AspenGlade trudged through the cold, foggy forest, his mud-encrusted paws dragging tiredly over the solid earth.

It was Leaf-Bare, and He had been exiled moons ago, wandering as a rogue since. He had ran into his Old Clan-Mate's a few times, some quite kind, but other's giving him hideous scars to think about.

The cold wind chilled AspenGlade to the bone, and he stopped, trembling. "Father..." He sighed, taking cover under a bush, and curling up tightly, seeking warmth.

Memories flashed through his mind, pressed close against his Mate and Kits, warmth spread evenly among the three.

Now, all he had left was himself, and the tree next to him, which provided no help at all. ((Lazy Trees, :/)) AspenGlade sighed, thinking of His Family. From what he had heard, RainWillow had taken AshTail as her Mate, and was expecting his Kits.

A strike of thunder made AspenGlade's heart leap into his throat, and he tightened his curl, burying his head under his forepaws. "I have nothing anymore.." He whispered sadly, tears staining his fur.

AspenGlade slowly slipped into an uncomfortable, shaken sleep, full of nightmares.

<> • <>

"Hey, You. Wake up." A heavy paw prodded his side harshly, stirring AspenGlade. "what is it, ShadowSt-" He leapt up, bristling, "Who are you?!" He snapped, gaining a guarded expression.

The Cat before him, whose pelt was as black as coal, rolled his eyes. "The names Raven." He snorted, eyes glaring like the sun fixated on him.

AspenGlade growled, "Raven? I don't know a Raven." He insisted harshly, looking away.

Tip-toeing around AspenGlade, Raven chuckled. "Are you sure about that, AspenGlade?"

'How does he know my Name..' AspenGlade thought, and he followed the Rogue with his eyes. "How'd you know my name?" He demanded, tail-tip flicking towards him in remark.

Raven grinned, and sat back on his haunches, rasping his rough tongue over his paw-pad. "A lot of talk have been going around about you in WingClan Territory."

AspenGlade's ears flattened, "What about WingClan?" He hissed sharply. He just watched as Raven eyed his Fresh-Kill, and rolling his eyes, AspenGlade shoved it towards him with a paw.

After downing the mouse in a few vicious mouthfuls, Raven licked his lips, and grinned once more. "SharpStar has been saying how You've killed WingStar. Recently, A lot of Cats have been doubting Him. But SharpStar has his brain-washed minions that keep the scrawny Warriors in line." He laughed.

'Scrawny?!' AspenGlade bristled, eyes wide. "What exactly is happening in WingClan!" He shouted angrily.

"Would you relax? Don't get your whiskers in a twist." Raven grunted. "SharpStar decided that All Apprentice's must fight to become a Warrior. Two Apprentice's are placed against each other. The loser, is considered a weakling, a slave. The winner, a Warrior." He explained.

A horrified look spread over AspenGlade's face, "W-What about SootKit and BadgerKit?!" He yelped, paws trembling. "And MouseKit!"

Raven heaved his broad shoulders in a shrug. "MouseRunner was Considered a Slave. Even though He's one of the best Warrior's, SharpStar sees him as a threat, and ordered him an automatic Slave. As for SootLion and BadgerBlood..." He hesitated.

AspenGlade growled impatiently, and took a threatening step forward.

"Yikes. Who put thorns in your nest? BadgerBlood is one of SharpStar's minions that I mentioned earlier. As for SootLion.." He sighed, a brief moment if hesitation passing before he continued. "SootLion was killed by BadgerBlood. It was to prove loyalty, and so, BadgerBlood took it. No regrets."

'No! How....SharpStar...I'll...I'll kill him! That monster! He turned my Kit into a monster!' AspenGlade sank his claws into the ground. "I need to go back...I must get MouseRunner and RainFlower out of there.."

Raven shook his head solemnly. "That won't be happening, AspenGlade. But...I can see if MouseRunner and RainFlower will come." He yawned. "I'll bring them to the border." Raven promised, and he hurried away.

AspenGlade nodded, and turned, a newfound excitement flowing through him. He would see his family! The Tom dashed through the forest, his paws gliding easily over the solid ground.

"AspenGlade?!" Then, A Cat crashed into his side, and AspenGlade recognized the scent. "B-BadgerBlood..." Then Darkness conceived him.

|•|•|•|•|•|

"Well, Well, Well. Look who we have here. Look, WingClan, It's the Almighty Murderer AspenGlade!" SharpStar snickered, unsheathing his claws. "What should we do with such a terrible cat, Hm?"

The Leader glanced at BadgerBlood, a smirked, sharp, yellow fangs glinting. "Deputy...Would you suggest anything?"

A dark smirk came over BadgerBlood's muzzle, and he glanced at MouseRunner and RainFlower. "How about...You, Mother..Kill The murderer." He grinned with a laugh.

AspenGlade's eyes widened dizzily, as his gaze darted over to his former mate, who trembled, staring at him through wide blue eyes.

~What will happen NEXT? >:3~