warriors: omen of the stars

I have to mention that this series was just as clear cut as the first. The entire story arc dealt with one theme consistently as opposed to having two separate themes ("The New Prophecy") or having a theme that set up the next (this) series with the secondary theme suddenly taking over ("Power of Three").

This series also felt like a finale in many ways. Tigerstar, Hawkfrost, Brokenstar, and Darkstripe tried to make a comeback and were thoroughly defeated. Firestar became the fourth cat in the prophecy and gave up his life in the fight against the Dark Forest. The story ends with the next two generations (Brambleclaw's as well as his adopted children) taking over. One generation has ended and it is time for the heirs of Firestar and Tigerstar to step up and lead into the future.

I also really enjoyed the Dark Forest as the antagonist. It was very different then all the previous villains. Instead of having one or two cats seeking to conquer and destroy, all the cats that once felt this way - or, who had felt slighted and betrayed over the years - received a chance to step forward and get their revenge. It was an apocalyptic feel. The ultimate, epic battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. 

It was also a nice touch to have Hollyleaf find her redemption. And I was very happy to find out that Ashfur was safe with StarClan. 

Now, I have no idea where the story line goes next. After all, I have not read series six. But while I imagine Firestar will make the occasional appearance (like Bluestar), the focus should be on his heirs (both by blood and by mentorship).

With all of this said, thus far this is my second favorite series. 

Warriors: Omen of the Stars

1. The Fourth Apprentice
2. Fading Echoes
3. Night Whispers
4. Sign of the Moon
5. The Forgotten Warrior
6. The Last Hope

fading echoes: part five

Ivypaw wakes up and races off to see Firestar, blowing off Cinderheart in the process. But once in Firestar's den she feels suddenly self conscious, wishing she had thought out what she wanted to say. Giving her time to gather her thoughts, Firestar goes back to his conversation with Brambleclaw and Graystripe about the ShadowClan border. Seeing an opening, Ivypaw takes it. Scared they won't believe her, she tells them she had a dream of ShadowClan invading. In it the stream runs with blood and the ShadowClan cats speak of taking more land since Firestar gave them land already. When she is done the three cats discuss whether or not ShadowClan might invade. She is told not to tell anyone, even Dovepaw, about her dream. She leaves excited that they believed her, and eager to tell Tigerstar.

Briarlight has caught the cough that Littlecloud warned Jayfeather of. He isn't sure what to do to help her. Dustpelt comes to collect him, telling him that Firestar has called a meeting a discuss something. Briarlight assures Jayfeather she will be fine so he leaves. At the meeting Firestar tells everyone of Ivypaw's dream, and how he thinks it is a sign from StarClan. Jayfeather admits he hasn't had any dreams about ShadowClan lately. As the warriors talk things over they decide they should attack first. Firestar says before they do he wants to give Blackstar a chance to do the right thing and give them back their land. He tells Brambleclaw and Jayfeather to come with him. Jayfeather wants to tell Lionblaze what is going on but Firestar tells him there is no time. They meet with Blackstar who is furious with Firestar's demands. Firestar warns him that at dawn the next day they will be reclaiming their land and leaves. Jayfeather hopes that Ivypaw's dream was correct.

Ivypaw waits for ShadowClan to come. Beside her Dovepaw is trembling. Ivypaw wishes Dovepaw were not there. She feels that since Dovepaw has not received extra training she cannot possibly survive the battle, and despite the condition of their relationship they are still litter mates. Blackstar arrives and the battle begins. The sisters become separated and Ivypaw fights like a warrior. Blossomfall is impressed, commenting that Cinderheart must be a great mentor. Ivypaw goes off to look for her sister since she figures she must need help.

The battle erupts and Dovepaw feels overwhelmed. Her senses are working overtime trying to keep all the noises straight and she is having a hard time fighting on the slippery grass. Ivypaw finally reaches Dovepaw and Dovepaw is shocked by the moves Ivypaw is using, since they look like killing moves. Some cats regroup and Thornclaw passes on the news of Brambleclaw's plan. He wants the cats to invade ShadowClan. Dovepaw points out that it will only make the ShadowClan cats fight harder, but the counter argument is it is a terrain the ThunderClan cats are used to fighting on and it is a risk they have to take. The ThunderClan cats run into ShadowClan land, much to the shock of the enemy warriors. They race up the trees to hide as ShadowClan follows them in, then drop down on them from above. Dovepaw lands clumsy, but is able to recover from it. She sees Tigerheart attacking Toadstep and feels torn. She knows she should help her clanmate, but Tigerheart is her friend. As she hesitates Foxleap comes to the rescue, much to her relief. She watches her sister fight and is impressed by how good she is. Then, she sees Tigerheart about to attack her sister and calls out a warning that is lost in all the noise, but she sees something shocking instead. Tigerheart does not attack Ivypaw, instead they nod at each other and jump back into the fight, attacking other cats. Dovepaw feels a mixture of emotions, mostly jealousy. She didn't like the way Tigerheart looked at her sister and fears his friendship with her is actually just because he has feelings for Ivypaw. She wonders if this is why Ivypaw has been so distant. She tells herself to get back to the fight but then she sees Lionblaze. Russetfur has Firestar down and Lionblaze is trying to get her off. He succeeds, but blood is pouring from Firestar's throat.

