The Rouge Cats of DoomClan

[wolfclaw]

This is my fanfic, enjoy! Please comment!

~For the real Mythheart~

Part 1
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Wolfclaw woke to a sunny day. The sky was clear, and the clouds were puffy. She stretched, and went off to find a morning snack. She padded to the fresh-kill pile in the Fire Clan camp, and found a small field mouse. Perfect, she thought. Wolfclaw walked over to a patch of sunlight seeping from the treetops. With the mouse dangling from her jaws, she sat down to eat.

But before Wolfclaw could sit down to munch on the field mouse, she heard two voices behind a bush. It sounded serious. Wolfclaw quickly ate the mouse, and dropped down into a crouch. She crawled behind the bush. Wolfclaw saw two cats: Fallenstar, a golden she-cat, the leader of Fire Clan, and Griefstorm, a gray tom with ginger stripes.

"Why did we let Mythheart join the Clan?" Griefstorm was demanding, his pelt bristling.

"He said he was banished from his old Clan," Fallenstar meowed. "Although I doubt that is true, he hasn't done anything bad yet!" Griefstorm still did not seem to agree.

"He didn't do anything yet! What if later he kills all the kits? We don't know where he came from! He could be infiltrating FireClan for all I care!" Griefstorm turned and walked away, mumbling to himself.

Wolfclaw thought to herself. Mythheart did not do anything wrong. Why should Griefstorm accuse him now? There was no evidence of anything, but it was indeed suspicious. Mythheart's origin was not clear. Wolfclaw remembered a few days ago, Fallenstar had welcomed Mythheart to the Clan. Mythheart had announced that he was exiled from his old Clan. But if he was exiled, what for?

Wolfclaw was lost in her thoughts. She didn't know if she agreed with Griefstorm or Fallenstar. She barely noticed a brown tom padding towards her. Wolfclaw turned, and nearly leaped into the air with surprise as she saw the scared face of Mthheart. She quickly regained her previous pose, and tried to remain calm.

"My!" she mewed. "You gave me a scare, Mythheart. Why are you here?"

"Eagletail wants you on the patrol," Mythheart meowed. "There is something strange going on near the border." Wolfclaw was stupefied. First, Mythheart had suddenly came into the Clan, and now there were strange things happening near the border!

"I'll go," replied Wolfclaw. "If Eagletail needs me, I'll get there." Wolfclaw followed Mythheart to Eagletail, the Deputy. She saw a worried look in his eyes as the partol gathered. Talonfang was there with Eagletail.

"Glad you could come," meowed Eagletail. He dipped his head in greeting. "We need as many cats as we can to examine the territory." They swiftly left, and began checking the camp.
---------

On the way to the site, Talonfang walked up to Wolfclaw. He did not look happy.

"This is all very strange," he whispered. Talonfang glanced at Mythheart.

"What is it?" asked Wolfclaw.

"Think about it. First, we take in this cat who is supposedly called Mythheart, and now there is something strange at the border! Do you think Mythheart is up to something?" Wolfclaw thought it over.

"Maybe. We shouldn't jump to a conclusion too soon, though. We need to see what is going on first." Wolfclaw ran ahead. She was alert, her senses up to the task. Wolfclaw sniffed the air. Her eyes widened in shock.

"Oh, no!" she yelled. Talonfang, Mythheart and Eagletail ran up to her location.

"What is it?" asked Eagletail. "Did you find something?"

"No," replied Wolfclaw, "But the air smells of DarkClan!" The rest of the patrol smelled the air.

"It does!" exclaimed Ealgetail in alarm. "Why would DarkClan get so close to the camp? Don't they know better?"

"Maybe they're planning a skirmish," suggested Mythheart. "Perhaps even an attack." Wolfclaw kneaded the ground.

"It doesn't smell stale, but it also isn't fresh. I cannot tell what time DarkClan might have came." She smelled the air again to confirm her thoughts. "It also smells like there was more than one cat. Maybe two or three." Then, she spotted Eagletail on a hill.

"Well?" he called. "What are you waiting for?" Eagletail waved his tail as a sign to head back to camp. "We must alert the Clan immediately!" Wolfclaw, followed by Talonfang and Mythheart, rushed up the slope and into the woods.

[wolfclaw]

Part 2
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When the patrol of cats finally reached the FireClan camp, they saw their leader, Fallenstar, on the High Hill. Wolfclaw quickened her pace as she realized that a new Warrior would be made. The patrol hastily sat down with the rest of the Clan as Fallenstar named Swallowpaw.

"I Fallenstar, leader of FireClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice." There was an excited look in Swallowpaw's eye as the ceremony continued. "She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn." Fallenstar looked at thte young cat with happiness in her eyes.

"Swallowpaw," she meowed, "do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend the Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Swallowpaw was shaking with fear and excitement of the world ahead for her as she quietly mewed out her answer.

"I do," she mewed.

"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior name. Swallowpaw, from this moment you will be known Swallowfeather. StarClan honors your kindness and determination, and we welcome you as a full Warrior of FireClan."

As the warrior ceremony came to an end, the Clan was happily chanting Swallowflight's name, and the newly named warrior ran down the High Hill. Galestorm, her mentor, gave her a swift lick, and then the crowd of cats subsided. Eagletail and the rest of the patrol approached Fallenstar.

