Rough Waters (Book 2 in the BayClan series)



Notice: This is a warriors fanfic. It’s bound to have a lot of characters. I will only make a page for the important ones. = Prologue = “Hey! Parliamentkit! I bet you couldn’t catch me!” Parliamentkit then said,, “Oh, sure, Sedgekit, imma getcha!” As they ran together, one little kit with markings that looked like a turtle’s shell watched. “Can I join?” He asked. “No, this is only for cats who are named after birds!” Sedgekit mewed. “A sedge is a type of plant! And who even knows what a parliament is!” The kit replied. Parliamentkit then said, “for your information, a parliament is a group of owls. A sedge is a group of herons. So there, Turtlekit!” Turtlekit’s eyes filled with hatred. A ghostly cat with amber eyes and jet-black striped then padded up to Turtlekit. “Who are you?” Asked the kit. “I am Tigerstar.” Replied the cat. “Tigerstar, of LightningClan, who was a good leader? Or Tigerstar, maker of DarkClan, the bad one?” “The maker of DarkClan, sweet kit. But don’t worry, all my evilness is just, misunderstood. I am put into darkness by the cats who rule the kits. Join me, and we can make a Clan to take revenge against them, and all other cats who have ever been mean to you!” Turtlekit’s eye shone. “Okay.”

.

= Chapter 1 = “He will rule.”

A voice whispered in Mewstar’s ear. “What was that?” Mewstar turned behind him, but no one was there. “The one with stars in his fur, Mewstar.” replied the voice. He looked up, to find… Leafstar? “Yes it is me, Mewstar. Remember, flash of space, dash of mud, and then peace for everyone.” “But who’ll rule?” “First, evil will rule, but then He will fix it all.” Leafstar replied. “Who? Who is the one with stars in his fur?” Mewstar asked, confused. But Leafstar had already disappeared into the sunset.

= Chapter 2 = Solarpaw watched Brightkit bounce around. “Hey, Solarpaw! Let’s play!” she said. “Sure,” Solarpaw meowed as he grabbed some moss. He got a mouse, and rolled up the mouse inside the moss. “The game is that I hide the moss ball and you find the scent of a mouse and look for the ball.” he explained. “Okay!” the little kit felt excitement rushing through her like a wave. Solarpaw could tell that this kit… was special. “Now, close your eyes and count to twenty in your head.” he said. “Okay!” Brightkit closed her eyes. Solarpaw ran around camp, and just 2 seconds before Brightkit finished counting, he hid the mouse ball at the edge of camp. Solarpaw then ran back to Brightkit. “Ready or not here I— oh you’re finished hiding it?” Brightkit leaped closer to Solarpaw. “Yes, I am,” he replied. I can’t believe she’ll be six moons old soon. He thought. ''When she’s six moons old, I’ll be nine moons old, because right now I am seven moons old, and Brightkit is four. “''You’ll never find the mouse ball!” Solarpaw cried to Brightkit. “Yes I can!” Brightkit immediately went where the mouse ball was hiding. Surprisingly, there was a rabbit covering the ball! She caught the rabbit, and picked up the mouse ball. “Look!” Brightkit proudly picked up her rabbit. “I see.” Solarpaw meowed. She can hunt already! Solarpaw thought. How impressive! Then, Quailkit padded up to Brightkit. “Hey, Tiny.” Quailkit meowed. My name is not Tiny. Solarpaw felt Brightkit holding in those words from her mouth. “Her name is not Tiny, Quailkit.” Solarpaw told the tom calmly. “Well, she is Tiny,” Quailkit meowed back hotly. “Well, it’s not her name.” Solarpaw retorted.Quailkit shrugged, and moved on to Brightkit. “Anyway, Tinykit, do you want to help me? I am gonna make the river flood.” “No way!” Brightkit glared at Quailkit. Then, a piercing yowl erupted through the camp.

= Chapter 5 = “Cats are attacking!”

Mewstar heard an ear-splitting wail break out through the camp. “Who?” Mewstar asked. “Huh?” replied Lizard. “Who is attacking?” Mewstar said again. Mewstar walked into his den, where he realized he shouldn’t be alone. “We are the ones attacking, Mewcat.” Mewstar turned around to see a tiny cat. A memory played in his mind. ''An old and weary cat spoke to Mewstar. “I am Eldertree, older than an apple tree, but still giving out my fruits of wisdom. I give you a life for respect. Always respect then small cats, Mewmoon''.”  Now Mewstar knew what he meant. Eldertree had meant the minor characters! The cat growled at Mewstar, more ferocious than any bigger cat could be. “Hello, enemy of my friend. I am Turtleleap, but you may call me…” Turtleleap unsheathed his claws threateningly. “''Your. Worst. Nightmare.”''

= Chapter 6 = Mudpaw ran into Mewstar. “I’m gonna kill you.” Mudpaw threatened Mewstar. “Oh, go ahead, Mudclaw. Take him.” Turtleleap nodded to Mudpaw. Mewstar prepared to die, as Mudpaw’s claws raked in his neck…

= Chapter 7 = Clan meeting!”

