Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Like a cold blanket, the night loomed over the area. Under an impossibly tall streetlamp, a Iotunn vibrated in its speech to a companion as the two massive creatures lumbered by on three legs along a Quakepath.

As the strange beings rounded a corner, however, a tall man in a peaked cap and uniform stood up from the grass and raised his hand, giving a silent signal.

Slipping out from seemingly nowhere came hundreds of people. Men, women, children.

"Prime Minister, what if the Iotunns see us?" A recruit asked quietly, still crouching low.

"They won't, Badgerfang. They can't see well in the dark. Besides, Flintfang taught us well in improving our stealth doctrine," the lean, elderly man replied.

However, the rest of the crowd remained silent and apprehensive. Their eyes were tired, as they had been traveling for months at a snail's pace.

A soldier stepped forward, carrying an SMLE slung over her shoulder. "Tallstar, why have we come here of all places?" she inquired in an exhausted voice.

"The locals we've encountered either didn't have enough supplies to host us or they were hostile," Tallstar replied. "Perhaps we can find some peace here, Ashfoot."

"Peace? Here?" Ashfoot incredulously replied. "Impossible. The Iotunns are more common here than the ants on an anthill! My son won't be safe!"

"He would be less safe in our own home." Another man in an officer's uniform limped over. "We couldn't protect them from the ShadowClan marauders! Not in our own camp!"

The others anxiously murmured in agreement. A recruit added, "They may still be hunting us!"

This caused panic amidst the Clan, until a Iotunn came around the corner, looking into the darkness.

Immediately, the Clan fell silent and crouched lower. The Iotunn momentarily stood, looking into the darkness, then ambled away.

Ashfoot was the first to speak up.

"I fear for our safety. What will we eat, Tallstar? There's no rabbits or birds here."

Tallstar sighed. "I know you and Crow are hungry, just like the rest of the Clan. Still, this place is safe. There's no wolves, and we haven't run into any swarm drones. Deadfoot, take Onewhisker and see if you can find any rats."

The other officer saluted, motioning towards a younger soldier who followed him into the night.

"Rats?!" Ashfoot spat indignantly. "We might as well eat worms!"

"It is better to eat rats than to die of starvation," Tallstar insisted. "Morningflower's baby is due any day now, and she needs to eat to stay strong."

Ashfoot said nothing as a rustle heralded the return of Deadfoot and Onewhisker.

"Tallstar, we found a place where rats gather. We also found shelter." Deadfoot reported.

"Lead the way," the prime minister replied. Deadfoot nodded, limping into the grass as the rest of the Clan followed in silence.

Soon, they found themselves outside a massive tunnel entering the ground. It was cramped, just a couple feet taller than Tallstar. "There's enough space down there for all of us, and there's water," Deadfoot explained as he pointed out a stream of water trickling into the tunnel.

"We'll have wet socks all day and night," Ashfoot complained.

"There's space away from the stream, Onewhisker and I went inside. We'll still be safe from Iotunns," Deadfoot reassured.

Tallstar turned to announce this development to the Clan.

"The Moorland Republic of WindClan has traveled far enough. It has been months since we were driven from our home. Winter will be here soon. We have no choice but to stay."

Silently, the Clan shuffled into the tunnel, led by the Prime Minister.

Chapter Text

Fireheart shivered as the cold gnawed on his bare knuckles.

This was the first time he'd been out in the winter like this. Faintly, Fireheart could see the glow of dawn between the trees.

Despite the biting winter cold, he still felt much pride.

Gray and I are soldiers now.

He looked towards Graystripe, who was almost falling asleep, then pinched him.

Graystripe flinched, snapping to consciousness, albeit with weary eyes, then looked towards his friend with understanding. From midnight the two had pinched each other to make sure they both stayed awake.

In his mind Fireheart recalled once again the battle of ShadowClan's camp. Premier Brokenstar had threatened to return before retreating into the forest with his honor guard. The 2nd ShadowClan Democratic Republic were grateful to the ThunderClan Free State, who had promised them a month of recovery.

The Premier had been a great threat to the Clans. He had driven out the Moorland Republic of WindClan to lands unknown, and caused the Grand Union of RiverClan to yield their land as ShadowClan territory. He had been a terrible adversary since Fireheart had left his tame life to join the Free State.

However, a greater threat in their very own base camp loomed like a great shadow.

Lieutenant Tigerclaw had terrorized his trainee, Raven, who was Fireheart's and Graystripe's friend. In the end, they lied to the Clan that Raven had died, when in actuality they had sent him to Barley's farm, which was past the Fourtrees joint territory and former WindClan land.

If what Raven had said about the current lieutenant was true, it was for the best that everyone believed that Raven was dead. Tigerclaw would likely do anything to conceal the truth- that the former lieutenant Redtail was shot dead by Tigerclaw. Tigerclaw apparently had done so in order to take the position of lieutenant himself- and he got what he wanted soon enough.

I need to tell Bluestar.

Fireheart was drawn from his thoughts as Graystripe patted him on the back, looking at him reassuringly.

Because they were ceremonially standing guard, they did not speak- it was forbidden to do so on the night of one's vigil. Until last night, Fireheart had been known simply as Rusty- the name he had from birth.

The creak of a door opened as Halftail, one of the veterans, stepped out, stretching and yawning. Fireheart could see the elderly man place his veteran's cap on his head.

The sound of another door opening could be heard as General Bluestar stepped out.

I need to tell Bluestar.

Like everyone else, Bluestar had believed Redtail to have been shot by Oakheart, the former Colonel of the Grand Union of RiverClan. Fireheart had hesitated to warn her before, as Tigerclaw was considered one of her best soldiers, but he recognized the need to tell her as soon as possible now.

There's a murderer in a high position of power, and the general doesn't know.

Of course, he was still not permitted to speak. His vigil was not over.

"Glad to see the sun come up?"

Fireheart and Graystripe turned to see Whitestorm, one of the more experienced soldiers of the Clan. The two new soldiers nodded eagerly.

"It's all right, you can speak. Your vigil is over," Whitestorm added. There was a newfound respect visible in the soldier's eyes. He had led the invasion of ShadowClan base camp and fought alongside Fireheart and Graystripe.

"Thank you, Whitestorm." Fireheart shook his stiff legs one at a time, finally stretching his back as he stood up from the chair posted outside. He had switched seats with Graystripe throughout the night.

"I never thought I'd see the day," Graystripe remarked.

"The great soldier speaks!"

Good morning to you too, Sand.

Fireheart turned to observe the recruit in question standing outside the recruits' barracks, clearly not in a celebratory mood. Next to her was Dust. The two of them were never good friends of his.

"I'm surprised such noble warriors feel the cold!" Dust jeered.

The two of them earned a stern glare from Whitestorm before he turned back towards Fireheart and Graystripe. "Go get breakfast, then rest. You've earned it. Sand, Dust, on me. We've got training."

"I hope he has them hunt sparrows with a stick!" Graystripe spat as they headed towards the mess clearing.

"They're still bitter because we became soldiers before them," Fireheart countered. "I mean, if they were at the battle yesterday they'd likely be soldiers too."

"Yeah, you're right," Graystripe conceded.

"Are you two going to order?" a voice interrupted.

Graystripe and Fireheart looked on eagerly as Brindleface, who had volunteered for KP today, placed two apples and a pheasant onto two plates to share before them. "Congratulations, you two," Brindleface cheerfully greeted.

The two picked up their plates, thanking Brindleface as they walked away.

"I guess we take it to the soldiers' table now," Graystripe said delightfully.

"I guess we do." Fireheart grinned as the two wolfed down their breakfast not seconds after they had taken a seat.

After returning the plates to Brindleface, the two decided to sleep, taking their belongings to the new bunk bed they shared in the barracks.

Fireheart snapped awake to the crackling of flames, and stood up alarmed.

He wasn't in ThunderClan's base camp. All around him, the forest burned.

Suddenly, he saw the silhouettes of ThunderClan soldiers moving along the flames. Why aren't they afraid?

Fire alone will save the Clan.

Could it be that this had something to do with the prophecy Spottedleaf had talked about just before she'd died?

He observed as one of the soldiers turned to salute him. He moved to salute back out of instinct, just as he was shaken to wakefulness.

"Wake up!" Tigerclaw's harsh voice commanded as Fireheart opened his eyes.

"I- wuh-"

"You were talking in your sleep!"

"Sir!" Fireheart stood up to salute, wondering if he'd been talking about the strange prophecy. He noticed that it was dark outside.

We must have slept through the entire day.

"You and Graystripe are on dusk patrol. Dismissed." The massive lieutenant turned, ducking under the doorway.

Fireheart's secret was safe. However, he was restless. The longer he waited, the less likely General Bluestar might be willing to hear him out- if she was even alive then.

I need to tell Bluestar.

It was the day before Fireheart's second Gathering. He and Graystripe had just finished dinner.

For the past few days, Tigerclaw seemed to know something was up. When he hadn't been sending the two on patrols, he was most often seen next to Bluestar. Fireheart couldn't get close, even as he actively tried to look for an opportunity to catch the general alone.

Even as they were sitting at the edge of camp, Fireheart scanned the camp, hoping to find his former mentor so he could tell her the truth.

"Hey, what're you looking for?" Graystripe asked casually as he leaned back on his seat outside the barracks.

"Bluestar," Fireheart answered.

"You've been looking for her since our vigil 5 days ago, man. What're you planning?"

"I have to tell her about Raven, and the truth about Tigerclaw." Fireheart declared.

"Wh- SHHH!" Graystripe hurriedly shushed Fireheart, even as Fireheart hadn't spoken out loud. His eyes were wide, immediately looking about cautiously.

Graystripe hissed in reply, "Raven is dead, Fireheart."

"To Tigerclaw, he's dead," Fireheart bluntly replied. "General Bluestar needs to know the whole truth. She needs to know what Tigerclaw has done, can do and will do."

"And with what evidence? We only have Raven's word as a witness!" Graystripe whispered frantically.

"You don't believe him?" Fireheart looked in astonishment at Graystripe.

"Of course I do! It's just- we have nothing that Bluestar can see with her own two eyes." Graystripe lowered his voice. "Besides, nobody else seems to have a problem with Tigerclaw. It just seemed like Raven who was scared of him."

"Come on, Gray. You can't just doubt Raven like that. I trust him," Fireheart protested.

"I trust him too. But we need to play our hand carefully."

"We need to wait for Tigerclaw to show his."

The sound of a bugle could be heard, immediately putting an end to the discussion.

"We gather here today to witness the making of a new recruit!" Bluestar announced from Highrock.

"A new rookie?" Graystripe immediately looked up. "Must be Longtail's trainee. He's been hinting at it for way too long."

Immediately, the ThunderClan soldier stood, walking towards the gathering crowd. Fireheart followed, quite impatient that he was still unable to talk to Bluestar.

A boy, 15 years of age, walked forward nervously, clearly dressed in his new uniform with haste. He timidly proceeded as he stopped in the middle of the clearing, and snapped to attention.

Longtail won't be impressed.

Fireheart had never liked Longtail. What he'd seen of the soldier was that he was short-tempered, cocky and distrustful of outsiders. On his first day, Fireheart had fought Longtail in vicious hand-to-hand combat for his right to join the Clan.

Some friendly greeting he gave me when I first came here.

"From this day forward, the recruit known as Swift shall be trained by Longtail," Bluestar declared.

Fireheart tried to catch a glimpse as Longtail walked forward to meet Swift in the middle of the clearing.

Oddly enough, Longtail showed no disdain or dissatisfaction as he looked down upon Swift. There was a tender look in his eyes as he knelt to the rookie's level.

"It's okay, kid. You're doing fine." Longtail encouraged.

It's because he's Clanborn, and has 'warrior blood', isn't it? Fireheart thought bitterly. He felt resentment as the rest of the Clan congratulated the new recruit and mentor.

"What's up with you? That'll be us someday," Graystripe whispered excitedly.

All thoughts of jealousy and resentment were immediately overshadowed by the notion that Fireheart might get his own trainee.

Imagine that. My own trainee.

He had to thank Graystripe for distracting him from his dislike of Longtail.

Although it was Gathering night, Fireheart wasn't excited.

He was impatient as it was- he needed to speak to Bluestar at once.

The longer Tigerclaw's treachery goes unnoticed the less chance I'll have to stop him.

"Hey, you coming?" Graystripe called as Fireheart lagged behind the group heading to the Fourtrees joint territory.

"Yeah, wait up." Fireheart bounded over immediately.

As they walked through the forest, which did little to obscure the starry sky, Fireheart reminisced of his first time going to Fourtrees.

He'd been shown the lay of the land by Lionheart, Graystripe's mentor and the previous lieutenant of ThunderClan.

It was Lionheart who'd first taught Fireheart how to operate a rifle. He'd overseen much of Fireheart's training before he was officially assigned to Bluestar.

Oh, how he missed Lionheart. He was strong, kind, and loving. He had a wife and children. Life was going well for him, until he'd been killed during the battle to protect base camp.

Fireheart quickly dispelled the thoughts of Lionheart as Bluestar led them through the heart of ThunderClan territory- in a straight line towards Fourtrees.

He immediately ran up towards the front, ignoring Graystripe's surprised yelp as he caught up to the front, panting for breath.

"General... need to talk." he managed.

If Bluestar was surprised, she didn't show it. "Tigerclaw, continue leading everyone to Fourtrees. Fireheart, come with me."

Fireheart snapped to a salute, immediately following Bluestar as she headed into a clearing.

As Bluestar sat upon a fallen tree trunk, she rested her arms upon her sword, still in its sheath but firmly planted into the ground.

"Speak," the general ordered.

Fireheart inhaled deeply.

"Raven's not dead."

Bluestar raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Gray and I took him to the Moorland Republic's territory. I think he joined Barley."

Barley was a loner who lived far north of Fourtrees- just north of WindClan territory, on a farm far from ThunderClan. Being a loner, he was unsuited to the Clan life, although he did have a shotgun and revolvers when Fireheart had first seen him.

"I see," Bluestar mused. "I'm relieved to hear that Raven's alive. Perhaps he'll be more suited to living on the farm."

Fireheart was taken aback at Bluestar's words. "I- but he was born here!"

"And does that mean he was suited to Clan life?" Bluestar calmly asked. "One's birthplace or blood means nothing. You've proven that much. Raven may find his true calling elsewhere."

"But Bluestar," Fireheart's voice dropped to a whisper. "Raven didn't leave because he wanted to."

Bluestar's expression changed to something unreadable as she looked Fireheart in the eyes. "What do you mean?"

Fireheart was silent.

"Well?" Bluestar asked.

"Raven knew something... about Tigerclaw." Fireheart forced the words out. "I- I think Tigerclaw intended to kill him. Or otherwise turn the Clan against him."

Bluestar visibly stiffened, causing Fireheart to shrink further into himself. "Why would you think that? What did Raven know?"

Fireheart looked into Bluestar's eyes as he spoke reluctantly. "Tigerclaw killed Lieutenant Redtail."

Bluestar rebuffed, "A soldier would never kill another of his own Clan! You should know that, you've lived with us long enough."

Fireheart flinched.

"Tigerclaw's report stated that Oakheart killed Redtail. Raven surely must have been mistaken. Did he actually see this?"

"That's what he said," Fireheart affirmed.

Bluestar added, "You surely realize that you're questioning the honor of a lieutenant and an experienced soldier? Tigerclaw has been nothing but loyal to the ThunderClan Free State. As much as I trust your loyalty to this Clan, I can't ascertain that Raven's words are true."

"Raven has a vivid imagination," Bluestar explained as sympathy crossed her face. "He was injured in battle, and left before the fighting was over. Are you sure that he wasn't seeing things?"

Before Fireheart could reply, Tigerclaw's voice echoed through the forest.

"General, we're waiting at the border!" the lieutenant addressed Bluestar as he stepped out and snapped to a salute.

"Tell them we'll be there in a moment." Bluestar replied. Tigerclaw nodded, lowered his hand, then retreated into the bushes.

Fireheart supposed that Bluestar was right. Raven did have a vivid imagination. At Fireheart's first Gathering, Raven seemed to be a well-versed storyteller when recalling the skirmish against RiverClan in which Redtail died.

Immediately, he stopped his train of thought.

Even I'm starting to doubt Raven's view of things.

As Bluestar stood up, reattaching her sheathed sword onto her belt, Fireheart felt something urgent needed to be addressed. "Bluestar," he asked. "Are you going to bring Raven back?" He feared that he'd caused more trouble for his friend.

Bluestar looked at Fireheart before walking towards the rest of the Gathering patrol. "No."

She's lying to the Clan!

"Because Tigerclaw might go looking for him?" Fireheart dared to ask, just hoping that Bluestar would believe him in the slightest.

