#raggedlore

"I'm grateful that the sun is finally back." Minkstar was purring, stretching out in a patch of sun with Bitternlightning.

Bitternlightning nodded in agreement. "It's not only good for my pelt but drying my herbs." Her whiskers twitched. "Speaking of herbs, StarClan blessed me and Stemstripe yesterday with a nice patch of garlic."

"Do you think it's a sign that Garlicash will finally get a mate?" Shinelight joked as she settled down beside Minkstar.

Bitternlightning laughed. "Maybe!"

Minkstar sighed. "It's about time he does. He's yet to secure the mediator line." Minkstar turned to Bitternlightning. "And neither have you."

Bitternlightning frowned. "I'm old, Minkstar. Just give me some time." She set her head back down on her paws.

Shinelight glanced back at her mother who was deep in thought. Instead of interrupting the she-cat, she too settled down and enjoyed the rare sunlight on her fur.

"Hornetstem." Shinelight called to the tom.

Hornetstem lifted a brow as he turned to face Shinelight. "Yes?"

Shinelight smiled. "Do you mind helping me move a few sticks on the outside of the warriors den?"

Something flashed in the tom's eyes before he perked up. "Of course! Lead the way." He set down whatever he was messing with before following Shinelight.

"Are you sure your paw feels well enough? You're going to be moving a lot, I imagine." Minkstar was looking at Ponddrop skeptically.

Ponddrop rolled his eyes. "Yes, I'm sure, Minkstar. Now come on, you're holding up the rest of the patrol." The tom padded past his mother, joining the battle patrol.

"Glad you could join us." Shinelight teased as Ponddrop padded beside her. She was leading the patrol out towards where the rogue group had last been spotted.

Ponddrop simply scowled.

Gosh, what's his issue? Shinelight frowned.

"Well, I know I'm excited to finally teach those filthy rogues a lesson! This time they won't come back." Asterseed came up on the other side of Shinelight, his tail twitching with excitement.

Shinelight smiled. "Now that's the spirit! We won't have to worry about them anymore after today."

It was a long and grueling battle. The RaggedClan cats were battered and bloody and the rogues weren't much better either. But RaggedClan had won. They had the rogue group circled.

"Do you surrender?" Minkstar glared down at the rogue leader.

The toms head was lowered. "We do. This time we will move on. We understand now that we are not the strongest here."

Minkstar seemed satisfied. "Because of your cooperation, you are being spared today. Treat your injured and leave. Next time we see one of your members they will be killed on sight." Minkstar summoned her clan around her. "RaggedClan, our business here is over. I can't say we wish you and your group well, but we hope you can find a better life elsewhere. Good luck."

"Wake up, Shinelight. You assigned us to dawn patrol, remember?"

Shinelight grumbled something as she blinked open her eyes to see Asterseed standing over her. "Remind me why I did that again?"

Asterseed snorted. "No clue. Now come one."

The two set out towards the closest border, chatting the entire way and laughing. The mood was light for some time before they heard a groan from a nearby bush.

"Did you hear that?" Asterseed stopped, narrowing his eyes at the bush the noise came from.

"Yeah..." Shinelight nodded, carefully approaching the bush. "Do you think it's a cat?" She paused and glanced back at Asterseed who shrugged.

A she-cat poked her head out of the bush, startling Shinelight. "Hello?" The she-cat said slowly, wincing.

Shinelight, still shaking, just looked at the she-cat.

"Hello? What's your name?" Asterseed, who wasn't as startled, stepped forward.

The she-cat narrowed her eyes. "Hazelwhisker. I'm looking for LittleClan. Surely they're around here somewhere..." She looked around, confused.

Shinelight and Asterseed both gasped.

"LittleClan? We're from RaggedClan!" Shinelight said with excitement.

Hazelwhisker looked even more confused. "RaggedClan? Doesn't sound familiar.

Asterseed cleared his throat. "RaggedClan is the old TreeClan. And some CloudClan. And a few stragglers we picked up."

Hazelwhisker frowned. "Well, where's LittleClan? I think I'm a little lost..."

Shinelight shook her head sadly. "They're gone, Hazelwhisker. Minkstar sent out search parties for the other clans but they were all gone."

"Well they must've gone somewhere!" Hazelwhisker's voice rose, causing her to wince again. "They wouldn't just leave without me..."

"The skyflames. It killed so many. Cats, prey, the forest..." Asterseed looked at Hazelwhisker sadly. "LittleClan is gone. Maybe there are survivors somewhere out there, but there are no others around here."

Hazelwhisker groaned. "I came all this way...just for them to be gone!" She looked down at her paws.

"Came all this way from where?" Asterseed inquired.

Shinelight shook her head. "You can tell us that later, Hazelwhisker. Just come back to RaggedClan with us. You look like you could do with a good meal and a check from our Healer.."

"I haven't a clue how you survived that long with this kind of head trauma." Bitternlightning shook her head. "It's a miracle!"

"StarClan has it's ways..." Hazelwhisker sighed.

"Right." Bitternlightning nodded.

"Now, Hazelwhisker, tell us about your journey." Shinelight had gotten the curious eyes away from the den, allowing Hazelwhisker to explain in a quiet environment.

Hazelwhisker frowned. "Well, it started when twolegs snatched me on the moor one day. They tried turning me into one of those kittypets!" Hazelwhisker shivered.

Bitternlightning narrowed her eyes but said nothing.

"And you escaped?" Shinelight titled her head.