Solarpaw heard Mudpaw’s call as he padded away from the dirtplace. Wait… Mudpaw? Solarpaw bounded over to the Highrock and sat down. Everyone else followed. Mudpaw cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to say this, but Mewstar is dead. I chased away that awful rogue, and in reward, just before he died he gave me my warrior name, Mudclaw, and made me deputy. He is dead now, but we will stay strong! My friend Turtleleap, that rouge’s twin brother, is joining. He once was a member of a dying Clan, and has his warrior name already. He has mentored cats before, so he will be the deputy.” Mudclaw said. “Wait… WHAT!?” Lizard screamed at Mudclaw. “I’m sorry, but I cannot ally myself with an evil leader. Brightkit, Dittokit, Vixenkit, we are leaving. Goodbye.” Solarpaw stood up. “I’m coming, too.” “Okay, then. Let’s go!” Lizard, Brightkit, Dittokit, Vixenkit, and Solarpaw all walked away from the camp.

= Chapter 8 = Silverpaw glanced at Antfur, then glanced outside. “I’m leaving too. I want to stay with my mother.” Silverpaw meowed. “Your mother was a traitor.” Mudclaw sneered. “You would be a traitor too if you left.” “I’m still going.” Silverpaw meowed stubbornly. “Very well. You are exiled. You may never come back when you see sense.” Mudclaw said strongly. “Very well, brother.” Silverpaw turned away from the camp, following the footsteps that Lizard’s group had left.

= Chapter 9 = Solarpaw glanced around. He was in a dark cave with Brightkit, Lizard, Dittokit, and Vixenkit. “Hello, Solarpaw. Is it morning already?” Dittokit yawned. Solarpaw jumped. “Sorry, did I scare you?” asked Dittokit. “I’m sorry, I’m just bored.” “Yes, you did scare me,” Solarpaw replied. “But it’s fine now.” “Ok.” Dittokit looked into the distance. “You know, my siblings and I are old enough to be apprentices.” “Ok.” “And you’re old enough to be a warrior.” “So? What’s your point?” “Maybe Lizard can assess you!” Dittokit jumped up and down. “Yes!” Solarpaw mewed with excitement. “I can do what?” Lizard came into the den with a mouse in her mouth. “Ah! Sorry, mom, I didn’t see you leave.” Dittokit meowed. “It’s okay, my kit.” Lizard told him. “Let’s start our own clan!” Dittokit meowed. “either LizardClan or SolarClan!” “That's a great idea!” Vixenkit meowed with excitement. “Okay then! Let’s go to the Moonflower!” Lizard laughed. “I vote for Lizardstar!” Vixenkit and Solarpaw meowed. “I vote for Solarstar!” Brightkit and Dittokit mewed. “Wait… what?” Solarpaw said. “Alright, how about I'm the leader and Solarpaw’s deputy?” Lizard said. “Okay!” Dittokit said. Everyone agreed. “Alright, let’s go to the Moonflower!” Lizard said.

= Chapter 10 = The trek to find Lizard’s group was long and hard. Silverpaw stepped over some rabbit dirt. ew. She scented a cat. Who’s that? A loud rustling came from a bush. Then, a calico ginger-and-white she-cat pounced out of the bush. “Got you!” she meowed triumphantly. “I guess you did.” Silverpaw purred. “What’s your name?” asked the calico. “Silverpaw. You?” “I’m Sadi. Nice name, by the way!” Sadi glanced at Silverpaw’s paws. “even though your paws are brown.” “Where I come from, when we are about this age we change from being named ‘kit to being named ‘paw. When we are older, we get another name. Like Silverberry or Silverfur.” Silverpaw explained. “My mother and brother joined a Clan like that. Mom used to visit, but she stopped one day.” Sadi mewed. “What were their names?” Silverpaw said, interested. “Leaf and Solar.” Sadi replied. “I also had another brother who went and followed them once he realized what he wanted to do. His name was Mew.” “I think I know what happened to all of them!” Silverpaw cried. “They are Leafstar, Solarpaw, and Mewstar!”

= Chapter 11 = The Moonflower!

Solarpaw and Leafstar were traveling to the Moonflower together. “It’s only fair, after all.” Lizard had told the Clan earlier. Solarpaw spotted the Moonflower. “Lizard, there it is!” he cried. “Yes!” Lizard ran up to it, and breathed in its pollen. Solarpaw did the same, and they both fell asleep.

“Welcome, Solarpaw. Hello, Lizard. We have been expecting you both.” an old and weary cat welcomed them. “I am Elderleaf. I shall be giving you your first life, Lizard.” he said. The life-giving ceremony went by so quickly that Solarpaw couldn’t even tell what was going on. Then, Leopardstar, a purple spotted she-cat, said, “Solarpaw!” “Yes?” Solarpaw replied. “May I speak to you?” “Sure…” Leopardstar brought him over to a small clearing. “Solarpaw, your path is harder than most. You have powers that you can’t even use when you really need them. You lost all of your family. Remember this when your life gets the hardest: Wild Paws run wild, and soon, they will run free.” Leopardstar told him. “Ok, but what does that—“ it was too late. StarClan started fading away as the cries of “Lizardstar! Lizardstar!” filled the air.

