Chapter 14

     Tigerheart watched the two cats leave, relief weakening him. It had been too close, almost getting caught like that. And Spiderleg never ruled fair, he could easily have wounded him. Luck favored him.
     Was it really so bad that he waned to see Dovewing just one more time. how did she stand to stay away from him. Every moment, every day he went without seeing her, he couldn't stand. And so easily, she just went through her life, probably not even thinking about him. He wished he could live like her How did she do it?
     Though he refused to admit it to himself, he knew how. He'd seen how she and Bumblestripe just gravitated to each other at Gatherings. They wouldn't leave each other's side no matter what. Someone would ask Bumblestripe to do something, and Dovewing would just pad after him. It frustrated Tigerheart, made him want to go and rip that stupid tom's throat out.
     And now he'd wanted to go and talk to Dovewing once, just once, and Spiderleg and Hollypaw just had to catch him. And now he needed to come up with some excuse for why he was trespassing on their territory. Tigerheart felt like screaming, but he couldn't. Sometimes he felt like killing himself the way Flametail had died, but Dawnpelt managed to convince himself not to.
     Guilt also clouded his reasoning. He never should have said anything to his sister. now Dawnpelt was out at revenge for ThunderClan. And it had been his fault.

Chapter 13

     Hollypaw stifled a yawn and padded out of her den, her muscles aching and her mind worried for her sister. While she and Firepaw had survived the battle unscathed. They had hidden with their sister in the apprentice's den. But after the battle Snowpaw had disappeared, and when she had come back, she bore deep scratches along her flank. 

     RiverClan must have been really mad.

     Even Smokepaw was horribly injured. Some cat there had bitten deep into his throat, even now, Leafpool was struggling to stop the bleeding. Although she managed to press enough cobwebs to it, once he moved even a little in his sleep, the wound would open up.

   Leafpool was the medicine cat now. Jayfeather...wasn't in that great of a state. He was covered in scratches, each becoming infected one by one, and he still couldn't breathe properly. Lionblaze and Leafpool were grim, and they wouldn't talk to anyone much except to each other and Jayfeather when he was awake. And when he was, no other cat was allowed to talk to him.

     Hollypaw didn't have to be a medicine cat to know that gray tom was fighting for his life, and the odds weren't that good.

     A pelt brushed hers from behind, and she turned around to find Spiderleg looking at her sympathetically. "I know things are tense in the clan right now," he began gently, "but that doesn't mean we have to stop doing our duties. We're going to do some battle training now." His tail rested on her back. "You are up for it, aren't you?"

     Hollypaw nodded her head vigorously. She followed him out of camp. Her mind raced with the screeches of the battle, and finally she spoke up, saying, "It's unfair.  How can cats stand to do that to one another?"

    Her mentor skidded to a halt and turned around to face her. "It's just the way clan life works. That's why you must not have friends in other clans."

     "But Jayfeather, Smokepaw, and Snowpaw? None of those were right. Jayfeather is a medicine cat; he should not have been attacked. And Snowpaw only just became an apprentice. Why did Petalfur have to go and attack her? And as for Smokepaw, isn't it dishonorable to bite in a fight?"

     Spiderleg stared at her a moment longer before turning away. "It's wrong, I know. Our medicine cat is dying from an unfair battle. But you'd better get used to it," he growled, his voice shaking slightly. 

     Hollypaw blinked. "Oh, of course," she stammered. 

     A snap of a twig came from nearby. She whipped her head around, and saw a brown tabby tom with amber eyes trying to sneak through the forest. "Tigerheart!" Spiderleg said.

     The brown tabby tom froze as he realized he was caught. 

     "What are you doing here?" Spiderleg snarled.

     Tigerheart's defiant gaze faltered for a moment, but came back just as quickly. "I suppose you think I'm trying to invade?" he accused.

     Hollypaw retorted, "We don't think. We know." She listened quietly as Spiderleg leaned over and whispered in her ear. She nodded.

     "Leave now," Spiderleg hissed.

     Hollypaw slipped into the undergrowth and found a tree while Spiderleg kept Tigerheart busy. "Why should I?" she heard Tigerheart's response. As stealthily as she could, she leaped from one branch to another, until she was directly above the ShadowClan warrior.

     Spiderleg said something else, that she couldn't hear. Then, before Tigerheart could respond, she dropped down, and landed squarely on his shoulders, knocking him to the ground with a huff.

     The tom quickly shook her off and heaved himself to his paws. He dodged to one side, before fleeing back to his clan, Hollypaw and Spiderleg hard on his heels. Hollypaw skidded to a halt at her side of the border. She glared at Tigerheart as he turned around and glanced back, panting. After a few moments, he spoke, and the words that escaped is mouth astounded Hollypaw.

     "Please don't tell anyone about this? Not even my clanmates?"

     Hollypaw glanced at Spiderleg, who narrowed his eyes. "Why? Were you betraying your own clan?" he snarled.

     Tigerheart looked uncertain, almost as if he were begging now. "Please. I promise I'll clear it up soon. Just give me some time."

     Although her instinct was to say no, she watched Spiderleg's face, waiting for his expression to betray what he was thinking. But his gaze remained cold. After a long moment, he finally said, "Fine. You need your excuse by the Gathering, or we will tell." 

      

Hollypaw was still thinking about the confrontation with Tigerheart when they got back to camp. They ended up not having the training session, since the time went into driving the intruder away. What could he be up to? was the question that would not escape her mind.

    

Chapter 12

     Jayfeather blinked his eyes open to darkness, his body aching too much to move. Having no idea what was around him, he sighed inwardly, in too much pain for even that. How had he managed to talk to Snowpaw earlier.

     "Jayfeather!" Leafpool must have been there and notice him open his eyes, because her paws thundered on the ground toward him. "Are you okay? How do you feel?"

     Though it sapped all the energy from him when he spoke, he summoned his strength. "Didn't I already tell you this?" he asked, wincing at the throbbing in his chest.
     Through his pain, he could hear her sigh impatiently, "The more you're difficult, the longer you'll have to suffer." Jayfeather sighed, knowing she talked sense. 
     Faintly, he heard a voice fro outside. "Leafpool?" his brother's gentle voice sounded. 
     Leafpool ushered out of her den to talk to Lionblaze and, straining his ears, Jayfeather listened to what they were saying.
     "How is he?"
     "Irritable as always. He's awake right now, if you want to see him."
     Pawsteps thudded on the ground and Jayfeather felt warm air brush against his cheek. "Jayfeather?" he heard a soft voice murmur. "Are you okay?"
     His heart warmed as he realized just how much Lionblaze cared for him. "Bad," he admitted. Reluctantly, Jayfeather let himself wander into his brother's mind. Surprisingly, there was no hatred buried under that spontaneous affection, only fear. Where was Lionblaze's uncontrollable fury?
     Lionblaze must have known that Jayfeather was reading his thoughts, because he could feel a darkness swooping between them. A slight frown bore into him from above.
     "Even when you're hurt, you manage to irritate me," Lionblaze remarked. Sympathy took over the rest of his thoughts. "You will be fine, won't you?"
     For a moment, Jayfeather wondered if he should just say that he would, but then realized he couldn't, not to him. "Only if nothing is broken," he reminded him calmly, hoping that Lionblaze wouldn't overreact. 
     A long sigh echoed above him, then a quick lick on top of his head, and pawsteps out the entrance. "Lionblaze!" Leafpool called him back sharply.
      "Yes?" the muffled voice came in reply.
     "I'll need your help with him."
     What does she need Lionblaze's help in? Jayfeather pondered.
     He stiffened as the two cats padded over to him. "I need you to hold him down as strongly as you can," Leafpool instructed. "I need to check on him, and it will hurt. I don't want to get clawed by him."
     Before Jayfeather could protest, Lionblaze held him down and Leafpool flashed out her paw and rubbed hard on the side of his chest, back and forth. He was aware of consciousness slipping away from him as the excruciating pain took control of him and he writhed under Lionblaze's powerful forelegs.

