It was a hazy morning, one that proves leafbare is really here now. No more leaf fall warmth remains, leaves for bedding are scarce, and the kits are all cold. The clan is mainly silent, murmurs of activity and the dawn patrol heading out of camp contrasting to the otherwise chillingly empty world.

Flintpaw is in the snow alone. As usual, Shadowpaw is in the medicine den, sorting out herbs feverishly. I thank her silently for the help, and then feel warm breath at my side. I spin around, hoping to see Firepaw or Hawkpaw, but instead see none other than Bluefrost. "What do you want?!"

"Nothing. I was just sent by Mothstar. She wants to see you in her den."

I glare at her, and she hisses, "What's your deal?"

I look at my paws, then cry all over again, unable to believe my brother is dead. Now I only have one member of my old family left. I'll never exchange jokes with Littlepaw again, never curl by my mother's side.

Bluefrost looks down at me indignantly, almost an "Ew, get it off" sort of look. It only serves to make me angrier. "You wouldn't know how it feels to lose someone."

"You remember Halftail?" she mutters finally.

"Yeah, your brother. What about him?"

"He left for DarkClan two sunsets ago."

"Why would no one tell us?! I was told he was out on a trip to the moonpool."

"They never tell the kits." She walks away, stiffly, and obviously flustered.

I sit there, watching after her both longingly and slightly frightened. I think of other cats who were 'sent to the moonpool' but none come to mind- none that are gone, anyhow. When she disappears with a patrol into the forest, I walk to Mothstar's den.

"What did you need?" I see Firepaw's already there, and not unexpectedly, Lilypaw.

"I've looked over your recent performances and I think that both of you are ready to become warriors."

"Yes!" We both say in unison.

Lilypaw glares at us. "Lilypaw, you and Hawkpaw will still become warriors together." Mothstar tells her. "I'm very sorry that I haven't been able to train you, Icepaw, but Lilypaw has made progress in learning our customs."

"You tried." I say, remembering the extremely scarce times that she's trained me. Thank StarClan for Firepaw, Flintpaw, and Talonfall.

She walks past us to the Hightree, and I follow suit, smiling eagerly and flicking my tail. I'm about to explode with excitement, light glimmering in my eyes. She ascends the tree, leaping from branch to branch, and then yells, "ALL CATS OLD ENOUGH TO CATCH THEIR OWN PREY GATHER HERE FOR A CLAN MEETING!"

Everyone knows that my ceremony was coming up, so they're all happy to come to the Hightree. I look at them all, and then Mothstar says, "Firepaw, Icepaw, step forwards. We both do, and he's so close to me I can feel his breath on my ear, and his fur on my flank. His name is appropriate- he's warm. I remember when we were made apprentices- there were so many of them back then!

Now, there's only Shadowpaw (if she counts at all), Firepaw and I, and then Lilypaw and Hawkpaw. Soon there may not be any at all. Well, there are a few kits in the nursery. I don't even know their names, but I can see them looking at me, maybe three in total. That's the older ones- the ones who are Moonblaze's and Thunderclap's. There's also the younger two, those are Dragonwing and Blazefur's.

I always thought Blazefur and Moonblaze would end up together, but it didn't happen.

"Well, before I give the ceremonies, I have news to announce. Silverwing has always been a respected warrior, but last night, she died of greencough. Littlepaw, as we all know, was killed in the battle with StoneClan. We must retaliate soon. First, we must choose the new deputy in Silverwing's stead- I say these words over her body so StarClan may hear and approve my choice. Blazefur will be the new deputy of DragonClan!"

Blazefur steps up, fur puffed in pride. "BLAZEFUR! BLAZEFUR!"

Naturally, I join in.

"With that, two young cats are both ready to be warriors of DragonClan. Icepaw and Firepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect this clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." We both say.

"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior names. Icepaw, you will now be known as Icestorm. StarClan honors your resilience and power. Firepaw, you will now be known as Firepool. StarClan honors your promise and trust."

"FIREPOOL! ICESTORM! FIREPOOL! ICESTORM!"

"You will both be coming to the Gathering at the end of the moon, to announce yourselves to the clans."

I sigh. Gatherings, rare as they are, are not my forte. They're annoying and all anyone ever does is fight. Still, I lift my head, happiness glittering in my eyes. I'm finally a warrior.

In the shadows, I think I see a gray shape, but I ignore it. I don't want to think about her. Not today, not anymore, not ever again. Next time I see her, we are enemies on the field of battle.

I once again can feel the spirit of old DragonClan. Vengeance runs in my bones. Cinderstar will pay dearly for my brother.

For now, though, I watch the clan. It was a day of hunting, but now- all that matters is that I stay silent.

In the darkness, Firepool by my side, he twines his tail with mine. With his eyes, he gestures to the twined tails. He smiles. As if he was saying the words in my head- "I want to be with you forever."

I lean on him, gesturing back- "Me too."