= Chapter 12 = Silverpaw looked at Sadi. “I will have to go soon. Want to come?” Silverpaw told the kittypet. “Sure!” Sadi said. “I’ll be your apprentice, so you can train me how to do stuff!” “But I’m an apprentice, not to mention a medicine cat one!” Silverpaw said, puzzled. “What difference does that make?” Sadi said. “A warrior fights,” she tried to explain. “But a medicine cat heals.” “I can learn the customs of wild cats from you,” Sadi said. “I’ll be Sadipaw.” “But you would need a naming ceremony.” Silverpaw meowed. “I'll get one!” Sadi meowed enthusiastically. “Alright then.” Silverpaw sighed. Then, she sensed the presence of a cat. “Huh?” Silverpaw turned around to see… Mewstar?

= Chapter 13 = “I call a LizardClan meeting!”

Lizardstar’s call rang throughout the cave that the Clan was using as a camp. “Coming!” Solarpaw said. All the cats came. “Solarpaw, Brightkit, and Dittokit, step forward.” Lizardstar meowed. Yes! Solarpaw stepped forward with the two kits. “Solarpaw, do you promise to follow the warrior code and protect this Clan, even at the cost of your own life?” “I do!” Solarpaw said strongly. “Then, by the power of StarClan, you shall be known as Solarflash. StarClan honors your strength and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full member of LizardClan.” Lizardstar finished. “Brightkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Brightpaw. Your mentor will be me. I hope that I can pass down all I know to you.” Solarpaw sensed a flash of excitement pass through the apprentice. Lizardstar turned to Dittokit. “Dittokit, you too have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Rabbitpaw. Your mentor will be Solarflash. I hope that he can pass down all he knows to you.” “Solarflash! Brightpaw! Rabbitpaw!” Vixenkit cheered. Rabbitpaw puffed up his chest with pride. “I’ll be the best apprentice you’ve ever seen!” Solarpaw saw a small pool in front of him. Instead of his reflection, there was Silverpaw and a calico cat running by the Moonflower’s cave. ''Wait.. is that Sadi?''

= Chapter 14 = Wait… is that Mewstar?

Silverpaw glanced at the shadow of Mewstar. “I-is that you, Mewstar?” Mewstar only nodded. “Mewstar?” Sadi asked. “Who’s that?” “My old leader.” Silverpaw almost whispered. “What was his warrior name?” Sadi asked. “Just ask him! He’s right there.” Silverpaw pointed to where Mewstar was. “I don’t see anything.” Sadi said. Mewstar’s eyes glowed amber, and Sadi’s eyes grew huge with shock. “Mew!” Sadi said. “Um…? What do you mean?” Silverpaw asked. “That’s my brother… Mew! So he became the leader of BayClan?” Sadi questioned. Silverpaw paused. “Yes.” “That’s great!” Sadi cheered. Mewstar glared at the two cats like they were wasting time during a hunting patrol. “Sorry, Mewstar.” Silverpaw apologized. Mewstar nodded, and beckoned to them with his tail to follow him. Silverpaw started to pad after him, and Sadi followed. Mewstar led them to a cave, with a glowing flower and a pool of water. “Thank you, Mewstar!” Silverpaw cheered. But Mewstar had already gone.

= Chapter 15 = Solarflash yawned. It was moonhigh and he couldn’t sleep. He felt as if something, no, someone important was nearby. I need to go to the Moonflower cave. Solarpaw padded out of camp, to the Moonflower cave. When he got there, he jumped in surprise. “Sadi!? Silverpaw!?”

= Chapter 16 = Mewstar watched over his brother and sister, with sadness in his usually bright green eyes. I wish I could get back to you… He tried to tell them, but…

= Chapter 17 = Solarflash glanced at Sadi. Sadi glanced at Solarflash. “Is that you, Solar?” Sadi asked. “Yes, it is. I’m Solarflash now, though.” Solarflash replied. “Wait… Solarflash? You got a warrior name?” Silverpaw meowed confusedly. “Yes, I did. Lizard started a new Clan. LizardClan. She’s Lizardstar, now.” Solarflash replied. “Oh! Can I be med?” asked Silverpaw. “Sure!” Solarflash nodded. “I’ll take you to our camp.” “Ok!” Sadi said. “Can I come, too?” “Sure!” Solarflash replied. “You can all be apprentices here!” “Yay!” Sadi jumped up and down. “Come.” Solarflash led the duo of cats out of the Moonflower cave, and into BayClan’s cave. “Solarflash,” Rabbitpaw greeted him. “I see you brought some cats.” “Yes, I did,” replied Solarflash. “I’m bringing Silverpaw and this cat, whose name is Sadi, to Lizardstar.” “Ok then,” Rabbitpaw meowed. “Lizardstar!” called the apprentice. “Yes?” Lizardstar came out of her little leader’s crack, a huge crack in the Largestone big enough to be a den for two cats. “Silverpaw and Sadi want to join,” Solarflash meowed as he nodded at Sadi. “They may join,” Lizardstar meowed, “but on one condition. Silverpaw has to continue training as a med,and Sadi has to be a kit for a while.” “Very well.” Sadi said. “Very we— hey! You stole what I was gonna say!” Lizardstar said indignantly. Hee hee. Solarflash read Sadi thinking. “I will call a meeting.” Lizardstar waved her tail around and lept on top of the Largestone. “Let all cats of LizardClan come gather for a Clan meeting!” she yowled. All the cats ran over. “Silverpaw and Sadi are joining the Clan,” Solarflash meowed. “Yes, they probably are.” Lizardstar continued. “Silverpaw, you will train as a medicine cat. Sadi, you shall now be known as Sadikit. No one can mentor you at the moment, so you will be a kit along with Vixenkit. Dismissed.” Lizardstar stepped down from the large stone. “Silverpaw! Sadikit! Silverpaw! Sadikit!” the Clan echoed.

