It was morning of the next day, Rosestar has just spoken with Windgorse after she returned from the moonstone.

No one's POV

Windgorse trotted out of the leaders den, her pelt smoother then it had been in months. She looked relived, as if all of her problems had been solved. Although she remained abnormally skinny.

Nightgaze stared after the medicine cat, her eyes narrowed half-suspiciously.

As the medicine cat passed by she allowed her tail to 'harshly move over the warrior's face'.  Without turning back Windgorse made her way to Jaylight.

Nightgaze hissed " Nice move, Foxheart."

Windgorse stopped in front of Jaylight, she appeared calm, felt calm. " Jaylight, we must talk. "

But Jaylight ignored her and turned to Blazingkit " Follow me. We're going on a walk. "

As Jaylight began to move away, Blazingkit happily scampered after her. She squeaked excitedly " Outside of camp?!?"

Windgorse flicked her tail at Nightgaze and headed over to her. Her fur fluffed up threateningly and she snarled " Watch yourself, arrogant toad. " The threat was barely more than a whisper. But a threat nonetheless. The clan's healer stalked to her den. She began to agitatedly arrange herbs.

After a few tree-lengths, Jaylight stopped, as did her daughter. She crouched down, eye level to Blazingkit. Her gaze was grim, as the words she spoke " This is your home, right?"

Blazingkit-who had been gazing around fascinated-grew still, her mother had never looked so serious. Even when.... She nodded.

" Promise me. Promise me that you will always. Always take care of it. " Jaylight stared solemnly into Blazingkit's eyes as the tiny she-kit whispered back " I promise."

The mother's eyes searched her daughters, for a sign, any sign of lying. Something that would prove the prophecy right. Yet, try as she might, there was nothing.

She gave her daughter a gentle lick behind the ears "Good, your going to make a fine warrior one day. "

The cheerful kit returned, her eyes widening instantly " You really think so?"

Jaylight purred " I do. "

Rosestar padded out of her den, grabbing a piece of fresh kill. For a moment it seemed as though she was confused, but she rapidly blinked it away. The confusion turned into pride as the sight of her clan's growth. Dapplestream was watching a patrol leave as another prepared to head out. Everything seemed perfect, except... The prophecy.

Everyone returns to camp, it's late and as everyone settles down, the forest roars to life with the chirping of crickets. The next few days are spent preparing for leaf-bare. Windgorse's condition has worsened.

Windgorse POV

Windgorse padded into the clearing, her stomach hollow and clawing at her. Begging for food.

Just one... No. Starclan will not control me!

She stumbled into the den, weak and exhausted. Still, she was stubborn, but the prey. Windgorse sniffed the air, her stomach rumbling. To distract herself, she begins to sort herbs. But that could only last so long.

Windgorse sniffed. She was so very tempted to get prey. No... Starclan would be pleased if I did. She growled, fighting back her urges.

The medicine cat hadn't eaten in 3 sunrises. Honeymoon glanced at the stumbling female. A look of confusion evident. Bluewhisker sat across the clearing, washing her paws.

Suddenly, eyes wild with a slight foaming at the lips, Windgorse raised her head and yowled " I haven't eaten in 3 sunrises! Happy, Starclan?"

Bluewhisker payed her no mind. Instead bumbling over to the fresh kill pile and muttering about how the group " Could have done better."

Honeymoon looked concerned and rose, approaching. A slightly nervous new came from her " Everything okay?" Honeymoon asked when she was in close enough range to whisper.

The medicine cat's eyes had clouded for a moment but she blinked it away rapidly. She licked her chest in embarrassment before responding " Yeah. I'm fine. Sorry about that. "

" It's fine. " She blinked a nervous twitch in her tail.

Bluewhisker settled down to eat and Windgorse growled quietly. " You shouldn't have to suffer because of Starclan's wrath. "

" What?" Honeymoon tilted her head curiously.

Nothing.

Windgorse let out a little sigh. " It's about time I got an apprentice, isn't it?" Clearly the medicine cat no longer wished to discuss it. " Anyway I say that because I may be young but my job isn't an easy one. "

Honeymoon nodded in agreement " I know quite a bit but I'm a warrior. "

" I just hope that one of the future kits take and interest to it. " She sniffed at the ground as Bluewhisker lifted her head.

Bluewhisker gazed over " I heard that we might be getting some apprentices very soon. "

Dapplestream padded over to Honeymoon " Rosestar has asked us to check out the border. "

" Okay!" She jumped up, clearly ready to leave camp and get away from the craziness.

Ah, new apprentices. Would it be both Blazingkit and Skykit? It's probably going to be just Skykit. Probably.

Windgorse curled her tail in delight. " Wow! That's great! Who do you think?"

She glanced at the ground once more. Bluewhisker shuffled closer " I don't know, I just overheard Dapplestream talking to himself. " she rolled her eyes and started eating a starling.