To Fireheart's chagrin, it was not to be. "Tigerclaw is ambitious, but he is no murderer," Bluestar responded. "Raven will be better off remembered as a martyr instead of a deserter."

"It'll be easier for Tigerclaw to accept that."

Chapter Text

The first thing Fireheart noticed about the ShadowClan Democratic Republic were their new uniforms.

They looked nothing like the olive-green battle dress that Brokenstar's regime had worn. Instead, they wore a humble dark gray over their uniforms.

"Hey, look." Graystripe remarked, pointing towards the ShadowClan soldiers. "They look better off than a month ago."

Fireheart had noticed too. "Guess getting rid of Brokenstar did them good," he remarked.

"Am I right? We're still the ones who rid them of Brokenstar, though!" Graystripe grinned as he elbowed Fireheart playfully.

Fireheart snorted with laughter, only to be interrupted by a disapproving Whitestorm. "The S.D.R. fought as hard as we did to get rid of Brokenstar. Have some respect for their determination to recover," Whitestorm reprimanded briefly before moving to join a group of soldiers beneath one of the oaks.

Graystripe let out a nervous laugh and glanced guiltily at his friend.

The two sat together, looking out over the briefly united smattering of Clans. To Fireheart's surprise, two ShadowClanners and a RiverClan soldier picked them out and came over. A closer look revealed the ShadowClanners to be a soldier and a trainee, according to their rank insignias.

"Evening, Fireheart," the ShadowClan soldier greeted.

"Evening, Wetfoot. Is he your trainee?" Fireheart inquired.

"Yep, this is Oak," Wetfoot smiled. "This is Blackclaw." He gestured towards the RiverClan soldier, who simply gave a 'Hello'.

The ShadowClan recruit stepped forward, nervously extending a hand. "H-hi." Fireheart shook the rookie's hand, albeit with some gentleness behind it.

"So you two really are soldiers, huh?" Wetfoot asked. "I heard Bluestar promoted you two after the battle. Glad you didn't freeze solid during your vigil, right?"

Graystripe shuddered. "Don't remind me. We had to pinch each other to stay awake all night."

Wetfoot burst into laughter as Fireheart turned towards the Great Rock, where the ThunderClan, RiverClan and ShadowClan standards were posted.

WindClan's still absent...

He noticed standing next to Lt. Tigerclaw in the crowd was a tall woman in RiverClan officers' uniform, with rebellious blonde hair being forced into place by a RiverClan cap similar to Crookedstar's. On her stern complexion were freckles, and she stood with confidence next to the Marshal.

She must be the new Colonel.

"Who's that?" Fireheart asked.

"That would be Colonel Leopardfur," Blackclaw harshly answered.

Fireheart stiffened as he remembered the skirmish that saw both Col. Oakheart and Lt. Redtail dead, and his thoughts immediately went back to the discussion with Bluestar.

"People of the Clans, lend us your ears!" Bluestar's voice rang out in the clearing, shifting the ThunderClan soldier's focus to his leader atop the rock. Standing next to her was Crookedstar and an elderly man he remembered to be Nightpelt.

Likely Nightstar now, considering that he's up there. Did he become leader since Brokenstar fled?

"The ThunderClan Free State arrives today with their new medical officer, Yellowfang," Bluestar began.

Fireheart held his breath as he saw the other Clans turn towards Yellowfang. There was an awkward silence. Would the other Clans accept Yellowfang as ThunderClan now? Yellowfang had already been ShadowClan's chief surgeon, and people never changed Clans.

Then, he saw Yellowfang looking towards the current ShadowClan medical officer, Runningnose. Yellowfang gave a brief salute towards Runningnose from where she was sitting.

Runningnose returned the salute, and Fireheart relaxed.

"We also have with us two new soldiers- Fireheart and Graystripe," Bluestar announced.

All eyes turned towards the two, who stood up as their names were called.

There was no fanfare. Just an awkward silence, which somehow managed to seem more uncomfortable than when Yellowfang was just announced medical officer of ThunderClan.

Nightstar (or Nightpelt? Fireheart was uncertain) broke the silence and stepped forward confidently. "I, Nightpelt, am acting Chancellor of the ShadowClan Democratic Republic. Our former leader, Premier Brokenstar of the ShadowClan SSR, violated the Code of Mercy, and we were forced to exile him and his sympathizers."

Wait, he doesn't have his leader suffix?

"Nothing about how we had to compel them to do it," Graystripe hissed quietly.

Nightpelt continued, "The spirits of our ancestors have spoken to Runningnose and declared I am to be Chancellor. Tomorrow night, when the moon is full I shall make my way to the Moonstone and be made Chancellor."

"Where's Brokenstar now?" It was Frostfur, who was a ThunderClan soldier. Her own children had been kidnapped by a ShadowClan commando, Clawface, who was affiliated with Brokenstar. Her children had later been rescued by the ThunderClan invasion upon ShadowClan's base camp.

"His whereabouts are unknown," the acting Chancellor replied. "We have reason to believe he has fled Clan territories altogether."

"Hopefully," Frostfur could be heard muttering to herself. Fireheart silently agreed.

Crookedstar then spoke, standing up. "When Brokenstar was Premier, I allowed him hunting rights to the river. Now that he is gone, however, I hereby bar the rights of the ShadowClan SSR and the ShadowClan Democratic Republic from the river, as is the right of the Grand Union of RiverClan. The river is ours and ours alone."

The Marshal's decision was met by resounding approval from the blue-clad RiverClanners present, but the acting Chancellor indignantly straightened up. "The S.D.R is in need of food more so than ever! We are just beginning to recover from the conflict, and food is direly needed until we can rebuild!"

Crookedstar glared at the elderly Nightpelt, almost looking as though he was going to draw his revolver and shoot the acting Chancellor right there. There was once again a stunned silence until Bluestar stepped in between the two, motioning for them to back off.

"Nightpelt," the ThunderClan general began. "This conflict has left ShadowClan smaller. I mean no offense. But surely you no longer need RiverClan fish with fewer mouths to feed."

Crookedstar visibly gritted his teeth, but the acting Chancellor said nothing, staring at Bluestar evenly.

Bluestar went on, looking on with clear disapproval. "You have yet to receive the actual title of Chancellor, yet you attempt to exert your power already. Are you so confident that you can make these demands?"

No reply.

"ThunderClan has already promised to give ShadowClan time to recover," Bluestar reminded Nightpelt, her gaze softening. "I am sure RiverClan will respect your borders as well."

"So long as ShadowClan respects ours," Crookedstar affirmed, calming down, though there was still a spark of indignation in his eyes.

Nightpelt seemed convinced, then went on. "I acknowledge your borders, Marshal," the veteran began. "After all, there is yet still WindClan land to divide between us."

To Fireheart's shock, Crookedstar seemed to agree.

Is the balance of power going to change once more so soon?

"Absolutely not! The Moorland Republic must return!" Bluestar burst out, looking at the two leaders upon the rock with her.

"And why? The extra land means more food with which all of us can prosper," the RiverClan Marshal pointed out.

Immediately, the clearing broke into loud arguments as the different soldiers of the various Clans launched into fierce debate.

Bluestar drew her pistol angrily, firing three shots into the sky to command silence, and immediately the clearing stopped. Oak let out a small scream as most of those present flinched.

"Marshal," Bluestar began, holstering her sidearm. "The G.U.R's lands are known for its bounty. You have an entire supply of fish to yourself. Is there not enough?" This prompted an embarrassed silence from the Marshal, whose eyes were obscured as he pulled his cap over his head.

Even RiverClan was mostly silent, muttering among themselves. Fireheart wondered why they were so... quiet about this concern.

"And Nightpelt. You would do well to remember that it was Brokenstar who drove them from their homeland," the general added as she turned towards Nightpelt. "There is a reason why we assisted in driving him and his personal guard out."

Nightpelt remained silent, closing his eyes for what seemed to be eons, then let out a sigh of resignation. "Very well, Bluestar. We will allow WindClan to return."

Fireheart, however, could see Marshal Crookedstar looking away with disgust.

"It is decided," Bluestar concluded. "The Moorland Republic must return."

As the Gathering was concluded and the Clans were dismissed, however, Fireheart couldn't help but notice Nightpelt and Crookedstar meeting together, sharing whispers.

Did Nightpelt mean anything just now?

Even the lieutenant had not missed this exchange. Fireheart could see Tigerclaw's eyes narrow as he, too, stared with barely concealed frustration at the two conspiring commanders.

For once, Fireheart had to agree with the lieutenant- that this was something of concern. After all we did to help ShadowClan...

Surely they can't be siding with RiverClan now.

Chapter Text

To Fireheart's surprise, base camp was not as restful as he thought. He could clearly see the people of ThunderClan collectively gathered now, waiting anxiously for Bluestar to report on the Gathering.

Nobody said a word as the general stepped upon the Highrock. Figuring for once that she did not need to address the Clan first, she began, with Tigerclaw standing beside her.

"Tonight showed many new developments," Bluestar began her explanation. "I have become aware of a potential new alliance between the Grand Union of RiverClan and the ShadowClan Democratic Republic. Lieutenant Tigerclaw believes he saw Crookedstar and Nightpelt conspiring."

Graystripe looked at Fireheart in confusion. "I thought things were reconciled?"

Fireheart shook his head no. Graystripe didn't notice, he guessed.

One-eye, the most senior veteran in the Clan, spoke up. "I hope my ears have chosen today to work properly, but did you say Nightpelt?" the elderly woman asked in disbelief.

"He has been accepted as acting Chancellor. Tomorrow night he is to be given his proper title," Bluestar explained.

This seemed to raise some alarm with One-eye. "But leaders can't represent their Clan until they are bestowed the title by StarClan," she protested. "This is unorthodox."

"Nightpelt still has the support of the S.D.R," the general assured One-eye. "The past month as it is has been quite unorthodox." The veteran didn't respond.

"Regardless, I have a more pressing matter that must be addressed," Bluestar announced. "I suggested at the Gathering that we bring WindClan back. However, neither Crookedstar nor Nightpelt are eager about this."

"They aren't going to ally, are they?" Graystripe asked warily.

"You saw the two whispering together after the Gathering, didn't you?" Fireheart asked. "I'm sure they think WindClan grain is ripe for the taking."

"But why?" Sand asked. "Doesn't RiverClan have enough food for themselves?"

The venerable Dappletail replied, "At Fourtrees some of the G.U.R. veterans said something about Iotunns at the river."

This caused the Clan to start discussing these new developments in hushed tones until Bluestar decided to conclude the meeting. "It has been a long night. We must be careful not to bring RiverClan and ShadowClan closer together. Runningwind, Dust, you're on sentry duty at the RiverClan border. Dismissed."

"Pssst! Wake up!" Graystripe whispered as he shook Fireheart.

"But we're not assigned to anything today," Fireheart groaned as he pulled the blankets further over himself.

Graystripe promptly responded by yanking the sheets off of his friend's bunk, causing Fireheart to retract into a fetal position and shiver from the cold. "Bluestar wants us in her quarters, now!"

Fireheart looked up in surprise, seeing Graystripe already in uniform, though his helmet hung on the wall next to Fireheart's own.

The next few minutes consisted of Fireheart fumbling for his own uniform. There was no time to even snag breakfast as Graystripe promptly dragged Fireheart across base camp and opened the door to Bluestar's quarters.

"We're here!" Graystripe reported as Fireheart fumbled with the straps of his helmet. Together, the two saluted.

"At ease." Bluestar sat at her desk, with Tigerclaw standing next to her as usual, with the same stony expression as ever. "I have a mission for the two of you."

The two newly minted soldiers straightened up eagerly. Fireheart suddenly forgot his anxiety in a heartbeat.

"I have assigned you both to bring back the Moorland Republic of WindClan."

Chapter Text

When Fireheart and Graystripe barged into the field hospital giddy with excitement, they were greeted by a surprised Yellowfang, who was busy with several layers of fabric. Flax, cotton, even some instances of wood pulp pressed into fake leather were all laid out on a table.

"Can you at least knock, you two?" Yellowfang grumbled as the two calmed down enough to tell Yellowfang the good news.

"Sorry, Yellowfang," Fireheart apologized. "But Bluestar just assigned us to retrieve WindClan and we need stimulants for travel."

The old medic straightened up without a word, moving from the table of fabrics to put together the necessary medicine for travel.

"Hey, what's with all the cotton?" Graystripe curiously asked as he peered at the fabric, which seemed to be half-cut out into some article of clothing.

"I'm making a one-piece swimsuit," came the sarcastic reply.

"...but only RiverClan can swim..." Graystripe trailed off. Fireheart facepalmed.

"I was joking," Yellowfang added, clearly amused. "Do either of you remember the bulletproof armor that ShadowClan had when they last attacked?"

Fireheart remembered that same day. Graystripe seemed to remember too, as his dumbfounded look was replaced by one of grim remembrance.

Yellowfang took their silence as a yes. "So, ShadowClan wanted to stop bullets by brute-forcing them away, right. What if, instead of stiffly deflecting the shot like a rock, the armor cushioned it like a pillow?"

Fireheart's eyes widened with realization. "You're making bulletproof armor?"

"Bulletproof shirts, kid. They're different. I should have the first version ready by the time you come back," Yellowfang explained proudly. "Now take your medicine, you two, and get out of here!"

WindClan's camp was easy to find, with the RiverClan and ShadowClan flags posted on the flagpole in place of the ShadowClan S.S.R. flag, which could just be seen above the seemingly boundless fields. From what Fireheart had heard, the flagpole had initially been put there by Brokenstar to mark the land he had captured.

"I think this is the entrance," Graystripe called towards Fireheart, who immediately unslung his rifle and held it in his hands. Graystripe followed suit with a shotgun as Fireheart walked over to find... a depression in the ground leading to what seemed to be a trench.

Fireheart never expected WindClan's camp to be so defensively built. He had thought their camp being in an open field made them vulnerable.

As they cautiously proceeded into the camp, searching for clues, Fireheart noticed spent bullet casings and dried blood spatter within the tightly packed trench. Picking a cartridge up, he studied it closely. Lionheart had taught him to distinguish Clan signatures by bullet caliber.

WindClan uses .303 for their bullets, Fireheart reminded himself as he pocketed the bullet casing. He noted the telltale rim instead of an extractor groove on the spent cartridge.

He'd also noticed now that the blood spatter was trailing somewhere.

Graystripe seemed to notice as well, and together the two followed the trail of blood through the trenches, which seemed to lead out of camp from a different entrance.

This has to be it-

Oh. It just led out to the fields. Odds were that the blood had been washed away by the rain.

Clearly, this was not going to be an easy task.

For what seemed like an eternity, there was just silence, save for the howling of the wind.

"Is this it...?" Graystripe asked as he looked up bleakly at Fireheart, a dull exhaustion in his eyes. "Did we fail?"

"No. Brokenstar said that WindClan was driven out. They're still out there," Fireheart responded.

But if WindClan's still out there, where did they go?

Fireheart suddenly had an idea of whom to ask.

"Rusty? Gray? It is you! Welcome!" Barley gave a welcoming smile as he let the two into the barn. "Raven! Your friends are here!"

"It's Fireheart and Graystripe now, actually," Fireheart corrected Barley as Graystripe gasped in realization and relief, shouting, "Raven's here!"

A familiar dark-skinned youth with slipped down from the rafters of the barn, landing quietly on his feet. He was clad in leather boots, jeans and a flannel shirt. A ten-gallon hat covered his curly hair, and a purple handkerchief could be seen about his neck. Surprisingly, he bowled over Graystripe and Fireheart and wrapped them in a warm, tight embrace.

"So you got promoted? Congratulations!" Raven enthusiastically greeted them. "I missed you guys!"

"Yeah! We got our second stripes!" Graystripe declared with pride.

"Raven, we missed you too," Fireheart greeted warmly. He had a brief nagging feeling that prompted him to ask worriedly, "...do you miss ThunderClan?"

Raven's expression softened, and Fireheart thought that he'd accidentally struck a nerve.

"Every day," Raven said, seemingly overcome with nostalgia for the briefest moment, before he looked up with a smile. "But I'm happier here. Barley's been kind to me. So," the scrappy Clanborn loner cut to the chase, "What brings you two here? Is Tigerclaw still around?"

"Bluestar sent us to look for WindClan. We were hoping Barley could point the way," Graystripe said.

"Tigerclaw's still lieutenant," Fireheart confirmed, and Raven grimly nodded in acknowledgement.

"So, WindClan. Raven told me about them a while back," Barley affirmed. "I wish I knew where they went. But," he stopped the two ThunderClan soldiers. "They did mention something about going along the Quakepath last I saw 'em."

The Quakepath!

"Thank you, Barley!" Fireheart and Graystripe shared a relieved look, about to leave as Barley stopped them. "Now hold on. I've got some things you two might want with you," the plump loner explained.

