~Okay, everybody, this is the story of what has been happening so far. It is for new people to be able to read and understand the situation so far. I will be updating regularly, maybe every few days or once a week [*reads this after 6 months* Well, it's been like 5 months since I updated this. Not very accurate, past me]. Sorry, might be lots of grammatical errors! [not my fault]~

~East Border~

Moonwing sniffed the air for prey. She needed to bring back fresh-kìll, as the pile was empty. Suddenly, bushes rustled and three OakClan cats stepped out. It was Mapleheart, Twigleaf, and Flowerclaw. Twig leaf, the deputy of OakClan, eyed Moonwing warily. "What are you doing here?" she asked Moonwing. "Make sure you don't step over the border, whatever you're doing!" Flowerclaw sneered. Moonwing kept her fur flat, knowing she should avoid a fight. "I'm hunting," she mewed. "Make sure you don't cross onto my territory. Don't want OakClan stinking it up." Mapleheart snarled. Moonwing smirked and stalked away. "Just stay away from my territory. Don't want FrostClan to have to come fight you. Wouldn't be worth it." She called over her shoulder. "Maybe that should be the other way around!" Flower claw said as the OakClan patrol turned away to leave. "If we fought you, you FrostClan mouse brains would be crow-food!" Twigleaf spat over her shoulder. Moonwing smirked and padded deeper into her territory, avoiding any further quarrels. The OakClan cats shot one last look of contempt and padded away into the shadows of the oak trees in their territory.

Shadedpath was swiftly making his way through the tres, towards the OakClan border. A milling apprentice had told him of a possible fight breaking out. He halted a few tail lengths from the border. Staled cat scent filing his scent glands. Shadedpath's eyes trail along his side of the border, searching for any drips of blood.

~West Border~

Duskwater padded along the border, sniffing for new borders. She occasionally renewed a border. Duskwater finished the patrol and headed back to camp. But she paused, front paw lifted in the air. Moonwing had gone to the east border, ad she was worried what those mangepelt OakClan cats may have said. She turned and headed that way to make sure there was no scuffle.

~Back to East Border~ (Moonwing does not seem to be RPing anymore)

Duskwater arrived at the east border, anxious to see if Moonwing had had any trouble. Instead, she picked up Shadedpath's scent. She could also smell a taint of worry on his scent. Suddenly, the branches rustled in front of her and she raced forward to catch up to Shadedpath.

The faint whisper of paw steps make him turn his head, where Shadedpath saw the form of Duskwater bounding towards him. Now that the "danger" had past he was annoyed. Ears were twitching irritably and his eyes were slits.

"Shadedpath, have you seen Moonwing? Anyways, why are you here?" Duskwater called. "I thought you were out hunting somewhere."

"Someone told me there was a fight on a border, obviously not" Shadedpath grumbled, glancing towards Duskwater with a irritated looks. His left ear was twitching ever so slightly in frustration.

Duskwater stiffled a chuckle and instead put on a serious face.

"Have you seen Moonwing?" she asked. "I was going to check to make sure she was alright with her patrol, because OakClan cats have been acting up lately. Empty threats, mocking, you know, that sorta thing. Wanted to make sure a scuffle wouldn't break out." Dusk water looked into the distance. "Well, Moonwing isn't that inexperienced I guess. She wouldn't be drawn in."

Shadedpath shrugs sharply, his pride somewhat deflated more than usual from being tricked. He send glare over the border and into the OakClan trees.

"Well," said Duskwater (BTW this is the deputy). "Let's get going back to camp."

Shadedpath bowed his head. His eyes went back to icy and clear of emotion. He followed Duskwater as she padded along, sending another glance over the border.

~Camp~

Duskwater reached camp along with Shadedpath and scanned the area for Moonwing. Shadedpath headed for the warrior's den. Ready to take a nap and forget a out today's events.

"Shadedpath where are you going?" called Duskwater. "No nap time today! We have an urgent need to fill up the freshkill pile!" She gestured with her tail to the few mangy mice that were meant to be the freshkill pile.

Shadedpath let out any annoyed huff but turned around. "Why can't other cat's take their apprentices out? I was hunting the whole day yesterday." He never meant to sound selfish but he really was tired. His leg was also throbbing from an old injury that sometimes bothered him. Even as he went back towards Duskwater, Shadedpath limped ever so slightly.

"Because," Duskwater said, eyeing his leg. "Everybody is looking at the proabably stupid and useless thing that Twolegs have done. I'm sorry, but it must be done." (So, for like a little bit of time, everybody left to look at something the twolegs had done. Are back now)

Shadedpath rolled his eyes. "Fine. Where would you like me to go?". His icy gaze watched the den entrance, where leaves swayed, green on top of green. He leaned forward and stretched his front pillars, the old injury in his joint cracking. But the pain eased and he sat back up. "I feel like an elder" Shadedpath muttered, raising a paw and drawing his tongue over it. He flinched at the movement, the pain had not gone away. He frowned, eyes crinkled at the corners and set his forepaw back down. His expression became icy as he look his leg up and down. The pain should have gone away moons ago. He sat on his haunches to hide his attempts of not standing on that leg and looked towards Duskwater.