Windgorse watched her eat. Stupid clan cats... Starclan will be happy... Starclan have abandoned us. Windgorse forced herself to ignore the gnawing hunger clawing at her stomach. It was as if she needed to eat, how weird would that be.

Blosspaw stretched from outside the apprentice den. She padded around the clearing, warming up. Silently, Windgorse stood and pounced on the young she-cat, planting her paw on Blosspaw's chest she unsheathed her claws and pressed them down. Blosspaw yelped, her whole body beginning to shake as fear rises. She attempted to get away but Windgorse pulled her close. " Meet me outside the camp tonight at moonhigh. " the hiss was almost silent but clearly heard by Blosspaw. The apprentice shakily nods, and Windgorse released her. The medicine cat's eye's had returned to the dull, glazed state like before. Her fur was matted and unkempt. Blosspaw took one look before high tailing it back to her den.

What's gotten into you, Windgorse? Your fur is unkempt, and your starving! Just get one mouse... No. I mustn't. Her eyes narrowed with determination. I refuse.

Wolfnose returned to camp a Squirrel in his jaws, spotting Windgorse he approached. Dropping it he lifted his head " Everything alright?"

" Once I confront Starclan, it won't matter. " Her eyes has returned to being distant. As if she belonged to another world.

Wolfnose nudged the squirrel toward her " You look hungry. " he commented. " Here. "

Windgorse hissed " Stay out of my fur! "

Wolfnose flinched and backed away. His neck fur rose and he decided not to press any further.

It was a long day, and as the night fell upon the cats, groups met. They discussed and talked as the last, weak rays of sun died behind the trees. Several cats are becoming restless.

Blazingkit POV

Blazingkit spotted Dapplestream, an idea quickly forming in her mind. But rather than do anything immediately she thought back to her talk with Jaylight. Her tail began to droop, she felt like her mother had scolded her and yet all she had done was talk.

It was a weird conversation. Mom was just... just a little upset. I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't do anything wrong. I...

She spotted her mother. Jaylight sighed wearily, curling up at the edge of the clearing. The watchful mother gazed at her kit with thoughtful eyes.

Rosestar trotted out of her den and padded over to Jaylight, settling down beside her.

Dapplestream looked between Jaylight and Blazingkit, he had always wished for a mate and kits.

Rosestar whispered something in Jaylight's ear, the two rose and entered the leaders den.

Blazingkit turned toward the nursery, padding slowly to it as a yawn escaped her mouth.

So tired. But I want to play. Hm.... I mean, why not?

Talking a sharp turn she bolted toward the fresh kill pile, where Dapplestream and Bluewhisker sat. The young deputy had just finished a vole, rising to leave. Seizing the chance Blazingkit leaped and clung to Dapplestream's side.

Just as that was happening, Rosestar had reentered the clearing. Dapplestream was taken back by the kit and stumbled in surprise, giving a little yelp. Bluewhisker growled in annoyance, the kit's attack had interrupted her meal.

Blosspaw smiled at the sight of such an energetic kit. Seemingly ignoring Blazingkit, Rosestar approached and requested for a hunting patrol to be sent out.

Dapplestream nodded and glanced that the kit clinging to his side.

" I got you!" The little purr was confident.

Haha! He'll never get me off! I'm the strongest.

Jaylight, who had apparently left the leader's den, twitched an ear " I wouldn't mind going. If that's alright with you. "

Dapplestream smiled at the kit then glanced at Bluewhisker. " Can you take out Blosspaw and Jaylight for a hunting patrol?" His request was made all the while pawing at Blazingkit.

This is getting uncomfortable.

She scooted up onto his back and looked over his shoulder. " Badger Ride?" Blazingkit's mew was enthusiastic.

" I don't see why not. " He mewed back playfully. The last tail of the patrol members disappeared from the entrance. And so it began. The deputy stomped around camp, stopping suddenly at random, then rearing up. Much like a badger in a fight.

" Eeee!!" Blazingkit squealed in delight and concern, flattening herself farther into his fur.

" Oh my! You brave, brave warrior. It seems as though you have killed me!" He purred then fell to the ground and 'died'.

What? That's stupid. Give me a real challenge!

Blazingkit jumped off and poked him. " But all I did was squeal. I can't kill you like that..." She mewed. Disbelief evident on her face.

" And I'm a badger. " His new was lighthearted and playful " Squealing can take you everywhere, young one. "

Does he..? No he couldn't think I'm that stupid. I'll show him ridiculous.

Blazingkit's eye widened to the size of small moons " Does that mean that I can fly from squealing?" She let out a little gasp " I'm going to be just like a hawk!"

Dapplestream purred in amusement " No you can't fly, but you can do other things!" He blinked a few times before purring " Silly Kit!"

Huh. He did. Interesting.

Rosestar padded over to the fresh kill pile, picking out a nice sized mouse before settling on the Highrock to eat. The sun had been swallowed by the forest and the only sounds were those of nature. The reddish orange leader smiled to herself, for the clan was in harmony. If only she knew.