Barley went into a door, and the sounds of rummaging could be heard. "Here it is!" Barley's voice could be heard as the rummaging stopped, and he came out with a metal box, handing it to Graystripe. "Hardtack. Don't eat it all in one go."

"Good luck!" Raven called after the two as they exited the barn.

If WindClan had passed by Barley's, and mentioned going along the Quakepath, then it was clear they were following the sun along the road.

The sun was at its zenith as the two ThunderClanners started to consider their options.

"You think WindClan stuck close to the Quakepath this whole time?" Graystripe's voice was muffled by hardtack, followed by loud crunching. He offered the box to Fireheart, who accepted one cracker.

Fireheart crunched on his hardtack with more moderation. "WindClan would have wanted to shake off Brokenstar as best as they could. Think about it. Nobody in their right mind is gonna camp near a Quakepath."

"You think they're camping near it?" Graystripe questioned as he wiped crumbs off of his face.

"I don't know," Fireheart said. "Our best bet right now is to keep moving."

"But we could be way off course," Graystripe protested as he stuffed another piece of hardtack into his mouth. "We could-" Graystripe suddenly made a muffled squawk of surprise as he peered into the distance.

"Huh?" Fireheart asked as he swallowed his crunched-up hardtack. He could see something shining on the ground, and he moved closer.

It was a lone bullet casing. And it had a rim instead of an extractor groove.

Fireheart held his breath and took out the bullet casing he had found back at WindClan's base camp, comparing the two bullet casings. They were the exact same size. The ThunderClan soldier's heart started racing with anticipation.

It's a match! We're on the right track, thank StarClan!

Chapter Text

As the sun sank slowly towards the horizon, Fireheart and Graystripe were beginning to feel tired, needing a place to sleep for the night.

"Can we sleep away from the Quakepath, please..." Graystripe mumbled as the Quakepath rose and fell with a loud clattering, bearing a boxy Iotunn wagon upon it.

I'm tired, too. But we still have a mission to complete, Fireheart reminded himself as he cracked open a canteen, passing it to Graystripe, who poured a little bit of water into his mouth before returning it to its redheaded owner.

"Sorry, Graystripe. But we can worry about better sleep after we find WindClan," Fireheart reminded him wistfully.

Graystripe's reply was a drawn-out groan, but he said nothing else to argue. "Hey," Graystripe perked up somewhat as he pointed towards a hole in the ground. "You think we should sleep here?"

There seemed to be some sort of bridge holding up the road. Under it was a stone arch, leading into a dark tunnel.

"I guess so," Fireheart replied, relieved to get out of the weather. "As long as it's not damp."

They entered the tunnel, unrolling sleeping bags from their backpacks, and settled down for the night.

"Prime Minister, sir!" A voice cried as a hand could be felt shaking the leader of WindClan to consciousness.

Tallstar opened his eyes calmly as he looked at the recruit before him. He briefly looked around towards the other sleeping WindClanners in the tunnel they were camping in. "Good morning, Web," the prime minister greeted as he looked back towards the recruit.

"Sir, Mudclaw sent me! He's captured two ShadowClan scouts near our position!" Web frantically explained.

Tallstar's gaze hardened, and he reached for a whistle in his pocket, blowing hard into it.

The echoing shriek of the metal whistle down the sewer pipe roused the Moorland Republic of WindClan, and immediately soldiers started to rush for their weapons. WindClan had held in this sewer for weeks now. Field Marshal Deadfoot was on his feet, shouting orders even as he pulled on his officers' coat.

"I want our sentries retrieved, I need reports! Get the Emma Gee set up facing the entrance! We hold here!" Deadfoot yelled with a hoarse voice.

Onewhisker and Tornear immediately rushed in, clad in full gear and both snapping to a salute. They had been on sentry duty last night. "Deadfoot, I haven't seen anyone.” Onewhisker reported.

”Nor I,” Tornear chimed in. “Those bog barbarians are sneakier than we give them credit for!”

Deadfoot nodded as he and Tallstar drew revolvers. "Get into position."

Around him, WindClan soldiers held SMLE Mk. IIIs, taking positions just within the entrance. They would bottleneck the ShadowClan invaders in the tunnel.

"Hold yer fire!" Mudclaw's voice could be heard as two figures were shoved in from outside, both clearly just awakened. Both of them had their hands raised.

Behind them, a WindClan soldier with a hard gaze and stubble on his face prodded the two prisoners forward, a Sten gun in his hands. Mudclaw reported, "These two sewer rats were the only ones I found. They said they came alone and claim they're ThunderClan."

Tallstar holstered his revolver, then stepped forward, looking at the two prisoners, who were in ThunderClan fatigues. Both had clearly woken up to Mudclaw holding them at gunpoint.

"Flintfang," Tallstar addressed the ex-ShadowClan soldier. Flintfang and his trainee, Badgerfang had been captured by WindClan but had later assisted in the evacuation by providing cover fire. They had been accompanying WindClan for the past few months. "Do you recognize these two?"

"No, sir." Flintfang stepped forward, dressed in a simple short-sleeved shirt, trousers and a pair of boots. Since evacuation he had gotten rid of the ShadowClan uniform.

Tallstar looked over the two frightened soldiers before him. He looked briefly at the first one- stubble on his face, dark gray hair, slightly chubby face.

He stopped as he looked at the other captive.

He looks awfully familiar, that one. It can't be...

Fireheart gulped as the WindClan leader looked at him with curiosity, as though studying his very soul. Behind him he could see a line of WindClan soldiers, rifles, shotguns, machine guns and more aimed. Some looked bandaged, others were scrawny from starvation.

All of them looked like they hadn't slept for a year.

The Prime Minister proceeded to break the silence.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

"We're ThunderClan soldiers, sir-" Fireheart began.

"What else is new, huh?" the burly WindClan soldier behind them forced the barrel of his submachine gun right onto the back of Fireheart's head, and he stiffened in shock.

"Mudclaw!" The WindClan leader reprimanded. "Stand down."

"Yes, Tallstar."

Fireheart felt the barrel of his submachine gun lift from the back of his head, and he felt a sense of relief.

“Bring these two with me," Tallstar calmly said as he walked behind the WindClan defensive line. Fireheart and Graystripe looked at each other helplessly, then followed after a grunt of impatience from Mudclaw. "Mudclaw, Flintfang, Ashfoot. With me."

The aforementioned Flintfang as well as a female WindClan soldier went in behind them. She squinted accusingly at the two intruders, but said nothing as she broke formation to join them, rifle in her hands.

Fireheart was appalled at the conditions WindClan was living in. It was cramped- barely enough room to breathe. It was a surprise how an entire Clan was able to fit in this place- they didn’t even have a dry place to sleep.

He heard faint coughing echo down the tunnel as they passed other parts of the sewer branching in different directions. Lionheart once told us WindClan was the largest of all the Clans. But do they even have enough to eat? Fireheart wondered.

But even as the party of six proceeded down the sewer, Fireheart couldn’t help but notice that there was a grim determination about the Clan, a determination to keep fighting. They’d been driven from their base camp, yes. But they’d chosen to do that instead of surrender altogether.

Fireheart would have even liked to think they were preparing for a counterattack.

The Clan was silent as they watched Tallstar lead his escort and the two prisoners deeper in, the sunlight being gradually replaced by lanterns.

Finally, the six made a sharp turn into a dead end, where several hammocks were suspended on either side of the pipe. Chairs, tables and other furniture were here, as well as a wooden crate labeled  ‘ARMORY’.

Tallstar turned around, calmly addressing the two. "Continue, please." He motioned for them to sit as he himself chose the crate as his seat.

Fireheart nodded, looking into Tallstar's eyes as he and Graystripe sat in chairs. "General Bluestar sent us to bring WindClan back."

"Our land was taken by Brokenstar," Tallstar replied, leaning in. A haunted look could be faintly seen in his eyes.

"Premier Brokenstar was driven out by a ShadowClan-ThunderClan coalition," Fireheart explained. "But RiverClan and ShadowClan are now vying for WindClan grain," he added.

Tallstar's expression changed to one of frustration, and his hands tensed.

"I don't think they're too used to farming in open ground, though," Graystripe added, trying to lighten the mood.

"Indeed." Tallstar was much calmer now, looking into Fireheart’s eyes once again. "I'd recognize that sort of look. He isn't lying, nor is his friend." the prime minister assured his escort.

The air seemed to relax as Mudclaw, Flintfang and Ashfoot all breathed sighs of relief, lowering their weapons.

"I am terribly sorry for the… rude awakening. May I have your names?" Tallstar inquired.

"Fireheart, sir. This is Graystripe."

Tallstar seemed satisfied. "The name suits you. Fireheart ...say, you remind me of someone..." His eyes lost focus, looking into the distance wistfully.

Jake, it must be StarClan who brought this youth here, Tallstar thought.

"Sir?" Fireheart asked.

Tallstar regained his focus. "Never mind that. I do believe it is time we returned. I shall inform the Clan."

"May we travel with you, Prime Minister?" Fireheart asked, and Tallstar smiled for what felt like the first time in months.

"Of course, it only makes sense. Firstly, however, we will need to pack. Barkface," Tallstar called for his medical officer. "Would you mind fixing some herbal tea for these two soldiers?"

"ThunderClan has traveled very far to bring us home."

Chapter Text

"Should we lead you the way back by which we came?" Fireheart asked as he placed his helmet on his head. "I think it's a shortcut."

By now, the Clan had packed up and were waiting outside the tunnel. Two of the WindClan recruits had already gotten Fireheart's and Graystripe's belongings for them.

Tallstar raised an eyebrow with concern. "Is it safe?" To which Fireheart responded, "We encountered no trouble on the way here. We followed the Quakepath which divides WindClan from the Moonstone."

The prime minister nodded, as though shaking off doubt. "It will have to do," he concluded. "Graystripe, take point with me. Fireheart, stick to Deadfoot, my field marshal. He'll be the one with a uniform identical to mine." The redheaded ThunderClanner nodded as he walked towards a stern-looking man with a limp, dark skin and rigid cheekbones, respectfully saluting.

'Field Marshal' must mean their lieutenant, Fireheart thought.

As the weary but hopeful Moorland Republic made their way onwards, it was also evident that some of the Clan were having trouble keeping up with the others. To Fireheart's astonishment, several WindClanners carried wounded upon stretchers, and others still pushed carts loaded with supplies.

The sun in the sky let Fireheart see now that there were multiple roads. The tunnel he and Graystripe had slept inside last night allowed for the Clan to safely bypass one of them.

As Fireheart emerged from the tunnel behind Deadfoot, he could see now a vast field between them and the final Quakepath.

"Once we reach the Quakepath, we must hurry," Tallstar advised. "Parade speed." He and Graystripe quickly treaded across the field, and in their eagerness the rest of the Clan followed behind. There seemed to easily be hundreds of them- far more than even ThunderClan.

There must be two or three of them for every one of us, Fireheart thought.

A young woman in a shawl carrying her newborn baby struggled to catch up, as did several others. Fireheart headed over to help.

"Let me carry him," he offered, holding his hands out. The mother looked up warily at Fireheart for a few moments, before relenting and passing her child to the foreigner. Soon, they were able to catch up with the rest, with the more able Fireheart being able to bring the child across the field, walking with the mother so she wouldn't lose sight of her baby.

As Fireheart, the baby and its mother got to where the rest of WindClan was gathering, he could see Tallstar looking back over the rest of his Clan, waiting patiently for everyone else to arrive.

"Thank you," the woman caught her breath as Fireheart gently returned her newborn to her. "I'm Morningflower. This is my son Gorse... you're Fireheart, is that right? It's a good thing, what you're doing for our Clan..."

"Fireheart, I need you with me!" Tallstar called.

"Yes, sir!" Fireheart answered as he turned towards Morningflower, who nodded gratefully. Fireheart headed up to meet with Tallstar and Graystripe, as well as a WindClan soldier with a light brown bowl cut and prominent eyebrows.

"I'm Onewhisker, " the WindClanner introduced himself as Tallstar waited for the rest of the Clan to catch up. "You are?"

"Fireheart. This is Graystripe," Fireheart replied, motioning to his friend.

The Quakepath seemed far busier in the morning than at night. Regardless, Tallstar had stated that he wanted everyone to be on the other side before sunset. They had wounded, sick, and none of them had eaten a proper meal for a long time.

"Tallstar, everyone's here," Deadfoot reported.

"We should cross in handfuls. We could also have two soldiers looking in both directions," Onewhisker suggested. "These roads go both ways."

The prime minister nodded. "Good idea. The strongest will proceed forward first."

Onewhisker nodded as Mudclaw and Ashfoot took up positions on either side of the group, each looking down opposite ends of the road.

"Incoming," Mudclaw reported. "Two of them."

Onewhisker stood by to lead the first group across, wiping sweat off his brow.

"Do you need us to cross with you?" Fireheart asked. He'd noticed concern in the soldier's eyes. Onewhisker shook his head, instead preparing to cross.

As the two Iotunn wagons barreled past at impossible speeds, Mudclaw yelled, "Clear!" Ashfoot repeated the word as well.

Fireheart and Graystripe held their breath as Onewhisker and the other soldiers scrambled across the road, making it safely to the other side.

Next came two soldiers, and a pair of elderly men.

"Clear!" "Clear!" With the two confirmations, the four crossed quickly. The two old men were clearly making a bigger effort to cross than their younger, physically fit escorts.

"Incoming!" Ashfoot frantically yelled, and the two veterans went even faster.

"Don't panic, don't panic!" One of the two shouted, despite him clearly being frightened and visibly shuddering.

"Can it, Skipstone!" The other old man yelled as they leaped. They landed flat on the ground, safely on the other side of the Quakepath and mostly unhurt.

Fireheart let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding.

Two more groups crossed, then it was Fireheart and Graystripe's turn. Surprisingly enough, he found that he was in the same group as Morningflower and Gorse. He offered again to carry Gorse, but Morningflower pulled away.

She'd rather live or die with her son, Fireheart realized, and left Morningflower be.

"Clear!" "Clear!" Mudclaw and Ashfoot shouted simultaneously.

Fireheart, Graystripe, Morningflower and two veterans made their way across quickly. One of the veterans, an elderly woman, stumbled, and Graystripe stopped to help.

"Mother!" Onewhisker's frantic voice could be heard, referring to the veteran who had just tripped. Fireheart looked towards Morningflower. "Go, don't wait for us!" Morningflower nodded, continuing across the road. The other veteran hobbled on, not too far behind.

"Incoming!" Mudclaw shouted. Not now! Not like this! Fireheart panicked internally, promptly dragging Onewhisker's mother to her feet.

"Wrenflight, leg it!" The other veteran urged. That must be her name.

Suddenly feeling a burst of adrenaline, Fireheart and Graystripe helped Onewhisker's mother forward faster, who seemed to be in a distressed daze.

"It's gonna hit Mum!" Ashfoot cried out.

We're not going to make it in time!

Fireheart squeezed his eyes shut.

Suddenly, Fireheart felt himself being yanked forward, and opened his eyes just in time to see the ground rising up to meet him.

Briefly shocked as the impact knocked the wind out of him, he turned to see Graystripe, to his immense relief, right next to him, groaning and clutching his helmet-clad head. He looked up to see Onewhisker tightly embracing Wrenflight, tears flowing freely from his eyes. Next to him, he could see that two of the WindClanners had pulled them forward, off of the Quakepath at the last moment.

Nothing needed to be said as to what had just happened.

After that near-death experience, Tallstar ultimately decided to wait until sunset, when there would be less Iotunns about. Hours after Fireheart and Graystripe had saved Wrenflight's life, the rest of WindClan rendezvoused, and together they set off homeward.

"I can see Highstones," Deadfoot called out. "Do we know where we're going to stay for the night?"

"If we're back here then Barley's should be nearby," Graystripe suggested. "I hope he doesn't mind."

"We've met him before, actually," a WindClan recruit spoke. "We trade with him for-"

"Stupid boy, let the prime minister speak!" a veteran reprimanded.

Tallstar laughed a little, and even Onewhisker smiled. "Pike's right," Tallstar conceded. "We have met Barley before. I take it you know him as well?"

"Yes, actually!" Fireheart straightened up despite his tiredness. "Our friend Raven lives with him now."

"Well then," Deadfoot looked towards Tallstar. "What are we waiting for?"

"Nothing," the prime minister responded, and Graystripe moved up to knock on the door, being greeted by a joyful Barley.

"Tallstar! Fireheart! Graystripe! You're back!" Barley said. "Raven figured that you'd want to rest here. Come in, come in!" the loner enthusiastically said as he pulled open the door, allowing the Clan to enter.

"I'm not going in there," one of the veterans mumbled until Barley assured him, "Iotunns don't live here anymore."

