[Fawn]

STONECLAN VERSUS LIGHTNINGCLAN

MATCH-UPS
Silentcloud (Smoke) vs Cherrypool (Fawn)
Umberpaw (Sheep) vs Nightpaw (Bloodrose)
Frozenrain (Insidious) vs Burningleaf (Amber)
Berrysong (Fuzzy Bunnies) vs Whiteshade (Phoenix)
Fallenleaf (Bloodrose) vs Emberflight (Insidious)

This day had been a long time coming. Cherrypool was merely cautious yet grateful as to Redstar's reasoning for appointing her in charge of the patrol. Was it some sort of trap? Was this a test? She's testing me, isn't she? For the faintest horrific second, the albino feline actually thought Redstar was trying to test her as a potential deputy candidate, as one had not yet been appointed. Quick to discard such asinine thoughts, Cherrypool flicked her tail so that the others might pick up the pace, stalking, almost shoulder to shoulder with her brother Whiteshade, Burningleaf, Emberflight, and Goldenpaw picking up the pace just behind them.

If not for her blood red oculars, Cherrypool would have blended into her wintry surroundings with near perfectness, the snowy terrain lending itself to her pristine white coat, like the ghost of a panther as it slunk ever forward in the direction of the Sun Stones. Though StoneClan had been the previous occupants of the prized spot of land, the LightningClan higher-ups had decided that it was time to take back what they felt was truly and solely theirs.

Never in her most optimistic of dreams would Cherrypool ever picture herself leading a patrol, and the ground seemed to fly under her feet when Rookfrost had informed her, Cherrypool had been suspicious at first that it was all just some kind of stupid joke... And yet here she was, setting paw after paw on the snow-dappled rocks for which they intended to fight over, signalling the cats to stop when it was apparent they were the first patrol to arrive.

Considering it was still technically part of StoneClan's territory, Cherrypool could surmise that it wouldn't be long before a patrol was sent this way. The sensible part of her was hoping it was a 3-cat patrol, so that they would readily recognize their disadvantage and flee before things got messy.

Oh but then there was the part of her that wished it was a patrol as large as theirs. That way she could, at last, prove her worth and unleash her dangerous talents all in one swift go. Claws sheathing and unsheathing, Cherrypool studied the terrain, silently memorizing it, before she called over to her brother (though the question could've been answered by anyone). Try not to kill anyone, Whiteshade. If you can.
"See anything out there?"

They had such sharp old eyes, the albino siblings. Even if Cherrypool had not caught sight or scent of StoneClan, if they were there, then Whiteshade most definitely would've.

---

Word Count: 461
Notes: None~

[Phoenix]

Alabaster limbs, long and thin, carried him with precise strides. No action of his was wasted, as if every particle of his being was directed toward furthering his approach of the StoneClan border. Not even his tail curled through the air behind him, weaving its intricate shapes as he easily spun webs around his companions. Startling against the white of both the landscape and his fur, hooded crimson eyes peered at his surroundings, taking note of anything remotely out of the ordinary as they stalked through LightningClan territory. His white fur practically leant itself to the task, making it impossibly simple to blend in with the snow banks while his paws carried him swiftly toward Sun Stones. Silence had settled over the patrol, broken only by the sound of paws crunching on the snow. A change in the steady pattern that he had grown accustomed to caught his attention, and it took only a moment for him to recognize the increased speed of a cat. As he had been toward the head of the patrol while his sister drifted toward the back, he found it safe to assume that the other white-furred, red-eyed demon of LightningClan had decided to take her rightful place as the patrol's leader. Unphased by her approach, he spared her a brief glance before turning back to survey the landscape.

Keen ears pivoted slightly as they drew closer to their destination, and red eyes narrowed in focus as he began to strengthen his self-control. In a situation as tense as the one that would ensue, chances were that insults would be traded. If he was lucky and the StoneClan cats were particularly dense, then claws might even slide from their sheathes. Though it was the ideal event, he also knew that it would be the ultimate test of his self-control. Rather unfortunately, in his opinion, it was frowned upon to kill others, even in battle. He could wound and maim, but he could not kill. It was such a shame, such a waste of a perfect opportunity.