     By the time she stopped, relief flashed from Leafpool's pelt. "It's not broken," she breathed. He breathed out a sigh of slight relief but Lionblaze's relief was overwhelming. 
     Purring as Lionblaze nuzzled him happily, Jayfeather gave him a quick, strained lick on the top of his head. But Leafpool pushed Lionblaze out of the way and said, "We still need to fix him. It's almost as bad," she said grimly. "It's dislocated. And putting it back..." she trailed off, shuddering. 
     Jayfeather flicked his tail to dismiss Lionblaze. Once he was gone, he asked Leafpool, "How do you think you're going to do it?"
      Her voice was shaky as she replied. "We'll have to smash a rock where the bone juts out to get it back since we can't yank it."
     Realization poured onto Jayfeather as he realized that, although he had survived Petalfur's attack, it would be probably worse trying to recover. "When?" he asked feebly. 
     "You'll get better much faster the sooner we put it back in place."
     He shook his head. "Not now," he begged. He could tell his mother was just as afraid and didn't want to. The normal anger towards her didn't seem to be coming. Most likely he just didn't have enough strength.
     "The longer we wait, the worse it will get when we finally do it."
      He sighed, resigned, and squeezed shut his eyes tightly. "Go ahead," he whimpered.
     "Turn over onto your belly," she instructed, pity filling her voice. As he did as he was told, he heard Leafpool grasping a rock between both her paws and heaving it upward. "Ready?" she panted. He didn't have to respond, because suddenly a weight hit him on his chest, knocking the breath out of him. Agony surged through him as he struggled for air. Then all went quiet.
      


A ruffling on his fur woke Jayfeather up. "Snowpaw?" he croaked, unable to recognize the scent, but able to tell it was a she-cat but not Leafpool.
     "It's Willowshine," he heard a strong voice respond. Why is Willowshine here? he wondered, confused. "I came for some herbs," she went on, as if she were answering him. "I figured I'd help you a little." Was that affection he heard in her voice? "How are you feeling?" she concluded, settling down next to him.
     The pain was dull and his chest didn't hurt anymore. "Better." he spoke softly, and breathed in the warm scent of her fur. 
     She stood up. "Come with me," he heard a whisper. 
     Jayfeather struggled to get to his paws, and he felt a little shove from his side. He felt weak back standing, unable to hold himself up. How long have I been unconscious? he wondered.
     Leaning heavily on Willowshine, he stumbled out the camp letting her lead him. His paws felt heavy under him, and he finally asked, "Where are you taking me?"  
      "Only somewhere where no one will see us. You'll be back before any cat notices," she assured him. A purr rising in his throat, he forced himself to hurry his pawsteps. "We'll go into that bush," she said, even though he couldn't see it. 
     Jayfeather crept in and fell asleep immediately, only aware of Willowshine breathing next to him for a moment.




"Jayfeather!" Willowshine hissed in the middle of the night. 
     Lifting his head, he asked sleepily, "What?"
     "Shh! There's a cat outside!" 
     Before Jayfeather could respond, a rustling and a shocked voice startled him. "Jayfeather? Willowshine? What are you doing here?"
     "Er...," was Jayfeather's only response.
     The growing realization on Lionblaze's pelt led to anger. "Why?" he asked him furiously.
     Willowshine spoke up quickly. "Lionblaze, I-"
     He cut her off. "Go back to  your clan. They must be worried," he said with a growl. "And Jayfeather, come back before any cat realizes you're gone!" He leaned over and helped Jayfeather up.
     "But-" he started to protest but stopped when Lionblaze's tail covered his mouth. 
      Slowly waking up, Jayfeather realized his brother was right. He had to end this now before things got too hard. "Willowshine?" he called.
      "Yes?" she asked sorrowfully. She was padding slowly back in the direction of the RiverClan camp.
      He wobbled up to her and touched noses with her, aware of Lionblaze's gaze burning into his back. "I'm sorry," he sighed. "We can't do this."
     "I know...," he heard. Then a rush of pawsteps told him that she had left. 
     Fur brushed against his. "Are you okay?" Lionblaze growled. Jayfeather just nodded and let his brother guide him back to camp.
     

Chapter 11

     Snowpaw raced behind Lionblaze beside the Highledge, trying to get to Jayfeather as fast as they could. I hope he is okay, Snowpaw thought.

     Lionblaze stopped suddenly behind a bush. She stopped right behind him. He was poised, ready to jump out. "When I attack her, you drag Jayfeather out to safety, okay?" Snowpaw nodded, but was shocked. Was he dead? She crept closer to the bush. Her heart stopped when she saw through the leaves, Petalfur standing over a limp Jayfeather.

     Looking up at her father, she saw his eyes blazing and narrowed to slits in fury. Snowpaw turned back to the pair of cats. Jayfeather's breathing was fast and uneven. It was loud, as if he were struggling to take at least one more breath. Petalfur pulled one paw off his shoulder, with tufts of his fur showing in her claws, and hit him hard on the side of his chest with it. Jayfeather gasped, then was quiet. Petalfur looked satisfied as she dug her claws back into Jayfeather's shoulder. Then, without warning, she lunged at his neck. 

     At the same moment, Lionblaze jumped out and knocked Petalfur off the medicine cat. She hadn't managed to bite his neck-yet. Snowpaw dashed out as soon as the cat was distracted and rushed over to Jayfeather's body. She grabbed him by his scruff and began hauling him out. She dragged him behind a bush and set him down. 

     Snowpaw sniffed him over. He didn't seem to be breathing. She hoped he was okay. Snowpaw ran her paw over his chest, hoping to get some sign of movement. Her paw ran over the spot where Petalfur had hit him. Jayfeather jerked away and gasped in pain. Then he fell silent again. Snowpaw flinched, startled, but relieved. At least that showed that he was alive.

    Lionblaze rushed over, panting. "I chased her away," he said, then looked down at Jayfeather. "How is he?"

     Snowpaw shook her head. "You can't hear him breathing, but he is alive."

     "How can you be sure?"

     "Just watch," she said and ran her paw over the same spot. It happened again.

     Snowpaw looked up at her father. There was sadness in his eyes as he gazed down at his brother. She just watched as he buried his nose in Jayfeather's fur. Starclan, please don't let him die! 

      Lionblaze looked up at her. "Should we take him back to camp or bring Leafpool here?" Snowpaw just shrugged. "Okay, then. Help me get him onto my back." He bent down and Snowpaw grabbed Jayfeather by the scruff and pulled him onto Lionblaze.

     "Now just make sure he doesn't fall," Lionblaze said while beginning to walk back. Snowpaw padded alongside her father and watched over the limp cat. 

     As they entered the medicine den, Snowpaw noticed Smokepaw lying in one of the nests, his neck bound in cobwebs. She ran over to him. He was awake, at least. "Are you okay?" she whispered.

