at the quietness. But then, no sooner than it had began, the silence ended, countless cats chanting Lightningclaw’s name.
Earthpelt and Breezeheart next to her were cheering the loudest.
But something inside Lightningclaw felt lost—this meant that when Firestar died, she would take over. She would be Lightningstar.
It felt so good joking and dreaming about leadership when she was an apprentice.
But thinking about it actually happening?
Well, that was one of the most stressful things Lightningclaw had ever imagined.
“Aren’t you going to accept?” Breezeheart whispered suddenly.
“Yeah, you can’t leave us hanging.” Earthpelt joked halfheartedly.
Both of the toms seemed to have guessed she was beginning to panic about becoming deputy.
“Oh! Sorry, Firestar,” it took a moment for Lightningclaw to recover. But once she did, she looked up, determined. “I will be deputy, Firestar. Graystripe was an amazing deputy. My goal is to be even better—if that’s possible!”
Firestar beamed at her. “Lightningclaw, I have no doubt you will be the greatest deputy you can be—and, someday, an amazing leader.”
Lightningclaw’s stomach twisted.
Firestar got down from the Highrock to assure Lightningclaw.
“Lightningclaw, being leader is hard. I trust you guessed that long ago.” Firestar watched closely as the young warrior nodded. “Yes, but it is not a nightmare. Lightningclaw, you shouldn’t be worried about becoming leader. After all, I’m still here, aren’t I?”
“Yes, but…but don’t you only have two lives left?” Lightningclaw looked down. She was padding at the ground and kicking up dust.
Firestar’s optimistic smile fell. “That’s true, I suppose. But, Lightningclaw, I’m doing everything I can to preserve my lives. I will die protecting my Clan.”
Lightningclaw nodded silently. She dove into the warriors’ den to see Earthpelt and Breezeheart.
“Well, well…what’s going on here?” Lightningclaw teased.
She was staring at Earthpelt and Singetracker, sitting together and talking.
Like mates, Lightningclaw thought happily.
“New mate, deputy,” Earthpelt replied fondly.
“Aw, come on. You don’t have to call me deputy.” Lightningclaw laughed nervously. “Did we call Graystripe that when he was deputy?”
Earthpelt’s mocking smile turned into a frown. “Graystripe was a great deputy. He was an amazing mentor, too…”
“Don’t worry, Lightningclaw.” Singetracker assured her.
“You’ll be an amazing deputy—all of us know it.” Icetooth walked into the warriors’ den. Not long ago—perhaps a week ago—she had been given her warrior name.
Snowpaw hopped outside the entrance. “Icetooth, why don’t I have my warrior name?”
Snowpaw was Icetooth’s jittery sister. She was always happy and many cats doubted she could ever be a warrior—until Icetooth began training her.
“I’m training you. You’ll have one soon enough. Now, go back to the apprentices’ den.” Icetooth urged softly.
Ironically, the next day, Snowpaw moved into the warriors’ den.
“Snowfoot, congratulations,” Icetooth licked her sister’s head.
“It’s all thanks to you. I can never stop owing you!” Snowfoot mewed.
“Don’t be silly. You don’t owe me.” Icetooth turned to face her sister. “If you owe me, I’ll let you know.”
Snowfoot shook her head. “I already owe you. You can’t change my mind about that.”
Lightningclaw sighed deeply.
I’m the ThunderClan deputy.
“No cat here has any reason to respect me.” Lightningclaw looked into the distance. “Why was I chosen as deputy?”
Singetracker paws the ground. “Lightningclaw, you are a skilled and incredible warrior.”
“Right,” Lightningclaw replied sarcastically. “And if you compare me to all the other legendary warriors, I top them all.”
“And maybe you will someday, if you believe in yourself!” Singetracker countered powerfully.
“I have to be honest.” Lightningclaw hung her head sadly. “I don’t deserve to be deputy.”
“You deserve to be deputy as much as any of us do!” Earthpelt retorted.
“Foxfur deserved to be deputy more than me, and he was a code-breaking murderer!” Lightningclaw’s heart ached.
It’s the truth. Why am I even deputy? I didn’t do anything to deserve it.
“No!” Breezeheart growled. “Foxfur didn’t deserve to be deputy at all. If there’s any cat I’d want to be deputy, it would be you!”
“You’re my mate,” Lightningclaw sniffed. “Of course you’ll say that.”
“He’s right, though.”
Lightningclaw turned to face Tinyblitz.
“I’m the medicine cat, you know? I have to know what’s going on and StarClan speaks with me.” Tinyblitz went on softly. “The moment I became medicine cat, I noticed Graystripe was a bit…wobbly lately. I never told any cat because I didn’t want ThunderClan to be concerned. But I began talking with StarClan—about who their desired deputy would be if Graystripe died.”
“Let me guess. They said Earthpelt.” Lightningclaw meowed angrily. “I’m not surprised! He deserved it more than I—“
“No, Lightningclaw!” Tinyblitz mewed quietly. “They chose you.”
Lightningclaw gaped, speechless.
“I’m not lying. Medicine cats don’t lie—unless absolutely necessary.” Tinyblitz mewed truthfully. “And I’m not lying right now. StarClan told me you—and I was as shocked as you are this moment. I asked why. StarClan said that you hold the greatest potential of perhaps any cat they’ve seen.”
Lightningclaw still didn’t say anything in reply, waiting for Tinyblitz to go on.
“StarClan claims that you have good judgment, skill in both combat and mind, and everything needed to be a leader.” Tinyblitz continued. “Lightningclaw, you have not only been chosen by Graystripe and Firestar—you’ve been chosen by StarClan.”
“Is this one of those necessary times to lie?” Lightningclaw asked, looking away. “I need to know. Tell the truth, Tinyblitz.”
“You are so modest you cannot have pride in yourself.” Tinyblitz said, frowning.
“I can so! Haven’t you heard about me as an apprentice?” Lightningclaw countered.
“I was not a medicine cat when you were an apprentice, but yes, I have. And all apprentices have such pride.” Tinyblitz replied with great depth to his voice. “An apprentice’s behavior does not determine what they’ll be like as a warrior. And in this case, I think you had better go back to the optimism you held as an apprentice.”
“But I was a loudmouthed, arrogant fool!” Lightningclaw cried impatiently. “Do you really want me to go back to that?”
“Part of you may have been like that. But that does not mean all of you was like that back then. There are some things you should still have from when you were young and clueless!” Tinyblitz warned.
Lightningclaw sighed. “I think…you can never be too modest.” She looked down. “Plus, I’m about as useful as a pile of mouse dung.”
“More useful,” Snowfoot countered strongly. “Lightningclaw, you are the best deputy ThunderClan could have right now.”
“I agree.” Icetooth replied cheerily. “Lightningclaw, you are amazing. No cat can replace you.”
Lightningclaw didn’t care that most ThunderClan cats may have thought she was a great deputy. That didn’t mean it was true…
…did it?
“All cats old enough to catch their own prey may gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!”
Lightningclaw jumped at Firestar’s announcement. She slowly, stiffly made herself go outside and sit beneath the Highrock.
“The Gathering is to be tomorrow night,” Firestar meowed, smiling. His eyes were glowing with calmness—and excitement. “The cats that will be going to the Gathering are Snowfoot, Icetooth, Brambleclaw, Stormgrowl, Sandstorm, and—of course—Lightningclaw.”
Lightningclaw immediately stared up at her leader numbly. “Why?”
Firestar glanced down at his deputy, mildly startled at how she didn’t know already. “You are my new deputy, aren’t you? It’s not a question, you accepted already. I have to show the Clans who will take over when I die, right?”
Lightningclaw was slightly frightened herself about how she hadn’t thought of that already. “O-oh…of course, Firestar, I’m going to come to the Gathering.”
“Is something wrong?” Breezeheart whispered.
Lightningclaw stared at her paws, not wanting to face the question.
There is something wrong. I’m a horrible deputy and I’m getting lost in it.
“You’re an amazing deputy and every cat it ThunderClan thinks so!” Earthpelt spat angrily.
“Why can’t you see that?” Singetracker mewed sadly.
“They think I’m a great deputy? They’ll soon change their minds and realize I have no idea what I’m doing!” Lightningclaw screeched, storming back into the warriors’ den.
She did it loud enough so every cat heard. ThunderClan turned to stare at Lightningclaw, who, embarrassed, was sulking and burying her head in her paws.
Firestar came to Lightningclaw. His eyes sparkled with wonder.
“Lightningclaw, what makes you think you aren’t going to be a good deputy? You’ve done fine so far.” Firestar remarked curiously.
“I feel…empty.” Lightningclaw admitted. “As if I’m doing everything without a good reason—like I’m doing things, but not thinking about my actions. That doesn’t make me a good deputy, does it?”
“If that were true, no,” Firestar meowed thoughtfully. “But that is just the feeling of doubt every deputy feels—not the truth. In your case, you’re feeling as if you’re doing everything wrong. In truth, you’re doing absolutely fine as deputy. In fact, now that you’re deputy…I’m glad Graystripe chose you, of all cats.” He chuckled lightly. “It shows he didn’t lose his mind before he went.”
“But maybe he did,” Lightningclaw urged. “You don’t know if I’ll be good later on!”
“You’ll be incredible until the day you become leader, and beyond.” Firestar mewed softly. “ThunderClan will have a great leader that every Clan will honor. Those feelings of doubt, Lightningclaw—ignore them.”
“But did you feel them too, Firestar?” Lightningclaw asked, forcing her heart to slow down and stop thumping so quickly.
“Of course, Lightningclaw—every deputy feels the anxiety you’re feeling. And it’s perfectly normal.” Firestar licked Lightningclaw’s ear quickly. “You can’t let this bring you down, Lightningclaw. If you do, you will have failed me.” He turned and began walking away. “You will have failed ThunderClan.”
His words pierced Lightningclaw’s heart like thorns and claws, making her stomach bubble. The pressure of Firestar’s words made Lightningclaw shake with anticipation and they echoed in her head.
You can’t let this bring you down, Lightningclaw. If you do, you will have failed me. You will have failed ThunderClan.

Chapter 7
Lightningclaw woke up early, staring out at the rising sun, splattering stunning oranges, yellows, and reds across the brightening sky.
It’s not a problem that I’m awake so early. Soon I’ll have to arrange the dawn patrol, anyway.
She waited for dawn to come before ThunderClan woke up.
“Lightningclaw, did you sleep at all?” Earthpelt sounded concerned, but his eyes glowed with joy as his tail entwined with Singetracker’s.
“Of course, but I woke up early.” Lightningclaw replied casually.
Firestar’s intense words still roared in Lightningclaw’s ears. Would she ever get them out of her mind?
You can’t let this bring you down, Lightningclaw. If you do, you will have failed me. You will have failed ThunderClan.
Lightningclaw would’ve taken this as a threat if she hadn’t known better. It was menacing and pressuring, twisting her guts in a way that made her feel incredibly uneasy.
It’s a challenge, that’s all it is. It’s a challenge. Firestar wants to see if I’ll be a good deputy.
Although Lightningclaw was terrified, she was determined to prove Firestar right, that she would be an amazing leader.
“I’m going to arrange the dawn patrol,” Lightningclaw announced abruptly. She watched every cat turn to listen.
She gulped. It was never like this before she became deputy. Lightningclaw knew that if she was just a warrior, not every cat would listen to what she had to say, regardless.
It was strange, knowing that she would be treated with a stronger sense of honor and authority now.
Did she deserve it?
Lightningclaw remembered what Firestar had said about that horrible feeling she kept having that was driving her insane.
You can’t let this bring you down, Lightningclaw.
Lightningclaw noticed every cat was still staring at her questioningly, waiting for her to say something.
“Um, on the dawn patrol, I’m sending Brambleclaw, Cloudtail, Icetooth, and Singetracker.” Lightningclaw coughed.
“If I’m going, Brightheart’s going,” Cloudtail protested indignantly.
Lightningclaw glanced at Cloudtail’s mate, with her injured eye that she could no longer see out of, swelled shut horribly. But Brightheart was a valuable warrior, unique and strong—and full of love for Cloudtail.
“No, she’s not.” Lightningclaw snapped, knowing how stubborn Cloudtail could be. “Although Brightheart may be strong and you may love her, we need warriors back at the camp! She is not coming!”
The moment Cloudtail showed signs of a glare coming on, Lightningclaw narrowed her eyes further. Cloudtail gulped in fear and his eyes grew wide, as if he had never been challenged like this before. He backed off.
Firestar gasped, walking over to his deputy. “See? You can even control Cloudtail. I can’t control Cloudtail! That shows you have talent, Lightningclaw.”
Lightningclaw grinned in pride, nodding optimistically.
As the dawn patrol left, Lightningclaw waited for the end of the day.
Soon enough, she’d be at the Gathering.
After what felt like days of waiting, finally, it was time to go to the Gathering. Lightningclaw walked with Firestar and the other warrior, holding her tail high. Walking into the clearing beside her Clanmates, she caught warriors from every Clan observing her confidence.
Firestar leapt up, standing beside Blackstar, WindClan’s new leader Goldenstar, and RiverClan’s new leader Raccoonstar.
“Graystripe, ThunderClan’s deputy, has died of Greencough.” Firestar yowled with a great amount of grief filling his voice. “I gave Graystripe the honor of choosing his successor. He chose Lightningclaw.”
Lightningclaw spoke. “I am honored to be ThunderClan’s new deputy. I am going to serve ThunderClan as best I can.”
“Good,” Raccoonstar nodded approvingly. “Keep your Clanmates safe, especially those who protect you.”
Lightningclaw noticed Raccoonstar staring at Tinyblitz with a great deal of affection. Tinyblitz was looking the other way.
Does Raccoonstar have feelings for Tinyblitz..?
Lightningclaw pushed the disturbing thought away.
“Lightningclaw, it is good to meet you.” Goldenstar responded half-blankly. Her gaze turned harder. “My sister has transferred to ShadowClan, but I would like to warn them. I was horrified about how Tallstar died. Silverfeather—my own sister—killed him.”
Gasps erupted from RiverClan and ThunderClan, and they were glaring at Silverfeather, sitting with the ShadowClan cats.
“They already know, Goldenstar. They have accepted me anyway.” Silverfeather watched her sister’s shocked expression steadily. “I know it’s crazy. But you have to understand—I can change! I’m even Blackstar’s deputy!”
More gasps arose.
“Blackstar, are you sure you don’t want to exile her now?” Goldenstar shuffled her paws nervously.
Blackstar glared sharply at the young leader. “Silverfeather says she can change and so far she has proved herself correct. I trust this young cat.”
“Silverfeather, do you really think you can change? Or are you lying for your own sake?” Goldenstar scowled. “I do not want the sister that murdered Tallstar.” Her eyes began getting red and watery. “I want the old Silverfeather, the Silverfeather that would never have murdered for the world.”
Silverfeather looked thoughtful. Finally, she met her sister’s eyes. “Goldenstar, I’m sorry.”
Goldenstar gasped and staggered back. “What?”
“No matter how horrible they once were in the past, cats can change.” Silverfeather sighed, and then hung her head. “Although I’d understand if you would never want to trust me ever again.”
Goldenstar’s eyes glowed with happiness, smiling at Silverfeather—once again the sister she loved.
“Well, I have some news to announce.” Raccoonstar announced. “My deputy, Rapidwing, has returned after spending a short amount of time as a loner.”
There were yowls of approval, mostly sounding from RiverClan cats.
Raccoonstar did not smile. “Although this is great news, I have some news that is not good.”
The smiles of cats faded and the murmurs died down.
“BloodClan has come back.” Raccoonstar’s expression was grave as she watched cats’ eyes widen with surprise and dismay.
“How can that be?” Firestar hesitated. “I killed Scourge myself and BloodClan was too powerless to go on without their leader.”
“That was then.” Raccoonstar took in a deep breath. “BloodClan is not as many as they once were, but they are coming back together. They threatened me while I was alone. I was threatened by their leader, Ashsoul.”
Raccoonstar sent a questioning look to Lightningclaw. Lightningclaw gaped in panic.
“W-what did this Ashsoul cat…look like?” Lightningclaw stuttered.
“She was dark gray. She had a black undercoat and a black paw.” Raccoonstar replied casually.
Lightningclaw gulped. “Ashsoul—I know her.”
Gasps arose from the cats surrounding her.
“Lightningclaw, it seems I know her too.” Lightningclaw was shocked to hear the voice of her mother, Coolfang. “Ashsoul—it seems she’s—“
“My sister,” Lightningclaw fought for breath.