As they approached the scene, he silently split from the group, moving away from the four other cats in the LightningClan patrol. Brilliant scarlet eyes studied the snowy landscape before him, watching for any sign of movement across the border. LightningClan had come, prepared to fight, but had StoneClan? Quite honestly, he hoped so. He hoped that the StoneClan patrol would be large enough to pose a challenge, perhaps so much so that he could make a killing look like an accident. If they were horribly outnumbered and desperate, surely Redstar and Fallingstar could excuse an unfortunate slip of the claw? Though he entertained thoughts of bloodied claws and wounded felines, he did not let himself be completely distracted by them. An ear flicked toward Cherrypool as he registered her voice calling out - to anyone, probably, though he decided that it would be directed toward himself - breaking the silence. Giving the StoneClan territory one last look, he returned to the main force of his patrol, moving to stand beside his sister.

Red eyes gazed into a nearly identical pair for a moment before flicking back toward the border. "No patrol has passed through here recently," He confirmed the suspicions that were no doubt brewing in his sister's almost equally intelligent mind. "Expect company momentairly. There was movement out there."

[Insidious]

Frozenrain //

Each sway of her limbs indicated an advancing movement, not even the most highly prickled thorn bushes able to present a difficult enough challenge that her elegant body was unable to overcome. Baby blue irises performed a shoulder-check, keen to assure the other StoneClan cats were nearby, safe, and overall, equally as wary as she was. The scent of LightningClan cats was fresh. Her small, black nose wrinkled upwardly in distaste, a wisp of air departing from her jaw in a futile attempt to be-rid of the horrid fragrance. “No sudden movements,” the single phrase was spoken in the quietest of tones, meant for the ears of her fellow StoneClan cats, and no other.

Frozenrain had willingly assembled herself nearest the front of the patrol; taking safety precautions that enforced her figure to be as close to the front as possible, therefore, she was first in line to receive any injuries from enemy cats, or simply dangers in general. She didn't doubt that the other felines of this patrol were just as capable as she was to handle their own weight in spar. However, she wasn't about to take any chances at risking the life of another clan member. It was in her nature to protect StoneClan to the best of her abilities. No matter the circumstances, her life would always be put at a value second place to the lives and well-being of her fellow StoneClan cats.

The gray-white furred tabby she-cat stifled any further movement on her part, the entirety of her lithe frame concealed by a large portion of thick, snow-coated brambles. Cautiously, she took another sniff, allowing her head to inch forwardly to allow her curious eyes a better view. Taking a moment of her time to glance over her shoulders, the she-cat lightly gestured the other StoneClan cats forwardly. She wasn't about to verbally express the fact she was accusing LightningClan cats of being near. Frozenrain had enough faith in those of StoneClan to believe they would be able to sense the unwelcome presences on their own.

[Deleted]

. : b u r n i n g l e a f : .

Burningleaf paced silently beside the patrol, golden eyes narrowed as he scanned the border. It didn't take long for the patrol of five to reach Sun Stones, and once there, the cats spread out like they owned the place.

Burningleaf, the oldest member of the patrol at fourty-seven moons, did not take the topmost stone, but instead moved forward, closer to StoneClan territory, tail flicking out behind him. He wasn't angry, he wasn't even desperate for bloodshed. The older tom merely felt the need to get out of camp for a while. So, when Redstar announced an attack over Sun Stones, Burningleaf, ever the loyal warrior, volunteered.

It didn't bother him that Redstar had chosen a younger warrior to lead the patrol. Sure, many warriors would take offense to being led by one younger than them, but Burningleaf didn't mind. He was only focused on doing what it took to protect his Clan, and he was perfectly fine following behind another. Besides, his only true reason for ambition had died with Flashbrook.

The ginger tabby and white tom glared at the bushes across from where he stood on the stones, waiting in silence. He heard the small bits of conversation exchanged between the twins, Cherrypool and Whiteshade, and at Whiteshade's last words, Burningleaf raked his eyes up and down the surrounding area, searching for any sign of movement. His eyes were the only things that moved, as the rest of his body tensed and stilled, ready for whatever may come.

[BlooRey DVD]

Nightpaw of LightningClan
~~~~~~~~

The black and white apprentice was seated calmly near the edge of the gathered patrol. His body was motionless as he sat, blue eyes focused on the area before them. He could hear the other cats talking, including his mentor, Whiteshade, but he wasn't paying much attention to the actual words that were exiting their mouths. If someone were to speak to him directly, then perhaps he would come out of his mental meditation. For now, the young tom ran through plans of attack. Whiteshade had taught him a few things up to this point, and today would be the first time he'd get the chance to actually use them in battle.

Blue eyes flicked to the white form of his mentor. He had to impress Whiteshade. Had to show him that he was worth the effort. Blue eyes hardened slightly as they narrowed. This was his chance. There would be no mercy from him. He might not be the largest cat on the planet, but he had strategy on his side. An ear flicked, pulling his attention back to where he'd been looking before. Any moment now, he predicted. Any moment now, and all the Dark Forest would break loose. A battle. His first battle.

[/size]

Fallenleaf of StoneClan
~~~~~~~~~~