     He nodded, but his eyes were dull. 

     "What happened?"

     "I'll tell you later. Right now you should go make sure Hollypaw and Firepaw are okay."

     "They are both fine." Snowpaw spun around. Leafpool was there. "But you aren't, Snowpaw. What happened?"

     "Well, Petalfur attacked me. Then Jayfeather-"

     "Oh," she interrupted. Snowpaw realized that Lionblaze must have already talked to her. "Sit down in a nest and wait for me," Leafpool said before going back to Jayfeather.

     Snowpaw settled down in the nearest nest and looked anxiously at Jayfeather. Horror pulsed through her as the former medicine cat bent down next to Jayfeather's chest and looked up at all of them, her eyes glistening with fear.  

     In a forced calm voice, Leafpool said, "His heartbeat is weak. The chances that he'll survive are smaller then a mouse's tail."

    She heard Smokepaw gasp from behind her. Stiffening at Leafpool's words, she remembered how close Smokepaw and Jayfeather were, whether they showed it or not. And she felt bad for Leafpool because she was Jayfeather's mother. Snowpaw searched anxiously for a reaction on Lionblaze's face, but it remained hard as stone.

     Lionblaze bent down. "Watch this," he murmured. He flashed out his paw and gently placed it on the side of Jayfeather's chest, where he had been hit. The limp cat's body convulsed the same way as it had done before. Leafpool's eyes widened more.

     "I hope it isn't broken," she said. "I have no way to fix him then." Snowpaw gaped. Leafpool didn't even know how to help him? "Well, first I'll start by waking him up." She bent down and licked him a couple of times, once in a while murmuring in his ear.

     Jayfeather stirred and blinked open his sightless blue eyes. His head still rested on the edge of his nest and he looked almost about to join the ranks of Starclan. 

    "Jayfeather! Are you feeling okay?" Leafpool asked urgently.

    Snowpaw was shocked as he shook his head weakly and let out a soft sigh. The Jayfeather she knew would never have let any cat know how much pain he was in. His eyes looked dull and shattered and Lionblaze seemed horrified by his brother's condition. She could hardly believe that these were the same two cats who despised each other so much just earlier that day.

    "I'm going to touch your chest, Jayfeather, and I want you to tell me how it feels." Leafpool ran her paw over the same area, and he convulsed. 

     Jayfeather moaned. "Why did you do that?" he asked weakly.

     "How much did it hurt?" she asked again.

     Jayfeather's eyes blazed. "How much do you think?" he hissed angrily, though Snowpaw could tell his anger wasn't directed at them. Leafpool just sighed impatiently at him and he gave in. "I'd rather be dead than have you do that again," he whispered.

     Leafpool only remained her calm self as she spoke to Jayfeather. "I think it might be broken," she admitted. "And if it is, I won't be able to fix it. I'm sorry." Sadness clung to Leafpool's eyes as she gazed at her son.

     "W-will I die?" Jayfeather asked reluctantly, though Snowpaw could tell he already knew the answer.  But she didn't, and she looked back at Leafpool, waiting.

     Leafpool didn't respond. She was gazing down at him, her eyes glazed with sorrow. "Let's just pray it isn't broken," she mumbled softly.

     Snowpaw looked back in between Leafpool and Jayfeather. The gray tom looked shattered. He must never have thought in his wildest dreams that he would die like this. He was protected by the truce that all medicine cats share, after all.

     Lionblaze looked the worst. His head was hanging so low it almost touched the ground. He's already lost Hollyleaf, she remembered with a jolt. If Jayfeather died, he would be the only one left of his litter. He would be alone. She watched him shake his head disbelievingly and slowly pad out of the den.

     This is my fault. It was true, Jayfeather had saved her from Petalfur.

     Leafpool hurried after Lionblaze. Smokepaw was resting his head and closing his eyes. His wound must have been bothering him. Only Jayfeather was aware of her. She got up an leaped out of her nest. Snowpaw walked to him slowly.

     "Snowpaw?" he guessed.

     "Yes," she said quietly before sitting in front of him. "How are you feeling?" 

     She saw a flicker of annoyance pass through Jayfeather's eyes. "I'm..." he trailed off, not finding the right words to say.

     Guilt overcame her. "It's my fault," she sobbed.

     He blinked, surprised. "Why do you say that?"  

     "You saved me from her."" Snowpaw couldn't see why Jayfeather didn't understand.

     "I always had the choice of not saving you, you know. It was my decision," he said. "Besides, Petalfur was after me, not you."

     Snowpaw tipped her head to the side. "Why?

     Jayfather's eyes grew dark. "I don't know. But she had attacked me during the battle also," he admitted. Snowpaw stared at him with wide eyes. 

     "Really?"

     Jayfeather just nodded darkly.

    

Chapter 10

     Jayfeather was on his way to Firestar's den when he heard a yowl from below. He pricked is ears. Riverclan was attacking!

     Were Snowpaw and Hollypaw still out there? they hadn't any battle training yet, they couldn't be in this battle. He pinpointed them by their scent and shoved them inside the apprentice den. "You stay here," he hissed. "You have to keep yourself safe."

     Jayfeather hurried to his own den. He knew he was safe because warriors couldn't attack medicine cats, but he had to be cautious. He sat near the entrance, listening carefully. If any Thunderclan warriors were badly injured, he would go out there and bring them in.
     Lionblaze was fighting Petalfur. Jayfeather realized that this was one of the cats Lionblaze had journeyed with once, surly he wouldn't hurt her? A yelp from Petalfur told him he wouldn't. As Jayfeather listened closer, he realized with horror that Mistystar was there too. This isn't a battle, he thought miserably. This is a war. 

     Silence greeted the clearing at Firestar's yowl. Jayfeather cautiously padded out. "Mistystar, what is this?" Firestar's voice rang out. 

     "What do you think?" Mistystar challenged. "We are attacking you, that's what."

     Firestar's annoyance prickled him like thorns. "Should I ask why you are attacking us?" Firestar asked, obviously barely keeping himself from lunging at her.

     "Only if you want to know!" Mistystar taunted.

     "I'd never have expected this from you, Mistystar," Firestar said before throwing himself at her. 

     Jayfeather gasped. This wasn't the leader he knew. Firestar was always patient and calm. He could feel the rest of the clan's bewilderment too.

     Rather than starting the fight again, all the cats stared at the wrestling pair. Finally Jayfeather heard Firestar's voice. "I've got you pinned down, Mistystar. Will you continue to attack or do you want to talk first as the cat I once knew?"

     Mistystar hissed in annoyance and pushed Firestar off. "Well? Where is your den? I'd like to talk to you privately, if you don't mind."

     "Of course," Firestar said. "Jayfeather, I want you here!" he called.

     He scrambled to his paws. "O-of course, Firestar." He ran after them. He passed by Lionblaze, who seemed to be angry that he got to listen. Well I'm the medicine cat. I hold more importance than you, Jayfeather thought.

     The two cats didn't wait for him. As Jayfeather burst in, he noticed they were already talking. He settled down in one corner of the den.

     "I still don't get why you were attacking. I thought Riverclan didn't have that relationship with us?" Firestar was asking.

     "Neither did Windclan until Onestar became leader. And he used to be your friend when he was just a warrior," Mistystar snapped.

     Firestar flinched. Jayfeather had always known that he missed his easy friendship with the Windclan leader.
 "So?" he hissed angrily.

