DuneClan Camp:

Sandyflight padded over to Sandsky, shoving her into the medicine den. "Now I don't know much about prophecies, but every now and then a prophesied cat will turn out to have some powers. Do you have any power?"

"I dont think so." Sandsky looked down at her paws then looked back up to Sandyflight. "I don't feel different."

"Hmm, figures. Try catching some prey, maybe that will cause something to click." Sandyflight padded over to the part of the den where Tinywing was sleeping. "Tinybrain, wake up! It's time for your battle training!"

"Ok Sandyflight." He stretched and yawned.Sandsky nodded and walked out of the den. Tinywing followed closely behind. 'I wonder if I'll be able to get back to Sky today' he thought.

Sandyflight looked surprised. "I thought you hated battle training. I mean, we can still do it if you want, but I'm fine to have you always cowering behind me or running away." They nuzzled Tinywing gruffly, accidentally knocking him off his feet. "If it comes to it, I can protect you, kit."

He had to admit, he was grateful hearing that. "Thanks, fluff brain!" he teased.

Sandyflight gave a dry chuckle. "Guess battle training's off the list. Since I'm the nicest cat in the clan, I'll let you pick what we do today."

"Maybe we could try collecting some more catmint? I noticed yesterday that there isn't much left."

Sandyflight tried to smile but gave up. "That's as good a job as any. Catmint grows in GroveClan, so let's leave now so we don't have to run up into any of those furballs that pass as cats."

"Yeah," he laughed quietly.

GroveClan Territory:

After a long trek through the woods, Sandyflight and Tinywing came to a catmint patch. "So Tinybrain, let's see if you remember how to pick catmint properly."

"Of course I do!" he half hissed, half giggled. He nipped at the bases of the cat mint stems, gathering them in great bunches at his side. "The growth is still plentiful here. I wonder why."

Sandyflight nodded. "Decent work, but remember to pick the ones dried by the sun, not the dewy ones. Those wet ones will rot in a quarter moon, mark my words." Sandyflight started picking the sun-dried catmint. "While we work," said Sandyflight, "would you me to tell you story about why there's so much catmint here?"

"Maybe the sunlight is better here. And I remembered what you said. There's no dewy ones in my pile, you can go look for yourself." Tinywing sat up and glanced around the forest, daydreaming.

"If you say so." They saw that Tinywing was daydreaming. They wrapped him lightly on the back with their tail. "Oi Tinybrain, have you taken some of the catmint? Stay on task."

"What? Yes! Sorry, I was thinking about Brokenleg. I heard that she wasn't doing so well before the gathering."

"Fair enough. I'd bring some to her, but I think GroveClan probably has more than enough." Sandyflight turned back to their work. "Are you ready to hear the story of this place now?"

"Yes," he nodded and actually tried to listen for once.

"Take this with a grain of salt, since I heard it from an old she-cat from the Children, but here's the 'tragic' story of this grove." Sandyflight took a deep breath and tried to put on a storyteller's voice. "Hundreds of moons ago, back when Castaway was still a peninsula, no catmint grew in this land. The cats were led by an Oracle, as beautiful as she was adventurous. Back before she became Oracle, she'd met a young tom from the clans. He wasn't handsome, but she loved him for his big heart. He showed her all sorts of her plants that they didn't have at her home, but her favourite was catmint. She loved the smell, the way it complimented her eyes, but most of all the way it could heal sick cats.

One stormy night, she was kidnapped by a jealous tom from The Children who wanted her for his own. But her lover didn't give up. He ran for 40 days and nights until he found her home. And clutched in his mouth was a bouquet of catmint. She was so pleased, she had it planted and it grew into the big patch you see today."

"I think Hope has told me of that one." Tinywing mewed "though she never mentioned an Oracle."

Sandyflight grunted. "Did she leave in the ending? It's my favourite part. That jealous tom from the Children ended up killing The Oracle's lover so he could have her for himself. The Oracle was so heartbroken, she flung herself into the volcano." Sandyflight laughed their raspy laugh. "That's why we're better off being medicine cats. Loves more trouble than it's worth."

"Yeah, I agree," the skinny tom mewed.

Sandyflight grunted. "Maybe your brain's not so tiny after all." They surveyed the catmint they collected. "This should be enough; let's head back. You can have some catmint as a treat when we get to camp if you like."

"No thanks, this leafbare has already been hard as it is. I don't need to contribute."

"Suit yourself," said Sandyflight. "But one day I'll get you to try catmint. You haven't lived until you do."

