The moonlight washed over Icestar's dark fur as he lead his Clan through StreamClan territory. The gathering place was close and his heart beat wildly as his mind thought up the things to say. Silverleaf had given him encouraging words before his departure, but even her smooth way of speech couldn't keep his mind from whirling.

Sharpfang nudged Icestar's shoulder. "The Clan will be fine," he said, as if sensing all of Icestar's worries. "Redsky and Petalwing are strong and sharp—they won't let that rogue out of their sight." Before he left, Sharpfang had assigned the two she-cat warriors to watch their prisoner.

"It's not the rogue that I am worried about," muttered Icestar. "I know everyone we left in camp will be fine. It's the gathering I'm worried about."

His paws treaded over the cool soft grass, the muscles in his shoulders tense. He'd walked this path for many moons, and yet it felt different for the first time. The gentle newleaf wind that breezed through his whiskers had an eerie taste, and his fur could not help but prickle. Sweetheart's words . . . the changing forest . . . the new attacks, too. It was causing a change.

The deputy looked over his shoulder to make sure that the group was following closely. "Well, if the speaking is what's making you nervous, stop being such a scaredy-mouse. You've done it plenty of times."

"What's more is, your attitude scares me," Icestar said, at an attempt to create humor.

Sharpfang's ears pricked. "What?"

"You're usually so mean and ill-tempered. You haven't been the grouchy old Sharpfang I used to know these past two moons," he meowed.

Sharpfang rolled his eyes. "You expect me to snap at everyone after a battle? It took a lot of willpower to hold my tongue but if you want I can start here—"

He stopped speaking, and for a moment Icestar wondered why. He opened his mouth to talk, when suddenly, the ground beneath his paws trembled lightly. He stopped in his tracks. Shiningmoon, who was treading closely behind, bumped into his rump, while Volefur and Blacksun peered up.

Sharpfang must have felt the tremor too. "Icestar," his murmur was fast and alarmed. "You don't think another tree will fall?"

He shook his head. "No. It's the forest . . . can't you feel it?"

Though the trees did croak, the ground underpaw felt unsteady. A few paces ahead was a shallow scoop into the ground, covered by bramble thickets and a narrow gaping hole downward. A few more paces, and Icestar would have fallen. He took a step back, his breath caught in his throat, and he let out a cough. It smelled terrible!

So StreamClan is affected too, he thought.

"What is this stench?" Amberwind growled, crouching by her former mentor's side.

Sharpfang inhaled, but it was followed by a short sneeze. "Twoleg stench!" He looked down at the hole. "Icestar, I can't help but recall being down there once when Sparrowheart was still deputy."

Amberwind's ears drew back and her nose scrunched up in disgust. "Yuck!"

"I know," he responded. Then, he turned back to his patrol, consisting of a little over a dozen Clanmates. "We're going to have to go around! I want no cat going near that hole, or any for that matter! Stay as far away from them as possible, and be weary of the trees!"

A few cats murmured with curiosity, but most were with worry.

There's nothing I can say to them now, he thought. I will discuss it tonight at the gathering. As Icestar began to lead around it, Sharpfang held his neck high. "Squirreltail?"

"Right here," the gray tom meowed, poking through the crowd.

"Take the rear end, and keep a close eye out so that no cat falls." The deputy's words were low. Icestar stopped listening and looked ahead, weary of finding another gaping hole. They were already so close to the gathering place, and he didn't expect the dangers to be this far-reached!

The rest of the walk was safe. No trees had fallen, the ground hadn't crumpled, and they didn't find any more entrances to the underground system. The stench also wore off as they traveled, until they finally reached the all-too familiar gathering place. He was thankful that he returned here for yet another moon safely. By the look of it, the three other Clans were already waiting as Icestar's cats dispersed through the clearing.

As Icestar leaped upon the rock with the other leaders, Swiftstar was the first to dip his head. "It is good you have made it safely," the CloudClan leader said.

"You too, Swiftstar," replied Icestar. Then, he looked at the other two leaders. "We can start as soon as you'd like."

Stonestar dipped her head. She turned around and padded to the front of the rock, holding her neck high as she scanned the clearing of cats. "Now that all four Clans have come together peacefully, let the full-moon gathering begin!" she called out, her voice loud and clear. "MarshClan shall begin, if there are no objections."

Icestar and Swiftstar dipped their heads with approval, and so she began speaking. "Our Clan is doing well with the change of weather. StarClan has blessed our marshes with an abundant amount of prey, and four new apprentices. Swamppaw, Lizardpaw, Logpaw, and Hazelpaw have all reached the age of six moons and had their official ceremonies last quarter-moon!"