I remember Ashkit. She was so ambitious and sort of dangerous…and then she vanished.
Lightningclaw’s eyes welled with tears, heart fighting with anger.
This is where she went. Ashsoul decided she admired BloodClan and decided to lead them again, make them better.
“Are you going to go to her side?” Firestar’s eyes were huge with shock.
Lightningclaw whipped around to stare at her leader. “Not for the whole entire world, Firestar. I wouldn’t go to BloodClan for the world!”
Goldenstar gazed steadily at the young she-cat. “Your loyalties lie with us?”
Lightningclaw nodded with a fierce expression.
“We’re going to have to fight them—otherwise, they will try to take us over once again.” Raccoonstar licked at a wound on her leg. “When I told Ashsoul we wouldn’t just give up the forest, she struck me. She left and warned me that if we didn’t agree to leave, every cat in the forest would be dead.”
“Do we really have to fight, or can we reason with them?”
Lightningclaw turned to stare at her Clanmate, Stormgrowl.
The Clan cats waited for Stormgrowl to say more, interest sparking in most of their eyes.
“We are able to reason with most cats. Why not them?” Stormgrowl asked anxiously. “If we can avoid blood being spilled, we should. How about we give them…a quarter of the forest?”
The cats were no longer interested. Mutters of disapproval spread out upon the Gathering, thinking Stormgrowl’s proposal was outrageous.
“We can’t give up any of our forest! It’s already divided into four—do you want it to be divided in further?” Raccoonstar meowed firmly.
“But she brings a point, doesn’t she? Do you think we could reason with BloodClan?” Goldenstar sounded distant and thoughtful.
“No.” Raccoonstar replied, irritated. “These BloodClan cats are all about straightforward decisions. The punishments if we don’t give them a direct decision are bloodshed.”
“Then we don’t want that.” Blackstar nodded. He pivoted in his big, dark paws to face his deputy. “Silverfeather, how do you feel about this?”
Silverfeather had a grave and serious expression on her face. Finally, her eyes met her leader. “Blackstar, I think that, if it is impossible to reason with these BloodClan cats, we should fight them.”
Blackstar nodded. “Interesting choice, Silverfeather—Firestar, you defeated Scourge and his generation of BloodClan. What was your experience?”
“It was yes or no, leave or fight.” Firestar’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. “BloodClan will not give in and they will not reason. We must fight them once again.”
Gasps arose from the cats below him, but Firestar knew it was the truth, as did every other cat.
“But there must be some way to avoid bloodshed,” Stormgrowl protested. “Do we absolutely have to fight them?”
“Yes.” Lightningclaw turned to face Stormgrowl. “Firestar knows best—he faced them once before. And it seems that there is no way to avoid fighting for what the Clans rightfully own. We inhabit this forest and BloodClan does not.”
“Can’t we just ask them to go away?” Stormgrowl sounded like a whimpering kit, begging for her mother.
“Sorry, Stormgrowl—but no,” Lightningclaw’s mew was reasonable but firm. “BloodClan are not one to reason. They fight and bleed and destroy the balance. If we let them roam free—which we will be if we don’t fight them—they will take over the forest. We can’t let them do that.”
“My deputy speaks wise words,” Firestar announced, his gaze sweeping across every cat. “The Gathering is over. We have made a decision.”
Cats nodded in agreement and the leaders lead their Clans away from the Gathering.
No cat noticed the glinting, flashing eyes glimmering in the darkness of the shrubs.
ThunderClan got back to their camp, and immediately Firestar sent out patrols. He was making sure BloodClan wasn’t spying. Almost every cat in the Clan was patrolling.
Earthpelt was back at camp with Stormgrowl. Firestar was sitting on the Highrock, grooming himself with quick, sleek paws.
All of a sudden, Tinyblitz rushed out of the medicine cat den, panting. Certain spots of his fur were charred and blackened. As he walked, ashes rained down from his burnt pelt.
“Fire,” Tinyblitz wheezed. He was still choking although the smoke was several feet behind him. “There’s a fire in my den!”
Earthpelt exchanged a concerned look with Firestar.
Stormgrowl was sorting herbs for Tinyblitz. The fire was blocking the exit of the medicine cat den.
Firestar dove into the bushes and yowled back, “I’m going to go and warn the patrols! Tinyblitz, walk around the edges of our borders so that you can warn any ThunderClan patrols that come back before I warn them! Earthpelt, try and save Stormgrowl!”
Tinyblitz nodded obediently and leapt off into the shadows, ready to warn any arriving patrols.
Earthpelt raced to the medicine cat den, glancing over the fire to see Stormgrowl. Her eyes were darting around, panicking, until she saw Earthpelt.
Her gleaming blue eyes bored into his.
“Earthpelt,” Stormgrowl rasped. She coughed, her face coated with black smoke and gray ashes. “Leave me. You have to survive—for every cat that cares about you.”
“But I can save you and we’ll both be alive!” Earthpelt’s eyes widened as he looked frantically for a way to Stormgrowl.
“The only way is straight through the fire, Earthpelt.” Stormgrowl coughed, making strange rasping noises from within her throat. “It’s either I die or you do.”
Earthpelt felt tears rolling down his face as he searched for something to do.
“Earthpelt, I will never forgive myself if you die to save me,” Stormgrowl breathed rapidly. “Leave. It is you who should live, not me. You are a greater warrior, of much more value to ThunderClan than me.”
Earthpelt didn’t move, rigid, stiff as the Highrock.
“Leave,” Stormgrowl urged. “Leave and I will watch upon you from StarClan.”
Earthpelt began crying harder, struggling to keep himself standing straight and strong.
“Leave, Earthpelt.” Stormgrowl was beginning to cry too, swallowing back large, full tears.
Earthpelt’s heart sunk as he stared at the look of pain in Stormgrowl’s eyes. He somehow sensed that it would make her struggle even more if he didn’t leave, and instead died saving her.
Tears welling and trickling down his fur, Earthpelt leapt away, leaving Stormgrowl to a terrible fate.
As he left, he knew she would be dead by the time he came back.

Chapter 8
“And she told you to leave?” Firestar whispered over Stormgrowl’s dead body.
Every cat was staring and grieving, asking Earthpelt about how Stormgrowl had died.
“She told me to go. And it seemed like Stormgrowl would’ve been even more pained if I had died to save her.” Earthpelt croaked, voice failing frequently.
“I can’t believe it.” Lightningclaw hung her head over her friend’s body, staring at the light gray she-cat. She nuzzled Earthpelt. “It’s not your fault.”
“But I figured something out by sniffing some scents.” Singetracker announced nervously. She paused, waiting for all cats to look at her. “BloodClan set the fire.”
Singetracker wasn’t surprised as gasps erupted from the cats surrounding her. “It shocked me, too, that they’d do such a thing. But everywhere a cat could’ve begun planning and setting the fire, it reeked of BloodClan.”
Tinyblitz brushed the rest of the ashes off of his fur gently. “They are giving us a message—I mean, I think they are.” He cleared his throat, still a bit gritty after choking on the thick smoke. “BloodClan set the fire in the medicine cat den. They’re trying to tell us that, even if we do have cats that can heal us, we cannot defeat them. They will give no mercy; BloodClan will kill and destroy lives. They will do anything to achieve their goals.”
Tinyblitz expected more gasps then, but instead, tense silence followed his words.
“We have to fight them. They have proved they will not listen to reasoning.” Lightningclaw was the first to speak, breaking the silence.
Firestar nodded in agreement. “And they will kill, just as they once did when Scourge leaded them. We can’t let them take us over.”
ThunderClan murmured in agreement, finally facing the fact that BloodClan would show no mercy.
Lightningclaw sighed. Stormgrowl had been one of her good friends, one of the first to congratulate her after becoming a warrior.
“I grieve for her too,” Breezeheart whispered as he elegantly pawed to the other side of the crowd.
Looking at him, Breezeheart looked as if he was proud and loyal and perfectly fine. But looking deep into his eyes, Lightningclaw saw a deep pain that lead straight to his heart.
We all loved Stormgrowl. There was nothing to dislike about her, was there?
Lightningclaw heard the shallow breaths of her Clanmates, each of them fighting for air, fighting to find the bright side to the dark situation.
The air didn’t seem as fresh and light as usual. Instead it was musty and thick.
Every ThunderClan cat was desperate to take one last whiff of Stormgrowl’s scent with them. But as they took in large amounts of air, Stormgrowl didn’t smell entirely like herself. She smelled mustier, colder, and worse—there was even a bit of blood somewhere.
There wasn’t even a trace of Stormgrowl’s old scent left.
Her spirit had gone to StarClan.
Lightningclaw sighed in agony. Stormgrowl was one of her old friends, although she only got to know her after Earthpelt.
“ThunderClan, help us!”
The whole of ThunderClan whirled to a familiar voice.
“We’re mourning! Stormgrowl is dead—killed by BloodClan!” Firestar snapped.
“I can see that. I’m sorry, but, ShadowClan is getting attacked by BloodClan!” Blackstar sneered. He was standing beside his deputy, Silverfeather. “Are you going to help us, or just stand there doing nothing?”
Firestar exchanged a glance with his deputy, nodding.
“We will help!” Lightningclaw replied. “Snowfoot, Tinyblitz, Dustpelt, Cloudtail, and Brightheart—stay here. Everyone else, come! Let’s help ShadowClan!”
There were a few unsure glances, but Lightningclaw shook them away. If ThunderClan wants to leave ShadowClan to die, they’re being unfair!
Firestar and Blackstar lead the Clans, Lightningclaw and Silverfeather following close behind.
Lightningclaw gasped as she saw what had been done to ShadowClan.
Bodies were scattered throughout the ground, blood seeping from many of their bodies, the marshes struck with small stains of crimson. BloodClan was leaving.
“You’re not going to get away with this!” Silverfeather snarled.
“You have three days. We are going to handle this like Scourge once did,” a dark gray she-cat with a black undercoat and black paw growled. “You have three days to prepare. You can either leave, or you can die. It’s your choice. If you are not gone by dawn on the third day and decide to foolishly battle us, meet us—and your death—at Fourtrees.”
Lightningclaw startled, shaking. “A-Ashkit…?”
The she-cat grinned and spun around, staring at her sister. “Lightningkit…so you’re a ThunderClan cat.”
“And you’re a BloodClan cat.” Lightningclaw hissed ferociously. “I am ThunderClan’s deputy.”
“And I am BloodClan’s leader.” Ashsoul jeered.
“I’m aware y-you’re called Ashsoul now.” Lightningclaw stuttered. “Without the proper naming system, though, I see.”
“Correct,” Ashsoul smirked. “And you are Lightningclaw, in your disgusting little Clan of weaklings.”
“ThunderClan is not weak!” Firestar countered.
“Oh, she’s sorry.” a dark gray and black tabby tom grinned. “She means all of your Clans are weak.”
Yowls of anger and protest rose from the cats around him.
Blackstar’s eyes widened. “Blackstealth…is that you?”
The tabby tom nodded with a cruel smile.
Blackstar turned in astonishment to ThunderClan. “Blackstealth was once a ShadowClan member, but he began training cats to kill, and he was exiled. Now we see this is where he went after!”
“Although I’m hardly a weakling anymore, Blackstar,” Blackstealth snickered. “My name is still Blackstealth, but I am deputy of BloodClan.”
“Three days,” a snow-white tom reminded. “We leave now.”
All the cats were too shocked to try and attack them before they disappeared into the bushes.
“ShadowClan will tell WindClan,” Blackstar decided, breaking the silence. “ThunderClan will tell RiverClan.”
“Agreed,” Firestar replied.
After going to RiverClan, ThunderClan immediately went back to camp to train.
“You saw what BloodClan did to ShadowClan. And I doubt they were making much of an effort!” Firestar announced angrily. “Training is going to be more intense. We cannot tolerate any time being wasted!”
Cats yowled in agreement—all except for their medicine cat.
Tinyblitz cleared his throat shyly from the back of the crowd. “Firestar—are you sure the Clans should do this again? We don’t want more blood to be spilled, and we can find a different home. Maybe we should just leave the forest and avoid—“
“Has StarClan told you we should leave?” Firestar interrupted, bitterness edging his voice.
“Well, no…” Tinyblitz admitted.
“Then we will not cower to BloodClan!” Lightningclaw yowled.
Earthpelt took up her cry. “We will not cower to—“
There was a loud cough from inside the medicine cat den.
Without being dismissed, Earthpelt ran off in the medicine cat den’s direction.
“Who’s in there?” Breezeheart asked nervously, suddenly concerned.
“I’m not sure.” Firestar meowed truthfully. “Tinyblitz has not told me, although I have asked, and he doesn’t want any cat in there except for him and Earthpelt.”
“It’s Singetracker.” Tinyblitz rasped, answering his leader’s question. “Singetracker was bitten by a rat carrying a disease while hunting. I don’t want anybody coming in here except for Earthpelt! He is her mate. He must be with her.”
“Is the disease…deadly?” Lightningclaw couldn’t bear to imagine losing another cat—her best friend’s mate, no less!
Earthpelt sighed with grief, and yelled from inside the medicine cat den, “Yes, it is. Singetracker—she could—she might—“
His voice failed, but every cat in ThunderClan understood.
Lightningclaw shook her head angrily, throwing her gaze up to the stars that would show at night.
She might die.
“Tinyblitz, have you tried absolutely everything?” Firestar called out, climbing down the Highrock.
Tinyblitz hesitated, but then nodded. “I have. Nothing seems to help.”
Loud, horrible wheezing noises came from the medicine cat den this time.
Firestar winced. “Singetracker…won’t be able to fight, right?”
“Definitely not—I’m sorry.” Tinyblitz replied. “Singetracker is in no condition to train, either.”
“But I want to train!” Singetracker’s voice rasped from inside the medicine cat den.
“You can’t, Singetracker. It’s for the best, believe me.” Earthpelt’s voice replied.
“Just because I’m sick doesn’t mean I’m dead!” Singetracker snapped. Tinyblitz flinched.
“And you won’t be dead.” Tinyblitz meowed softly, going back inside the medicine cat.
“We can’t lose another cat, Firestar.” Lightningclaw said.
“We can’t.” Firestar nodded.
“Lightningclaw, don’t you think…it would be easier for Singetracker if she went to StarClan?” Brightheart asked quietly.
Lightningclaw stared back at her in disbelief. “Brightheart, why would you ask that? It’s not only worse for the Clan as a whole if Singetracker dies. Think of Singetracker herself! Think of Earthpelt!”
“But if she’s truly suffering…” Brightheart’s voice faded. She shook her head, as if clearing a dumb idea, and walked away.
I know what she means, Lightningclaw realized slowly.
Lightningclaw began heading towards the medicine cat den, only to have Tinyblitz step in front of her.
“No! Lightningclaw, you can’t go in there!” Tinyblitz mewed urgently. “You’re our deputy—we can’t afford getting you sick!”
“I know. I was just going to check on Earthpelt.” Lightningclaw snickered lightly.
“Yeah, well, don’t go too close to Singetracker!” Tinyblitz snapped. He realized how his voice sounded and calmed down. “Listen, I’m sorry. I’m just paranoid about the battle, and now this disease comes on…it’s deadly and contagious. Could anything worse happen right now?”
Lightningclaw didn’t reply.
Something worse could happen. But I’m not going to bring that up right now. What cat would want to hear something like that?
Earthpelt and Breezeheart were walking side by side, straight towards Lightningclaw.
“How’s Singetracker?” Lightningclaw questioned them.
“Good enough. Not dead,” Earthpelt replied stiffly.
“Tinyblitz has tried everything. We just hope she’ll get better.” Breezeheart said the last part so quietly; it was barely more than a whisper.
“She’ll get better.” Earthpelt growled angrily. “Singetracker will.” He looked away distantly. “I…I’m going to go back to the medicine cat den. If Tinyblitz has tried everything, I’ll just try it all again.”
Earthpelt walked away, head being held high.
“Now there’s a devoted mate.” Breezeheart mused, nuzzling his own mate. “Like you, Lightningclaw.”
Lightningclaw had no warm reaction. She was just worried about Singetracker.
Oh, StarClan, please don’t let Earthpelt catch the disease.
Breezeheart startled as he heard a loud coughing noise, and a few drops of blood spurted out of the medicine cat den.
All of a sudden, Earthpelt came running out of the medicine cat.
Earthpelt’s eyes were flowing with tears. He threw his head back angrily and shut his eyes. “No!”