Dusk water narrowed her eyes and scrutinized Shadedpath's leg. "Looks like your old leg injury isn't healing up properly." She walked closer to him and leaned over to look at his leg. "Go see Marigoldleaf when she comes back." She turned around and strode away. Suddenly, she paused and looked over her shoulder and said with a sympathetic tone, "You don't have to hunt if you don't want to. I'm going to the South Border anyways."

"I can hunt. Its fine now anyway" Shadedpath muttered "I'll take the East Border." He flicked his tail, somewhat embarrassed. He was of course, lying through his teeth but ignoring it, he trotted briskly towards the exit of camp.

Duskwater flicked her tail as Shadedpath walked by her. She could tell there wasn't much truth in what he was saying. Oh, well. She had given him his chance. She decided to try out the South Border for hunting, and she headed over.

~East Border~

Shadedpath cast a glance over the border, halting in his prey search. The scent lines of the border were filling his senses, blocking out much of any other scent. So he was forced to turn sharply left, deeper into FrostClan territory. His ears flicked, a faint rustle was heard. He turned, spotting a vole creeping its way through the undergrowth. He crouched low, beginning to stalk towards it. The wind, blowing away from him, seemed to be acting in his favor.

"What ya lookin' at Snowflake?" a taunting voice said, coming from the border. Another, more feminine voice said, "Probably kicking around leaves and watching them fall down on his little eeny weeny nosey!" "Why would he do that?" another voice answered. Another feminine voice, different from the first one, replied, "Because, "the she-cat said, giving a dramatic pause. "They're like snowflakes!"

The vole scuttled off.

Watching the vole vanish into the undergrowth with narrow eyes, Shadedpath turned back to the border. Two DarkClan felines where watching him, half hidden by the shadows. "What's the matter puppy? Scared of a little sun"? Shadedpath spat. The old rogue insult rolled off his tongue, something he had not said in a while. It was a mystery even to him why he had used it.

The DarkClan cats made no move to step out. A female voice called out, "The question should be, is the little FrostClan kit scared of the dark?" The other cats snickered.

"If I saw you in the dark, I'd certainly be terrified" Shadedpath sneered, his throat rumbling. His ears where flattened back defiantly and his eyes where narrowed towards the she-cat, glittering. The hunt remained forgotten.

The she-cat stepped out of the shadows. It was Shadownight, the deputy of DarkClan. The she-cat had always been rude. One by one, the other cats also came out. It was Rockdusk (tom), Gorgeclaw (tom), and Branchpaw (she-cat). "Ya think?" challenged the apprentice, lips drawn in a snarl.

Shadedpath snorted "Yeah I think. Got a problem with that kitty? Gonna stare at me or something." He was almost a head taller than the apprentice, so the challenge never so much as ruffled his fur. His eyes remained narrowed though, daring one of them to step over the scent border. His shoulders where squared, ready for a fight. Though his odds were against him, four to one.

Rockdusk eyes him with contempt and stepped tauntingly close to the border, lifting a forepaw over it, just off the ground. "What are you gonna do Snowflake? Attack me with your eeny weeny claws?" he mocked. Gorgeclaw snickered loudly and called, "Yeah, I dare you Snowflake. Come on and fight Rockdusk. Or else, he might step over apparently "your" beloved border." "Which is actually our border!" Shadownight yolwed.

Shadedpath fixed with startling blue gaze on Shadownight. "Your the deputy of your 'precious' clan. You shouldn't be ordering fights on MY territory, after all your leader might be upset." He taunted. Shadedpath's gaze flicker to Rockdusk, glittering. He was fully prepared to leap at the tom if he took on more step, claws curled and clicking on the rocks below.

Shadownight curled her lip. "This is rightfully OUR territory," she snared. "And don't you dare say otherwise!" She stepped forward, and so did Gorgeclaw. Now all four DarkClan cats were right at the border. Rockdusk's paw was still raised over the border line. He started to lower it, almost touching the ground, then lifting his paw back up. "Do it Rockdusk," said Gorgeclaw. "He can't do anything!" exclaimed Branchpaw. Rockdusk smirked at Shadedpath, and fully landed his paw. Onto FrostClan territory. The other cats also took a step forward, and now all four of the DarkClan cats were in FrostClan territory.

Shadedpath's ear went back, a snarl released from him. He snapped his jaws together in an agonizing click and crouched down, his eyes darting as he tried to chose who to attack first. He settle for Rockdusk, as he was closest. Leaping for the tom, Shadepath sunk his claw into his back, let out a yowl. He was trying to alert his clanmates.