Hazelwhisker nodded. "When the skyflames as you call them fell. The twolegs were rushing out of their den in a hurry. They left me." She scoffed. "They wanted me so badly just to abandon me," Hazelwhisker muttered something before continuing. "But they left the 'door', as I had heard it called, open and I was able to escape. Something hit my head when I was running out and I woke up some time later surrounded by strange cats."

Bitternlightning and Shinelight exchanged a glance.

"Their fur was burnt and their skin raw. They must've saved me. And I left them as soon as I could. I can't remember how far I traveled. But I know my head felt better after a few moons. I think I was finally close when another strange group of cats attacked me. They looked like the rest but even stranger. And scarier." Hazelwhisker shuddered.

"That must've been the group we were having issues with. We just recently got rid of them." Shinelight looked thoughtful.

Hazelwhisker shrugged. "I wouldn't know. All I do know about them though is that they're vicious. Threw me against a tree and left me for dead. I guess that's what caused this more recent injury. After that, I'm not sure. I don't remember well. But I'm here now." She was silent for a few moments. "Are you sure you haven't seen any other LittleClan cats?"

"I'm afraid not," Shinelight said with sympathy. "If we did, we'd tell you. I promise."

Hazelwhisker seemed to accept that and settled down in her nest. "Thank you."

Marsh used to be a loner. He had no desire for a family. Why bother? He was happy in his solitude and didn't want to cause any cat heartache if something happened.

Until he met her.

She called herself Bittern. Marsh always thought it was a weird name. But he decided it suited her. She had a sharp tongue but also showed him her caring side.

That's why it was no surprise that Marsh asked her to be his mate. And it was no surprise that she accepted.

Soon enough there were four little paws running around. Then two. Then one. Then none. All four kits had grown up.

Meadow was claimed to be the prettiest she-cat in the area. And it was hard to deny it.

Borage, too, was highly complimented. Both left one night after a quick and quiet goodbye. Meadow had found a mate and was going off to live with him. Borage decided to join her sister and was welcomed. Meadow would be having her own litter soon, and an extra set of paws was greatly appreciated.

Burnet never was one to hunt or fight. Whenever Marsh would give her and her littermates lessons, she never seemed to get the hang of it. After not much thought, she became a kittypet. Marsh and Bittern weren't necessarily angry but they surely weren't happy either. But they supported whatever Burnet, now Cassie, wanted.

And Sparrow. Bittern couldn't contain her shock when he was born. He looked identical to her own brother, also named Sparrow, who she'd lost sight of in a storm moons ago. It's safe to say that Sparrow was a mamas boy. It was a tough goodbye when he finally decided to set out on his own one day, but Bittern and Marsh wished him well. They never saw him again, no matter how long they waited.

Bittern longed for another litter and got just that with Leaf and Magnolia.

Leaf was a lot like Cassie in his parent's eyes. But instead of simply not getting the hang of hunting or fighting, he was disinterested. He decided to become a kittypet, spoiled by his twolegs. Bittern and Marsh were sad to see him go, but knew this lifestyle suited him.

Magnolia, on the other hand, was skilled. She was eager to learn. But when Leaf left, she knew she couldn't be without her brother. So she too became a kittypet, settling into the house right next door to him.

Marsh and Bittern had made many trips over the mountains in their lifetime, but this time would be their last. They said their goodbyes to what kits they could locate and set off. They were old now and wanted to live out their days in a peaceful forest somewhere where their kits wouldn't have to dote on them. That's why it was a surprise when Birch was born only a few moons before the skyflames came.

He was always distant with his parents the few moons they were together. He got in fights with the local clan cats, earning a nasty scar on his throat. Bittern was furious. Did he have no sense of self-preservation? She had no clue. All she and Marsh knew was that they regretted how harsh they had been those days leading up to the skyflames. No matter how desperately they tried following Birch's scent trail from where he left them two days before, they couldn't find him. Bittern often catches herself wondering if he's happy, wherever he is.

"It feels like it's been raining for an eternity." Asterseed complained, shaking out his soggy fur.

Shinelight nodded. "It's miserable, isn't it?"

Ponddrop huffed. "Don't complain too much. We're lucky to have any kind of shelter in camp." The tom motioned up to the overhanging rock that was sheltering them right now.

Shinelight had to agree. It could be much worse. "Asterseed, can you get this patch behind my ear? I can't seem to get it."

Asterseed smiled. "Sure, Shinelight." The tom sat down and began grooming the she-cats fur.

Ponddrop rolled his eyes and scowled.

Shinelight snickered. "What's wrong, Ponddrop? Missing Stemstripe? Wishing she could help you?"

Asterseed let out a quiet laugh.

Ponddrop huffed. "Whatever you say, Shinelight."

"Oh don't be such a big baby." Shinelight teased. When Asterseed was finished grooming all the damp fur behind her ear and head, she got up and sat beside Ponddrop, working on places on his back.

"Shinelight, you don't have to do that. I can get it myself." Ponddrop grumbled.

"No, no, I insist!" Shinelight smiled and Ponddrop grumbled something.

"So, first I want us to work on throwing off the balance of our opponents. I noticed when we fought the rogues that many cats seemed to get trapped under cats bigger than them." Shinelight was looking at the small group in front of her.

"Back in my old clan, we were taught to kick at the cats back legs." Curlthorn offered up. The older she-cat seemed a little disinterested.

"Back in old TreeClan, I heard the apprentices talking about that move." Asterseed smiled.

"My old mentor in CloudClan taught me that move! But I never was good at it." Silkdance sighed and glanced over at Asterseed.

Shinelight nodded. "Alright. Curlthorn, you seem to be the most knowledgeable about it. Minkstar taught me it, but I'll let you lead this exercise."