“What happened?” Lightningclaw exclaimed. She and Breezeheart immediately went to Earthpelt’s side.
“Singetracker is in the stars,” Earthpelt whispered softly, choking back his own tears.
Cats were murmuring behind them, Firestar with a horrified look on his face.
“She’s…dead?” Breezeheart managed to ask.
Earthpelt didn’t answer, but instead began yelling at the sky. “Where are you?! Why did you leave?! You can’t leave me, you didn’t leave me! You—where did you—where are you?!”
It was agonizing to watch a cat suffer so much.
Lightningclaw shut her eyes and sank to the ground.
I don’t want to see this. I don’t want to watch my best friend mourning his mate. No, he didn’t deserve to lose her…
Lightningclaw opened her eyes a tiny bit, only to immediately shut them again.
“I guess…we’re mourning the dead again.” Sandstorm moaned, sounding in pain just watching Earthpelt.
“We will all mourn for a few minutes.” Firestar announced. His voice was constantly failing, and he had to clear his throat.
After only a minute, Earthpelt was shooing them all out. “Singetracker was my mate. I need to mourn,” he cried, voice cracking horribly.
Lightningclaw had never seen Earthpelt this distraught before, nor had any of the ThunderClan cats. Leaving, Lightningclaw settled beside Breezeheart.
“I don’t know what I should do.” Breezeheart mumbled.
“None of us do. Earthpelt’s love for Singetracker was…” Lightningclaw sighed, searching for the right word, “…unconditional.”
“Any cat could see that.” Snowfoot settled down beside Lightningclaw and Breezeheart, alongside Icetooth.
“Have you ever noticed…something strange about Raccoonstar?” Icetooth asked, shifting uncomfortably.
Cinderpaw scrambled up to them. “No!”
Snowfoot sighed at her apprentice. “You curious, anxious little tom—this isn’t a conversation for a young apprentice.”
“Get back to the apprentices’ den, youngster.” Icetooth purred.
Cinderpaw pouted, but he stumbled out of the warriors’ den clumsily.
“He always wants to know everything that’s going on.” Snowfoot mumbled. “Anyway, yeah, about Raccoonstar…have you noticed she looks at one of our ThunderClan members with admiration—a lot?”
Lightningclaw and Breezeheart exchanged a glance, and then shook their heads.
“That was exactly what I was talking about.” Icetooth meowed.
“I haven’t noticed anything like that.” Breezeheart replied.
“Not even with Tinyblitz?” Snowfoot squirmed.
“Well…I did notice her eyeing him at the Gathering.” Lightningclaw confessed. “But it can’t be anything serious—looking at Tinyblitz, he has no reaction to her.”
“It’s a one-way relationship.” Snowfoot muttered under her breath. “I know Tinyblitz isn’t interested. But Raccoonstar…”
“That’s not important right now,” Breezeheart interrupted hastily.
Just then, Earthpelt sulked into the warriors’ den.
“How’re you feeling?” Lightningclaw whispered.
Earthpelt didn’t answer. He lay down, looking as if he wanted nothing to do with any cat.
Lightningclaw could scarcely recognize her friend. She flinched as she saw his dark-circled, baggy, dull black eyes. They were usually aware and lit up with curiosity. Even his fur seemed to be reacting to his mood; it hung loosely on his frame, sagging and bristling as if it was wet.
“Singetracker,” Earthpelt mumbled. He sounded only half conscious, as if he was dreaming of her.
Lightningclaw went to sleep. All of a sudden, she was in a familiar, yet different forest. She saw Earthpelt beside her.
Earthpelt looked more lively and energetic, although his eyes were looking just as depressed.
“This isn’t ThunderClan camp.” Earthpelt murmured drowsily.
Lightningclaw nodded in agreement, stepping closer to her best friend.
“You’re right.”
Earthpelt and Lightningclaw whipped around in shock, staring at the beautiful ginger she-cat in front of them.
“Singetracker, are you…alive?” Earthpelt sounded as if he was caught in a trance, and stepped forward to get closer to his mate.
“No, Earthpelt, my love. I am deceased, as I was.” Singetracker smiled sadly as she saw the tabby tom sag again. “You two are in StarClan. I’ve come not only to greet you, but also to warn you.”
“Something horrible is coming.”
Lightningclaw jumped, frightened, as she heard her father’s voice.
“Sharphunter…” Lightningclaw marveled.
Earthpelt meowed, “So this is your father?”
Lightningclaw nodded.
“I couldn’t be more proud of you, daughter.” Sharphunter mewed, smiling at the ThunderClan deputy. “Although I was a WindClan cat, it makes me just as proud that you are a loyal ThunderClan cat—and a deputy, at that!”
“I have a prophecy.” a beautiful, sleek silver she-cat pawed up to them. Her scent was of a RiverClan cat.
“Are you…Graystripe’s lost mate?” Earthpelt croaked, turning to face the young cat.
Silverstream nodded. “I missed him so much. But now Graystripe is here with me.”
“Silverstream, tell them the prophecy after I speak to them.” Graystripe stepped out of the shadows, smiling. “Earthpelt, I am so sorry you had to lose your mate like I did. I know all too well your pain. But you have turned out to be a fine warrior. I hope my mentoring played a role in some of it. Either way, Earthpelt, you are no apprentice anymore—a pure warrior.”
Earthpelt smiled crudely.
“I understand it must be a struggle to be happy in any sort of way when such a tragedy has struck.” Silverstream said sympathetically.
“Know I’m always watching over you, Earthpelt. You are my one and only. There is no other tom I love.” Singetracker’s sweet voice soothed Earthpelt so that he was less unsettled.
“And you, Lightningclaw.” Graystripe turned to the young deputy. “I see I made the right choice when I chose you as ThunderClan’s next deputy. You are an amazing warrior—any cat could see that you would be, ever since you were an apprentice. Someday, you will be ThunderClan’s leader. And I think you will be highly honored and respected, not only by your own Clan, but by the whole forest.”
Lightningclaw’s heart leapt at Graystripe’s words.
“Here is the prophecy, young ones.” Silverstream began gravely.
“Through ashes and blackness, one of the greatest will be broken, and only love can mend her.”
Lightningclaw and Earthpelt exchanged a nervous look.
One of the greatest will be broken?
“Do not be unsettled by the intensity of the prophecy.” Singetracker soothed. “You can make it through. I know you can…”
And with that, Lightningclaw and Earthpelt shot open their eyes to see the sun rising outside the warriors’ den.
“Did you have the dream?” Earthpelt whispered, seemingly becoming more like his normal self.
“Yes.” Lightningclaw replied.
“Tomorrow will be the third day! BloodClan will be waiting to battle—and so we must!” Firestar yowled angrily. “Recently, we have lost two warriors; Singetracker and Stormgrowl. Only Stormgrowl’s death was caused by BloodClan, but we can still fight to avenge Singetracker! Is ThunderClan with me?”
An eruption of loud meows of agreement followed Firestar’s words.
Firestar waited to say more until ThunderClan was sitting below the Highrock. “Lightningclaw and Breezeheart, could you work together to teach Cinderpaw some skills? Snowfoot, you can take some time off from training him as your apprentice.”
“Of course,” Breezeheart mewed.
Lightningclaw nodded.
“So, what’re we going to do today?” Cinderpaw squeaked.
“We’re just going to teach you fighting skills. The battle’s tomorrow and even apprentices need to battle alongside the Clans.” Breezeheart explained.
“Look what I can do!” Cinderpaw showed off some imperfect fighting moves that Snowfoot was probably still teaching him.
Lightningclaw coughed, trying hard not to laugh. “Oh, you’ll get the hang of it.”
“If you two do well, I’ll have him as a warrior by dawn.” Firestar smiled as he padded by.
Cinderpaw jumped up and down. “I promise I’ll do well!”
Lightningclaw and Breezeheart smiled. Lightningclaw ruffled the young tom’s fur.
I can’t help remembering when I was an apprentice…
Lightningclaw taught the young tom all day alongside Breezeheart.
It’s good that Cinderpaw is being taught by Breezeheart too. Now he’ll know some WindClan tactics.
“Cinderpaw, could you give me an example of some of your fighting moves?” Firestar asked.
Cinderpaw did as he was told. He pretended there was a cat attacking him, doing different things depending on the situation he was imagining he was in.
He stopped and looked up at Firestar hopefully.
Firestar laughed. “All right, Cinderpaw, it’s time for you to become a warrior!”
Cinderpaw let out a squeak of excitement.
“All cats old enough to catch their own prey may gather below the Highrock for a Clan meeting!” Firestar meowed. “As you all know, the battle with BloodClan begins at dawn. Until then, we have an apprentice that will be sitting vigil tonight.” He turned to Cinderpaw, who was shaking with excitement. “Cinderpaw, please come up.”
Cinderpaw scrambled up the Highrock and grinned at Firestar.
“Cinderpaw, we honor your loyalty and how keen you are to learn.” Firestar paused, letting the tom take it all in. “This apprentice will now be called Cinderfrost.”
Cinderfrost looked out, determined.
“Your vigil begins now, Cinderfrost.” Firestar mewed, jumping down from the Highrock.
Cinderfrost didn’t say a thing, but the nods he gave Firestar, Snowfoot, Lightningclaw, and Breezeheart said everything.
Thank you so much for helping me.
Lightningclaw and the rest of the warriors went to sleep. Cinderfrost sat silently at the entrance of the warriors’ den, staring at the moon and counting the stars in his head.
Suddenly, ThunderClan was awoken by Firestar at dawn.
“The battle has come! The medicine cats, queens, and kits of the Clans will be the only cats to be left behind! Since we currently have no kits or queens, Tinyblitz will be the only cat left behind in ThunderClan.” Firestar watched his medicine cat nod respectfully. “Anyway, Cinderfrost has successfully completed his vigil. He may speak.”
“Thank you, Firestar,” Cinderfrost replied, nodding.
Firestar nodded, leading ThunderClan to Fourtrees.
Lightningclaw sidled up to Breezeheart nervously, Earthpelt on her other side.
The battle is finally here. I remember the prophecy. Somebody is going to be broken, but what do they mean by blackness and ashes?
Lightningclaw shook the thought away as she and her Clan approached Fourtrees. BloodClan was waiting, along with the other three Clans.
“We will give you one more chance.” Blackstealth hissed. “You can leave now or you can die fighting us!”
Lightningclaw growled in defiance. “We will fight you. BloodClan will lose, just like they did under Scourge’s care!”
“It won’t—not on my watch! Lightningclaw, you’ll be dead before the battle is over!” Ashsoul sneered. “BloodClan, attack these worthless fools!”
On Ashsoul’s demand, BloodClan leapt at the Clan cats.
The battle has begun. And we’re going to win it.
But in her heart, Lightningclaw wasn’t so sure.

Chapter 9
Lightningclaw swept her gaze along the clearing, trying to find Ashsoul or Blackstealth.
If I defeat one of them, will the battle be over?
She watched curiously as Cinderfrost and a ShadowClan cat, Frostspirit, fought side by side. They seemed almost like…like mates. They were struggling under the grasp of a large, muscled, brindle tom. But they helped each other.
Cometblaze and Violetstrike of ShadowClan fought alongside each other, but just like friends. A sleek brown she-cat was slashing at them furiously, but she looked as if she was being blinded by her own blood.
Earthpelt was in a struggle with a tortoiseshell she-cat. He fought alongside Breezeheart, who saved him quite a few times from the she-cat’s deadly claws.
“You’ll never win, you know.”
Lightningclaw shot around, chilled by the icy breath on her ears.
Ashsoul grinned. “Just because you may be my sister doesn’t mean you hold the potential of BloodClan.”
“I never thought one of my daughters would turn out like this.”
The two she-cats spun around again to face their mother, Coolfang.
“Ashsoul, this is your one and only chance to become good again. To correct your mistakes,” Coolfang pleaded.
“What mistakes?” Ashsoul hissed. “I’ve made no mistakes!”
“Your soul has been turned black with evil, Ashsoul. I only wish for you to turn against BloodClan and fight for the right side.” Coolfang begged, sounding disappointed.
“I am fighting for the right side, Coolfang.” Ashsoul scowled. “And if you can’t believe that, you’re about as good as the cats you’re calling evil.”
Coolfang’s eyes became wet with tears as she ran away to battle a different cat.
“How dare you!” Lightningclaw growled. “How dare you! How dare you, speaking to our mother with such disrespect!”
“Who’s going to stop me?” Ashsoul smirked. “This isn’t the worst of your problems right now, ThunderClan deputy.”
“The battle against BloodClan is already going—this is a different problem!” Lightningclaw spat.
“Oh, I wasn’t speaking of the battle itself.” Ashsoul motioned to a fiery ginger tom, lying motionless in a pool of blood. “I was speaking of what cat has been lost in it.”
Lightningclaw gaped in horror. “Ashsoul, you…you wouldn’t…you didn’t…” she recovered an icy sneer. “You killed Firestar!”
“I did, didn’t I?” Ashsoul snarled. “Let’s see what you’re going to do about this, Lightningclaw!”
Lightningclaw realized something. It hit her like a boulder.
I’m the deputy. That means…I’m the leader.
I have to get my nine lives!
Lightningclaw’s stomach and heart were sinking, but when no BloodClan cat was looking, she ran. She ran until she reached the Moonstone.
Hastily, Lightningclaw laid her nose onto the glittering rock. A shock of coldness rushed through her, but with all her strength she bid herself to stay.
Suddenly, a brilliant golden tom was standing in front of her.
“We will not let you sleep long, young one, for you have a battle to fight. I am Lionheart. Before you, before Graystripe, before Whitestorm, before Firestar, and before Tigerstar, I was deputy of ThunderClan.” Lionheart meowed in a voice filled with pride, holding his head high. “I give you the life of pride, for being too modest can weaken you. You must not be arrogant, but be proud of all the things you have done that have caused goodness.”
Lightningclaw’s stomach lurched as this life passed through her, strong as the great lions, roaring like the loudest thunder.
Lightningclaw watched as Lionheart receded into the shadows and a familiar black she-cat came out.
“Blowrun, it’s you!” Lightningclaw exclaimed.
Blowrun nodded sadly. “My death was a pity, but it was all because of my cruelty.” she paused, smiling wryly. “I give you the life of good judgment, for judging things badly can rain misfortune not only upon yourself, but upon every cat that ever existed.”
Lightningclaw felt her heart sink. Suddenly, she felt as if she was being hardened by stone, darkness overflowing her soul. At the very end of the life, after feeling as if she could overcome anything, she felt unfailing sadness, as if everything had failed because of her.
The young she-cat understood this must have been how Blowrun felt long before.
Taking Blowrun’s place was Graystripe.
“You are the best possible cat to take Firestar’s place, Lightningclaw.” Graystripe mewed softly. “I give you the life of loyalty, for this can bring you the greatest friends you have ever had, and give you the energy to win any battle. But be sure you are loyal to the right cat…”
Lightningclaw felt as if she would kill to protect those she was loyal to, as if her loyalty, if challenged, would not back down. It then began to feel painful, like she’d taken a blow for a friend. But her heart was still floating with happiness and friendship.
Graystripe padded away silently, and taking his place was beautiful Singetracker.
“Firestar dying—this is what the prophecy meant?” Lightningclaw asked, panicked.
“No, however, the prophecy is talking about you being broken. But I do not believe that this will be the cause.” Singetracker smiled sadly. “It is an honor to give you your fourth life. I give you the life of love. Loving a cat can be your greatest weakness—or your greatest strength. Let your heart love who it feels will be true.”
Lightningclaw felt warmth explode under her pelt and it felt so good that she wanted to just keep it there forever. As it faded away, she felt disappointed it hadn’t stayed.
That was how Singetracker felt about Earthpelt.
Singetracker’s eyes were sparked with sorrow, as if she wished she was still alive and happy with her mate.
“Sharphunter,” Lightningclaw breathed in awe, seeing her father, a well-muscled white tom.
“You were born so long ago, yet it feels as if I saw you only yesterday.” Sharphunter gasped for air, staring at his daughter. “I give you the life of faith, for you must know who to rely on and believe in. Otherwise, you could make a fatal mistake.”
Lightningclaw felt this life flow through her like soothing waves, only to become roaring like the rapids after a few seconds. She felt as if she was drowning, fighting for air—
She returned to normal, waiting for a cat to give her a sixth life.
“Lightningclaw, my death was horrible, but I am aware that I died in good time, for the BloodClan battle is a bitter thing.” Stormgrowl meowed gently. “I give you the life of willpower. No matter how much it hurts, be sure to stay loyal to the things you know are right. Do not fail.”