Rockdusk shook off Shadedpath with a cry. Branchpaw rushed at his face and Gorgeclaw went for his tail. Shadownight hung back, watching. Shadedpath hissed, rolling to his paws. He struck out at Branchpaw with unsheathed claws, letting out a yowl as Gorgeclaw grabbed his tail. The young apprentice couldn't dodge the blow and Shadedpath's claws pierced his fur and Branchpaw cried out in pain. Shadownight's eyes widened and she rushed to the apprentice. Rockdusk slammed into Shadedpath and Gorgeclaw ripped fur out of Shadedpath's back.

~SunClan Border~

As Duskwater wandered through the forest, she thought she heard a cry. Curious, she headed over to where it was coming from. As she got closer, the scents of DarkClan cats invaded her senses. She stiffened. DarkClan scent should not be here. Between all the scents, she thought she smelt a FrostClan scent. Shadedpath! Her eyes widened and she ran.

Shadedpath yowled in pain, flailing his paws in an attempt to throw off his attacks. The wounds stung and blood was already starting to bead on his back.

An even louder yowl sounded and Duskwater raced faster. She finally burst through the bushes at the DarkClan border and froze. Two DarkClan cats were attacking Shadedpath and another was looking over a wounded one on the ground. She realized that the cat looking over the wounded one was Shadownight, the deputy of DarkClan. Her fur bristled. All four of the DarkClan cats were on FrostClan territory. And with the deputy too! She leapt into the fray, landing on top of the tom clawing Shadedpath, who seemed like Gorgeclaw, and pulled him off of Shadedpath. He snarled at her and leapt. Duskwater dodged out of the way and grabbed his forepaw in her teeth as he leapt past her. He yowled in pain, cowering. Duskwater swiped at him with unsheathed claws a few times, then jumped back into Shadedpath's fight, attacking the other cat, Rockdusk.

Shadownight, who was dragging Branchpaw back to DarkClan territory, loudly meowed, "Get back! Retreat!" Rock dusk snarled and clawed Duskwater one more time before jumping back. Gorgeclaw dragged himself back, whimpering with his forepaw lifted off the ground, twisted at a weird angle.

Shadepath pushed to his paws heavily, panting. When he put weight on his left leg he flinched visibly, lifting the left forepaw off the ground. Blood dripped between his eyes. "And stay out" He snarled at the retreating DarkClan warriors. The anger was forced. He looked to Duskwater, who had come to his aid. "Thanks," Shadedpath muttered.

"It's okay," Duskwater said. She noticed his hurt leg and gave him her shoulder to lean on while they walked back to camp.

Shadedpath grunted, leaning of Duskwater awkwardly. Now that the danger had passed, his eyes had returned to the dull but startling blue. His adrenaline had vanished, leaving Shadedpath looking as exhausted as ever. He muttered to himself, using old rogue words such as 'd*mn' and 'git'. Some of the words spoken were in the twoleg tongue, him having picked up some from his past time in a shelter.

Duskwater looked at him curiously. "What are you saying?" She was't really hurt, except for a few scratches.

Shadedpath slid his eyes towards her for a moment, not moving his head. He did not answer, instead he stopped leaning on Duskwater's shoulder and walk by him self along side her. He gazed forward emotionlessly. He never showed it, but Shadedpath was sensitive about his life before the clan.

Duskwater took her curious gaze off him and walked forward. She didn't know of his life before joining the clan, but it had been many moons ago and she didn't want to resurface bad memories. Right now, the Clan needed every strong warrior there was. She walked slowly, making sure Shadedpath was alright. "Show yourself to Marigoldleaf as soon as we get back to camp." He nodded, not glancing at her. He rolled his shoulder, where a awfully deep scratch lay.

~Back at Camp~

He pushed his way through the camp entrance, ignoring the stares from a couple of his clanmates. Shadedpath made his way over to the medicine den, poking his head and glancing around.

~So I can't write exactly what happened with Marigoldleaf and Shadedpth, because I somehow lost the actual RPing. But basically, Marigoldleaf fixes him up and he has to go to the warriors den.~

~A Day or Two Later, a Gathering~

The cats of FrostClan streamed into the FourStones clearing like a river. DarkClan, OakClan, and SunClan cats came in from other sides. Duskwater leaped up onto the glittering marble stone and the leaders of the clans shimmied up their stones. They waited for all the cats to settle.

Shadedpath was in the middle of his clanmates. His head was ducked low, eyes following FrostClan's deputy as she milled around. Most of his wounds had healed, but one long scar stretch over his shoulder.

The cats stopped moving and settled down. Brightstar of SunClan went first. She stood and started talking in a very quite voice that the others had to strain to hear. Duskwater knew that the cat inside was very different. No cat could be stronger or fiercer than Brightstar in a battle. She loved her clan, and was very outspoken if they faced something bad.

"For SunClan, the hunting has been good. For some reason, the mice from the horseplace seem to heading into the forest more often. Oh well. Whatever the reason, SunClan is getting more prey. We have made four new apprentices this moon. Windpaw, Runningpaw, Streakpaw, and Honeypaw, stand up." Duskwater silently looked the young cats over as they awkwardly took in the praise from the other Clans. Four apprentices. That was quite a lot. Lucky SunClan.