"It's not good," Eagletail said ominously. "We have detected DarkClan's scent around the north edge of the border." Fallenstar nodded.

"Did you find out when they might have came?" she asked.

"We don't know for sure," mewed Wolfclaw. "The scent isn't stale but it isn't strong either. There might have been several cats, two or three." Fallenstar thought for a moment.

"Thank you for providing this information. Eagletail, have patrols focus more on the north side. Keep checking the scent there." Eagletail dipped his head, and padded off to the fresh-kill pile. Talonfang went off to the warrior's den, and Fallenstar returned to her duties. Wolfclaw and Mythheart stayed near the base of the High Hill.

"What could be going on?" mewed Wolfclaw silently.

"I don't know," said Mythheart in a low voice. "I have no clue what DarkClan could be up to. They should know better." Wolfclaw studied his eyes. They showed a spark of fear, but there was another look in them that she couldn't identify.

"Well," she meowed hesitantly, "I guess I'll be off hunting." Wolfclaw was about to turn away, when Mythheart stopped her.

"Wait," he growled, "I'm coming with you." Mythheart walked ahead of Wolfclaw, leaving her blinking in surprise. She meant to find out more information, but now she couldn't as Mythheart had requested to join. Could he be up to something?

But then, Wolfclaw had an idea. If he was going too, she'd might as well keep an eye on him.

"Very well," she mewed. "You can come." They ran off into the valley.
---------------

Wolfclaw had her eyes fixed on a tasty looking sparrow. She dropped down into a crouch, and began to crawl over to the unsuspecting bird. Wolfclaw readied herself to leap, but then another cat came crashing into the sparrow. The sparrow flew off in alarm, chirping loudly.

"Mythheart!" hissed Wolfclaw. "I was about to get that sparrow! Can't you hunt properly?"

"I could have if you didn't make so much noise!" he hissed back.

"Too much noise? You were the one making too much noise!"

As the two cats quarreled, they did not realize they had stepped into the GrassClan boundery. A patrol of GrassClan cats, made up of Duskfang, Owlclaw, and their apprentices, were closing in on Mythheart and Wolfclaw.

"Look!" hissed Duskfang quietly. "They went over our border!"

"How mouse-brained can FireClan ever get?" hissed Owlclaw. "They let in that Mythheart cat, and now he and Wolfclaw are over the border!" The angered patrol of cats began to sneak up on the two FireClan cats.

[Jayfeather]

AHH!!! so very good it can compete with my story JK but it is good! RITE MORE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!

[wolfclaw]

Part 3
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Mythheart and Wolfclaw were still arguing. Duskfang led the patrol near some boulders, and commanded them to wait.

"Your hunting skill is foxdung!" hissed Wolfclaw. "I bet a kit could do better than that!"

"Hush!" hissed Mythheart. "I think I heard something!" Both cats stopped fighting and their ears pricked up. There was nothing. Mythheart smelled the air. Suddenly, his eyes filled with alarm. At the same time, Duskfang, Owlclaw, Nightpaw and Sharppaw, leaped from behind the boulders.

"Watch out!" yowled Mythheart. He and Wolfclaw nimbly jumped out of the way. Wolfclaw's eyes widened in surprise. They were too busy arguing that they didn't realize they wre on GrassClan's territory!

"What are you doing here?" snarled Duskfang.

"We were hunting," explained Wolfclaw. "But then-" Wolfclaw didn't get to finish her statement.

"What?" hissed Sharppaw. "I learned that other cats shouldn't hunt in another Clan's camp!" Duskfang smiled proudly at his apprentice.

"See?" he hissed. "Sharppaw knows more than you!" In his rage, Duskfang attempted to tackle Wolfclaw. Just before the two cats could collide, Mythheart jumped in the way and took the blow. Wolfclaw gasped. Mythheart was flung a fox-length away-and he recovered in mid-air!

"You saved me!" she exclaimed with surprise. Mythheart began to battle Duskfang.

"Stay back!" yowled Owlclaw to the apprentices. He knew they could get accidentally hurt. Owlclaw charged at Wolfclaw. The GrassClan warrior leaped onto Wolfclaw and pinned her down. Wolfclaw instinctivly used her hind legs and delivered a kick to Owlclaw's belly. Her opponent shrieked in pain, but didn't let go. Owlclaw clawed out some fur from Wolfclaw's shoulder.

Mythheart swiped at Duskfang's face. Duskfang ducked, and then countered by attempting to claw Mythheart back. But Mythheart was clever. He swiftly dodged to the side and bit down on Duskfang's arm. Duskfang let out a screech, and tried to make Mythheart relinquish his grip in vain. Mythheart let go, and Duskfang got to his paws.

"Escape!" he caterwauled. "There's no point in getting hurt again!" Owlclaw obeyed, and the patrol turned tail. Wolfclaw slowly got up, and she licked a wound gently. Mythheart padded over, victory shining in his eyes.

"Mythheart," said Wolfclaw, giving him a swift lick, "You saved me. But why?"

"The Clan couldn't afford to lose such a brave warrior," he meowed. "Come, let's get back before anything else happens." Wolfclaw could only nod, and they hurried back to the camp.
---------------

At the FireClan camp, Shimmertail, the medicine cat, was taking some herbs she had found back to her den. Before she could enter, she smelled something. Quickly, Shimmertail dropped off the herbs, and rushed outside.