Lightningclaw felt strength boom through her, rattling off her bones, giving her confidence. All of a sudden, her whole body ached, and she struggled to stand straight up.
Lightningclaw was, abruptly, staring ahead at Firestar.
“Lightningclaw, I expected to see you here. I’m glad Graystripe chose you as his successor—and now you’re my successor.” Firestar’s eyes glowed with happiness. “I give you the life of courage, for you must never back down unless it is truly what you must do. Have courage, and you can succeed in anything.”
Lightningclaw’s head cleared, as if zeroing in on a target. Her heart lifted like a cloud, and she felt as if she could soar through the sky, crashing through anything that dared to get in her way.
A strong white tom was standing in front of her, much like Sharphunter, but less muscled.
“I am Whitestorm, the deputy of ThunderClan before Graystripe. My deputyship was short-lived, as I was killed in the first BloodClan fight by their deputy back then, Bone.” Whitestorm explained solemnly. “I give you the life of forgiveness. Although some cats may do horrible things, they can change, and you must remember that.”
Lightningclaw felt terrible pain wash over her. She begged herself not to wail aloud as her bones seared and her paws throbbed. When the pain settled down, she felt kindness calming her down, warmth like the sun after the coldest leaf-bare.
Finally, for her last life, she saw a blue-gray she-cat.
“I am Bluestar. I was the leader of ThunderClan before Firestar.” Bluestar said, eyes determined. “I will give you your last life. I give you the life of bravery. It may be hard, but it brings great rewards. Remember, being brave is not being fearless, but being afraid and facing your fear anyway.”
Lightningclaw shook as she was overwhelmed by horrible, energy-draining fear. It made her rattle and suffer, but she tried to overcome it, valiantly attempting to stand tall. Suddenly, the fear went away, replaced by a large amount of pride and courage.
“I now grant you your leader name, Lightningstar.” Bluestar smiled at the young she-cat.
Suddenly, Lightningstar was bathed by several, accepting yowls of her new name.
“Remember, Lightningstar—you can overcome anything,” Bluestar meowed. “You just have to figure out how.”
Lightningstar woke up and began running back to the battle scene, hoping desperately she hadn’t been asleep for very long.
By the time she got back, she attacked Ashsoul immediately, pushing her to the ground.
“I am Lightningstar now, and StarClan has faith in me,” Lightningstar hissed into her sister’s face. “You cannot say as much!”
“My best friend is the leader of ThunderClan.” Earthpelt mumbled faintly.
“My mate,” Breezeheart murmured in the background.
Ashsoul grinned, showing off her sharp fangs. “So? Who cares about faith in petty StarClan?”
“StarClan is not petty and will never be!” Lightningstar protested furiously. She clawed her sister’s face, letting scraped and bruises form, trying to ignore the blood flowing out of every cat’s wounds.
“Lightningstar, you cannot defeat me, or BloodClan,” Ashsoul rasped helplessly as her sister choked her. “You cannot.”
“I can, Ashsoul. Even if it is your greatest nightmare, I can.”
Lightningstar’s heart ached as she gave her own sister the killing bite, knowing it was for the best, but still feeling horrid.
Ashsoul’s limbs jutted out disgustingly, eyes beginning to glaze over. The blood in her wounds dried, becoming mixed with puss. She finally lay still.
“We knew that we couldn’t give up as easily as Scourge’s generation did. We have a backup.” a gray she-cat snarled.
Lightningstar turned in horror to see Blackstealth.
“We could be together, you know.” Blackstealth murmured.
Lightningstar froze. “What?”
“I’ve loved you ever since I first saw you. And that was not long ago.” Blackstealth circled her, ears flattened. “Ashsoul trusted me to kill any cat that got in BloodClan’s way. I was willing to do that…until I met you.”
“What are you saying?” Breezeheart scoffed nervously. He looked as if he was going to say more, but a mud-colored tom tackled him before he could.
“Before I speak more, I’m going to give you a fair chance. Name your deputy.” Blackstealth offered.
Lightningstar turned around briefly. “I name my first deputy before StarClan, so they can hear and approve of my choice.” She smiled. “Earthpelt will be my deputy.”
Earthpelt’s eyes widened as if he’d never have expected it. He was about to say thank you, but a sandy-colored she-cat sliced his paw with her claws. He struck her back, once again absorbed in the battle.
“All right, Lightningstar. Here is my offer.” Blackstealth sighed. “I would give up my BloodClan life for you. All you have to do is give up your ThunderClan life for me.” He took a step near her. “Hear me now. We can be mates—we can be happy. We can run away from these cats and have everything.”
Lightningstar didn’t reply for a moment. Then she snarled, “I will never be with you or be your mate! I have cats I love back here. I am not going to give them up for a fox-hearted BloodClan deputy such as you! I’d rather die.”
Blackstealth looked utterly hurt for a moment. Then he narrowed his eyes dangerously, unsheathing his claws. “Is that so?” he growled. “So be it.”
Out of nowhere, Blackstealth attacked Coolfang, snarling and spitting. Coolfang was still a warrior, but she was old enough, and her joints began aching, disabling many battle moves she could have used.
In a matter of seconds, Lightningstar shook in terror.
Blackstealth killed my mother?
“Lightningstar—our mother,” Cometblaze came scampering up to her.
Lightningstar, seeing Cometblaze so grown up, practically forgot he was her brother.
Cometblaze settled down next to Coolfang, licking her bloody, scarred body.
“Oh, Coolfang,” Lightningstar whispered. She began crying out to StarClan for her mother.
Suddenly, she fell to the ground, feeling numb and in pain at the same time. Lightningstar’s world began spinning, receding into blackness, losing its depth…
Lightningstar found herself facing Coolfang.
“Blackstealth has taken one of your lives,” Coolfang whispered.
“What are you waiting for, then? Bring me back!” Lightningstar spat urgently. “The Clan cats need me!”
“Be patient, daughter. You need a moment to recover.” Coolfang waited a moment. “You are ready. You may return to the battle.”
Lightningstar heaved for breath as she returned.
She returned just in time to see the end of a fierce struggle between her deputy and Blackstealth, ending with Earthpelt’s body sagging to the ground.
It took a moment for Lightningstar to process everything.
Finally, she let out an earsplitting yowl. “No!”
Lightningstar knew she had to name a new deputy. Choking, she rasped, “Breezeheart—I name you deputy in front of StarClan so they may hear and approve of…of my choice…”
Breezeheart nodded, but he was aware that Lightningstar wasn’t even paying attention to him.
“No, Earthpelt! Bring him back…StarClan, bring him back…” Lightningstar shuddered, heart thumping loudly against her chest.
“It’s going to be fine…Earthpelt is in StarClan now…” Breezeheart soothed, entwining his tail around his mate’s.
Lightningstar barely felt him. “Earthpelt, no, you didn’t leave! Come back…come back…”
“Now we’re even.”
Lightningstar turned her raw, bloodshot eyes to the BloodClan deputy. “What do you mean…we’re even?”
“When you said those things about wanting to die rather than love me…it tore me apart inside.” Blackstealth snarled. “Now I destroyed you like you destroyed me.”
A flash of understanding shot through Lightningstar like thunder.
The prophecy! Through ashes—Ashsoul—and blackness—Blackstealth—one of the greatest—me—will be broken, and only love can mend her.
Lightningstar shook her head hopelessly, falling to the ground. She watched Blackstealth flee and tried to get up, but she was too weak from shock and sadness to go after him.
No. The prophecy was wrong.
Nothing can mend me.
Lightningstar crawled and dragged herself to Earthpelt. She cried in his pelt, hoping to feel a sense of warmth, but she felt nothing.
His scent was clotted with death and blood, and nothingness. Earthpelt was gone. All that was left was his empty body, with nothing worthy left in it.
I know I should be feeling worse about Coolfang’s death, because she’s my mother.
But is it bad that I feel worse about Earthpelt’s death, my best friend?
Lightningstar’s stomach ached and her pelt burned with frustration. Could she bring Earthpelt back somehow?
Of course I can’t. When a cat goes to StarClan, you can’t bring them back!
Lightningstar didn’t even try to choke them back; the tears seeped out of her eyes and went down her face. They were cold and salty, and carried the emptiness of rain.
“I can’t believe this.” Cometblaze moaned.
“The battle has been won!” Blackstar yowled. “Now we will all celebrate—what happened?” his eyes drifted to Lightningstar.
“As you all know, I’m leader now. I received my nine lives. I killed Ashsoul and Blackstealth fled after killing…” Lightningstar’s voice failed, “…killing my mother and my best friend.”
Blackstar shook his head angrily. “Firestar was right. These cats have no mercy.”
Suddenly, Lightningstar saw a shadow lurking in the bushes.
“Hold on. I’m just going to…check on something.” Lightningstar muttered, dashing away.
Lightningstar was in the darkness of dense trees and overgrown plants. She was standing in front of a sleek tom, light gray with a bright purple undercoat, a purple tail tip, purple eyes, and a purple paw.
“Lightningstar, it’s an honor to meet you.” the tom bowed his head as if he was part of ThunderClan.
“Who are you?” Lightningstar asked uncertainly.
“My name is Shameshadow. I am a wandering loner, but was once a ShadowClan warrior.” the tom explained patiently. He looked up.
Lightningstar found herself getting slightly lost in those vibrant purple eyes…
“So, Lightningstar, I see you are young for a leader.” Shameshadow observed, snapping her out of the trance. “You seem a good leader too, yes?”
Lightningstar’s pelt burned, embarrassed, and she whispered, “That’s what some cats say.”
“That’s what I say.” Shameshadow meowed good-naturedly. “Anyway, I miss the Clans slightly, so I check back on them often.”
“Don’t you think being a loner has fewer honors than being a warrior?” Lightningstar asked curiously.
“Perhaps,” Shameshadow admitted. “But doesn’t it have more freedoms?”
Lightningstar thought about this. “I guess so.” She changed the subject. “So, where do you live?”
Shameshadow hesitated. “Well—I—I don’t like to tell strangers where I live.”
“Oh. But don’t you have any companions?” Lightningstar questioned him.
Shameshadow hastily shook his head.
“So, what brings you here?” Lightningstar mewed.
“Oh, I was just checking on the Clans. And I saw them fighting. I’m sorry about what happened with Blackstealth, and all those others.” Shameshadow sighed.
Lightningstar saw Shameshadow’s purple eyes cutting through her.
“I really have to go now.” Shameshadow urged her. “I will see you again, Lightningstar.”
Shameshadow mysteriously disappeared. Lightningstar saw a shadow lurking through the bushes.
Lightningstar couldn’t stop thinking about this strange tom. She…wanted to be his mate.
Have I fallen out of love with Breezeheart?

Chapter 10
Lightningstar returned to her Clan. She found them already back at their camp.
“There you are!” Breezeheart meowed, clearly relieved. “We have a cat here who wishes to speak with you.”
Lightningstar nodded silently as a stunning, beautiful silver she-cat padded up to her.
There’s something familiar about her…
“Greetings, Lightningstar—I am a loner.” the she-cat purred. “I know of the Clans, and I was going to ask…something.”
“What is your name?” Lightningstar demanded slowly.
“I am Slate.” the she-cat replied.
“What do you wish to ask?” Lightningstar tried to sound casual, but she was baffled by the she-cat’s random, abrupt appearance.
“I was watching the battle. Before I ask my question, I’d like you to know…your best friend was my brother.” Slate sighed in grief.
Lightningstar was shocked. That’s why she looks so familiar—she’s related to Earthpelt!
“I miss Earthpelt terribly already. I wish to fight for him and reach the goals he never got to finish before his death. He had so much potential.” Slate cast her eyes down.
“And how do you suppose you’re going to do that?” Lightningstar asked uncertainly.
“I’d…I’d like to join your Clan.” Slate took in a deep breath.
Lightningstar nodded slowly. “I see. We will…accept you. If you wish to fight for Earthpelt, you are welcome here.” She paused. “Do you wish to have a warrior name?”
“Whatever you please,” Slate replied, smiling warmly.
Lightningstar climbed onto the Highrock. I’m calling my first Clan meeting! “All cats old enough to catch their own prey may gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!”
Cats gathered beneath her, eyes sparking with wonder as they spotted their new visitor.
Lightningstar swished her tail, beckoning Slate to join her on top of the Highrock. Nimbly, she leapt to be next to Lightningstar.
“This is Slate. She was a loner, but she knows of the Clans. Slate was the sister of Earthpelt.” Lightningstar was not surprised as gasps arose around her. “She claims she’d like to join our Clan, so that she may honor and fight for her brother. I have agreed, and she has told me I may give her a warrior name.”
Slate smiled out at her new Clanmates, eyes glittering with newfound interest.
“Slate will now be known as Slateshine, in honor of her…” Lightningstar thought for a moment, wondering what she should honor, “…in honor of her great beauty and fairness.”
Slateshine jumped, slightly startled, when ThunderClan began chanting her name. She purred in delight.
Soon after, Slateshine began walking around with Lightningstar.
“You don’t even have to explain anything to me. Earthpelt told me everything, in case I ever wanted to join the Clan.” Slateshine meowed.
Lightningstar nodded slowly.
I can’t stop thinking about Shameshadow.
She shook her head, frustrated.
Why are you thinking about this! Breezeheart is your mate and he always will be. Let Shameshadow go. He doesn’t matter; he’s just some stupid loner!
“You’re not telling me something.”
Lightningstar turned to face the beautiful silver she-cat, a knowing look in her eyes.
“I know when secrets are being kept. It is one of my skills.” Slateshine twitched her whiskers. “Earthpelt tried to keep things from me. But I’d guess he was, and he’d have to tell.”
Lightningstar didn’t answer.
Shameshadow is not like Breezeheart. I don’t love him…
I don’t.
I DON’T!
No matter how many times she repeated it in her mind, it wasn’t true.
“I’m in love with a loner.” Lightningstar sniffed.
Slateshine reared back in shock. “What?”
“His name is Shameshadow.” Lightningstar choked back tears. “I know I loved Breezeheart, but now it seems like Shameshadow is who my heart wants.”
“Take me with you to see him.” Slateshine’s expression turned hard and stiff, like stone.
Lightningstar thought about this, and then she agreed.
It couldn’t hurt.
She led Slateshine to the place where she had last met Shameshadow. Soon, she heard ruffles in the bushes, and the tom came out.
His eyes…
“Who is this?” Shameshadow asked calmly, nodding to Slateshine.
“This is Slateshine. She is one of ThunderClan now, but she was a loner before.” Lightningstar explained.
“Lightningstar, we can meet anytime right in this spot. I’ll come. But you can’t bring any cat else.” Shameshadow warned.
Lightningstar blinked. “Why?”
Slateshine shifted uncomfortably.
“Because this is a relationship, Lightningstar,” Shameshadow mewed quietly. “And right now, if we really want to build it, we can’t have distractions.”
I’ve never heard that approach before…
But Lightningstar nodded anyway.
Slateshine cleared her throat. “Excuse me, but you can’t tell me when to go and when to stay.”
Shameshadow fluffed up his fur. “What! This is for your own leader’s good!”
“Calm down,” Lightningstar pleaded.
“But I don’t trust you.” Slateshine ventured. “You don’t seem like a trustworthy loner. You seem like the kind that will turn on Lightningstar any minute now…”
“Hey!” Lightningstar instinctively protected the young tom. “Shameshadow is my mate. You can’t tell me whether he’s trustworthy or not!”
Slateshine frowned. “I thought that was what I was going to tell you, if you brought me; whether he was trustworthy.”
Lightningstar nodded angrily in the direction of the ThunderClan camp. “Go, Slateshine.”
Slateshine nodded miserably and padded away.
“I don’t mean to send all your friends away. But my reasoning is good, right?” Shameshadow murmured.
“Good enough,” Lightningstar muttered. She looked up. “Do you want to join ThunderClan?”
Shameshadow hesitated. “Well…okay. But will you accept it if one day I go back to being a loner?”
Lightningstar nodded. Cats should have a choice as to where they live and what they do.
“Great! There’s just one more thing. I know about Breezeheart.” Shameshadow confessed. “If you really want to be together…well, you can’t have two mates at once.”
Lightningstar froze. “What are you saying?”
“I’m not requiring you exile Breezeheart. Just tell him you have a new mate and that he isn’t your mate anymore.” Shameshadow suggested.
Lightningstar was as stiff as a rock.
Do I really want to do this?