Shadedpath stared towards the newly made apprentices of SunClan. Instead of cheering like many of the cats, he caught Streakpaw's eye and nodded his head in congratulations. The apprentice blinked at him gratefully and sat back down.

Branchstar cleared his throat. "I presume you have finished Brightstar? I wish to go next." There was a slightly demanding era around the brown tom, who looked like he was about to run off mad, or at least that's what Shadedpath was thinking. He had no favor for the OakClan leader, who had many a times insulted him before he had become leader.

Duskwater narrowed her eyes as the tom spoke. She had never really liked him. Always to arrogant, too proud of the fact that he was leader. And too close with DarkClan.

"OakClan is hunting well. One of our proudest warriors, Darkshade had moved to the elder's den, after breaking his leg. But there has been an increasing amount of FrostClan activity on our borders. Some prey has been stolen" Branchstar annonced sending a glittering glare to Duskwater, who sat in Icestar's place. Shadedpath bared his fangs in a snarl, curling his claws into the dirt. He even went as far as letting out a hiss.

Duskwater stood, outraged. "Prey has been stolen? Prey? When exactly, may I ask, was prey stolen from your clan Branchstar?" she spat. She turned to the other cats and announced, "A few days ago, one of our cats was hunting close to the border of OakClan. A few OakClan cats, along with your deputy-" she turned and glared at Twigleaf, sitting below her clan's rock. "Provoked her, and started hurling insults. But because my warrior was smart enough to not take the bait-" she glanced at Shadedpath to let him know that she knew he didn't take the bait. After all, the DarkClan cats had crossed the border. "-and she walked away. Now you say this?"

"She provoked my warriors first! They saw her nearly crossing the border. Also, I have found a repeating set of tracks from my territory and into yours!" Branchstar snarled back. He was glaring towards Duskwater with a surprising amount of anger. Shadedpath's gaze remained on Branchstar, eyes cold and blank as chips of ice. Whispers filled his ears.

Duskwater leaned forward over the edge of the rock. "Oh, a repeating set of tracks? Did you even smell it properly? I'm sure you didn't. I'm sure you found some paw tracks and immediately assumed, oh its FrostClan. And if you would like to know the full story, ask your warriors. It was your young warrior that started insulting. It was that one." She flicked her tail at Mapleheart, who was at the edge of the group of cats.

"I did smell it properly and I'll point out the cat if you'd like of great Duskwater. By the way, where is Icestar tonight?" Branchstar sneered. The clans were now pressed into huddles with their clanmates. Shadedpath was on the outside of the FrostClan group, baring his fangs at a young DarkClan warrior, who was snarling towards him.

"Oh yes, why don't you do just that?" Duskwater sneered back. "Saying you'll point out the cat just to scare me. FrostClan will never bend down to-" she grimaced. "-OakClan! Icestar, since you oh so kindly demanded to know, is not feeling well today. I am filling in for her." Whispers spread through the throng of cats and Duskwater could catch, "Greencough"and "Whitecough." She inwardly sighed. As long as Icestar's whitecough didn't turn into greencough, they were okay. But if it did...Duskwater shook off the thought and instead glared at Branchstar, her piercing blue gaze daring him to say something.

"It was your medicine cat. The one with the ridiculous name. He bas been stealing herbs for moons, but I knew you must be low on healing supplies so I let him. But no more will I allow it" Branchstar growled. "As for Icestar, I bet she's on her last life. I would be weary oh great Duskwater!" Shadedpath snarled, since Icestar had taken him in as a kit and acted as his mother figure, he was fiercely loyal. And Branchstar had gone to far. He stalked from the FrostClan group and stared up at Branchstar with rage filled eyes. Standing only a few lengths from the rock's base, his throat rumbled. He was prepared to spring onto the OakClan leader.

Duskwater trembled with rage. "How dare you accuse Berryheart? How dare you! We have no need of your herbs! FrostClan can heal itself, thank you! And don't you dare insult Icestar! If you'd care to know, she is not on her last life!"

"And also! Don't forget about your pitiful warrior that shredded that apprentice in DarkClan!! You have the nerve to let him go without punishment?! Icestar will be gone soon! Last life or not!" Branchstar snarled. The DarkClan leader was nodding fiercely in agrement.

Shadedpath yowled up to Branchstar "Why don't you tell that to my face you ****"

Duskwater inwardly gasped. She snorted her anger and said, "Shadedpath! I'd like you to go back to camp, right now!" Though Duskwater thoroughly agreed with what he had done, the other leaders would obviously use it to turn on FrostClan. She turned her smoldering eyes back on Branchstar. "Shredded that warrior in DarkClan? Punishment? Oh, have you checked your knowledge of the warrior code recently? Maybe you should learn the whole story before making assumptions, Branchstar! All four of the DarkClan patrol crossed the border. Shadedpath was in his rights to attack them. Including the deputy!" A collective gasp rose from the cats below. Mostly from SunClan and FrostClan. "And how dare you insult our leader like that? The way you say it makes it seem like-" she narrowed her eyes. "Makes it seem like you want her gone!"

