Dawnwillow's Prophecy - First In Series - For Toast

I wrote this about two years ago now and dug it out of the googles. I did plan the rest of these if people think I should finish them. 

The Story:



Chapter One

Dawnwillow crawled through the undergrowth, stalking a small mouse. In the season of Leaf-fall, prey became scarce and ShadowClan needed to stock up on prey. The mouse started nibbling a seed, leaving Dawnwillow to edge closer. Right before she pounced, a cat shot through the bushes behind her, making the mouse scurry away.

She recognized the ThunderClan scent immediately and growled, "What are you doing in ShadowClan territory?" The cat before her was ginger, much like herself, but their were many differences. She had mixed green and yellow eyes, while the stranger had blue eyes. And her fur was darker, more red than tan.

"We spotted rogues entering your territory. I must speak with Darkstar. And, sorry about your prey . . ." The cat explained fairly quickly, but Dawnwillow caught every word. “Rogues in our territory?” She growled, thinking about the stories of Brokenstar. “Yes that is what we saw on our dawn patrol . . . I’m Firepelt by the way.” Dawnwillow looked at Firepelt suspiciously, “What does it matter? You’ve been sent for a reason.” Firepelt shrugged and left the scene fairly quickly.

Dawnwillow watched him leave in annoyance. He had important business to attend to, and a short conversation wasn’t going to help the matter. Besides, it’s not like they knew each other in any way.

Dawnwillow spent the rest of the afternoon hunting, but with all of her efforts she found no prey. It was late afternoon by the time she chose to retreat to the camp. When she arrived, her brother Crowfur was waiting.

"Hello." He said when Dawnwillow entered the protected camp. "Hello" she mumbled, still mad for not catching any prey. "Have you heard about the rogues?" Crowfur asked, ignoring Dawnwillows mood completely. "Yeah, Firepelt ran in to me on his way."

Crowfur looked crossly at Dawnwillow. "How do you know his name? You better stay loyal to the-" Dawnwillow interrupted, "Code. I know. He just . . . Told me. It was pointless." Dawnwillow rolled her eyes, "And I am loyal."

Crowfur shrugged, "Anyway, it's got the entire camp riled up." Dawnwillow just now noticed how the kits weren't playing, instead plainly hiding under their mother. The leader obviously had called a Clan meeting and told everyone the situation.

"I can see that." Dawnwillow replied, "Where is Darkstar?" Crowfur shrugged again, "I think he took some warriors to look for the rogues." Dawnwillow nodded, "Makes sense." Her stomach started to grumble and she glanced at the fresh-kill pile. "Share a mouse?" Crowfur nodded and grabbed a small mouse.

They sat down next to the Warrior's Den, taking ravenous gulps of the mouse. "What if it was a trick?" Dawnwillow jumped, thinking about Firepelt. Surely he wouldn't have lied. He seemed like a nice cat. Dawnwillow was surprised by herself, she didn't know that cat. And he was an enemy. "I don't know." She murmured, taking another bite out of the mouse.

Crowfur got the signal that Dawnwillow didn't want to talk at the time. They finished eating quietly, and the peace calmed Dawnwillow. She noticed that no cat in her Clan was still, everyone was shifting nervously. They were taking the rogue problem to heart, and many of them were alive when the evil, twisted Brokenstar was still in rule. Dawnwillow's own mother was there, and got slaughtered by him.

Ever since, Dawnwillow was scared to death of rogues. Now with the looming threat of them again, she refused to break down and cry. She was older now. She could handle it. And her younger brother Crowfur was there.

So was her father Feathertalon the ShadowClan deputy. Dawnwillow shook her head, but her mother wasn't there. The one she was closest to. The one who saved her from the fox. The one that would play hide and go seek with them. Dawnwillow choked, the pain was overwhelming. She lie there, letting out a small cry once in a while.

"Are you ok?" Crowfur asked. Dawnwillow nodded, "Just thinking about all the times with mom..." She muttered, and Crowfur nodded solemnly. "I understand." Crowfur left for the Warrior's Den, leaving Dawnwillow to herself.

Dawnwillows friend, Shadowwisp came over and sat down, "Hello." She said. "Hello, Shadowwisp." Dawnwillow replied, not breaking her stare at the ground. Shadowwisp frowned, "Are you ok?" Dawnwillow nodded, lying to her friend. "Just tired. Think I'm going to turn in." Shadowwisp nodded, "Me too. Might have trouble sleeping though." Dawnwillow got to her feet puzzled. "Why?" She asked. Shadowwisp sighed. "The patrol is not back yet." Your dad. Darkstar. Whitecloud, And Acornfoot. All gone still."