     Jayfeather was surprised by what she said next. Mistystar sighed. "I was hoping you would understand out of all the cats in the forest." Firestar flicked his tail as Mistystar went on. "Riverclan doubts me. They have been wanting to attack for a long time and I kept stopping them. They think that I won't because of Bluestar and you."

     "They really think that?" Firestar asked, not seeming surprised. Jayfeather wondered why.

     "You think they are any better? After similar happened with you as well?" Jayfeather wondered what Mistystar was talking about. 

     He entered Firestar's memories. He seemed much smaller, Jayfeather realized that this must be Firestar when he joined as an apprentice. Firestar was standing on a large rock, along with Bluestar and Lionheart.

     "He is a kittypet! Look at his collar!" a voice called. Jayfeather looked around, wondering who was speaking. With a jolt he realized that the cat daring to speak was Longtail, standing between Tigerstar and Darkstripe. 

     Looking back at Firestar, he saw Lionheart whispering something in his ear. Firestar moved a little, and scanned the cats. Then before Jayfeather could figure out what he was doing, Firestar launched himself at Longtail. 

     The two cats wrestled like equals, and Jayfeather suddenly noticed that Firestar couldn't  breathe because Longtail was pulling his collar off. Then it snapped, and the two cats stared at it. Then Longtail washed his ear, which had been torn by Firestar.

     Jayfeather couldn't help feeling satisfied. Even before Firestar had done any training, he had defeated Longtail. He would have liked to go and talk to Longtail about this, but sadly he was dead.

     The memory vanished, and Jayfeather snapped back to the present.

     "Firestar?" Mistystar was asking.

     "I do understand, but does that mean you have to attack to prove yourself?" Firestar asked. There was no anger or challenge to his voice, but only concern. But you attacked Longtail! Jayfeather thought.

     He could feel Firestar's stare burn into his pelt. He probably knew what he had just been doing.

     "Yes," Mistystar replied, then padded out before he could say anything.

     Firestar turned to Jayfeather. "Sometimes I wish you would stop that."

     "Doesn't everyone?" Jayfeather muttered. 

     Firestar must have known that Jayfeather was confused by the memory, because he said, "I'll talk to you in my den after the battle, okay?"

     Jayfeather nodded, then said, "Be safe, Firestar. I know you are on your last life." Jayfeather padded out after him, but stayed up on the Highledge. It seemed like the best place to stay for a while. 

     The battle seemed vicious. Jayfeather's heart lurched when he sensed Smokepaw drop to the ground. He rushed down carefully, then grabbed his scruff. Jayfeather dragged the apprentice into his den, trying to avoid the angry cats.

     Jayfeather sniffed his body over, then stopped when he reached his neck. He felt his neck with his paw, and was alarmed when he found a tear in the cat's neck. Starclan, please don't let him die! Jayfeather fetched cobwebs and carefully wrapped them around Smokepaw's neck.

     He rushed out back into the fighting cats.These cats must really want us dead, Jayfeather realized as he heard more hurt cats. 

     Jayeather was about to go and get Poppyfrost out of the fight when he felt pain shooting through his back. He wheeled around and breathed in her scent. "Petalfur!" he gasped.

     "Oh, so you know my name, Jayfeather?" she hissed as swiping her claws across his nose. 

     "I'm a medicine cat, you can't attack me!" Jayfeather said, trying to ignore the pain and stand his ground.

     "Watch me," she hissed again. "I mean hear me," she laughed, mocking him. Petalfur took another swipe at Jayfeather's face before jumping on him and pinning him down. 

     Jayfeather struggled to free himself, but the she-cat kept a firm hold. "Why?" he asked.

     "What do you mean why?" she countered before lunging towards his neck with wide jaws. Suddenly Jayfeather felt the weight being knocked off him. Lionblaze!

     "What do you think you're doing?" his brother hissed at Petalfur. "Jayfeather, can't you keep yourself safe?" Lionblaze turned back to the cat and sprang at her.

     Jayfeather turned around and trudged back into his den, his face and back burning. His back was worse than his face. She had had the advantage of surprise to get in a nasty cut. Jayfeather let himself collapse once back into safety.

     He was confused. Why had Petalfur tried to kill him? She had always seemed nice. And the hatred coming from Lionblaze had given him the clue that he would have liked to kill him, but Lionblaze just saved him. Why?

     "Jayfeather?" a voice sounded. he realized that Smokepaw must be awake. Forcing himself to his paws, he rushed over to him.

     "Yes Smokepaw?" he asked. "Are you okay?"

     "I'm fine, but-" There was a pause. "What happened to you?" 

     Jayfeather didn't know how to respond. "It isn't for all ears." Thankfully Smokepaw understood because he just nodded and closed his eyes. Or maybe he was just in pain.

     "Jayfeather!" He heard a gasp just outside his den. 

     Jayfeather went out and helped Mousewhisker in. His shoulder smelled heavily of blood. "Wait here," he instructed, flicking his tail at a nest. He went and got some cobwebs, poppy seeds, and chervil. "Did you clean the wound?"

     Mousewhisker shook his head and leaned over to lick his shoulder. After a few moments he looked up.

      "This will sting," Jayfeather warned, then chewed up the chervil and spat it out on Mousewhisker's shoulder. The waves of pain coming from him were great. When Mousewhisker finally relaxed, Jayfeather pressed the cobwebs onto him. He got out a leaf and placed the poppy seeds on them. "Here, eat these." The warrior did as he was told and then closed his eyes and fell asleep.

     Jayfeather wondered if he should go out there and look for any other injured cats. But what if Petalfur is stil there? I'm sure Lionblaze wouldn't have killed her. He decided to just sit down and wait. The yowls from outside were ringing loud in his head. He almost didn't hear Smokepaw.

     "Jayfeather?" He snapped his attention to the injured apprentice. "I know you won't tell me why you are hurt. But I'm sure you can tell me why you aren't going to take care of yourself?"

     Jayfeather sighed. He knew Smokepaw was right. But he would first care for the other warriors, only then would he heal his own wounds. 

     Ears pricked, Jayfeather tried to figure out what was going on out in the clearing. Suddenly he heard Mistystar's yowl. "Retreat!" There was a rush of pawsteps, and then all was silent. Jayfeather bounded out, sniffing the air. Everyone seemed to be fine. He sat down right outside his den, waiting to see if any cat would come to him.

     "I'll talk to you later," he heard a murmur in his ear. "Where we always used to meet," Lionblaze continued. He must have noticed Jayfeather's confusion, because he said, "I haven't forgotten what you said," his voice cold.

     Jayfeather was about to respond when with his powerful hearing, he heard a faint yowl. He nodded to Lionblaze and rushed off in the direction it came from. He found himself creeping along the side of the Highledge. Snowpaw! Snowpaw was here. He crept along further, and found himself in a bush. Behind the bush was a mini clearing... and Snowpaw and Petalfur. 

     Petalfur was attacking her, and since Snowpaw had no battle training, she was trying to avoid her blows. Jayfeather listened in horror as Petalfur injured Snowpaw. There was no time to go get a warrior to help, Jayfeather had to save her now. He positioned himself to spring.

     He heard Snowpaw gasp in pain. Now! he thought, and jumped out. He lunged at Petalfur. "Get Lionblaze!" he hissed to Snowpaw.

     "Of course," Petalfur taunted. "You need your brother's help to keep you alive. I hope no Riverclan cat is born blind." Her words angered Jayfeather and he swiped at her ears. 

