The Island Cats

[Brambleclaw]

"Good morning!" Cried an excited meow. Flightkit darted into the Elder's Den. It was empty, alone but for the small nest of moss in the far corner. There, nestled amongst withered roots of the Great Sycamore, lay a sandy-colored tomcat. He glanced up, his sky-blue eyes twinkling with amusement. He uncurled himself, stretched, and rotated around to face the sole kit. Following Flightkit's eager bound into the den came Drearypaw. He was a dusky brown-grey tom, with dark brown eyes. He was often in a sulk, though the old tomcat saw the apprentice's eyes brighten when a story was told. Next came the deputy, Minktail. She was smiling casually, though she bounded eagerly up to the old tomcat, clearly excited.
"What is the story today?" she asked quietly. The old tomcat ignored her as the final cat approached. Her name was Rainpaw. She was most enthusiastic and energetic of all his listeners.
"I thought we could start with a story of my history." the old tomcat stated. Minktail pulled into a frowned face, Drearypaw groaned, Flightkit fell silent and still, and Rainpaw's eyes lost their twinkle.
"But Storyteller!" cried Flightkit at last.
"I'm only joking!" Storyteller cried. "I shall tell you another tale." The cats returned to their normal states of happiness.
"I shall tell you all a tale." Storyteller began...

[Brambleclaw]

"Long ago there was an island. The island housed four Clans, just like us. Each Clan was different and, much like today, each had four territories. DesertClan, which is much like our modern ShadowClan. They were evil, murderous creatures. ShoreClan - that was their RiverClan. They hunted in the ocean for anything, whether it was medicine or just prey. Then they had MeadowClan, which was their WindClan. They hunted rabbits and mice in the fields of flowers. Finally, their ThunderClan was a Clan that inhabited only the treetops. They were known as TreeClan." Drearypaw snorted. Storyteller continued only when the cat had quieted down.
"Now you see, MeadowClan lived in the meadows. TreeClan in the trees, DesertClan in the desert, and - "

"Lemme guess, ShoreClan lived on the shore? And their gathering cave was a cave where they gathered, and their camps were in places, and - "

"If you want to tell the story, go right ahead." Storyteller meowed. Drearypaw fell silent, and Storyteller nodded, continuing.
"Yes, Drearypaw. Their gathering cave was known as 'Meeting Cave'. Just off of the cave was a tunnel that led into a small room. It was filled with water, all but for the tiny stone in the center. In the center of the chunk of limestone was another pool, one which contained a bright red ruby in the center, submersed in cool water. Take a gentle lap of the water surrounding the ruby, and dream of StarClan. Simple, really. And..."


---


"Let the meeting begin!" Fallingstar called from high atop the large boulder. It was solidly nestled in a shallow dip on the Meeting Cave floor. The large, slippery surface was difficult to climb, but paw-holes from many cats using the same place made a sort of climbing area to reach the top. Four proud leaders held their heads high as they awaited the cats' silence. Sharkstar spoke first.
"ShoreClan has been on a rise of late. The fish are swimming in on a yearly migration, and we are well-fed. We have several new apprentices, and a new deputy. Due to Tidepool's recent retirement, I have now elected Seadog as our deputy." Cheers arose from the cats, congratulating the warrior in his new status. Seadog sat uncomfortably in the background.

"Then, if you are all finished Sharkstar, I shall go next." Fallingstar stood high atop the boulder, looking proud and as usual, stoney.
"After the recent accident, I am sorry to announce that Thistleclaw is dead. He fell off the edge of the cliff chasing some prey. The water is running well in our hole, and we have caught good meals. Back to the point, Coralpelt is now Deputy." Cheers of appreciation rose from the DesertClanners.

"I am sorry to hear such sad news. I will go next, Fallingstar. I am proud to announce that MeadowClan is doing well. A new litter and two new apprentices. We recently chased a fox into the sea, we are lucky that none of our warriors drowned when they fell in." Hauntstar meowed warmly. He was a good enough leader, but a very startling and secretive one all the same.

"Very well, I must announce grave news. We have a rise of Green Cough in the camp. Only several elders and an apprentice is all. But our Medicine Cat is working frantically to help them. We are grateful to Runningmouse for her services." Wonderstar nodded.

"If that is all, we shall be going." Fallingstar meowed. The Clans gathered and dismissed themselves accordingly. When all had left, the cave fell silent. And a lone figure stood, eyes locked on another.

"So nice of you to make it." The first voice rang through the empty cave.

"So when shall we plan the attack?" The second asked. Both were she-cats.

"Soon."...