= Chapter 18 = Silverpaw glanced around her new home. I can’t believe that this is real! Silverpaw spotted a small river winding around the cave. Sadikit was keeping Vixenkit amused by bringing out a small moss ball covered in mouse hide and hiding it. Silverpaw glanced out of the cave at the clear night sky. The stars were twinkling at her, as if saying, come and follow me! A shooting star ran across the sky, in the direction of the Moonflower’s cave. You want me to go there? Silverpaw thought, as she started running to the cave. She went inside. She found two unconscious bodies by the pool that was near the Moonflower. What? Silverpaw tried to ignore them, and just drank. She fell into a deep sleep.

There was a fox, what looked like a half fox, half cat, and Baystar (!?) when Silverpaw found herself in StarClan’s hunting grounds. “Oh, there you are!” meowed Baystar. “Just in time! I just finished giving Snow a life!” “What’s going on?” asked Silverpaw nervously. “Who are you guys?” she questioned, turning to the strangers. “I’m Snow, and this is Moonpaw.” said the fox. “I’m getting my nine lives from StarClan.” “Foxes can get nine lives?” asked Silverpaw, baffled. “Hey, we told you our names, now you tell us yours!” said the black half-cat-half-fox who was evidently Moonpaw. “Fine. My name is Silverpaw.” Sivlerpaw replied, grumpily. “I’m training to be a medicine lynx!” Moonpaw meowed proudly. “What’s a lynx?” asked Silverpaw. “A lynx is a cat from the mountaintops. Our fur is specially designed for cold environments.” Moonpaw explained. “Oh. I’m just a normal cat.” Silverpaw meowed sadly. “Wanna be friends?” asked Moonpaw. “Sure! I’m also training to be a medic ly— cat!” Silverpaw said. “That is why I brought Silverpaw here,” said Baystar. “Moonpaw, Silverpaw, you shall train together. Remember, listen to Dawn.” Baystar sunk into the shadows. “Huh?” Moonpaw and Silverpaw said together. “Well, enough chit-chat.” a purple leopard appeared. “Snow, you are not the first non-cat to lead a warrior clan. I give you a life for life.” “How do you know my name?” Snow asked the stranger. “Oh, I know everything. My name is Leopardstar.” said the leopard, as she too disappeared. Another cat stepped forward. “My name is Bluestar, of WildClan.” Bluestar was a lithe gray-blue cat, with silver ear tufts and sky-blue eyes. She looked slightly like a lynx. “I give you a life for trust. Always trust in your instincts.” Bluestar booped Snow. A spotted calico cat appeared. “My name is Spotted Pelt. I give you a life for knowledge. Use it wisely.” Spotted Pelt’s golden eyes gleamed in the moonlight. “Silver Fur! It’s your turn.” Spotted Pelt meowed. “Wait… what?” Moonpaw said. “Don’t worry, Half Moon. It will be your turn next.” “Um… my name is Silverpaw.” Silverpaw meowed, confused. “And I’m Moonpaw.” Moonpaw added. “Ah, names! Who cares your name, it’s your spirit that counts!” Spotted Pelt said. “Um… okay?” Silverpaw meowed confusedly. “Snow, I give you a life for forgiveness. You must always be able to forgive the cats who you need to forgive the most.” Silverpaw looked like her eyes were made of stars. I feel so powerful! Moonpaw stepped forward. “I give you a life for noticing the small joys of life. Nothing is ever completely hopeless. There will always still be the bees buzzing by the beautiful flowers, unlimited sunny days, and naps forever!” “You sound like a kittypet!” Silverpaw meowed. “What’s a kittypet?” asked Moonpaw, turning her head. Did I say that out loud? “Never mind.” Silverpaw sighed. “I think that maybe you should go to my Clan! I’m learning how to be a medic cat on my own, and you clearly need some help.” Silverpaw said. “Sure I’ll come!” Moonpaw meowed excitedly. “Not yet.” Another cat appeared. “Who are you?” asked Silverpaw. “I am Half Moon.” replied the new cat. “Aren’t you a tribe cat?” Silverpaw questioned. Half Moon sighed. “I am waiting for Jay’s Wing.” she turned away. “Though, I didn’t come here to tell you about my life.” Half Moon booped Snow. “This is your ninth life. I give you a life for knowing that nothing truly ends. It just goes on forever.” ''Really? Is that true?'' Silverpaw doubted that. She then noticed Snow staring blanking, as if she was far away. Then, Silverpaw went with Moonpaw out of StarClan territory