Just then, as if on cue, four cats flew through the camp entrance. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey, join beneath here for a clan meeting." Cats flooded out of all the dens, ready to here their leaders important report. Dawnwillow ended up by Crowfur on the edge of the crowd of cats. "The rogues have set up camp North. They have great numbers and are very fierce fighters. All apprentices cannot go out alone, extra patrols will be going on the north border."

Everybody nodded in agreement, Dawnwillow was to busy looking for bruises and cuts on her father, but none of the cats seemed to get injured, even in the slightest. Dawnwillow suddenly wished she had talked to Firepelt more. Know more about what they were up against. Know the enemy, and she thought about the Gathering coming up the next night. Maybe she still could talk to him. He seemed really nice, and he was a tough warrior too. Maybe they could be friends.

That was aloud right? You can have friends in other clans. As long as it won't split you in battle. Dawnwillow nodded to herself. She decided to talk to him at the next Gathering. Deep in her mind Crowfur's words came back. "Stay loyal to the code." She choked, but remembered, you can have friends in other clans. That is stated on the code.

After the clan was dismissed, Dawnwillow curled up in her nest, Crowfur and Shadowwisp right next to her. The entire world faded, her thoughts mushed together and suddenly she fell into a deep slumber.



Chapter Two

Dawnwillow woke in a forest, shadows creeping closer, swallowing trees whole. Dawnwillow shivered seeing the darkness come closer to her. In the distance she heard cats shrieking, blood curdling shrieks that meant they were in pain. And Dawnwillow, surrounded by shadow, frozen in fear, couldn't do a thing in the matter.

Out of the shadows leaped a large stranger. The cat had powerful shoulders, and long, sharp claws. His stance was confident and commanding, and he looked very intimidating. Dawnwillow stayed still, living off the one thing she knows. This is a dream. The cat let out a roar, loud enough to shake the trees around her.

“The cat that launches the new day will rise. The saber will end all the foretold lies. Blood ties will change and shadows will cross. And everything sadly will end in great loss.” A mystical voice boomed the words with great force. Dawnwillow did not question the seeming prophecy. Instead she pondered what it all meant. And why she of all her Clan got the prophecy?

The cat chased after her, making her screech. Firepelt appeared throwing himself at the beast. She didn't see anymore, she couldn't run as fast turned around. Maybe he was the rogue. Maybe Firepelt was the Savior. Maybe . . . Dawnwillow actually laughed during the chase, her stupidity making it funny. Nothing is that easy. She knew that and took it to the heart.

She took a quick glance back and knew it was a mistake. The cat was nearing her, jaws snapping almost rhythmically. She had no time to think of what happened to Firepelt, she just had to get away from him . . . "Quit that!!" A voice sounded from seemingly nowhere. The large toothed cat faded and light filtered around her. Crowfur was watching her with annoyance. "Quit that squealing, we are trying to sleep!"

"Sorry." Dawnwillow mumbled, embarrassed. She had decided immediately not to tell anything about the strange dream she had. The prophecy she was given. "Bad dreams." Crowfur laughed, "You were squealing like a kit. And I forgot about dawn patrol, you need to go. Along the Rogue border."

Dawnwillow jumped up, she wanted to see the rogues. She needed to know what was happening. The prophecy had come to her. She couldn't question that. The prophecy seemed to include a rogue cat. She couldn't forget that. But one thing haunted the back of her mind the prophecies ending, 'everything sadly will end in great loss'. Loss. The word tasted sour in Dawnwillow's mouth.

Losing her mother had been enough. Only three people she held that dearly remained and she couldn't stand to lose anyone else. Acornfoot snapped her out of her hazy thoughts, "Patrol." Dawnwillow nodded, following the rest of the patrol out of camp. It consisted of Acornfoot, Dapplefrost, and Herself. She noticed the build of the patrol, a senior warrior, an experienced warrior, and new warrior. No apprentices for this trip. It could end fight or flight.

As the Warriors neared the Rogue area Dawnwillow started to worry about what they find. Who knows what may be waiting for them? Dapplefrost was the first to speak the entire trip. "These rogues . . . What do we know on them?" The question made Dawnwillow shiver. She realized that they knew squat about their enemy.

Acornfoot shrugged, sending an ominous silence over the entire group. That gave Dawnwillow time to think. What would they need to know? They needed to learn everything, leaving a perfect mission for one of the Warriors. They needed a spy. A spy that could give insider information.

For some odd reason, Dawnwillow was drawn to the idea. She wanted to be the secret spy that got them the information they need. She wanted to help the case and knew in her heart that that was the perfect way she could help. "Are we getting close?" She asked quietly. Acornfoot nodded, and at once Dawnwillow was nervous. "This is a set up." Dapplefrost mewed, acting like a kit.

