Chapter Text
Three sunrises passed since Yellowfang first entered the camp. Firepaw, as he often did, woke up early and sat in front of the apprentice’s den. He watched as the sun rose, as the Clan sleepily woke up, getting to work.
He waited until the sun was high enough. He stood and prodded Greypaw awake. “C’mon, Greypaw. You’ve got to get to training soon.”
Greypaw lifted his head, grumbling sleepily. He blinked affectionately at Firepaw, getting to his feet.
Firepaw moved to nudge Ravenpaw awake. “Ravenpaw, it’s time for training.”
It was Ravenpaw’s third day training under Bluestar. The black cat seemed more relaxed, less jumpy, though he still seemed on edge.
“It’s too good to be true!” Is what Ravenpaw had whispered to him last night. “A cruel joke. Why would Bluestar ever take on a weakling like me? It’s shameful- it’s gotta a joke.” He had rambled, to which Firepaw comforted.
He glanced over at Dustpaw and Sandpaw, wondering if he should wake them as well. He decided not to. His heart ached at being so distant with Sandstorm, but space was needed for the two of them to grow close again. Besides, Dustpaw started to stir, and he could be trusted to wake Sandpaw if she didn’t wake up in time.
Firepaw pushes his way through the ferns, blinking tiredly. The morning was warm, promising another sunny day. He embraced the warmth, knowing very well that leafbear was drawing closer.
He let his eyes wonder over to Yellowfang’s sleeping form.
Greypaw pushed his way out of the den, Ravenpaw following closely behind. They sat down next to Firepaw. Dustpaw and Sandpaw stalked out last. They didn’t sit with the other three, but they did stop to taunt Firepaw.
“Another day looking after that old fleabag, eh, Firepaw?” Dustpaw mewed cruelly. “I bet you wish you were out training with us!”
Firepaw ignored him, licking at his chest to smooth his dust-covered fur.
“Don’t worry,” Greypaw meowed. “Bluestar will have you back in training before long.”
“What’s Whitestorm teaching young today, Sandpaw?” Firepaw asked, ignoring everyone surprised glances.
“Oh.” Sandpaw blinked. “Hah! Whitestorm’s teaching me to fight like a real warrior. We’re doing battle-training.” She replied smugly.
Firepaw half-wished Bluestar wouldn’t make him continue training. He didn’t mind tending to others in the camp, despite growing restless. He wanted to explore and resume his training, yes! But he was also fearful of starting to train under Tigerclaw.
“Lionheart’s taking me to the Great Sycamore to practice my climbing. I’d best be going.” Greypaw announces, getting back to his feet.
“I’ll come with you to the top of the ravine,” Firepaw got up as well. “I have to catch breakfast for Yellowfang. You coming, Ravenpaw? I’m sure Bluestar has something fun planned for you!”
The black cat nodded, following the other two. Unlike last time, he didn’t seem as reluctant to do training. If Firepaw remembered right, Ravenpaw was always less than enthusiastic at the thought of it’! It was good that he didn’t hate it now, Firepaw mused. He really hoped Ravenpaw would stick around this time, that he wouldn’t be forced to leave!
———
“Here.” Firepaw meowed, dropping a large and a small bird in front of Yellowfang.
“About time.” Yellowfang sniped.
She’d still been sleeping when Firepaw entered camp after his quick hunting trip. The smell of fresh-kill must’ve woken her, drawing her into her current sitting position. She hungrily gulped down Firepaw’s offering. Her appetite grew as she got her strength back, as her wounds healed. Her temper was fierce and unpredictable as ever.
“Ugh.” She licked her lips as she finished.
“What’s wrong?” Firepaw asked, flicking his ears.
“The back of my tail itches like crazy. Give it a wash, will you?”
Firepaw nodded, setting to work. As he cracked to plump fleas between his teeth, his ears raised as he listened to a group of nearby kits mauling and play fighting with each other.
“Feel my teeth, Brokenstar!” One of the kits mewed.
Firepaw’s heart broke as he felt Yellowfang stiffen. Once, maybe, he would’ve been confused. Now he just felt heart break and sympathy. Yellowfang and Brokenstar’s history was an ugly one.
The kits continued to play-fight, until one was thrown back by the other, and came tumbled towards them. The kit almost slammed straight into Yellowfang, but Firepaw moves quickly. He caught the kit and set him down.
The kit stared up at him with wonder.
Firepaw blinked warmly. “You must be getting restless, right?” He asked.
The kitten nodded sheepishly.
“Don’t worry. I’m not angry. Just be more careful next time, okay? I hear Yellowfang’s got a mean bite.” He whispered jokingly.