"My!" she exclaimed. Wolfclaw and Mythheart had returned, bleeding. "What were you two doing?"

"We were hunting," mewed Mythheart, "and a GrassClan patrol saw us."

"Well why did they get you?" Shimmertail purred in amusement. "I'll fix you up and you can tell me." Wolfclaw and Mythheart followed Shimmertail into her den.

Shimmertail fetched some poppy seeds and cobwebs. She walked over to her patients and told them to chew the seeds.

"So what happened?" she asked. Shimmertail was a very social cat.

"Well," mewed Wolfclaw, "We were hunting, and then I was about to get a sparrow. But then, Mythheart pounced on it and missed. We got into a quarrel, and we didn't realize we were in GrassClan territory. So we were found by a patrol and got into a skirmish."

"I see," meowed Shimmertail as she began to press a cobweb onto Wolfclaw's shoulder. Then, she stepped back. "There," she mewed. "The poppy seeds will soothe your pain and the cobwebs should help stop the bleeding. I won't tell Fallenstar or Eagletail, but next time be careful!" Wolfclaw and Mythheart waved their tails in thanks, and went off.

As Wolfclaw ran over to the warriors den to rest, she thought. Why did Mythheart take the blow for me? Perhaps he's not such a bad cat after all.

[wolfclaw]

Part 4
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Night fell on the forest. Crickets chirped and trees swayed in the breeze. The moon was bright in the sky, illuminating the surrounding clouds. Fallenstar and a group of cats were ready to go to the next Gathering.

Wolfclaw slowly approached Fallenstar. She dipped her head as she meowed greetings to her leader.

"Fallenstar," she mewed, "I don't think we should metion that we found DarkClan scent on our border. It might cause trouble at the Gathering." Fallenstar closed her eyes in thought.

"I have to agree," Fallenstar meowed. "It may not be the right time to say so. Until other patrols gather infromation, we can announce it. If I accidentally slip it out, well I be a mouse-brained fool." Both she-cats purred in amusement. Fallenstar was a fun cat, but she knew what was right and wrong.

Fallenstar then walked up to the front of the cats. She yowled, giving the order to move onto the Gathering. Shimmertail stayed behind. Emberpelt was expecting her kits.

The cats from FireClan rushed across the plains. Wolfclaw enjoyed the breeze as she ran across the grass. She glanced at Mythheart, making sure he was not doing anything suspicious. All she saw was his brown pelt blowing back in the wind.

Soon, the stony cliffs of the meeting place rose into the distance. Long ago, when the Clans first came to the territories, the small range of cliffs proved an excellent place for many cats, and a higer ledge for the leaders to sit on. As an elder's tale said, there was a tree taller than the rest, somewhere in the center of the Clans, called the Moontree. There, cats shared tongues with StarClan.

Fallenstar flicked her tail, and allowed the cats in. One by one, they filed into the rocky ridges, and FireClan sat down next to WaterClan. Wolfclaw felt a sickening feeling as she spotted DarkClan and Loudstar, remembering that they had found their scent near the FireClan camp.

Fallenstar stepped up onto the ledge. She allowed Ruststar, the GrassClan leader, to begin the meeting.

"The Clan is well," he meowed clearly. "However, a patrol found two invading cats on our territory. They were disobeying the warrior code by hunting on our territory." Wolfclaw bristled. Sharppaw had interrupted her before she could say that they crossed the border by accident.

Wolfclaw was about to hiss at Ruststar, but a tail swept in front of her muzzle. It was Mythheart's. He silenced her before Wolfclaw could star an arguement. Wolfclaw was amazed. Even thought Mythheart was of unidentified origin, he was well trained in the ways of the warrior code.

"We also have a newly made apprentice. Fernpaw is now training to be a medicine cat under Goldtail." There was a mumble of excitement within the GrassClan cats. On the ledge, Loudstar took over.

"DarkClan is pleased to announce that we have two new kits," he said in his loud tone. "Snakekit and Herbkit are new members of DarkClan." DarkClan cheered, and Loudstar hushed them with a wave of his tail. "Also, we have heard about a fox wandering throughout the territories. I would like to warn all the cats of this possible threat. What used to be happiness now became worry as it coursed through the Gathering.

Fallenstar then spoke up. "I am worried to hear Loudstar's news. However, I am proud to say that Emberpelt will soon be having kits. She is expecting them right now as we speak." Wolfclaw felt as if ice cold claws raked her. Where could the fox be? Hopefully, not in their camp! With so few cats in all of the camps, they could all be in danger. Fallenstar finished speaking, and allowed Streamstar to speak.

The Gathering ended. Wolfclaw was thankful that nothing bad happened. Mythheart, luckily, had silenced her just in time. She looked at him again. He did not seem like such a bad cat. Fallenstar led FireClan out of the Gathering, and once more they raced across the moore.

The cats arrived at the FireClan camp. Wolfclaw was anxcious to get back home. She ran over to sleep in the warrior's den, but she stopped, alarmed.

There was the fox, standing in near the medicine cat den.

[wolfclaw]

Part 5
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"Fox!" yowled Wolfclaw. Almost immediately, the Clan was running towards the invader. As Wolfclaw charged, she felt as if she got stung by a bee. Emberpelt was having kits! And the fox was probably after her! Fueled by anger, Wolfclaw ran ahead of the gang.