Dawnwillow was puzzled. Am I late to being the double agent? "How would you know?" Acornfoot questioned. Dapplefrost's eyes turned bloodshot. "Saber . . ." Dawnwillow whipped around at the mentioning of saber, a part of the ever so important prophecy.

The large cat from her dream was there, his large gaping teeth clearly showing. The large cat hissed, "Hello sister, been awhile." Dapplefrost started to choke. Dawnwillow understood. Dapplefrost was half clan. Her father was rogue and mother was ShadowClan. The two grew up together . . . But Saberkit left, refusing to be apprenticed.

Dapplefrost was paralyzed by fear. Her brother was a rogue. "Interested in joining us?" The large cat- Saber cackled. Dawnwillow couldn't breathe. The entire scenario was scary, even more so for Dapplefrost. For the first time Dapplefrost spoke up. "I wouldn't join The Fallen Claws if it was last group of cats in existence!" She yelled, without lack of bravery.

Dawnwillow was confused once more, bringing in the mention of The Fallen Claws whatever that was. "I suppose you were always a stickler for rules. The Fallen Claws would tear your Clan cat spirit right out of your nose." Saber stepped forward, waiting for a response. Acornfoot was tense, ready to spring out. Dawnwillow figured out one line of the prophecy. 'Blood ties will change and shadows will cross.' Surely that was it. The blood ties were changing, and the shadow of Saber the rogue would follow Dapplefrost.

"I hated my life in The Fallen Claws!!" Dapplefrost snarled. Dawnwillow forgot that they both had ran away, together. Except after 6 moons, Dapplefrost came back. That all had happened when Dawnwillow was only a kit . . .

Dapplefrost had lived in the heart of their enemies. She must know insides and outs of them. Dapplefrost was going to truely be a savior for ShadowClan.

"Oh well." Saber meowed calmly, sounding legitimately sincere And respectable. A sudden chill going down Dawnwillows spine made her distressed. Saber was NOT sincere. Saber was a piece of crowfood.

Cats launched from all directions, Saber launching onto Dapplefrost. Before Dawnwillow could do anything, a large black cat was on her. She extended her hind legs to push the cat away, and got up quickly. The cat snarled at her, "You know . . . I hated your brother." Dawnwillows eyes widened. "Darkscar?" Dawnwillow croaked. The old deputy, he had been killed by a group of rogues.

A sudden rush of rage filled Dawnwillow. The same rogues that took her mothers life. The same rogues that made her live in fear and depression for two moons until she was apprenticed. "Whatever . . . Scar." She spat. "Your name is fitting. It says what's about to be implied to your face."

Catching Scar by surprise Dawnwillow scraped her claws down his muzzle and leaped out of his way, making sure she didn't meet Scar's snapping jaws. Scar let out a yowl of anger and pain. She then bit into his shoulder. "See what happens when you play for the wrong team?" She growled. Scar stumbled away from the battle, blood covering his face and shoulder. Acornfoot was still battling a cat and Saber was leaning over . . .

No. No. No .No. Dawnwillow ran straight to Saber. On the ground was Dapplefrost, her body bloody and limp. Her breathing was shallow and she was bleeding a lot. Saber jumped back, leaving the other cats to follow.

Acornfoot padded over to Dapplefrost. "Dapplefrost no . . ." Dawnwillow breathed. Dapplefrost shook her head, "It's too late. Just hear this out . . . The rising sun knows the path . . ." Dapplefrost's eyes fluttered shut and her breathing stopped. Pain filled Dawnwillow. She wanted to run and hide and never come back. No more . . .

She turned her thoughts to the last words of her friend. The rising sun. The prophecy. The blood ties. The loss. The Saber. It all was connected. She was in the center of the prophecy. She didn't know why she was chosen to hear it, but she was, and she couldn't change that now.

Dawnwillow seemed entitled to being a spy. Dapplefrost had known about The Fallen Claws. She had been apart of it. Now all of that information was gone. Dawnwillow swallowed bile as she confirmed her position. She was the ShadowClan spy.



Chapter Three

When Dawnwillow and Acornfoot went back to camp without Dapplefrost, questions arose immediately. Darkstar was called in and Acornfoot explained the entire patrol. This resulted in . . .

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey meet here for a clan meeting!" All of the Clan gathered swiftly, ready to hear their leaders words. Dawnwillow could see by the expressions the cats held that the word of Dapplefrost's death spread through the entire camp. "An unfortunate turn of events left Dapplefrost, one of our warriors dead. The leader of the rogues has been identified as our own Saberkit. And other cats we used to hold in our hearts."