[Brambleclaw]

Stormheart paced in circles inside the tiny cave that ShoreClan called home. The ShoreClan camp was completely hidden and secret. No Clan had ever dared attack it, it was too well hidden to even find. A bush rested on a small ledge jut-out only a foot high. Planks of wood were scattered underneath the bush, on all sides but one. Rocks surrounded the wood in a half-circle. That was where you could see cats slipping in and out, through the wood-plank hole.

If you climbed in through the gap in the wood you might have seen a hole in the rock, a tunnel. Following it, but watching your head - it was always only a foot high, and six inches wide at some points - you'd come into a small, rounded cave. It was about six feet tall, and four feet across. It stretched out 5 feet in front of the tunnel. Other tunnel entrances could be viewed in the main clearing. A strange fresh-kill pile rested in the middle of this "clearing". Through the hole straight ahead you would arrive at the nursery. The tunnel just above it was the apprentice's den. To the right, the large scoop out of the rock was the elder's den. Directly across from it, in the middle of two holes, was the warrior's den. The lower was the medicine den, with a large room at the end of the tunnel for sick or injured cats and crevice's along the tunnel walls for storing medicine. The leader's ledge for announcements jutted out just above the tunnel to the outside world. Right behind the jut was a small cave for the leader to sleep.

Stormheart turned to watch as Seadog padded out of the warrior's den, followed by Stonefire. His mouth was agape, his eyes wide with excitement. Never before had he mated. Now he would have kits!
"Stormheart, I never - "

"Don't worry. All you have to do is bring me food and visit often. I'll do the rest." She smiled and gestured him to move. She slid past him and his stunned features, into the Nursery. She was greeted warmly by a cat named Stormingsea. She had only kitted a few days ago, and already Sandkit, Starkit, Whalekit and Rockkit looked old enough to go out and play. But they were only quarter-moon, and would not even see until one-and-quarter moons. Stormheart settled down into a bed of warm sand, drifting off into a sweet dreamland.

[Brambleclaw]

A lone figure slipped from the space called a 'den'. It wasn't a den at all, but was at least a place to stay. In the baron desert, very little shelter can be found. The dry ravine was at least something. The cat slipped down the cliff-face. Of course walking right through MeadowClan was deadly. The she-cat was experienced when it came to climbing down the cliff, even though it was a straight drop to sudden death. She reached the bottom to see a ruffled grey she-cat with dark brown eyes. They were nearly black, so appeared holes in her head. The cat was hidden in deep shadow. She nodded, and both she-cats approached one another.
"Now, now. How is the progress coming along?" The first she-cat asked, her creamy pelt glowing ghostly in the moonlight.

"They are ready to fight. I have riled them up enough, now is the time." The grey she-cat spoke.

"No, not now. We must replace my leader first."

"Ah, I am prepared. When is the assassination planned?"

"Relax, there will be plenty of time to spend leader. So long as you honor your part of the bargain." The cream cat smiled.

"Yes, I know. You shall be faithful Deputy. But we must hurry and slay her. She is getting in the way enough with a plan of territorial expansion."

"Then we strike on the half-moon." The first she-cat meowed, the date set. Now the leader would be slain quickly, and it would be easy to gather up the rest of the land and destroy the Clans when Fallingstar is gone. Both she-cats padded away with sly grins and high hopes, yet one of them was lying...

[Brambleclaw]

"What? Why do they want to assassin Fallingstar?" Rainpaw cried. Minktail gently rested her tail upon the apprentice's shoulder. Drearypaw, to the cats' surprises, did not roll his eyes or say something stupid. He glanced up at the roof of the den. Staring through a gap in it, at the twinkling stars above.

"Do you think that Fallingstar is watching over us now?" He asked suddenly. All cats froze.

"Oh, Drearypaw, honey." Minktail meowed softly. "It's only a story." Drearypaw's eyes widened suddenly, as if he had just awoken.

"Oh, right." He mumbled.

"May I continue?" Storyteller broke in, glancing curiously at each cat. All cats gave him a nod. Even Drearypaw, even though he still seemed surprised. Storyteller was glad that the cats loved his stories.

"Ahem. Yes, it was the nigh of the first half-moon..."

---

Two she-cats crept slowly up to the DesertClan camp slowly. The camp was located in a dry ravine. It was once a very large and swift-flowing river, legend dictates, but was dried up long ago. The Clan sheltered about half-way down the ravine.