She leaped onto the fox, letting out a fearsome caterwaul. Next to her ran Mythheart, his eyes lit with the heat of battle. Wolfclaw delivered a slash to the fox's flank. The fox howled in pain, and turned on Wolfclaw. It attempted to bite Wolfclaw, but instead it bit the air. Mythheart had gotten hold of one of its legs. Fallenstar was meowing orders to the Clan.

"Wolfclaw!" she commanded, "Check on Emberpelt and Shimmertail! Make sure they're safe!" Wolfclaw nodded, and ran to the medicine cat den. Fallenstar looked at her, and then launched into the fight.

Wolfclaw was exhausted. She glanced in the den. What she saw horrified her. Emberpelt was bleeding heavily. Shimmertail had a scratch on her shoulder, but it didn't seem serious. The medicine cat was quickly trying to help Emberpelt with the wound. Wolfclaw was burning with anger. How dare the fox do this! But she softened as she saw two kits by the queen's side. She slowly entered the den. Shimmertail caught sight of her.

"Oh, Wolfclaw!" she mewed. "It was terrible! The fox came in and attacked us just as Emberpelt was kitting! We were able to distract it, but it had injured Emberpelt!" Wolfclaw glanced at Emberpelt. It looked fatal. The wounded she-cat was gasping for her breath now.

"Emberpelt," she mewed quietly.

"Don't, Wolfclaw," Emberpelt rasped. "I already hear StarClan calling me."

"No! It can't be! Your kits-" Emberpelt stopped Wolfclaw.

"It will be fine," she mewed. "I am sure Fallenstar will find someone to take care of them." Then, she looked at her kits. One was red, with black paws. The other was white and black. "They will be Foxkit and Thunderkit." Emberpelt's body jerked once, and was still.

Shimmertail and Wolfclaw looked at Emberpelt sadly. The kits were mewing pitfully. Shimmertail carefully nudged the kits to a corner in her den.

"I will look after the kits," she meowed. "Wolfclaw, you'd better get out there and fight." Wolfclaw quickly got out of the den.

The fox was still not down. It was bleeding, and clumps of fur were torn out, but it was still alive. Mythheart was still hanging onto it's leg. The fox shook the leg the tom was on and sent Mythheart flying into the bramble. Wolfclaw ran, rage flooding through her. She jumped, and tackled the fox right in it's side. The fox got pushed to the ground by the force of the attack, but leaped right up again, snarling. Wolfclaw saw at the edge of her eye Mythheart, who had ran out of the bramble.

But then Wolfclaw saw something else. Fallenstar was on the ground. She ran over to her leader, and gasped. Fallenstar was losing a life. Wolfclaw was in terror. Fallenstar only had one life left! Suddenly, Wolfclaw felt a sharp claw dig into her side. She yowled in pain, and turned to see the fox running towards her.

But then, Eagletail and Talonfang jumped on the fox and began scratching its back. The fox was momentarily distracted, and tried to snap at the two cats. Wolfclaw saw Vineclaw, the Clan's only elder, motionless on the grass. She saw Shimmertail with the two kits. Wolfclaw was amazed. She had never seen the medicine cat work so fast before! Her paws were as fast as a flying sparrow, as she got the correct remidies for the cats' injuries.

"Wolfclaw!" Wolfclaw turned. It was Mythheart. "Get on the fox's left side! We'll ram into it and crush it!" Wolfclaw nodded. With Eagletail and Talonfang still fighting the fox, she and Mythheart began to run at the fox.

There was a shriek of agony as the two cats collided into the fox. Wolfclaw's claws sunk into the fox's fur. The fox flailed around for a moment, and then fell to the forest floor, dead. Wolfclaw leaped back onto the ground. She breathed heavily as she saw what the fox had done. Some of the berry bushes were trampled over. Emberpelt was dead, and so was Vineclaw. The only word for the camp was disaster.

Fallenstar slowly padded over to Wolfclaw. "Was Emberpelt ok?" the leader mewed. Wolfclaw's eyes were struck with sadness.

"Emberpelt is dead," she mewed sadly. Fallenstar felt Wolfclaw's pain. She gave her a swift lick.

"Were the kits born?"

"Yes. She had two healthy kits, Foxkit and Thuderkit. Shimmertail was guarding them." Wolfclaw began to frown. "But who will take care of the kits?" Fallenstar purred.

"Remember, I was a mother too." Fallenstar looked at Galestorm and Silverwind. Then, the leader walke to the center of the destruction.

"FireClan!" she yowled. "We have lost Emberpelt and Vineclaw, but before her death, Emberpelt gave birth to Foxkit and Thunderkit." Talonfang was overcome with grief. Emberpelt had been his mate, and now she was gone. "Eagletail, check the camp for damage. Griefstorm and Silverwind, go with him. Talonfang, you can go see the kits." Talonfang ran towards the medicine cat den. "Wolfclaw and Mythheart, go see if Shimmertail needs your help."

Wolfclaw once again walked alongside Mythheart as they wearily approached Shimmertail.

[wolfclaw]

Part 6
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The work was done. All the cats, exhausted from the day, went to sleep. However, one cat was restless. He nervously snuck out into the night, Silverpelt gleaming above him.

Mythheart was not sure what to do. He ran out of the FireClan camp, heading for the place where they battled the GrassClan patrol. He was to meet someone there. Mythheart slowed his pace as he arrived at the area. Moonlight struck his brown pelt, lighting up his green eyes. Another cat emerged from the shadows.