The kit giggled and went racing back to the other kit and the tabby queen that was watching them.
He made eye contact with the queen, Speckletail, and nodded.
She stared back warmly, thankfulness in her gaze.
With that dealt with, he went back to cracking fleas. “Try to understand. The kits are getting restless being confined to camp. I get the feeling you don’t like kits, but please don’t get the queens angry. You know how queens can be with their kits.” He paused, realizing what he’d said. He hoped she wouldn’t question him.
“No. I don’t. I don’t have kits.” She snapped defensively. “I’m a medicine cat, remember?”
“Yes, I know. Though surely you must’ve cared for kits or queens before during your time as medicine cat.”
“Of course! But-” She huffed, aggravated. “Never mind. Just keep those kits away from me!” She lowered her voice, almost wistful. “Accidents seem to happen to kits when they’re around me.” Her orange eyes clouded with emotion. She laid her head on her front paws and sighed loudly.
Firepaw so badly wanted to comfort her. But he couldn’t. She didn’t know that he knew, and he’d keep it that way. He went back to grooming, and stood when he was done. “There are some I couldn’t pull out. Would you like me to snatch some mouse bile from Spottedleaf? It should get the ugly things to loosen their grip.” He added, tail swishing calmly.
“How’d you learn that little trick?” Yellowfang narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re a warrior apprentice, not a medicine cat apprentice!”
Yes. But he’d listened to Cinderpelt’s stressed ramblings so many times. He had picked up on a few things, and he remembered them well.
When Firepaw didn’t answer, Yellowfang groaned inwardly. “Yes, fine, go fetch some.”
Firepaw got up and moved. He ignored the ThunderClan warriors as they worked on making the camp more secured. It was all for nothing, he knew. They’d be forced to move to the lake territories soon enough- but not yet. Not for a long while. He stopped by Spottedleaf’s den. “Spottedleaf, may I have some mouse bile for Yellowfang’s ticks?”
“Yes, of course.” The she-cat stood from where she was organizing a bunch of herbs.
“Busy?” Firepaw asked, already knowing the answer.
She glanced at him, eyes bright. “I want to be prepared for any casualties.” She says softly. She bounded deeper into the den and returned rather quickly. “This moss is soaked in mouse bile. Don’t get any in your mouth, or you’ll have a foul taste for days! Press it into the ticks and then wash your paws- in a stream, not with your paws!”
Firepaw nodded and skipped back over to Yellowfang. He pressed the mouse bile onto her ticks, cleared her dirt, then left her to rest. He made for the camp exit to search for a stream, but was stopped by Halftail.
“Where are you off to?” The old cat asked curiously. “You should be helping with the preparations.”
“I’ve just put mouse bile on Yellowfang’s ticks. I’m going to wash my paws in the stream.” He paused, thinking. “I can bring back fresh-kill.” He added.
Halftail purred in agreement. “Yes, please do. We need all we can get.”
“Of course, Halftail. Thank you.” He bowed to the elder before taking off. He made his way up to the ravine, nearby where he’d met Yellowfang. He jumped into the stream, and gasped as the cold water soaked his haunched and dampened his belly fur. Familiar scents pricked his nose. Turning his head, he stared back at Greypaw and Ravenpaw.
“What’re you doing?” Ravenpaw asked.
At the same time, Greypaw snickered. “Firepaw’s gone mad! Yellowfang’s finally driven you up the tree!”
“Oh, hush,” Firepaw purred back. “I’m washing my paws. Mouse bile.” At their weirded-out states, he shook his head. “Don’t ask. What’re you two doing anyways? Where are Lionheart and Bluestar?”
“They’ve gone to join the next patrol.” Ravenpaw explained.
“Mhm! And they ordered us to spend the rest of the day hunting.” Greypaw finished.
“Halftail told me to do the same thing!” Firepaw murmured, flinching as a cold current brushed past him. “Wanna hunt together?”
“Of course!”
He gave himself a quick shake and jumped out of the stream, running after his friends.
———
Firepaw was welcomed back with high tails and friendly nuzzles. The Clan was extremely happy and impressed with how much prey the three apprentices had managed to catch. It took them four journeys to bring all the prey back to camp.
Lionheart and Tigerclaw had just returned from their patrol, watching the three apprentices with approval.
“Well done, you three.” Lionheart purred. “I hear you’ve been very busy. You might as well take what’s left to your den. You deserve a feast!”
“Firepaw,” Tigerclaw growled. “You best not be neglecting Yellowfang with all this hunting.”