     She ducked easily and sprung at him, knocking him down. Her paws battered into his belly hard, him wincing when she stepped back. He staggered to his paws. He tried to pinpoint her by her scent but through pain he couldn't.

     "Think you're so great, do you?" he heard behind him before falling to the ground as a large weight hit him. He thought it was her, but then he realized there were large rocks around here too.

     Jayfeather struggled to try to get to his paws. He gasped as she hit him, sending him tumbling straight into a thorn bush. He pulled himself out, with only a few thorns stuck in his side, thankfully none in his neck. Jayfeather staggered a couple of steps towards her. He was close to keeling over in exhaustion.

     Petalfur pounced on him, pinning him down. His body convulsed greatly as he felt thorn sharp claws digging into his shoulders before he fell limp.

Chapter 9

     Firepaw trudged back into his den. I'm sure other apprentices don't have to work this hard, he thought miserably. Dustpelt had made him clean out the elders den, taken him out on patrol, and after he was done with that, Cinderheart had come and asked him to help with some herbs. He sighed, exhausted and looked around, wondering where to make his nest. 
     "Firepaw!" Snowpaw was running towards him. "How was your day?"
     "Tiring, you?" Firepaw greeted her. He blinked at her happily, with sudden energy. He felt happy, and proud now that he had completed his first day as an apprentice. Surprisingly, he saw relief tingle in his sister's eyes.
     "I love finally being an apprentice! The only part I didn't like was finding out about the Riverclan patrol." Firepaw could make out suppressed excitement in her voice and eyes and could barely keep himself from bursting into laughter. "You're okay, aren't you?" she suddenly asked with quiet seriousness.
     He knew what she was asking about. He had refused to be let off his punishment after only one moon. "Of course," he murmured, pressing his face into Snowpaw's flank affectionately.
     Snowpaw licked his head quickly, then said, "Want to find our nests and claim it before Hollypaw can?" she asked mischievously.
     Firepaw purred and rushed to a corner behind her. He scented the air and it told him that no other cat was sleeping there. There was enough room for Hollypaw too. Turning around himself a few times and settling down, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep. Unfortunately, Snowpaw's paw throbbed him in the side. "Can't a cat get some sleep?" he asked playfully with one eye open and looking at her.
     "Don't you want to play?" she asked with fake hurt sounding through her voice. 
     Firepaw was about to say no thanks, but he changed his mind and pushed himself up to his paws. "Fine," he grunted, not wanting to bore Snowpaw.
     "Let's find Smokepaw!" she suggested.
     "Sure," he said light-heartedly before following her out. In the dark, moonlit clearing, peace surrounded the clan. Other than Lionblaze and Jayfeather, but every cat had grown used to that. The two cats seemed to be having a hissing and glaring contest, though with Jayfeather's sightless blue eyes, his glare was a bit glazed over. He watched as Jayfeather angrily stalked away and snatched up and vole from the top of the fresh-kill pile.
     "Wait here," Snowpaw said, "I'll be right back." By the look on her face, Firepaw could tell she had been disconcerted by Lionblaze and Jayfeather.  
     Firepaw thought for a moment. When will Jayfeather get an apprentice? He had often heard that getting an apprentice is one of the best parts of being a clan cat. And Thunderclan should have an apprentice to take over in case anything happens to Jayfeather. If Thunderclan needed a medicine cat apprentice, and there wasn't one, Firepaw would be more than willing to become it. He padded over to Jayfeather.
     "Jayfeather?" he asked, "can I talk to you?"
     The tom looked surprised that he had gone to talk to him, but didn't object. "Of course," he grunted, then headed over to his den. Firepaw followed. Once Jayfeather had made himself comfortable in his nest, he turned to Firepaw. "Now what did you want to talk about?"
     "Well, I notice you don't have an apprentice and I've been wondering if you wanted one," Firepar said straight out.
     Jayfeather looked shocked. "What is it with Lionblaze's kits wanting to be my apprentice?" he muttered under his breath. 
     Firepaw was astounded. "My sisters asked to be medicine cats too?"
     "Just Hollyle- I mean Hollypaw," Jayfeather corrected himself, looking furious rather than embarrassed.
     "Hollyleaf? Meaning your sister? The one who murdered a cat?" Firepaw dared to ask.
     Jayfeather flinched at Firepaw's words. "She was a good cat," he said, stubbornly. Firepaw wondered why he would want to defend a cat who had murdered. 
     Firepaw decided to leave the subject. "So would you like an apprentice? Because I would rather be a warrior, but Thunderclan should have an apprentice you know, if something happens to you."
     Jayfeather's eyes blazed for a moment, then cooled down. "Of course," he mewed thoughtfully. "Well I'll talk to Firestar about this. You should go. I'm sure Snowpaw will be waiting for you," he said absent-mindedly. 
     Snowpaw was just coming with Smokepaw next to her. Firepaw hurried out to greet them. 
     "Hey, Firepaw. "Enjoyed our first day as an apprentice?" Smokepaw asked.
     He nodded his head vigorously. "It was tiring though," Firepaw pointed out.
     Smokepaw purred. "Well, of course!" he said, flicking his tail at Firepaw's ear. Smokepaw had always been good friends with the three of them. The camp had suffered a breakout of blackcough, and Smokepaw was the only one of his littermates to survive. Thus all four denmates grew close to each other.
     "Do you both want to play something?" Snowpaw asked. As Firepaw gazed at his sister, he was struck again by how beautiful she was. Her pelt was completely white, without a single flaw. She always groomed herself so well, it was a shock to see even the tiniest tuft of fur poking out. And her icy blue eyes were piercing, but sweet. Though he was sure she could make them look intimidating if she wanted. It was no wonder that Smokepaw was padding after her.
     The gray tom looked around. "In this dark? The only thing I can think of doing is sneaking out of camp."
     "Well, it isn't sneaking if we are allowed to, is it? Cats can leave camp anytime," Snowaw said.
     Before Smokepaw could respond, Firepaw shook his head. "I won't leave camp unless I have to," he said, then looked down at his paws. After the last time he had ventured out of camp, he had vowed not to ever do it again.
     He was aware of his sister pressing her flank against his pelt. "When will you let that go?" she murmured in his ear. 
     "Never," he whispered before whipping around and racing back into the apprentice den and sat in his nest. Why does everyone expect me to forget that? I almost got us killed, how can I forget such a thing? He closed his eyes as another cat came inside. 
     "Don't pretend you're asleep, because we both know you aren't," Hollypaw hissed. Firepaw lifted his head and blinked at her. "Don't look at me like that either. Why won't you let that go?"
     Firepaw realized she must have been talking to Snowpaw and Smokepaw. "Why do you think? Would you forget it if you almost got us killed?" Firepaw countered. 
     Hollypaw blinked at him, shocked. "You didn't almost get us killed. We could easily have chosen to stay back at camp. And it was two moons ago! Will you ever become the fun loving cat we once knew?"
     Firepaw didn't know how to respond. He looked down at the ground without anther word, and waited for Hollypaw to leave.
     She whipped around, and darted out.That's when he heard a yowl and realized that RiverClan was attacking.