Shadedpath growled but obeyed, storming his way out of the gathering area and towards FrostClan territory. Whispers followed him as he vanished into the shadows.

"Of course I want her gone! We all do! Icestar has wanted to rule the clans ever sense she become a warrior! Some of us just have the sense to see it!" Branchstar snarled.

Duskwater almost leaped off the rock and ripped out his throat. But she caught herself and instead drew herself up to her full height and glared more at Branchstar. "You," she spat. "Are a disgrace to the warrior code. Clans have rivalries. True. But Clan leaders do not hold grudges against other Clan leaders. Why? Because that'll lead to you fighting the entire Clan with your entire Clan, which will get many many mire cat than necessary hurt. And I don't want that." She glanced up at the sky to see clouds stealing over the moon. "And StarClan doesn't either. This Gathering is over. FrostClan, we are leaving." She jumped down from the rock and bounded towards FrostClan territory, the other cats following her like a stream of dark, rippling, cats.

"SunClan, we are leaving also." Brightstar also leaped off her perch and ran towards her territory, the SunClan cats following her.

Shadedpath had walked slowly, so he was within close enough range to hear the gathering ending. He stopped and watched the top of the hill, until the shadowy figures of his clanmates began to appear. He flattened his ears as they approached, embarrassed by his earlier actions.

Duskwater bounded forward. She could see a shadowy figure, which soon turned out to be Shadedpath. His ears were flattened and he was waiting for them. She slowed down and as she passed by him, she said, "I'd like to see you in the leaders den when we get back, Shadedpath." Then she picked up speed again and ran.

Shadedpath sighed then followed, long legs easily covering the strides. He stumbled slightly on a few rocks and only was able to remain standing by leaping straight into the air. With an annoyed growl, he started forward again, following a young apprentice by the name of Mosspaw.

They finally reached the FrostClan camp. Duskwater didn't stop and she raced to the leaders den. A light drizzle had begun to fall. Duskwater could hear the cats who had stayed at camp come out of the dens to ask the cats who had gone to the gathering why they had come back so early. She slowed down once she was inside the leader's den and shook herself . Droplets out water spread out in a wide circle around her. She turned around and sat, curling her paws over her tail. Shadedpath would come soon.

Shadedpath raced through the drizzle, squinting to avoid the fall droplets. Reaching the mouth of the leader's den, he ducked inside, blinking unavoidable water out of his eyes. He then sat down, raising a paw and clearing his whiskers free of water. He tried not to look Duskwater in the eye, instead scratching at a stone in the ground with a claw.

Duskwater watched Shadedpath, slightly amused. "You look like a cat who's done something wrong, Shadedpath," she said.

"I have, why else would you call me here" Shadedpath grumbled. His thin tail curled over his large paws, while he stared at Duskwater with sharply narrowed eyes.

"You haven't," Duskwater meowed. "In fact, that's why I've called you up here; to make sure that you didn't think you had done any wrong." She stared into his eyes. "I know that the DarkClan cats crossed the border first, and you were right in the warrior code to attack them. They were in FrostClan territory." She stood up and paced. "But Branchstar...I'm worried. He has so much hate for Icestar! It's like something personal happened between them, and now he's showing hate for all of us because of that." She sat down again. "Leafstar...now that was a good leader. She was always so wise, so true. I wonder what led her to choosing such a cat to lead after her. "I think that something should be done to protect Icestar. I think... I think that Branchstar and Nightstar (i forgot his name, ill look it up later, sorry if its wrong) might plot something to hurt Icestar. I want you to make sure that Icestar is always protected. Always. Do you understand that?" She looked at him straight in the eye. "And don't let her know, or else she'll worry."

Shadedpath blinked "So you want me to guard her?" One of his ears was twitching, turned towards the den exit, where faint whispers from his clanmates floated in.

Duskwater glanced at the den entrance, and then back at Shadedpath. "Yes," she replied. "Thats pretty much what I want you to do. I trust you Shadedpath, I trust you enough to take care of Icestar. I know your capable of doing it. And I know that you value the warrior code enough to know what is right and wrong." She stood up and her voice took on a slightly forced, cheerful tone. "We better get going. The Clan's gonna think somethings up if stay in here too long!"

Duskwater brushed past Shadedpath and padded out of the leaders den. Her faint yowls as she assigned the patrols started shortly.

Shadedpath quickly followed Duskwater, baring his teeth in a short yawn. He sat down a few lengths from the Leader's den and began to groom himself.

"Echofoot, I want you to lead a patrol to the DarkClan border, take Rainpaw and Sleetfur with you. Barrenfrost, go to Berryheart and ask him to send Grasspaw with you. We need more herbs, and Grasspaw will show you which ones you need. Shadedpath-" Duskwater started to say, but she caught herself and switched. "Skydawn take Mosspaw and Gorseclaw and Riverpaw with you for some hunting. Might as well train them at the same time." She glanced at Shadedpath and continued. "I'm going to lead a hunting patrol with Wingshadow and Rainstrike." She took off towards the den entrance, Wingshadow and Oneclaw on her heels.