"It'll shelter us from the rain," Fireheart encouraged.

"Of course he wants to hide in a Iotunn's house. Once a tame, always a tame," Fireheart heard one of the WindClan recruits say.

Surprisingly enough, it was Onewhisker who leapt to Fireheart's defense. "We've been hiding inside a tunnel for months. If he's a tame, then by that logic we're no more than rats. Have some respect."

The recruit in question opened his mouth to retort, then quieted down, clearly having thought better of it.

"Well, come on in," Barley invited, and without further ado WindClan filed into the building. "And yes, Graystripe," he looked towards the ThunderClan soldier in question, whose eyes shone excitedly. "I have more hardtack. WindClan has the best grain around these parts."

Gathered around a fire, with smoke flowing towards a chimney in the ceiling, the newfound companions decided to get to know each other better over herbal tea. All around them, near similarly-sized campfires and under other chimneys, the WindClanners camped together.

"Well, I was born around the time Heatherstar was leader. Just a few years after my older sister Ashfoot, might I add," Onewhisker said as he dipped a piece of hardtack into his tea.

"Heatherstar?" Fireheart echoed as he retrieved the teakettle, passing it to Raven. "Was Heatherstar the prime minister before Tallstar?"

"Yea. I don't remember much about her, I spent most of my life growing up under Tallstar and Deadfoot. Hey, Badgerfang!" Onewhisker called out excitedly. "Come over here and meet these two!"

Shyly, a young boy, who couldn't have been older than a recruit, walked over with a 'hello'. Onewhisker shifted to make room for the youth to warm his hands by the fire.

"This is Fireheart and Graystripe, and their friend Raven." Onewhisker introduced them, pointing them each out as Badgerfang extended his hand in greeting. Fireheart shook it.

"Why does he have a suffix in his name?" Graystripe asked, his voice once more muffled by hardtack. Fireheart realized Graystripe was right.

"He used to be one of Brokenstar's conscripts," Ashfoot, who had been sitting next to her younger brother, answered in disgust. "His mentor Flintfang helped us find out that the whole time, we'd been shooting at bloody kids."

"That's horrible," Raven muttered under his breath as he held a cup of fresh herbal tea. "I'm glad Brokenstar was driven out."

Silent agreement was had amongst the group. Ashfoot continued, "Anyways, I don't know how, but he ended up being friends with my baby brother."

"Oh, that's right! It was back before the evacuation..." Onewhisker recalled. "Badgerfang, you remember."

As Fireheart heard Badgerfang's story, he found himself to be quite impressed. The boy had survived being shot. He'd been scarred by war. But instead of dying like one might have expected, he lived, grew and became as wise as a veteran. He'd even left his own parents to stay with WindClan, realizing that Brokenstar was simply manipulating the ShadowClan S.S.R. out of fear.

Fireheart was never close with his parents. But he himself wondered as the Clan went to sleep... would he do what was right, even if it meant abandoning those close to him?

Chapter Text

Fireheart woke up to see WindClan already excitedly packing their bags and cleaning up the barn. There was a newfound vigor and liveliness throughout the Clan.

They know they're coming home today. We're heading home today too!

Fireheart headed outside, breathing in the dewy morning air and sitting in the grass. It felt like he was reliving his adventure all at once, and reveled in the cool morning wind flowing through his hair.

It felt strange, considering that it felt like he'd been in the forest his entire life.

The soft movement of grass behind him made him turn around to see Tallstar walking out unarmed. "Prime Minister, sir."

"At ease," Tallstar calmly said as he took a seat next to the young soldier, taking off his peaked cap. "No words can truly express my Clan's gratitude towards you and your friends."

"Yes, sir," Fireheart nodded in understanding.

The prime minister sighed, looking out over WindClan's land in the distance. It became evident how much Tallstar had missed his home. Fireheart couldn't help but feel the same way about ThunderClan's forest.

"I remember a day when I felt like WindClan was on her own. I'd thought that her allies couldn't be trusted, and that all other Clans were out to get them," the leader of WindClan reminisced. "I recall once that ThunderClan under Pinestar had attacked base camp solely to target our medical supplies..." He noticed Fireheart's guilty look. "Bluestar was only a recruit at the time. It was likely before you were even born. I myself was but a soldier when it happened."

Fireheart stayed silent. It was evident that Tallstar was trying to tell him something.

"When I was a soldier under the name of Talltail, my father Sandgorse died in a tunnel collapse. He was a tunneler- my father, his father and his father before him helped to dig out the trenches in WindClan's base camp."

"With him was one of our allies- a loner who arrived annually with his fellow travelers and traded metal for WindClan grain. After my father died, I sought revenge, falsely believing the loner to have murdered him."

Fireheart was listening now, but asked, "Sir, why are you telling me this?"

Tallstar looked over wistfully. "You remind me of someone I knew, from a long time ago. His name was Jake. When I set out, young, foolish and craving vengeance, I almost died of food poisoning. He saved my life and ultimately convinced me not to go gallivanting off in search of revenge."

Fireheart didn't know who Jake was. Noticing his confusion, Tallstar explained, "Jake looked a lot like you. He was a Iotunntame. He and I later found out that Sandgorse had saved the loner's life."

"Were you close friends?" Fireheart asked curiously.

"Closer than friends," Tallstar sighed as he looked fondly past WindClan land, past ThunderClan's forest to the Iotunns' domain. "I made my decision to head home soon after our new discovery. My Clan still needed me- I couldn't abandon the Clan I grew up in for him. It pained me then to have conflicting loyalties. It still does."

Fireheart realized the possibility of conflicting loyalties as well. What if someday ThunderClan and WindClan go to war against each other? How can I open fire upon any WindClan soldier anymore, after all we did for them?

Tallstar seemed to understand, placing his cap back upon his head and straightening it. "I will not tell you to choose between my Clan and yours. What right do I have? It's clear ThunderClan is home to you. Stick by it and move with the confidence that you're protecting them, always."

"I used to think ThunderClan was arrogant and brash. ThunderClan is not what it was before, and you and Graystripe have proven that."

Hours after eating a hearty breakfast and packing up, the Moorland Republic of WindClan set off towards home. They looked far better than they had yesterday. It was all smiles- some were even outright singing joyfully. Even the seniors of the Clan moved as though they were 10 years younger.

Fireheart and Graystripe didn't speak, too caught up in the collective excitement of getting to return home.

As they headed over the hill now, they could see the abandoned trenches, with the RiverClan and ShadowClan flags still flying above with no small amount of disrespect.

A senior soldier- Tornear, Fireheart recognized, walked forward, unfolding a WindClan flag.

Once they reached the vast network of trenches, Tornear pulled down the two enemy flags from the flagpole, handing them to a WindClan recruit. "We'll return these to them at the next Gathering ourselves!" the soldier declared as he began to pull the WindClan flag up the flagpole.

Cheers resounded as Tornear snapped to a salute, seeing the WindClan standard fly.

Tallstar stepped up onto a firestep to address the Clan. The Clan fell silent as they turned towards their prime minister.

"We have gone a long way, once hiding fearfully from Brokenstar's hordes. But now, thanks to the efforts of Fireheart, Graystripe, Raven and Barley, we have been brought home. We could not have known to come home without their help. They have ensured WindClan shall survive- and we will not be so keen as to be driven from our home so easily again!"

Fireheart could recognize so many faces now. He could see a blushing Deadfoot being passionately embraced by Ashfoot, the usually stiff field marshal being in high spirits like the rest. He could see Badgerfang unpacking his things with Flintfang- clearly they had decided to stay in WindClan for good. He could see Tornear directing several other WindClan soldiers in cleaning up the camp, with Web leading other recruits in picking up spare bullet casings and dusting off the camp.

They're no different than us.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to see Graystripe and Onewhisker. "You two still need to return home," the latter said. "I just asked Tallstar, Deadfoot should be with us shortly."

Fireheart smiled, and Graystripe offered some more hardtack to Onewhisker, who accepted just one. Graystripe shrugged, continuing to munch on the hardtack.

"Is he always like this?" Onewhisker asked.

Fireheart laughed. "You have no idea..."

Together, Fireheart, Graystripe, Onewhisker and Deadfoot descended the slope from WindClan territory. They could see Fourtrees now, but they were all tired from yesterday's trek.

"Hey, do you think we should take a shortcut?" Graystripe asked. "Cutting through G.U.R. territory should be faster."

He looked towards Fireheart, who seemed to be doubtful. "I'm not sure. Are we really going to risk it?"

Deadfoot, however, was listening. "We were originally supposed to escort you two to Fourtrees, but I suppose us showing up on RiverClan land would be a nice return gesture. After all," Deadfoot said with a glint in his eye, "They respected our land about as much."

Onewhisker gave a devilish grin as Fireheart relaxed in agreement. "We should be careful not to run into border patrols. We'll cut through the Fourtrees side of the river."

"Sounds good." Graystripe agreed as the four of them proceeded onwards.

Silverstream crouched by the bridge with a group of hunters, all armed with spears and stabbing into the river for fish. Next to them, Colonel Leopardfur was sharpening a spear as Blackclaw stood guard, MAS-36 in hand.

"Colonel!" Blackclaw cried out as he looked into the distance. "You will not believe this!"

Silverstream looked up across the river, squinting as she saw four distant figures- two in camo and another two in khaki. She heard an angry hiss from Leopardfur.

"ThunderClan! On our land, and with WindClan no less!"

"Colonel, I'll get reinforcements if need be," Silverstream offered.

"No," Leopardfur said coldly. "They are mostly armed with rifles... we will attack them at close range. It looks like we have a new catch of the day."

"Move out! Stick to the bushes. Do not kill them... give them a scarring they will not forget and drive them out. Next time we will not be so generous," the RiverClan colonel ordered sternly.

Together, the hunters, easily seven of them, set off with spears and knives.

Fireheart and his companions would soon be cutting through the patch of forest just in RiverClan territory, which served chiefly to connect RiverClan to Fourtrees.

Fireheart excitedly looked on, feeling the familiar atmosphere of home just ahead of him.

Soon, we'll be back in camp!

"Watch out!" Deadfoot yelled as suddenly, an attacker in civilian clothing swung a knife at Graystripe, who nearly dodged as his shoulder was grazed. There was no time to even draw their own knives as they were set upon in close quarters combat.

RiverClan's found us! Fireheart felt a shiver down his spine as he saw Leopardfur joining in the fray. He was suddenly hit in the face by the haft of a spear, and staggered back in alarm, screwing his eyes shut.

"Leopardfur! Those are our soldiers!" Tigerclaw's voice could be heard. ThunderClan's found us too!

"No good, sir! We can't use our guns, we could risk shooting our men!" Longtail yelled as Fireheart opened his eyes to see ThunderClan charge into melee combat as well.

The next few minutes seemed to pass by in moments. Time seemed to freeze as combat ensued all around him.

He could see Tigerclaw grappling with Leopardfur. Darkstripe was on the ground, being pinned by Blackclaw. Longtail was being held at bay by a female hunter brandishing a spear.

Fireheart heard a shout, whipping around to see Sand grappling with a RiverClan hunter on the ground. Suddenly, they rolled towards the edge.

If they roll further they're both gonna die!

Fireheart lunged, pulling the RiverClanner off of Sand and throwing him aside as the ThunderClan rookie slipped over the edge with a scream. At the last moment, he grabbed the recruit by the wrist, using both hands to pull her up.

Fireheart flopped onto the edge, gasping from exhaustion as Sand got up, snarling, "I don't need your help!"

You're welcome, Fireheart thought bitterly as his attention was drawn by a distressed cry from Graystripe.

"Hang on! I've got you!" Graystripe frantically said as he lay on his stomach and reached out for a RiverClan hunter hanging over the edge, face contorted in fear. The hunter desperately reached out for Graystripe's hand.

To his horror, Fireheart saw the hunter's grip slip, and he disappeared into the roaring river below with a fading shriek.

"Whiteclaw!" the RiverClan colonel cried out, no longer focusing on Tigerclaw but rushing towards the edge, looking down for the briefest moment before giving new orders to her bruised and battered retinue.

"RiverClan! Retreat!"

Chapter Text

"And you're telling me you attacked without warning?" Crookedstar stood concerned within the field hospital as Mudfur tended to the wounded.

Currently, Mudfur was working on treating the Colonel's wounds. Leopardfur gritted her teeth in pain as the medical officer applied penicillin to her wounded shoulder.

Mistyfoot ran in to salute Crookedstar. "My patrol found Whiteclaw washed up downriver."

Sure enough, two other RiverClan soldiers carted in Whiteclaw's body, bringing it further in. He was clearly viciously battered, having died an agonizing death due to his fall into the gorge.

"That ThunderClan mongrel!" Leopardfur hissed. "Who was he again... Graystripe." the colonel spat the name like a curse. "He has added insult to injury! When I get my hands on him..."

"Leopardfur, he was trying to save Whiteclaw-" Silverstream began as Leopardfur glared at her, causing her to freeze. She could see tears of rage glistening in Leopardfur's own eyes.

"I know," Leopardfur hissed. "But this changes nothing. He's. Still. Dead."

"Colonel!" Crookedstar barked. "I grieve for Whiteclaw's loss as well. We all do. But turning on each other will solve nothing!"

Leopardfur was eerily calm, though her voice cracked behind her suddenly neutral face.

"You are right, Marshal." She said briefly, allowing Mudfur to apply opiate anesthesia before suturing the wound shut. She remained still but kept talking. "Turning on each other will certainly solve nothing."

Leopardfur's next words sent a chill down Silverstream's spine. She knew Leopardfur could get angry, but she'd never seen her so unhinged.

"It is ThunderClan who is our true enemy," the colonel darkly concluded. "Whiteclaw will be avenged."

"Well, now RiverClan knows we've returned, as does ShadowClan, most likely." Tallstar concluded grimly. "We need to invest in defense."

He, Ashfoot, Deadfoot and Mudclaw were in the prime minister's office, around Tallstar's desk. It had been about two hours since Deadfoot and Onewhisker returned with the bad news.

"But we don't have enough people fit to serve at the moment. The Clan's still busy recovering," Ashfoot reminded Tallstar.

"We have no choice," Deadfoot protested. "I say we form effective home defense as soon as possible."

"Morale is high," Mudclaw added. "Plenty of people are going to volunteer when we tell them."

Tallstar massaged the bridge of his nose in concern, leaning over the desk with conflict in his eyes. Finally, he sighed in resignation. "All of you are right."

Ashfoot, Mudclaw and Deadfoot looked at each other, confused.

"I will have optional daily training done for all of us who are at least fifteen years of age. Not merely those currently keeping our borders safe, but everyone- farmers, cooks, builders, even the elderly." Tallstar explained. "And a volunteer unit will be made to accommodate the emergency reserves."

"I hoped the likes of the WindClan Home Guard would never have to be formed again. I was wrong."

"This is not good," Nightstar muttered as he looked over his Clan. The Clan's medical officer, Runningnose stood by his side in agreement. "We cannot afford to put more investment into attack so soon. We need people free from the military to stabilize our economy." Brokenstar had invested excessively in military spending, which had nearly led the Clan into ruin.

But now, if they didn't attack, not only would the ShadowClan Democratic Republic be weaker, but it would also have its pride tarnished again so soon after Brokenstar had been driven out.

Thankfully, Nightstar had something else up his sleeves.

"How goes the special armor?" he asked curiously.

ShadowClan had experimented on bulletproof armor early into Brokenstar's reign. Though Brokenstar hadn't perfected it by the time he was ousted from power, he had made enough forays into the matter that ShadowClan could improve upon it quickly.

The fact that Runningnose had been heavily involved in the project made things much easier.

"I think we'll be able to make about twenty within the next three days, Chancellor." the medical officer replied.

"...acceptable odds." Nightstar replied.

ShadowClan didn't have the numbers of, say, WindClan. It didn't have the aquatic abilities of RiverClan, and it wasn't used to the forest like ThunderClan. It did, however, have a prime advantage in technology. During his war with WindClan, Brokenstar had prioritized production of automatic weapons, acknowledging that they were heavily outnumbered as a Clan.

"ShadowClan always has the most automatics," Nightstar reminded Runningnose. "It will be an even fight."

"Fireheart decided to return home through RiverClan territory," Tigerclaw growled.

"It wasn't just Fireheart who decided-" Graystripe began in desperation. He, Fireheart, Tigerclaw and Bluestar were in the latter's quarters back at base camp.

"They were attacked by a RiverClan patrol. If my own hunting patrol hadn't heard the commotion, they'd never have made it home," Tigerclaw said.

"So you rescued them," Bluestar concluded, relaxing. "Thank you, lieutenant."

"No, General. It wasn't that simple. They were fighting beside the gorge," Tigerclaw explained. "A RiverClan soldier in CQC with Graystripe fell over the edge. …he died."