In the day you would see cats sunning themselves. If you knew what to look for, you might find the dens. One den was a curl-over of bank, with crevices all along it's walls. It was the medicine den. A large crevice next to it was for the leader. It was the largest and shadiest spot to stay. Of course the leader wanted that all to themselves. Then a large dug-out hole for the apprentices on the side of the bank. Long ago it is also rumored that the apprentices dug it themselves. On the top of the dried riverbank grew a large bush of juniper. It was the shelter and den for the warriors, even through its prickles. Finally, the nursery. The nursery was a large plank of wood that had been found set upon the land in a random fashion. It was placed up along the bank to form a medium shelter, with a rock for the back wall. The Clans had made most of the camp from scratch, placing things here and there to create the complete camp. The training hollow lay in the center of the ravine just a few lengths away from the 'camp.'

The grey cat spat in disgust. This place would be foul for her new home. She could easily move them to ShoreClan camp. She felt much more comfortable in her home. Smiling, she padded silently after the cream cat. Both had their eyes fixed on where the bank had curled over and baked itself into place. Slowly the creamy body, which flowed hauntingly and silently as well, slipped down into the ravine. The cream cat brought out Fallingstar.
"Coralpelt, what is it?" Meowed the beautiful, snow-white leader sleepily.

"Now stay there." Coralpelt ordered, turning and gesturing to her comrade. Swiftly the she-cat pounced, landing square on Fallingstar. The leader huffed as she hit the earth, knocked unconscious. The two dragged her to the edge of the territory, before preparing to knock her off of the edge.

"Stormheart?" Fallingstar slowly questioned, pained with broken bones. The words hung thickly in the air as the body landed with a sickening crunch onto the ShoreClan beach.

[Brambleclaw]

Stormheart opened her eyes slowly, the lack of sunlight eerie on the cloud day. The storm had passed, but several more large white clouds like puffs of fur hung thick in the air, blotting out the sun. She instantly leaped up, kicking up the sand-and-seaweed bedding. She hurried outside, quick to race dow the beach. Many cats lay around the body of the dead leader. Coralpelt stood in front of a group of warriors come to take the leader. Coralpelt did not even look in the direction of her soon-to-be leader. Stormheart sighed, heading toward the group. The cats mourned their dead leader, Coralpelt chatting with Sharkstar and Seadog.
"She got up late in the evening to go for a walk. She said she was restless. Oh, hello Stormheart." Coralpelt nodded slowly. "As I was just telling your leader here, I believe that Fallingstar walked herself off the edge last night. I talked to her, and she said she was restless. It is hard to see the edge, especially when you are tired and restless. I feel terrible for not going with her." Coralpelt hung her head low. Stormheart rolled her eyes.

---

"Stormheart padded away slowly from the group, out to the farthest reaches of the beach until it faded."

"She was a truly evil cat, wasn't she?" Drearypaw inquired. Storyteller nodded.

"She wanted power. She thought that by reuniting the two Clans they could help feed one another, and help one another survive. But Coralpelt only wanted power." Rainpaw's eyes glistened moist. "What's wrong, Rainpaw?" Storyteller asked, nervous.

"Fallingstar d-didn't fall off th-the edge. They shoved h-h-her off. Any cat could s-see that. It was unfair that she d-d-died." Rainpaw stammered, holding back tears.

"Dear sweet tender heart." Minktail murmured.

"As I was saying..." Storyteller broke in...

---

Stormheart gazed deeply into Coralpelt's eyes.
"Two moonrises! I demand, as your new leader, we attack in two moonrises!" She hollered, glaring.

"Very well, Stormstar..." Coralpelt bowed and slowly backed away into the brush.
"One day I will kill that cat. I swear I will. She is the kind that could easily turn her back on you..." Stormheart stalked away.

-

Stonefire gazed deeply into his mate's eyes.
"So you'll strike on the no-moon? When the Medicine Cats go to the Bloodstone? So they could not heal their dying Clans? How could you?" His eyes were wide, full of emotion and pain.

"Don't you see? We can have two territories to supply us! We could save the other cats who starve! I could lead them into a wondrous future!"

"And you want my help?" Stonefire asked, Stormheart seeming so evil.

"Yes! Yes, will you?"

"No, I am sorry Stormheart. It isn't because I don't love you - I love you very much. But I could never turn my back on my Clan. I am sorry."

"You won't tell, will you?" Se asked, fear clouding her gaze. If he would tell, she might have to kill him. She had thought Stonefire, of all cats, would understand. Isn't it funny how things work out opposite of what you wish?

"Mmm." He murmured, and Stormheart sighed. Maybe he understood after all.

[Brambleclaw]

Stormheart stood agape in front of Sharkstar.
"But you? How did you? But I -"

"Stormheart, how could you do such a cruel thing?"

"I, I was only trying to help the Clans! But it isn't just me, Coralpelt is into it too."