The Clans began to cheer out the names of the four apprentices, and Icestar scanned the group, wondering if he'd spot them. He didn't know what they looked like, but instantly knew it was them when he saw four young cats by a few MarshClan warriors, sticking their heads up proudly. Icestar felt slightly envious that MarshClan had so many apprentices to train, while all MoonClan had was Bloodpaw at the moment, but soon he knew they'd have Berrykit and Shadekit too. And my own kits in a few moons, he thought with a purr.

"That will be all for us," Stonestar said, taking a few steps back, sitting right beside Swiftstar. Her gray-striped tail rest neatly on her paws.

The leaders waited for a moment, allowing any other cat to go up next. Lakestar took the invitation, and padded to the base of the rock, overlooking the Clans coolly. "My Clan is doing just as well. Though we have no new warriors nor apprentices, we do have a strong system of cats, as well as fish in the lakes. StreamClan is surviving with the help of StarClan." For a moment, he stopped with a long pause, as if he was in consideration for a moment. "And recently . . . we lost our dear apprentice, Foxpaw, to an accident. She lost her life to Twoleg monsters." A gasp went around the clearing, and Icestar's own fur bristled. Then, Lakestar continued, his voice deep and low. "I warn every cat to stay away from Twolegs. They give no consideration to lives but their own. That will be all," he finally said, breaking his own silence. He turned around and padded back to his spot, tail lashing.

I didn't think that the Twolegs were so bad that they had the capability of claiming a cat's life! Icestar thought as he listened to the murmurs traveling through the crowd.

One MarshClan cat said, "We've been hearing a lot of Twolegs cutting down the trees lately."

"It is true," Rabbitleg of CloudClan replied.

"DarkClan territory has been crawling with Twolegs," whispered Stonetooth. "It's unfortunate for the Clans since that is center territory. I wonder what is going to happen . . ."

Icestar gulped. That is exactly what I will talk about.

"I will go next," Swiftstar said, taking his place in front of all the warriors. All cats silenced and looked up to him. "CloudClan thrives as well. We have recently named a new apprentice, Mallowpaw." He paused and took a deep breath, allowing the Clans to chant her name. When he yowling died off, he continued. "But there is an issue I believe we are all avoiding, with the exception of Icestar who has yet to speak." He looked around. "The Twolegs are threatening the lives of all the Clans! It is evident by StreamClan's unfortunate loss . . . and evident by their evil work in the forests."

Icestar closed his eyes, relieved. I wasn't the only one who noticed these issues.

"I would like to speak on the matter," he piped up as he stood.

Swiftstar dipped his head. "Alright. That concludes CloudClan's report."

Icestar took the cue and thought for a few heartbeats, the gathering enveloping in quietness. Finally, he found his words. "As for MoonClan, we have recently named Amberwind and Blacksun our two newest warriors," he meowed. "And Goldsun has moved into the nursery. We are doing well internally." The Clans chanted for the two new warriors, but it was a bit weary. Every cat wanted to hear what Icestar had to say about the recent problems. "Now I wanted to address the issue with the Twolegs. Many moons ago, a MoonClan patrol discovered this underground system of Twolegs. Right under the forest, we saw their monsters breaking through the roots of the trees and rocks . . . But never have we thought that it would start ruining the territories, or take away lives," he added, giving a sympathetic glance to Lakestar. "However, DarkClan territory is unstable, and I advise all the Clans to stay away from it."

Unsure murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Ferretheart, StreamClan's deputy, let out a loud growl. "There is truth to what you hold that DarkClan is unstable, Icestar, but telling us to keep away from it? That only makes us believe you want it all to yourself!" His white fur was bristled. "We all know how much territory DarkClan had. How much prey that could mean!"

"Icestar's intentions are good!" Amberwind yowled, making her way to the front of the MoonClan crowd. "You can't accuse him like that!"

Icestar stared down at her worriedly. "Amberwind, don't."

"No, she's right!" exclaimed a StreamClan cat, raising his muzzle up. He was a light gray cat, but perhaps in the sun he'd look more tan than gray. "Even StreamClan is being affected by the Twolegs. We all are!"

"Troutfire, be quiet!" snapped Lakestar.

Troutfire ducked his head down, but he still seemed to stick true to what he said, even though some of his Clanmates were giving him disapproving glares. In just an instant, however, talking erupted throughout he crowd, as rumors and whispers spread about. Icestar stared at the clearing, unable to figure out what to do.

