It's beautiful, isn't it young pup? Wolves of different kind, covered in stars. Covered in stars just like the night sky. It makes Moon Pack sparkle. Moon Pack is where all that have passed can live in peace with the ancestors of the packs. They can run through a never-ending forest. But somewhere in this forest, two wolves wander. One was young. Her fur was brown like the pine trees. And the other was small and old. He had gray fur with streaks of blue. The young wolf barked joyfully as she darted towards her brother. He was pure white. And his markings and eyes were as red as Cardinal feathers. "Silentbark, wake up," barked the young wolf as she nudged her brother. "Leave him alone Pinefur," said the old wolf. "You worry too much, Tinycreek," Pinefur laughed, "If anything, he'll just pull my tail." Silentbark perked up his ears then sighed deeply. "What?" Pinefur took a deep breath then shouted, "You have been chosen!" "You're too loud, Pinefur," Tinycreek complained, "All of Moon Pack could hear you!" "I'm not," Pinefur growled. Silentbark stood. His ears tilted in confusion. "Chosen for what," Silentbark asked silently. Pinefur leaped over him with excitement. "You have been chosen to narrate," she barked excitedly, "You will be going on a long trip outside of Moon--" Silentbark raised his voice and barked, "Outside of Moon Pack?" Tinycreek stood back with fear. No one messes with Silentbark when he raises his voice. Silentbark then sighed deeply. "You won't let me get away from this will you?" Pinefur shook her head, giving her answer. Silentbark growled. Of all the things his sister had done to annoy him, this was the worst. Then Pinefur said, "Don't just growl at me. Growl at Robinfur too. It was practically her idea." Silentbark glared at Pinefur. "Oh? Well if that's true, she's next." Silentbark walked to the crystal lake, and looked back at his sister. "Don't worry, Silentbark" said Robinfur, "the pack won't even see you!" "Brilliant," Silentbark grumbled as he stepped in. The pack hadn't changed much. Beeflower's pups had grown a few moons since the last time he had been in Leaf Pack. Silentbark paused. The afternoon breeze, soon turning into an unforgivable storm. The wind screamed, and so did his sister. She screamed for him to come back to camp. But he couldn't heather of the wind wailing. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the tree behind Silentbark, and it fell...on him. No time to be thinking on my death now, thought Silentbark, Opalclaw! And...Sandclaw? Silentbark growled as he watched Sandclaw rest his head on Opalclaw's. She was his mate. He won the fight over her. Silentbark stood silent, then smirked. "Looks like someone needs a fur wash." Silentbark looked up and barked, "It's so dry down here!" Silentbark snickered as as the rain began pouring. Alright, back on track now.  There was Redtail by the prey pile. He has grown up well. Silentbark tilted his ears as he stared at the long line by the Medical cave. What was worse, was that most of them were coughing and wheezing. The sight was horrible! Thirsting Sickness had filled the den to its limit and made it busier than usual. Silentbark sat and bowed his respects. One pup sat by their sister who was almost dying. The young wolf opened her eyes, staring at Silentbark, and she whimpered loudly, "I can see...THE LIGHT!"  "DON'T LOOK AT IT, MOONPAW," barked the little pup. Lilywillow rolled their eyes at the drama. I'm done, thought Silentbark, I want to go home. Silentbark yelped as Moonpaw's spirit left her body. But the ancestors had other plans. "Get back in there," growled Lakestar. Founder of Lake Pack. What an honor. An old wolf began wheezing and Lilywillow darted to his direction. If any wolf is to die tonight, there will not be a completely joyful ceremony.

My name, as you may have figured, is Silentbark. And I am going to guide you through this depressing story. It was a stormy night--(SILENTBARK) What Pinefur? (Brighten your mood) No I will not brighten my mood, it's too depressing. (But-)WHY SHOULD I SOUND HAPPY IN THE MIDDLE OF A GREAT DEPRESSION? (Oh.) Yeah. I got this. (I thought you hated this.) I DO HATE--No wait, I don't hate this. I DESPISE IT! Go Pinefur! Ahem...it was a stormy night...because I wanted revenge. (SILENTBARK) WHAT? (FOCUS) OKAY! OKAY!