Graystripe flinched. Fireheart nervously shifted his feet.

Bluestar straightened up in alarm. "Died?"

"Bluestar, it was an accident! We weren't looking for a fight-"

Tigerclaw turned towards Fireheart with a glare. "If you weren't looking for a fight, then you should have never even entered G.U.R. territory in the first place," he snarled. "You've just sent a message by traveling with those WindClanners, that we're their allies. And now, RiverClan and ShadowClan are only going to strengthen their alliance, which will fan the flames for an inter-Clan war!" Tigerclaw had raised his voice, causing Fireheart to sweat nervously as Graystripe seemed to shrink in his uniform.

"You were with WindClan?" Bluestar echoed in shock.

"Just two of them. Tallstar had them escort us home, that's it." Fireheart protested.

"Through RiverClan territory?! You still don't understand the Code of Mercy, do you?!" Tigerclaw roared angrily.

"Lieutenant!" Bluestar stood up, and Tigerclaw went silent, straightening up. The ThunderClan leader looked from Fireheart to Graystripe. "You should not have entered G.U.R. land. It was a dangerous thing to do."

To Fireheart's relief, Bluestar did not press the matter.

"The both of you completed your mission of retrieving WindClan. ...we will need them as allies for the coming conflagration. We will need all the soldiers we can get. Frostfur tells me two of her children are ready to become recruits soon of their own volition."

"I am assigning them to the both of you."

Chapter Text

Fireheart was awoken by Willowpelt, who whispered, "It's time for the ceremony."

"Thanks, Willowpelt," Fireheart said as he got up in excitement, standing up to wake up Graystripe. Willowpelt nodded, leaving the den.

"Psst," Fireheart hissed as he prodded Graystripe. "Ceremony!" he whispered.

Graystripe looked at him with no joy or excitement. Then Fireheart remembered the journey and Whiteclaw's death, and his smile faded.

At least the rain had stopped. After getting into uniform and brushing their teeth, the two stepped out into the clearing, where there was already a crowd of soldiers rallying. As it was midnight, there weren't as many people outside.

Regardless, he could see the two recruits-to-be, Cinder and Bracken, enthusiastically standing to attention as their mother Frostfur fussed over them. They would be given initial training in hunting as well as caring for the Clan- though Bluestar had made them recruits with the expectation that they would answer the call to arms.

Once more, excitement made Fireheart's heart race. "Aren't you excited?" he whispered as he looked at Graystripe, who shrugged halfheartedly.

Fireheart noticed Graystripe still looked sullen. "Graystripe," he said in a muted voice- "It wasn't your fault. None of us could have known what would happen. Sand nearly fell into the gorge, too," he added as he glanced over at Sand. Next to Sand, Dust glared jealously, causing Fireheart to feel guilty.

I've already been assigned a trainee and he still hasn't been promoted, Fireheart reminded himself.

That thought didn't stop him from wincing as Dust audibly whispered to Sand, "I feel sorry for Fireheart's trainee already. Imagine being trained by a tame!"

Surprisingly enough, Sand didn't react, just uncomfortably glancing at Fireheart.

Fireheart focused again on Graystripe. "Bluestar doesn't blame you, she knows you only did your best. You're here with me, aren't you?" he asked.

"Only because ThunderClan needs more soldiers," Graystripe bitterly muttered. "Because I've given RiverClan an excuse to declare war on us!"

Fireheart briefly flinched, but Bluestar's opening announcement drew his attention before he could say anything more. Graystripe straightened up despite the tiredness in his eyes, and the two marched up and stood to attention before the general.

Bluestar gazed upon them calmly. "Tonight, we come forward to name two new recruits. They will be the first of many in the months of this antebellum we face now. Cinder, Bracken, please step forward."

The curly-haired girl, Cinder, enthusiastically bounded forward, snapping to attention before Bluestar. Her brother Bracken, with neatly combed ginger hair, stepped forward with more reserve, standing to attention as well.

Fireheart's heart raced again- which of them would he get to mentor? He couldn't deny that Bracken would be easier to train, but Cinder reminded him of himself when he was still Rusty the recruit.

"From this day forward," Bluestar declared as she gazed kindly upon Cinder, "Cinder shall be apprenticed to Fireheart." Cinder let out an enthusiastic squeal as Fireheart felt pride swell in his chest.

"You are fortunate to have had more than one mentor, Fireheart. I expect you to pass on everything you have learned from myself, Tigerclaw and Lionheart-" Bluestar's words carried a weight of responsibility Fireheart was unused to- "to this young recruit, so that she might be able to serve her Clan well."

At the mention of Lionheart, Fireheart was entreated to fond memories of the old lieutenant, who had taught him how to fire a rifle on his first day as a recruit. At those words, he straightened up and saluted.

"And from this day forward," Bluestar shifted her focus to Bracken. "Bracken shall be apprenticed to Graystripe. You were mentored by Lionheart, our old friend. I hope that he shall live on as you pass your skills to this new recruit."

Bracken turned, extending his hand to shake Graystripe's. A gleam of pride could be seen within Graystripe's eyes, mirrored in Bracken's own. Graystripe accepted, shaking Bracken's hand.

Fireheart realized he should have done the same thing- he saw Cinder extending her own hand. Consciously, Fireheart shook the young recruit's hand at once, cursing himself for his hesitancy.

Fireheart looked around at the rest of the Clan, who looked on approvingly. Then he saw Tigerclaw, who stood silently with what Fireheart swore was a mocking gaze.

The redheaded ThunderClan soldier looked upon his new trainee, who looked up with undisguised pride.

I'm going to be the best mentor I can, Fireheart told himself. I won't let Tigerclaw change any of that.

Fireheart woke up, to find Graystripe wrapped in his bed, shivering and fully awake. "Gray?" Fireheart asked quietly, causing the normally jolly ThunderClanner to jump, startled.

Graystripe looked at his friend, sighing.

"You okay, man?"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine," Graystripe said in a low voice. At least he's trying to be more positive, Fireheart thought.

"It looks cold," Fireheart decided to change the subject as he stood up, careful not to wake the other soldiers.

"Yep!" Graystripe exclaimed. Fireheart stood up, shuddering from the cold. He walked over to a stove in the corner of the room, next to the barracks door.

"What are you going to do with Bracken today?" Fireheart asked as he opened the furnace door, picking up a log of firewood and feeding it to the crackling flames inside.

"Show him around the forest, I guess," Graystripe replied.

"I could bring Cinder so all four of us could travel together," Fireheart suggested as he closed the furnace door.

"It might be better if we travel separately today," Graystripe answered.

Fireheart felt a bit hurt. They'd seen ThunderClan's borders together as rookies. If only we could have done so together as mentors, he thought wistfully. Still, he could hardly blame Graystripe for wanting to go alone.

Cinder could hardly sleep- she was restless in her bunk. Her brother Bracken was fast asleep.

She'd tried to start conversation with the other two recruits, who seemed way older than she was, but neither of them really tried to talk with her for some reason.

Whatever, Cinder dismissed the thought. Any minute now...

She could see her mentor Fireheart standing outside, holding a hunting shotgun.

Without hesitation, she leapt from her bed, opening her footlocker with enthusiastic speed. She grabbed her belongings, placing her helmet on her head. She bounded out the door, boots tromping on the floor, prompting a groan from Dust as he muffled the noise by entrapping his head in his pillow.

Fireheart seemed quite surprised to see Cinder, who immediately asked, "What are we doing today?"

"I thought I'd take you on a tour of ThunderClan territory," Fireheart answered.

"Will we see the Quakepath?" Cinder enthusiastically asked.

"Er, yes," Fireheart answered with uncertainty. "Are you hungry?"

"Nope!" Cinder replied. She was way too excited to wait for breakfast.

"Alright. We'll eat when we get back. Follow me," Fireheart said.

As Fireheart headed towards the camp entrance, Cinder scampered to get there faster.

I can't wait, I can't wait!

"Cinder!" Fireheart called behind her. "I said to follow me!"

Embarrassed for the briefest moment, Cinder stayed to let her mentor catch up. However, she was shifting restlessly with enthusiasm.

As Fireheart finally caught up, he advised, "You should save your energy. We have a lot of walking to do."

"Oh. Okay. Which way?" Cinder asked excitedly.

"This way. And follow- I mean it," Fireheart said. Thankfully, he didn't seem angry, giving a smile as he led Cinder out.

"This is where most of our training sessions will be held," Fireheart explained as he showed Cinder the sandy hollow. At the edge could be seen several wooden targets, all with no small amount of wear and tear, clearly having been repainted many times. "A river ran here a long time ago- there's still a stream that way," Fireheart explained as he pointed into the distance, leaning towards Cinder so she could get a feel of where it was. "Most of the summer the stream's dry- I shot my first deer here."

"What else did you catch? Will the stream be frozen? Let's see if there's ice!" Cinder didn't even give Fireheart a chance to answer as she bolted towards the stream.

"You'll see it another time!" Fireheart yelled as he ran after Cinder, being able to catch up due to his better maneuverability. That didn't stop Cinder from running, however, and she scrambled to a halt atop the rise overlooking the stream. Arriving, Fireheart could see the stream's edges covered in ice, but the stream still flowing too quickly to fully freeze over.

"You wouldn't catch much there now," Cinder remarked. "Except fish."

"RiverClan can fish. If they like getting their socks wet, let them. I prefer mine to be dry," Fireheart advised.

"What now?" Cinder looked enthusiastically at Fireheart, who decided to take the initiative first and dash for the next part of the forest first. "The Owl Tree!" Fireheart yelled as the recruit bounded after him.

They crossed the stream over a fallen tree, with Fireheart helping Cinder across first so that he would be able to catch her if she fell. "There's stepping-stones farther down, but this route is quicker. Be careful, it gets slippery during rain or snow!"

Cinder in her enthusiasm crossed the log easily, landing with a soft crunch as her feet impacted the ground. "Well done," Fireheart said.

Cinder smiled, her eyes aglow. "Thanks. Where's the tree?"

"Over here," Fireheart said as he guided Cinder towards the Owl Tree. This oak towered tall above the other trees- Cinder had to crane her neck backwards to look at the top crowned with red and brown leaves. "Does an owl really live here?"

"Yes. See the hole up there?"

The recruit squinted. "How do you know it's not a squirrel hole?"

Fireheart knelt down, motioning for his trainee to kneel as well. He uncovered a pile of leaves, sifting through the sand as he found what he was looking for.

He picked up a strange pinecone-sized object. "This is an owl pod. Owls sometimes eat small birds and squirrels like we might, but they can't digest anything except the meat. So they roll the leftovers into pods and spit them out."

"Why would you want to find an owl?" Cinder squeaked in alarm. Fireheart snorted with laughter. Cinder must have been told some tale of how owls carried off lost children.

"Owls get a better view of the forest than we do. If we follow where they hunt, they can lead us to small game," Fireheart explained.

Cinder nodded in understanding, to her mentor's relief. "Where now?" she asked.

"Great Sycamore. This way."

Fireheart and Cinder stood beneath the Great Sycamore. The latter's eyes were wide, her mouth agape in surprise. "It's huge!" she exclaimed.

"Smallear says he climbed to the top when he was a rookie," Fireheart said. "Though it was probably just a sapling- Cinder!" She's run off again...

Fireheart bounded after Cinder, whose footsteps were leading her towards Snakerocks. To his horror, he found Cinder standing atop a boulder at the bottom of the rocky slope. "Race you to the top!" she shouted.

"Cinder! Get down!" Fireheart yelled frantically. At once, the rookie scrambled down, sensing something wrong as she stood to attention before him. "This place is called Snakerocks," he began.

Cinder froze. "Snakerocks?"

"Snakes live up there. They've killed people before. The last time someone died here was back before Bluestar was even born, but adders still live here," Fireheart said.

Cinder tensed up in fear until Fireheart put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "Come on. Let's go to the Quakepath."

The small recruit immediately brightened up. "Really?"

"Really," Fireheart said. "Follow me."

This time, Cinder didn't try to run ahead, instead following Fireheart to the Quakepath, where it cut through like a hard, straight river of polished stone.

Cinder almost looked like she wanted to touch the path, but Fireheart could hear a familiar sound. "Stand back," he warned. "Iotunn wagon."

The recruit staggered back with astonishment, and screwed her eyes tight as a crate-like object hurtled past at powerful speeds, being held up by the strange, wavelike properties of the Quakepath. "Is that a Iotunn wagon?" she finally asked after regaining her bearings. Fireheart nodded in the affirmative.

After waiting for Cinder to reorient herself, Fireheart pointed across the road. "Do you see that?"

Cinder looked across, and suddenly sounded far older. "ShadowClan," she muttered with undisguised hatred. "One of them broke my nose when they kidnapped me and my siblings."

It was then that Fireheart remembered what had happened when he himself was a recruit. He, Graystripe and Yellowfang had all proven instrumental in liberating ShadowClan and rescuing Frostfur's children, Cinder among them.

"They're not under Brokenstar anymore," Fireheart reminded Cinder. "Brokenstar was driven out the day ThunderClan came to rescue you."

"So he's still out there?" Cinder asked warily.

"Yes," Fireheart said quietly. "But ThunderClan is better-prepared for him now. We'd better head elsewhere, we're not done touring yet."

Fireheart decided to take Cinder the long way around, to the east then down past Tallpines, then back to base camp.

As the two silently walked beneath the pine trees, Fireheart felt uneasy seeing the fences again, though he'd grown up in this place before. "Stay sharp, sometimes there's Iotunn-tamed wolves here," Fireheart whispered.

The two crouched under the trees to look at the fences, which hummed with the solid energy they emitted.

"Look!" Cinder pointed towards an orange-haired woman walking along the outside of the fence, carrying some sort of tray with mittens. Fireheart could smell something sweet coming from the tray.

"It's a tame!" Fireheart's trainee exclaimed. "Can I give the warning shot?"

"She's not on our land," Fireheart explained as he observed the tame, calling out in the direction of a house. He could see now a youth with white, curly hair come over with a knife, undoing the fence like he'd done so long ago, and taking the tray before helping the woman inside.

As the redheaded woman just passed close enough, Fireheart could see green eyes and freckles upon her face.

Where have I seen that face before...?

"Rusty, why're you looking at the forest again?" a kind voice asked.

"Sis, I think I see someone!" Rusty exclaimed, his face plastered against the fence.

"No you don't, Rusty. It's just imagination..." the kind voice went on, as Rusty looked up at a young woman with green eyes, her face freckled and her red hair tied back.

"Princess! Let Rusty have this. He's still just a kid." an older voice said.

Resignation from the first voice- likely Princess'. "Alright, mom..."

Fireheart snapped up straight in his bunk in the barracks. He looked around, finding he was the only one awake in base camp (except for Runningwind, who was on sentry duty outside).

He had a realization as he laid back down onto his bed, trying vainly to fall asleep once again.

He couldn't sleep. Not with this new revelation.

That was my sister.

Chapter Text

Fireheart stepped out of the barracks, already in full gear. He briefly shivered in the autumn air, shaking out one leg at a time.

This time, he noticed that it was starting to snow. Snow began to land in small trickles, though not in such magnitude that the children could play in it.

A child, likely about 10 years of age, rushed out of one of the habitats on the far edge of camp, gasping in surprise as he looked up towards the sky.

Fireheart remembered at that point that he never really spent his childhood in the Clan.

People hate me just because I'm not Clanborn, he reminded himself.

Fireheart was perfectly willing to lay his life down for the Clan. However, nobody ever really knew or respected his tame roots.

I should see my sister today, the ThunderClan soldier thought to himself. She'll better understand.

A rustling of gear could be heard as Graystripe stepped out of the armory.

"Morning, Graystripe. Do you mind taking care of Cinder today for me?" Fireheart asked.

"Sure, why?"

"Nothing important. I just thought I saw something yesterday," Fireheart replied as casually as he could. "Watch out though, Cinder's a handful. She ran off five times yesterday," he added.

Graystripe snorted as he passed Fireheart a rifle. "Sure sounds like it! It'll be good for Bracken. At least he's reserved enough to look before he leaps."

"Thanks, Graystripe!" Fireheart called as he rushed out of camp before his friend could ask further.

Fireheart crouched in the bushes, hiding in silence. He remembered the place- he made his way through Tallpines fairly quickly to the location.

He briefly glanced at how his own breath turned to fog the whenever he exhaled, shifting a little in his position. He wasn't certain when Princess was going to come out.

Fireheart was just about to leave as he saw the door slide open and Princess step out with the white-haired youth again. The energy fence still separated them and him.

Fireheart considered his choices.

I don't want to scare them off.

He ultimately decided to call, "It's me! Rusty!" This prompted both Princess and the boy to look up.