For the sake of my love for Shameshadow, yes!
“Okay,” Lightningstar choked out. “Come with me.”
Shameshadow followed her back to camp. Lightningstar beckoned him up to the Highrock, where she held a Clan meeting.
“ThunderClan, this is Shameshadow. He was a rogue, but he would like to join ThunderClan, and I wholeheartedly trust him.” Lightningstar announced. She glanced at her former mate. “Breezeheart, you are not dismissed as deputy, but are dismissed as my mate.”
The pain in Breezeheart’s expression pierced Lightningstar’s heart like jagged icicles.
Breezeheart’s eyes glazed over in horror. “What!”
“Shameshadow…” Lightningstar’s voice squeaked like a kit’s and she cleared her throat. “Shameshadow is my new mate. I am sorry, Breezeheart, but he is the tom my heart desires.”
Breezeheart’s emerald eyes flashed with fury. He grinded his teeth and snarled, “It’s a disgrace to be a deputy to someone like you.”
Lightningstar recoiled in shock.
“She is only choosing who her heart chooses,” Shameshadow meowed.
“Get off the Highrock and shut up, you fox-hearted loner!” Breezeheart sneered icily. “Lightningstar, I can’t believe you’re actually doing this. I’ve been there for you all this time! And now you discard me like a piece of Twoleg trash!”
Lightningstar shivered. “Not discarded…” she flailed for more words.
“Replaced,” Shameshadow finished for her, leaping down into the crowd.
Breezeheart hissed and ran away, escaping into the warriors’ den. He began crying, shivering with rage, claws sheathing and unsheathing.
Should I really have done that?
Lightningstar dismissed her Clan, standing beside Shameshadow.
“Do not regret,” Shameshadow whispered. “It will be worth it, and Breezeheart will find another she-cat that inspires even greater love than you.”
Although she was no longer with Breezeheart, the thought stung.
Will Breezeheart find a she-cat that he loves more than me?
“Lightningstar, may I speak to you for a minute?” Slateshine asked, glancing around nervously.
Lightningstar groaned, knowing where this was going, but she nodded, following the she-cat to the warriors’ den.
She motioned for Shameshadow to stay outside. He twitched his tail in annoyance, but obeyed.
“Lightningstar, I understand you have feelings for Shameshadow.” Slateshine’s breaths were shallow. “But you’ve taken it too far! Can you not see what you’ve done? Can you not see what he is driving you to do?”
Lightningstar glanced at Breezeheart, pain shooting her heart as he looked over his shoulder, red, bloodshot eyes glaring. But he seemed more pained than he was sad, as if he was dying from the inside.
Lightningstar immediately looked away. “Slateshine, do you not trust my decisions? Shameshadow is a worthy cat. Why should I be mates with a cat I do not love?”
Lightningstar winced as Breezeheart began crying harder, making rasping sounds with his throat, sometimes whimpering like a tiny kit.
“I understand. But Shameshadow is not to be trusted!” Slateshine urged.
“Shameshadow earned my trust! I know who to trust!” Lightningstar shot back.
“Do you?”
Slateshine left the warriors’ den on those ominous words, acting as if she couldn’t feel Lightningstar’s eyes burning into her pelt.
Lightningstar walked outside.
“They are misinterpreting me. I am not any more suspicious than Slateshine herself.” Shameshadow mewed angrily. “Lightningstar, I love you. But you cannot let your thoughts be overrun by doubt!”
Lightningstar felt her heart crack. Why did I ever doubt him? “Of course not, Shameshadow…” she stood close so her pelt brushed his. “I love you too, Shameshadow.”
Shameshadow smiled in amusement.
One day, we might even have kits together! Shameshadow would be a good father, wouldn’t he?
That night, Lightningstar went to sleep in her den. It’s so strange to have a den all to myself! She looked around her, and suddenly, she was in StarClan again.
What would they like to tell me in my dreams now?
“Lightningstar, you are an amazing and worthy cat. But even the greats can be broken,” Singetracker sighed.
“We’ve come to tell you a prophecy.” Earthpelt explained.
Lightningstar smiled at the sight of her old friend, safe and sound in StarClan. Her heart warmed.
Earthpelt and Singetracker stared ahead at Lightningstar, eyes blazing with seriousness. Their voices became one, sounding like a brand-new cat, but with all the familiarity that Singetracker and Earthpelt carried to Lightningstar.
“A cat with fur the color of blood shall come and sweep love away, showing only the truth, the pain of betrayal.”
Lightningstar wanted to shout for more information, but Earthpelt, Singetracker, and the forest around her began fading, duller, duller, until it was gone.
She shot open her eyes, staring at the sun rising, the peak of dawn.
A cat with fur the color of blood shall come and sweep love away, showing only the truth, the pain of betrayal? What is that supposed to mean?
Shameshadow purred and walked to the entrance of Lightningstar’s den. She came out.
I shouldn’t worry about the prophecy until it actually means something.
Breezeheart wasn’t awake yet as Lightningstar padded over to the warriors’ den.
“I’m going to announce the dawn patrol!” Lightningstar announced. Before jumping onto the Highrock, she acknowledged Breezeheart separately. “Breezeheart, wake up…”
Breezeheart eyes fluttered open, but the moment he realized who was in front of him, he closed them again. Lightningstar frowned.
“Let him sleep.” Shameshadow told her. “He has a lot to take in.”
Lightningstar nodded sulkily, climbing up the Highrock. “On the dawn patrol there will be Slateshine, Shameshadow, Icetooth, and Cinderfrost!”
The cats formed a group—all except for Cinderfrost.
“Lightningstar,” Cinderfrost whispered, heart aching. “I…have something I need to tell the Clan.”
“Go ahead,” Lightningstar invited him.
Cinderfrost cleared his throat. “Cats of ThunderClan, I am here to speak the truth with you.” He drew in a deep breath. “I have a mate.”
“Congratulations!” Lightningstar didn’t understand why he looked so sickened about having a mate.
“You won’t be so pleased once I tell you that my mate is Frostspirit of ShadowClan.” Cinderfrost murmured.
Cats’ congratulations stopped and ThunderClan froze.
“She wishes…to join ThunderClan,” Cinderfrost muttered.
“Is she here?” Lightningstar looked around.
“Yes.” Cinderfrost nodded at a bush.
A pale bluish she-cat came out, with cold fur as frosty as snow.
“Are you going to let her join the Clan?” Breezeheart asked abruptly, getting up from the warriors’ den and padding over.
I didn’t know he was even listening!
“What do you think? You’re my deputy.” Lightningstar offered slowly.
Breezeheart’s eyes narrowed. He growled. “You don’t care about my opinion, do you? I still cared about you when you replaced me with this—this—“
Lightningstar watched as Breezeheart’s fur bristled and he took a menacing step toward Shameshadow.
“No! Stop! This is meaningless!” Lightningstar pleaded.
“Yes, stop, please…” Slateshine moaned.
Breezeheart swung around to face his former mate. “Everything having to do with me is meaningless to you. Isn’t that right?”
“Why should you care?” Shameshadow shot back. “You are no longer her mate. Your only job is to be a deputy.”
Breezeheart’s eyes widened and blazed with rage. “Are you going to let him talk to me like that?”
Lightningstar stared down helplessly.
“You are unbelievable.” Breezeheart spat, going back into the warriors’ den. “Do whatever you want, Lightningstar. You don’t deserve to be our leader, but you are anyway.”
Breezeheart’s word stung, but Lightningstar knew she had to carry on. Straining, she lifted her head, refusing to have her honor challenged.
Frostspirit stared up at Lightningstar with begging eyes, the expression that Breezeheart had once upon a time when he asked Firestar whether he could join…
Lightningstar shook her head. Thinking of useless memories isn’t going to help!
But they aren’t useless…
Lightningstar shook her head to clear her thoughts. “Frostspirit, do you wish to join ThunderClan for your mate?”
Frostspirit nodded vigorously. “I would appreciate it greatly, Lightningstar.” She bowed her head. “If only you will accept me.”
Lightningstar thought for a moment. “All right, Frostspirit. You may join.”
Frostspirit’s eyes twinkled with gratitude, but she only nodded, holding in all the exhilarated energy forming.
Cinderfrost purred appreciatively and sidled up to his mate, nuzzling her.
Isn’t it sweet that such young cats already have mates…?
Lightningstar stared at Breezeheart, sighing.
Once upon a time, I was that young. I had a mate too.
It didn’t last.
Let’s hope it lasts for them.
The dawn patrol went out, and Lightningstar added Frostspirit to the patrol. She knew she’d be talking with Cinderfrost the whole time, but that was okay.
“Lightningstar, there’s a rogue on our territory!” the dawn patrol came running back, growling and hissing furiously.
“What?” Lightningstar asked, confused.
“A former RiverClan warrior named Rustshade. He would have been exiled for killing and injuring, but he left RiverClan before they could exile him. That’s why we still call him a rogue!” Snowfoot explained.
Lightningstar’s fur spiked up. “Is he dangerous?”
“We don’t know.” Cinderfrost admitted. “We couldn’t get him off the territory by just talking. We came to ask you what to do.”
Suddenly, deep growling noises came from behind him. Cinderfrost shuddered as a rust-colored tabby with reddish stripes lurked out.
“Lightningstar, I am a descendant of Mapleshade. I am still pursuing revenge on ThunderClan and RiverClan!” Rustshade snarled.
Mapleshade had tormented Crookedstar for most of his life from the Dark Forest, promising him everything he wanted in return for Clan loyalty above all else. Having made this promise when he was only a kit, Crookedstar couldn’t see that loyalty to an entire Clan was different from loving a single cat. Mapleshade steadily stole everything Crookedstar loved most, and only when his daughter Silverstream died birthing Graystripe’s kits did she decide she was done. But Mapleshade had lost. Crookedstar went on.
No cat had ever known about Mapleshade until Mapleshade came in one of Rapidwing’s dreams. Rapidwing of RiverClan, however, was not fooled, and he realized that Mapleshade was a Dark Forest cat. He tricked her into spilling out everything she had done, and he used it to his advantage, warning cats not to listen to her.
“But you can’t be Mapleshade’s descendant! Mapleshade’s kits all drowned!” Lightningstar fussed, frustrated.
“That’s what she thought.” Rustshade developed a huge grin. “Can you imagine her response when she found out about me? She didn’t know that one of her kits survived and went on to birth another generation, and then that generation birthed another, and so on. She didn’t know about them until I came along, and I explained to her that I was one of her descendants!”
“So, what are you doing on ThunderClan’s territory?” Lightningstar growled.
“Frostspirit,” Rustshade turned to the she-cat, eyes narrowing in fury. “You left me.”
“I did!” Frostspirit agreed angrily. “And I found the mate I truly want!” she motioned to her mate.
Rustshade bristled. “You did?” he unsheathed his claws. “Why did you leave me? Was it for this miserable flea-pelt?”
“I am not a miserable flea-pelt!” Cinderfrost countered.
“On the contrary, you are.” Rustshade retorted. “Frostspirit, now I see that Mapleshade was right.”
Frostspirit stared questioningly at him.
“You see, Mapleshade said that love is worthless. That caring about a cat more than yourself has no purpose.” Rustshade seethed. “I fell in love with you, Frostspirit. Mapleshade felt betrayed. She said that I would come back to her, begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. I thought she was wrong, but she was right.” His eyes burned with the deepest hatred. “When you left me, I was left broken and alone. If I had never cared, I wouldn’t have been destroyed. Only now do I see that Mapleshade was right all along! Love means nothing!”
“So what are you here for?” Icetooth gnashed her fangs.
“Rustshade, you might as well leave. You will never convince Frostspirit that love is pointless!” Snowfoot agreed.
“Oh, I know that.” Rustshade’s lip curled back hideously. “But if I can’t convince her that what she’s doing is wrong, I might as well give her a sense of what I felt when she left me. Revenge gives you motivation. I learned that from Mapleshade, not any of you!”
“What are you going to do, Rustshade?” Frostspirit sighed.
Rustshade grinned. “Are you challenging me?”
“No.” Frostspirit forced herself to flatten her spiking fur. “If I can avoid this by apologizing, I don’t need to challenge you, or be challenged by you.”
Rustshade stalked towards her, eyes blazing with the purest spite. “You tore my life apart. You destroyed my honor. You made me make mistakes I would never have made before you. You made me weak. You killed everything that made me strong.” He took one step closer and then froze, stiff as stone. “And you think you can solve this with an apology?”
Frostspirit fumbled, failing to find the right words. “Well—“
“Well, what?!” Rustshade sneered.
“Stop, please!” Lightningstar begged from behind.
Rustshade ignored her.
“Well, honey,” Rustshade began, smooth as silk, “it’s too bad you can’t.”
Quick as a Thunderpath monster, Rustshade leapt at Cinderfrost, who yowled in surprise. Rustshade growled, practically leaking fury as he bit into Cinderfrost’s neck.
“Choose your last words,” Rustshade whispered.
“Love is not worthless,” Cinderfrost rasped. “Love is more powerful than—“
Cinderfrost’s body collapsed, his throat slit open by Rustshade’s teeth, seeping blood.
“What?” Rustshade challenged, snarling. “Love is more powerful than what?!”
“Than anything,” Frostspirit concluded miserably. “Love is more powerful than anything.”
“I’m afraid he didn’t get out the last part.” Rustshade smirked. “That gives me time to explain the truth. Love is more powerful than nothing. Anything can overpower love—anything!”
Frostspirit was paralyzed, frozen in that spot, staring at her mate, who was now dead.
“Love is more powerful than anything, Rustshade.” Lightningstar croaked, disgusted by the rogue. “Frostspirit, I give you permission to kill this cat.”
Frostspirit looked up at Lightningstar with surprise.
“You can try.” Rustshade seethed.
Frostspirit turned to him, fuming. “And I will.”
As Lightningstar stared at the she-cat fighting for her deceased mate, she felt sadness overwhelm her.
Love is more powerful than anything. That is what I’ve believed since I met Breezeheart, and it’s true.
But who’s to say what real love is and what it’s not?
Who do I love, Shameshadow or Breezeheart?
Lightningstar became involved only with her own thoughts.
I don’t really have a choice, do I?
I’ve already picked Shameshadow.
“Lightningstar,” Shameshadow muttered.
Lightningstar shook her head, clearing her thoughts. She watched Rustshade’s body fall to the ground, limp and unmoving, eyes glazing over. Lightningstar saw pain in Frostspirit’s eyes, mixed with a great sense of triumph.
“Frostspirit, are you okay?” Lightningstar asked quietly.
Frostspirit turned to look at her, eyes raw and reddened from seeping tears. “I killed him, Lightningstar. He killed the cat I loved most. I loved Cinderfrost so much. Rustshade was once my mate, but no longer; he deserved what he got. But I can’t help knowing…that Rustshade had dreams and ambitions of his own. Most likely they will never be completed now.”
Lightningstar thought about this, understanding why this hurt the she-cat, even though the tom had caused her great pain. “Frostspirit, I’m sure they already are.”
Frostspirit turned to stare at her. “How do you know?”
Lightningstar cast her eyes down. “I know because of the look in his eyes. That burning hatred, the spite clouding his eyes and darkening his heart…I saw it. And that’s when I realized that this was probably the only thing he ever wanted to accomplish after you left. He killed Cinderfrost and tore you apart. He got revenge on ThunderClan for Mapleshade.”
“I guess…maybe…” Frostspirit began crying, and whispered, “Maybe you’re right. Maybe all he ever wanted was to destroy me.”
Lightningstar nodded sadly, knowing how this must have felt for Frostspirit.
I grieve for Cinderfrost, and I hope Frostspirit will be okay.
But now I’m questioning my choices. I thought I loved Shameshadow, but it hurts me so much that Breezeheart despises me…

Is it finished?

Chapter 11
Lightningstar woke up the next morning, still trying to decide who she loved more; Shameshadow or Breezeheart.
But thinking about it, she gained that empty feeling in her stomach, like a pit that hadn’t been filled.
“Lightningstar, there you are!” Shameshadow purred enthusiastically. “I’ve obtained a message I must tell you.”
Lightningstar perked her ears. “What is it?”
“There was a loner. And he wanted to meet the four Clans tonight at Fourtrees.” Shameshadow announced. “Are we going to meet him? I think it might be best, because he says he must talk to us about a new danger in the forest.”