"You mean Coralstar? I talked to her, Stonefire told me exactly what you had said." Sharkstar gave Stormheart a dark, menacing gaze.

"Stonefire." Mumbled Stormheart. The one cat she had trusted with her heart.

"She thought that Fallingstar had walked off the edge. I cannot believe thta you should stoop to such a level to murder her! So I hereby banish you forever more from our Clan!" Sharkstar leapt at the cat, running her up into MeadowClan and chasing her until she had vanished.

-

"You traitor! You used me to get what you want!" Stormheart hissed, growling low.

"I was only doing fair business. You murdered my leader. I shouldn't trust you. Now will you join me or not?" Coralstar hissed with a sly smile.

"Never! You horrid, murderous traitor!" Stomrheart hollered. With a hidden speed, Coralstar flew at her old accomplice and ran her through the barron land. Suddenly, ocean waves beat before the cats. Beach directly below - and ShoreClanners. Stormheart took a left turn and raced the edge, Coralstar tail-lengths away. Soon TreeClan's lush greenery was visible. Pushing harder, Stormheart approached the line.

As Stormheart thought she was free, her paws came to a skidding hault. TreeClan patrol.
"She is a traitor and a rouge! Run her out of our land!" Coralstar hollered. The patrol entered DesertClan territory, of course Coralstar would not mind now. A half-circle formed around Stormheart, the rouge now. She was backed to the edge. She could easily scramble down. But as she thought that, she noticed that directly below were pounding waves, hungry to devour her into the sea.

"Now, fly!" Coralstar cried, and she dove forward. Stormheart's instinct was to lee back. She slipped, plopping into the ocean. She had narrowly escaped the sharp rocks that were strewn through the water. She paddled up, instantly grateful for her ability to swim freely. But as she paddled, the strain from extra bodies - due to her pregnancy - and the shock of the fall caused her to slow, and soon she had become absorbed in dark black of the angry waters, the waves rolling her like dough in its fingers...

[Brambleclaw]

Crashing against the shore in painful smacks, waves sucked and spewed ocean treasures. A little seashell, a crab, two bits of seaweed. Even a dead jellyfish. The seagulls - or what little of them existed here - swooped and dove at edible bits. But the most interesting was a dark grey pelt that lay washed up only a few tail-lengths from where the brown she-cat stood bawling like a calf. Her pitiful caterwauls were silenced as soon as she was certain that the pelt was of interest to her. She darted out, reaching it within instances. There she sniffed and rolled about the soaked fur. It was a cat, to be sure. A pregnant one by the swell of the belly.
"That's too bad." The she-cat mumbled, her flanks heaving from the quick dash. She rolled the cat over, applying ample pressure to the she-cat's left flank. A mouthful of salty water erupted from the cat's jowls. She began to cough and spit, gasping for air.
"You have a nice swim?" Toffifay joked warmly. He pelt was of the softest, chocolaty brown with caramel ribbons of a golden-brown mixed through her fur. Named for the rich caramel-and-chocolate treat she resembled so, Toffifay was not only beautiful but sweet as caramel herself. The sticky-sweet goodness, the kind of warm love that no cat could hate or forget.

"Where am I?" The grey cat, who looked such a wreck in said current state of ruffled wet fur and crazed, fearsome eyes in a large, wild demeanor.

"Oh silly kitten, you've wound up on the humble little island of Littlepaw."

"Littlepaw, Littlepaw... The rogue isle?" The grey she-cat seemed confused.

"Yes..." Toffifay said uneasily. "As the Clans would say. Say! If you did not know that this was Littlepaw Island, does that mean you are from the Clans!?!"

"Well, I guess. I guess I'm your humble rogue, at your service. Er..."

"Toffifay."

"Yes, Toffifay. Stormh- Storm. Just Storm."

"Well, Just Storm." Toffifay meowed warmly. She gazed out into the ocean's crystal blue beauty. "Tell me your story."

---

"I knew it! I knew they'd rat her out!" Rainpaw called happily, bouncing a little. Drearypaw moaned, annoyed at the interruption of his story. Minktail purred warmly, and Flightkit began to run around the den, restless.

"Halftime! You guys go get a good meal, take a rest, and return after tomorrow's duties for another tale." Storyteller smiled and dismissed the cats with a wave of his tail.

"Thanks for the story!"
"Yeah, thanks!"
"See you soon."
"Come on, Flightkit."
"Aww, but I -"
"No buts until you move yours! Drearypaw, come on honey." Drearypaw moaned and moved out of the den last, and slowest. All cats had vanished, and Storyteller lay his old, pained body down for a much-needed rest.