Murmuring started to arise from the news. Dawnwillow wanted to cry. What if they 'killed' her mother the way they had 'killed' Darkscar? What if her mother was a fighter for The Fallen Claws? She snapped back to attention as Darkstar continued.

"I am doubling my previous orders. Apprentices stay in camp full time. We will have permanent guard schedules. And we will leave more here than normal at the Gathering tonight." Darkstar let the words settle in, and seemed to be making a mental map of who would go and stay.

After a small amount of time, Darkstar made the meeting close. "Dismissed." The cats flooded back to what they had been doing. Brambleheart was stumbling sadly, he was Dapplefrost's brother, and would not take the news lightly.

Dawnwillow knew that she needed to speak with Darkstar about the prophecy and her plan as a spy. Right before the black cat entered his den, Dawnwillow called to him. "Darkstar!" The cat turned around, "Yes?" "I need to speak with you. Now if you can." "Come in."

Dawnwillow padded into Darkstar's den and curled her flame colored tail neatly over her paws. "What do you need?" Darkstar questioned. Dawnwillow felt queasy, but Darkstar needed to know. "I had a dream." She finally replied, "Darkness was everywhere . . . Then Saber appeared. A voice started to recite a prophecy- at least I think it was a prophecy." Her voice started to shake as she remembered her nightmare.

Darkstar nodded in acknowledgement. "Do remember the prophecy?" He pressed. Dawnwillow nodded. “The cat that launches the new day will rise. The saber will end all the foretold lies. Blood ties will change and shadows will cross. And everything sadly will end in great loss.” She recited what she'd heard perfectly, making sure to not leave out a detail.

Darkstar nodded. "Is that all? I will try to help with your prophecy." Dawnwillow gulped. She had to. She had to put out the idea of her becoming a spy. "I was thinking about Dapplefrost's death. She knew a lot about our enemy, and we lost that information. I say-" Darkstar laughed, "You have my word. Go after the Gathering tonight. You are the ShadowClan spy." Dawnwillow looked puzzled. " How did you know about it?" Darkstar was still laughing. "Both me and your father knew that you would try. And I've chosen you and your brother to go to the Gathering tonight. Tell him please." Dawnwillow dipped her head in respect and exited the den.

Dawnwillow was nervous about her job. She would spend one day at The Fallen Claws and would gather as much information as she could. That night she would sneak back and feed the clan with all of the information she gathered. They would know their enemy like they know the scent of prey.

Dawnwillow headed for the Warriors Den to find her brother. She found him curled up in a pile of soft moss. "Crowfur," she whispered. "We get to go to the Gathering tonight." Crowfur nodded and Dawnwillow left.

The entire camp was still shaken. She watched as kits tried to cheer up Brambleheart. The cat just lay there staring into the sky. Dawnwillow gathered the kits and told them to leave Brambleheart alone.

The rest of the day was a drag. Dawnwillow was anticipating her next day. How scary it would be. She was going to live with the enemy. She needed to find out the odds and ends of The Fallen Claws, or ShadowClan surely would lose.

Shadowwisp came up next to Dawnwillow. "What was your private meeting about?" She whispered, "It seemed important." Dawnwillow shook her head. "I had a dream last night. A prophecy . . ." Shadowwisp looked puzzled. "A warrior never gets prophecies!" She meowed excitedly.

"Hush!" Dawnwillow muttered. "And after the Gathering I'm going to The Fallen Claws." Shadowwisp looked surprised, "You're a traitor!" She said. Dawnwillow laughed, " I'm going for one day as a spy. I'm going to learn everything about them." Dawnwillow was extremely nervous to confront the enemy.

Shadowwisp swallowed. "Good luck. And beware the betrayal." The second sentence seemed to be forced out, as if Shadowwisp lost control of herself. Dawnwillow nodded, "I'll need the luck." And left.

Dawnwillow was more confused than ever. So many strange utterings. The prophecy. The betrayal. The rising sun . . . " All of it made Dawnwillow more nervous and confused. How did all of it add up? What was the betrayal? It seemed like the Gathering would never come, and Dawnwillow found herself playing with kits.

Moonkit was bounding playfully through the nursery. "Let's play Fallen Claws!" He meowed. All the other kits cheered at the idea and Dawnwillow groaned at the thought of reliving the nightmare of earlier, or the coming nightmare.

"I'll be Saber!" Flamekit meowed, "The fiercest, evil cat in the forest!" Emberkit laughed. "The first time you saw a dead mouse you squealed! I'll be Scar!" Moonkit went over to her brother and sister, "I'll be the great ShadowClan warrior . . . Acornfoot. Dawnwillow come and play!"