It was a tabby tom, almost as large as Mythheart. He had an old scratch mark on his pelt, and was a light brown color. His underbelly was white, but there was something that immediately signaled danger in this tom. His eyes were not a normal color for a cat. They were blood red.

"Ah," the cat mewed, "So you're here Myth." The cat had a wicked, toothy smile. "Or, Mythheart, as I hear they call you."

"Hello, Rouge," meowed Mythheart, dipping his head. "How are the rouges?"

"DoomClan is fine," replied Rouge, licking his paw. "Have you done what I assigned you to do?" Mythheart did not know what to say. He couldn't explain that he was of rouge origin! FireClan, the clan that had taken him in and treated him so fairly, would banish him. And yet, he could not betray Rouge and the rest of DoomClan. But another image was in his mind. It was that of Wolfclaw. The she-cat was so kind to him. How could he accomplish his task?

"Never," Mythheart hissed. For a moment, he realized that he cared for FireClan, the clan that he was supposed to infiltrate and destroy. Rouge's eyes lowered, his pelt bristling. "I'm on their side now."

"Myth!" he snarled. "You were supposed to attack them! Of course, I had heard the fox took out a few of their cats. But I assume you helped fight the fox?" Rouge, in his rage, tried to claw Mythheart, but the agile tom sprang back. "You had better watch your back," hissed Rouge, as he vanished into the darkness. "DoomClan will be following your every movement." Mythheart was stunned. He, on instinct, had sided with FireClan.

Mythheart was sure now that the rouges would attack. He ran out of the clearing, into the bracken, and stopped.

Wolfclaw was watching him, talking to Rouge!

Mythheart was shocked for a heartbeat. Had Wolfclaw found out his secret? But he saw only gentleness in the she-cat's eyes. He relaxed.

"Mythheart," whispered Wolfclaw. "I know what you're thinking. I saw you talking to that Rouge cat. But I'm happy." Wolfclaw gave him a fast lick. "You know what is right, and what is wrong. And you decided to stay with FireClan even though you came from a rouge background. To tell you the truth, I had my suspicions too. So i wasn't surprised."

"Promise never to tell anyone about this?" Mythheart asked. Wolfclaw nodded slowly. "Well then, I think it's time we get back to the camp. So Wolfclaw and Mythheart raced under the stars of Silverpelt. Wolfclaw was glad she had found the truth, and Mythheart was siding with her clan. Mythheart was glad that Wolfclaw wasn't angry at him. She, from his knowledge, was a fierce fighter. He was glad he said no to Rouge.

But underneath his happiness, Mythheart was worried. Would DoomClan attack them? What if Fallenstar found out the truth? Where would he go if both DoomClan and FireClan scourned him? But Mythheart pushed away his thoughts, and continued to travel back to the camp.
-------------------

When the two cats got back, they quietly lied down in the warrior's den. Wolfclaw, tired, fell asleep in a heartbeat. Mythheart took a last look at the warriors in the den. Talonfang was sleeping soundly. Swallowfeather was lost in some wonderful dream. All looked peaceful despite the recent fox attack and the upcoming danger. Mythheart closed his eyes, and finally, too, fell asleep.

He was dreaming that DoomClan was after him. He raced through the moor, with Rouge screeching at him.

"You will come back to us!" he shrieked. "You know you can't run or hide!" Rouge leaped on Mythheart, and the rest of DoomClan followed. Mythheart felt firey pain in his flank, and the world turned black.
---------------

Mythheart woke up, alarmed by his dream. He checked his pelt for a scratch mark or bite. He realizsed it was ridiculous as it was only a dream. Peeking out of the den, he saw silvery darkness, mingled with a pinkish glow. Twilight was upon the forest. Mythheart curled back into a ball, and fell asleep once more.

In another den, another cat was dreaming. Shimmertail dreamt she was at the Moontree. It seemed like some distant fairytale. The light of dawn made Silverplet seem meek. The clouds were glowing pink and red as the sun made its way into the sky. Then, Shimmertail felt another presense around her. She saw he cats of StarClan circling her. Shimmertail was filled with harmony as she recongnized Emberpelt.

"There is danger to come," Emberpelt mewed. "But do not fear. Only a tale from the heart can save your clan." The familiar shapes began to fade away.

"No, come back!" she meowed.

"Shimmertail!" said a voice. The medicine cat woke up. It was day time. Rays of warmth flooded through the cracks in her den. She looked up, and saw Wolfclaw. "You were having a bad dream," her friend said. Shimmertail swiped her tongue around her face.

"Don't worry," she told Wolfclaw. "It wasn't anything." But deep inside, Shimmertail had an uneasy feeling.

[wolfclaw]

Part Seven
-----------------

Wolfclaw and Shimmertail were sharing a finch from the fresh-kill pile. Suddenly, a yowl sounded across the camp.

"All cats old enough to catch their own prey meet under the High Hill for a Clan meeting!" It was surely Fallenstar. Wolfclaw was nervous. There was a desperate edge to her leader's voice. Wolfclaw and Shimmertail looked at eachother, as if they were both wondering what could be happening, and they walked over to the High Hill.

Wolfclaw sat down next to Shimmertail and Moonpelt. Fallenstar was on the hill with Eagletail. She looked slightly worried, and Eagletail had a grim expression on his face.