[Brambleclaw]

The cool night air buffeted against the side of the den. Storyteller slept soundly, snores of only he echoed into the silence. A pair of menacing dark brown eyes penetrated his pelt. Sensing the trouble, he darted up in a fright. His heart racing, he watched the dark form move slowly toward him him in the shadows.
"Oh, Drearypaw, it's you." He meowed, relief flooding out of his voice.

"I know you finished your tale, Storyteller. But I need you to tell the rest to me."

"Maybe some other time." Storyteller meowed, yawning. His large jaws gaped, showing a row of pointy teeth, yellow and rotted with age.

"No, now." Drearypaw insisted. Storyteller frowned.

"No, later." He was not going to give up this easily.

"NOW!" Drearypaw shrieked. His eyes suddenly flew wide, and he stood with mouth wide open.
"I... I... I... I don't know what came over me. It's just, I -"

"Alright, alright. Sit yourself down." Storyteller purred in amusement, then began chuckling to himself.
"Where was I?"

"Toffifay was listening to Stormheart's story." Drearypaw replied eagerly.

"Right. Storm was her new rogue name. She was leaving behind every Clan memory she possibly could. Now, she had never thought a rogue could be nice as Toffifay. The she-cat tended to storm, making sure she was healthy for healthy kits. Storm soon learned that Toffifay's first and only litter had died of Green Cough the day she had found Storm on the beach. And soon the time came for Storm's kits to be born..."

---

"AAAIIIIIIIEEEEEE!" Storm screamed in pain. The first contraction rippled through her. Another pitiful cry, another contraction.

"You're lucky that you have me to help deliver them. I was alone on the day of birth."

"It HURTS!" Storm yelled, her eyes filled with pain and hatred. "I hate them! I Hate this! AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Her head balanced on her neck, craned to the sky, fell down swiftly. There it hung, as the first kit came out. Another contraction, a third, more screams of agony. Another kit. More contractions and two more kits.

"Wha-what are they?" Storm whimpered weakly.

"Two she-cats, a tom and a stillborn." Storm, at the words, sighed softly.

"I call the firstborn she-cat will be Apple. The tom is Falling Star. The third is Shanti. And the fourth -"

"Was stillborn." Toffifay cut in softly.

"- is Borren." Storm finished, nodding. She then lay back, feeling the pain wash away as quickly as it had begun. She began to doze off, only to be interrupted again.

"Who is the lucky father?" Toffifay asked with genuine curiosity.

"Only the most hated, cruel cat ever to walk this place."

"Ah, so he's a rogue, then?"

"Worse. A Clan cat."

[Brambleclaw]

"But you can't just leave them!"

"They're old enough to be alright without me."

"No, I won't take them! I couldn't!" Toffifay frowned, pleading Storm stay.

"I'm sorry, Toffifay. I have to leave this Star-forsaken place!" She turned, beginning to step away.

"At least take one! For memory!"

"I don't need memoirs."

"Take Shanti!" Toffifay howled suddenly. She picked up the tiny kitten, thrusting her at her mother.

"Fine." Storm mumbled, gently taking the kit from Toffifay's grasp. "I shall." She muttered through black fluff. Toffifay smiled gratefully, watching Storm leave the kits. She sighed, gathering the two around her with a swipe of her long tail ribboned with caramel brown. As soon as Storm was out of sight, she assessed the kits.

-

"But mama!"

"No buts, Falling Star. You'll eat it and be happy, or not eat it at all!" Toffifay rolled her eyes, turning away to face Apple. The beautiful silver she-kit had long, ribbon-like streams of a beautiful, faded and soft white. It seemed unnatural. Her eyes were leafy-green. She was the second-born. The youngest to stay with Toffifay was Falling Star. He was the same shade of Dark Grey as his mother, with bright blue eyes and a light grey patch upon his forehead.

"Hey, Fluffball. If you don't want that shrew, I'll eat it!" The eldest and largest, with a most ravenous appetite, Borren. The tom that was supposedly dead, one night found suckling. He ate, napped, and argued. Not much for a cat. Mumbling something under his breath, Star nudged his shrew, before devouring it hungrily. Apple licked her lips as she finished the mouse, and Borren complained furthermore of being hungry.
How did I get stuck doing this? Toffifay thought unhappily, moaning. The kits were a handful, and she wondered how Storm was coming along.

[Brambleclaw]

Shanti shivered, glancing around quietly. Her mother was nowhere in sight. She was not usually late coming back.
"Face it, she left you." Meowed a gentle tomcat. His name was Torrin. He was kind, gentle, sweet. Everything she would want in a tom. He was only 2 moons her elder. Sighing, Shanti turned swiftly and faced him.

"Would she really?"