Fireheart stepped out, and instinctively the boy stepped in front of Princess, who looked equally startled.

"Relax, Cloud," Princess nervously said as she glanced at the ThunderClan soldier standing before them. "Just head back inside, now. I'll be okay."

Cloud didn't move.

Fireheart's rifle was slung over his shoulder, but he made no sudden movements. He took off his helmet. "Sis, it's me! Rusty!" Fireheart greeted.

Princess squinted. "How do I know it's you?"

Fireheart walked up as Cloud asked with alarm, "Mom, who's this?"

"If he's who he says he is," Princess explained to her son, "this is your uncle."

"But he's so... young!" Cloud said. Rusty seemed to only be a few years older than he was!

"Yes, dear. That's because I was born 17 years before him," Princess explained.

"Why's he dressed like that? What's that bowl-like thing that was on his head?" Cloud had a lot of questions.

"I don't know," Princess admitted.

It was Rusty (or so he claimed) who answered. "I've been living in the forest for over eight months now. I'm a soldier of the ThunderClan Free State. This thing protects my head," Princess' brother explained, pointing to the strange round pot.

Cloud didn't understand a word of what he said.

"So, why did you come to see me?" Princess finally asked the newcomer.

"You're my sister." 

Princess gave the visitor a funny look. "You're very thin for my brother," she pointed out.

"Thin for a tame maybe, but not for a Clan member. I... saw you yesterday. I dreamed of you and Ma..."

Princess decided to quiz the stranger. "So if you're really who you say you are, what was my mother's name?" she inquired warily.

"Nutmeg," Rusty said without hesitation. Princess stopped in surprise.

"Cloud," she began. "This is your uncle."

"So where's Ma?" Fireheart asked as he stood awkwardly outside the fence, talking to his sister and his nephew (he'd just realized) through the energy barrier.

"She's still with her Iotunns," Princess replied. "...you mentioned a 'ThunderClan Free State'?"

"Yep. There's four Clans altogether," Fireheart explained. "The ShadowClan Democratic Republic, who lives over there across the road-" he pointed to the left, and Cloud leaned over to try to see the road. "the ThunderClan Free State-" Fireheart motioned behind him. "-the Grand Union of RiverClan and the Moorland Republic of WindClan, who live past ThunderClan land."

Enthusiastically, the words started tumbling out. "In the Clan, we care for each other. Younger people care for older people, soldiers protect Clan territory and hunt game, farmers ensure the Clan is fed... I trained for eight months to be a soldier, actually. I'm training someone to be a soldier too."

Princess didn't understand everything, it seemed, but she looked on in wonder. "It looks like you enjoy your life," she said quietly.

A Iotunn's rumbling could be heard, and Fireheart scrambled for the treeline. "I have to go! Can't let the Iotunns see me," he explained.

"Okay," Princess called behind him. "Come back next time! Goodbye!"

"Where were you?" Tigerclaw inquisitively asked as he stared at Fireheart, who returned carrying two pheasants. "I saw Cinder was spending the day with Graystripe."

"I thought it was too good a day to pass up, so I went hunting. The Clan needs the food." Fireheart lied. Well, it's not totally a lie, I mean, it is a good day to hunt, he told himself. To cover up for his absence, he had hunted for the Clan.

This earned him a funny look from Tigerclaw. "Yes, but we also need soldiers," the lieutenant pointed out. "Cinder's training is your responsibility."

"Yes, sir. I'll take her out tomorrow."

"Good," Tigerclaw said, and to Fireheart's relief did not press any further.

Fireheart could see Graystripe eating hardtack, but his friend seemed sullen- like he was running on empty. Graystripe was halfheartedly crunching on a cracker as Fireheart sat down next to him.

"Find what you were looking for?" Graystripe asked absentmindedly.

"Yes." Fireheart could see the pain in his friend's eyes, and his heart wrenched. "You still thinking about the border incident?"

"M' tryin' not to," Graystripe responded quietly. "It's just that with all the stress and the fact that war's on the horizon again..."

Fireheart put a hand on Graystripe's shoulder. "I can get you something to eat if that's fine. I'm not that hungry." Graystripe looked up gratefully as Fireheart rose from his seat, heading towards the kitchen.

As he went to order some venison stew for Graystripe, Fireheart briefly glanced towards the recruits eating their lunch. Cinder was wolfing down her food to the point where she seemed like a blur. Bracken, on the other hand, was eating more moderately like Dust. Fireheart saw Sand glance in his direction again, but awkwardly look away.

Fireheart watched as Bracken calmly passed some of his food to Cinder while Cinder was chatting away about how the day had gone. To his surprise, Fireheart felt uneasy. He thought back to when he spoke with Princess.

Sure, it was a little awkward especially as they hadn't talked in years. But he felt some connection with her nontheless- despite his duty requiring that he put the Clan first. She was, after all, actually related to him by blood.

He remembered Tallstar's advice- to stick with the Clan.

I know, Tallstar, Fireheart thought as he pondered on the prime minister's words. But it's hard!

I want to see my sister and nephew again!

Chapter Text

"Another day of sunshine!" Fireheart marveled as he stretched outside the barracks door.

It had been three months since Fireheart had first spoken to Princess. Every week, he came over to visit. He couldn't visit as often as he wanted, but he knew Tigerclaw would try to find fault with anything he did, meaning Fireheart had to throw the lieutenant off.

Regardless, he was in good spirits- the snow earlier had been a light sprinkle, meaning there would still be plenty of opportunity to hunt game before the snow really set in.

As he walked with Graystripe to meet Cinder and Bracken at the firing range, Graystripe remarked, "Let's hope it stays dry this winter."

Graystripe was never one for getting wet. He had made clear oftentimes how much he hated going outside in the rain.

As the two arrived at the clearing, Cinder enthusiastically snapped to an exaggerated salute, empty rifle in hand. Bracken followed the motion at the same time, with more reserve as usual.

"What are we doing today?" Fireheart's trainee asked excitedly before Fireheart could open his mouth to speak.

Fireheart and Graystripe shared an amused glance before the latter began. Cinder was clearly ready. "We're checking the RiverClan border. We may be hunting a few things along the way as well."

By now, the two trainees had already toured the borders, but even Cinder had the restraint to wait, despite her shifting her feet. She was giddy with excitement to the point where she could bury herself up to her knees with her shifting. "I wanna hunt a pheasant! I've never had one before!" she declared.

"I'm afraid everything we get today is first for the seniors. But if you ask nicely, I'm sure some of them won't mind," Fireheart advised. "I think now's a good time to follow. Take these." the ThunderClan soldier offered the two trainees each a stripper clip of five bullets. They wasted no time loading their rifles.

Together, the four of them set off for the RiverClan border, starting with the Scrapheap.

Bracken peered at the glittering natural deposits of iron at the Scrapheap, placing a hand on the ore. "It's warm," the recruit noted.

"Let me see!" Cinder was next to Bracken in a heartbeat, placing her hand on the metal mixed with rock. "It is!" she agreed.

As Cinder marveled at the warmth of the metal, clambering to the top and declaring herself General Cinderstar, Bracken turned with intrigue towards Fireheart. "Is this where Lieutenant Redtail died?" he asked quietly.

Fireheart chose to keep reserved in his answers. "Yes."

"And where Tigerclaw avenged him?" Cinder enthusiastically asked as she scrambled from the top of the rock, landing next to Bracken.

Fireheart remembered what Raven had told him so long ago. Tigerclaw was the one who shot Redtail- Redtail had been responsible for shooting Oakheart. Ultimately, Fireheart chose to respond, "This is the place."

As the recruits looked on in awe, Fireheart heard a noise. He motioned for the recruits to be silent. "Do either of you hear anything?" he asked in a hushed tone.

"Pheasant," Graystripe suggested. "Any idea where it's coming from?"

Cinder's eyes narrowed as she focused, finally pointing north. "Over here!" she said, cycling her rifle and dashing for the bushes. A loud rustling, however, and Cinder soon stuck her head out of the foliage, looking around.

"I think it heard you," Fireheart chuckled. Cinder looked crestfallen as Bracken gave a small snort of good-natured laughter. "No matter. You still have much to learn yet!"

"Now you know it's good to be quiet sometimes," Graystripe reminded Cinder. "Pheasants are fast!"

"Remember to be mindful of your surroundings. Let me demonstrate," Fireheart suggested, cycling his own rifle and aiming into the bushes.

To Fireheart, the world seemed to freeze for but a moment until he saw a flash of feathers.

He pulled the trigger, and a loud crack, accompanied by a squawk and an explosion of feathers echoed across the area.

Cinder watched attentively as Fireheart made his way into the bushes, pulling out a pheasant. "Whoa!" she marveled. "I wanna do that!"

"There'll be plenty of chances," Fireheart explained. "We should head somewhere else, like upriver. Everything in the area will have heard that rifle go off." Cinder briefly thought about it, nodding attentively.

"The river feels quiet today," Fireheart remarked passively as he carried the rucksack with the pheasant in it, leading the rest of the group.

"That's because it is," Cinder exclaimed as she pointed towards the river. "Look!"

Cinder was proven right as the four made their way past the foliage, observing the river briefly. Fireheart observed surprised as the river flowed just under the ice- if he didn't know better he swore he could walk right across it. Of course, there was the concern of the ice breaking.

"I think around here's a good place to hunt," Graystripe suggested, and Fireheart set down his rucksack. "We should split to cover more ground. Meet back here at the rucksack?"

Fireheart agreed as he led Cinder further into the forest, while Graystripe and Bracken went off to hunt along the river's edge.

Bracken and Graystripe stalked quietly along the edge of the river as Graystripe stopped him, peering at something in the distance. "See that?" Graystripe asked.

Bracken followed his gaze, seeing a pheasant pecking at the grass for worms. He nodded, and Graystripe grinned. "It's yours."

As Bracken aimed his rifle, Graystripe quietly helped him adjust his aim. Bracken breathed quietly through his nose, and Graystripe hissed sharply, "Now!"

The pheasant looked up in alarm, and flew away.

Bracken pulled the trigger, briefly disoriented by the recoil. Graystripe laughed, patting him on the shoulder. "You did it! I've never seen someone shoot a moving target that small before," he praised. "I'll get it."

Graystripe and Bracken stood up to follow the target, finding that in its last moments the pheasant had landed dead on the ice. Graystripe was right- Bracken's shot had been true! "Stay here and keep an eye on this," Graystripe warned as he passed his rifle to Bracken, who nodded and held it. "It's too dangerous for you on the ice but we can't waste this catch. One moment."

Bracken held his breath as his mentor gingerly tested the ice with one foot, finally standing upon it. He gave a reassuring smile as slowly, he made his way across the ice.

"There you are," Graystripe said with a grin as he leaned down to grab the pheasant, which had basically made it to the middle of the river.

Graystripe suddenly yelped as he slipped, landing on the ice but managing to grab the pheasant. Bracken sighed in relief as Graystripe gave a thumbs up.

Then he saw the ice crack and collapse, the river instantly swallowing his mentor.

Fireheart himself was aiming for a deer as Bracken crashed into the foliage, his voice hoarse with terror as he scared the deer off. "Help! Graystripe's gone through the ice!"

Graystripe!

Fireheart didn't hesitate, bolting downriver after Bracken and Cinder following, their eyes wide with fear.

Fireheart could see his friend now, struggling to stay afloat as he scrambled and tried to scream, only to be yanked down by the river again to choke on the ice-cold water.

"Graystripe!" Fireheart frantically yelled as he and the two recruits rushed downriver, trying to catch up.

Suddenly, Fireheart saw a blue blur, looking up to see a G.U.R. hunter in gray and blue clothing drop her spear. She had noticed the drowning soldier as well.

Immediately, she took off her cloak and boots to reveal tighter, waterproof clothing covering her body.

Then, Fireheart gasped as he saw the fair RiverClanner dive into the water to save Graystripe. He could see her head break the surface of the river as she glided across against the strong current, grabbing Graystripe by the collar with one hand.

But Fireheart's heart skipped a beat as he saw both of them vanish under the water. Where were they? To Fireheart's relief, he could see the mysterious woman making it to shore next to him, dragging an unconscious Graystripe onto land.

Fireheart stared as the hunter made a fist with one hand, clasping it with the other hand around Graystripe, then instantly pulling back into the soaking ThunderClanner's stomach.

Graystripe convulsed into consciousness, vomiting river water, and collapsed as his rescuer unceremoniously dropped him onto the ground.

Fireheart sighed in relief as Graystripe opened his eyes, coughing a few times before looking up towards his rescuer. "Thanks," Graystripe managed before shivering briefly.

"You utter pig-dog!" the RiverClan woman spat as she grabbed Graystripe by the collar, causing the rookies to flinch. "What are you doing in our river?!"

Graystripe coughed again. "Drowning," he managed.

The hunter said nothing, but a glimmer of amusement could be seen in her eyes as she let Graystripe go. "Can't you drown yourself in your own territory?"

"Ah, but who would rescue me there?" Graystripe rasped as he gave a small, tired smile.

Fireheart cleared his throat. "We should get going. You need medical treatment," he told Graystripe, who nodded and got to his feet.

"Thanks again," Graystripe said.

"I'd better go," the RiverClanner said, heading for the river again. "If Father found out I rescued a ThunderClan soldier, he'd skin me alive!"

"Then why'd you save me?" Graystripe teased.

"Instinct. I couldn't watch anyone drown. I have to go," the hunter hurriedly said as she turned to walk downriver.

"Thanks," Fireheart said to the RiverClanner as he went over to check Graystripe, who had taken off his helmet and handed it to Bracken. "You're freezing, we should get back to base camp right away!"

"Wait!" Graystripe cried as he looked back towards his rescuer. "What's your name? I'm Graystripe."

"Silverstream," the hunter replied as she silently stepped onto the ice, carefully making her way across. Fireheart couldn't help but notice Graystripe look back more than once as they went back to base camp, having forgotten about their hunt.

"What a pretty RiverClanner she was!" Cinder's eyes shone mischievously as she glanced towards Graystripe.

"We should keep it under our helmets. No need to let anyone know this buffoon has to be rescued by a RiverClanner," Fireheart advised. Cinder and Bracken nodded.

Graystripe snorted as they passed the training hollow. However, they immediately went right into Tigerclaw, who was heading out with a hunting rifle.

Fireheart froze. Graystripe sneezed.

There was a brief silence as Tigerclaw looked at the sopping wet state of Graystripe. He asked with a calm voice, edged with smugness and at the same time anger,

"You haven't been in G.U.R. territory again, have you?"

Chapter Text

"It's my fault," Cinder stood up, moving in front of Fireheart and Graystripe. "We were hunting on the frozen stream by the range. I slipped and Graystripe came to help me, but the ice was too thin and he fell through."

Tigerclaw looked inquisitively at the rookie, who added, "It really is deep there. Fireheart had to pull him out."

Fireheart winced, remembering that he hadn't exactly done much to save his friend. Regardless, the lie seemed to work- Tigerclaw decided to walk past them. "You'd better get yourself to Yellowfang before you freeze to death." As the lieutenant vanished into the undergrowth, Fireheart let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding.

Graystripe immediately rushed to the field hospital. Bracken sighed in disbelief and exhaustion, glancing briefly at Cinder before heading off to the recruits' barracks.

Fireheart peered at his trainee. "Aren't you even frightened a little by Tigerclaw?" he asked.

"Why should I be?" Cinder asked back without a second thought. "He's a great lieutenant. He protects the Clan."

Of course, Fireheart thought. It only made sense, Tigerclaw was admired by ThunderClan. He decided to change the subject, putting on a stern face. "You lie very well," he pointedly said.

Cinder shrugged. "I try not to. I just thought the truth wouldn't be very helpful here."

Fireheart had to admit she had a point. He shook his head slowly. "Go and rest. You've earned it."

Cinder saluted, then dashed after her brother.

Fireheart walked over to the soldiers' barracks. He was worried at how easily Cinder had lied. At the same time, though, he believed his trainee to be well-meaning and honest (most of the time).

His mind flashed back to Raven. Had Raven's story of Tigerclaw murdering Redtail simply been that- a fabrication?

Impossible, Fireheart concluded. Raven looked absolutely terrified when he told me. Why else would he be scared enough to leave ThunderClan?

Fireheart went to the kitchen and grabbed an apple, walking over to the field hospital and waiting outside. As he snacked away, he thought back to the admiration in Cinder's voice when she mentioned Tigerclaw. It seemed as though only he and Graystripe had ever suspected there being more to the lieutenant than met the eye.

Bluestar's attitude certainly hadn't changed- she was still trusting him just as before.

A loud sneeze made Fireheart look up to see Graystripe with a handkerchief heading towards him.

"You alright?" Fireheart asked his friend, who only replied with a cough.

