Lightpaw sprinted to camp. He tripped over a branch at the entrance of camp and wailed out in pain.

"Lightpaw, are you okay?" asked a voice behind him. Lightpaw turned around to see the deputy, the target, Plainfoot. His eyes dilated in fear and blurted out words before he could think.

"Whisperstone is trying to kill you!" he shouted only loud enough for the deputy to hear him. "Whisperstone?!" Plainfoot meowed sharply. "He is my best friend. Is this some sort of joke?"

Lightpaw was still lying on the ground. He got up and flattened his ears. "No! He said it while patrolling and-"

Plainfoot chuckled. "Very funny joke, m'boy. Tell Dewkit to try Whitefire next time, she is more easily fooled." The deputy then gave the apprentice a patronizing lick ok the head and ran off into the forest. Lightkit watched his tail disappear into the shrubs and turned to run to the leader's den.

He climbed up the steep rock and ended the lichen-covered den. "Pebblestar?" He asked uncertainly "Are you there?"

A large, towering figure came up to the small apprentice. Lightpaw looked at his leader and mewed urgently "Whisperstone is trying to kill Plainfoot!"

Pebblestar's eyes narrowed to slits. "Don't joke about that, young one. It is dangerous to make up lies about two best friends." And the added sharply, "get out and do some apprentice duties."

Lightpaw gasped. "But he is! I promise!"

"Maybe it's time you get rid of Dewkit. He is a troublemaker and will not be good for you." The apprentice scowled. "Fine! Don't believe me, you stupid foxheart." And he stomped out of the den, running to Dewkit.

"Hi, Lightpaw!" murmured the kit as he entered the den. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your mentor?" Lightpaw shook his head. "I have something very important to tell you Dewkit!" He shouted. A few of the queen's heads turned around to see the commotion. Lightkit grabbed his friend by the scruff and dragged him outside and to a bush behind the den.

"Dewkit! Whisperstone is planning to kill Plainfoot!"

Written by Silver