"She was always fed up with feeding you an protecting you. And not to mention shelter."

"Ai. But to just leave me? Without saying so?"

"You would've begged, and pleaded, and followed her. She just had to abandon you this way."

"But here? Now? Why!?!" Shanti whined high-pitched, wailing in grief like a lost kit. Well, that was what she was, right?
"I dunno. But I better get home, before ma puts a beatin' on me."

"Aight. See ya!" Shanti called, turning and 'walking home'. The cave entrance was barricaded. She suddenly realized that maybe her mother had done that. So that she can return and use it without my bother? Well, I'll leave her be. Shanti trotted farther. She by sunrise had reached the beach. Gazing longingly out into the vast ocean, she pondered at the stories she had heard. Tales of murderous, treacherous cats. Cats who lived together in groups. Who lived on another island a traveling distance from here. And then, Shanti vowed to return.

---

"Poor Shanti. I'd hate to be abandoned by my mother." Drearypaw said, scuffing the earth with a forepaw.

"Yes. It is rather sad, this tale. But it has heroism and victory and triumph."

"But that all includes defeat."

"Yes, there is some defeat." Storyteller seemed confused. "But not to worry, it ends on a happy note. Shall I continue?"

"Yes, please."

---

Shanti gazed out again at the sea lovingly.
"Will you come with me?" She had grown plenty since she had first taken oath to visit the island rumored to lie out there. She was now 12 moons, truly long since the three she had been left years ago. Torrin turned from the waters to face the she-cat he loved so.

"And leave my mother? She needs me most now."

"You're ma used to beat you silly for no reason, and now she begs you to fetch her food and water. Why not repay her for her 'kindness'?"

"Because she was kind to me. I know compassion now because of her. And she's my ma. You wouldn't understand her." Torrin said with a sigh.

"Then, when I return, I shall tell you of my adventures, and then we can mate and have a family to tell about the journey!" Shanti purred, nuzzling her love. She buried herself deep into his fur, heavily breathing in his scent. She would miss him so much. Shanti then waved farewell with her tail as she padded out into the open seas.

[Brambleclaw]

Shanti's legs paddled frantically. Her heart hammering, another deep gulp of salty wave. Up over a forming wave, down the other side. Paddle, paddle, paddle. It was tiring work. To think, her mother swam all that way carrying a kit in her jowls! Shanti shook her head slightly, unable to see how she could accomplish such a feat. More waves, spinning under the ocean now. Shanti tried to open her eyes, to see, but it stung. She cried out, only taking in more water. Her legs ached, her heart hammering more fiercely than before. Shanti saw ahead a small cluster of rock. She paddled harder, faster. Reaching the rock within several seconds,thrusting herself upon its wide berth. She then captured back lost breath and lay there, marooned. She never would have thought that it would have been easier. There she lay, as darkness fell, and the seas became violent...

-

Shanti heaved another breath, laboring hard. She tried to sit up, flopped around slightly. Like a fish out of the calm ocean. She sat up, a seagull pecking all to close to her. Breakfast was eaten quickly, the crunching bird meat was unique and tasteful. The seagulls usually flew off before one could catch them, so it was miraculous. But she had caught it none the less. Shanti sat up after a finished meal, gazing out into the crystal blue waters. Suddenly, she spotted a speck of land straight ahead. It might be home. Shanti thought. Bt it might not be! She raced into the deep waters, slothfully swimming to the shores. There she lay, panting heavily. And soon she had fallen deep into dreams...

-

A big, black nose nudged Shanti's soaked fur. Two beady brown-and-black eyes gazed into hers lovingly.
"She's alive!" The voice called, its owner jumping triumphantly. "Apple, Star, look! Its a beautiful she-cat come washed up on shore!" Two grey cats, one with creamy white ribbon, the other a patch of white on his face.

"Hello, kitty. What's your name?" Asked the she-cat. The tom's soft blue gaze met Shanti's softly.

"Well hello, there." An elderly she-cat with chocolate fur and caramel ribbons and patches mixed into her fur approached. "My name is Toffifay. You are?"

"Shanti." She mumbled softly. Toffifay's eyes went wide.

"Your mother was Storm? A good friend of mine." Toffifay nodded slowly. "This big guy here is Borren. And this lovely little lady is Apple." Toffifay gestured to each cat in turn.

"And I'm Falling Star! But you can just call me Star." Star said happily, smiling. Shanti shook herself, rising. She smiled and acknowledged Star. Something about him made her heart pound. Love?