Lionblaze is deep in the fight when he gets the feeling that maybe this is wrong, maybe this fight isn't supposed to be happening. He shakes the feeling off, feeling that since it was Ivypaw who had the dream, and Ivypaw os Dovepaw's sister, this is correct. He sees Russetfur attacking Firestar and pulls her off. But then Owlclaw cries out that Russetfur is dead and Lionblaze is shocked, since he didn't actually attack her. Brambleclaw declares the fight over and that ThunderClan won. Blackstar is furious, but agrees, saying the land was never worth the blood spilled. Then Sorreltail cries out that Firestar is losing a life. Lionblaze looks around in shock. One senior warrior is dead, a leader is losing his life, warriors and apprentices are hurt. leaf bare is around the corner, and now both clans are weak. Lionblaze realizes StarClan would have never wanted this fight and with a sinking feeling wonders if the dream came from the Dark Forest. As he looks at the damage over a piece of grass that is worthless to both clans he knows this battle should never have happened.

I cannot believe Ivypaw told Firestar that ShadowClan was going attack - I mean, I know she doesn't know it is a lie, but the news was from Tigerstar of all cats! Everyone grows up listening to stories of him being a murderer! And she believed him! Even ShadowClan want nothing to do with him. At first I was upset that Firestar took her word, but then the more I thought about it it made sense. He would think she was telling the truth since prophecy and special powers run strong in his family. But I am glad Lionblaze realized, even if it was too late, that the prophecy came from the Dark Forest. He is right in that StarClan would never want a fight that would end in the death of Firestar and Russetfur. Jayfeather, too, wondered if the prophecy was true. I wonder why he didn't speak to StarClan - or why StarClan didn't speak to him? And since Lionblaze knows the prophecy was a lie does he now suspect Ivypaw? And the descriptions of Ivypaw in the fight were creepy! Dovepaw was going on about her killing blows and blood stained teeth. But she didn't piece together that her sister is with the Dark Forest, even though Tigerheart is. But maybe she doesn't realize Tigerheart is? Jayfeather and Lionblaze have been keeping things from her since she is so upset. I went back and looked, they talked of Tigerheart being in league with Tigerstar, but that conversation Dovepaw wasn't there for. And when they tried to talk about Dark Forest cats in the clans she ran off, accusing them of suspecting everyone. And what was with her freezing so much during the fight? She fought awful. She was so overwhelmed. I wonder why that was? And Ivypaw's attitude towards her sister during the fight was odd too. Ivypaw's belief that her sister is incapable of fighting because she hasn't received extra training? Most cats don't. So really, Dovepaw was on the same level as everyone else. It is Ivypaw who is a step above. And Ivypaw clearly knows other cats are training in the Dark Forest too, since she and Tigerheart did not attack each other. Which makes me wonder where her loyalties really lie. Hawkfrost called them a clan, and Ivypaw thought he meant ThunderClan, and he didn't correct her. But now Tigerheart is part of this clan? Which means she now knows it is not ThunderClan, but a blending of clans, and she is okay with this? To refuse to attack an enemy warrior on the field is a big deal. This means her loyalty is to Dark Forest first, and ThunderClan second. This is disturbing. 

What is also worrying is Dovepaw's torn loyalties over Tigerheart. I really need to know if he is playing with her - which I now suspect he is. At first I genuinely thought he cared for her, but his first loyalty too must be to Dark Forest, not ShadowClan, since he refused to attack Ivypaw. Which means if his first loyalty is to Dark Forest, and they are sowing seeds of discontent, then it makes more sense to play with Dovepaw's emotions then to love her - especially since in Spottedleaf's story love was seen as almost a weakness. I just feel that if Tigerheart is truly loyal to Dark Forest then there would be no room for loving Dovepaw, but there would be plenty of room for playing with an apprentice who has special powers. I wonder just how many plots Tigerstar has going on. Did he have Tigerheart entering ThunderClan territory to stage the fake prophecy? Does Tigerheart know this? Was Tigerheart in on the invasion? Or is Tigerstar just using him too? It seems to me he is maneuvering the clans to right where he wants them - weak, and at each other's throats. At least Lionblaze knows this, but will he tell Jayfeather? And will they tell Firestar? And will Firestar believe them? And will they suspect Ivypaw? And who else in ThunderClan is training in the Dark Forest? Thornclaw, Spiderleg (who I don't think we have really seen in this book series), and Berrynose are all hot headed - Blossomfall a bit too, but she thought Ivypaw's moves were because of Cinderheart and Dustpelt is far to loyal to Firestar - but that doesn't automatically make them part of the Dark Forest. But I cannot believe it is just one cat from ThunderClan. And with cats in every clan (because I am sure some RiverClan cats are too) reporting to Tigerstar, as well as Tigerstar's (and his Dark Forest allies) ability to enter the real world or anyone's dreams, there is no secret to be kept from him.

fading echoes: part four

Jayfeather and Lionblaze meet in secret to discuss Tigerstar and the Dark Forest. They try to reason out Tigerstar's motives, but all they can think of is his hatred for Firestar. They start thinking about Breezepelt and Tigerheart, and how they are training in the Dark Forest, and how Lionblaze once trained there. They reason out that with Breezepelt that Tigerstar is exploiting a weakness, and with Tigerheart and Lionblaze it was an exploitation of kinship. They figure it is Tigerheart who is crossing the border, though they don't know why, and start to worry that there are other cats - and they don't know who or in which clan. They try to think of who in RiverClan Tigerstar might approach, but then they remember Hawkfrost is in the Dark Forest too, and he might be approaching cats as well. Jayfeather resolves to find out more that night at the Moonpool. Later on Sorreltail gets Jayfeather and tells him Littlecloud is there for him. She is surprised he came to the camp, but Jayfeather points out that he probably wants to see the damage. He greets Littlecloud, who asks after Briarpaw. Jayfeather tells him she is doing well and her name is Briarlight now. Together with Flametail they head for the Moonpool. Jayfeather thinks of walking in Flametail's mind to see if he knows anything about Tigerheart. He then feels panic as he realizes Flametail is Tigerstar's kin too, which means Tigerstar could potentially have medicine cats on his side. They reach Kestrelflight, Mothwing, and Willowshine. Jayfeather greets Mothwing but she is cool to him, making him wonder if she fears he will betray her secret. He knows he won't but she might not realize that. Littlecloud tries to ask after Leafpool but Jayfeather is upset and short in his answers. Littlecloud responds that everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes the echoes last forever. They dream, and Yellowfang finds Jayfeather. As they talk Yellowfang tells him that some of StarClan is worried. Jayfeather starts to tell her of Tigerstar and Hawkfrost training cats in their dreams, of how they don't know who to trust - even when it comes down to medicine cats - and how Breezepelt attacked him by the Moonpool. The more he talks to more worried Yellowfang becomes. He asks her what to do and she responds they must go to the Dark Forest.