Curlthorn nodded, stepping forward.

Marshstalk sat in front of the elders den, eating a robin.

"Hey, Marshstalk." Shinelight approached the elder with a smile.

Marshstalk looked up, a feather stuck to his face, but he didn't seem to notice it. "Well hello, Shinelight. How can I help you?"

"Well, I was going to ask about a story I remember you telling me when I was a kit, but I think I'd better let you know that you have a feather on your face." Shinelight motioned to the area where the feather was.

Marshstalk raised a brow and patted that area, removing the feather. "Well, I thank you kindly!" Marshstalk smiled. "Now, tell me, what story was it that you were wondering about?"

Shinelight settled down beside him. "The one where you were talking about the thing you called a 'wolf'. Where did you even encounter that?"

Marshstalk grinned. "Well, you know me and my Bittern were wanderers back in our prime. We used to cross the mountains way out there. You can barely see them from here. They're small specks. That's where the wolves live. It was always a challenge to cross the mountains, but we did it." He motioned off in the direction where the mountains were. "But with the trees here, you'd never see them. You'd have to walk out to the closest moor, and even that is about a half-days journey."

Shinelight looked amazed. "I don't think I've ever been out to a moor. Snowyfeather told me about one when he was still alive. Apparently, it's where a clan called LittleClan used to live."

"Ah yes, I remember them. They weren't all that welcoming when Bittern and I passed through there before with our third litter." Marshstalk was nodding. "Not the most happy cats. But living on the moor is harsh, so the cats there have to be too."

"The moor is harsh?" Shinelight tilted her head.

Marshstalk nodded again. "Oh yes, there are many dangers. There's barely any place for a cat to hide, and it's very open so there's nothing to shield you from weather. And the hawks are bad there. They can pick up a kit and there would be nothing you could do. And the occasional owl or eagle. You're more likely to see an owl out here, though. And eagles rarely make it far in these woods."

Shinelight's fur prickled. I can't imagine a hawk plucking up some cats kit. That must be awful... She shook her head. "You said your third litter? How many litters have you and Bitternlightning had?"

"Just three." Marshstalk smiled. "Four kits in our first, two in our second, and one in our third. By the time we had our third litter, both of us were up in age. But I imagine Birch, our son from our last litter, would be about twenty-four moons now. Most of our kits left us when they turned twelve moons old. And only a few would ever come visit if we were back in an area they lived around."

"Do you know where any of your kits went after they left?" Shinelight titled her head.

"Some. Birch set out early, and then those flames rained down on us, so I have no idea where he is. Both kits from the second litter, Magnolia and her brother Leaf became kittypets. Their two-legs as you call them lived next to each other. But we had them on the other side of the mountains, and it's a much too far journey to travel now. But when Bittern and I lived in that area we'd visit them." Marshstalk looked wistful.

"What about your first litter?" Shinelight was extremely interested now.

"We had them in the same area as the second. Meadow, Borage, Sparrow, and Cassie." Marshstalk smiled.

"Cassie?" Shinelight echoed. "That's such a strange name."

Marshstalk chuckled. "She chose to become a kittypet and that's the name her two-legs gave her. Originally we named her Burnet."

Shinelight wrinkled her nose at the thought of being a kittypet.

"I know you clan-born cats are judgmental of kittypets because of their soft life, but I assure you it was the best thing for her. She wasn't any good at hunting or fighting. I'd rather have a kittypet daughter than a dead one." Marshstalk said firmly.

Shinelight looked down at her paws. "Sorry."

Marshstalk touched his nose to her ear. "It's quite alright. I understand that this was simply how you were raised."

Shinelight lifted her head. "It must be hard not knowing where they're at now."

Marshstalk closed his eyes. "I just like to imagine that the sky flames only affected this area. Best not to let my imagination go too wild though." He was silent for a moment. "But back to the topic. You wanted to know about the wolves, huh?"

"Asterseed, I'm worried." Shinelight admitted, lowering her head.

Asterseed looked surprised. "About what?" He shuffled a little closer to the she-cat.

"About the war." Shinelight looked up and locked eyes with Asterseed. "The rogues have cost us so much!"

Asterseed shook his head. "Don't be silly. There are plenty of us still. We can fight them. And Minkstar has all her lives! I know she'd gladly spend them protecting us."

Shinelight narrowed her eyes at the latter part of his statement but said nothing. "I just want you to know that if something happens to me--"

"Stop." Asterseed frowned. "I know you're going to say that you want me to 'Go on living!' and 'Find someone!',." He sighed. "But that isn't going to happen. Nothing bad is going to happen. We're going to win this war, I know it."

Shinelight's smile returned and she placed her paw on Asterseed's. "You're right. We'll be fine."

Asterseed smiled as well, looking happily at Shinelight.

Ponddrop's figure could be seen in the distance as he slowly slunk out of camp, probably thinking he was going undetected.

Shinelight's brow furrowed and she sent a silent prayer to her ancestors. Please StarClan, keep him safe. Don't let anything happen to him. She sat there, contemplating, until she heard her name being called.

"Shinelight." Minkstar approached her daughter cautiously.

"Minkstar!" Shinelight was surprised to see her mother out of her nest. "What can I do for you?" She dipped her head.

"There's no need to be formal. I just wanted to talk to you." Minkstar sat beside her with a heavy sigh. "I'm worried about this war. It's taken a toll on me. And everything else that's happened." She shook her head. "I don't know what I'm going to do."

Shinelight smiled softly. "You know, Asterseed and I were just talking about that the other day. He's convinced it'll all be fine."

