A nearby bush shook, and a cat jumped out. Fianna shrieked and bumped into her sister, who backpedaled into a tree. The tom winced in sympathy.

He was a light brown tabby tom, his amber eyes sparkling in the dim light.

Fianna jumped, bumping into Fiona, who scowled. The tom walked up and sniffed them. He appeared to be alone, but Fiona lifted her head to scent the air—just in case.

"I am Pinebranch of ShadowClan. What are you doing in ShadowClan territory?" the cat hissed, all traces of friendliness gone.

"Oh finally—another cat that can help us! Look, we need your help: I know this sounds crazy, but we've switched bodies and—" Fianna started, but she was cut off by Pinebranch.

"That sounds like a problem," Pinebranch mewed, concern filling his once-hostile amber eyes. "Follow me, my leader Pondstar can help," The ginger tom said, beckoning them with his tail as he padded into the pine swamp. The twins followed after him, Fiona's tail flicking suspiciously.

"Are you sure we can trust this cat?" she hissed to Fianna. "We just met him!"

"Oh of course we can, he seems willing to help us," Fianna whispered back. "I mean there's not much else we can do!" Before Fiona could respond Fianna had padded ahead, walking next to Pinebranch.

<~>~<~>

When the cats arrived at the camp, Pinebranch stopped.

"Wait here," he mewed, darting off to a small cave and slipping inside. A few moments passed and Pinebranch came back out of the cave followed by a dark gray tom with darker black splotches.

"Why did you bring rogues into our camp?" the tom hissed, anger fogging his murky green eyes.

"Well . . . they said needed help, they, er, switched bodies." Pinebranch mewed, his voice trailing off as Pondstar fixed a stern gaze on the warrior.

"You don't even know these cats!" Pondstar growled then turned his gaze to the two she-cats. "I know you cats are lying, I don't listen to stupid stories—especially not ones told by rogues!"

"But it's true," Fianna whispered sinking to the ground. She didn't want to be in Fiona's body forever—she wanted her own body back, with her springy head fur that didn't flop discouragingly into her eyes at every moment.

"Wait, Pondstar." An old dark brown tom said, coming out of a den. Pondstar tipped his head to one side, his respect for the elder outweighing his distrust. "Yes?"

"There's a Twoleg building—I've heard loners call it a lab—behind our territory, where these two strays could have escaped from."

"How can you be so sure that these cats are even from where you say, Driftspots?" Pondstar questioned the elderly cat, his eyes still filled with fury.

"Young cats think they know it all these days," Driftspots muttered. "Those Twolegs have done some awful things to cats before."

Pondstar growled a bit, but his hackles went down and he relaxed his rigid posture. "I guess you're right."

"Finally!" Fianna exclaimed, then immediately shut her mouth with a guilty look plastered on her face. Fiona just sighed and smiled, but only slightly.

Written by your favorite Dusk! This is Dusky signing off!