Jayfeather and Yellowfang head towards the Dark Forest and Jayfeather is shocked to see a ghost of Firestar walking around. Yellowfang tells him that Firestar isn't actually here, that when he loses a life one appears here. She tells him Firestar has lost five lives and with each one he loses his cat becomes more and more solid. But Firestar cannot see or speak to them since he is still alive. Spottedleaf finds them and insists on joining them and the three cats sneak in. Jayfeather becomes separated and races on ahead. Terrified, he is overtaken by a cat but it is just Yellowfang. She warns him they must stay together. Jayfeather smells a male cat and Yellowfang suddenly insists they go back. Brokenstar appears and starts to question why they are there. Jayfeather sees into Yellowfang's memories and realizes she is Brokenstar's mother - and that she killed him. He is upset that Yellowfang too broke her medicine cat vows. Shocked, Jayfeather confronts her and Yellowfang responds that mistakes happen, causing Jayfeather to wonder if the same is true of him and his siblings. Sensing he is upset, though not fully why, Spottedleaf assures Jayfeather that he and his siblings were wanted and are loved. But Jayfeather feels that Yellowfang is no better then Leafpool. Yellowfang and Spottedleaf accuse Brokenstar of training the clan cats but Brokenstar feigns innocence. He tells the StarClan cats that they are welcome to look around, but then they must let the Dark Forest cats look around StarClan. The offer is refused and Brokenstar kicks them out. As they leave Spottedleaf ducks into a bush. She tells Yellowfang to leave while she and Jayfeather look around. They spot Darkstripe and Hawkfrost training Dark Forest cats, using moves that kill. Jayfeather is horrified as they attack one cat, showing battle moves to use. He says such moves are not in the warrior code and Spottedleaf responds that these cats live outside the warrior code. Tigerstar finds them, telling them he knows Brokenstar kicked them out. When they confront him about training clan cats he points out that no clan cats are here. When they ask him why they are training he responds they don't want to lose their skills. Unable to get any answers, and unwanted, Jayfeather and Spottedleaf finally leave.

Lionblaze cannot sleep, wondering what Jayfeather is learning at the Moonpool. Cinderheart is awake too, and sensing his restlessness she suggests they take a walk. They leave the camp together and Cinderheart broaches the subject of Dovepaw and Ivypaw. She points out that ever since Dovepaw got to go on the journey Ivypaw has been jealous and competitive. Lionblaze counters that competitiveness is natural. Cinderheart asks him if it is true that Dovepaw had a dream about the beavers but Lionblaze just says that is what she claimed. Cinderheart asks him to have Dovepaw be a bit more considerate but Lionblaze counters that competition can be good. Changing the subject he suggests a run and the two cats take off, playfully trying to trick the other. Remembering Heathertail, Lionblaze asks her to stop. Cinderheart teases him by suggesting they climb trees and Lionblaze takes off again. He feels free and happy as he realizes Cinderheart is not Heathertail and there is nothing wrong with being with her. They reach the lake and Cinderheart jumps in and swims. Lionblaze teases her that she looks like a RiverClan cat and she responds that she is ThunderClan through and through. He says he is glad she is, but she mistakes his meaning, not realizing he is flirting with her. They head back to camp and their den. The next morning Lionblaze tries to talk to Cinderheart but she is all business. Feeling hurt, he is a bit short with Dovepaw when they go on a hunting patrol. They get into another fight about her powers, with her still feeling like every clan could benefit from them and him pointing out they wouldn't appreciate her interference. He points out that her powers saved them all from dying of thirst and that cheers her up. He asks about the patrol checking the ShadowClan border and she says everything is fine and there are no new scents. She suddenly stiffens but refuses to tell Lionblaze what is wrong. Jayfeather, Littlecloud, and Flametail come along. The ShadowClan cats leave and Jayfeather reports what he found in the Dark Forest to Lionblaze and Dovepaw. Dovepaw is shocked and feels that no ThunderClan cat could possibly train with Tigerstar. Lionblaze tells Dovepaw that she needs to spy on the other cats to find out who they cannot trust but she becomes angry, accusing Lionblaze of not trusting anyone, and runs away.

Dovepaw races off and finds herself near the ShadowClan border. Knowing she would never be able to explain her presence when she is supposed to be on the other side of the territory hunting, she decides to hide from the patrol. Backing up into a bush she accidentally falls into ShadowClan territory right where Tigerheart is. Tigerheart tells her it is okay, since they are friends and he trusts her, and they talk. She confides in him about visiting Sedgewhisker and how everyone was so mad at her. The way Tigerheart looks at her makes her feel self conscious. Talk turns to the journey and Tigerheart speaks of how brave Dovepaw was. Looking into his eyes, Dovepaw finds it hard to speak. A ShadowClan patrol comes along and Tigerheart gets her over the border. Dovepaw leaves, determined to keep her friendship with Tigerheart and determined not to let Jayfeather and Lionblaze wreck it.