= Chapter 19 = Solarflash stretched as the sunup sun woke him up. Next to him, Rabbitpaw woke up. “Is it sunup already?” he asked. “Yes. It’s time for training!” Solarflash meowed. But if Rabbitpaw was going to respond, he was interrupted by Lizardstar’s call. “Clan meeting!” she yowled. Solarflash, along with everyone else, ran towards the Largerock. “Silverpaw has brought a visitor.” Lizardstar glanced at Silverpaw.. “Who?” Brightpaw questioned. Silverpaw glanced up nervously at the largerock, then leaped onto it. A sleek black cat with big ear tufts leaped up along with her. “This is Moonpaw.” Silverpaw meowed. “She’s a lynx from SnowClan territory.” “What’s a lynx? Why is she here? What’s she doing? Is she staying for long?” Vixenkit bombarded the silver-furred-brown-pawed she-cat with questions. “A lynx is a type of cat from the mountains. I’m here to build up my medic skills. Silverpaw is helping me with that. I will be staying for however long it takes for me to learn the herbs I believe my clan needs.” Moonpaw stared at Vixenkit with her patient gaze, tail twitching with amusement. “You’re so cool!” Rabbitpaw meowed, jumping from side to side. “Thanks!” Moonpaw purred. Silverpaw did a quick glance at Moonpaw. Solarflash, reading her thoughts, knew that she was thinking, how’s she so patient? Silverpaw quickly flicked her tail and moved her gaze elsewhere, clouding her thoughts from Solarflash. “Dismissed.” Lizardstar leaped down from Largerock, Moonpaw and Silverpaw soon following.

= Chapter 20 = Silverpaw crept into a crack that was just big enough for her to fit. It was clear that Moonpaw was well liked by the other warriors. She noticed that the crack went deeper. She went inside. ''The other warriors don’t notice me. If I get trapped here, it’s not like it matters.'' After a few fox-lengths away from the entrance, she stepped into a small cavern, with a tunnel leading to a smaller cave. This would be perfect for a medicine cat den! Silverpaw thought with a rush of excitement. Now I don’t need to sleep out in the open anymore! She noticed a small crack just big enough to store herbs in. This just keeps getting more and more perfect! She ran out of the entrance. “Lizardstar! Lizardstar!” Silverpaw called. “Yes? Yes?” chucked Lizardstar, as she came out of her den. “I’ve found a medicine den!” Silverpaw gasped. “Really?” Lizardstar said, with a slight hint of amusement. “Yes!” Silverpaw said exasperatedly. “Where?” Lizardstar questioned. Silverpaw led the gray she-cat into the crack, and showed her the cave. “Wow, this really is perfect! I thought you might have just been looking for an excuse not to sleep out with Vixenkit anymore. I don’t blame you! She snores like a bear!” Lizardstar said, looking around. Silverpaw laughed at Lizardstar’s sense of humor. “I’ll announce it to the Clan,” said Lizardstar. She padded out of the new medicine den, and pounced on the Largerock. Silverpaw padded below the Largerock. “Clan meeting!” Lizardstar yowled. Solarflash, Moonpaw, Vixenkit (who seemed to like sticking with Moonpaw like glue), Rabbitpaw, and Brightpaw all padded and sat down under the Largerock. “Silverpaw has found a place to be the medicine den,” Lizardstar started. “Great job, Silverpaw!” Moonpaw meowed, and Vixenkit nodded. “Come, I will show you.” Lizardstar leapt down from Largerock, and when she was sure everyone was following her, she padded into the crack. “Wow, this is perfect!” Vixenkit meowed, checking out what was going to be the herb shelf. “Nice find, Silverpaw!” congratulated Solarflash. “Thanks!” purred Silverpaw. The group went back to the Largerock. “Similarly, Sadikit has also found an area to be the nursery.” Lizardstar continued. “Follow me.” LizardClan followed Lizardstar to a tunnel that led to a cavern with mossy floors and walls coated with dust. “The moss and dust makes it harder for cats to get hurt here!” Sadikit meowed proudly. “Yes, well done!” Silverpaw said, impressed. “I like it!” Vixenkit mewled. everyone came back to the Largerock. “I think that Silverpaw should get her medic name.” Moonpaw meowed. “Yes, and Sadikit her apprentice name.” Solarflash agreed. “No, I’m sorry. Medicine cats need to train longer.” Lizardstar said. “But she’s been training twice as long as Rabbitpaw and Brightpaw have!” argued Vixenkit. “Yes, she has.” admitted Lizardstar. “That is why I believe Rabbitpaw and Brightpaw should get an assessment.” “Wait…what?” Rabbitpaw asked. “Yes, Rabbitpaw. Hunt in the grassy field at sunup.” Lizardstar meowed. “Meeting dismissed.” Lizardstar leapt down from the Largestone.

After everyone left the Largestone area, Lizardstar said, “Solarflash, Silverpaw, I’d like to speak with you in private.” “Sure.” Solarflash replied, and Lizardstar led the two into her den. “Could you two assess Rabbitpaw and Brightpaw?” Lizardstar asked. “Sure!” Solarflash meowed. Silverpaw nodded. “Thank you. Remember, it starts at sunup. That is not that long of a time.” “You’re welcome.” Solarflash said simply. “Let me know how they do.” Lizardstar said dismissively. “Very well.” Solarflash padded out of the den, and motioned for Silverpaw to do the same. Silverpaw followed him, trying not to be too nervous about assessing Rabbitpaw and Brightpaw. She went into her den. Moonpaw was there. ''Oh. I keep forgetting Moonpaw is a medicine apprentice too.'' “Hi, Silverpaw.” Moonpaw meowed. “Hi, Moonpaw.” Silverpaw said, as she curled up on the dusty floor of her new den. “Goodnight.” “Goodnight.” the lynx replied, her voice seeming to smile.