"Yellowfabg says I hab to sday in cabp. She says I hab a cold," Graystripe said, before blowing his nose. "Have to take zinc every morning," he added, his sinuses temporarily cleared.

"You hungry? I can get you something if you want," Fireheart said.

"No thanks," his friend strangely replied.

"You sure?" Fireheart asked with concern.

Graystripe stared at the ground, unresponsive.

"Are you sure?" Fireheart tried again, startling Graystripe. "Uh, yeah," he replied.

Fever most likely, Fireheart decided. At least Graystripe was still here thanks to that RiverClanner.

It had been two days since Silverstream had rescued that strange ThunderClanner from the river. She'd thought nothing about it at first.

That is, until she had gotten back to base camp. She'd found Leopardfur talking angrily with some of the senior soldiers.

At first she wasn't listening to what was another one of the Colonel's jingoistic rants. Then a name rolled off her tongue, spat like a foul curseword.

Graystripe.

Silverstream had grieved over Whiteclaw's death like the others. She was at the battle, in fact- and had seen Graystripe fail to save Whiteclaw.

And now, she had just saved RiverClan's Public Enemy Number One.

Briefly looking up from her distraction, she walked along the river, this time with a hunting shotgun along RiverClan territory bordering Fourtrees. Since that incident, her father Crookedstar had ordered for there to be one additional guard per hunting patrol, and for the patrols to wear soldier uniforms to deter ThunderClan. This time, it was Stonefur and Heavystep- Stonefur had made the decision to bring a Beretta 38A SMG.

Automatics were only ever deployed during times of war and antebellum- and it made Silverstream nervous.

Especially considering their food shortage situation, which had been made even worse by the return of WindClan. It was the reason why RiverClan would now have to look elsewhere for food- specifically ThunderClan territory.

"I'll try for a squirrel over there," Silverstream called towards her Clanmates. I need to get away from all this.

"Alright," Heavystep replied, and with a nod Silverstream headed into the bushes, break-action shotgun ready.

As Silverstream silently walked along the ThunderClan edge of the river, she glanced at her reflection in the water. She looked different- she felt different, being in the helmet so many of her ancestors had worn to battle before. While she didn't want war, she found it preferable to seeing her Clan starve helplessly to death. War against WindClan at this point was a necessary evil- the offers for trade had been withdrawn with growing tensions, and RiverClan was running out of both food and options.

But war with ThunderClan hardly felt necessary unlike with WindClan- Whiteclaw's death had been an accident, but a perfect excuse for Leopardfur to flay ThunderClan alive. ThunderClan was only roped up in this because they'd brought WindClan back, and it didn't seem like they were doing so out of spite for RiverClan.

“What are you doing here?”

Silverstream’s heart skipped a beat out of fear, as she turned and aimed her gun- only to find herself looking down the barrel of a ThunderClan rifle.

But her luck had run itself out the moment she saw who it was holding the gun.

"Putain," she cursed. It's that ThunderClanner again.

”I said,” Graystripe uneasily repeated, though his eyes seemed conflicted. “What are you doing on our land?”

”Hunting,” Silverstream forced herself to reply, lowering her gun to the forest floor.

”But I thought RiverClan had enough food.”

”I-“

“You saved my life, but practically the next day you’re stealing from us? …why?” Graystripe’s voice seemed small as he didn’t move his gun.

Silverstream stopped for a long time. Conflicted, her mind teetered on the balance as she decided on what to say.

”My Clan is starving,” she finally forced out. “Iotunns plague our land.”

Like icy water, clarity came to Graystripe as he faltered. Then, just as quickly he raised his weapon again, a mix of fear and dismay in his eyes. “Is that why RiverClan wanted WindClan’s land?”

Shamefully, Silverstream nodded. But to her surprise, Graystripe lowered his rifle.

"…I'm sorry about Whiteclaw." Graystripe began as Silverstream picked up her gun again, aligning it behind her shoulder by the strap.

"I know," the RiverClan soldier replied, turning away. She wanted to be alone.

"I'm sorry that all this happened. ...not just about Whiteclaw's death."

Silverstream looked back, an eyebrow raised questioningly.

"I wish there could have been peace again," the ThunderClan soldier mumbled quietly. "If only Fireheart and I had taken another route, there wouldn't be..."

"You're friends with the former tame?" Silverstream asked with mild interest.

"...y-yeah. He's always had my back since my rookie days," Graystripe finally said after some hesitation. "But now war's looming over the horizon, and I could have prevented it," he said blankly. "Nobody but him's willing to listen anymore, because I've basically started war already. RiverClan I'm sure wants me dead."

Silverstream briefly thought back, looking at the ThunderClan soldier before speaking up. "I was there, you know."

Graystripe looked at her surprise. "You were-"

Silverstream cut him off with a raise of her hand. "I saw you trying to save Whiteclaw. The fact that you came here to apologize means you're not a monster. That's the horrible thing about war, behind every gunsight is a human being. That's what my father told me when I was a little girl," Silverstream assured quietly. "No need to beat yourself up about it."

She looked back to see Graystripe, tears flowing quietly from his eyes as his hands were over his mouth. He was shaking uncontrollably. In those eyes, however, she could see what seemed to be boundless gratitude.

With a deep breath, he sighed, letting his hands down. There was a brief silence as Graystripe seemed to tense up in embarrassment in basically having poured his heart out towards the enemy.

However, Silverstream didn't mind. It seemed like her entire Clan was preparing for war as well- all of them enthusiastically boasting about how many ThunderClan pig-dogs they would bag.

This pig-dog, however, seemed far different. Like her, he was just trying to get away from the war.

To Graystripe's surprise, Silverstream smiled kindly towards him. He found his words once more, and spoke again hoarsely. "...thank you. ...can we meet again sometime? When you're... uh... not busy hunting?"

Silverstream looked towards her new friend before turning towards the bushes. "Of course."

Fireheart woke up to find the first fog of winter already outside. He could barely see the other end of the clearing. By now, it was almost a month since Graystripe's life had been saved by Silverstream.

He heard footsteps hurrying towards him, and Mousefur appeared out of the mist. "Tigerclaw wants to see you," she said.

"Okay, thanks," Fireheart replied. Mousefur nodded, heading out with rifle in tow.

Fireheart briefly panicked inside- he'd just visited his sister and nephew yesterday. Had Tigerclaw found out about him visiting Princess?

"What was that?" Graystripe asked as he walked out the barracks behind Fireheart with a sneeze.

"Tigerclaw wants to see me," Fireheart explained quietly. "You should be asleep," he added, noticing Graystripe's condition- he should have recovered by now. "Did you rest up yesterday?"

"When I wasn't coughing my insides out," Graystripe complained.

"Then why weren't you in your bunk when I got back from..." Fireheart hesitating, remembering he'd spent yesterday afternoon with Princess. "...training?"

"Can't sleep in the barracks. Everyone going in and out all day. I found somewhere quieter," Graystripe replied. Fireheart was about to ask where as Graystripe reminded him, "Tigerclaw's waiting."

Fireheart nodded, heading towards where Tigerclaw and Whitestorm were, in the mist under the Highrock. As Fireheart arrived, Tigerclaw turned towards him, saying, "It's time that the two recruits were assessed."

"Already?" Fireheart asked.

"Bluestar wants to know how training is going, especially with Graystripe too ill to train Bracken. If Bracken's falling behind, Bluestar needs to know so she can appoint a new mentor for him," Whitestorm explained.

"I've been taking Bracken and Cinder out every day," Fireheart protested. Surely Graystripe would recover soon- it would be unfair to entrust his first trainee to someone else.

"Yes, but this is your first trainee," Tigerclaw pointed out. "It's surely a lot for you to take on."

I know, and I'm just a Iotunntame, not a Clanborn soldier, Fireheart thought bitterly. Nobody had asked him to take on Bracken, and he had been putting in a lot of effort for both recruits.

Tigerclaw continued. "Send them on a hunting mission through Tallpines, as far as the Iotunn border. Report to me when they are done. I'll be interested to see what they get out there."

"If Cinder's skills match her enthusiasm, there should be plenty to eat tonight. I've heard promising things about her," Whitestorm added.

"Yes, she's talented," Fireheart agreed, but he was hung up on Tigerclaw's orders. I'm getting sent to Tallpines again. Why?

His first hunting assessment had been at Tallpines, and Tigerclaw had seen him speaking with his old friend Smudge. Bluestar had since talked with Fireheart about it.

Does Tigerclaw know about my sister and nephew? he thought nervously.

Fireheart composed himself, calmly suggesting, "The Scrapheap is a good place to start as well. The sun there might have made things clearer."

"No. There's been reports of bootprints around the Scrapheap to and from the stepping stones- and they're not ThunderClan's," Tigerclaw said with irritation. "RiverClan must be acting up again. They will need to be repelled before we do any more training there. For now, Tallpines would be safer."

Whitestorm nodded in agreement as Fireheart was startled by these news. RiverClan at the Scrapheap... I'm glad we didn't run into any when Graystripe fell into the river, Fireheart thought.

"As for the fog, hunting in these conditions will surely put both recruits' aptitude to the test," Tigerclaw continued.

"Yes, Tigerclaw. I'll tell them both right away," Fireheart said as he saluted.

Some time later, Fireheart found himself running through the Tallpines, an M1911 pistol holstered on his belt as he followed the two recruits.

As of current, he was following Bracken's trail until he could see him stalking through the forest, a rucksack on his back. The two recruits' paths crossed here and there- they had even rendezvoused on a couple occasions.

Before long, Fireheart found a spot where Cinder had crouched, a spent bullet casing on the ground. Not far off, he saw Cinder's rucksack of freshly caught game- on top of it, he even saw a deer.

Satisfied, Fireheart went on to follow Bracken's trail. He saw the recruit walking along the forest, toting an over-under shotgun.

He crouched down, quietly watching as Bracken found a pigeon. The recruit quietly loaded birdshot into his shotgun, silently aiming.

The pigeon twitched, turning its head. It froze. Something was wrong.

Now! Fireheart thought as Bracken pulled the trigger- a loud bang echoed through the forest as the pigeon was torn apart instantly by birdshot. Bracken walked over with satisfaction, picking up the bird and placing it within his rucksack. At this point, Fireheart realized that for once he felt excited to be reporting back to Tigerclaw.

"Hi!" Fireheart leapt into the air, spinning around to find Cinder. "How are we doing?" she asked, her shotgun in one hand by her side, pointed towards the ground.

The ThunderClan soldier sighed in relief. "Cinder, you're not supposed to speak to me. You're being assessed, remember?"

"Oh! Sorry," Cinder apologized.

Fireheart sighed. He wouldn't have dared to approach Tigerclaw during his own assessment. He didn't intend to scare Cinder into obedience like Tigerclaw had done with Raven, but he wouldn't mind some respect sometimes. Occasionally he didn't even feel like Cinder's mentor at all.

Cinder looked at the ground briefly, then glanced up at him puzzled. "Were you really born in the care of Iotunns?"

The question caught Fireheart off guard. He glanced nervously towards the fence. "Why'd you ask?"

"Tigerclaw mentioned it, that's all," Cinder said curiously. Fireheart, however, felt a dark quiver of menace at Tigerclaw's name. What else had the lieutenant been telling Cinder about him?

"I was born tame," Fireheart answered. "I'm a soldier now. I live with the Clan. My old life wasn't bad, but I don't miss it."

"Okay," Cinder replied with no concern. "See you later!" She dashed off into the trees.

Fireheart stood alone in the woods, his heart thudding as he stared at the Iotunns' domain. Before, his words to Cinder about being glad his old life was over would have been true. Now, however, he wasn't so sure.

Fireheart knew that some of his happiest moments recently had been sharing memories with his tame relatives.

Chapter Text

As the sun was swallowed by the horizon, Fireheart sat in wait at the training hollow for the two recruits. He looked up to see the two coming over, rucksacks full. "I have a deer back there, can you help me carry it?" Bracken puffed as he set down the rucksack.

Fireheart obliged, and he set off to find and bring the deer back.

When the three arrived, they saw the Clan already gathering for dinner. Loud cheers could be heard as Fireheart deposited Bracken's deer on a table. The two recruits likewise set down their bags of game.

"They caught all this themselves?" Tigerclaw asked as he walked over.

"They did," Fireheart announced proudly.

"Good," the lieutenant said. "Bluestar wants to see you. You will be having dinner with the two of us."

Cinder and Bracken gasped- it was a privilege to get to eat with the general and lieutenant. Fireheart, however, wasn't exactly thrilled. He would have preferred to report to Bluestar alone- the last person he wanted to eat with was Tigerclaw.

"By the way, have you seen Graystripe lately?" Tigerclaw asked. "He's supposed to be in camp, but I haven't seen him since noon."

Fireheart looked up, concerned. Had Graystripe been looking for peace and quiet again? "I don't know, Tigerclaw. He might be with Yellowfang, if she's not busy making bulletproof shirts."

"Maybe," Tigerclaw echoed, then left Fireheart to get his food.

Fireheart suddenly didn't feel very hungry, simply grabbing a pear and heading for the mess clearing.

"Welcome, Fireheart," Bluestar greeted amicably. "Please, take a seat with us." Tigerclaw's stare, however, bored into Fireheart's gaze, causing him to be concerned.

Fireheart sat down across Bluestar, briefly forgetting to eat.

"Tigerclaw reports that both Cinder and Bracken are doing well," Bluestar began. "What do you think of them?"

"Bracken shot a deer," Fireheart said. "He's patient, to the point... he's always been disciplined for someone his age."

"I see," Bluestar nodded approvingly. "And Cinder?"

"She's a quick learner, though she's also eager to charge into things headfirst," Fireheart explained. "But I think her dexterity makes up for her eagerness."

"Or left unchecked, her recklessness may prove a detriment," Bluestar countered. "Her determination is exemplary, but her direction is not yet ideal."

Fireheart held his breath as Bluestar calmly looked him in the eye with approval. "Regardless, I have noticed that for the past month you've put all your effort into training both of them. I truly appreciate what you are doing, and I'm glad to see that it is showing results. I want you to carry on mentoring both of them for the time being."

Fireheart could see Tigerclaw look away, with a brief flash of frustration in the lieutenant's eyes- but Fireheart felt relieved. "Thank you, General!"

"I think your missing friend is back." Tigerclaw spoke without turning his head.

Fireheart followed the lieutenant's gaze and saw Graystripe walking back into base camp, from behind one of the huts. "I think he was getting some peace and quiet," Fireheart suggested. "He's still sick, and surely it can't be easy for him being stuck in camp all day."

"Regardless, he should take care not to infect the others. Mousefur was coughing on the morning patrol," Tigerclaw replied. "We'd better not have a flu outbreak again... we lost five people to it last year."

Bluestar doffed her cap in respect. "Winter is never easy for the Clans. Let's hope it is merciful this year. You're dismissed, Fireheart. Go talk to Graystripe, I'm sure he'll want to know how Bracken did in his assessment."

"Yes, ma'am," Fireheart respectfully saluted, standing up and heading towards his friend.

"Cold no better?" Fireheart asked as he walked towards Graystripe, bringing two plates of food.

"Nope," his friend replied as he began eating. "I guess I should still stay in camp a little longer."

Fireheart could almost swear Graystripe sounded... cheerful for whatever reason.

Well, it's better than a month ago when he was moping because of Whiteclaw's death.

Fireheart was suspicious and he didn't know why.

"By the way, Bracken did well in his assessment today," he said as he stabbed his fork into a piece of venison.

"That's great." Graystripe's voice was muffled as he crunched down onto a pear.

"Yeah, he's a crack shot." Fireheart took another bite of venison. "Say," he said after a long silence. "Have you been out of camp lately?"

Graystripe stopped eating. "Why do you ask?"

Fireheart shifted uncomfortably. "Well, you weren't in bed when I came back from last night's patrol, and Tigerclaw said he hadn't seen you since noon."

"Tigerclaw?" Graystripe repeated worriedly.

"I told him you were probably looking for peace and quiet, or you were with Yellowfang. ...were you?" Fireheart asked after a brief pause, having stopped eating as well.

Graystripe, however, ignored Fireheart's query. "Thanks for covering for me," he said as he got up, heading to the barracks.

Fireheart's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he observed his friend retreating inside. He saw something hanging off the leg of Graystripe's trousers, a small, yellow and spiky object. He recognized it as a catkin.

Catkins were only shed by willow trees. And willow trees only grow by the river, Fireheart recalled.

What was Graystripe doing by the river?

Fireheart was woken up by Runningwind. "Morning, Fireheart." he whispered so as to not wake up the others.

"Morning, Runningwind," Fireheart replied as he got up to get dressed. "Why'd you call me up?"

"Bluestar wants me to help you in training Cinder and Bracken," Runningwind enthusiastically responded. "You look tired. Not caught your friend's cold, have you?"