Ivypaw is in the Dark Forest. At first she was scared, but then Hawkfrost found her and assured her it was okay. He tells her all the cats here are her clanmates and they get to training. As they train another cat comes along and at first Ivypaw mistakes him for Brambleclaw. But it is Tigerstar, which makes her uneasy. Tigerstar tells her how he tried to lead his clan but they unfairly turned against him and drove him out. He talks of how he had to beg ShadowClan for a home, but at heart he is a true ThunderClan cat. Hawkfrost has Ivypaw show Tigerstar some of her moves and Tigerstar declares her ready. When Ivypaw asks ready for what, Tigerstar tells her of a ShadowClan plan to invade their territory. He tells her the land that they want, that she must make Firestar believe her, and that they need to take back the territory Firestar gave Blackstar. Ivypaw decides they need to attack first. Tigerstar agrees, and tells her she must find a way to convince Firestar.

So much happened here! Jayfeather going to the Dark Forest. The dead cats in the Dark Forest training! Clearly they are planning an invasion. The realization that even medicine cats could be in league with the Dark Forest! I never thought of that!!! The inability to trust any cat. Jayfeather losing faith in Yellowfang. Tigerstar convincing Ivypaw to invade ShadowClan. Ivypaw trusting Tigerstar! How could she?!? Dovepaw's mixed feelings for Tigerheart. And does Tigerheart actually feel anything for Dovepaw or is he just manipulating her? Lionblaze falling in love with Cinderheart! I did not see that one coming! I was thinking he would never love again after Heathertail, especially with how obsessed he is with being a warrior. I am dying to read the last five chapters. They are very short, though, so do doubt any of my questions will be resolved.

fading echoes: part three

Ivypaw dreams of hunting, and Hawkfrost comes to her, giving her advice. They train together for a bit but then Ivypaw hears someone calling her. As she leaves Hawkfrost gives her his name and she responds with hers. Cinderheart wakes Ivypaw. It is the day of the assessment of Blossompaw, Briarpaw, and Bumblepaw. Firestar wants to try a new way of doing things and wants the cats to do their assessments in pairs with other mentors assessing them. Ivypaw is being paired with Blossompaw, who isn't very nice about it. Since it is a hunting assessment she would rather have Dovepaw, who is great at hunting. Ivypaw is upset with Blossompaw's attitude. She hears a voice in her ear reminding her that she is every bit as good as her sister, and that comforts her. She responds that she will do the best she can and that is it Blossompaw's assessment, not her's. Hazeltail compliments her for her response. The cats split up with Blossompaw, Ivypaw, Dustpelt, and Thornclaw heading to the abandoned twoleg nest. Blossompaw mocks Ivypaw for having a hard time keeping up with her, then tells her not to get in her way. Ivypaw is upset, wondering why everyone is so crazy about her sister and feels she is worthless. Since Blossompaw took off Ivypaw hunts on her own and catches a huge squirrel. Dustpelt and Thornclaw compliment her on her catch. Blossompaw shows up, upset that they chased away the prey she was hunting. She gets mad at Ivypaw when it is pointed out that they are supposed to be hunting in pairs, but Dustpelt counters that if Blossompaw doesn't tell Ivypaw how to help her she can't be mad. Blossompaw catches a blackbird, and it was such a horrible catch that Ivypaw sneers at it, feeling it wouldn't meet Hawkfrost's standards. She then wonders if Hawkfrost is from StarClan. She gets excited since her sister has never been visited by StarClan. Much to Blossompaw's disappointment, Thornclaw puts an end to the assessment. They head back to camp and Blossompaw tells Ivypaw that if she fails the assessment it is all Ivypaw's fault. Seeing Dovepaw, Ivypaw takes her outside of camp to tell her of her dream. Worried that Dovepaw won't believe her, she tries to tell her about a StarClan cat visiting her but Brightheart interrupts, sending them back to camp. In the apprentice den she tries again but Lionblaze pulls Dovepaw away. Alone, Ivypaw is bitter about how Dovepaw is treated. Blossompaw, Briarpaw, and Bumblepaw come into the den, happy they passed, but Ivypaw isn't interested. She decides to go to sleep to see if she can meet Hawkfrost again. She wants him to train her until she is better then her sister.

Lionblaze, Jayfeather, and Dovepaw are in Firestar's den giving a report that nothing new is going on when Dovepaw suddenly cries out that a tree is going to fall into the camp. Lionblaze races out, screaming to everyone to evacuate the camp. Firestar follows, giving the same order and giving out assignments to the cats who are right there. Dustpelt reports that the nursery is clear, Jayfeather that the medicine den is clear, and Lionblaze that the warrior's den is clear. Firestar gets everyone out of the camp but Lionblaze realizes that Brightheart has not reported in from the elder's den. On his way there he finds Dovepaw and Ivypaw. Dovepaw feels she cannot leave until she knows which tree is falling and Ivypaw is confused by her sisters actions. He sends them on their way then goes into the elder's den, finding Mousefur refusing to leave her dry moss to go run around in the rain. Brightheart is frustrated but unsheathing his claws, Lionblaze tells her to get out. Shocked, Mousefur complies. They get out of the camp and Dovepaw identifies the falling tree. Firestar is trying to herd the cats away when Lionblaze overhears Mousefur insisting she has to go back for a mouse. Longtail offers to do it for her and Briarpaw races after him. Lionblaze runs after them screaming that the tree is about to fall but he is too late and it lands partly on the elder's den. Firestar and Dovepaw join him but the tree slides and falls even more, preventing them from rescuing the cats. The rest of the clan comes in and Firestar with Brambleclaw quickly start giving orders so they can try to rescue the trapped cats. Dustpelt is in charge of propping the tree up and Squirrelflight with finding logs to use. Everyone picks their cats and gets to work. Jayfeather is placed in charge of treating any cats who need it and Daisy is placed in charge of the elders and kits. Mousefur is devastated and blames herself for Longtail's possible death. Jayfeather needs his herbs so Rosepetal is placed in charge of that. Whitewing is placed in charge of everyone else, and Dovepaw, who is blaming herself, is placed in her care. Everyone quickly gets to work and soon a path is cleared. Lionblaze finds Longtail's broken body and brings it out while Dustpelt searches for Briarpaw. He finds her and Lionblaze and Graystripe join him. Briarpaw is pinned and Graystripe tries to pull her out but it doesn't work and hurts her. Lionblaze stops him, telling him he will kill her. Lionblaze pushes against the branch to move it. He succeeds, much to Dustpelt's shock, and Graystripe is able to free his daughter. The tunnel they made is about to collapse so Graystripe grabs his daughter and runs. Lionblaze tells Dustpelt to run as well before he lets go. Dustpelt does so Lionblaze lets go and manages to get out right before the tunnel collapses. The clan returns, Mousefur mourns Longtail, and Jayfeather tries to help Briarpaw. He snaps at Leafpool asking if she will help or not. Leafpool does and Briarlaw wakes up but she cannot feel her back legs. Firestar starts giving everyone tasks to clean up the camp and he tells Lionblaze to rest. As Lionblaze looks at the crippled apprentice he wonders if Briarpaw will be upset he saved her life.