Chapter 8

     Jayfeather grunted in slight pain as he pulled himself up. He had just finished eating and now he had to sort herbs. Padding silently to the entrance to his den, he tried to find out where Lionblaze was. They still weren't on speaking terms, but as much as Jayfeather hated to admit it, he missed having his brother. Now the only cat he had was Snowpaw. I never should have told him that. But it wasn't my fault! He led me into it! I was in pain and shocked and confused! But no matter how hard he tried to convince himself, he knew it wasn't true. It was his fault. 
     His head down and his tail drooping, he took out the herbs. His heart lurched when he realized he was running out. The clan had been forbidding him to leave the camp since the twoleg incident. He could hardly blame them, even he, two moons later, was finding it hard to live with the pain in his side. It would go away eventually, but...
     Jayfeather tried to focus on the new problem. The herbs. Maybe he could ask a warrior to get the herbs for him when on patrol, but no. They wouldn't be able to tell if it was the right herb or not. He sunk down on the floor, his head spinning. He didn't know what to do. And Starclan wasn't speaking to him anymore. Not since... he didn't want to think about it.
     Jayfeather was about to give up when an idea popped into his head. Cinderheart! She was back on warrior duties now that her kits were apprentices, and she was Cinderpelt. He was about to run out to find her but the pain started throbbing and he couldn't manage to pick himself up again.
     He suddenly heard loud and hurried pawsteps outside. He heaved himself to his paws, aware that he was only hurting himself more by ignoring his wound. But especially after two moons of healing, he wasn't going to show that he was still weak.
     "Jayfeather!" he heard Mousewhisker gasp. "Lionblaze, he's badly hurt!" 
     Jayfeather could hardly keep himself from falling over. How could Lionblaze be hurt? "Tell me what happened," he said in a forced calm voice.
     Suddenly Mousewhisker seemed to remember Jayfeather's injury, because he said, "The same thing that happened to you. We were on a hunting patrol and suddenly Lionblaze slumped to the ground with one of those arrow-things stuck in his side."
    Jayfeather held his breath to hold in the wail that rose inside of him. How would he save his brother from that? And on top of that, Lionblaze still hated him and Jayfeather had to pretend the same. "Okay, take me to him," he mewed quietly, hoping Mousewhisker wouldn't hear the defeat in his voice.
     He raced after Mousewhisker, and hardly paying any attention when he could tell Mousewhisker thought he couldn't keep up. His mind was focused only on one thing: Lionblaze. He couldn't figure out how his brother got hurt. Then he realized. Lionblaze was protected in battle, not just accidents and twolegs. Jayfeather followed Mousewhisker silently, but when his sharp nose found Lionblaze's scent, he pushed ahead and rushed to him as fast as he could.
     I wish I could see! Jayfeather thought as he tried to assess the situation quickly. He quickly ran his paw over Lionblaze's sigh. The arrow was not in the same place Jayfeather had been shot, it was a little down the body. That was good, because the farther away from the neck and head, the less hurt a cat will be.
     Jayfeather let the fur on his shoulders relax once he felt Lionblaze's faint, almost unnoticeable breaths. He licked his brother's chest to help make his breathing steadier. Then when he thought it was time, he pulled the arrow out. Lionblaze gasped and Jayfeather couldn't hear his breathing anymore. He licked some more until he could.
     "When can we take him to camp?" Jayfeather jumped as he remembered there were other cats around. When he didn't reply, Squirrelflight continued. "Come on, Jayfeather. The patrol got you back to camp. Is it safe to take him?"
     Suddenly Jayfeather remembered his anger for Squirrelflight, because of how she pretended to be their mother. "I know what I'm doing!" he spat. Then he turned and slowly walked back to camp saying over his shoulder, "Well, don't leave him there. Bring him!"
     Not bothering to make sure they were bringing him, he ran back to camp. As he veered around a tree, he suddenly noticed the pain. He hadn't been thinking about it while taking care of Lionblaze. Had he panicked that much?
     As he padded through the entrance, he was close to collapsing in exhaustion and pain. But he forced himself to go slowly to his den before giving in to his aching body. Just as he allowed himself to drop down on the floor, there was a loud rustling just outside his den. Great Starclan! Please let me have a nap!
     "Jayfeather?" he heard a soft and calm voice say. He forced himself up to his paws as Snowpaw quietly entered. The last thing he needed was a new apprentice worrying about him.
     "Yeah?"
     "Um, I wanted to talk to you, but I thought I'd better tell you that the warriors who fought earlier with Riverclan are back. They, er, need a few herbs," she said uncertainly. Meanwhile Jayfeather was about to fall off his paws.
     Jayfeather
     "Dustpelt
     "How many more cats are you going to hurt today, Starclan?" Jayfeather muttered grumpily.
     "Who else is hurt?" Snowpaw gasped. Jayfeather suddenly wished he hadn't said that. He didn't want to be the one to tell her about her father's condition? "Jayfeather, who is hurt?" When he didn't say anything, he heard more softness in her voice. "Jayfeather, you look tired. Are you feeling okay?"
     "Yeah, I'm fine, it's just the..."
     "Just the area where the arrow hit you?" Snowpaw guessed.
     "How did you know?" he asked surprised.
     Snowpaw snorted. "I'd be surprised if any cat in Thunderclan didn't know. Really, you should go a little easier on yourself. Now can you please tell me who is hurt?" she added impatiently.
     "Lionblaze," Jayfeather murmured, hoping she wouldn't hear him. The waves of shock coming from her were almost enough to knock him off his paws. She heard him race out of the den. After a minute, he decided he better get outside and get to work.
     First he tried to find Snowpaw. He scented her near the Highledge. He called to her, and he heard her wheel around quickly. "J-Jayfeather!" she stammered. He wondered what she was hiding.
     "Come here," he called softly. He could feel her unease as she started slowly to him.
     "Yes?"
     "Lionblaze was just hurt. I only just came back from the forest where the patrol was. And you said you wanted to talk, right? Wait in my den for me, when I come we can settle down and talk. I'll get both of us some fresh kill!" He flicked his tail and padded towards Dustpelt.
     The other cats were around Dustpelt, exhausted. "Well?" Jayfeather prompted as the cats moved aside to let him to  Dustpelt. He sniffed the body from head to toe, then lifted his head. "You don't have to worry, he's fine. I can't give him any herbs because he isn't that badly hurt. He's only unconscious because of his lack of sleep."
     Jayfeather waited for any reply from the surrounding cats, and he went on as they remained silent. "Has he been doing too much? Tell him when he wakes up that I have told him to stay in his den for the next day. He was just tired, and then he went into battle and he was outnumbered in the beginning." He scented Ferncloud and he rushed away before he would have to hear Dustpelt's mate's anxious mews. The other cats seemed fine too, they just all needed rest.
     After picking up a thrush for himself and a mouse for Snowpaw, he trudged slowly to his den. Scenting the air, he realized that Snowpaw had only just gotten there. Where had she been until then?
     He made his way to the back where Snowpaw and he always talked. He let himself drop to the ground. He didn't pick up any alarm from Snowpaw, she must have known how tired he was. 
     Closing his eyes for a moment, he murmured, "I pray to Starclan I can just sleep for two moons." Then opened them, so he could keep himself awake. "How are you, Snowpaw? Did you enjoy your first day out as an apprentice?"
     "It was fine," she replied absent-mindedly.
     Jayfeather let impatience take over him. He was too tired to control it. "Well, are you going to say anything? I want to sleep and I can't with you just sitting there and not saying anything!"
     "Sorry, Jayfeather. I was looking at Lionblaze earlier today, and I realized that he wasn't that mad at you."
     "Of course he wasn't, I'm pretty sure he'd like to kill me right now." Jayfeather realized he had hurt Snowpaw's feeling so he just muttered, "Sorry. Continue?"
     Snowpaw nodded. "I think he felt sad. He was looking across the clearing at you, and I could definitely make out sorrow in his eyes."
     "What?!" he asked, surprised. He was the one whose powers let him enter the minds of other cats, how come he didn't know if Lionblaze felt sad? Because I've been trying to get him out of my head, he thought answering his own question.
     "He did!" Snowpaw persisted. "I thought I should let you know because it might make you feel a little less bad. Lionblaze does still care for you. A lot." Jayfeather waited as Snowpaw paused. "Jayfeather, I think I should leave now. You look as if you're about to fall asleep on your paws."
     Jayfeather nodded, and finished his thrush quickly as he heard her quietly leaving. Resting his head on his paws and putting the tip of his tail over his nose, he let sleep overcome him.