“A new danger, is it?” Lightningstar replied. She leapt onto the Highrock. “Shameshadow has told me that a loner spoke to him about wanting to meet the Clans tonight at Fourtrees to discuss a new threat in the forest. If this is what he wishes to speak to us about, I believe we should go. Does anyone volunteer to go tell the other Clans?”
Slateshine gazed around uncertainly. “Lightningstar, do you really think this is a good idea? We don’t even know this loner.” Her expression grew harder. “Or are you just listening to whatever this tom tells you?”
Shameshadow bristled, but Lightningstar silenced him with a swish of her tail.
“I agree that it is slightly suspicious.” Lightningstar stared out at her Clan. “But I believe that Shameshadow is trustworthy. No, I do not agree with everything he says, but I think this is a good idea.”
“Whatever you say,” Breezeheart drawled bitterly.
Lightningstar sighed, and the pit in her stomach deepened. “Frostspirit, could you please go and tell the other Clans what we’re going to do tonight?”
Frostspirit nodded stiffly, clearly still overwhelmed by Cinderfrost’s death.
“Please, Frostspirit. It won’t be so bad.” Lightningstar urged.
Frostspirit looked more pleased with the idea now, clearly knowing Lightningstar’s last bit of unspoken words.
Maybe it will get your mind off of Cinderfrost.
Frostspirit ran off, and Breezeheart’s emerald eyes glinted dangerously.
“What!” Lightningstar snapped at her deputy.
“Nothing, I just enjoy seeing how you acknowledge everything Shameshadow says. It’s so…nice.” Breezeheart snarled.
From the tone of his voice, I can tell he doesn’t think it’s nice at all…
“She doesn’t,” Shameshadow replied casually. “I just have good ideas and make reasonable choices.”
Breezeheart’s fur bristled and he whipped around to scowl. “Unlike me, I suppose?”
Lightningstar could tell something bad was going to happen—like a squabble between her mate and her deputy. “Stop, you two—Shameshadow, you don’t need to make a point out of how dumb Breezeheart supposedly is. Breezeheart, you don’t have to be so bitter.”
“Don’t I?” Breezeheart snickered, lurking back into the warriors’ den.
Lightningstar watched as Slateshine padded up to her.
“You know, Earthpelt wouldn’t want this,” Slateshine whispered.
Lightningstar stared at her, wondering what she meant.
“Shameshadow is unworthy of any cat’s love, Lightningstar. I can see it and so can Breezeheart.” Slateshine continued.
Lightningstar growled. “Shameshadow is a perfectly worthy and capable mate!”
“That’s how it seems, isn’t it?” Slateshine said, sarcasm edging her voice. She turned away. “You’ll see. Someday, Shameshadow will prove to you that he’s not worth a mouse tail.”
“You’re just as bad as Breezeheart.” Lightningstar hissed. “Just like Breezeheart, you’d claw Shameshadow’s pelt off for a couple of squirrels.”
“I would.” Slateshine agreed, still not facing her leader. “You don’t understand that it is actually him and I who have the correct impressions of Shameshadow. You are being fooled, Lightningstar. Heed my warning.”
Lightningstar held an icy sneer to the she-cat’s back. “Slateshine, where do you even get these foolish ideas? Do you and Breezeheart have any proof?”
Slateshine gazed back over her shoulder, eyes clouding over with a strange sadness. “No. But you know how sometimes you just get a feeling?” she flicked her tail dismissively, walking away. “This time I’m sure it’s accurate.”
Lightningstar felt her head begin to ache.
It’s not possible that Breezeheart and Slateshine are right. They’re both wrong; Shameshadow is the most wonderful cat I ever met.
Lightningstar said it over and over again, weakening with a sense of doom.
No matter how many times she muttered it, it never seemed true.
Lightningstar walked over to Shameshadow.
“What’s the problem?” Shameshadow frowned.
“Slateshine and Breezeheart…they really think you’re untrustworthy. They think you’re tricking me or going to betray me or something like that.” Lightningstar breathed uneasily.
“Oh.” Shameshadow muttered gravely. “Don’t let them cloud your mind. You’re ThunderClan’s leader; distractions are nothing.”
Lightningstar nodded in agreement. She ignored two very strange things she’d noticed.
Shameshadow hadn’t looked sad. He looked as if a grin was pulling at his mouth and as if he was valiantly attempting to look sad.
Lightningstar waited till nightfall to lead her Clan to Fourtrees.
“We’ve got to know what the new danger is.” Shameshadow blathered. “This loner was very insistent.”
By now, Lightningstar knew all of the Clans knew Shameshadow. And most of them, she believed, trusted him. But not all of them, she reminded herself. But maybe they wouldn’t be suspicious of the loner if Shameshadow trusted him?
Lightningstar met up with the other leaders at Fourtrees.
“He’s coming,” Shameshadow assured the Clans. Suddenly, there was movement in the bushes. “There! There he is.”
Lightningstar gasped in horror. This was the ugliest cat she had ever seen. He had stomach fur, eyes, a tail tip, and a paw, all the crimson of blood. His claws were unsheathed, as if he might just attack any cat that crossed his path. The tom’s eyes glinted with danger and burned with hatred. His pelt was ragged and torn, probably from countless battles, and in some spots, you could see dried and clotted blood.
The tom bared jagged fangs that looked as if they were going to welcome the taste of torn flesh.
All the cats looked around as, suddenly, Shameshadow was gone.
Lightningstar gazed at the leaders uneasily. We can’t afford to lose any cats! This tom looks as if he kills…
“Who are you?” Raccoonstar demanded.
The dreadful tom purred, amused. “I am the loner your friend spoke of. I am Endertail.”
“Well…you said there was a new danger in the forest?” Violetstrike shifted uncomfortably, hiding half-behind Blackstar.
“I never said such things,” Endertail growled.
“Wait a minute. Endertail…” Blackstar gaped in terror. “You, you’re that—that cat…”
“That’s right.” Endertail gnashed his teeth.
“That’s right! I remember now!” Silverfeather exclaimed. “Endertail earned his warrior name. But he decided that killing cats from his own Clan was okay—he claimed it taught us a valuable lesson about fighting, but it taught us nothing but despair. Blackstar exiled him. The day after, Shameshadow disappeared…”
Lightningstar’s eyes widened in disbelief and spat, “You’re not a loner; you’re a rogue!”
“What of it?” Endertail drawled.
“Endertail, you are a coward. You never came back to ShadowClan, never even argued when you got exiled.” Blackstar declared.
Endertail twitched and his pelt bristled. His eyes blazed with fury. “Is that what you think?” he growled from deep within his throat. “So be it.”
He leapt at Blackstar, who narrowed his eyes and hissed.
Lightningstar watched in horror as, quickly as the tussle began, Endertail’s tail tip turned into a jagged blade.
It tore through Blackstar’s heart, and Blackstar trembled, and fell to the dusty ground.
“No!” Silverfeather yowled. She ran off instantly for the Moonstone to get her nine lives, panicked and afraid.
“Who’s next?” Endertail snarled. The cats spat in rage, but their eyes revealed fear.
“You cannot do this to us! You have no right!” Raccoonstar screeched.
“I take that as a challenge?” Endertail seethed, growling as he pounced onto Raccoonstar.
Raccoonstar dodged several blows of Endertail’s sharp, broken claws and the fight lasted longer, because she avoided his tail tip.
But it didn’t last for much longer.
Endertail easily predicted her moves, and sent his tail tip slicing through Raccoonstar’s heart as well. He smiled, amused, as a dark stain spread throughout the bodies.
“Why is this happening to us?!” Rapidwing cried, dashing after Silverfeather.
Lightningstar’s heartbeat thumped harder and harder, terrorized.
Endertail kills! And he thinks it is fun!
Lightningstar exchanged a look with all of the other cats.
“Run, worthless scraps of fur!” Endertail howled in laughter. “Run or face your deaths right here at Fourtrees! Wash these useless trees in crimson!”
Right at that moment, the Clan cats ran horrified, back to their camps.
Shameshadow was still gone.
Lightningstar saw the other cats noticing the same thing. Slateshine shot an I-told-you-so look at her. Breezeheart just scowled, as if thinking that Lightningstar would go as far as running after Shameshadow.
Where did he go?
Lightningstar had not seen the shadow, flickering and flitting behind Endertail.

Chapter 12
Days went, and Shameshadow did not come.
“Where is he?” Lightningstar moaned.
“Lovesick,” Breezeheart muttered, disgusted.
“Hey. You’re my deputy, so you’d better get used to it,” but the fire in Lightningstar’s voice was gone.
For the first time since she took Shameshadow as her mate, Lightningstar thought she saw weakness and pity in Breezeheart’s eyes.
A minute later, they recovered to a cruel expression of hatred, and Breezeheart padded away.
“He’s not going to come back, you know.” Slateshine said, walking up to Lightningstar.
“What do you mean? Why won’t Breezeheart come back? He isn’t going anywhere, is he?” Lightningstar asked, suddenly concerned.
“No! Not Breezeheart! I mean Shameshadow.” Slateshine replied. “Shameshadow is not going to come back.”
Lightningstar flinched. “Of course he will. Shameshadow is my mate; he wouldn’t just disappear like that, leaving me.”
Would he?
“Are you sure?” Breezeheart snarled from behind. “That’s what you did to me.”
Lightningstar swung around to Breezeheart, but he was gone.
“He was extremely hurt when you took Shameshadow instead of him.” Slateshine’s eyes were begging and pleading, watering. “Can’t you see now? Why don’t you see? Shameshadow is not trustworthy!”
“He will come back for me!” Lightningstar snapped.
I refuse to believe that my mate is evil!
“Lightningstar, you have always had good judgment.” Slateshine turned away. “What changed?”
Lightningstar, too frustrated to retort, turned away and padded into her den.
Shameshadow will come back. He will!
Lightningstar reminded herself of the prophecy.
“A cat with fur the color of blood shall come and sweep love away, showing only the truth, the pain of betrayal.”
That was what Earthpelt and Singetracker had said.
What did it mean?
Lightningstar’s heart lurched.
Wait. Breezeheart felt like I betrayed him when I took another mate.
Is Shameshadow going to fall in love with another she-cat?
Lightningstar felt sick. When she swallowed, it hurt.
She was about to go over to Shameshadow when she realized he was still gone, vanished.
Oh, Shameshadow, where are you?
I need you.
Lightningstar’s eyes watered, and she began to cry.
“Lightningstar, are you there?” Breezeheart’s voice was barely more than a whisper.
Lightningstar stared up at her deputy with raw, bloodshot eyes.
“I think it’s my job, as your deputy, to tell you that Endertail has issued a peaceful meeting at Fourtrees—right now.” Breezeheart muttered. “ShadowClan was going to Fourtrees when Endertail found them and began talking with them. Silverstar has already agreed, and so has Rapidstar.”
“What about Goldenstar?” Lightningstar asked quietly, voice rasping.
“She—“
Breezeheart was interrupted by Brambleclaw.
“Goldenstar has just agreed. Are we going?” Brambleclaw questioned.
Lightningstar stood. “Yes. If the other Clans are going, there’s no reason for us not to.”
“But—it’s Endertail!” Slateshine blurted. “I mean, it’s not like I don’t want to get revenge or anything. But still, this cat killed Blackstar and Raccoonstar. I think Silverstar and Rapidstar are in leadership unprepared!”
“Are we ever really prepared for our leader to die?” Lightningstar sighed, remembering the death of her fiery ginger leader. “We’re going. ThunderClan, we cannot be afraid.”
Cats nodded in agreement. After brief hesitation, Slateshine began nodding as well.
Lightningstar lead her Clan to Endertail, heart beating fast.
Let’s just hope Endertail was being honest when he insisted it was a “peaceful” meeting!
Endertail was waiting, the same ugly, deadly tom that killed RiverClan and ShadowClan’s leaders.
“Clans, I’d like to win back what is rightfully mine.” Endertail announced.
Lightningstar’s heart began thumping against her chest, louder. What could that possibly be?
“And what’s that? What more do you want to take from us?” Rapidstar demanded.
“Yeah, you’ve already taken the lives of two of the most important cats we have!” Silverstar agreed.
“I am well aware of that, and now all of you have learned a valuable lesson.” Endertail said silkily.
“And what would that be?” Goldenstar shivered in apprehension.
Endertail bared his jagged, flesh-tearing fangs. “Never mess with Endertail.”
Lightningstar, as well as most of the other cats, jerked in surprise.
“I thought this was supposed to a peaceful meeting!” Lightningstar protested.
“Well, there hasn’t been any pelt-snagging or flesh-tearing so far, has there?” Endertail sneered.
Lightningstar flinched.
“So, back to the point,” Slateshine sidled up to her leader, bold eyes gazing up at the ferocious tom. “Endertail, what would you like to reclaim?”
“Oh, yes, that.” Endertail said in a manner suggesting he’d forgotten. Looking at him, it was clear he had done anything but forget. “The entire forest is something I have rights to!”
Cats gasped.
“And where do those rights come from?” Breezeheart demanded. His emerald eyes sparkled; daring and brave.
He is brave, isn’t he? Breezeheart is a good deputy.
Speaking of him, where’s Shameshadow? He’s still gone…
“I am a rogue. I was once a Clan cat and the Clans own the forest—‘rightfully,’ according to you.” Endertail scoffed. “It’s as simple as that. I was once a member of a group that owned a portion of this forest. I left the group, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t once contribute to that part of the forest. Therefore, I have rights—“
“That’s foolish,” Silverstar interrupted, gritting her teeth.
“It is, is it?” Endertail’s eyes glinted. “Well, I agreed for this to be a peaceful meeting. But, to be fair, I’d like to tell you a bit about my Clan.”
Icetooth shot a confused look at him, as did many of the other cats.
“You see, I am the leader of DeathClan. This is a two-cat Clan consisting of my brother and me only.” Endertail grinned. “We do not need anyone else! We have mutations. You have seen my tail blade. My brother, well, he can turn into a shadow.”
“We will not just hand over our forest!” Goldenstar countered.
“I expected as much.” Endertail unsheathed his broken, treacherous claws. “This is why I am going to battle with you, tomorrow. I’m going to battle with you right here.”
“What do you mean, tomorrow?!” Lightningstar spluttered in horror. “I’m not objecting to the battle—none of us are—but tomorrow? Don’t you think we need a bit longer to prepare?”
“No cat should care about the opponent! It’s their life that matters and their life only. If they have allies, they are only there to help the cat survive.” Endertail growled. “No reasonable cat would dare care for others. Peace does not bring any rewards except for sacrifice of you at the cost of peace. And that brings nothing! Peace means nothing!”
“It does!” Breezeheart retorted fiercely. “Peace means everything!”
“Does it? Or is it just a weakness in the disguise of strength?” Endertail sneered. “Clans, we are going to battle tomorrow. You are in no state to object!”
“Who says we aren’t?” Silverstar spat. “We can do whatever we want!”
Lightningstar smiled at the young she-cat, plunged into leadership perhaps a bit too soon. But she’s gutsy, and she is loyal to the last.
“You know that I have killed two of your leaders. I can do the same to all of you.” Endertail dug his claws into the earth. “Would you rather have a fair battle tomorrow, or bleed your lives out, washing your sacred Fourtrees with red?”
“StarClan doesn’t want bloodshed.” Lightningstar murmured.
Endertail snapped around to glower at her. “Who cares about what StarClan thinks? They’re just the spirits of the cats that weren’t strong enough to survive. Worthless! If you let StarClan guide your path, you’ll lead a trail of weakness and suffering. StarClan gives you a soft life! In the real world, you get to know what really living is!”
“StarClan guides us to the greatest paths we have ever known!” Lightningstar snarled.
“I’m going to ignore your foolishness.” Endertail glared, red eyes burning with hatred and dancing like flames. “Like I said, my brother is the only other cat in my Clan.”
“Then let us meet him!” Lightningstar challenged.
Endertail grinned toothily. “Oh, brother, my friend, would you please come out?”
A shadow flitted behind him, ruffling bushes. Finally, the shadow stood next to Endertail, blank eyes with no pupils leering.
The shadow reverted back in a series of slow, smooth events.
Lightningstar’s heart stopped.
It was Shameshadow.

Chapter 13
The tom Lightningstar had adored stood next to his murderous brother, glaring down at every cat.
His eyes fell on Lightningstar, who sunk to the ground, trembling and whimpering like a kit.
Slateshine stared in shock at the tom. “I knew you were going to betray us! I never trusted you!”
“Then Lightningstar should have believed you.” Shameshadow leered, voice smooth as silk. “It’s really a pity she didn’t.”