Jayfeather is unsure what is wrong with Briarpaw's back legs and Millie is frustrated with his lack of knowledge. Leafpool suggests to him to go see Littlecloud since he once had a similar case. He gets permission from Firestar, who tells him to take Squirrelflight with him - much to Jayfeather's annoyance. He checks in on Mousefur first. Purdy is getting her to talk about Longtail to make her feel better and for once Jayfeather feels grateful for the elder. He places Brightheart in charge of the medicine den and leaves. Squirrelflight catches up to him and they travel. She tries to talk to Jayfeather but he is uninterested. She finally loses her patience with him and snaps that he isn't the only cat who is hurting. They run into a ShadowClan patrol who accuses them of invading and using the excuse of needing to see Littlecloud as a distraction, but they take the cats to their camp. Surprised by their request to see Littlecloud, Blackstar takes them to his den without complaint. They tell Blackstar what happened. He is surprised they only lost one cat, and feels sympathy for the loss of Longtail. Littlecloud tells them of treating Wildfur, how his back bone was broken, and how he ultimately died. He gives them herbs and suggestions and the cats leave. Back at camp Jayfeather tests Littlecloud's theory by biting down Briarpaw's back until she can no longer feel it. He breaks the news to her that she will never be able to use her back legs again. Millie is distraught, especially when she finds out Briarpaw might die from this. Squirrelflight comforts Millie and Graystripe so Jayfeather can talk to and tend his patient in peace.

Dovepaw watches as Briarpaw receives the warrior name Briarlight. She is happy for her clanmate, but she is also exhausted. It has been a quarter moon and everyone is tired from all the extra work. Plus, Dovepaw has been having had dreams about the tree falling and trapping Ivypaw. Cats are sent to gather moss for the new elder's den. Dovepaw and Ivypaw are amongst the cats chosen, and when Dovepaw tries to playfully bet with Ivypaw that she can collect the most moss Ivypaw brushes her off. Dovepaw is hurt as they go to collect moss and Ivypaw acts like she isn't even there. Dovepaw wonders if she is imagining Ivypaw's coldness, or if Ivypaw jas somehow figured out about her powers and is blaming her for the tree falling. Lionblaze seeks out Dovepaw as she is collecting feathers. He tells her that ShadowClan has been scented inside the border again and asks her if she knows anything new. Dovepaw is upset with him, telling him she would have told him if she did. Secretly, she figures it is Tigerheart and since they are friends she can trust him. Ivypaw pops up unexpectedly and Lionblaze angrily leaves. Ivypaw tries to find out what is going on by pointedly asking her sister why Lionblaze would think she knows what is going on with ShadowClan, but Dovepaw is evasive making Ivypaw mad. She accuses her of keeping secrets, and says if Dovepaw is going to keep secrets then so is she. Dovepaw feels guilty as she remembers Ivypaw tried to tell her about her StarClan dream. Dovepaw tries to ask about it but Ivypaw blows her off, claiming Dovepaw is just jealous that she might be more special. She leaves with Dovepaw upset that she never realized Ivypaw was feeling this way. Back at camp Ivypaw ignores Dovepaw when she tries to speak to her. Dovepaw seeks out Jayfeather, asking for permission to tell Ivypaw the truth but Jayfeather tells her no. Dovepaw points out that he was able to confide in his siblings but Jayfeather tells her not at first. Talk turns to Hollyleaf but Jayfeather is evasive in his answers. Dovepaw watches Ivypaw, realizing her secret might cost her her best friend.

Ivypaw dreams, training with Hawkfrost. He teaches her a new move and Ivypaw says she cannot wait to show Dovepaw. But as she and Hawkfrost talk Ivypaw changes her mind. She is upset with how special Dovepaw seems to think she is, and since she knows Dovepaw is keeping secrets she feels she deserves to have secrets too. Hawkfrost encourages her in these thoughts and they go back to training. Ivypaw wakes up, stiff from her training with Hawkfrost. She sees Dovepaw next to her and longs to tell her, but shoves that feeling away. She is determined to become an even better warrior than Lionblaze. Cinderheart collects her, telling her that they are trying new training exercises. She and the other cats split into two teams and try to take the others territory. The teams are led by Cinderheart and Dustpelt, with Ivypaw on Dustpelt's team. As they face off against each other Ivypaw uses her new moves. She sees Leafpool watching her and assumes the cat is impressed. Cinderheart's team wins but everyone wants to know where Ivypaw learned to fight like that. Ivypaw is evasive in her answers, saying it was just instinct and she cannot do it again. She is worried by how suspicious Leafpool seems. They face off a second time and Ivypaw brings Bumblestripe down. He seems to give up and the two cats talk about Briarlight as the rest of the cats continue on with the mock battle. Dustpelt's side wins and everyone heads back to camp. Bumblestripe thanks Ivypaw and then runs ahead with his sister. Ivypaw feels left out but then Leafpool joins her, pressing her for more information about her techniques. Not wanting to answer her, Ivypaw runs ahead.