"Cats of FireClan," Fallenstar mewed, "It has come to my attention that we have scented foriegn cats near our border." The Clan whispered in hushed voices. "It was a few days ago when a patrol lead by Eagletail first found traces of DarkClan at the border. This sunrise, the dawn patrol has found yet another sign of DarkClan, but this time with another unusual scent over it. It is not of any scent we have ever smelled before."

"It is true," meowed Eagletail ominously. "There was an unknown smell just mouse-lengths away from where we originally found the DarkClan scent. Also, there is also another fresh scent of DarkClan." Wolfclaw felt as if she was raked by a badger. What if...the foreign scent was of the rouges?

"And also," Fallenstar said, fixing her gaze on Mythheart and Wolfclaw. Wolfclaw gulped. Did Fallenstar find out Mythheart's secret? "We have heard from Duskfang and Owlclaw of GrassClan, that two cats from our clan were hunting on their territory." Wolfclaw was about to shriek out the truth. We were NOT hunting on their terrioty! she wanted to yowl. We simply got into an arguement and accidentally walked onto their boundary!

"Wolfclaw and Mythheart!" Fallenstar was now hissing. "Come up here!" FireClan was silent with surprise. Suddenly, the base of the High Hill was filled with screeching cats, as they reprimanded the two cats for disobeying the warrior code. Even Locustpaw, who was only an apprentice, managed to ruffle some of Wolfclaw's fur. Wolfclaw and Mythheart slowly walked up the hill.

"Why did you do this?" Eagletail demanded. "Why were you in another Clan's territory?" Wolfclaw wanted to caterwaul in his ear, but Mythheart nudged her.

"We did not mean to tresspass the border," he said calmly. Even Eagletail seemed surprised by his coolness. "We were hunting, that is true." Then, his green eyes pierced Wolfclaw. He purred quietly. "However, we got into a little arguement over my so-called foxdung hunting skills." Wolfclaw swore by StarClan she even heard a small purr from Fallenstar. Fallenstar was kind, but she was fierce.

"During the fight, we accidentally stepped on GrassClan territory. Then, Duskfang and Owlclaw, who were leading a patrol, discovered us. We managed to defeat them, but it turns out they told Ruststar and Fallenstar." Eagletail growled a bit.

"I trust you on this, Mythheart," he spat. "But put one more claw out of line, and you two are in trouble." Fallenstar shushed him with a flick of her tail. Wolfclaw and Mythheart remained on the hill, feeling that the meeting was drawing to a close.

"Mythheart," she mewed, "I believe you. But next time, keep in mind the Warrior code. We don't want FireClan to have a bad name."

"Yeah!" Griefstorm had leaped up and was snarling. "Maybe that's why this mouse-brained cat had come here in the first place! To get us in trouble!" Fallenstar hissed, and raised her hackles. That was enough to quiet Griefstorm. Mumbling, he laid back down in the grass.

"This meeting is over," Fallenstar mewed. She flicked her tail once more dismissively, and the cats parted. Wolfclaw saw out of her eye Griefstorm lowering his eyes at them, and then the ginger striped tom left. Wolfclaw breathed with relief. She had thought Fallenstar knew where Mythheart came from. Then, she felt a tap on her flank. Mythheart was beckoning to her to go somewhere with him. Wolfclaw knew he must have been really nervous.
-------------------

"I meant to tell you this in the morning," he mewed, "But I didn't get a chance." Mythheart looked at the ground in embarassment.

"That's fine," meowed Wolfclaw, planting herself firmly in front of the brown tom.

"Last night, I had a dream DoomClan was chasing me. Then, Rouge leaped on me and yowled, 'You will come back to us!' It really frightened me." Wolfclaw felt pity for the large tabby. Although he seemed rough and calm, he was only fidgety around her. Then, the she-cat came to a thought.

"Mythheart," she mewed lowly. Wolfclaw got up and sat right next to him, whispering in his ear. "Shimmertail also had a dream. Maybe the dreams are connected." Mythheart thought for a moment. "It was an interesting statement.

"Well," he mewed, "That was all I really wanted to talk about. I was a little worried. I thought it meant something."

"I'm sure it didn't mean that much," Wolfclaw said, pressing her nose on Mythheart's neck. "Come one, it's a great day." It was true. The sun was shining as brightly as ever, with a small breeze. It did not have to be a bad day. So, the pair got up, and ran to the direction of the warrior's den.
-----------------

Later, in another part of the forest, three cats were gathered under the branches of the Moontree. Griefstorm had claimed he had gone hunting, but no! It was all a scheme. He had met up with Rouge and Rage, the leader and deputy of DoomClan.

"So, Mythheart is from DoomClan?" he meowed, grinning wickedly. "Oh, how Eagletail would love to hear this! That their is a rouge in our midist."

"If you can truly help the invasion," Rage meowed, "We will give you power. We can rule the forest together. But not just that, we can rule over all the clans, and make them out slaves!" Griefstrom thought he would burst with excitement. Slowly, the three cats departed from the Moontree, wicked thoughts in mind.

[purepool]

Awsome!!!!!!!!!!

[wolfclaw]

thanks ^^

Part 8
------------

Wolfclaw and Mythheart were still troubled by the meeting at the High Hill. They were laying down near the fresh kill pile. Wolfclaw shared a vole she had picked out with Mythheart. Then, she heard a rustle. Wolfclaw turned, and saw Shimmertail walking down to see them.