     Dreams led him to one of the underground tunnels. He looked around wildly as it began to rain. Water slowly rose up to his chin, his mouth. He took up a deep breath as his nose vanished under the surface. Panicking, he kicked around, trying to push his head above the water. His lungs bursting, Jayfeather felt himself drift slowly to the bottom, and then saw everything go black.
     He suddenly appeared in a forest. Recognizing it as Starclan's territory, his heart began to race with excitement at the thought of them forgiving him for what he had done. He bounded up the path that led to a rock, where Spottedleaf and Yellowfang would always wait for him. But as he caught a glance at the rock, he realized sadly that there was no one there.
     As he turned around slowly with his head and tail drooping, he realized that he could scent both the medicine cats tingling in the air. He turned in circles, desperate to see them. Then he heard the whisper.
     "Jayfeather," Spottedleaf's soft tone rang.
     "Spottedleaf! Are you there? Please talk to me! I'm sorry! Please forgive me, I hadn't realized what I was doing!" Desperation rose in his voice as none of the she-cats showed themselves to him.
     "Lies! You knew exactly what you were doing!" Jayfeather swallowed as he heard Yellowfang's unforgiving voice. Both cats had always been nice and supporting to him unless he was doing something wrong. And even though Yellowfang was always short-tempered, she would still do what she thought best for him. And Spottedleaf... this was completely against her personality.
     "Please don't do this to me!" Jayfeather wailed in despair. "Please, I need you." He sunk down to the ground, dizzy and sorry for what he had done.
     Spottedleaf's voice turned harsh. "Why should we listen to you? Tell me you didn't kill warriors when they came to you for help! Tell me you didn't attack Starclan! Tell me you didn't want Tigerstar to help you kill even more cats!"
     Jayfeather trembled as Spottedleaf listed what he had done just after the great battle between Starclan and the Dark Forest. "Y-you know I can't say that," he blurted out shakily. He knew the two were barely controlling themselves from lunging at him.
     "Of course you can't! So how can you even begin to think that we would forgive you? All of Starclan is against you!" Yellowfang spat.
     Jayfeather's heart lurched as he realized what else that meant. If all of Starclan hated him, he would not go to Starclan when he died. He would go somewhere much, much worse. "I'm sorry," was all he was able to say. He felt a sharp nip on his tail and shoulder and bit back a cry of pain. 
     He woke with a start back in his den. He forced his eyes open on darkness and stretched himself out. Wincing as he got up, he gave his aching shoulder and tail a quick lick. The wounds he gets in his dreams somehow shows up when he wakes up.
     Jayfeather tried to push his dream away. He couldn't. He had done something very wrong, but was it really so bad that Spottedleaf and Yellowfang would never speak to him again? Was is so much, that when he died, he wouldn't go to Starclan?
     "Oh, you're finally awake?" Snowpaw said as Jayfeather heard her running in excitedly.
     Jayfeather grunted, shaking away his thoughts so he could be at least pleasant with the young apprentice. 
     "I brought you some fresh kill!" she said, and tossed a vole at him.
     He caught it, and remembered when he was a kit, he, Hollyleaf, and Lionblaze would all play by tossing fresh kill around. Hollyleaf, where are you? Remembering that he didn't know whether Hollyleaf was in Starclan or not made him remember the dream.
     "Uh, Jayfeather? You there?" Snowpaw's voice jolted him back to the present.
     "Uh, yeah. Thanks." Jayfeather tucked in to the vole heartily, suddenly realizing how hungry he was.
     He heard Snowpaw settle down beside him. "You don't look alright, are you okay?"
     Jayfeather just snorted. "I wouldn't know. I can't look at myself," he said grumpily then felt guilty once he heard the harshness of his own words. "Sorry," he mumbled. "I just had a bad dream, that's all."
     Snowpaw seemed satisfied with his response. "Okay, I didn't have anything to talk about really, I just thought I'd come."
     "Oh, I'm still a bit tired, but I don't want to sleep. Don't you have to go out with Poppyfrost?" Jayfeather didn't want to get rid of Snowpaw's company, but he thought that if she was supposed to be out, then it wouldn't be right for her to be here.
     "No, Poppyfrost said that we'd go on patrol today, so I have some free time before," Snowpaw said. Jayfeather just nodded. He didn't know how to keep an apprentice excited. "Have you ever thought of taking on an apprentice?" Snowpaw asked suddenly.
     "No, not really." Jayfeather thought for a moment. "Why? Do you know any cat who would like to be a medicine cat? I suppose it is about time to start searching." Jayfeather didn't really want an apprentice, he didn't think he'd have the patience to deal with one.
     "I don't know of anyone..." Snowpaw trailed off, and with dismay, Jayfeather realized he was losing his powers to enter cats' minds. It must be a punishment from Starclan, he thought miserably.
     "Have you checked on Lionblaze?"
     Snowpaw nodded. "He's awake now, and he's moving around too. You can hardly tell he was hurt in the first place."
     "Well, that's better than me," Jayfeather muttered, remembering how Snowpaw said how obvious it was that he still hadn't recovered.
     Snowpaw gave Jayfeather a quick lick on his shoulder. "Well, I'm sure he was just lucky. Was he as badly hurt as you?"
     "Well, no. Mine pushed deeper in and it was higher up my body," Jayfeather said. It felt awkward to be explaining all about a wound he had gotten a while ago. 
     "Okay, then You shouldn't feel bad." Snowpaw looked around. "I should get going now."
     Suddenly Jayfeather realized that he wanted to confide in the young apprentice. He trusted her in a way he had trusted Lionblaze once. "Okay, Snowpaw. Just when you come back, wait for me in my den if I'm not already there. There's something I want to talk about."
     Snowpaw shrugged. "Okay," she said cheerfully and then padded away. Jayfeather sighed and was just about to go back to sleep when he thought he should get up. He stretched himself out and walked out of the den. Unease flooded through him as he scented Lionblaze a little away. As a medicine cat he would have to check on him and he could just imagine how Lionblaze would react.
     Slowly, he made his way to where Lionblaze was talking to Cinderheart in quiet voices. "Hi, Cinderheart. Lionblaze," Jayfeather said, trying to sound normal.
     He imagined Lionblaze narrowing his eyes and glaring at him as he heard the contempt in his voice. "Why are you here?" he asked.
     "You should be thankful I saved your life, Lionblaze! Now let me check on your wound unless you'd rather it gets infected." Jayfeather broke off and then cursed at himself because he didn't want Lionblaze of all cats to hear anything but strength in his voice.
     Lionblaze snorted and said, "Fine. Do what you want." 
     Jayfeather ran his paw over his brother's side, trying to ignore the sharp intake of breath he had felt when his paw touched the cut. "Just make sure you keep putting cobwebs on it and always make sure it's clean."
     "I could have said that," Lionblaze spat. "Did I really need a medicine cat to tell me the obvious?"