I knew Hawkfrost was going to go after Ivypaw! And judging from Ivypaw's hostility towards her sister, he is doing a very good job. I wonder why Leafpool is so suspicious, though. Don't get me wrong, Ivypaw was using battle moves she shouldn't know but Leafpool is a medicine cat, not a warrior - at least, not a very good one. It should have been Dustpelt who was suspicious.

I do wonder why Tigerstar hasn't gone after Dovepaw. I understand Breezepelt and Ivypaw - both are jealous and hostile and Tigerstar is clearly exploiting that - but he went after Jayfeather and Lionblaze as well. But never Hollyleaf. Was it because she wasn't one of the three? Does Tigerstar believe in the prophecy even though he claims not to? Was he trying to sway the two prophecy cats to his side? Was it something else? Did he figure he never had a chance with Hollyleaf since she was so devoted to the warrior code? He is clearly exploiting Breezepelt and Ivypaw's jealousies. Jayfeather, too, had anger issues. Lionblaze never had anger issues - until AFTER he started training with Tigerstar. Brambleclaw was the same way. Both he and Lionblaze just wanted to be the best warrior ever and justified getting help from an evil cat because they wanted to do good.

I have so many questions. Like just how far gone is Ivypaw? I believe Tigerstar's ultimate goal is to turn these cats against their clans. Could Ivypaw do that? Turn against her clan? Her sister? Not now, but how much longer til she has turned? Is Tigerheart trying to turn Dovepaw? He seems to be almost flirting with her - at least, Dovepaw feels that way. She feels confused whenever she thinks of him. Is he genuinely friends with her? Does he want something more? Is he trying to turn her? Has he turned evil? Or, is he just like Lionblaze and Brambleclaw? Breezepelt clearly has turned, but Tigerheart seems to at least care for Dovepaw. And has Heathertail been turned? She was so full of hatred towards Lionblaze once. But, she seems to dislike Breezepelt so maybe not?

Like I said, I have a lot of questions...

fading echoes: part two

Unable to sleep, Dovepaw and Ivypaw sneak out of camp. Ivypaw asks what they should do and Dovepaw suggests going to WindClan. When she implies that Ivypaw might be too scared, Ivypaw automatically agrees. Dovepaw doesn't tell her sister since Ivypaw doesn't know about her powers, but she knows Sedgewhisker was hurt and she wants to check on her. The two cats successfully make it to the WindClan camp, and much to Ivypaw's shock Dovepaw wakes up Sedgewhisker. But Sedgewhisker is not happy to see the ThunderClan cats. Dovepaw is upset and tries to explain to Sedgewhisker that she just wanted to make sure the other cat was okay after hearing about the dogs, but Sedgewhisker accuses her of spying on WindClan. Weaselfur comes over to see what is going on and catches Sedgewhisker talking to the apprentices. He calls out an alarm and Dovepaw has to watch as everyone wakes up and finds them there. Most of the cats are hostile, but Whitetail is sympathetic. She reminds Dovepaw that the journey is over, and their loyalities must lie with their own clans now. Understanding what has happened, Onestar doesn't make too big of a fuss and tells Breezepelt and Heathertail to take the cats home. Breezepelt is hostile, but while Heathertail is angry she does point out that they are just apprentices. The cats take them back to ThunderClan territory and then insist on bringing them back to camp. Dovepaw and Ivypaw realize that means telling Firestar and that they are going to be in huge trouble. As they approach the camp Rosepetal, who is on guard, asks what is going on. The WindClan cats respond that they are returning the apprentices and demand to speak to Firestar.

Jayfeather wakes up realizing that Firestar is awake and WindClan is in the camp. He leaves his den to see what is going on and watches as his clan wakes up and enters the clearing. Breezepelt and Heathertail tell Firestar what happened and Firestar assures them that he will deal with it. They leave, with Breezepelt calling over his shoulder to leave WindClan alone. Firestar asks the apprentices for their side of the story. Ivypaw tries to claim they were just exploring but Firestar doesn't buy it. Dovepaw admits to hearing a dog and Jayfeather realized what happened. Firestar tells them they are both in trouble and sends Ivypaw to her den so he can talk more with Dovepaw, Lionblaze,and Jayfeather. Firestar questions her about the dogs but doesn't give her a chance to answer. He then asks Jayfeather about dreaming about dogs but Jayfeather feels Firestar will see through his lie so he admits he didn't have a dream. When Firestar asks Lionblaze about scenting the dog Lionblaze is evasive in his answer, talking about the wind. Frustrated, Firestar finally says he will just have to ask them outright. He comments on Jayfeather's ability to enter dream, Lionblaze's inability to become wounded, and Dovepaw's ability to know what is happening far away. Jayfeather realizes Firestar knows they are the three.

Firestar starts to tell them the prophecy, but Jayfeather interrupts finishing it for him. Firestar is shocked to find out they know it. As they talk about what all of this means Jayfeather is tempted to look into Firestar's mind, but he doesn't feeling that everyone needs to hear what Firestar knows. Only Firestar doesn't know any more then they do - and seems willing to leave everything in the hands of StarClan, much to Jayfeather's frustration. Firestar heads back to his den, telling the cats that they have his full support. Lionblaze and Dovepaw head back to camp but Jayfeather stays up to think. He goes to the lake and asks Rock to speak to him but the ancient cat doesn't. He then wanders around and finds himself by the ShadowClan border. Suddenly a cat attacks him, knocking him over the border into ShadowClan. It is Tigerheart, and as soon as he realizes it was a medicine cat he attacked he apologized. Jayfeather tries to get from him what he is doing out at night alone, but Tigerheart is evasive and defensive. Jayfeather tells him he should go to bed, and much to his surprise Tigerheart agrees. As he leaves Jayfeather feels he can scent someone else but he can't place it. He also feels as if someone is watching him but he brushes it off.