When Silverpaw woke up, Moonpaw was already gone. The sun was rising. Oh no! I’m late! She quickly ran out of camp and slipped into a bush by the grass clearing. Rabbitpaw and Brightpaw then came into the clearing. Silverpaw couldn’t see Solarflash. Of course I can’t see him, dummy, he’s hiding! Silverpaw reprimanded herself. “Look! A mouse!” Rabbitpaw meowed. “There won’t be a mouse if you keep yelling like that!” Brightpaw hissed. “Oh. Sorry.” Rabbitpaw apologized. “Alright. Let’s forget that happened.” Brightpaw dropped into a low crouch, making sure that she didn’t put too much pressure on her paws, and then… leap! Silverpaw urged her. But Brightpaw was taking her time. When the mouse was about to scurry away, she leaped onto the mouse, and caught it. “Great catch!” Rabbitpaw meowed. “Can you top that?” Brightpaw challenged. “Yes, I can!” Rabbitpaw lept into a tree, and hid. “Wait… Solarflash!” Rabbitpaw giggled as a flash of black-and-yellow fur revealed where Solarflash was. “I thought cats assessing us were supposed to be hiding!” Rabbitpaw giggled. “I thought I was!” Solarflash replied sharply. But it was easy to see the flash of amusement in his eyes. “Are you the only cat assessing us?” Rabbitpaw asked. “Of course, Rabbitpaw, he’s the only warrior in the Clan!” Brightpaw scolded. “Unless…” Rabbitpaw waited for Brightpaw to finish his sentence. “Lizardstar assesses us!” Brightpaw meowed, her eyes shining. “Or not.” Solarflash replied. “For now, just focus on your training.” Silverpaw stifled a meow of amusement. “Ok!” Rabbitpaw leaped into the air and caught a bird.

The rest of the assessment went by pretty fast. Brightpaw caught three mice and a rabbit. Rabbitpaw caught mostly birds, but seven of them. “Oh! The sun is setting!” Brightpaw mewed. “We should head back.” Rabbitpaw meowed. Rabbitpaw jumped out of the tree, and carried his prey back. Brightpaw did the same. When Solarflash seemed sure that the two were back at camp, he started padding back to camp. Silverpaw followed him.

At camp, when Silverpaw stepped into the cave, she heard Lizardstar yowling, “Clan meeting!” Silverpaw turned towards the Largerock and bounded over. everyone else was already there. “Oh, hey, Lazypaws!” Moonpaw purred when she noticed Silverpaw. “You were still asleep when I woke up. Were you sleeping the whole time?” Silverpaw didn’t exactly want to lie about it, so she just meowed, “Maybe we should see what Lizardstar wants?”  “Yes, please be quiet.” Solarflash agreed. “Rabbitpaw and Brightpaw have hunted very well,” Lizardstar started. “Solarflash even said Rabbitpaw managed to find him instead of a squirrel!” the gray she-cat purred. “Rabbitpaw and Brightpaw, step forward.” the two apprentices stepped forward. “Brightpaw, do you promise to obey the warrior code and protect the Clan, even at the cost of your own life?” “I do.” said Brightpaw, without a moment’s hesitation. “Then by the power of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. You shall now be known as Brightbird. StarClan honors your skill and kindness, and we welcome you as a full member of LizardClan.” “Brightbird! Brightbird! Brightbird!” cheered LizardClan.

Then, after letting the Clan cheer, Lizardstar continued. “Rabbitpaw, you have trained hard in the ways of the warrior code. Rabbitpaw, do you promise to obey the warrior code and protect the Clan, even at the cost of your own life?” “I do.” Rabbitpaw meowed. “Then, by the power of StarClan, you shall now be known as Rabbitleap. StarClan honors your loyalty and ability to blend in anywhere, and we welcome you as a member of LizardClan.” “Rabbitleap! Rabbitleap! Rabbitleap!” cheered LizardClan. “We also have two cats we need to make apprentices. “Sadikit, and Vixenkit. Step forward.” Sadikit ran forward, her calico fur bristling with excitement. Vixenkit followed, her sleek white fur gleaming in the light of the setting sun. “Sadikit and Vixenkit, do you promise to obey your mentor and learn the warrior code, even at the cost of your own life?” “I do.” Vixenkit meowed, her eyes shining with excitement. “I do.” repeated Sadikit, unsure of what to do. “Then, by the power of StarClan, until you earn your warrior name, you shall be known as Vixenpaw and Sadipaw. Sadipaw, your mentor will be Brightbird. Brightbird, you are new to being a warrior, but your honor and sense of the warrior code makes you as worthy as a senior warrior. Please share your skills with your new apprentice.” Lizardstar turned to Vixenpaw. “Vixenpaw, your dream is to become a medic apprentice. I believe that you can do whatever you dream of. Silverpaw and Moonpaw, do you take Vixenpaw as your apprentice?” “Yes.” Silverpaw meowed. Moonpaw nodded, though it was clear she was thoroughly confused about how two apprentices could mentor an apprentice. “Meeting dismissed.” Lizardstar leaped down from the largestone.

= Chapter 21 = “Hello, Solarflash.” Brightbird meowed.