Dawnwillow shuddered, remembering Dapplefrost's death. "No thanks. I need to go." Dawnwillow rushed out of the den and heard Moonkit meow, "Take this Saber, you'll wish you never took Dapplefrost's life!" Dawnwillow padded over to her leader. "It's almost time for the Gathering." She reminded him.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey meet here for a clan meeting!" Cats flooded from their den's, or the edges of camp, clumping together below their leader. "Tonight I'm only bringing five Warriors and two apprentices. I've made a decision that leaves the camp well protected, and the elders will be coming as well. These Warriors will be attending: Dawnwillow, Crowfur, Shadowwisp, Echostep, and Mistclaw. The apprentices Rabbitpaw and Bluepaw will also come. All of the Elders will go and so will I. The rest will guard around our camp, Feathertalon is incharge." Murmurs of agreement arose from the crowd of cats.



Chapter Four

Dawnwillow and Crowfur (33) walked side by side to the Gathering. Using the tunnel under the vicious Thunderpath, they managed to make it to Fourtrees at a quick pace.

All the other clans had already arrived, leaving ShadowClan late. Darkstar took his place along with Robinstar, Swiftstar, and Reedstar. "Greetings, Darkstar." Robinstar meowed. "Hopefully the rogues we found aren't causing trouble." Darkstar darkened, "If only." Swiftstar looked upon the cats in the hollow, "Are we ready?" Darkstar shook his head. "Let the cats talk in peace." The other leaders looked confused at Darkstar's words.

Dawnwillow noticed Firepelt, slightly and sneakily moving over to her. What was his deal? Dawnwillow stood alone until he showed up. "Hello." Firepelt meowed, "How are you?" Dawnwillow shrugged and turned her attention to the leaders.

They were murmuring to each other, just quiet enough for Dawnwillow not to hear. "What are you here for?" Dawnwillow demanded, turning back to the ThunderClan warrior. Firepelt shrugged nervously, "I just wanted to be friends." Dawnwillow was confused, "Go back to your clanmates you mousebrain!" She yelled.

Firepelt stared at the ground. "I like you." He muttered, before sinking back into the crowd of cats. Dawnwillow was frozen in wonder. Firepelt liked her? They were from different clans. It was against the code and she refused to get involved. They had to deal with The Fallen Claws.

She remembered Firepelt in her dream, leaping at Saber. He was strong and brave, definitely ready for battle, but why would he be in ShadowClan to help against the Claws? He may actually be the Savior of the battle.

Dawnwillow sat in silence, waiting for the Gathering to start. "Ready." Darkstar muttered. "I'll go first." Reedstar offered. The other three leaders nodded in agreement. Reedstar stepped forward, "Things have gone well in Riverclan. We've been well able to stock up for leaf-bare and we've had a litter of kits born." Riverclan cheered as the pleasant news was brought. If only, Dawnwillow thought sourly.

Swiftstar stepped forward next. "WindClan has also been doing well. We chased out a badger recently, and the prey hasn't been to scarce yet." Great news again, why not?

Robinstar stepped forward next. "We've gotten a new warrior, Firepelt." Dawnwillow looked over to Firepelt. His head was down and he was alone, most likely on purpose. "One of our elders, Flameheart died this morning, and a case of green cough has been found in camp, but Cherryblossom is doing all she can."

Lastly, Darkstar stepped forward. "Prey is not too easy to come by, but we're managing well." Dawnwillow remembered the mouse Firepelt scared away a few days earlier. "Our warrior Dapplefrost was killed by an encounter with a rogue group, The Fallen Claws, and we're doing everything we can to stop them." The few ShadowClan cats cheered, Crowfur among the loudest. Dawnwillow noted how her job was left out. Good. It should remain that way.

The Gathering came to a closing and cats swarmed out of the hollow. Dawnwillow met up with Darkstar to get the final bearings of the mission. "Are you clear on what to do?" Darkstar asked. Dawnwillow nodded. "I go and find the Claws, tell them I've given up on my Clan. Then I get the grand tour and ask questions that aren't too straightforward about me trying to leech information. When we go to bed I sneak out carefully and come back where I tell you everything I learned." Dawnwillow felt even more nervous than before from the reciting of the plan.

Darkstar nodded, "Precisely. I trust you can do this, Dawnwillow." Dawnwillow shrugged, "I bet anybody could do this." Darkstar shook his head, "You are important to ShadowClan's future. You are important to the the end of The Fallen Claws and I have faith in you. Hopefully I'll see you tomorrow night, if you don't return, we will raid the Claws." Dawnwillow dipped her head in respect and continued.

Dawnwillow got to go back to camp for a short while. She met up with her friends and kin, telling them that she will return shortly. She shared a mouse with her father, and said her farewells. This was going to be an interesting day tomorrow.