And it was another night for Fernpaw and her mentor Lilywillow to treat the many wolves with Thirsting Sickness. You see, Fernpaw is a medic in training. It's so great to see her doing so well. I saw Fernpaw perk her ears. Snakepup was coughing. Poor pup, Fernpaw thought, he’s been sick for ages! Fernpaw grabbed a few Basil leaves and gave them to Snakepup to ease his coughing fit. Suddenly Snakepup let out a howl of pain and fell still. I walked closer to the poor pup. It's so horrible when the Thirsting Sickness takes away the lives of pups. Fernpaw realized that the pup had died. This was the second pup that had passed. Fernpaw padded over to Opalclaw, the mother of Snakepup, Icepup, and Marshpup. Marshpup died--wait how did you get here? Go back to Moon Pack! Marshpup died at only two moons. And now Icepup is alone. "Opalclaw," Fernpaw stammered, "Snakepup has died of the sickness." Opalclaw stared in grief at our last and now only pup, Icepup. What? I'm her father I have my rights! (You're dead though...) I DON'T CARE TINYCREEK! (Aren't you supposed to be doing something?) Yes. Go. I watch as she played with Beeflower's pups Owlpup and Viperpup who were a few moons older than her. Fernpaw, also filled with grief, went back into the medical cave, and picked up Snakepup's limp body to bring it out into the middle of the camp for vigil, then checking in on her siblings Cedarpaw and Deerpaw. They were still recovering from a battle with Fire Pack. Bearpaw grumbled as Crow entered the Elder's cave. Bearpaw loved going in there because it was quiet. And he loved listening to Thornfur's stories of when he was a warrior and how he fought bravely. "Go away," Bearpaw grumbled. "Oh well," said Crow, "I guess I won't tell you that you passed your assessment!" All wolves looked up to high stone. Beeflower was either looking upon her pack, or she was--

HOWL

Going to call a pack meeting. Why does everyone keep interrupting me? "I have good news and sad news! The good news is that we have apprentices finally receiving their name! And the sad news is...our beloved Snakepup has died of the sickness. But we should still be grateful. For he has now joined the ancestors in Moon Pack!" All the wolves raised their howls to the sky above, giving off their 'farewells' to Snakepup. "And now," said Beeflower, "I call these apprentices to come before me so they can receive their name. Fernpaw! Deerpaw! Cedarpaw! And Bearpaw!" The four apprentices stepped up slowly to high stone and sat. Receiving a name is the most exciting. "Bearpaw," Beeflower began, "You will now be known to the pack as Bearclaw! Deerpaw, you will now be known to the pack as Deerhunter! Cedarpaw, you will now be known to the pack as--" Why did she pause? Beeflower's eyes were lifeless, and she tumbled off the rock. I leaped onto high stone. It was a rogue wolf. He had killed her. "FROM NOW ON, I RULE YOUR PUNY PACK," he spat, "Now that I am in charge, there will be changes. First off, any heirs of the former alpha will DIE!" All remained silent. Then he said, "Medics, see me in my cave. Now." Fernpaw gulped and followed Lilywillow into the alpha's cave. "I need to know the heirs of the former alpha," Hawk said calmly, "I know she had pups." Don't tell him Lilywillow! "Why would we tell you," Lilywillow growled. Hawk barked and pinned Lilywillow to the ground. "FERNPAW! GET AWAY!" As Fernpaw ran she found Cedarpaw's limp body lying on the ground and she stopped to look at her brother one last time. Cedarpaw was rebellious. And never went down without a fight. Now was not the time for him to be a rebel. "Cedarpaw..." Fernpaw's ears pecked as she heard loud barking and yelping. Fernpaw ran to the medical cave in tears as she was very upset. Tonight had gone horribly wrong, and all Fernpaw could think of doing is laying down in her moss bed and wait until all of this was over...Cedarpaw? Cedarpaw nodded a greeting towards me, and I nodded back. "Fernpaw," said Cedarpaw quietly. Fernpaw looked up. There was Cedarpaw. "Moon Pack names you Fernspice. Be strong, my sister. And help your pack endure this." Fernpaw gasped as Cedarpaw disappeared into the air. Fernpaw woke up early the next morning before the others woke. I can do this, she thought, Lilywillow has taught you many times. Bowl. Moss. A few drops of dew. And mix. Fernpaw dipped her paw in the paint, then broke out into tears. She couldn't do this without Lilywillow. But she must go on. Lilywillow was gone. And she would have to do everything without her from now on. "Fernpaw," Fernspice stammered, "from this...from this day forward, I shall be known to the pack as..." Fernpaw paused to gulp before saying the rest of her sentence. "Fernspice. And you are now welcomed as a full member of the pack." Fernspice lowered her head. Her heart, burning with sadness. Her eyes, filled with tears, stung. Fernspice was a mess. Icepup, being awake earlier than usual, walked in holding a bundle of berries in her mouth. Noting that Fernspice was sad, Icepup sat next to Fernspice, and put down her berries. "I have some berries if that will make you feel better," she yipped. "Thank you, Icepup," said Fernspice, "But I'm not hungry." Icepup herself, then lowered her head. "At least Snakepup will be able to meet the great ancestors, right," she asked. Fernspice looked at Icepup and gave a small smile. "Yes. he will." Yes, definitely. He's leaping back and forth right here in front of me when HE SHOULD BE IN MOON PACK! (But I want to stay) No, Snakepup, you can't stay. (Why?) You-you were not chosen to go on a 'mission'. Now go. (Moon Pack?) Yes. To Moon Pack. (I'm going to Fire Pack!) THE FIRE PACK IS NOT--  

[Ten minutes of arguing with Snakepup later...]