"Shimmertail!" Wolfclaw mewed happily. "I'm relieved to see you!"

"Me too," meowed Shimmertail. "That was quite an event at the High Hill, wasn't it?" Wolfclaw noticed a worried egde to her voice.

"Is something the matter?" Wolfclaw asked. Shimmertail frowned a bit. She flicked her tail uneasily. Wolfclaw cocked her head. She could tell something was bothering Shimmertail.

"I meant to tell you this, but...." Shimertail began. Suddenly, a high pitched yowl echoed in the camp. Foxkit and Thunderkit, who were playing nearby, stopped in fear. Galestorm froze. The fur on Mythheart's back was raised. The three cats by the fresh kill looked over at the High Hill to see Fallenstar, Eagletail, and Griefstorm running towards them.

"Great," muttered Mythheart. "More trouble." Hushed voices were throughout FireClan as the cats walked slowly near the fresh-kill pile.

Fallenstar and her small group halted in front of them. She was clearly not happy. There was a scowl on Eagletail's face, and Griefstorm was smiling wickedly.

"Griefstorm," hissed Fallenstar, "has told me some information he overheard while hunting." The leader's gaze fell on Mythheart. "He has heard that Mythheart is actually part of an invasion plan." There were a few collective gasps. "He is part of a rouge cat clan called DoomClan." There were many angry snarls as Fallenstar reported Griefstorm's findings.

"Exile him!" yowled Silverwind.

"Leave FireClan at once!" hissed Talonfang. "I knew there was something strange during that patrol! The strange scents must have been DoomClan's scent!"

"Silence!" caterwauled Eagletail. A deadly quiet fell on the clan. "Talonfang," he meowed, "that is an excellent suggestion. But how does that explain DarkClan's scent?"

"I can explain that," hissed Griefstorm. "I also heard that DarkClan and DoomClan are forming an alliance to take over the forest!" At this point the clan was outraged. Fallenstar snarled loudly.

"Mythheart," she said darkly, "you have turned out to be a rouge, concealing your identity. You are not welcome here in FireClan. Leave this place. If any cat sees you, I will tell the clans you are to be killed on sight."

"Wait!" yowled a voice. The clan turned. It was Shimmertail. "That might not be a good idea!"

"And why?" asked Fallenstar, lowering her eyes.

"I-I had a dream. And StarClan was speaking to me. They said-" Fallenstar silenced her with a flick of her tail.

"Mythheart, you are to leave at once." Wolfclaw's fur was sticking straight up.

"If he's leaving," she hissed, "then I am too." Eagletail was about to leap on Wolfclaw, but Fallenstar blocked his way.

"Are you sure you want to spend the last of your days with a rouge?" Eagletail mewed coldly.

"I don't care if he's a rouge or not. Besides, he is against DoomClan." Wolfclaw spat.

"Never heard so much fox-dung in my life. Now go!" He looked as if he was ready to spring. Wolfclaw and Mythheart ran for the forest. Wolfclaw looked back. She shot a sad glance at Shimmertail. Well, at least Shimmertail tried to stand up for us.
----------------------

Back at the camp, Shimmertail was hiding in her den. She had deciphered the prophecy or StarClan. Mouse-brained Fallenstar, she cursed silently. Cut me off too soon. When Shimmertail was angry like this, she didn't really care if she was cursing, which she normally didn't do.

Shimmertail sensed that Wolfclaw cared for Mythheart. And for some reason, she knew that Mythheart wasn't a bad cat. Maybe it was because she found the meaning of the prophecy. Or maybe it was because she was very good friends with Wolfclaw. Shimmertail closed her eyes, and decided to take a doze.

A few shadows were rushing around the camp. She could hear screams of pain and the desperation in the clan's yowling. Suddenly, Shimmertail found herself racing through the woods. She stopped at a clearing, and saw two cats. They turned....

Shimmertail woke up, panting. She knew what she had to do. DoomClan was coming. There was no time to waste. She had to time her actions carefully. She would wait for the invasion, and then try to find Mythheart and Wolfclaw in the woods. She had to tell them the meaning of the prophecy, and get them to help fight the rouges.

Only a tale from the heart can save us, echoed the prophecy in her mind. And so it is!

[purepool]

coolio! keep going!

[wolfclaw]

Part 9
--------------

Wolfclaw trudged alongside Mythheart. It had been a day since their exile. Leaf-bare was approaching fast, and the only prey they had caught was a starling. Wolfclaw feared that clan cats might come after them, so she encouraged Mythheart to keep moving.

"What in StarClan is Rouge planning?" she mewed quietly. Mythheart gazed into the distance. He sighed, and shook his head.

"He never really told me the whole of it," Mythheart replied. "All I know is that they plan to weaken and attack the clans. I was supposed to infiltrate FireClan and find some way to make them weak." Then, he looked into Wolfclaw's amber eyes. "That is, until I met you." Wolfclaw purred, and flicked her tail. "They meant to take down each of the clans one by one. They couldn't attack another clan while they were focusing on another. Rouge thought it was too risky."

"I'd warn the other clans if I could," sighed Wolfclaw, "but word might have gotten around." Suddenly, the she-cat's ears pricked up. There was something moving around in the grass ahead, something small...."Mouse!" Wolfclaw yowled. She immediately dropped down in a crouch, moving closer to the rodent. Mythheart watched Wolfclaw closely. The mouse was within a fox-length of Wolfclaw. She pounced, teeth sinking in.