Chapter Five

The night was cold and nerve wracking for Dawnwillow. She navigated the swampy ShadowClan forests on her way to The Fallen Claws. She took a deep breath and continued her traveling. She didn't know how far she would have to go to reach the evil rogues, but she knew she had to fast.

Dawnwillow's plan was simple. She would trick them into thinking she was joining them. Once she got in she would learn about The Fallen Claws, soaking up information to take back to her clan. They needed to know their enemy, and this was the best option now.

Dawnwillow saw a glimpse of shining silver fur. She crept closer to the strange cat. "Who is in the territory of the Fallen?" The cat questioned. Dawnwillow held her breath. It was time to start her job as a spy. "I am Dawnwillow." She explained, "I've come to join the ranks of the Fallen." The silver cat padded over to Dawnwillow. "Alright. Dawn. I'm glad you've made the right decision." Dawnwillow smiled, "I've made the perfect decision."

The silver cat motioned Dawnwillow with her tail. "I'm Silver. And welcome to The Fallen Claw's." Dawnwillow was puzzled. There was nothing where they were, but Silver stopped in a small clearing. "This is Dawn. Bring out Saber." Out of the night's shadows, Saber stepped forward. "Dawnwillow. You've come at last."

Dawnwillow said nothing. She wanted to leap forward and attack the evil cat before her. But she had to stop herself. For the sake of the clan. "The clans surely will perish." She replied. Saber nodded. "You've seen light. The Claws are the fighting force of the forest and we will end the clans." Cats all around started to cheer. Dawnwillow shivered. This was it.

"Silver will be your guide in the morning. For right now you may rest in the Shadowwalker den. Silver led Dawnwillow to the den. Many cats were there to greet her. Silver led Dawnwillow to a nest area next to Silver. "You're one of us now." She whispered. Dawnwillow actually smiled. Genuinely smiled. She had a new task. A new plan.

"Why are you with the Claws?" Dawnwillow asked her new friend. Silver shrugged. "The Clans don't let rogues in. These cats did. I joined before they became bloodthirsty. They used to function like a clan and I loved that." Dawnwillow was surprised. Silver didn't want to go to war with the clans. This was a great start.

"How many do we have?" Dawnwillow asked, "Not to be invasive of us, but I would like to have a briefing of what we are." Silver laughed, "We aren't anything exciting. We have about twenty cats." Dawnwillow was excited she wasn't being pinned traitor. She found out a lot already. And Silver seemed to be a nice cat.

"I have something to tell you." Dawnwillow murmured. Silver smiled, "Yes, Dawn?" Dawnwillow gulped, "What if I could get you in a real clan?" She whispered. Silver went wide eyed. "I would be so happy." She stated quietly, "Are you-" Dawnwillow nodded, "A spy. We don't want to be blind on our enemy. After my mission, I could bring both us back."

Silver was shocked. "Alright." She managed. "Just stay with me tomorrow. I know this place inside and out." Dawnwillow nodded and fell asleep.



Chapter Six

Dawnwillow woke calmly, thinking she was in the Warriors den. She looked around and saw Silver and remembered what was happening. She was on her mission for ShadowClan to spy on their enemies. So far she had gotten in and made a friend, who would come back with her to join a clan.

Dawnwillow prodded Silver awake. "Good morning." She whispered. Silver shot awake, "Ready for- Oh, it's you." Dawnwillow nodded. "What do I do?" Silver got up and stretched awake. "We need to tell Saber that we're starting the tour." Dawnwillow followed Silver to the Bloodmasters cave, which was a cave lined with bones.

"Good morning, Saber. We're starting the Shades tour." Silver meowed to her leader. Saber just nodded. I was a Clan spy and found out the way the real clans function. Shades are the first day people, BloodMaster is leader. And Shadowwalkers are the Warriors." Dawnwillow nodded in understanding. "What beliefs are here?" Dawnwillow asked.

Silver was about to answer, when Scar padded over to Dawnwillow. "What're you doing here, Clankitten?" He snarled. Dawnwillow growled, "I'm a Claws member." She announced. Scar glared at Silver. "Really?" Silver shrugged, "We're small in numbers." Scar turned his heartless gaze back to Dawnwillow. "Let's see what you're made of." He growled. Dawnwillow laughed, "I will rip you limb from limb this time." She snarled.

Scar launched forward, slicing her sharp claws down Dawnwillow's shoulders. Dawnwillow let out a yowl and leapt over Scar and whipped around to claw him. Scar turned around and swiped at Dawnwillow, missing, Dawnwillow scratched at Scars muzzle, putting a new scar over the old one. Scar let out a growl and viciously bit Dawnwillows shoulder.

Dawnwillow whipped away from the bite, solid pain surging through her body. She sliced Scar rig above his eyes, blood blinding his sight, then she bit his shoulder and threw him a short distance. "I think you have no right questioning me." She meowed, before turning back to Silver.