Shadedpath weaved through his clanmates, heading for the medicine den. He ducked through the entrance, nearly running into Berryheart, who seemed was exiting the den. "Hello Shadedpath. Icestar is in the far corner." The medicine cat tittered, then walked off. Shadedpath stared after her with wide eyes. How had he known what he was going to ask? Shaking his feelings off, he padded to the far corner, where Icestar was peacefully sleeping. He sat facing the exit, though watch his leader out of his eye's corner. He was prepared with an excuse if she woke.

Icestar's ear twitched slightly. After a heartbeat, the pure white she cat opened her eyes and stood up. After leisurely stretching, without turning around, she asked, "What brings you here, Shadedpath?"She turned and fixed her sharp emerald eyes on the tom. Abruptly, she broke into a hacking cough and when the eyes turned back on Shadedpath, the sharpness was gone and only the harsh weariness of seeing many many moons remained.

Shadedpath mewed "I wanted to tell you about the gathering". There was a glimmer of concern for the aging cat in his stone cold eyes that never appeared.

"Oh," Icestar said. "Well, was there anything interesting that happened?" Her gaze hardened again. "Did any of the other leaders say anything?"

Shadedpath's eyes hardened. "A lot happened...." By the time he finished his story, Shadedpath's tail tip was twitching angrily.

Icestar watched him coolly throughout the story. She didn't seem affected by the news at all. "Hmm," she said. "So DarkClan and OakClan have been acting up, huh? And judging on Branchstar's words, he's still angry about that old battle between FrostClan and OakClan. Oh well. He's a cat who'd keep a grudge." She tilted her head to the side. "And I assume Duskwater sen you to guard me?" Before Shadedpath could say anything, she added, "Don't lie to me. I can read my deputy's mind! Worrisome young cat." She chuckled.

Shadedpath blinked and muttered "Yeah she did". His eyes flickered and he glanced away from the aging leader, staring out the den's exit.

Shadedpath turned his head distractedly and lapped at his shoulder fur, where a long and thin scar briefly parted the skin. It was his trophy from his fight with the DarkClan feline, Rockdusk. He then glanced at Icestar, the scratchy breath from her throat making his ears twitch. But as long as it didn't turn into greencough... She would be fine.

Icestar narrowed her eyes. "So what are you going to do now? Actually follow her orders? Ha!" Icestar chuckled again. She had a beautiful laugh, which sounded like water bubbling over a fresh stream just melting from the last snow of leaf-bare. "Now Shadedpath, I don't want you to waste your time guarding me." Icestar got serious again. "Go on, go do your warrior duties!"

"But.. But.. Uh. I'm not meant to leave you alone" The tom looked flustered, struggling to find a proper excuse for staying by the leaders side.

"Nonsense! It's an order from the leader! You go now!" Icestar declared, tone firm. Then she looked away and after a moment, said, "Well, I suppose Duskwater won't take kindly to you abandoning me. Ah, okay, okay, stay here. I need some company anyways. Berryheart is boring and Grasspaw is off somewhere, the little twerk."

Berryheart rolled his eyes from the other side of the den, boring pfft. He sorted out his herbs swiftly and figured out what he needed and didn't.

Shadedpath tucked his paws under him. He stared towards the entrance of the medicine cat den, one ear turned towards Icestar, they other towards Berryheart, who was sorting herbs.

Berryheart padded around his medicine storage, he pulled out what he did have and started to sort it.

Echofoot flicked her ears to the entrance of camp, motioning for Rainpaw and Sleetfur. She hoped they had gotten the message, because she hadn't talked in a long time and she didn't know if her voice even worked anymore.

Rainpaw looked through the crowd of cats for Echofoot and Sleetfur. Finally, they started to disperse to their different duties and he saw Echofoot waiting for them. He looked to his right, where Sleetfur was already heading towards Echofoot. He followed the older tom.

Rainstrike padded over to the other cats in the patrol. She trotted out of camp after them, headed for the south border.

Dawnkit and Duskkit came tumbling out of the Nursery in a mock fight. Dawnkit swiped at Duskkit's muzzle as Duskkit nipped Dawnkit's ear. Otterkit joined the other kits, falling out of the nursery. She leap otn top of Dawnkit and swiped at Duskkit. "Hey Otterkit," Dawnkit giggled trying to get Otterkit off her back while Duskkit nipped at Dawnkit's ears and swiped at Otterkit's muzzle. Otterkit stumbled backwards protecting her muzzle. "Ow" she squealed playfully. She slipped underneath Duskkit and nipped his leg. Duskkit yelped as his leg was nipped. Dawnkit giggled at her brother's reaction. Otterkit fell on her back and pretended to be defeated. " Race you to the leaders den!" She leapt up and ran across the clearing. Dawnkit and Duskkit laughed. They ran after the younger kit and easily passed her because they had such long legs. Duskkit stopped and tumbled in the dust in front of the leader's den. Otterkit scrambled over a long log and scampered towards them. " Awww that's not fair! You have longer legs than me!" "We can't help having such long legs. We inherited the trait from our parents," Dawnkit said getting sad when she said 'parents'. Duskkit licked his sister's muzzle comforting her. "Sorry but... I just need to go and make some dirt. I'll only be a minute." Otterkit replied and headed towards the tunnel. She slipped through a gap in the wall and ran into the forest. Duskkit looked at Dawnkit. "Something happened to her parents... Like ours," Duskkit said going to follow Otterkit. Dawnkit nodded and followed. The two siblings slipping out of the camp the same way Otterkit did.