“Hello, Brightbird.” Solarflash replied. “Congratulations on getting your warrior name.” “Thank you.” Brightbird glanced around. “Can I say something?” “Anything.” Solarflash steadied his gaze at Brightbird. “I had feelings for you when I was an apprentice.” Brightbird started. “I still do. I know this is very sudden, but can we be mates?” Solarflash looked at Brightbird like she had two heads. “You don’t have to say yes,” she said quickly. “Are you kidding? I feel the same way! Sure!” Solarflash meowed. “Yay!” Brightbird meowed. Solarflash padded out of camp. “Where are you going?” Rabbitleap meowed as he followed Solarflash. “I’m going out to hunt.” Solarflash meowed. “Can I come?” Rabbitleap asked. “Sure,” Solarflash said. The two padded into a forest. “A rabbit!” Solarflash whispered. Rabbitleap shivered. “No, thank you. I prefer birds. They are less furry.” Solarflash shrugged. “Your loss.” Then he crept up to the rabbit. The rabbit noticed, and leapt onto Solarflash’s back and pinned him down. The rabbit squeaked at him as if trying to talk. “What?” Solarflash said, confused. “SQUeAK, SQUeAK!” the rabbit said again. “I-I’m afraid I don’t understand you.” Solarflash said. The rabbit sighed, and leapt off of his back. It scratched something into the ground. Solarflash squinted at it, trying to “read” the drawings. He translated the pictures into words inside his head.

'''My name Sleekheart. I’m from Snow (at this point, Sleekheart drew a fox, two rabbits and two lynxes.)  I come two tell you something.(a picture of a seashore. Bay? Ocean? Later he decided he had meant “Bay”.) (again, a picture of a fox, two rabbits, and two lynxes. Solarflash assumed this meant Clan, at this point.)  in danger. Mud claw take over. Meow star cannot hold anymore. Meow star needs another cat two help. One stars in fur.'''

''BayClan is in danger! Wait, who’s Meow star? Oh, he must mean Mewstar.'' “I’ve got to rescue BayClan!” Solarflash ran away towards where he thought the main area of BayClan was, hoping that he could find them and save his former Clan.

= Chapter 22 = “Where’s Solarflash?”

Silverpaw padded out of her den, and saw Lizardstar’s eyes flooding with worry. “He went on the Dawn patrol.” Silverpaw meowed. “They left ages ago.” Lizardstar said worriedly. “Why do you need him, anyway?” Silverpaw asked. “I'm afraid I might die.” Lizardstar said softly. “What? But you’d have eight more lives anyway!” Silverpaw said. “Not all of them.” Lizardstar sat down. “There have been plenty of rogues in our territory, and I spent eight of my lives fighting them. This is my last life.” Lizardstar said sadly. “Is that Lizardstar?” Moonpaw padded forward. “Yes, it is.” Lizardstar said. “May I go back to my Clan? I know enough about herbs to help my Clan.” the black lynx explained. “Yes, you may.” Lizardstar replied. “Alright then.” Moonpaw padded out of the cave, probably never to return again. Silverpaw felt a pang of sadness. She hoped that Moonpaw would have stayed longer, but she knew she had to return evatally. “Come on, Silverpaw! I have to get trained!” Vixenpaw said, leaping towards the silver she-cat with brown paws. “Alright then.” Silverpaw padded into the medic den. She slid a brown root towards Vixenpaw. “This is Burdock root. It heals rat bites especially if they are infected. But it can give cats a bellyache if they eat too much of it.” Silverpaw said, slightly giggling. Vixenpaw studied it, sniffing it and feeling it. “Okay.” Silverpaw then brought some cobwebs. “Cobwebs stop bleeding.” “Okay. I knew that.” Vixenpaw said. Silverpaw brought a bright yellow flower down from the medic shelf. “You chew the petals or leaves in a poultice. It helps with infection. It’s usually bright yellow.” “It’s pretty!” Vixenpaw said, looking at it. “I know.” Silverpaw laughed. Silverpaw picked up some seeds. “These are poppy seeds. You give these to the cat to chew on. They can help a cat sleep, soothe shock or distress, and ease pain. Don’t give them to kits.” “Okay.” Vixenpaw said. “That’s all for today.” Silverpaw padded out of the medic den. It was night. “I am having kits!” Lizardstar announced. “What?” Silverpaw rushed towards the gray she-cat. “Here, bite this when you feel pain.” Silverpaw dropped a twig towards her. She bit it, and a blue-gray kit poofed out. “A tom!” “Jaykit.” Lizardstar gasped. Another kit, this time brown with alarming green eyes. “A she!” Silverpaw meowed. “Otterkit.” Lizardstar breathed. Another gray kit popped out. “Another she.” Silverpaw said. “Everkit.” Lizardstar said, so quietly Silverpaw could barely hear it. Lizardstar then fainted. She checked Lizardstar. She’s not breathing. Silverpaw froze, shocked. “Your kits need you, Lizardstar!” Silverpaw yowled. “Hang on!”