The group of cats parted around Swallowfur, the rude CloudClan warrior that MoonClan's patrol had met half a moon ago, as he made his way to the center of the crowd. Like before, he was with Smallfeather. "Icestar does not respect his own boundaries. How could you not see his selfish intentions?" he called out, giving the group of cats a long stare. "We can't trust MoonClan!"

"Take that back!" Amberwind snarled, leaping to his face at an instant. Flameheart was immediately in between them before anything could happen.

Much to Icestar's relief, Sharpfang stood up from the base of the leader's rock, raising his voice loud. "Everyone, it's Icestar's turn! No such disrespect is allowed toward a Clan leader, especially at a gathering!" Instantly, the talking silenced, and so did a few arguments that were going through the Clan. Swallowfur and Smallfeather glowered as they stalked to the back of the clearing, and Amberwind's nose flared while Flameheart murmured something in her ear. Icestar looked up to the moon, wondering if StarClan would disapprove of such a small dispute. The night sky was cloudless, however, and the big moon full and bright.

Icestar dipped his head to his deputy as a way of saying thanks, before continuing. "Yes, this is very controversial!" he said. "That is blatantly obvious. And I have no right to tell the other Clan leaders how to lead. But I advise you, for the wellbeing of all the Clans!" He paused, looking around. Ferretheart's head was ducked in anger as Troutfire glared him down. Amberwind took a quick glance back at the CloudClan cat, Swallowfur, as if shooting back a threat. For a moment, Icestar considered his next words. He finally spoke once more. "Skypelt has been hurt because of the falling trees. I wish that upon no cat."

"Is that all, Icestar?" Lakestar asked, his voice low.

Icestar turned his gaze to the StreamClan leader. "Unfortunately, it is not. I also have some troubling news."

"Go on," Stonestar encouraged, her voice urgent. "If the trees are not the only issue, we should all know about it!"

Icestar turned back down to the Clans. "There has been rogues in our territories!" he called out. "Though we have only encountered two, there have been rumored to be many more in a forest to the direction where the sun sets. But . . . but they're setting out in our territory for reasons unknown." He had considered mentioning what their goal was, but Icestar did not want to think about it. Every time he did, he remembered Shard, he remembered his dreams, and he remembered Sweetheart's mysterious new prophecy. He decided to only conclude to this much information.

There had been a long silence before Icestar finally gave out his last words. "These rogues have not harmed us yet. Though one had been hostile, they don't seem to be too keen on advancing on us when they know they're not at an advantage. So I warn every cat to stay in groups, and stay safe from all threats. Whether it'd be Twolegs, falling trees, or rogues . . ."

* * *

The camp was unsettled the next morning. Sharpfang was already up and about setting up patrols, but Icestar decided not to join any. He sat on the top of his den, staring at the dawn sun rising in the sky. The light warmed his fur and lighted his camp, bringing a new day. He closed his eyes and breathed in the chilly morning air.

In the distance, Icestar could hear the birds in the trees already beginning their songs. Beyond the camp walls, bugs and prey alike began to leave their burrows for food. Patrols got ready too, preparing to leave for hunting and border-marking, like any other day despite the ominous feeling of uncertainty making its way around.

"Icestar!" Sharpfang called by the base of the leader's rock. Icestar's eyes opened and he looked down to the dark gray tom. "Are you sure you don't want to join a patrol?" Sharpfang looked over his shoulder to his border patrol. Sagepelt, who had recently rejoined the warriors den, was waiting for him, along with Rainwhisker. Berrykit and Shadekit did not need to sleep with their mother anymore, for their apprentice she was drawing nearer by the day.

Icestar brought himself to nod. "Yes, there's something else I have to do."

"Okay," he responded. He turned around, but hesitated for a moment. "I'll ask you about it when we return," Sharpfang said, before finally padding away. He met with his group, exchanging quick words with them before slipping out of the camp entrance. The patrol followed as soon as he was on the other side of the camp.

Icestar sat and thought for a moment, before finally leaping off the leader's rock. Flameheart was grooming himself in front of the warrior's den, smoothing down his orange fur after a long night of sleep. His ear twitched as he heard Icestar's approaching paw-steps, and he looked up. His green eyes met Icestar's amber ones.

"Good morning," he said in his usual polite tone.

"Morning," Icestar mumbled, and looked around quickly. He looked back to the warrior. "You know, I've been thinking about something." Flameheart stopped licking his paw, and lifted his head. "That rogue . . . he told Sharpfang yesterday some useful information. And I thought there was something we could do today."