"Oh trust me, I know. We had terrible greencough outbreaks during my first leafbare, before Hope decided it would be safer for us in the Clans," the skinny tom mewed, a wistful look in his eyes.

"I'm both sorry and happy to hear that," said Sandyflight, amused.

"Yeah, life out there can be confusing," Tinywing chuckled.

"Tell me about it. It might be a bit like life on the road before I got to this island. It was hard... but it did have its charms." Sandyflight ruffled Tinywing's head with her tail. "Come on Tinybrain, let's get back to camp."

"Ok, fluff brain!" He chuckled, as they walked out of GroveClan.

The Cave of Prophecy:

"Chosen," said The Oracle, her form obscured by the green smoke. "Have you found the right cat to lead the diplomatic mission to DuneClan?"

"I think the most trustworthy and non-threatening cat we have is Owl, though I'm not sure how we can get him there in the first place. Our next-best option would probably be Finch, as she's small and thin, but we'll have to make sure she doesn't speak too much. Her personality is a little too strong for this."

"Where is Finch?" asked The Oracle. "Last We heard, she had been taken by eagles."

"She was brought back a few hours ago by an EyrieClan cat, Hope's second son."

"Where is she resting now?"

"In a clearing near the border. She couldn't get very far, with all her scratches."

"Then she will not do as an envoy. We must project strength. Owl's visions and injuries have made him unpredictable. We need someone talented, someone respected, someone strong," The Oracle purred. "Someone like you."

"Are-are you sure, Oracle? What if they see me and decide not to trust me? They've probably seen me before, especially with my new presence in GroveClan. I already fear for Hope and her kits, and you come to me with this!?" Fear filled Sky's mew. He knew that his first priority was to keep the Children safe, and doing this might fail that duty.

"Afraid, Chosen? Do you doubt my wisdom, my judgement?" The Oracle's normally soft voice took on a harsh tone. All over the Cave, the light drained away, leaving only a flickering green light flickering in cracks in the cave floor beneath the Oracle's feet.

"No, Oracle, I don't doubt you at all. I doubt myself." The white tom spoke the truth. He was afraid.

The light returned. "We see," said The Oracle, her tone softening again. "Well, know this. We have seen the strands of fate, explored every possible future. And every single time We have Chosen you, you've never let Us down. It's hard to trust, hard to have faith, but to succeed one must risk that they may fail." The curtain of smoke dimmed, allowing Sky to see the kindness in The Oracle's eyes. "If you still can't believe in yourself, then at least believe in the me that believes in you."

Sky sighed, "You're right. I should at least try. I'll head to the DuneClan camp tomorrow morning at sunrise, and hopefully I'll be back to report near sunhigh."

"We trust that you will make us proud. Let Us know if you learn anything that may be of use about the clans, their weakness is our opportunity."

Sky nodded to the young she-cat, thankful that she supported him so much. He was glad that he had the opportunity to lead such an amazing life, with the best friend, if you could call her that, by his side. "I'll see you tomorrow."

DuneClan Camp pt. 2:

Sandyflight and Tinywing returned to camp and set to work storing the catmint away. When they were done, Sandyflight stretched and looked out of the den. "What the blazes is that?!" she yowled, seeing a strange tom walking towards their camp. Blinded by the sun, she couldn't make out any details about who it was.

Sky crept quietly along the camp wall, pretending he was looking for something. He stopped and waited in front of the camp entrance, waiting for any cat who might come out. Sandyflight squinted then her eyes widened. "Stay behind me, Tinywing! That's the Chosen! He's killed more cats than I have claws.''

Sunscar ran up to Dunestar's den. "Dunestar, wake up! The Chosen of the Children of the Ember is at camp!"

Dunestar snarled. "What does it want?" she sneered.

"I don't know yet, let's find out," said Sunscar, sharing her hatred of the white tom. Dunestar nodded briskly and walked out.

Sky nodded politely to the cats clustering in the camp. He didn't want to come off as threatening, though he could tell his status had reached this Clan already.

"What is it you want Sky?" said Sunscar, trying to be polite.

"I'd like to speak to your leader." The white tom mewed calmly. He kept his shoulders back, portraying his strength, confidence and authority.

"Dunestar, do you want to hear him out?" asked Sunscar.

Dunestar sighed. "Yes, I'll give him a chance."

"Thank you, Dunestar. I am honoured to be in your presence," Sky mewed, dipping his head to the DuneClan leader.

Dunestar curtly nodded. "Go on."