Lightningstar’s whimpering grew louder until she was crying, tears leaking out of her eyes onto the ground.
“I never trusted you either, you fox-hearted murderer!” Breezeheart sneered.
Shameshadow smirked. “Lightningstar, you have failed everyone in this entire forest. You should be exiled by your own Clan.”
Lightningstar buried her head in her paws, trying to hide the noises of her crying, and only succeeded in muffling them.
“Don’t you dare speak to Lightningstar like that?!”
Lightningstar looked up in shock at Breezeheart, who had despised her ever since she’d gotten rid of him for Shameshadow—who turned out to be a backstabbing traitor.
Suddenly, the prophecy made sense to Lightningstar. Endertail, a cat with fur the color of blood, had destroyed her love. The only thing that showed now was the truth about everything, revealing all the lies that had been said before, and the pain that betrayal brought.
Shameshadow looked startled for a moment. Endertail’s icy sneer remained. He didn’t even flinch.
“Lightningstar is a brave and loyal leader. She is every bit as worthy as any of us—or any of you!” Breezeheart yowled.
A yowl of approval came from the Clan cats, all supporting Lightningstar.
“Would you like to know why I betrayed you?” Shameshadow hissed.
Lightningstar was still crying and trembling, but she lifted her head for only a moment and nodded.
“Fine,” Endertail growled. “We found out about the next prophecy before any of you did.”
Shameshadow and Endertail began speaking together.
“Against the dark power arising, only the Clans can unite to stop it. But just two, with lightning in her paws and breeze in his, together, can defeat dark with light.”
“Obviously, what the prophecy was saying was that Shameshadow and I were the ‘dark power.’ And the cat with lightning in her paws was Lightningstar; the cat with breeze in his paws was Breezeheart.” Endertail explained with fangs gritted. “But it clearly said that Lightningstar and Breezeheart could only defeat us together. If we brought them apart, then they wouldn’t be able to stop us.”
“So that’s when my brother came up with the idea to make Lightningstar fall in love with me, and make her accept me into ThunderClan.” Shameshadow snickered. “We would be accomplishing two things. The first would be that, by joining ThunderClan, I could gain valuable information about the Clans’ weak points.”
“And what’s the second?” Lightningstar croaked weakly; she was barely audible.
Shameshadow grinned. “The second was that, by becoming your mate, we could separate you and Breezeheart. We knew Breezeheart would hate you the moment you discarded him for me. And we doubt that, even after knowing about my deceit, Breezeheart will want anything to do with you!”
“We have won! The forest is ours!” Endertail cackled. “Lightningstar and Breezeheart are separated—not together! They cannot defeat us!”
“You have won?” Slateshine glanced doubtfully at the two toms.
“We have!” Endertail declared triumphantly.
“No. You are wrong.”
Endertail and Shameshadow whipped around to face Breezeheart, Lightningstar’s daring deputy.
“What do you mean, I’m wrong?” Endertail spat.
“You said you have gotten me to not want anything to do with Lightningstar.” Breezeheart snarled, stepping closer to his leader. “And you are wrong. You have not accomplished that, not even in the slightest bit.”
Endertail scowled while Shameshadow looked confused.
“You see, you may have separated me from her before. But now I see that she was powerless to do otherwise.” Breezeheart replied with emerald eyes narrowed. “She was tricked into it. It wasn’t Lightningstar’s fault. And I forgive her.”
“What!” Endertail sneered. “But she chose my brother over you!”
“Not anymore,” Breezeheart’s voice cracked as he motioned to the she-cat, heartbroken and crying. “She has been betrayed, and I expect to stay with her for the rest of my life.”
Breezeheart padded over to his leader and nuzzled her face. Lightningstar stared up slowly.
“You forgive me?” Lightningstar whispered, astounded and in disbelief.
Breezeheart nodded. “With all of my heart, Lightningstar,” he murmured back.
Lightningstar smiled lightly and stood, powered by Breezeheart’s words, heartbreak falling to ash. She entwined her tail in his.
“Are we mates again?” Breezeheart asked, smiling.
“Forever,” Lightningstar replied, her smile warm. “And never again will I be fooled.”
The two turned to glare at Shameshadow and Endertail.
“No!” Shameshadow collapsed to the ground, horrified.
“You failed me,” Endertail seethed. “And failures must be punished.”
“No—please, no!” Shameshadow begged. “You’re my brother!”
“I am.” Endertail drawled, as if it meant nothing. “You have failed. And I do not forgive easily.”
Shameshadow’s eyes widened, terrified. “Wait—no!”
Endertail was dragging Shameshadow into the bushes, his eyes blazing with spite and rage.
Endertail’s voice got quieter and quieter, and he went out of sight. But he kept on saying the same thing, furiously, over and over again, “I do not forgive easily!”
“I wonder what he’s going to do to him.” Breezeheart muttered.
“I don’t really care.” Lightningstar said quietly.
Breezeheart entwined his tail tighter around hers.
ThunderClan went back to their camp.
“The traitors are gone, leaving the Clans pure.” Slateshine announced. Then she shifted. “Well, I guess there are bound to be more traitors later in life, right?”
“I guess.” Lightningstar meowed. She leapt onto the Highrock. “Just because that is over does not mean we do not prepare! The battle against Endertail and Shameshadow is tomorrow. We are going to train—and do it hard!”
“But, Lightningstar,” Cloudtail asked oddly, “why do we need to train if the prophecy says that, as long as you and Breezeheart are together, we’ll win?”
“Just because the prophecy says we’ll win does not mean it is true. It’s just a prediction. We have to train anyway,” Brightheart mewed lightly, resting her tail tip on her mate’s shoulder.
Cloudtail nodded in understanding.
“Well said, Brightheart,” Lightningstar nodded at the she-cat. “Anyway, Sandstorm, could you please arrange the aggression station? Slateshine, you’ll be in charge of the cunning station. I’ll be doing the bravery station.”
Cats stared up at her questioningly.
“The aggression station is where you train fighting using straight-out aggression. It’s more instinctive, and these moves do a lot of damage.” Lightningstar explained. “The cunning station is where you train fighting using cleverness. This is less about damaging your opponent and more about tricking them and using your smartness.” She paused. “The bravery station is about training fighting with boldness. These are moves that will cost you in battle, but they will damage your opponent a great amount. Sometimes the bravery moves will cost you enough so that it’s a last resort, but you’ll see.”
ThunderClan nodded in understanding.
“ThunderClan, you will begin with the cunning station, followed by the bravery station, followed by the aggression station.” Lightningstar meowed. “You are not allowed to rotate stations until you have fully mastered that station’s techniques. Once you have gone through them all, you go over them again. I understand training is hard, so we will train until sunset.”
“Lightningstar, Slateshine and I need to train to, don’t we?” Sandstorm asked.
“Yes. While most of us will be done by sunset, Slateshine, you, and I will train each other until the moon rises. This is because, when we are teaching others, we aren’t doing it ourselves, so we must train as well.” Lightningstar replied.
Sandstorm and Slateshine nodded vigorously.
“All right, let’s begin!” Lightningstar yowled, jumping down from the Highrock. Cats muttered amongst themselves excitedly.
ThunderClan was divided into three groups, one for each station. They would rotate eventually.
The training went well until just about sunset, when the rest of the cats were settling down.
Sandstorm and Slateshine were ready to train with Lightningstar, when they heard her yowl.
“What’s wrong?” Breezeheart breathed, skidding over to his mate.
“I—I don’t know!” Lightningstar coughed and then began wailing again.
“She’s kitting,” Tinyblitz gasped.
“Kitting?” Breezeheart asked in disbelief. “Whose kits are they?”
“I don’t know! If they were yours…” Lightningstar made a piercing yowl. “If they were yours, I must have not known I was a queen! I’d have to have been a queen before Shameshadow if they’re yours. I don’t think they’re Shameshadow’s!”
Lightningstar wailed, and the high-pitched noise echoed throughout the camp.
And there was a little, light gray kit with white belly fur.
“Are there any more kits? This one is a she-kit.” Tinyblitz demanded.
“No, I don’t think so.” Lightningstar replied.
Breezeheart stared at the kit before deciding, “You’re right. She’s my kit.”
Lightningstar nodded, smiling.
“What are you going to name her?” Frostspirit asked in awe. Then her face turned sad. “I might have had some of my own if Cinderfrost had lived…”
“I’m sorry, Frostspirit.” Lightningstar said sympathetically.
“No, no, this is no time for bad thoughts.” Frostspirit’s expression brightened a great deal. “Lightningstar, you’ve had kits! Congratulations!”
“I’m going to name her…” Lightningstar stared at her kit’s light gray pelt. “I’ll name her Stonekit.”
Stonekit mewed plaintively, looking for her mother. Lightningstar gently drove her over to her with her tail. Stonekit began suckling immediately.
Breezeheart smiled at his kit. “She’s beautiful.”
Lightningstar nodded. Then she frowned. “Breezeheart, I’m sorry, but could you please take care of Stonekit for now? I have to train.”
“Of course,” Breezeheart purred. All of a sudden, his expression was alarmed. “Wait. Lightningstar, Stonekit can’t fight tomorrow! She’s only a kit! What are we going to do?”
“We can’t send her into apprenticeship early.” Lightningstar moaned. “How about we keep her here during the battle under the care of Tinyblitz?”
Tinyblitz nodded. “I would do that.”
“Okay. That’s one problem solved.” Breezeheart mewed.
Lightningstar began training with Slateshine and Sandstorm. When the moon rose, they stopped, and Lightningstar padded over to her kit.
“Hello, Stonekit,” Lightningstar whispered.
“Lightningstar, why were you all training so hard?” Stonekit squeaked.
“There are two cats named Endertail and Shameshadow, and they formed a two-cat Clan called DeathClan. They’re battling with us tomorrow, for rights of the forest.” Lightningstar explained quietly. “Endertail has already killed RiverClan’s former leader, Raccoonstar. He did the same to Blackstar of ShadowClan. Shameshadow fooled me into being his mate.”
“Why?” Stonekit’s eyes widened.
“Because there was a prophecy that said we could only defeat them if Breezeheart and I were together.” Lightningstar meowed. “But they failed. Breezeheart and I are back together now.”
“I’m not Shameshadow’s kit…right?” Stonekit mewed.
“No, you’re Breezeheart’s kit.” Lightningstar licked her young kit’s head.
“I can’t believe my mother is the leader of ThunderClan!” Stonekit puffed her chest proudly. “And my father is ThunderClan’s deputy!”
“Don’t get too proud, otherwise you might become arrogant,” Lightningstar warned good-naturedly.
“Okay!” Stonekit chirped. “Am I going to be able to fight with you?”
Lightningstar frowned, heart aching as she saw the hopeful expression on her daughter’s face. “I’m sorry, Stonekit. You’re too young. To send kits into battle—that’s cruel.”
Stonekit’s faithful look fell, collapsing into a frown. “But I want to fight alongside my Clan!” she whined.
“And you will, someday.” Breezeheart meowed. “One day, you’ll be an apprentice. And then you’ll be a warrior.”
This seemed to calm Stonekit, and she kicked out her back legs. “I’m going to be the best warrior ThunderClan has ever seen!”
“We’ll see about that, young one.” Icetooth mewed as she passed by.
“I am!” Stonekit protested.
Lightningstar and Breezeheart exchanged an amused look.
“Don’t you think I’ll be a good warrior?” Stonekit turned to Lightningstar.
“Of course,” Lightningstar acknowledged.
“You’re an ambitious young kit, aren’t you?” Snowfoot purred.
Stonekit turned to face the she-cat, nodding eagerly.
Snowfoot laughed, turning to the kit’s parents. “She’ll be a great warrior, you know. I can practically see the potential spilling out of her.”
“Thank you.” Lightningstar replied. Stonekit held her head up with pride.
“I’m only saying it because it’s true.” Snowfoot said simply, swishing her tail and padding away.
“See? Snowfoot said I’m going to be a great warrior!” Stonekit announced loudly, trying to make sure every cat could hear her. Though many did, some did not.
“You have to become an apprentice first!” Breezeheart smiled, satisfied.
“I don’t want to wait six moons.” Stonekit huffed.
“I can imagine!” Breezeheart laughed gently. “Six moons may sound like a long time to wait, but it’s not.”
“It sounds like it’s long because it is long,” Stonekit countered, muttering.
Lightningstar couldn’t suppress a grin. She’s gutsy! Not afraid to say what she wants…
Lightningstar knew that, though this may have had a negative effect on other warriors, it would not on Stonekit. She purred tentatively.
Stonekit will be able to speak out for what’s right. She just needs some patience, that’s all. Then Stonekit will be one of the finest warriors any cat has ever seen—ThunderClan or not!
She glanced at her mate.
I can tell Breezeheart thinks the same.
Lightningstar smiled at the young kit, prancing around the nursery.
There’s one thing she won’t be good at, though…
Lightningstar laughed softly to herself.
How will Stonekit ever manage trying to be silent? She’s as loud as a flock of crows!
Stonekit began playing with a ball of moss, rolling around with it and swatting at it. Breezeheart grinned.
Lightningstar, though slightly calmed by watching her young daughter, was nowhere near fully tamed.
The battle the next day was yet to come.

Chapter 14
Lightningstar woke up the next day feeling refreshed and renewed.
Until she remembered about the battle, and she began feeling deeply sickened.
“We are going to the battle against DeathClan! We have trained and we are going to win. We are going to do everything we can!” Lightningstar demanded. Yowls of approval met her words. Her eyes fell on her medicine cat. “Tinyblitz, do not let Endertail or Shameshadow get through to Stonekit. Do you understand?”
All the ferocity of a warrior burned in Tinyblitz’s eyes. “Lightningstar, I would never let a cat bring danger to your kit. Kits are some of the most valuable—and delicate—cats we have. Without kits, there would be no Clan.” He nodded conclusively. “Stonekit will be safe under my protection, Lightningstar.”
Lightningstar smiled, depending on Tinyblitz. She begged to StarClan inside her head.
Please, StarClan, don’t let anything happen to Stonekit. I can’t afford it. Nobody can.
Lightningstar felt Earthpelt’s warm breath against her ear, whispering, “We can only do so much. But we will do everything we can.”
Lightningstar swung around, knowing she wasn’t asleep. I guess it was just his voice. Though it was meant to be comforting, Earthpelt’s words were not.
He said StarClan can only do so much…what does that mean for Stonekit? What about for all of us?
Breezeheart rested his tail tip lightly on her shoulder. “We are going to succeed, Lightningstar.”
“He’s right. Together, we can do anything.” Slateshine agreed encouragingly. Her expression slowly became grave. “Though that doesn’t mean Endertail and Shameshadow aren’t still dangerous. We have to keep our eyes out; protect not only ourselves.”
Lightningstar nodded, knowing Slateshine was right.
The four Clans met up halfway to Fourtrees, gathering in a sort of protective pack, looking out every which way.
Shocked, the Clans were abruptly standing alone in the depth of Fourtrees.
Lightningstar sighed in relief. “Good, they forgot.”
“We did?”
Lightningstar’s stomach lurched at the sound of a rasping, deep voice. Its pitch was low and sounded as if, though it was simply one voice, many cats were speaking at once.
A shadowy figure clawed Lightningstar across the tail. She yelped.
Lightningstar struck the shadow back, biting his tail. He yowled eerily and reverted back to Shameshadow.
“So, you have a different voice when you’re a shadow. And once you’re hit as a shadow, you revert back.” Lightningstar hissed.
Shameshadow grinned. “But I can just as easily turn back into a shadow.”
Lightningstar suddenly heard pained screeches and yowls, one after another. She turned in shock to see countless cats, already lying on the ground, panting for air, stabbed by Endertail.
“You kill Blackstar, you die!” Silverstar shouted from behind.
Endertail whirled to face her and immediately pounced. It was a fierce struggle, but Endertail stabbed her, and she sunk to the ground.
“Rapidstar,” Silverstar rasped. “He killed Raccoonstar too. Finish him.”
Rapidstar stared into the she-cat’s determined eyes and nodded.
Endertail growled; spit flying, as he got into a tussle with the strong young tom as well. He clawed Rapidstar down the face. Rapidstar’s eyes widened in surprise and horror, and he began trembling and fell to the floor.
Breezeheart felt a tap of a tail on his shoulder. He swiveled around, but saw nothing. He felt it again and again, about ten times, before something growled and smashed into him forcefully.
Breezeheart stared at Shameshadow. Since smashing into Breezeheart took an impact on Shameshadow’s head, he was left dazed. Breezeheart took his chance and slashed Shameshadow’s face, blood forming.