“I haven’t been, don’t worry.” Firepaw reassured. He hurriedly raced after Ravenpaw and Greypaw.
When they arrived back in the apprentice’s den, it was empty.
“Where are Sandpaw and Dustpaw?” Ravenpaw questioned.
“Must still be on patrol.” Firepaw guessed.
“Good.” Greypaw snickered. “Peace and quiet.”
They laid back to wash each other after they’d finished eating.
“Hey! Guess what!” Greypaw interrupted the peaceful silence. “Ravenpaw managed to squeeze a compliment out of grumpy old Tigerclaw today!” At Firepaw’s quizzical glance, Greypaw explained. “Bluestar was busy today with camp preparations. She had Tigerclaw join us to make sure Ravenpaw was taught properly.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, what happened?” Firepaw purred curiously. “What’d you do to manage that, Ravenpaw? Fly?” He joked.
“Well-” Ravenpaw laughed shyly. “I caught a crow.”
“How’d you manage that?!” Firepaw mewed, impressed. He often forgot how good of a hunter Ravenpaw was. First with the crow, and later on an added! It was impressive. (Firepaw really hoped he’d stay this time.)
“It was an old one.” The black cat told him modestly.
“Still! It was huge.” Greypaw nuzzled a Ravenpaw affectionately. “Even Tigerclaw couldn’t complain about it! He’s been in such a bad mood since Redtail died.”
Both Ravenpaw and Firepaw flinched.
Before the conversation could continue, they were cut off by Yellowfang’s annoyed yowl.
Firepaw got to his feet. “I’ll be right back!” He promised, sprinting across the clearing.
He dropped prey in front of Yellowfang.
She ignored him entirely and only started eating when he’d gone.
He settled back down with Ravenpaw and Greypaw. He nuzzled them both sleepily. The three settled down in their nest, cuddled up to each other.
———
Again, Firepaw woke up first. Woken up by the sounds of rain fall, he watched the rain splash the dirt below. He got up to check on Yellowfang.
She was just stirring when he arrived. “Ick. My bones ache. Has it been raining all morning?”
“Since after moon high.” He told her.
She squinted at him. “You don’t sleep well, do you? You look exhausted.”
“I’m fine.” He said hastily. He poked at her bedding. The moss was soaking wet. “I’ll get you fresh, dry moss. I usually would suggest you move closer to the nursery, but I doubt you’d like that.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Firepaw.” She said quietly, settling back down.
He went to fetch the moss, and almost smacked into Speckletail on the way. “Oh! Sorry, Speckletail. Are you on your way to see Yellowfang?” Firepaw questioned.
“What would I ever want with that unnatural creature?” Speckletail replied crossly. “No. It was you I was looking for. Bluestar wants to see you.”
Firepaw bowed and went racing to Bluestar’s den.
Inside the den, Bluestar was grooming herself. She paused when Firepaw entered. “How is Yellowfang today?” She asked.
“Her bedding is soaking wet. I was going to fetch her more.” Firepaw answered.
“I’ll have one of the queens see to that,” She flicked her ear dismissively. “Is she well enough to hunt for herself yet?”
“No, I don’t think so. But she can walk now!”
“I see.” Meowed Bluestar. “It’s time for you to return to your training, Firepaw. You’ll need to work hard to make up for the time you’ve lost.”
“Of course. Thank you, Bluestar.”
“You will go out with Tigerclaw, Greypaw, and Ravenpaw today.” Bluestar continued. “I’ve asked Tigerclaw to assess the warrior skills of all our apprentices. Don’t worry about Yellowfang, I’ll make sure someone tends to her while you are gone.”
Firepaw nodded.
“Now, go join your companions. I expect they’re waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Bluestar.” Firepaw repeated. He bowed his head and slipped out of the den.
———
Tigerclaw’s check-in went rather well.
He had a small run-in with Smudge, but forced himself to stay distant. He didn’t share tongues this time around, instead warning his old friend to stay away for his own safety.
He returned to Tigerclaw with a chaffinch between his teeth. “I’ve got more prey buried.”
“I know.” Tigerclaw grumbled. “You’re the first one back.”
A swish of bushes caught their attention, Greypaw stepping into view. He dropped his squirrel in front of Firepaw’s catch. “Yuck! Squirrels are way too furry. I’ll be picking hairs out of my teeth all evening!” He grumbled.
Squirrels...
Squirrelflight. He hoped his daughter was well, despite not being born yet.
“Ravenpaw’s late.” Tigerclaw’s grumble brought him back to the present. “We’ll give him a bit longer, then return to camp.”