[Brambleclaw]

Shanti raced down the shore, ahead of the sprawled group. Star was pounding behind her, tongue lolling like a dog's. It was something he often did when enjoying himself. Shanti raced forward, her face determined and unhappy to first appearance. Borren was at least four fox-lengths from Star. Apple was walking cooly just behind him. Falling Star surged forward, matching speed and pace with Shanti. Apple was next to him now, a large burst of speed. Borren hammered last, wanting badly to leave his siblings behind in the dust. He oft told himself that he was the best. But as Shanti surged ahead, again leaving her siblings in the dust, he was left behind again. Shanti crossed the line in the sand first, Toffifay cheering her on. She sat, panting heavily, as the others raced over the piece of driftwood.
"I was only slow because I just ate a vole. I'll beat you next time." Borren mumbled, walking away with his excuse hanging in the air. The others sighed, and as soon as he was out of ear-shot, erupted in laughter.

"Oh, when will the poor guy learn?" Shanti meowed sweetly, gazing deep into Star's eyes. Falling Star gazed back, something glinting behind his eyes. Quickly, Shanti tour herself away from the soft, beautiful eyes. She wondered what she had seen behind his eyes. Love? She tried to remind herself of Torrin, but he was growing faint with each passing day. She could hardly remember his handsome features, let alone the love she had felt toward him. She had already stayed two moons on Littlepaw. She sighed, standing, stretching, and padding away after Borren.

-

Torrin paced nervously across soft golden sands. He gazed out into the deep blue waters. Still Shanti had not returned. Was she dead? Was she hurt? Had she found the island? Torrin remembered her words, soft and sweet.
I'll be back in six moons, promise. She had truly meant it then. Well, what was keeping her? Torrin sat, restless, gazing out into the cruel waters as his hope was pulled away, more with each pounding wave that took his breath away. Little did he know that Shanti had fallen in love with another...

---

"She's falling in love with Falling Star!?! She promised to love Torrin forever!" Drearypaw cried, angered.

"Now now, Drearypaw. I never said that she loved Falling Star, did I?" Storyteller purred in amusement.

"Well, no. But in the story, they see love in-"

"Don't worry, Drearypaw. Falling Star is Shanti's brother. Sooner or later she'll have to learn that. Besides, Torrin will find another." And the story continued...

[Brambleclaw]

---

"The tales of old tell of mysterious cats, creatures who gather in Clans and live together. The ones who condemn them, like your mother, are run out. They travel here, and live a quiet life." Toffifay smiled warmly, her tail wreathed around Star. Borren sat, staring just as intently up at his mother, while Apple pretended to be interested in a leaf. Shanti nodded.
"So there really are Clans, like in the legends?" The conversation had turned to a point of interest between all cats, a story.

"Of course. Your mother spoke of them, plenty. She came from them. But we can never be sure how much saltwater got to her head." Toffifay purred. "And no one should go looking. They're far from us. Turn around and head home, young one." Toffifay's warning went unnoticed. That night, already, Shanti planned on leaving. Her goal was to find the Clans, come home, Torrin would be missing her. It had, in fact, been 7 moons since her departure. He would be worried, for sure. So as she awaited the setting of the sun, she planned her goodbye.

-

The sun vanished beneath waves of a shimmering gold. Star's eyes were pained, Borren looked upset, Apple still pretended not to care in the least. But inside, she was like the others, devastated. Shanti nodded gravely.
"I promised my friend back home I would return after finding the Clans. I came to do this."

"Don't go, Shanti!" Star mumbled, Borren's anger rising in his eyes. He did love the beautiful she-cat.

"Oh, Falling Star, I have to."

"You don't! But I know I can't stop you..." Star sounded unsure. "So I'm coming with you. I love you."

"I love you too, Star." Shanti's voice was cracked with emotion. Suddenly, the strong scent of Toffifay approached the group.
"No, you don't. You may love her, but not like that. And youare not going. Goodbye, Shanti. You may go now." With that, the lapping waves swallowed up the beautiful she-cat as she swam away.

"Why can't I love her?" Star's voice was filled to the brim with a pure hatred toward his mother.

"Because she is your sister."

[Brambleclaw]

Shanti paddled frantically. Her legs worked through the churning waves - a storm on it's way. She could see an island, a small brown dot, on the horizon. She knew that unless the water got calmer, she might not make it there before nightfall. Paws propelled through the water like a speed-boat. The island was growing larger, but Shanti was growing more tired. A wave smacked her flying through the water, and she was suddenly thrust onto the white sands. Coughing and spluttering, the dazed she-cat looked up. And met the most beautiful pair of orange optics she had ever seen. Smiling, she stood. Weak as she was, she tipped over, and next thing she knew, she was leaning on the handsome tomcat. He carefully set her down on the beach.

"Who are you?" He asked, seeming extremely confused.