In a flash, Shameshadow was gone. Breezeheart whipped around furiously, eyes daring him to come out. He saw a shadow flitting. Suddenly, it struck him. Breezeheart fell back.
And Shameshadow was gone again.
Lightningstar didn’t believe it as she saw Breezeheart and Slateshine, barely standing. The three of them were the only cats left.
No…wait.
Lightningstar gasped in horror as Breezeheart and Slateshine slackened from their injuries and collapsed to the ground, just like the other cats.
The others were lying helplessly on the ground, not dead, but struggling to get up and failing miserably.
Shameshadow was one of the flitting shadows in the bushes, the three cats knew. But Endertail was gone from sight. Soon, Shameshadow was gone too.
Where are they?
“Do you see them anywhere?” Lightningstar asked Slateshine, who was lying on the ground.
Slateshine shook her head weakly. “I…don’t know…” she coughed. “Where they are…”
Lightningstar’s heart was pierced as she stared around at all the hurt cats. Suddenly, she hardened.
And to think one of these fox-hearted beasts was my mate!
Lightningstar ran back to camp, suddenly thinking that perhaps the two dangerous brothers had gone there.
Halfway there, her heart stopped.
My daughter is there!
She began dashing ten times faster, ignoring her growing amount of cuts as she practically flew through thorny bushes.
Lightningstar winced. I have to reach Stonekit!
Trying desperately to convince her that Tinyblitz wouldn’t let Stonekit get hurt, Lightningstar’s heart throbbed, shuddering uncontrollably.
Stonekit is my daughter. I can’t let her die!
She took a deep, calming breath.
Relax. Tinyblitz won’t let her die. She’s only a kit. What cat would kill a kit? Not even Endertail or Shameshadow, I’m certain.
Lightningstar was not assured. She was not certain.
She began tripping over all kinds of things, even things she always ran over, like sticks and pebbles. Her paws were throbbing, going in and out of pain, but she refused to stop. Stonekit couldn’t die!
Nearing the ThunderClan camp, she smelled blood. It wasn’t death; just blood.
Lightningstar's heart began beating faster and faster. She saw a small clump of ginger-brown fur on the ground, along with a few shreds of dark red fur.
What did they do to Tinyblitz?
She ran faster, all the way into camp.
Tinyblitz was lying on the ground. He wasn’t dead, but he was bleeding, clumps of fur clawed out.
No! Shameshadow and Endertail hurt Tinyblitz!
“Lightningstar,” Tinyblitz rasped.
Lightningstar turned around slowly to face her injured medicine cat.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry…” Tinyblitz’s eyes were pained and wet. Upon seeing his leader’s confused look, he smiled wryly, and moaned, “I have failed you.”
What? Lightningstar began smelling a different scent, this one of combined blood and death. She turned around slowly, stiffly.
Stonekit was dead.

Chapter 15
“No!” Lightningstar’s piercing, pleading yowl cut through the air, banishing any trace of silence.
Stonekit’s small body was lying on the earth, motionless as a rock, cold as snow in leaf-bare.
And as dead as a mouse on the fresh-kill pile.
“I have failed you,” Tinyblitz wheezed, coughing. His eyes drifted off to the dead kit. “This is my fault. Banish me, Lightningstar. Exile me so you will never have to see my miserable face again…”
“No!” Lightningstar shot back furiously. “As angry as I might be with you for letting my kit die…” she paused, becoming softer from the hurt look on the young tom’s face. “Listen, Tinyblitz. Shameshadow and Endertail are incredibly strong. So strong that…I’m not surprised they got past you.”
A single tear rolled down out of Tinyblitz’s right eye.
“They’re so strong, that I shouldn’t have expected you to be able to keep them away.” Lightningstar breathed. “You will receive no punishment, Tinyblitz. You have tried.”
“But I failed,” Tinyblitz replied, voice rasping horribly.
“You did.” Lightningstar agreed gently. “But look at the blood clotting your pelt, the dark stain growing beneath you. Does that mean you didn’t even try? Does that mean you never tried to fight back?”
Tinyblitz was silent, before repeating, “But I failed.”
“And you almost died trying not to.” Lightningstar countered softly. “I can see you truly cared about Stonekit, Tinyblitz. You wanted to save her; you tried as hard as you could. Look at you now. They got past you, and you’re bleeding your life out.”
“I deserve it.” Tinyblitz retorted miserably, closing his eyes.
“You aren’t going to die. I won’t let you.” Lightningstar retorted. “You didn’t deserve this, Tinyblitz.”
“But your kit is dead because of me.” Tinyblitz growled weakly.
“No, Tinyblitz.” Lightningstar clarified. “Stonekit is dead because of Endertail and Shameshadow. You were the cat trying to save her.”
“But—“
“I’m not going to take any more negativity from you. You tried as hard as any cat. Any cat would have failed. You are going to live, and you are not going to be punished.” Lightningstar turned away, running with all her strength back to the fight.
Though Lightningstar had tried to be strong, tried to be forgiving, the truth was that her heart had cracked open like a dead tree.
My own daughter, my kit…she’s dead. She had so much potential…
“She’ll never be able to achieve anything now,” Lightningstar whispered to herself. She threw her head back and yowled, “Stonekit, know that if you had survived, if you had become a warrior…I would have called you Stonefall!”
There was silence before the she-cat felt Stonekit's warm breath on her ear. “I hunt with StarClan now, Lightningstar. Thank you.” she paused, and continued, “The greatest gift would be if you regarded me with my warrior name once the battle is done, is beyond.”
Lightningstar nodded, heart throbbing, pleading her young, deceased daughter to say more, but she didn't.
She returned to the place of the fight. Endertail and Shameshadow were still gone.
“Where are they?” Lightningstar demanded to any of the cats lying on the ground.
“I don’t know,” Slateshine murmured.
“Why do you look so angry?” Breezeheart moaned, moving his paws and staring down at them.
“Cats of the Clans,” Lightningstar announced furiously. “Shameshadow and Endertail have gotten past my medicine cat, Tinyblitz, who was protecting my kit from harm. Tinyblitz is horribly injured. Stonekit is dead.”
Disgusted gasps erupted from all of the injured cats, lying on the ground in pools of their own blood.
“Kill them!” Breezeheart hissed, eyes burning with anger.
“I will.” Lightningstar said darkly. “They killed our kit. Stonekit had no reason to die!”
“Are you scared?”
Lightningstar turned to Slateshine, eyes burning with pain, as if every word had to be dragged out of her in her injured state.
Lightningstar knew she had to admit the truth.
She nodded sickly.
“There is nothing wrong with being scared.” Silverstar purred. Her voice was scratchy and dry, as if her saliva had been replaced with grains of sand.
Lightningstar stared at the cats around her, all injured and lying helplessly with no power to do anything. Why am I scared to destroy the two cats that hurt them?
“Remember,” Slateshine warned, “being brave is not being fearless, but being afraid and doing it anyway.”
Somehow, Slateshine’s words gave her hope.
Lightningstar began searching for the two murderous toms.
“Love can be your greatest strength—or your greatest weakness.”
Lightningstar turned around at the sound of the dry, low-pitched sneer of a cat she knew too well.
“Shameshadow, come out here. Come out here and revert back to your regular form.” Lightningstar commanded.
“I don’t listen to a weakling’s orders.” Shameshadow spat from somewhere behind the bushes.
“Now,” Lightningstar growled forcefully.
There was silence for a few moments before a shadow lurked out of the bushes and changed back into a young tom.
“Love brings nothing. It is worth nothing, does nothing, means nothing…” Shameshadow mewed, purr soft as silk. “I really don’t understand what you—and all your useless friends—value in such nothingness. Love is worthless. That is why I do not love. It spares me weakness.”
Lightningstar’s eyes flickered uncertainly before fixing on the tom, glinting. “You love your brother, don’t you?”
Shameshadow froze…before crouching down, narrowing his eyes, giving an enraged hiss.
“You always loved him, didn’t you? That’s why you follow along with his orders, and everything he does. You never say no to the things he wants you to do, even though they’re cruel.” Lightningstar stalked toward him menacingly. “You have undying loyalty for your brother, Shameshadow. You claim that you don’t love, that love brings weakness. And you’re right.”
Shameshadow’s eyes flickered with surprise.
But then Lightningstar glowered angrily, no longer stalking towards the young cat. “You’re right, because you chose to love the cat that would destroy you. You’re right, because you chose to make love a weakness. You’re right, because you decided to follow your brother, to love the cat that would demolish everything you ever stood for.”
Shameshadow shrank to the ground slowly, and for a second, he looked like a scared kit.
“It’s who you choose to love, Shameshadow.” Lightningstar leered. “Not love alone.”
Shameshadow’s vibrant purple eyes dulled, spilling weakness.
Lightningstar unsheathed her claws.
“Even if you think it’s not your fault you became this, it is.” Lightningstar warned furiously. “Because this is the path you chose. And it was the wrong path.”
Shameshadow began shaking in a combination of fear and anger.
“You chose the wrong path.” Lightningstar snarled. “You left ShadowClan with Endertail to start a Clan honoring murder and death. You killed countless cats alongside your brother before you even came to trick me. You came to deceive me and separate me from my mate. You destroyed my spirit. You killed my daughter, never stopping to reason with your brother about any of the things you did.” She sneered, lip curling. “And look at all the good it’s done you. None, Shameshadow…none…”
Shameshadow shuddered. “What are you saying?”
Lightningstar’s eyes blazed with hatred. “You chose the wrong path. And you failed. All of your life choices, shot right back at you.” She shook with rage and spite. “And, as the price you’ll pay for your failure…”
Lightningstar hissed; spit flying into her opponent’s face, as she raked her claws down his face. Shameshadow screeched in pain and rage, batting his unsheathed claws blindly at the she-cat. Knowing Shameshadow would be temporarily blinded by the blow, Lightningstar dodged every hit Shameshadow blindly tried to make. She sunk her teeth into his chest.
“This is the end.” Lightningstar whispered. “Choose your last words.”
Shameshadow looked as if he was about to say something, before jerking and falling to the crimson-splattered ground.
Lightningstar found tears spilling out of her eyes, not for Shameshadow, but for the pain of everything he’d done to her. Somehow, it seemed her heart hated Shameshadow even more than his brother, though Endertail was the one that had done more evil. But Shameshadow had made her love him, only to betray her later on. That, she could never forgive.
And then he killed Stonekit.
The tears stopped. Lightningstar hardened and her muscles tensed.
“Endertail,” Lightningstar rasped. “Your brother is dead. I’m giving you the chance to say goodbye.”
“Nonsense,” Endertail’s icy voice sneered. “He deserved that.”
Lightningstar recoiled in shock. Endertail stalked out from behind the bushes, eyes raging.
“B-b-but…he was your own brother!” Lightningstar spluttered.
“He failed me too many times.” Endertail declared bitterly. “If you cannot live, you are too weak.”
Lightningstar was disgusted by the tom’s view of life. What does he know?
“Brother, I’m going to speak to you. Hear me, wherever you are.” Endertail snarled to his brother’s dead body. “You were weak. You were a coward. You questioned the path you were walking. You questioned me. You were uncertain.” He bared jagged fangs at the dead tom’s bloody face. “I put up with you, and you were lucky I did. But the truth is that you never deserved it. You never deserved to live.”
Lightningstar’s heart thumped and her stomach churned in disgust.
“So die, just prove my point further, that you were a weakling that couldn’t survive a world where he wasn’t protected.” Endertail continued fiercely. “I do not care that you’re dead. I do not take mercy on you because you are my brother. Die, for all I care. I don’t care.”
“I’m not going to wait all day, Endertail. I came here to fight, not watch you talk.” Lightningstar drawled.
“You want a fight?” Endertail swiveled to face her, voice dripping with hatred. “I’ll give you a fight.”
Without warning, Endertail snarled and leapt for Lightningstar, who screeched in surprise as Endertail sliced his claws across her tail. He kept aiming to give the killing bite, but Lightningstar dodged swiftly and tried to make sure her throat was as out of Endertail’s range as possible.
Too late, Lightningstar remembered Endertail’s tail blade. She gasped in terror as he grinned, readying his aim, getting ready to plunge the blade into the she-cat’s heart…
As the blade sliced through Lightningstar’s chest, she felt something surge through her.
Why am I not losing a life? Shouldn’t I be losing a life?
Then, power and strength rattled off her bones like thunder. Courage and bravery filled her heart to the brim. Lightningstar scowled defiantly as Endertail’s eyes widened in horror. He had just realized that, though his tail blade had gone through her chest, somehow…she wasn’t being hurt.
Lightningstar grinned, bearing her fangs at the ferocious tom. She got up, and though her chest was bloodied, she felt no pain. Her heart was as light as a feather. And, as though it were an impulse, Lightningstar threw her head back and let out an ear-piercing yowl.
As if on cue, the sky began swirling with dark storm clouds, making extremely loud thunder roar across the forest. Lightningstar let out another screeching yowl, and thunder boomed as she did, along with a bolt of lightning.
Lightningstar opened her eyes. The sky cleared.
What was that?
There was a bloodcurdling yowl, spewing pain and rage and danger.
Whatever it was, the lightning bolt had killed Endertail.
Lightningstar, instead of claiming victory and celebrating, just stared, frozen, at the dead tom.
How did I do that?
“You always were special,” a familiar voice whispered in her ear.
“Earthpelt, what was that?” Lightningstar whispered back, ignoring his compliment. “How did I control the storm?”
“Lightningstar, do you know what you were named for?” Coolfang’s voice murmured.
“No.” Lightningstar mewed quietly.
“I named you Lightningkit because a bolt of lightning struck the moment you were born.” Coolfang explained patiently. “I knew there was something special about that. And now I know.”
“Lightningstar, you can call storms by throwing your head back, closing your eyes, and letting out a huge yowl.” Sharphunter’s voice meowed, sounding proud of his daughter.
Lightningstar smiled wryly. “Thank you.”
There was no reply, but Lightningstar began running to the injured cats. Lightningstar saw that Tinyblitz, though having been hurt himself, was up and healing all of the cats. He was working with the medicine cats of the other Clans as well. The cats were stretching, trying to get up, and almost succeeding.
“Lightningstar, did you win?” Breezeheart staggered up. It took all his strength, and Slateshine struggled to do the same thing.
“Rest,” Tinyblitz snapped.
“No, we’re okay.” Slateshine assured him.
Tinyblitz thought for a minute before nodding, letting them know it was okay.
“I won. I killed Shameshadow. And…I sort of killed Endertail.” Lightningstar sighed.
“What do you mean, sort of? Is he alive?” Breezeheart glanced around frantically.
“No, no, he’s dead. It’s just…I killed him in a way you wouldn’t expect.” Lightningstar meowed finally.
“What?” Slateshine, just like the other cats, was confused.
“Um…here, this might explain it. Watch this.” Lightningstar mewed.
She threw her head back, squeezed her eyes shut tightly, and let out a huge, primal yowl. Just as expected, the sky clouded over darkly.
“I’m going to make lightning hit the spot right next to Tinyblitz! Tinyblitz, watch out!” Lightningstar warned loudly, yelling over the thunderous storm.
She yowled again with her head thrown back and eyes shut. Tinyblitz yelped as the lightning narrowly missed him.
Quick as it began, Lightningstar stopped, and the sky went back to normal.
Cats whipped to her for explanation.
Lightningstar shrugged. “I don’t know how, or why. I just can.”
The cats seemed to accept this.
“Lightningstar,” Breezeheart meowed gently, entwining his tail in hers. “Let’s go back to camp and celebrate! We won!”
Only now did cats seem to really take this in and there were yowls of triumph erupting from all of them.
Slateshine walked beside Lightningstar and Breezeheart.
“Lightningstar, you truly are an amazing leader. A true miracle,” Slateshine mused.
Breezeheart smiled, making his tail tighter around his mate’s. “Lightningstar, you are the lightning. You are inspiring, brave, cool, worthy, courageous, and everything you will ever need.”
Lightningstar smiled, holding her head high just like she used to as a proud apprentice.
Except now, I’m Clan leader—and I have everything I ever wanted. A mate, friends, a Clan, happiness…
I have everything I will ever need! I can accomplish anything!

So, you made it this far, did you? I'm impressed! Give yourself a hand! (*claps*) Anyway, this is the end of Lightningstar's Journey. If you enjoyed it, please comment here and tell me what you think! Again, thanks for reading this! I hope you liked it!