     Hurt by his brother's words, he backed away. He hadn't been sure how to respond to that. Then he remembered that he needed to restock herbs. "Cinderheart!" he called, forcing her to leave his brother's side. When he heard her next to him, he said in a low voice, "I'm running out of herbs, and you know why I can't go leave camp. Do you think you can restock for me?" 
     "But I don't know what-" Cinderheart broke off as she realized why Jayfeather was asking her of all cats to do this. She nodded. "Okay," she said uncertainly. 
     Jayfeather dipped his head in thanks. Then he walked up to Brambleclaw. "Can I please be allowed out of camp? I'm fine, now."
     "I doubt you're fine," Brambleclaw said. "I think you're just saying that."
     "Honestly, I don't remember the last time any cat didn't try to convince the others they were fine," Jayfeather remarked. "And you still let them out."
     "Yes, but they're stronger than you. And they can protect themselves better than you, too." Jayfeather flinched as though he had been stung. He could immediately feel waves of regret coming from the clan deputy. "Sorry, Jayfeather. It's just that you have to be more careful. What would Thunderclan do without a medicine cat?"
     "Of course, the only reason any cat wants me alive is so that they don't die!" Jayfeather spat and stalked off. 
     "You know that's not true," Brambleclaw called after him. He just flicked his tail in response.
     Jayfeather hadn't meant to be so stingy, but he's been in a bad mood ever since he woke up. When he remembered that today was half-moon, and all the medicine cats would go to the Moonpool, he didn't feel the usual bursting of excitement. He hadn't felt that ever since Starclan had shown him enough signs that his presence wasn't wanted.
     As he hurried over to his den, he unexpectedly noticed Leafpool sitting outside. Her front faced the inside. "Leafpool?" Jayfeather asked.
     She jumped. "Jayfeather! I, er-" Leafpool broke off but Jayfeather knew what she wanted to say.
     "Want to come in?" he sighed. His old mentor must miss being a medicine cat. She nodded, then followed him in. 
     Jayfeather padded inside to his nest and dropped to the ground. Though he had been ignoring the pain in his side, it didn't mean it wasn't there. He didn't care about showing off in front of Leafpool. She was his mother and mentor; she knew him well enough already.
     Jayfeather heard Leafpool sigh as she looked around. "It feels right to be back in here. Are you okay, Jayfeather?"
     He nodded, even though he knew it wouldn't have any effect. "I'm just tired, and my body aches."
     "You're going to be traveling today, you should make sure you're fit enough to make it there and back. I'm sure Starclan will want to talk to you," she said. Jayfeather stiffened as Leafpool went on. "At least eat some poppy seeds."
     Shaking his head, he said, "Poppy seeds will make me sleepy. And I shouldn't be eating because I have to go to the Moonpool."
     "You're right," she sighed. "It's good I'm not a medicine cat anymore. I'm not good at it anymore." Jayfeather pitied her and had an urge to comfort her, but he had never forgotten his anger for Leafpool and her sister, Squirrelflight.
     "You'd be a good medicine cat if you never stopped, but, well, you did." That was the best the young gray tom could say. When there was an awkward silence after, Jayfeather quickly got up. "I should get going," he mewed quietly. Leafpool scrambled to her paws after. "You can stay here if you want. This was your den once, too."
     As Leafpool nodded her thanks, Jayfeather padded out. Scenting Brambleclaw in the clearing he walked over to him. "See if you can stop me from leaving now!" he gloated. "Today is half-moon and nothing will stop a medicine cat from going."
     The warrior seemed startled but then he relaxed. "Of course, Jayfeather," he replied calmly, dipping his head respectfully, "Why would I stop a medicine cat from going to the Moonpool? Just find a two or three warriors to go with you."
     Jayfeather froze. He couldn't even leave for one night? Then he too relaxed as he realized he would not take a warrior. "No, Brambleclaw. I will travel to the Moonpool myself. As Thunderclan's sole medicine cat, I forbid any normal warrior to make this journey today."
     Jayfeather could feel anger burning through the deputy's pelt. He seemed like he was about to claw at his fur, but he just nodded and looked away.
     With the argument won, he raced out of the entrance and towards the stream that led to the pool.
     Scenting Shadowclan, Riverclan, and Windclan scent ahead, Jayfeather realized that the other cats must be waiting for him. Bursting out from behind a bush, he gasped, "Sorry, started out a little late."
     Weirdly, it was Willowshine who spoke. "It's okay, Jayfeather. No cat always does everything right." Was that affection he heard in her voice? Jayfeather convinced himself that wasn't the case. Willowshine has always hated him.
     "Are you okay?" Littlecloud asked unexpectedly.
     "I'm fine," he insisted. He felt Littlecloud's stare burn into his pelt a little longer. Then the Shadowclan medicine cat turned away.
     "Let's get going," he mewed, then started off. 
     Jayfeather started running, but pain and exhaustion slowed him down. Feeling a pelt brush against him, he realized that Littlecloud had slowed down to talk to him. "I don't think you're okay," he murmured.
     Knowing there was no way out, Jayfeather gave in. "My side still hasn't healed. It still hurts greatly."
     "I think I know something that could help. I'll talk with you later." Then Littlecloud sped off in front of the other cats.
     After what seemed like a lifetime of racing along the stream, Jayfeather slowed to a stop with the other cats as they reached the Moonpool. He could feel the same cool energy surrounding it, and he heard the voices of the spirits calling them forward. The only difference was that they weren't calling him this time, they were calling the other cats. 
     Jayfeather grunted as he let himself drop on his side next to the Moonpool. He could tell the other cats were wondering why he was like that, but e was too tired to care. Dreading what lay ahead in his dreams, Jayfeather slowly put his nose to the cool water and fell asleep. 
     The tom was startled when he found he was back in the Starclan forest. He had thought they wanted nothing to do with him. He hurried up the path and was even more shocked to find Spottedleaf sitting there waiting for him.
     "Spottedleaf!"
     "Hello, Jayfeather," she spoke in an unforgiving tone. 
     "Spottedleaf-" he started, then broke off as he looked down, unable to stand the fury in her eyes. 
     "I wish you weren't the medicine cat. I would have liked to tell this to another cat."
     Jayfeather sighed inwardly. She didn't ave to keep reminding him. He was already haunted by the fact in the first place. He watched her shift her feet.
     "The only reason I talk to you is if Starclan must say something for Thunderclan. And there is a new prophecy," she said loudly. Jayfeather's ears flicked up in sudden interest. "Don't look like that, it isn't about you. A new terror will strike, and light with dark will have to join together."
     Jayfeather's mouth dropped open. He knew what this meant. "But-but..."
     "Jayfeather," a new voice sounded. Jayfeather spun around to see Yellowfang.  "Would you like to prove yourself in front of Starclan?"
     He dipped his head. "Yes, I would."
     "Very well. We will meet you in your dreams after many moons to come."
     Before anything else happened, Jayfeather found himself awake at the edge of the Moonpool.