"But what do you think?" Minkstar turned to her.

Shinelight suddenly looked very tired. "I don't know, mama. I really don't know." Shinelight looked up at the morning sky that was slowly getting lighter. "I really don't know."

"I told you to watch where you were stepping." Stemstripe hissed.

"I know." Ponddrop growled. "I don't need to be reminded again!" He huffed as he leaned on Stemstripe's shoulder, carefully keeping his paw off the ground.

Shinelight rushed over. "What happened? Ponddrop, are you okay?"

Stemstripe answered before the tom could. "He was helping me clean up by the burial grounds and stepped on a thorn when I told him there were thorns scattered on the ground." She side-eyed the tom.

Ponddrop scowled.

"Well, as long as you're alright." Shinelight let out a short sigh of relief.

"He will be once I patch up his foot." Stemstripe rolled her eyes. "He was complaining like a kit on the way here."

"RaggedClan, gather around the waste for a clan meeting!" Minkstar's yowl echoed through the clearing. The clan crept out of their dens and gathered around her.

Minkstar's eyes looked hollow as she waited for every cat to settle. When they did, she finally spoke. "I have decided that it is time to finally name my deputy." She took a deep breath in and out. "I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors and Snowyfeather may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of RaggedClan is Shinelight." She motioned Shinelight forward. "You are young but capable, and I trust you to look after RaggedClan as long as you are living."

Shinelight dipped her head and stepped forward to sit beside her mother. "I vow to do my best. I will take care of RaggedClan until my dying breath."

Minkstar nodded. "Good." She turned her head back to the crowd. "Pondpaw, step forward."

Pondpaw's eyes were shining as he stepped forward.

Minkstar turned to Curlthorn. "Has Pondpaw learned the skills of a warrior? Do you believe he is ready and worthy?"

Curlthorn nodded. "He has, and he is."

"Then I, Minkstar, leader of RaggedClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and though he is eleven moons old, I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn." Minkstar sighed. "Pondpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." Pondpaw dipped his head.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Pondpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Ponddrop. StarClan honors your hard work, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RaggedClan."

"Ponddrop! Ponddrop!" The clan erupted into cheers for the new warrior.

"It's going to be so weird now, calling you my deputy." Asterseed smiled as he and Shinelight walked through the clan's territory.

"Oh yeah?" Shinelight titled her head. "I suppose it'll be strange bossing you around now." She grinned, shoving him playfully.

The two chattered back and forth, almost oblivious to their surroundings.

"So, did your pretty leader finally replace that old tom?" A new voice sounded from behind the two, causing them to whip around in alarm.

Shinelight gasped. One of the rogues! "What're you doing back here? I thought there was an agreement?" She hissed.

"Yeah well, this area is the richest in prey, so we decided to pop back over." The rogue tom was grinning evily.

"Well, you're not welcome here! You'd better leave before we make you." Asterseed growled.

"Oh?" The rogue tom laughed.

"They're back because they couldn't find any suitable land?" Minkstar huffed.

"I doubt that." Bitternlightning said between licks as she dressed Asterseed and Shinelight's wounds.

"That's what he claimed." Asterseed winced as he shrugged.

Shinelight frowned. "It just doesn't make sense. This place is in no way prey-rich. I'm sure there's better places!"

"They just didn't want to look." Bitternlightning shook her head. "And you're lucky these scratches are the only things you got out with. Not only do we know what those rogues are capable of, but me and Marsh had run-ins with them while we were still loners."

Shinelight sighed. "We'll just have to have extra patrols around the borders again. And bigger groups."

Minkstar nodded. "That's a good idea. I'll leave you to organize those." Minkstar turned and left the den.

"You two will be fine. Go get yourselves something to eat, though. And don't push yourselves for a few days." Bitternlightning narrowed her eyes. "Please."

Asterseed and Shinelight nodded before padding out into the clearing and grabbing a piece of prey each.

Shinelight led the way to a patch of sun, settling down with her mouse. "I'm grateful for this Newleaf weather." Shinelight purred as she took a bite. "And for the sun being back out."

Asterseed was nodding in agreement. "So am I. I was getting tired of the cold weather."

"If I don't have kits soon, Stemstripe, you'll have to become the next Lead Healer. And I'm sure you'll be fine. You've also got a mate set up for you." Bitternlightning's voice drifted from the Healers den.

"Set up for me?" Stemstripe echoed.

"Oh please dear, I see the way you and Ponddrop look at each other. He's head over heels for you." Bitternlightning chuckled.

Stemstripe sighed. "Yes, he's nice. But I don't want you to talk like that. You've still got plenty of time. And so does Marshstalk."

"I suppose." Bitternlightning yawned. "We can talk more about this later. And we'll need to talk to Minkstar about this as well."

"Ok..." Stemstripe agreed.

"Surely Bitternlightning isn't that old..." Shinelight murmured to herself as she turned away and began walking back to the warriors den. She settled back into her nest, and was almost asleep when she felt a paw shake her gently.

"Psst, Shinelight." Garlicash's face was close to hers, startling her when she opened her eyes.

"Garlicash!?" She pulled away from him. "What is is?" She narrowed her eyes after her heart slowed a bit.

"Sorry to startle you. I just wanted to ask if Ponddrop was scared of spiders?" Garlicash blinked his eyes innocently.

Shinelight looked at him suspiciously. "Yes..why?"

"Just curious." Garlicash smiled. "Thanks!"

"There is lots of good news to be shared today!" Minkstar was smiling for the first time in moons, looking down at the gathered clan. "The rogue group's leader and I came to an agreement last night. They have agreed to move on to new territories and leave us in peace!"