Ivypaw comes into the den, waking up Dovepaw. She is angry that she had to go on dawn patrol in the rain while Dovepaw got to sleep in. She also accuses Dovepaw of getting special treatment. She says she sees Firestar watching her all the time, and now Brambleclaw too. Dovepaw wonders if Firestar told his deputy about the prophecy. She tries to soothe Ivypaw by pointing out they are probably watching her to make sure she behaves and Blossompaw points out that everyone has to do dawn patrol at times but Ivypaw isn't interested. Dovepaw starts to groom her sister but then Lionblaze arrives to take her away and Ivypaw gets mad that Dovepaw is leaving before finishing. Lionblaze and Dovepaw join a patrol that is going to the ShadowClan border. When they get there they find ShadowClan scent on their side. Dovepaw recognizes the scent as belonging to Tigerheart. When a ShadowClan patrol comes along they question the cats, but they deny crossing. When ThunderClan insists someone come over and look Tigerheart volunteers, deliberately rubbing his scent on the spot and claiming he can smell nothing. Realizing what he has done, Dovepaw discreetly asks him. Tigerheart is shocked and upset, promises Dovepaw he wasn't doing anything wrong, and tells her he will explain everything at the next Gathering. The cats head home and report to Firestar, but since they believe it is just a single cat Firestar doesn't want to cause a fight over it so he decides to let it slide for now. Jayfeather comes over to ask Lionblaze and Dovepaw if they know who it is that is crossing the border. Jayfeather admits to running into Tigerheart a few nights ago. As they talk Dovepaw feels guilty for keeping Tigerheart's secret.

Dovepaw gets to go to the Gathering, much to Ivypaw's disappointment since she has to stay home. At the Gathering Petalfur greets her warmly but when Petalfur calls out to the WindClan cats they ignore them. Petalfur is hurt but tells Dovepaw to ignore them. Dovepaw tries to find Tigerheart but she can't catch him and the Gathering starts. Mistystar tells everyone of Leopardstar's death. Onestar does not tell everyone about Dovepaw and Ivypaw, but he does comment on boarders. Blackstar and Firestar exchange some words over their border and the leaders end their speeches. Dovepaw finally finds Tigerheart but all he tells her is their clan isn't planning an invasion and begs her for her silence and trust since he cannot say more. Dovepaw agrees then realizes how close they are sitting together and moves back. Her clanmates call her to go. Arguing is starting over the borders again and Firestar has them leave.

Of course Dovepaw did something dumb. And, even worse, two whole clans found out about it! At least Onestar didn't out her at the Gathering. But his endless hostility towards Firestar... He was made clan leader instead of Mudfur because in the end his leader wanted peace. So much for that dream...

And at least Firestar finally knows about them - and apparently has known for a while. But they still aren't confiding in Firestar enough in my opinion. They haven't told him about the Dark Forest, the training of cats, Breezepelt, the attempted murder of Poppyfrost, etc. And has Firestar confided in Brambleclaw? He should. His deputy and medicine cat should both know what is going on. And speaking of Brambleclaw, Brambleclaw was trained by Tigerstar - and suspects Lionblaze of being trained as well. Yet no one is saying anything to each other. It is like the Dark Forest is a big secret everyone knows about but no one talks to each other about - and do not necessarily realize other cats know about. It almost makes no sense.

Lastly, I am more convinced then ever that Tigerstar and Hawkfrost were talking about Ivypaw. She is so hostile towards her sister. And I really don't see the special treatment she is going on about. Dovepaw does spend a lot of time with Lionblaze - but he is her mentor and that is not necessarily unusual. And the amount of time she spends with Jayfeather is odd, but again, not overly odd. I really do feel like she is reading into things too much. Don't get me wrong, she is correct that there is something going on. But I still feel her hostility is an overreaction on her part. I wonder if we will see Hawkfrost visit Ivypaw - especially since he doesn't seem to be visiting Dovepaw.

fading echoes: part one

Breezepelt spars against Hawkfrost until Tigerstar calls an end to the fight. He reminds Breezepelt to use his strengths, which in his case is his speed. Darkstripe and Brokenstar are also there, offering their own advice. Tigerstar is short with Darkstripe, and when Brokenstar talks Darkstripe mocks him for being unable to kill Jayfeather. In fighting aside, the cats work on Breezepelt's insecurities, reminding him how everyone - including his father - has betrayed him and how he deserves revenge. Hawkfrost is eager to practice again, but Tigerstar tells him that instead he must recruit another apprentice who has great power. He tells Hawkfrost to go walk in her dreams and teach her that their battle is her destiny. He tells Hawkfrost that she is ready.