= Chapter 23 = Solarflash was running. He had been running for a very long time, and the only thing keeping him from slowing down was him urging himself ''My clan needs me! My clan needs me!'' He then noticed that the ground he was running on had snow on it. I’ve run towards the Snowy Territory? He then saw a gray fox with black ear-tips and black paws padding in about the same direction as he was. He slowed down. Then, the fox noticed him. “Oh, hello!” the fox said in a bit of an accent. “er- hello.” Solarflash replied. “Why are you running?” It said, sitting down. “Why should I tell you?” Solarflash growled softly. “I don’t know. I was just trying to start a conversation.” the fox sighed, and muttered “I knew I shouldn’t have tried to talk to someone. Cats are very rude sometimes.” “Sorry.” Solarflash shrugged. “Well, since we are heading in what seems to be in the same direction, I’m going to introduce myself. I’m Solarflash, deputy of LizardClan.” the fox nodded. Or should I say I’m from BayClan? He asked himself. “I’m Snowsta— Snowstorm.” the fox said. “Nice to meet you.” Solarflash nodded politely. “Why are you running?” Snowstorm asked a second time. Solarflash sighed. “It’s a long story.” Snowstorm had a slight smile on her face as she said, “Tell me.”

= Chapter 24 = “Can you tell me a story, Silverpaw?” Otterkit asked Silverpaw, looking at the apprentice with her bright green eyes filled with hope. Silverpaw sighed. “Sure, Otterkit.” Silverpaw sat down. “Once, there was a great leader called Mewstar. He led his clan better than even Lizardstar could.” Silverpaw spread her brown paws out as if showing how much better of a leader Mewstar was then any other cat. “But then, a cat called Mudpaw killed him.” Or, at least, I think so. “Mudpaw took over as leader and named himself Mudstar. That’s when Lizard and her group left BayClan.” “And you were part of the group?” Otterkit asked Silverpaw. Silverpaw sighed. “No. They had left before me. I had to follow their pawsteps.” “Oh.” Otterkit meowed. “After walking for a little while, I met a cat named Sadi.” Sadipaw walked out of the apprentices' den. “You said my name?” “Oh, I was just telling Otterkit here a story.” “Oh, and you’re telling her about when we met?” “Yes.” Silverpaw replied to Sadipaw. “Ooh, I remember that!” Sadipaw meowed. “So I leapt out of the bushes and pinned Silverpaw down!” the calico apprentice told the Otterkit. “Wow!” the brown she-kit meowed, impressed. “She asked me my name, so I told her mine,” Silverpaw continued. “These were her exact words; ‘I’m Sadi. Nice name, by the way! even though your paws are brown.’ So I told her how Clan names go, from Silverkit to Silverpaw to something like Silverberry, Silverfur, Silverstripe, you get the idea.” “Clan meeting!” Jaykit squealed, his high-pitched voice echoing throughout the cave. “I’ll take care of it.” Sadipaw walked on top of the Largerock and grabbed Jaykit from his scruff. She jumped down and dropped him on the cave floor. “Jaykit! You're not supposed to be on the Largerock! Only leaders, occasionally deputies, and rarely warriors are allowed there, let alone a one moon old kit like you!” Sadipaw scolded the blue-gray tomkit. Jaykit looked at the ground. “Sorry.” “Anyways.” Silverpaw turned to Otterkit. “Sadi said she heard of a clan before, and that her brothers and mother had joined one. I had to start going back to Lizard’s group, so I told her where I was going and that I had to go. She wanted to come with me, and I let her.” Jaykit padded closer to Silverpaw and Otterkit. “That was nice of you,” Jaykit meowed. “Yeah.” Otterkit added. Vixenpaw then ran into camp. “A weird cat is in our territory!” Vixenpaw cried. “Really?” Silverpaw stood up. She turned to Otterkit and Jaykit. “I am sorry, but I have to deal with this. I will help you finish the story later.” Silverpaw turned to Vixenpaw. “Lead me to them.” Vixenpaw nodded. She bounded outside the cave into the nearby forest, and showed her a black and white tom, who was flickering as if flashing between StarClan and the living world. “Hello Silverpafzzzzz,” the cat said, his voice crackling like an almost-dead fire. “Er- Hello, how do you know my name?” Silverpaw said nervously. “That is of no importance because I need to use my words carfzzzzzzly. I don’t hazzzzzzzzzze much time.” He said. “Listen, Silverpaw and… is that Vixenkit over there? Hello, Vixenkit.” “Vixenpaw.” Vixenpaw corrected, but the cat didn’t seem to hear here. “Listen up, Silverpaw and Vixxxxxxxenkitzzzz.” A long crackle came out as he said “Vixenkit”. “You must unite with the survivors of Snow, the ones led by the Winter. The remaining of the lizards only survive, if they can unite, and bring back the lost Clan of the Bay. Then Snow will finally erase the bloody paw prints

That the turtle has left behind.”

“Huh?” Vixenpaw asked, confused. But the cat didn’t respond, “Who are you, even?” Silverpaw asked. The cat turned around, his white tipped tail twitching in annoyance. “Don’t you remember me? I am Mewstar.” Then, he disappeared into the fading light of sundown.

= Chapter 25 = “…So after the rabbit showed me his message, I realized it meant I had to go back to BayClan. So I started to run to go back to my clan. After I ran for a while, I ended up here.” Solarflash ended. Snowstorm looked at Solarflash. “What a sad story!” “What about you?” Solarflash asked. “Where are you going?” Snowstorm sighed. “It’s also a long and confusing story.” Solarflash grinned. “Tell me.”

= Continued in the next book. =