The pale, cream and white warrioress padded along after the patrol, pale yellow eyes focused on Frozenrain. The other she-cat was much younger than Fallenleaf, and generally,the senior warrior was in the lead of a patrol, but the pale she-cat didn't mind. Her gaze flicked away, and she glanced over her shoulder slightly, gaze searching out Umberpaw. The apprentice's mentor wasn't on the patrol, and Fallenleaf wanted to make sure that he was doing alright. When their gazes met, she offered him a kind smile and a dip of her head, before the fifty one moon old warrioress turned her attention back ahead of her.

As Frozenrain beckoned them forward, Fallenleaf advanced, limbs stable and low in an experienced crouch. She'd caught the scent of LightningClan, noting that it was far closer than it usually was, and much more fresh. Her yellow eyes narrowed at this, and the long furred white and cream warrior turned her gaze towards Frozenrain for a brief moment. What in the name of StarClan was going on here...

[/size]

[Deleted]

Youthful gaze and twitching whiskers embodied the StoneClan she-cat as she padded by the rear end of the StoneClan patrol. The she-cat's gaze was not one of contemplation or of worry. Berrysong was simply watchful. The orange tabby was watching for any other StoneClan warrior who made even the smallest error in their movement. Anything the warrior could point out and make fun of, she would. The StoneClanner was so bored that she would be open to name calling over things so minor as stepping outside of the tight patrol formation that they held as they made their way to the LightningClan border. The warrior was not one to pay attention to her surroundings -- not that she really needed to. Berrysong had been on plenty of patrolling missions since her apprenticeship moons ago and they all had the same sequence of events. The cats would pad along to the border and Berrysong would get griped at for one unnecessary word because they needed to concentrate on catching intrusive cats. Not that there are any, or will be any, the orange tabby added silently to herself and her ears perked back. The tabby had heard stories of cats catching other clan cats in their territory but it was never something Berrysong had encountered head on. And after all, the warrior believed seeing to be believing.

'No sudden movements,' Frozenrain, one of the clear leaders of the group, cried out. Berrysong, for once, did as she was told. Her obedience was not because she felt that if she didn't, she would endanger her clan-mates. The she-cat assumed that nothing in particular was really wrong. The warrior just didn't want to get in trouble with her elders. I've had enough that recently, Berrysong silently thought to herself, remembering how she was reprimanded after her famously successful incident with the snow. The warrior, at her own thoughts, let out a small, airy laugh -- one audible but not particularly loud. The moment her jaws opened to laugh, the she-cat took in a very pungent odor.

Berrysong could hardly believe her own scenting abilities for a moment. In the air was the fresh, undeniable scent of LightningClan. Even the newest apprentice could determine such a fresh scent. But are they really here, or am I simply catching a whiff of their scent markers on their side of the border? Berrysong asked and cast her vibrant, beautiful orbs to Frozenrain. Her eyes held a questioning, anxious glow.

[Deleted]

U M B E R P A W

The apprentice tom followed the warrior she-cats easily. He hadn’t been on many patrols without his mentor prior to Hawkwing becoming a deputy, but now that his mentor was so busy, Umberpaw was meeting more and more of his clanmates. On the patrol right now, for instance, there was Frozenrain, and his brother Volepaw’s mentor Quietsky, and his sister Dustpaw’s mentor Fallingsky … and he couldn’t remember the other cat’s name. Actually, he wasn’t sure about his siblings’ mentors’ names either, but he really had no clue on the remaining she-cat. She was a red tabby, so… Firepelt? That didn’t sound right at all, but he had no clue what her real name was, and some cats got upset when he never remembered their name, so Firepelt she would remain.

As soon as Frostrain whispered “No sudden moves,” Umberpaw’s fur prickled. He hadn’t been expecting any trouble, so the apprentice scented the air. LightingClan! What were they doing out here? He knew that the Sun Stones were the border between LightningClan and StoneClan, but the odds that they were patrolling the same area at the same time? When Fallingsky made eye contact and nodded reassuringly, the apprentice blinked back gratefully before crouching down to better hide his scent. He was towards the back of the group, but inched closer to everyone as Frostrain crept forward herself and the other two she-cats looked at her. The young tom hated combat, and desperately hoped that the two patrols could just continue on their way peacefully or with only a few angry words.