"Go on," Flameheart said.

"I want to scout a bit beyond Clanless territory," he said, "toward the direction where the sun sets. We might find something there."

"What do you think we'd find? A group of rogues just outside of MoonClan?" questioned Flameheart.

Icestar shrugged. "Maybe."

"I hope you're not doing this out of a whim, Icestar. I'll follow you anyhow," he murmured under his breath. He turned around and looked over his shoulder. Amberwind was leading a hunting patrol by CloudClan borders and was just about to leave. His eyes followed her as she left the camp. "Who knows if Clanless territory is dangerous?" His voice was light.

Icestar gave his friend a comforting lick over the ear. "It's not dangerous, as far as I've seen. If you're afraid of venturing out, I don't have to take you. You are one of the cats I trust the most, is all. If we find anything that could help us then we'd be closer into finding out where that rogue comes from."

Flameheart paused for a long moment. His eyes shone dimly. "I'll go with you on one condition, Icestar."

"What?" the leader asked.

"We go at night," Flameheart said, turning his gaze up.

* * *

Icestar had told Sharpfang about his plan that evening. The deputy, although a bit skeptical and nervous, seemed to agree on it quickly, and Icestar left him in charge of the camp as he and Flameheart slipped out of the camp entrance that night. The cats who were awake would simply think they were going on a hunt during moonhigh, but everyone asleep would never know about their departure.

We should be back by morning, anyhow, thought Icestar as he walked through MoonClan territory. Before the sun had set, he memorized its direction just in case, realizing that he was walking slightly toward StreamClan territory and Twoleg territory.

On rare occasions had Icestar come across Twolegs, kittypets and their monsters. No thunderpaths roared through Clan territory as they had all mostly been isolated this whole time. No kittypet ever dared venture beyond Sweetheart's herb patch by the border, either. However, with the Twolegs cutting down their trees more and more, and the rogues entering Clan territory like never before, Icestar knew that he would have to leave his Clan, be it for just a night, to discover something new that could help his mystery.

Flameheart trotted by Icestar's side as they made their way to where the line of trees ended. They came across Sweetheart's herb patch, making sure not to tread over her new plants, and stopped right at the line of their territory. The distant sound of barking dogs and wailing monsters were just ahead.

Flameheart shuttered beside Icestar. "We won't have to go through the Twoleg place, will we?" he murmured, eyes worried.

"No," Icestar murmured back, "but we'll have to tread near it."

His companion gave a tiny nod, and the two of them crossed over to the uninhabited Clanless territory. The terrain was completely flat, dotted with short tree trunks and occasional shrubbery here and there, as if the Twolegs had cleared the forest from this area long ago. The grass short and smelled unusually fresh, so they had to walk along their only protection of the stubs and small bushes. Icestar had visited the open CloudClan territory before, and it was unlike the Clanless territory of unknown dangers and strange terrain. He had never felt so exposed in his life.

His paws pressed into the hard, stubby grass, uncomfortable from its unusual spiky feeling. He had never felt grass so short, itchy and uncomfortable against his paw pads. Only a few fox-lengths away from his territory and he was already uncomfortable to the feeling. It was too new, too unnatural.

As the two walked in silence, MoonClan's oak trees were the mere size of a small owl in the distance. The Twoleg town was closer than ever, and Icestar swore that he had never ventured so far from his Clan before. And I hope I never have to again, he thought, glancing at Flameheart.

After moments more of walking, Flameheart stopped in his tracks, and lifted his nose up to the sky. Icestar turned around and watched, knowing that he picked up a scent.

"What is it?" Icestar asked, unable to catch anything at all.

Flameheart's mouth parted slightly and he continued smelling around. Then, he turned and looked at his leader. "You're right, Icestar," said the tom. "I smell cats. And it's fresh."

"Do you think it could be the cat from Amberwind's warrior assessment?" Icestar wondered, his voice low.

"Perhaps. But there is more than just one cat." He began to walk forward. "This way."

Icestar gave a tiny nod, half hoping that he would find the rogues sleeping. The other part of him hoped that the rogues returned wherever they came from, finding nothing that they needed. He followed Flameheart on the open land, disappearing through in dark night unnoticed.

A/N sorry if this chapter was a little tedious. As you may notice, I'm pushing myself hard to get through the rising actions. I already know what's going to happen after all of this, of course, since I'm the author. But to get to the plot, I have to build up to that, and man that is difficult. But I shall live through it! Let me know of my mistakes please! :)