"My name is.... Shanti."

"I'm Seastar." The tom said and smiled. "Let's find you a place to stay." And with that, he began to help her head to a cave entrance.

-

Before Seastar would take her into his camp, he wanted to make sure she wasn't a spy.

"So, where are you from?" he asked politely.

"An island not too far from here." She said, sighing as she lay down, tired.

"Where?" Seastar asked, worried.

"Out there." She flicked her tail out to the direction she had come swimming from.

"Called?" Seastar wasn't about to give up questioning because 'Shanti' was tired. He sat up straight, like a proud leader. Even though he was only two days leader, he could still act like a leader well.

"Mine was called Mayberry. But there's also one called Littlepaw." Shanti sighed, her tail flicking unhappily. Seastar looked terrified. So the island was real. The tom swallowed nervously. What would happen if the cats from the other islands came here, and the Clan cats went there? Would the Clan ways be lost? Fearing for the sake and sanity of the Clans, he stood and stretched. She couldn't see the Clans, not yet. When she joined them, and she would join them as long as Seastar lived, she could live with ShoreClan. He padded away, Shanti slowly following.

Seastar led her into a mysterious cave, the tunnel quite tight and difficult to squeeze into. Once they reached the cave, however, Shanti could not contain her surprise. Suddenly, she saw for the first time how amazing the other islands could be. The cave seemed to stretch on for eternity in all directions. Seastar began to explore the farthest reaches of the cave walls, but Shanti was focused on the large rock in the center of the cave. It looked great and majestic, and she quickly scrambled up to it's surface.

"Hey, get off of there!" The tom called, leaping up after her. "Leaders only."

"I'm just looking. No harm in that." Shanti said, leaping down from the rock. The leap was from a great height, and she underestimated how far down it was. With a squeak of surprise, she landed in a pile on the cold, wet rock below. Seastar leaped down, but he knew how high the rock was.

"You okay?" He asked with a sigh. She nodded, and he turned to pad away. "There's a small tunnel you can stay in over here. I'll be back tomorrow. Have to return to my Clan." He pointed to the surprisingly hidden tunnel.

"Why can't I come with you?" Shanti asked. She didn't want to be left alone in the strange, dark and threatening cave. It was nearly pitch-black, and the cold wet floor was chilling and worrying. Sea spray forced it's way through some cracks in the cave roof, dripping cold water down into the large cavern.

"My Clan wouldn't accept you. They'd kill you." Seastar turned and quickly left Shanti alone to ponder his words. Maybe somehow she could be taught to be accepted by the Clans. She hurried to the tunnel that Seastar had shown her, finding that it led far back into the cave walls. She didn't feel like exploring it that night, so she left it be and slept at the tunnel entrance. Though sleep came after much trouble, and the night was terrifying, she managed to make it to morning. With a sigh, she opened her eyes and saw black all around her. Standing and stretching, she went to wait for Seastar.

[Brambleclaw]

---

Drearypaw yawned sleepily.

"Want to stop, youngster?" Storyteller purred in amusement. Instantly Drearypaw's eyes shot open.

"No!" He cried in protest, and Storyteller nodded.

"Well, Shanti waited for Seastar a while. When he finally showed up, he brought a small fish for her to eat. He looked tired, but was doing pretty well. They ate together in silence, and then he began to teach her...."

---

Shanti blinked, confused. Too many words did the ShoreClan leader speak, words that spun her head and confused her further. She wished she would actually understand what he said. It had already been two moons since she had met him, she had spied on two Gatherings, and had listened to his every word.
"Kits end in... kit? Apprentices in... ummm... Star?" She sighed, shaking her head.

"Kit is -kit, Apprentice is -paw, warrior is -anything, and leader is -star." Shanti looked up, a seductive smile playing across her lips.

"Well, fine." She meowed, standing and stretching. She padded over to Seastar, wreathing her tail around his neck. He purred.

"Learn first, and then we can be real mates. Not just secret ones." He winked at her, and Shanti nodded. Sitting down, she curled her tail over her paws and listened as he went over the names again, but paid a little more attention to them this time.

-

"But I think I am!" Shanti protested, frustrated. Why wouldn't he listen? Was Seastar not as in love with her as she thought? But then she watched the brief fear in his eyes fade to a more practical look. He sat down, tail curled neatly over his paws as the Medicine Cat, Leafsong, did. Smiling, he flicked his tail in amusement. He questioned her heavily, and she answered yes to everything.

"Then you are..." He froze, realizing what she meant by her words. He smiled a little, feeling a sense of pride and hope burning inside. "And am I?"

"Yes." Shanti said affectionately. "You are the father."