Dawnwillow was sore all over, but was happy to beat Scar in battle again. Silver was staring at Scar, "Fierce." She meowed, but then turned back to Dawnwillow. "That's the problem with us. We have no beliefs. The leader has a single life. The cats have little spirit." Dawnwillow noted that. The clan cats seem to have the win. Silver continued, "But these cats are fierce and merciless. They kill with ease unlike you." Dawnwillow shivered. "The code states that we can't kill." Dawnwillow said plainly.

"Exactly." Silver muttered. "I'm not doing the regular procedure. We show you the camp and rules, but we aren't staying." Dawnwillow nodded. "Who's second in command?" Dawnwillow asked, hoping the cat was nice. "Scar." Silver answered, "best not even try." Dawnwillow nodded again. "I want the plans." Silver smiled, "Done. They plan to raid ShadowClan first. They're going to sneak over to the camp and burst through the openings." Dawnwillow was nervous thinking about it. "We may make it to them first." She whispered, "Figuring it may be better for us."

Silver nodded in agreement, "Surprise will be on our side." Dawnwillow was relieved to find a friend. Relieved that she wasn't alone was in the evil camp of the Fallen Claws.

The rest of the day was actually fun for Dawnwillow, staying with Silver all day. They made an official escape plan, and went to 'sleep' in the den.

Chapter Seven

When Dawnwillow and Silver were sure that the others were sleeping, they got up and stretched. "Do they usually have guards?" Dawnwillow whispered. Silver shook her head. The two tiptoed through the sleeping den of cats, making sure they don't disturb them.

When they were out of the crowded den, moonlight made it easy for them to see their escape route. The entire camp proved still, and they were ready. They went to the center of the camp and spun around to check the camp area, "Are you sure I will be accepted?" Silver asked anxiously. Dawnwillow nodded, "I know Darkstar will let you join us."

Out of the shadows leapt Scar. "Nice try." Scar growled. Dawnwillow growled and stepped forward, "When will you learn?" She asked. "When will your mother love me?" Scar asked, "Never. Feathertalon was perfect for her . . . Perfect." Dawnwillow froze. Scar was jealous of her father?

"My mothers dead!" Dawnwillow said, and the words opened a gap in her heart. "She died to these bloodthirsty rogues." Dawnwillow was getting angry again. She wanted all these cats dead. Except for Silver. "Yet you choose to be an evil, bloodthirsty cat." Scar started to calm.

"You don't understand!" Scar cried. "I was with your mother. I tried to save her. They took me and said that I joined them and she would be let go." Scar was shuddering now, "I've been living knowing she was safe." Dawnwillow understood immediately.

Dawnwillow felt bad for the cat in front of her. "Come home." She whispered. "Come home with us." Scar nodded. "Thank you. You are forgiving, you are my savior." Scar was padding up to Dawnwillow, "Thank you." Then suddenly he leaped and teeth were in her neck. Her vision was blurry and pain surged through her. She fought to stay conscious, a fight she surely lost.

She awoke in complete blackness. She couldn't see anything, or feel, or hear, or smell, or taste. She was in complete nothingness. She figured she was dead. Silver had been right. Clan cats were merciful, and that was their weakness.

Dawnwillow was in the darkness for what felt an eternity. She didn't know what was happening to her clan, or to Silver. She hoped everybody was ok. Everyone was going to be ok. Hoping Scar was dead, along with the will of the Fallen Claws.

After a while Dawnwillow's darkness was interrupted. She found Silver staring down at her, concern in her eyes. Dawnwillow slowly got to her feet, pain shooting through her with every movement. "Careful." Silver whispered.

Dawnwillow nodded slowly, "I feel like I got a monster in the face." Silver laughed uneasily, "More than less, Scar was quite monstrous. I stopped him from killing you and killed him." Dawnwillow shuddered at the thought of him dead. "I know you saved me, but . . . Killing." Silver nodded, "Scar was heartless. He was going to kill you." Dawnwillow nodded.

The two cats slowly made their way to ShadowClan, the night turning into an orange dawn. Dawnwillow and Silver made it to camp with many questions popping up. Dawnwillow was silent until she headed to Darkstar, who spoke first, "In my den." He whispered. Dawnwillow nodded. Her daunting mission was complete.

Dawnwillow and Silver settled in the leaders den, Dawnwillow mentally preparing her words. "Alright," Darkstar started. "What happened?" Dawnwillow explained the entire trip, leaving out no detail. "Silver can stay. We will wait to attack until you've recovered, and we will prepare now."