[Deleted]

Silentcloud followed the patrol out of camp, Frozenrain was leading the band of Stoneclan cat’s to what appeared was turning out to be a battle scenario in a hurry. As the patrols leader told her followers to make no sudden movements Silentcloud could feel it in her bones, something was about to happen and she was very afraid this wasn’t going to be a very good day. She wasn’t afraid to fight however she would do anything she could to avoid it, but today it didn’t seem like there was an avoiding the inevitable. She took a moment to say a silent prayer thanking starclan that her apprentice wasn’t here with his brother, she was positive he wouldn’t be ready for this at all. In her opinion Volepaw was rather fragile, and even if he wasn’t seriously hurt she didn’t want him to get broken in some other way by sending him to battle before he was ready. After a moment she decided it would be best if she took care of the only apprentice in the patrol, so without a word she walked over to flank Umberpaw for a moment before she placed herself protectively infront of him.

[Fawn]

Even as Whiteshade spoke, and the others milled around with their eyes stretched wide and their claws ready to unsheathe at a moment's notice, Cherrypool sensed the arrival of StoneClan. The sudden tension they brought with them to this place of many battles and petty squabbles was almost palatable, and the lanky albino feline slunk forward with all the grace of a LightningClan cat fully prepared for war. Casting a fleeting glance at Whiteshade - if he had a desire to speak first, now was his opportunity - when red eyes met red eyes in silence, Cherrypool chose her moment to alert the StoneClan patrol that they had no intention of leaving.

"Come out come out wherever you are. I've always hated hide and seek."

Had her Clan expected her to be cordial? If that was the case, then they should've put a different cat in charge. Cherrypool was abrasive and short-tempered, cautious and with a frightening lack of remorse on the battlefield. They wouldn't have appointed the leader of this little party if they expected this to be settled with a brief conversation and an agreement reached. Vermillion orbs cutting through the snowy vegetation to spy the six or so felines approaching the area, the white she-cat lifted up her chin, squared her shoulders, and wore a bitter, cold smile upon her alabaster muzzle as though possessed by the spirit of winter itself.

"Get ready. A fight is unavoidable." She hissed to her own group, ears rotating to pick up the shuffle of paws or any murmurs of protest from her patrol, conscious of Burningleaf and Whiteshade in her peripherals. Sizing up the opponent, Cherrypool felt the electricity ripple and crackle beneath her pelt, every fiber of her being longing to launch herself into the midst of that patrol and sink her teeth into anything with a heartbeat. She knew Whiteshade would be getting the exact same feelings as she, though his bloodlust was considerably more...

Monstrous.

[Insidious]

Frozenrain detected the assembling of the other members of the StoneClan patrol nearby, not bothering to rotate her head over lithe shoulder blades and spare a glance at the felines out of risking to alert their presence by an accidental swish through a bush. Instead, she kept her pale blue eyes keenly fixated on the area sprawled within sight, an intent radiation of focus emitting from her irises as she scanned the opposed brush for any signs of movements.

"Come out come out wherever you are. I've always hated hide and seek."

This statement caused the fur along Frozenrain's spinal chord to prickle with irritation, her eyes almost unable to differ the positioning of the white LightningClan cat, at least, before she had taken recognition of the crimson pigmentation of her irises.
Momentarily, Frozenrain found herself in a state of shock, a mixture of freaked out and intrigued by the unusual sight before her. How utterly unusual. However, she was quick to return to the present and re-introduce herself to the pending battle. Gesturing the forwardly motion of the fellow StoneClan cats, Frozenrain glided out from the brush with quick-paced, graceful strides.

She abruptly halted, the distance between herself and the unidentified LightningClan cat being a few mere fox-lengths. Fixating an aggravated gaze upon the ominous she-cat, she at last parted her white jaws. “No games are being played, I assure you.” Referencing her statement regarding 'hide and seek' with a displeased tone, the gray-white tabby allowed her pale blue eyes to wander passed Cherrypool's vividly red stare and into the assembled brambles behind her.
“I'd assume you knew better than to come alone?” She had raised her tone of voice to only a slightly higher volume, meaning for her words to be detected by any LightningClan cats lurking in the shadows.

If she wasn't fond of games of 'hide and seek', surely, she would frown upon its usage by those of her own clan; much like Frozenrain currently was.

[Deleted]

. : b u r n i n g l e a f : .