Minkstar waited for the cheers of the clan to die down.

"And we are welcoming two new warriors into the clan. Shinepaw, step forward."

Shinepaw's eyes widened in surprise as she padded forward.

"Though you are young, only ten moons to be exact, you have proven that you are more than ready to become a warrior." Minkstar smiled. "I, Minkstar, leader of RaggedClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn." She took a breath in. "Shinepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." Shinepaw dipped her head, barely able to contain her excitement.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Shinepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Shinelight. StarClan honors your spirit, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RaggedClan." Minkstar touched her nose to Shinelight's head, and Shinelight licked her shoulder in return.

"Shinelight! Shinelight!" Shinelight could hear her brother's voices the loudest, but she could also hear the fit of coughs Breezepaw broke out in. She noticed Pondpaw give him a worried look, but Breezepaw simply shook his head.

"Now, Asterpaw, step forward." Minkstar said when all was quiet.

Asterpaw stepped up, looking wide-eyed.

"Curlthorn, has your apprentice, Asterpaw, learned the skills of a warrior? Do they understand the importance of the warrior code?" Minkstar turned to Curlthorn.

"He has." Curlthorn dipped her head.

Minkstar nodded. "Asterpaw, though this ceremony is a moon late, I, Minkstar, leader of RaggedClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn."

Asterpaw was looking at her, and Shinelight could see the light of excitement in his eyes.

"Asterpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Minkstar titled her head.

"I do." Asterpaw said quickly.

Minkstar chuckled. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Asterpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Asterseed. StarClan honors your versatility, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RaggedClan."

"Asterseed! Asterseed!" Hornetstem's voice was the loudest by far, and he rushed up to his son as soon as the tom stepped away from Minkstar.

"I'm so proud of you!" Shinelight could hear Hornetstem saying, covering Asterseed with licks. He had been cleared of whitecough just in time.

Shinelight laughed at the sight. But it seemed Minkstar wasn't done, and most of the clan seemed to realize as they quieted.

"Now, Bitternlightning has something to say." Minkstar stepped aside to allow Bitternlightning to be in the center of attention.

Bitternlightning cleared her throat. "Last night I traveled to the Light Water with Stempaw. Today, we honor her as a full healer." She motioned for the she-cat to step forward.

"Last night, Stempaw was honored by StarClan for her hard work and dedication, despite the medical obstacles she faced. And now, StarClan has returned her as Stemstripe to us." Bitternlightning touched her nose to Stemstripe's head and the she-cat beamed.

"Stemstripe! Stemstripe!" Shinelight was competing with Pondpaw for being the loudest voice, and she couldn't help but inwardly laugh.

"Now, our two new warriors will hold their silent vigil tonight, and will not speak until the first rays of sunlight are visible, or if they need to alert danger. We send you two with warmth to the camp entrance." Minkstar dipped her head to Shinelight and Asterseed, who both dipped theirs in return. "Good luck."

"I'm sorry, Minkstar..." Bitternlightning's voice was soft. "He was just too weak to fight the sickness off. But know he rests easy in StarClan now, with Snowyfeather and all our other fallen clanmates."

"It's not fair! He was so young!" Minkstar wailed over the body of Breezepaw.

Shinelight and Pondpaw watched from behind their mother. Shinelight glanced over at her brother who had a strange look in his eyes. Anger? She thought. "Pondpaw, are you ok...?" She whispered.

All Pondpaw gave was a brisk nod. The two sat in silence for a moment more. "I need fresh air." Pondpaw said suddenly, whirling out of the den.

Shinelight watched him go. She wanted to go after him but knew nothing would change his feelings. It was best to let him calm down by himself. Or maybe Stemstripe will go to him...

She turned to her mother. "Minkstar?" She sat down beside the distressed she-cat.

Minkstar didn't even look at her. He gaze was fixed on Breezepaw, and Breezepaw only. "He should've been a warrior..." She heard her whisper.

"This moon was supposed to be exciting." Asterseed looked off into the distance, a strange look in his eyes. "Rogues gone, new warrios and a healer...but now sickness."

Shinelight was silent, playing with a tuft of Breezepaw's fur. The young tom had been buried some hours ago.

"I know I shouldn't look into it too hard. I'm no Healer." He shook his head. "But I can't help but get a strange feeling, like something else is going to happen."

"Don't say things like that." Shinelight frowned. "If we were in danger, StarClan would warn us. We must trust that we're safe."

"I'm sorry." Asterseed ducked his head.

"There's no need to be," Shinelight replied softly, looking up at the stars. "There's a new star up there, shining brightly down on us. Breezepaw wouldn't want us to mope around, he'd want us to live."

Asterseed formed a small smile. "I suppose that's true. What do you want to do?"

"This cloud was so weird looking! It looked almost like a rabbit, but them it started looking like a shrew, and..."

Shinepaw yawned. She didn't mean to, really, but Silkdance had been going on and on about the cloud for the last hour.

"Shinepaw, are you even listening?" Silkdance scowled. "And did you just yawn?"

"Oh uh, sorry!" Shinepaw shook her head. "It's just that you've kind of been going on about this cloud for a really long time..." Shinepaw trailed off when she saw Silkdance's face.

"Right. I see." Silkdance huffed and got to her paws. "See you later, Shinepaw." The she-cat turned her back to Shinepaw and padded off.

"Whoops..." Shinepaw sighed.

"What did you do to make her angry?"

"Curlthorn!" Shinepaw beamed. "Has your bite-wound fully healed?"