Dovepaw wakes up from a nightmare about Rippletail. She leaves the den and casts out her senses. She sees two cats walking around the lake. She runs to Jayfeather, waking him up to tell him. He asks what clan the cats are from and she seeks them out again, discovering they are from RiverClan. She names them Mistyfoot and Mothwing. Jayfeather tells Dovepaw that Leopardstar has died and the cats are on their way to the Moonpool so Mistyfoot might receive her nine lives. Dovepaw wants to do something but Jayfeather assures her there is nothing they can do. She asks Jayfeather if a deputy always becomes the new leader. Jayfeather says yes, but tells her sometimes fighting can happen. He tells her of Mudclaw fighting with Onewhisker and how if Hawkfrost was still alive he probably would have fought Mistyfoot. Dovepaw asks if Hawkfrost is with StarClan now but Jayfeather does not answer her. She wonders if Jayfeather has seen Rippletail but doesn't ask. Suddenly Jayfeather asks her if it was Mistyfoot who woke her or Rippletail. He assures her he was not walking in her dreams, just that he can feel her grief. Jayfeather assures her that Rippletail's death was not her fault, that he was following the path laid out for him by StarClan. Dovepaw feels slightly reassured, but since she knows she will one day be more powerful then StarClan she wonders if it is really that simple. She wants to tell Firestar about Leopardstar, but Jayfeather tells her no, that Firestar must not know of their powers, and kicks her out of his den. Dovepaw leaves, unsure what to do. Brambleclaw sees her and sends her on the dawn patrol with himself, Lionblaze, Cinderheart, and Ivypaw. Dovepaw feels cut off from her clan, unable to confide in anyone her knowledge. She and Ivypaw race ahead, playing. They reach the lake and are shocked by how full it is. The warriors catch up to them and scold them for acting like kits. Ivypaw steps on a broken stick and gets a splinter. Cinderheart helps her and Brambleclaw orders the broken stick thrown into the lake. Dovepaw tosses it in and as she does she can feel Jayfeather wail in agony. Lionblaze looks at the floating sticks and looks worried, causing Dovepaw to feel worried too.

Jayfeather feels a sharp pain. He checks his side, thinking there must be blood, but can find none. He leaves his den and heads towards the nursery. Poppyfrost's kits crash into him. Molekit asks him to watch what he can do. Jayfeather feels Poppyfrost tense but Jayfeather prompts the kit even though he cannot see him. He checks him with Poppyfrost and finds she no longer fears Berrynose doesn't love her. Later Mistystar and Mothwing visit the clan. Mistystar passes on word of Leopardstar's death. Jayfeather can feel Firestar's grief, but the clan leader greets Mistystar by her new name causing the rest of the clan to respectfully greet her. Mistystar admits that things are rough in her clan because of the drought and Firestar offers her herbs. She accepts so Jayfeather and Mothwing go to his den. While there he tries to probe Mothwing's mind to see how she could do the ceremony when she doesn't believe in StarClan. He ends up seeing the entire ceremony, and Mistystar's return from StarClan - as well as her accusation that Mothwing did not join her. He sees Mothwing confess to Mistystar that she does not believe and he also sees Mistystar accept her medicine cat as she is and not as she wishes her to be. Jayfeather pulls himself from Mothwing's memory. Mothwing tells him she knows he knows the truth. She tells him he needs to accept it, takes her herbs, and leaves. Jayfeather realizes that StarClan made a good choice in Mothwing.

Jayfeather is in his den when Lionblaze seeks him out. Sensing his brother wants to talk in private, Jayfeather suggests the forest. When they are alone Lionblaze asks him about the stick. Jayfeather confesses to breaking it but Lionblaze doesn't understand why. He says he knows the stick is important to Jayfeather and asks if it is from StarClan. Jayfeather confesses it is from a time before StarClan. Lionblaze is shocked. He is even more shocked when Jayfeather tells him that the cats who lived here before, the cats tied to the stick, became the Tribe of Rushing Water. As Jayfeather tells Lionblaze about Rock living in the tunnels he wonders if his brother believes him. He probes Lionblaze's mind, seeing Lionblaze with Heatherpaw and feeling Lionblaze's grief. Lionblaze tells Jayfeather to knock it off. Lionblaze asks Jayfeather again why he broke the stick. Unable to explain why, Jayfeather just tells him that their answers do not lie in the past. Lionblaze wants to take some sort of action in regards to the prophecy but not knowing what they could possibly do, Jayfeather tells him they just need to wait.

Lionblaze and Cinderheart are out with their apprentices trying to teach them how to climb trees in the rain. Lionblaze feels if they can do it in the rain then they will have no problem doing it in good weather. As Dovepaw and Ivypaw practice Lionblaze realizes something is wrong. He pulls Dovepaw aside and she confesses to him that there are dogs in WindClan territory. Dovepaw wants to do something but Lionblaze insists it is not their place. He reminds her that they are four clans now and while it is one thing to have friends in another clan they cannot interfere. Dovepaw is upset, but Lionblaze counters that her loyalties should lie with ThunderClan. She counters that the prophecy pertains to all clans and angrily goes back to her training. Sorreltail comes along, telling Lionblaze that they are heading towards the WindClan border to patrol. Lionbalze is relieved knowing that if there is a serious issue Graystripe will take the patrol into WindClan to help. The training cats try to go back to camp traveling by trees when Dovepaw lands on a branch that isn't safe. She falls to the forest floor unharmed, but Lionblaze realizes the branch is breaking and will land on her. He throws himself at her, saving her, and tells her that sometimes he knows but but Dovepaw is still upset with him and isn't interested in listening.

Okay, I am 100% certain that Tigerstar is sending Hawkfrost after Ivypaw. I mean, yes, they tried to recruit both Jayfeather and Lionblaze so it would make sense to go after Dovepaw. But Ivypaw is clearly bitter and jealous when it comes down to her sister. And when she finds out that Dovepaw is part of a prophecy and she isn't that is going to hurt even more making her all the more ripe to manipulate.

Also, I disagree with Jayfeather and really think Firestar should be told. Especially about Breezepelt trying to kill Poppyfrost! How is Poppyfrost not telling this to Firestar?!? The whole clan is in danger and not just from the Dark Forest, but from living, breathing cats! This is a danger that everyone should be aware of but at the very least Firestar.

Lastly, ten bucks says Dovepaw does something stupid over the dog attack in WindClan.