AUTHORS NOTE: Whew. I've been lazy. Sorry about the lack of updating! I will try and update AspenGlade's past and WISH daily, if not Weekly!

^^^
"RainFlower." AspenGlade hissed quietly through clenched teeth, the Tom crouched at the edge of the Prisoner's Den entrance.

His odd sea-foam green eyes glinted in the swallowing shadows, his figure nothing but a mere shadow outlined by moonlight.

RainFlower, whom had been sharing tongues with AshTail at the edge of camp, lifted her head lazily, the flicking of her ears noticeable in the dusk of night. "I'll be right back." She whispered softly to AshTail, who, with a nod of his head, went back to grooming his pelt.

"Yes, AspenGlade?" RainFlower's soft, quiet voice intwined with no emotion, her gentle eyes expressionless.

AspenGlade looked at her sorrowfully, envy for AshTail crossing his mind a briefly tearing through his thoughts.

"Please, RainFlower. Come with me. We..We can escape and live happy, Just like before."

AspenGlade's voice sounded desperate, making the large Ton feel weak and vulnerable.

But the hint of hesitance in RainFlower's eyes, and the small shake of her head, AspenGlade's heart sank.

"I can't, AspenGlade."

She said quietly.

"I just can't leave AshTail. Besides..We are expecting Kits and, I know he'll be a Great Father."

This made AspenGlade wince, 'Was I not a good father..?' He thought, ears lowering.

He could tell RainFlower noticed the pain rushing in his sea-foam green eyes, because she whispered a quick sorry and hurried away, her head lowered.

GingerPaw, like a ghost, stepped beside him, her ginger pelt gently brushing AspenGlade's side.

"Come on. We can go. Just You and Me."

She murmured softly, her breath tickling AspenGlade's ear fur.

"Alright." AspenGlade bowed his head, and stood up, sighing. "Let's go."

GingerPaw nodded, and stepped into the shadows of camp. Guards sat at every exit, ears perked in alert.

"We can go over there." GingerPaw gestured with her tail towards two small Cats, "That's EclipsingPaw and MoonWhisper. Their slaves, too. They might let us through.." She paused, her tail-tip twitching in brief annoyance.

AspenGlade had already bolted towards the designated exit, his paws carrying him rather loudly.

"Mousebrain! Be quieter!" GingerPaw hissed at him, catching up rather quickly. The fur along her spine prickled, "Guards are coming! Run!" She shoved AspenGlade forward, into the bushes.

"I heard them go this way!" The voice, one that belonged to BadgerBlood, spoke up. "When I get my paws on that stupid Prisoner-!!"

AspenGlade and GingerPaw held their breathes as the patrol hurried by, their paw-steps fading as the distance between them lengthened.

Exchanging glanced, AspenGlade and GingerPaw slipped out, and deeper into the territory.

-~*~--~*~-

AspenGlade settled down under the light of the stars, GingerPaw sleeping soundly at his side. They had ventured out of WingClan territory, far enough that their scents wouldn't drift.

He could feel the cool breeze rake through his pelt, causing his fur to ruffle slightly. It felt good, and he rested his head on his paws.

"Goodnight, GingerPaw." He whispered softly to his already-asleep companion, and he himself felt himself drift off into an uncomfortable slumber.

~•Dream Phase•~

"AspenGlade. Wake up!" A giggle tickled his ear fur, And he opened his crisp sea-foam green eyes.

RainFlower crouched beside him, purring playfully. "You lazy fur-ball! You have patrols to organize!"

AspenGlade shifted, his eyes blinking tiredly. "Oh! Right." His words seemed mumbled and fused, Coming out in an uttered tone.

It was the first day as Deputy after RatWhisker retired to the Elder's Den.

Slowly, AspenGlade stretched out his aching limbs, yawning slightly. RainFlower, barely able to contain her excitement, trembled beside him.

'She seems happy..' AspenGlade noted in his mind, smiling.

He stretched his neck out, giving his Mate a ginger lick on the cheek. "You should be resting, Beautiful. I don't want you stressed out." He murmured in her ear, gesturing to her bulging belly.

She'd be due any-time now, and that made AspenGlade extra touché.

RainFlower mowed with amusement, softly nudging his neck with her nose. "I'll be fine. You go!"

AspenGlade laughed happily, "Alright, Alright! I'm going!" And he slipped into camp, eyes bright like the morning sun.

DarkPaw and RaccoonShade looked to him expectantly, and jogged over.

"We could take on Dawn Patrol if you like." RaccoonShade spoke up, her voice calm as usual.

Thankful, AspenGlade nodded with a purr. "Yes, Please! You can take FawnPaw and SharpTooth!"

RaccoonShade nodded, retreating to the Warrior's Den to fetch SharpTooth, Whom seemed to be rather slow today.

DarkPaw had already caught up to FawnPaw, the Two Apprentice's bouncing towards camp exit.

AspenGlade purred, and flicked his tail. He thought of joining the Hunting Patrol, and gestured for WhiteVole to come forth. "Would you mind stepping in while I take out a hunting patrol?" He asked the calmer, yet serious warrior.

WhiteVole blinked, his yellow gaze flickering. "Sure." The scrawny tom nodded. "I can do that."

AspenGlade grinned, with a nudge of thanks. He trotted towards SpottedWhisper, RabbitSpring and HopPaw. "Hunting Patrol?"

Each Cat exchanged friendly nods, and they calmly surveyed the Camp before slipping, one by one, into the pine-forest ahead.

AspenGlade's steps seemed to spring with excitement, his tail twitching.

Then, Darkness...

~•Dream Phase Ends•~

AspenGlade awoke with a start, ears tearing up.."All a Dream..." His voice choked out quietly, and he glanced at GingerPaw, Seemingly undisturbed by his jolting. He sniffed, closing his eyes tightly and shifting to bury his head beneath his paws.

He whispered;

"StarClan. Why do You hate me?"

----

I Worked My Butt Off On This! YOU BETTER LOVE THIS.