~South Border~

Otterkit ran blindly into the trees. Her mouth was open in a silent cry and tears rolled down her face. She banged her head on a tree. She climbed the slippery bark and struggled to find a grip. She stared at the beautiful view. The sun had turned the forest into a sunny patch of bushy grass. "I'm sorry, I can't help it..." Otterkit whispered. "Why don't I have ANYONE? Where's my kin? Am I going to be murded in my dreams as well? Has all my kin died?"

Dawnkit and Duskkit followed Otterkit's scent trail. "Otterkit?" Dawnkit called out softly.

Otterkit sniffed. She climbed down the tree to see Dustkit and Dawnkit. "Please don't tell anyone! I just wanted to see what's outside of camp!"

"It's fine. Just be careful. We heard that the river border was flooding. We don't want anything to happen to you," Dawnkit said softly. "We should go back before any of the warriors find out," Duskkit added.

"OK.... do you know if I have.... oh it doesn't matter." She padded sadly after Duskkit and Dawnkit. "Race you?" she added. Maybe it would cheer her up.

"Sure," Duskkit said. "We'll go easy on you," Dawnkit added. The two quickened their pace.

"No need." Otterkit ran and bounded up a tree. She leaped from tree branch to tree branch like an eagle soaring through the trees. She dropped down in front of the dirtplace tunnel. Duskkit smiled and stopped by Otterkit. Dawnkit was already slipping into camp.

~Other side of South Border~

Rainstrike slowed to a walk and sniffed the air. She smelled a faint hint of mouse, and crouched down.

Wingshadow trotted behind Rainstrike, glancing over the border with a wary stare. She had always been a timid cat.

Duskwater crept up around the two she-cats, eyes fixed on the mouse a few tail lengths away from Rainstrike. She rounded out a larger distance, trying to scare it into waiting Rainstike's paws and jaws. She finally got into the right position and leaped. The mouse looked up in alarm, almost everything happening in slow motion.

Wingshadow turned to go stalking in another direction, following a vole scent through the trees.

Rainstrike glanced up at the leaping Duskwater, then back to the mouse. The mouse scurried away from the she-cat and Rainstrike leapt for it, catching its tail with a claw. She bent down and bit it then nodded at Duskwater.

Duskwater skidded to a stop and glanced at Rainstrike, slitghyl ruffled that she had taken her kill. She turned and headed off to catch the vole she had just smelled.

Duskwater crouched down and laid one paw in front of the other painstakingly slow. The vole was in a dangerous position, where the wind could switch any second and tell the creature Duskwater was coming. It was also in a good position to see her, so she had to be extra careful. She skirted it and came at it from behind. She leaped, branch cracking as she pushed off the forest floor. The vole looked up, alarmed. It's front paws landed on the ground, ready to run.

Wingshadow, who had been watching Duskwater from a distance, crouched down, ready to chase after the vole if it evaded the deputies claws.

Duskwater turned sideways in midair and slammed her right front paw into the almost running creature's snout, using a move that she hadn't used in many many moons. The shocked animal flipped over and landed, stunned, on its back. From there, the kill was easy and she ended its life with a quick nip to the neck, on the vital blood flow. She glanced up to see a shocked Wingshadow, then mentally cursed herself for using this move that no FrostClan cat had ever heard of.

~West Border~

Rainpaw bounded along behind Echofoot. He had always looked up to the warrior, always so brave, so awesome, so cool! He had wanted to be just like her when he became a warrior. Today, if any of those evil, yucky, DarkClan cats showed up, he would rip them to shreds and make Echofoot admire him! And also Sleetfur, because he was Rainpaw's father. Sleetfur silently followed his kit. No matter how old he got, he would always be a kit to him. He could see Rainpaw gazing adoringly up at Echofoot. Well, that was okay. Echofoot was a great warrior, and worthy of being a role model. Suddenly, Sleetfur stopped walking. "Do you smell that?" he asked Rainpaw, wanting to test the apprentice, but also worried at the same time. The apprentice put his nose in the air and started sniffing. "it smells like-it smells like-" He looked at the older cats and his eyes widened. "Like DarkClan!" "Its shouldn't be her!" Sleetfur exclaimed. "It's too deep into FrostClan territory! They're making a show of claim!" He growled deep in his throat. Rainpaw was worried, but elated at the same time. Here was his chance to prove himself for once and for all! Icestar might even make him a warrior!