Burningleaf's eyes narrowed as the LightningClan patrol waited. A StoneClan patrol was near, that much could be sensed by the eerie silence hanging over them. "Come out come out wherever you are. I've always hated hide and seek." Burningleaf flicked his tail before adding his own voice to the air.

"Show yourselves, cowards. Don't make us come find you." While not particularly hungry for battle, the tension in the air made his fur prickle in anticipation. The senior warrior had been idle for far too long, and this was a perfect opportunity to see action.

"Get ready. A fight is unavoidable." Burningleaf nodded once, eyes raking up and down the border. He looked over their own patrol, confident that no cat there would back down. His golden eyes were pulled back to the border as the StoneClan patrol finally emerged.

"No games are being played, I assure you." Burningleaf's tail lashed as he sized up the patrol. He fixed the grey and white leader with a cold gaze as she continued to speak. "I'd assume you knew better than to come alone?" Burningleaf flicked his ears back, his eyes, for once, devoid of emotion.

It wasn't that he had finally learned to hide his emotions, it was just that he felt nothing. There was no anger, no hatred, no excitement. He was just here, preparing to follow his Clan into battle for a small piece of land. That's all there was to it. "Seems like you aren't alone, either." Burningleaf fell silent, his words as cold as the air around him. His claws scraped against the rock beneath his paws as his tail lashed out behind him. The tension in the air was almost palpable, but his fur laid flat and he remained a stone cold vision of calm, just waiting.

[Phoenix]

Within moments of him mentioning StoneClan's presense, Cherrypool seemed to have sensed it on her own, for she moved closer to the border, slinking forward with the grace befitting of any LightningClan cat. As he shadowed her movements, limbs moving with an equal elegance, he allowed a small grin to briefly ghost across the corner of his lips, even as his eyes narrowed slightly. The familiar voice of his sister split the tense, expectant silence, closely followed by a more blatant challenge from another senior warrior in their patrol, Burningleaf. He did not deign to glance around at the other tom, instead choosing to keep his eyes on the scene before him. Chin raised, he stood tall, calm and collected, behind his sister's left shoulder, his features composed in an expression of polite disinterest that was becoming harder to maintain with the passing minute. From his vantage point, it was more likely that he could see without being seen, for only his brilliant red eyes stood out against the white backdrop that was a mixture of fur and snow. It was just as well, for he did not want StoneClan to realize so soon just how outmatched they were. Afterall, fun was only just beginning.

Cherrypool's hissed warning was rather unnecessary, though perhaps he had been the only cat in the patrol who was actively searching for a fight. In his mind, simply conversing with the StoneClan patrol that was bound to show - and he was not disappointed in that area - had never been an option. By the looks of things, claws would, unfortunately, not immediately be unsheathed. The presumed leader of the StoneClan patrol stepped forward, extracting herself from the brush to stand before them. Words were traded, and he noted the she-cat's eyes raking across their side of the border, scouring for any hidden cats. The tom's tail curled lightly through the air, gesturing to the other cats in the patrol. They could choose to show themselves or they could choose to remain hidden; it did not matter to him - honor was nothing but words - and there would be a battle regardless of their decision on this choice. Perhaps the full force of LightningClan's patrol would intimidate StoneClan, and while that meant an easier victory, he was not quite sure that he wanted that to happen. A challenge was so much more enjoyable.

As for himself? His form ghosted across the foxlength, at most, that had separated him and his sister, and the other crimson-eyed demon of LightningClan joined his sister at the head of the patrol. Keeping his face blank, he suppressed the excitement, far stronger than normal adrenaline, that rushed through his veins, straining at his control. Red eyes sized up the StoneClan she-cat, and he acknowledged lazily that she might make a decent opponent. Hooked claws threatened to unsheathe themselves, and he could barely keep himself standing indifferently on his paws instead of leaning forward in his eagerness. He had no desire to speak and consequently lengthen the conversation that was already far too long. He was not there to talk, after all.

[Deleted]

The bright green eyes of the she-cat were fearful and her fur was pricked forward as she listened to the blood-eyed LightningClanner address one of her clanmates. Though in the past Berrysong had challenged the usefulness of patrols since nothing usually happened in them and had complained about them, Berrysong now regretted her feelings. It was like she had been challenging StarClan and now, the result was here. Despite the tense situation between the StoneClan and LightningClan cats, the young gaze of the she-cat soon became bored between the confrontation between the warriors and examined the LightningClanner before her. The she-cat addressing them had short, alabaster fur and a rail-thin appearance. Though what the warrior appeared most interested in was Cherrypool's blood red eyes. She became lost in them, her green gaze searching. The confrontation fell upon deaf ears for the warrior -- until one particularly rash and similar pelted warriors spoke up. 'Seems like you aren't alone, either,' Burningleaf spoke up and the StoneClan warrior gave a self confident grin as she felt addressed. "Of course not, foxbrain," Berrysong meowed, striding up beside Frozenrain and twirling her tail. What the LightningClann dumb or something? Patrols always cam in groups.