(I don't like today!)

I don't like today either! Now go!

(FINE!)

Fine!

(I'm leaving you!)

Good!

Many moons later...

Icepup has now become Iceheart. She has glossy periwinkle fur and a good heart. Today she has become a proud, starving, but proud queen of two pups. Owlpup has now become Owleyes. He was Iceheart's mate. He had grown to be the wisest wolf, and had the sharpest sight. Viperpup has now become Viperfang. She has the speed of a viper. And her teeth were like that of a viper as well. Must be some very sharp teeth.

Fernspice was in the medical cave tending to Hawk's wounds regretfully. "You are a good and loyal medic, Fernspice. And beautiful too. My friend Tiger would love you. I should get you two to meet." Oh dear. Why be loyal to you Hawk? You killed our alpha, thought Fernspice, Is he really going to make me meet Tiger? Fernspice looked outside her cave to see the starving queen Iceheart, with her skinny pups Strongpup and Orchidpup. Hawked howled a meeting and all wolves walked over, including Hawk's 'High Wolves' who followed him every word, every heartbeat. Fernspice slowly walked over and sat at the edge of high stone, only to buck up when she saw Tiger staring at her. Oh no! What am I going to do, Fernspice thought, How am I supposed to get out of this? Hawk looked back. Fernspice was crouched nearly into the bushes, and he barked for her to come back up. "Today is the day that Strongpup and Orchidpup become apprentices." A number of gasps rose up from the crowd. Fernspice was shocked. This is madness! Iceheart's pups are barely weaned. Even one of the High Wolves winced at the announcement. "NO," Iceheart snarled, "I WON'T ALLOW IT!" Hawk motioned for two wolves to go after Iceheart. "Orchidpup, with your skills, Tiger will mentor you." Hawk motioned for Tiger, a loyal follower to come up. "And Strongpup, I will mentor you." And with that, he jumped down to signal that the meeting was over. Then he and Tiger took them out for battle training straight away. Fernspice began to walk back to her den, but before she could, she heard Tiger say, "I'll see you tonight." Orchidpup and Strongpup came back from training that night with wounds all over. Fernspice led them to her den for treatment. Tiger walked in, dropping his prey down as he entered. "I feel very sick Fernspice." "Save it."

"I thought a medic was supposed to take care of all wolves..." Tiger began rubbing against Fernspice, and licking her on the cheek. Tiger lifted Fernspice's chin. Then licked her nose. "Hawk is right. You really are beautiful, Fernspice." "I hope you don't mind Tiger, I have work to do. Thanks to you," Fernspice growled. Orchidpaw twitched her ear in curiosity. "Could you not do this to me infront of the pups?" "They're no longer pups Fernspice."

Later, Iceheart got up and stretched. She thought she should check on her pups and see how they were doing. However, she had to be quick. If she was caught, the consequences could be many. But when she reached the apprentice cave, Strongpup was missing. Iceheart dashed to Hawk's cave and barked. "WHERE'S MY PUP?" Hawk jerked up and looked at Iceheart for a moment before he finally said, "My dear Iceheart, you must have had a dream. And even if she is gone, it's not my concern." "Because you killed her," Iceheart growled. Hawk barked loudly for his wolves to come and take her to the elder's cave. Iceheart dropped to the ground, crying hopelessly, as Thornfur held her within his paws. Fernspice managed to sneak an extra hare into the elder's cave for Iceheart. Hawk came back to the elder's cave and glared at Iceheart. "Do not accuse me again. Otherwise I will, and I mean I will kill Strongpaw." He then leaped onto high stone, and howled for a pack meeting. "From here on out, no one is allowed to leave camp without the my permission." Murmuring rose among the pack. How ever will Fernspice get her herbs now?

[Meanwhile in Fire Pack...]

Oh, so you remember me I see. Yes. I am Robinfur. What am I doing here you ask? Good question. I was born to this pack. They loved me. But the alpha, also my mother, hated me for being silly....Yup. It looks like, Eclipse is calling a meeting. "A spy tells me that Leaf Pack is defenseless, and no one can leave camp" she barked loudly, "so I say 'we attack now'!" Howling and barking rose from the crowd. Rain started to drop from the sky, and all fell silent. Eclipse leaped from the high stone and howled a call for her fighters. Eclipse and the fighters ran as hard and as fast as they could. The rain itself started to fall faster, and harder. But that didn't stop them. Except for a pup by their border. Many stared in awe as the pup tried to practice attack moves. "Hey, mother, look at that pup's spirit," Lilith laughed. Suddenly all the others began to laugh. "I believe our Pack ancestors have sent a sign," Eclipse shouted above the rain, "We must not attack tonight. But we will take this pup to our camp. Moon will raise her. And to this pack from this day forward, she will be known...as Robinpup!"

How dare she.