Curlthorn nodded. "Is has. Now, I answered your question, so answer mine." Curlthorn looked down at her. "Please."

"Oh," Shinepaw smiled awkwardly. "You know how she gets on those rambles about things! And well, I happened to yawn and she got mad."

Curlthorn looked amused. "Yes, well, best not do that anymore, huh?"

Shinepaw laughed. "Yeah. I don't want to be on her bad side forever!"

"It's yellowcough, I'm afraid." Bitternlightning's worried voice drifted from the Healers den, and one could only imagine the she-cats expression.

"Yellowcough?!" Breezepaw cried out. "But that means I won't be able to train for--" He broke off in a fit of coughs.

"And you have whitecough, Hornetstem. But that will be a much easier recovery if you do as I say. Same goes for you, Breezepaw." Bitternlightning sighed.

"I told you playing in that snow wasn't a good idea." Hornetstem grumbled.

"But we only played in it before you told us not to!" Breezepaw protested.

"Yeah! And wouldn't I be sick too, if it really was bad?" Shinepaw stuck her head into the den, looking worriedly at the three.

Bitternlightning frowned. "It's more likely that Breezepaw was already sick and being out in the cold just worsened it. Hornetstem could've gotten whitecough from anything." The she-cat shrugged. "But I suggest you stay out there, Shinepaw. I don't want to start an outbreak." She frowned.

"But I want to see--" Shinepaw began.

"No, Shinepaw. You might catch it too, and no cat wants that." Bitternlightning narrowed her eyes. "I understand you want to see Breezepaw, but you'll have plenty of time when he recovers. Plus, I need him to rest. Having you here will just excite him, I'm sure."

"Nuh uh! I can still sit still!" Breezepaw huffed, sitting up before breaking out in a fit of coughs.

Hornetstem looked over at the young tom, his eyes shining with worry.

"Just go, Shinepaw. Please." Bitternlightning turned to her. "I promise, he'll be ok."

"As much as I hate their guts, I just want to have peace with them. They've taken so much from us, and I don't want them to take more." Minkstar said, her gaze far off.

Shinepaw nodded in agreement. "It'd be best for both of us."

"Hopefully they will be able to see that. I imagine with this cold leaf-bare that they're struggling too." Minkstar frowned. "Maybe that will knock some sense into them."

"I hope so. I don't want to lose anyone else to the rogues." Shinepaw sighed and rested her head on her mothers side.

The two sat in silence for some time.

"Minkstar? Can I talk to you?" Pondpaw poked his head into the den. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I want to talk, alone."

Minkstar lifted her head. "Of course, Pondpaw." She turned to Shinepaw. "Sorry, dear. We can talk later, I promise."

Shinepaw nodded. "Ok. See you later." She padded from the den, curious. What does he want to talk to her about? They never talk.

"Hey, Shinepaw!" Asterpaw padded up to Shinepaw, smiling.

Shinepaw looked up at him and with a jolt realized he was twelve moons old now. Will his ceremony be late? She wondered. "Oh, hey, Asterpaw." She smiled back.

"Look, I had such a weird dream last night. Well, actually, I had the dream the night before, and before, and so on." He frowned.

"Oh yeah? What about?" Shinepaw titled her head.

"Well, you were there." He began. "And then there were dogs. So many dogs. And they..." He frowned. "They got you."

Shinepaw's fur bristled. "Got me? As in...?"

"They tore you apart." He grimaced. "Sorry if that freaked you out, but maybe it's a warning. I remember when there was a dog wandering around these parts." He sighed. "Just be careful, ok?"

Shinepaw nodded. "I will be. As usual." She laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

Asterpaw chuckled. "Yeah, as usual." He touched his nose to her forehead. "See you later, ok?"

"Y-yeah!" Shinepaw's ear tips were hot as she watched him go.

"And I had him pinned down! Even though he's way bigger than me, I had him squirming on the ground!" Pondpaw was grinning. "And then Curlthorn declared me as the winner! You should've seen Asterpaw's face. He was totally mad!"

"I bet." Shinepaw looked a little disinterested as she groomed herself.

"Oh please, you're just mad because I beat your boyfriend in a fight." Pondpaw teased.

Shinepaw froze. "Am not!" She hissed. "And he isn't my boyfriend!"

"Yet." Pondpaw laughed.

"Oh yeah? Would you be upset if I beat Stempaw in a fight?" Shinepaw countered.

Pondpaw's jaw was left hanging. "W-well, you couldn't! Even though she isn't trained to fight, she could totally kick your butt!"

"Oh yeah?" Shinepaw scowled.

"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!" Shinepaw's head snapped up as she heard one of her clanmates sound the alarm. She jumped to her paws and rushed into the camp clearing to see multiple rogues locked in combat with her clanmates.

"Shinepaw, help!" Breezepaw was pinned under a large tom.

"I'm coming!" Shinepaw gasped and dashed over, barreling into the tom who fell to the ground, his limbs sprawled out. The rogue leapt back to his paws and faced the two apprentices.

"Get out of here!" Breezepaw hissed, his fur spiked up.

"I'm not afraid of some little kits, I--!" The tom was cut off as Hornetstem jumped on him from behind.

"You better stay away from them!" Hornetstem growled, slicing the toms ears.

The rogue tom took one look back and ran, many of his groupmates following him. It didn't take much longer for the rogues to clear out of the camp, leaving only the bedraggled RaggedClan cats.

"Is every cat unharmed?" Minkstar called out, surveying her clan. It seemed nobody was harmed.

"I've only strained the wounds from those mange-pelts during our last run in." Curlthorn spat.