"I have come to ask for the help of the skills of your Clan in exchange for the skills of mine. It's not really an alliance, more a friendship." Sky started nervously, though he hid it well.

Dunestar thought for a brief moment. "What is in it for my Clan?"

"You'll have access to all of our cats in any battle, and you'll have the right to hunt on any of our land."

"That last one doesn't mean much since technically they don't have any territory," whispered Sunscar to Dunestar. "But we could really use those 13 extra cats to back us up."

Dunestar shrugged. "We are a small Clan and could use as much as we can get," she whispered back. She turned to Sky. "How do we know we can trust you?"

"I have the power of the stars behind me," Sky replied simply.

"You mean The Oracle?" asked Sunscar gruffly. "You trust in her visions?"

"Who said anything about the Oracle?" Sky's voice grew smoother with every word.

Dunestar shoved her deputy. "What happened to hearing him out?"

Sunscar bowed his head. "You're right Dunestar. I apologise, Sky. I'll stay silent unless Dunestar calls on me."

"Oh, don't worry! You have a Clan to protect and a hostile cat strolling right into it. I can hardly blame you!" assured Sky.

Dunestar nodded. "You can stay, it's fine."

"Thank you." Sky dipped his head, but kept his shoulders and tail high. He didn't want to look nervous around these cats.

"Thank you," said Sunscar gratefully. "So, where were we before my mouse-brained moment?"

"I was proposing a friendship of our two Clans- if that's what you can call the Children."

Sunscar looked thoughtful. "I think both of our people would have a lot to gain from such an arrangement. It's up to Dunestar, but for what it's worth, your plan has my support."

Sky smiled brightly at the deputy, finally relaxing a little bit. At least he had some cat on his side.

Dunestar sighed. "Your offer is a good one, but before I can accept, I want to hear what my clanmates think about it. When we've come to a decision, I'll send an envoy to let you know. Is there anything else you wanted?"

"No, that's all. Thank you for your time," Sky replied, dipping his head again and padding away.

The Children of Ember:

"Hey Tiger," said Fox, shaking Owl awake. "We're almost out of the prey we took from the clan cats. Want to come on a hunt with me?"

Owl blinked, then he stood up. He was hissing and baring his teeth, before he relaxed after he realized it was Fox. "Sure," he grumbled, smiling a little. He shook out his matted fur, shivering.

Owl trotted around, before heading out of the sleeping place. He smiled. "The Clans are low in prey, that means we can attack them while they are weak. But I have to say, it's weird prey is dropping dead right as the loners come."

Owl lowered himself to the ground as he saw a large blackbird. He knew it was not going to be easy to catch, but he crept closer anyway. Owl felt his knees start to buckle and he felt foam forming in his mouth. No! Not now! he thought to himself. He held back his fit with extreme pain and leapt on the blackbird, killing it before he crumpled up. He started whining as foam flung from him and his body twitched wildy. This fit was far worse from any he had had before.

"Owl!" shrieked Fox. She rushed away, coming back a few moments later with some poppy seeds. "Eat three of these, they'll help with the pain," she urged.

Owl's body twisted, and he felt as if he was being stabbed. He could not hear the words Fox had said. Fox sighed and forced the poppies into his mouth. She waited for their effect to take place. Owl relaxed, going limp. His breathing was shallow and he felt like his lungs where being crushed.

Fox dragged Owl to their temporary den, fetching fresh bedding to make his rest more comfortable. Owl's eyes closed, but spasms shook him, and he whined again. Fox curled up to him, trying to warm him up. "Easy, Tiger," she murmured soothingly, "it's going to be okay."

Owl looked at her, fear in his eyes. "Its not going to be okay," he rasped, his voice echoing a little strangely. "They are going to destroy us." His head fell limp and his eyes rolled to show the whites. His breathing deepened into a rasping gasp and he fell into unconsciousness.

Fox held him tight, trying desperately not to think about his words as she fell asleep.Owl twitched during the night. In the morning, he was exhausted and sore.

Fox had already got Owl a mouse, and brought it to him. "Tiger you don't look so good," said Fox softly, "do you want to see the Oracle. Maybe she can help."

"I'm fine," he snapped. "And I don't want to disturb the Oracle-" Owl coughed, his eyes rolling back for a split second.

"Well, if you carry on like this, you'll be disturbing me," said Fox crossly. She took a deep breath before continuing. "There has to be something we can do."

Owl glared at her, his yellow eyes icy. "We? If it's disturbing you, then I can deal with it alo-"

Shudders ran down his pelt.