Her green eyes widened as she watched an ivory tom stride forward to stand beside the other white cat. Both wore the same ruby gaze, though she got a significantly creepier vibe from the tom. If the she-cat wore different eyes, she wouldn't fear her. The white tom was creepy any way he came.

Still, Berrysong's nature was as it was, and in her foolish youth, she made a comment. "Hey red-eyes. Are your eyes like that because you're a cannibal?" Berrysong asked, grinning and enjoying the game. For a moment Berrysong had realized the tense nature of the situation. But such truth had escaped her mind so soon. Life itself for the orange tabby was but a game.

Her tail tip twitched for a moment before adding slyly. "I bet you'll give the cats of the Dark Forest a start when you arrive," Berrysong meowed, amused with herself.

[BlooRey DVD]

Nightpaw of LightningClan
~~~~~~~~

The young black and white tom remained where he was, pupils dilating slightly as his heart rate picked up. There it was again, that sort of excitement. It came over him from time to time, usually when faced with the idea of sparing, battles or hunting. He forced himself to stay where he was, not drawing any attention to himself. Instead, he used this time to examine the members of the opposing patrol. He noticed a she-cat up front, with different colored fur, a mix of grays and whites. Her eyes were blue, like his. She didn't seem particularly old, yet she appeared to be the leader. That didn't mean much. Cherrypool appeared to be the leader of their group, and he was fairly certain that she was not the oldest cat with them. Another cat stepped forward suddenly, mouthing off. His claws flexed as his pupils contracted and then redilated continuously as his mind got carried away slightly. Continuing, he noticed another, older she-cat, with light fur. The first thought that flicked through his mind was that the crimson color of blood would show up wonderfully against her light pelt. The next cat his gaze landed on was considerably smaller, an apprentice much like himself. Him. That's who Nightpaw would attack. A grin flicked across his features, but was gone in an instant. All he had to do now... Was wait for the battle to start...

Fallenleaf of StoneClan
~~~~~~

The older StoneClan warrior's eyes widened slightly as Berrysong moved forward, mouthing off to the LightningClan patrol. She shifted uneasily, murmuring a warning to her. "Berrysong..." Fallenleaf moved herself closer to Umberpaw, turning her pale yellow gaze on him for a brief moment before refocusing on the opposing patrol. This could end bad. This was the feeling the StoneClan senior warrior was getting. And she didn't like it.

[Deleted]

U M B E R P A W

While he wasn't too familiar with his brother's mentor, the entire scenario was starting to make him nervous, and so when Quietsky flanked him, Umberpaw touched his tailtip to her gratefully. When a white LightningClan cat with blood-red eyes stepped out, the apprentice felt a chill run through his fur. It looked like a ghost, except it had a smell and a voice, so it was a real cat... but how? The ghost-cat might have 'hated hide-and-seek', but there was no way Umberpaw was going to reveal himself to her.

Unfortunately, the rest of the patrol, lead by Frostrain, seemed to think this was the way to go, and so the apprentice had no choice but to follow. However, he made sure to stay to the back of the group, hopefully able to go undetected by the ghost-cat. Another LightningClan cat stepped out, this one a perfectly normal orange and white tom, but any relief the black-and-white tom might have felt was offset by the knowledge there was more than one on the other clan's patrol. Usually, of course, there were more than one cat on border patrol, but he could always hope.

When another ghost-cat appeared for LightningClan, Umberpaw's blood ran cold. This one didn't even talk, and seemed far creepier than the first ghost-cat. His sister might have been called Ghostflower, but she had nothing on these two cats. Not-Firepelt just had to taunt him, and the apprentice crouched low to the ground, hoping neither of the ghost-cats would take notice of him. He didn't notice the other clan's apprentice, although his curled ears were focused intensely on the patrol. When Fallencloud inched closer to him, a fluffy tail lightly tapped her in appreciation. Umberpaw hated fighting, and he didn't want to fight, but it was quickly looking like there would soon be no choice in the matter.