Minkstar nodded. "Go see Bitternlightning. The rest of you, let's start rebuilding what we can. We need to be on a constant watch now that they know where our camp is."

Shinepaw trailed after Minkstar, her head held low. I did terribly during that hunt! She's the only one that's bringing back any kind of prey. Shinepaw sighed.

"I'll be honest with you, Shinepaw." Minkstar began. "You did terrible today. Are you distracted? Did the recent attack cause this?" Minkstar slowed her pace and turned back to look at Shinepaw.

"I don't know." Shinepaw mumbled.

Minkstar sighed, continuing to camp. The two arrived and Minkstar placed her catch on the pile before going and sitting just outside her den, a blank look on her face.

Shinepaw glanced around camp. Most of her clanmates looked busy. I should apologize for my performance today. Shinepaw thought. Making her way over to Minkstar, she sat down beside her.

Minkstar doesn't seem to notice and she continues looking out in the distance.

"Minkstar?" Shinepaw looked up at her mother.

Minkstar seemed to snap out of it. "Yes, Shinepaw?"

"I'm sorry for my performance today. I guess I am just distracted." Shinepaw ducked her head.

Minkstar was quiet for some time before resting her head on Shinepaw's. "It's ok, dear. I'm still proud of you. You've worked very hard. I can't blame you."

Shinepaw smiled and purred. "I love you, mama."

"I love you too, Shinepaw." The two sat in silence for some time.

"Hey, Shinepaw!" Stempaw padded up to them. "I don't mean to steal you, but want to come eat with me and Garlicash?" Stempaw tilted her head.

Shinepaw looked up at Minkstar who nodded. "Sure!" Shinepaw grinned, getting to her paws and following Stempaw over to where Garlicash was sitting.

"I went ahead and got you a mouse. I know you like them." Stempaw grinned.

"Thanks, Stempaw." Shinepaw smiled.

"Well hi there, Shinepaw." Garlicash greeted the she-cat.

"Hi, Garlicash." Shinepaw dipped her head to the mediator before settling down beside Stempaw.

"So, Shinepaw, I had a question." Garlicash said after taking a few bites of prey.

Shinepaw took a bite of prey and swallowed before answering. "Hm?" She raised a brow.

"I noticed that maybe you've been having some...issues. But shouldn't Minkstar be letting you off easy?" Garlicash looked genuinely curious.

Shinepaw frowned. "Actually, Minkstar has higher expectations for me than she does others. I don't really get off easy. Sure I have benefits, but nothing major." She shook her head. "If anything, my brothers have it easier at times, especially since I'm in line to be leader."

"Oh." Garlicash looked surprised.

Stempaw nudged him. "Told you so. You owe me a trip out to the herb patches."

Garlicash rolled his eyes. "Sure, Stempaw." He turned to Shinepaw. "Sorry for assuming."

"It's fine, really. I get it." Shinepaw laughed.

Shinepaw shivered as she made her way to the Light Water. It feels like it's going to snow. She looked up at the clouded sky, only a few stars shining through. "I just want to get this over with."

Arriving at the Light Water, Shinepaw could see the light fluttering about, but as soon as she approached it, it dashed away.

"No! Come back! I want to speak to Snowyfeather!" She cried out. But she knew it was useless when the sour smell rose from the pool. "I'll be back, I'm telling you." She hissed.

"Psst, Shinepaw! Wake up!"

Shinepaw grumbled and rolled over to see Breezepaw in her face. "What is it?" She grumbled.

"It snowed!" Breezepaw looked at her with kit-like excitement.

"Snow?" Shinepaw sat up quickly, grinning.

"Yeah! Wanna go play in it?" Breezepaw grinned.

"Yes! Let's go!" Shinepaw giggled and dashed out into the clearing, immediately sinking down in the snow. She giggled like a little kit as she frolicked around in the snow, Breezepaw on her paws.

"It's so cold! And fluffy!" Breezepaw giggled, flicking the snow about.

Shinepaw grinned mischievously before launching snow at Breezepaw who shrieked.

"That's cold!" He gasped. But before long he was laughing, shoving snow back at her. The two continued to play for some time more.

"What do you two think you're doing?" Hornetstem hissed at the two from the nursery. "You're going to catch your deaths out there! It's far too cold to be playing. Now get inside and clean each other up!" Hornetstem scowled at the two before turning back into the nursery.

Breezepaw sneezed. "He's kind of right. I am really cold." Breezepaw sighed.

Shinepaw frowned. "Ok. I'll help you clean your pelt." Shinepaw padded back into the apprentice den with Breezepaw behind her.

The snow didn't last very long. It had melted, leaving a small stream through the camp. But it was still cold, which meant it was more important than ever to be stocked on herbs.

Stempaw was empty-pawed as she padded back into camp. So was Pondpaw. But the two were laughing and leaning in to each other.

"That's a good one, Pondpaw!" Stempaw was laughing loudly.

"Thanks!" Pondpaw beamed, seeming quite confident.

"I thought you two were supposed to be getting any late herbs." Shinepaw looked at the two with a knowing and teasing look. "But apparently Pondpaw was too distracting, huh?"

Stempaw looked embarrassed. "N-no! We just didn't find anything." She sniffed.

Pondpaw looked embarrassed too. "Yeah, there was nothing out there!"

"Right, because I remember saying there was a decent patch left yesterday." Bitternlightning padded out of her den, exchanging a look with Shinepaw.

"We can always look again tomorrow." Stempaw offered, her eyes sparkling.

"Yes, we can. I'm sure Curlthorn has something for Pondpaw to do." Bitternlightning gave a tight smile.