“What if he’s been bitten by an adder?” Firepaw questioned, knowing damn well that Ravenpaw was well and would be here any second with a dead adder in tow.
“Then that’s his own fault!” Tigerclaw growled. “There’s no room for fools in ThunderClan.”
They waited in silence.
Greypaw and Firepaw shared a worried glance.
Did it take this long last time? He couldn’t remember. He hoped Ravenpaw was actually okay...
A second later, the black cat’s scent filled the air.
Firepaw jumped to his feet and raced over. “Ravenpaw! Are you okay?” He asked, pressing his nose against Ravenpaw’s muzzle.
“Hey! Did that bite you?!” Greypaw leaned closer to admire their friend’s catch.
“No way!” Ravenpaw purred proudly. “I was way too quick for it!”
Tigerclaw fixed all three apprentices with a cold stare. “Come along. Let’s go collect all your prey and head back to camp.”
———
Firepaw moved through the camp, ears pricking as a group of kits came racing towards them.
“Look! Apprentices just back from hunting!” The small tabby kit purred.
“Isn’t that Firepaw?” The small grey kit squeaked excitedly.
Firepaw felt his stomach twist. Cinderpelt. (Well, currently, she was Cinderkit, but she would be Cinderpelt.) He blinked warmly at her, smiling as she squeaked happily again.
“Mhm! They say he’s a good hunter!” The tortoiseshell kit whispered to the black one.
“He looks a bit like Lionheart.” The black one whispered. “Do you think he’s as strong as him too?”
Firepaw let his head lift at the approving comments. He followed his friends into the centre of the camp.
“An adder!” Greypaw yelled excitedly. He wouldn’t take his eyes off of the dangling creature.
“What should I do with it?” Ravenpaw wondered.
“Can you eat adders?” Greypaw wondered.
“Trust you to think of your stomach!” Firepaw teased, bumping Greypaw with his head.
“Well, I wouldn’t want to eat it.” Ravenpaw murmured. “I’ve got a foul taste in my mouth while carrying it back.”
“Let’s put it on the tree stump then! So that Sandpaw and Dustpaw can see it when they get back! They’ll be so freaked out, hah!” Greypaw’s whiskers twitched.
They arrived at the apprentice den, adjusting the adder so it could be seen by all angles.
While eating, they started another conversation.
“I wonder who Bluestar will choose to bring to the gathering this time.” Ravenpaw wondered. “It’ll be a full moon tomorrow.”
“Sandpaw and Dustpaw have been twice already.” Greypaw mumbled sourly.
“Maybe Bluestar will choose us this time! After all, we’ve been training for almost three moons.”
“But Sandpaw and Dustpaw are still the oldest apprentices.” Ravenpaw pointed out.
“Right. And this Gathering will be an important one. It’ll be the first time the Clans met since WindClan disappeared. No cat knows what ShadowClan is going to say about it!” Firepaw murmured, licking his lips clean of fresh-kill.
“Quite right, Firepaw.” Tigerclaw’s low meow interrupted them. “By the way, Firepaw, Bluestar wishes to speak with you.”
Again? Firepaw wondered. Still, he didn’t question it. He stood and went to see the leader. “Bluestar.” He greeted calmly.
This time, she did not question his loyalty. “Firepaw, hello. I spoke with Yellowfang today.” She hummed. “She thinks a lot of you. She is a wise old she-cat, you know. And I suspect she wasn’t always so bad-tempered. Indeed, I think I could grow to like her.” Bluestar murmured.
Firepaw nodded.
“But there is something about her I don’t trust.” Bluestar went on quietly. “She will stay here in ThunderClan as a prisoner. The queens will care for her, you must focus on your training.”
Firepaw nodded again, waiting to be dismissed.
But Bluestar wasn’t finished. “Firepaw, Tigerclaw was very impressed with your hunting skills. In fact, he reported that you all did well. I am pleased with your progress. You will come to the Gathering— all three of you.”
Firepaw’s fur tingled with excitement. Yes, he’d been to Gatherings before, but he longed to see the other Clans again! Onestar and- oh... Onestar wouldn’t be there. WindClan was gone. Besides, Onestar didn’t like Firepaw much anymore anyways.
“That’s all. You may go.” She dismissed him.
“Thank you.” He nodded and raced back to tell his friends. He took his time going back to the den, letting his thoughts think in.
Maybe he would be able to make things right with Onestar/Onewhisker this time around... hopefully. He really, really hoped so. He missed his friend dearly. He blinked back the stinging in his ears, and got ready to announce that they’d be going to the Gathering!