"This isn't you," whispered Fox. "Something's doing this to you, and I'm going to figure out what."

Owl's body twisted, and he screeched in pain as he fell to the ground. "Leave me Sly..." he whispered. He thrashed and twisted again.

"I'm getting help, but I'm coming back," said Fox quickly. A few moments later, she returned with Fern. "What's wrong with him?" she asked, doing everything in her power not to yell.

Fern looked at him more closely. "He looks like he has rabies. That or he has some power that he hasn't bothered to train that's destroying his mind."

Owl's fit faded, leaving him exhausted on the ground. He sat up, shaking out his fur. "Not rabies, got it checked.' He managed to choke out. "This was the worst fit I've had in a long time," he added with difficulty. Owl licked his fur, then slumped exhaustedly. "His claws in my pelt, could not fight back," he murmured.

"Who's he?" asked Fox quietly.

Owl looked at her. "Huh?" He shook. "Oh.Him." Owl looked at her, his eyes different from the real Owl's. "You don't know?" he rasped.

"If I knew I wouldn't ask. Who are you; some dark spirit, I guess?" Owl's face twisted into a hideous smile, then his body collapsed to the ground as Fox and Fern rushed over to him.

The Cave of Prophecy pt. 2:

The Oracle padded over to her student. "Rose, have you had any visions? We are most interested in your progress."

Rose stiffened. "I'm afraid not." She meowed. "However I do believe this weird feeling depicts something is wrong."

"That's a start," said The Oracle. "Step into the smoke and breathe it in. Then picture a place, any place, that makes you feel safe."

Rose nodded, doing as said. She closed her eyes, imagining she was back on an empty peninsula with her sisters and brothers before the other cats ruined it.

"Have you pictured something yet? This is your lodestone, something to ground you in your journey throughout time. Whenever you find yourself getting lost in time, just picture it. Next I want you to picture someone you know."

Rose nodded again, picturing Sky.

"Now that you've got someone in your mind, picture them as they were in moons past. What did they look like when they were younger?"

Rose pictured hard. "Happy, they were muscular."

"Good. Now, try to picture them as they'd be a moon from now." Rose seemed to struggle. "Any luck, Rose?" inquired the Oracle.

"I can't tell," Rose mewed. "They look the same, just more scars... particularly one around their throat."

The Oracle frowned. "That concurs with some of my visions as well. Now see if you can see a bit further away. Picture his surroundings." Rose tried to focus, concentrating hard on the twisting strands of fate. A curtain of smoke separated the two cats from the outside world as Rose felt herself being dragged into a very different life.

The Children of the Ember pt. 2:

Meanwhile, in another area of the island, Holly padded up to Dalilah. Her pinkish-red eyes were full of concern. "Dalilah, have you heard any news about Turquoise? I'm worried for my sister..."

"She was at the battle with GroveClan last time I saw her. I don't know where she is now, though, since we all got a bit lost in the thrill of the fighting," Delilah replied, watching as the poor cat became more and more frantic.

"Oh Ancestors Below! What if she's dead?! Oh Dalilah, what do I do?" Holly shrieked. The albino cat started hyperventilating.

"Calm down, Holly! I'm sure she's fine! She's a fighter, and you know it!"

"She might be a fighter, but this is GroveClan we're talking about! They're the meanest, cruelest and largest clan of them all! They could've done anything to her." Holly was struggling to breeze through her nervous breakdown.

"It'll be okay. Just take some nice, deep breaths, and we can ask Sky if we can go save her."

Holly did as she was told. After a long time of deep breathing, she collected herself. "You're right of course Sister. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"I'm sure we'd all be lost without each other. We are Brothers and Sisters and Siblings after all." Holly nodded gratefully, and lay down next to Dalilah, basking in the sun.

The Dark Forest:

Nightflame found himself in the strange forest once again. "You've made good progress on the Underbelly Slash in the past quarter moon," said Regulus. "Are you ready to move your training to the next level?"

"Yes." Nightflame didn't hesitate, his eyes alight with a new sort of fire.

"Very good," said Regulus. He flicked his claw and another white illusion cat appeared. "This move is called a Spin Hind Kick."

Regulus let the white tom come close to him, then spun on his fore paws, raking his opponents with his back claws. While the white tom was blinded, he completed the spin, and rolled into the tom, knocking him to the ground where he could easily be dispatched. "Your turn."

Nightflame leapt forward, eager to strike. He was starting to enjoy the feeling of his claws slashing through another cat's pelt.