Pondpaw and Stempaw exchanged dejected looks and sighed.

"RaggedClan is gathered tonight to honor the memory of one of our brave warriors. Chivefuzz was a beloved friend and mentor. She gave her life to ensure RaggedClan would survive because, without her, we'd be without Bitternlightning tonight." Minkstar dipped her head and touched her nose to Chivefuzz's cold fur. "And we should also honor Curlthorn for her bravery. She chased off the rogues and suffered minor injuries from it." Minkstar and Curlthorn's gazes met.

"I wasn't going to let Chivefuzz's death be in vain." Curlthorn said, her gaze hard. "And I want to request to take Pondpaw under my wing. It will be good experience for Asterpaw, too."

"Very well." Minkstar dipped her head. "You may proceed with his training tomorrow if all is well." Minkstar got to her paws and sighed, watching her breath billow out in front of her. "Please carry on the vigil without me. I need to consult the Light Water." Minkstar licked Chivefuzz's forehead before padding away.

"She was your mentor, right?" Shinepaw asked Silkdance gently.

"Yes. She was the best mentor I could have ever asked for in those times. She was a great warrior." Silkdance's head was lowered as she smoothed a stray piece of Chivefuzz's fur.

"She really was." Pondpaw agreed. "Even though she was only my mentor for a moon, she was great to me. She was so patient while I recovered from whitecough." Pondpaw looked sadly at Silkdance who nodded in silent agreement.

"Well, I'm sure she's watching right now. And I'm sure she's proud of both of you." Shinepaw said, trying to reassure her brother and friend.

"I hope so." Silkdance gave a small smile.

"Shinepaw, catch!" Pondpaw, who had cheered up some after a few days, tossed a mossball to Shinepaw who leapt to catch it.

"Almost!" Shinepaw huffed as she dropped down to her paws, the mossball rolling off into a corner of the camp. "I've got it!" She called back to Pondpaw as she bounded over to grab it.

"What do you think you're doing?" Minkstar hissed from behind Shinepaw.

Shinepaw whirled around and gave a little squeak. "Um, just playing with Pondpaw!"

"This is no time to be playing. That moss could be used for nests or retrieving water. Instead, you're playing a kit game." Minkstar scowled.

"I was just trying to cheer Pondpaw up!" Shinepaw insisted.

"I don't want to hear it. Inform Pondpaw that you two are on tick duty. Use that moss to get mouse-bile and get the ticks off Marshstalk's back." Minkstar ordered before whirling around and stomping off to her den.

Shinepaw grumbled. She informed Pondpaw, who was dismayed. It didn't take long for the two to get mouse-bile from Stempaw who was in the Healers den before making their way to the elders den where Marshstalk was lying lazily.

"Well hello there." Marshstalk smiled as the two apprentices walked in. "It's nice to have visitors."

"It's nice to see you too, Marshstalk." Pondpaw gave a forced smile while Shinepaw just dipped her head and dropped the mouse-bile next to Marshstalk.

"We have to check you for fleas on Minkstar's orders." Shinepaw sighed.

"Oh yeah?" Marshstalk raised a brow. "Well, I'll tell you a story while you work, how about that?"

Shinepaw and Pondpaw exchanged a glance. "Ok!" The two said in unison.

"Good, good." Marshstalk nodded as the two began to work on the ticks on his back. "I admit I haven't been back there in a while..." Marshstalk look embarrassed. "Will you check for fleas, too?"

"Of course, Marshstalk." Pondpaw nudged the elder. "Anything to make you feel better."

"Well thank you kindly." Marshstalk chuckled. "Now, what do you two want to know about?"

Shinepaw felt a shiver down her spine as she stared out at the foggy territory. Well, here goes nothing. Anything to impress Minkstar, I guess..! Shinepaw began making her way through the territory, checking her surroundings every few paw steps.

A rustling in front of her suddenly caught her attention. It seemed to be getting closer and she fluffed out her fur and let out a warning hiss. But she was surprised when it was only a raccoon that appeared from the bushes. It looked at her curiously, and she looked back curiously as well.

"Hello." She said. I know it can't understand me, but it's worth a shot, right?

The raccoon seemed startled by her voice and it scurried off quickly.

"Well, at least it didn't cause much trouble." Shinepaw felt her muscles become less tense. She decided that instead of pushing out further, she'd return back to camp while she was still well.

"Stempaw said she thinks I'm the best hunter in the clan." Asterpaw beamed. "And she thinks I'll be a great warrior."

"Oh yeah?" Shinepaw raised a brow, a twinge of jealousy stabbing her belly. "Well, she's right. But you know she's just saying it in a friendly way, right?" Though Shinepaw was unsure of that last part, she sure hoped she was right.

"Of course, I know that, silly!" Asterpaw laughed and nudged Shinepaw. "She was only saying that because I caught her a huge robin like she asked me earlier." He grinned.

"When will you catch me something?" She teased, feeling relieved.

"I can tomorrow, just tell me what you want!" He grinned.

"Well..." Shinepaw began listing things Asterpaw could get her. The two talked more for some time until Shinepaw heard a rustle at the entrance of camp.

Minkstar had just entered the camp, a well-sized haul of prey in tow. The leader had been hunting almost non-stop.

"I worry about her, Asterpaw. All she's been doing is hunting. We're going to run out of leaf-bare prey at this point." Shinepaw frowned.

"She wants to be well stocked in case the rogues take over more territory. We'll have plenty of prey in camp." Asterpaw shrugged.

"But if the rogues find camp, it'll all be wasted." Shinepaw sighed.