Jaybird was walking through the forest, a mouse clamped down in her jaws. Having just gotten back from a solo hunting trip, she was looking for a fellow patrol to tag along with. She repeatedly had to jump over rocks and twigs in the path, being small enough she could not just step over them.

Sleetfur inhaled deeply. All sorts of senses hit his nose. But through the DarkClan reek,, he could make out a FrostClan scent. Recent. He squinted, trying to see if anybody was coming. He saw a figure and muttered to his companions, "Somebody's coming. I think its FrostClan, but I'm not sure." The figure got closer and he could finally make out its scent. It was Jaybird. Rainpaw bounded forward. "Jaybird, Jaybird, look, DarkClan put its disgusting scent inside out border!"

Jaybird scrunched her nose, glancing towards the rightful place where the border should be. Dropping her prey, she walked across the DarkClan scents and to the real border. She sniffed. ForstClan and DarkClan scent where both stale. She turned at looked at Sleetfur, motioning for him to check her finding out.

Sleetfur stalked over to her. "It seems like they crossed over the border and left the scents only back there," he mused, flicking his tail back towards where Rainpaw and Echofoot stood. Echofoot's ears where back and she flicked her tail.

Jaybird stared off into DarkClan territory, flinching slightly as she saw a movement through the trees, only to relax a moment later when a bird took to the sky. Being a small cat, she wasn't the best fight, and certainly wouldn't win against a talented DarkClan warrior.

Sleetfur took charge, being the most experienced warrior in the group. "Let's go tell Duskwater about this. Maybe she will send a patrol to the DarkClan camp to ask about this." He started off towards the FrostClan camp, flicking his tail to motion th others to follow.

Rainpaw followed his father, look back mournfully. He had wanted a fight so bad!

Echofoot padded without a word after Sleetfur.

Jaybird trotted at the back of the group, turning her ears back towards the border. She could feel eyes on her, and when she turned back, a pair of yellow orbs stared at her from across the border. Startled, Jaybird let out a growl, turning her body to face the feline.

Echofoot heard Jaybird's growl and turned around. She glared at the cat that was across the border.

The faint outline of a thin cat showed through the shadows. From what Jaybird could tell, it was a tom. Her pelt fluffed up, thinking of how other DarkClan warriors had so bluntly attacked Shadedpath before the last gathering.

Echofoot's fur was on end and her tail was flicking. If that cat tried to attack she'd have no problem putting it in its place.

The feline stepped out. It was Slitherpaw, a eleven moon old apprentice in DarkClan. The cat was regular sized for his age, but he was almost half a head taller than Jaybird.

Echofoot stepped to Jaybird's side. She wasn't about to let her clanmate face the Darkclan apprentice by herself, not that she'd be much help being as she didn't talk.

"Oi Snowflakes! I thought Frosties melted in sun" Slitherpaw sneered from across the border, however he made no moves to cross it, after all he was face off against three warriors and a apprentice. Jaybird stiffed, sliding her claws in and out. She could sense a argument bubbling. A judging by the taunting look on Slitherpaw's face, that was what he had come to cause.

Echofoot slid her claws out, and she hissed.

Jaybird flatted her ears, glancing at Echofoot at her side. They didn't need to start a fight themselves- unless Slitherpaw crossed the border.

Echofoot flicked her tail irritably, she wondered what the apprentice would say next.

Siltherpaw looked as if he wanted to say more, but instead he turned and vanished deeper into DarkClan territory.

Echofoot rolled her eyes and turned and started walking.

Jaybird quickly followed, insults for the apprentice rushing through her mind. Some of them where human words that she had often heard Shadedpath mutter when he was angry.

Echofoot continued walking. The only noise was her and Jaybird's paw steps.

Sleetfur gave one last snarl at the retreating apprentice and turned around.

Rainpaw stayed where he was, yowling, "Stay that, DarkClan scum! You're always going to be in the shadows, scared and hiding from the light!"

Jaybird turned back, narrowing her eyes at the shouting Rainpaw. The blue orbs were glimmering with disapproval.

Rainpaw glanced back at Jaybird, but did not falter. He wanted to prove himself. "Set one paw over the border and I'll shred you!"

Echofoot cuffed Rainpaw over the ear and gave him a disapproving glance.

Rainpaw shrank back, cowering from Echofoot's fierce gaze. "I-I-I'm sorry!" he muttered, extremely ashamed. He became a small ball of fur.

Jaybird nudged him on the shoulder to motion 'come on' before trotting in the direction of camp.

Echofoot's gaze softened and she nodded to the apprentice before she started walking back to camp.

Jaybird pushed her way through the camp entrance, small twigs pulling at her thick coat. Wordlessly she untangled herself and entered the camp, leaving a few strands of blue fur behind on the branch.

~Agh, there is so much on here!!!!!!! Sorry new people who have to read through all of this!!!! ~

More happens, but I'm just too lazy to post it up here.