"Well done," meowed Mythheart. He padded over, and sat down next to Wolfclaw.

"We should share this one," Wolfclaw said through a mouthfull of fur. "It might not be much, but it's worth it." She dropped the mouse in between her and Mythheart, and proceeded to chew on a flank. And for a moment, both of them were completely happy, despite all the troubles that occured during the day.
------------------------

An orange she-cat moved swiftly through the thicket. Silentpelt was searching for some herbs that she would need. She spotted a patch of yarrow a few fox-lengths away. Silentpelt rushed over to the yarrow, and was about to pick a few, when she heard talking in the distance.

She opened her mouth, taking in the air. What the medicine cat smelled made her freeze in alarm. FireClan scent! And yet, there was a fainter odor, one she couldn't make out. Silentpelt ducked behind a few bushes, and peered through the branches. There was a large brown tabby, with a scar on his eye, and a gray she-cat marked with brown stripes. Silentpelt recongnized the two cats, as she had seen them during the last Gathering.

They did not seem hostile, but the WaterClan cat wasn't sure how to judge them. The cats were unusually skinny, as if they hadn't eaten very recently until now. If they attacked her, they would probably be too weak. I suppose I should give it a try, Silentpelt thought. Then, the quiet cat slipped through her hiding place.
----------------------

"Silentpelt, eh?" Wolfclaw meowed. They had met this kindly she-cat, who had given them a few strengthening herbs. "Well, we will remember you. How could we ever thank you?"

"There's no need," Silentpelt mewed. "Medicine cats are supposed to help others, no matter what clan. So you're Wolfclaw and Mythheart." The two cats nodded. "And you say that a group of rouges called DoomClan are threatening to attack the clans?"

"It's more than threatening," Mythheart mewed ominously. "They could take over the forest!" Silentpelt thought for a moment.

"Shall I tell Streamstar?" she asked.

"For your clan's sake," Wolfclaw mewed, "I don't think you may want to. We still don't know the details. There is no idea what DoomClan is planning next." Silentpelt dipped her head in approval.

"Thanks again, Wolfclaw. I shall have to go now, but I'll see if I can check up on you again during your wanderings. I won't tell my leader about you. May StarClan light your path." Silentpelt flicked her tail goodbye, and raced off.

I'm glad there are such kind souls in this world, thought Wolfclaw. She leaned on Mythheart. She was so unlike Duskfang and Owlclaw! If only everyone could be like Silentpelt! The pair of cats laid down to rest as the day grew old.

And meanwhile, in another part of the forest, a tortoiseshell she-cat with shining blue eyes was waiting for when.

[Jayfeather]

O.O write........more *eye twitch* NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

[purekit]

yes yes do!

[wolfclaw]

Part 10
------------------

Wolfclaw woke with a start. She swore she had heard something. It was about four days after their encounter with Silentpelt. Wolfclaw got up cautiously. She prodded Mythheart's side gently with a paw.

"Mythheart!" she whispered. "Mythheart!" The former Rouge groaned and yawned. "I thought I heard something." Mythheart opened his green eyes and looked around.

"I don't see anything," he meowed quietly. Then, there was a slight rustle, and the sound of crunching leaves. Wolfclaw's eyes were wide in fear. Had the rouges spotted them? Was FireClan around? She felt a stab of sorrow and fear as she remembered that they were to be killed if found. Wolfclaw inched closer to Mythheart.

The two glanced around. There was still nothing but darkness. Then, two sapphire blue eyes pierced the shadows. Wolfclaw leaped back, and Mythheart went to stand by her side. The cat creeped out of the dark...

"Shimmertail?" Wolfclaw gasped. It was Shimmertail, alright! "What...what are you doing here?" The medicine cat just shook her head.

"There's no time to lose!" she mewed franticly. Wolfclaw felt a cold tingle in her pelt. What was wrong? "Remember when you said I was having a bad dream? Well, it was more than that." Shimmertail took a deep breath. "It was a prophecy from StarClan."

Wolfclaw staggered backwards. "What?" she said in disbelief. Mythheart gave her a comforting lick.

"Only a tale from the heart can save us," Shimmertail repeated StarClan's words. "A tale from the heart...what's another name for a tale?" Wolfclaw and Mythheart thought for a moment. Suddenly, the answer came on them like a bolt of lightning. Shimmertail saw the look on their faces. "You understand it, do you?"

Mythheart's paws quivered. "A...a...m-myth?" he stammered. Shimmertail gave a small nod.

"A myth from the heart. That means you, Mythheart, will save us from DoomClan." Mythheart did not know wether he was afraid or bedazzled.

"But why me?" he blurted out. "I'm a rouge! I came from DoomClan!" But then, he thought a moment. "Wait...if I'm from DoomClan...maybe I can save us." He looked a Wolfclaw, then Shimmertail. "We need to get back. Now."

"You should finish resting," Shimmertail suggested. "If the rouges are planning to invade, you'll need the strength you can." Mythheart nodded, and lied down with Wolfclaw. "I've got to go now. Eagletail will notice if I'm gone too long. But I'll find a way to meet you near the horsetail patch on our border." And as suddenly as she appeared, Shimmertail was gone.

Wolfclaw sighed, and fell asleep once more.