Dawnwillow spent the next moon in the Medicinecats den, recovering. Silvermoon became a member of the clan and spent mornings hunting, afternoons with Dawnwillow, and patrols kept popping up for her.

One morning Crowfur came in to visit her. "Goodbye sister." He murmured. Dawnwillow was puzzled. "What?" Crowfur looked at the ground, "My name is Shadow. I'm a Fallen Claws cat. Dawnwillow's eyes widened. The prophecy. 'Blood ties will change and shadows will cross'. Dawnwillow growled at her brother, "I will kill you." She said looking at him, "I will spill your traitorous blood from here to the high stones." Shadow nodded, "Respectable." He murmured before leaving.

How could he? He always preached her to the code and suddenly put in for abbandoning. Dawnwillow wanted to leave for The Fallen Claws Immediately. She wanted to rip every cat there up and give their bloodied pelts to StarClan.

The feeling of being almost killed and then stabbed in the back mentally by your own kin. That's the feeling of pain, at its understatement. When you get stabbed like that, it leaves a gaping wound that never heals. It leaves a wound that will remain forever.

Chapter Eight

Dawnwillow stalked through the forest of ThunderClan. She was to ask Robinstar if he would bring help to defeat the Fallen Claws. She'd been healing for the past moon and felt the need to act after her brother betrayed her and their clan.

She bounded swiftly through the forest, the unnatural shrubby growth catching her off guard every once in awhile. She wondered how the ThunderClan cats stand it. She saw almost no prey on her trip, signaling the start of leaf-bare anytime.

Dawnwillow finally burst through the gorse tunnel to the ThunderClan camp. Robinstar was in the clearing in front of her and Dawnwillow fought to catch her breath. "We need help." She gulped in more air, "To raid The Fallen Claws."

Robinstar nodded. "I will lead a patrol to help you, we don't like these rogues anymore than you do. "Clearsky, Firepelt, Spottedfeather, Redmoon, come here. We are going to ShadowClan to help them against the rogues."

The journey back was quick, Dawnwillow led the ThunderClan Warriors to ShadowClan camp. She remembered with a sinking feeling that Firepelt was there. The cats burst into camp and Darkstar and Feathertalon were ready with the other patrols.

Dawnwillow's job was to lead the patrols to the Fallen Claws camp. She swiftly followed the trail she had a moon before for her spy mission. The patrols followed behind her at a good pace.

Firepelt sped faster to meet up with Dawnwillow, "Why do you hate me?" He asked. Dawnwillow sighed, "I don't hate you, but you are from a different clan." Firepelt sped farther ahead, bounding as fast as he could.

Dawnwillow tried to speed up to him but she couldn't. They all raided into the Fallen Claws camp in the next minute. Dawnwillow watched as Firepelt leaped on Saber's back. "For Dawnwillow!" he screeched.

Dawnwillow bounded over and yelled, but he was already in battle with Saber. Shadow Launched onto Dawnwillow, "Hello sister." He meowed. Dawnwillow remembered the scene of her betrayal.

She threw her brother off of her growling. "I'm not your sister." She growled, "I don't have traitor blood." She leapt at him and bit his shoulder. He yowled in pain. "I think dad liked me more." He meowed. Dawnwillow laughed in the middle of the battle.

"He hates you." Dawnwillow meowed. Shadow clawed Dawnwillow's muzzle. Dawnwillow scratched at Shadow's forehead, blinding him from blood. He stumbled backwards and then fled.

Dawnwillow made her way back to Saber and Firepelt. They were still battling, Firepelt holding his own. Dawnwillow searched for a cat that needed help, but most of the cats were beating their enemies.

Then the claw came down. Saber launched at Dawnwillow and pinned her to the ground. Claws gripped her shoulders, "Hello again." He meowed. Firepelt launched onto Saber's back and bit into his neck. Saber whipped around, making Firepelt fly off.

Saber pinned down Firepelt and gnash end his long fangs into him. Firepelt screeched in pain, blood gushed out of his neck. Saber went over to a group of Warriors and went into battle with them.

Dawnwillow thought about everything. About Firepelt. She had loved him. She just put the code first to blind herself. Dawnwillow bounded over to Firepelt. "You are not dying." She breathed. Firepelt shook his head, "Too late." Dawnwillow shook her head, "You are not dying! Just listen to me. I loved you. I did. I put the code in front of me I . . ." It was too late. Firepelt put one last grin on his face when he had heard her. Right before his shallow breathing stopped.

Dawnwillow leaped up at Saber, biting down into his neck. The cat struggled against it, but Dawnwillow refused to let go. Saber stumbled back and fell, blood rushing out of his throat. His breathing was shallow and eventually stopped. The other Fallen Claws cats split and Dawnwillow was left with a shattered heart.

The End