"Why? Did something happen while I was out?" Fireheart asked.

"Apparently Mousefur and Swift are on medical leave. They're down with cold too," Runningwind remarked.

"Oh," Fireheart realized. "I'm fine, just a bit tired, that's all. Give me a second while I get into uniform."

"Right. See you at the firing range," Runningwind said, walking out of the barracks.

When Fireheart headed into the firing range with his rifle, he saw Bracken and Cinder waiting with Runningwind.

"What are we doing today?" Cinder excitedly asked, clearly still on adrenaline like it was her first day.

"How about movement through the forest?" Runningwind suggested. "We could practice in sneaking technique..."

Cinder groaned. "Not the trench-crawl again!"

Runningwind gave Fireheart's trainee a funny look, prompting her to be quiet.

After a moment, Fireheart realized that Runningwind was waiting for him to start. "Um, I'll start us off with the trench-crawl. Watch," he stammered briefly, before getting onto the ground and moving forward silently, rifle slung over his shoulder.

"Fireheart," Cinder called behind him. "Wouldn't it be harder to grab the rifle like that?"

Fireheart realized his mistake, correcting it, unslinging the rifle and getting back down again, trench-crawling with the rifle in his hands.

This went on until noon. Fireheart had found it hard to focus on the training session, especially remembering that Graystripe had been going to the river, right on RiverClan's doorstep for whatever reason.

Finally, he decided to call it quits.

"Runningwind," he whispered as he leaned towards the young hunter. "I think I have a stomachache. Can you cover for me?"

"I thought you looked a bit distracted," Runningwind admitted. "Head back to camp, I can take it from here."

Fireheart felt guilty about lying to his Clanmates yet again. This time, however, he needed to figure out what happened to Graystripe.

For all I know, Graystripe could be in danger!

Silently, Fireheart made his way just outside base camp, behind the hospital. He could see plants had been trampled fairly recently.

It must be Graystripe... reports have said nothing about S.D.R. Kommando infiltrators. And there's no way G.U.R. could sneak through woods this thick if they tried.

Fireheart suddenly saw a faint rustling in the distance, and he stopped, breathing through his nose to listen.

It sounded... clumsy. Unwieldy. It sounded like it was going on two legs, meaning it wasn't a deer.

Fireheart slowly followed the sound, his feet suddenly becoming quieter as he pursued the noise.

It was heading for the river.

Fireheart silently pulled back the bolt of his rifle, feeling a gradual succession of five slow clicks as he pushed in a stripper clip. He slid the bolt back into position, the clip giving off a small ping.

The rustling stopped, and Fireheart instinctively ducked behind a tree, taking care to stay breathing through his nose. Holding his breath was a bad idea- it would lead to deep, loud breaths.

Then, he saw who the unknown was as he stepped out quietly into the open, holding a box of something close to his chest as he looked about warily. Graystripe.

Fireheart didn't move as Graystripe continued moving. He followed, noticing how his friend was heading towards the Scrapheap.

Fireheart could hear a strange voice in the distance as Graystripe stopped, looking expectantly towards it.

Immediately, Fireheart took the opportunity to get closer, bringing his rifle into the ready position. As he rounded the corner, he saw a figure stepping over the stepping-stones to the Scrapheap.

That's... wait, that's Silverstream, Fireheart realized, lowering his rifle.

Silverstream landed neatly at the end of the stepping stones, walking over to Graystripe, who smiled as she leaned in for a kiss.

Chapter Text

Fireheart froze in horror. Graystripe, why are you doing this?! Graystripe was practically spitting upon the Code of Mercy by meeting with this foreigner.

"Graystripe!" Fireheart hissed as he sprang from the bushes, rifle in his hands.

Graystripe stepped in front of Silverstream, clearly startled. Silverstream frowned as her gaze hardened in Fireheart's direction.

"What are you doing? Don't you know how dangerous this is?" Fireheart asked, his gaze hardening in return.

"It's okay," Silverstream responded. "There won't be a patrol here until after sunset."

"You can be sure of that, can you? As if you know all of the G.U.R.'s movements!" Fireheart growled.

"Actually," Silverstream lifted her chin. "I do. Marshal Crookedstar is my father."

I thought this was bad enough already- Graystripe's in love with the Marshal's daughter?! "Could you have chosen worse?!" Fireheart spat at Graystripe, angered. As soon as someone other than them found out, Graystripe could consider himself target practice.

Graystripe met Fireheart's gaze for a moment, turning resignedly towards Silverstream. "...I'd better go." Graystripe said quietly as he handed the box of hardtack he'd been carrying to Silverstream.

Silverstream accepted it, leaning in to whisper a few words into Graystripe's ear, then the two stepped apart. The RiverClanner stared challengingly towards Fireheart before bounding back across the stepping-stones.

Graystripe walked over to Fireheart's side, and wordlessly they headed back to base camp.

"You must stop seeing her," Fireheart reprimanded in a low voice. "It's dangerous."

"I can't," Graystripe hoarsely replied.

"Wh- I don't understand," Fireheart said. "RiverClan and ThunderClan are practically staring down the barrels of each others' guns as it is. You remember what happened with Whiteclaw!" It pained Fireheart to remind his friend of the incident that had left him so ridden with guilt, but he went on. "How do you even know you can trust her?"

"You don't know her," Graystripe countered, sighing as he sat down on a fallen log. His eyes were glazed with pain. "There's no need to remind me. Do you think it's easy knowing that I'm responsible for the death of one of Silverstream's Clanmates?" Fireheart snorted with impatience- Whiteclaw was one of the enemy, not a Clanmate! Graystripe, however, went on. "Silverstream at least understands that it was an accident. She knows I tried to save him," he ended miserably.

Fireheart paced in a circle before him. "It doesn't matter what Silverstream thinks! What about ThunderClan?" he implored. "You're breaking the Code of Mercy by seeing her!"

"You think I don't know that?" Graystripe hissed. "Do you doubt my loyalty to ThunderClan?"

"What else can I think? You can't see her without lying to the Clan. And what about when war finally breaks out with RiverClan? Have you thought about that? You know RiverClan's been at the Scrapheap, it's been in the reports!"

"RiverClan's hunted at the Scrapheap since before I was born," Graystripe scoffed.

Fireheart stopped in frustration, begging StarClan to knock some sense into his friend. "Okay. Then what if the G.U.R. finally catches you?"

"Silverstream won't let that happen," Graystripe answered confidently.

For the briefest moment, Fireheart could almost swear he was tempted to shoot Graystripe, then himself right after. "For StarClan's sake, aren't you even a little bit worried?" he burst out, exasperated.

Graystripe looked up, no longer angry. "You don't get it, do you? StarClan must have planned this. ...look, she still wants to see me even after... what happened a month ago. We share the same thoughts; it's like we were born into the same Clan."

Fireheart didn't attempt to argue anymore. It was clearly pointless. Resignedly, he headed back towards camp. "Let's get back before you're missed again."

Graystripe got to his feet, and together the two headed back towards camp, not saying a word. As the two walked back through the way Graystripe had snuck out, Fireheart debated internally. How could Graystripe love Crookedstar's daughter, but remain loyal to ThunderClan? His thoughts were interrupted, however, by the fact that they had run into Whitestorm just as they had rounded the corner of the nursery.

"Graystripe, you should be resting. That cough of yours has already started to spread. We don't want it getting into the nursery!" Whitestorm warned. Graystripe nodded, heading back to the barracks. "And Fireheart. Shouldn't you be training Cinder and Bracken?" the senior soldier inquired as he looked towards his redheaded Clanmate.

"I came back to get something from Yellowfang for a stomachache," Fireheart lied.

"Then go and get it," Whitestorm replied. "And once you have, head out and hunt, will you? We can't have anyone doing nothing around winter!"

"Yes, sir," Fireheart saluted as he headed to the hospital, relieved to escape any more questions.

Inside, Yellowfang was busy opening compartments and shuffling through cabinets. On the table before her could be seen multiple syringes. Somewhere next to her on another table, Fireheart could see many, many bulletproof shirts.

She's been working passionately on those, Fireheart realized, feeling guilty. And she had to put it on hold to treat the Clan first.

The old medical officer looked up to see him. "My supplies are running low. I might need help to restock. We've got flu in the camp!" she impatiently added as she picked up a syringe, studying it closely. "Two cases today."

"Swift?" Fireheart asked.

"No, Swift just has a cold. It's Speckletail's son. And Patchpelt. Not serious at the moment, but we need to make sure the Clan is safe. Winter means flu." Fireheart recognized her concerns. "So what'd you come here for? I don't think it was just to say hi."

"Bellyache, but it doesn't matter if you're busy," Fireheart said.

"Bad?" Yellowfang asked.

"No," Fireheart admitted, unable to meet her gaze.

"Then come back when it is," Yellowfang irritably said. As Fireheart turned towards the door, however, Yellowfang said one final thing. "Make sure Graystripe stays inside, alright? He's a strong young man, but if he were resting he wouldn't be coughing so badly now."

Fireheart nervously gulped. Had Yellowfang realized that Graystripe had snuck out of camp? He waited for Yellowfang to speak, but she was clearly busy taking inventory.

Still wary of the temper of the old medical officer, Fireheart quietly walked out to hunt.

As Fireheart walked silently through ThunderClan's forests in search of game, he couldn't help but think about how Graystripe had so stubbornly shrugged off Fireheart's reasoning. He came to a conclusion as he walked quietly through the underbrush in the dark of night.

If Graystripe won't listen, Silverstream will.

Fireheart reached the Scrapheap, the first drops of rain beginning to fall. He quietly went onto the shore, looking over the river which rushed past relentlessly. He shuddered- he did not intend to swim across, especially not in winter.

Suddenly, he heard voices as he saw a lantern on the other side of the river.

G.U.R. soldiers!

Fireheart quickly headed for the bushes, his footsteps muffled by the fall of the rain and his trail obscured by the darkness. He crouched within the undergrowth, turning back to see Silverstream pushing her way through the trailing branches of a willow.

Behind her were two RiverClan soldiers. All of them were carrying rifles. One of them stopped, then peering around and bringing his rifle into a ready position. He showed no indication of having seen Fireheart. However, Fireheart was pinned.

If they found him, he could be shot at.

I have done much to refine my art since Upgunned!Into The Wild which was like six months ago.

These are references for the Clan uniforms- the first image features Fireheart (ThunderClan) and Onewhisker (WindClan). Fireheart has an M1903 Springfield while Onewhisker has an SMLE Mk. III No. 1.

Second one, of course, features Silverstream (RiverClan) and Boulder (ShadowClan). Silverstream has a custom-made double-barreled shotgun. Boulder has a PPSh-41 and is wearing the Tigerstar-era 2nd S.D.R. uniform.

My old art sucked but at least it laid down the foundations for the AU in the future. Stay tuned!

Chapter Text

Silently, Fireheart backed into the bracken. The RiverClanner showed no sign of having seen him, instead focusing more above and around the area. Taking the opportunity, Fireheart laid on his stomach, slowly trench-crawling through the undergrowth as he proceeded downriver where there was deeper ThunderClan territory.

Suddenly, he heard a set of footsteps, and he went prone, his heart thudding as he made sure to regulate his breath. They were getting closer by the second.

Then, the footsteps stopped. For an eternity, Fireheart laid there, a cold bead of sweat making its way down the side of his face.

He suddenly heard a whisper ahead of him. It was Silverstream. "Fireheart, I know you're there. I heard you! Stonefur and Shade are gone."

Fireheart didn't move.

"Fireheart, I wouldn't let anything happen to Graystripe's closest friend! Who do you take me for?" Silverstream sounded impatient.

Fireheart reluctantly rose to a crouching position, then stood up, turning to see Silverstream looking right at him. "What are you doing here?" the RiverClanner asked.

"Looking for you," Fireheart whispered, painfully aware as he knew Silverstream's companions could return at any moment.

"Is Graystripe alright? Has his cough gotten worse?" Silverstream's eyes widened in alarm, though the tone of her voice didn't change.

Fireheart was frankly annoyed. I didn't come here to listen to you swoon over my friend, he angrily thought. "He's fine," he spat, his caution swept away by irritation. "He won't be if he carries on seeing you."

"I won't let anything bad happen to him," Silverstream protested.

"And what," Fireheart deadpanned, "could you do to protect him?"

"I am the Marshal's daughter," Silverstream replied firmly.

"Does that give you the power to control his Clan? You're hardly more than a rookie."

"Like you!" she answered with indignation.

"That's why I don't know what I'm supposed to do to protect Graystripe from our Clan- or yours- if either finds out about this affair."

Silverstream tried to glare at him, but her eyes were clouded with emotion. "I can't stop seeing him," she whispered. "I love him."

"There is antebellum between our Clans! Bluestar's acknowledged this! Leopardfur I assume has said this!" Fireheart exploded. "WindClan's paranoid and ShadowClan I assume is taking the opportunity! We know RiverClan's been hunting in our land-"

"If you understood why," Silverstream defiantly replied, "if ThunderClan understood why, they wouldn't begrudge what we hunt here!"

"Why?" Fireheart flashed back.

"My Clan is starving. The Iotunns have camped downriver and are scaring the fish away. Even woodland game is harder to find now."

"You can't trade with WindClan?" Fireheart asked, immediately regretting it right after.

"I don't think Tallstar is going to want to share his grain considering the land dispute," Silverstream responded.

Fireheart knew that RiverClan was used to its rich diet of fish, growing fat on it every spring so that they could endure winter. This was coupled with the fact that they had a population bigger than ThunderClan's- second only to WindClan's, in fact. Now, however, he saw that Silverstream wasn't slim so much as she was half-starved.

"That's why you didn't want WindClan to come home!" Fireheart realized, remembering that the veterans had mentioned something about RiverClan lacking in food. "Does Graystripe know all this?"

Silverstream nodded. To his surprise, Fireheart felt pity for ThunderClan's enemies across the river. Regardless, he had to stand firm. "Whatever problems RiverClan has, you still need to stop seeing Graystripe."

"No," Silverstream said resolutely. "How can our love do any harm?"

Fireheart was determined to tell her exactly how, just as Silverstream looked into the distance. "You should go, my Clanmates are coming," she hissed. Sure enough, Fireheart heard two sets of footsteps. There was no time left to speak.

Momentarily cursing his lack of progress, he immediately headed back into the wet foliage to hunt some game and return home.

After hunting a buck and walking back, he briefly stopped within the forest, seeing a fresh Iotunn trail, reminding him of Princess. He wondered if there was time to meet with his sister. Remembering that he had been out for quite a while already, he decided against it. Uneasily, he realized that Graystripe wasn't the only one with divided loyalties.

Tallstar's words echoed within his head as he continued on the beaten path back to camp, the buck hauled over his shoulders. It's clear ThunderClan is home to you. Stick by it and move with the confidence that you're protecting them, always, the Prime Minister had said before.

Can I say that I'm confident that I'm protecting ThunderClan? Fireheart wondered, disturbed by these new thoughts as he walked through the camp entrance.

After setting the buck on inside the kitchen, Fireheart walked into the barracks with a plate of food in his hands, with no plans to eat outside in the rain. He could see Graystripe snoring, passed out on his own bed.

If he weren't gallivanting off with Silverstream, he might actually get better, Fireheart thought.

"Fireheart, you might want to know that Yellowfang hasn't eaten dinner yet," Whitestorm said, in his own pajamas and on the far end of the barracks, briefly sitting up in his bed to greet the redheaded soldier.

"Is the flu keeping her busy?"

"It is," the senior soldier affirmed. "She may appreciate the plate you're carrying."

Thanking Whitestorm, Fireheart headed back out towards the hospital, entering to see a sleep-deprived Yellowfang trying to persuade a toddler on a bed to eat a spoonful of honey. The youngster kept moving away, to what must have been Yellowfang's annoyance. However, it was clear that she was too mired into curing the Clan to be angry.

This must be Speckletail's son, Fireheart thought.

"Evening, kid. Is that for me?" Yellowfang asked as Fireheart placed the plate on a table. It was something different- a bowl of venison soup, mashed potatoes and lettuce. "Thanks. Now that you're here, do you mind convincing this little one to take his dose of honey? He thinks it'll be bitter."

"Evening, Yellowfang," Fireheart said amicably. "of course, no problem."

Yellowfang brought the plate of food to a vacant table at the end of the room, immediately wolfing down her dinner. Fireheart turned his attention towards the youth, who pitifully coughed, his eyes and nose streaming.

Fireheart gently took up the spoon of honey, moving it towards the child's mouth. "If you want to be big and strong, you'll need to start getting used to taking your medicine," he soothed. "When you make your trip to the Moonstone, you'll need to take stimulants worse than this. It's sweet, I promise."

The child looked at him, half-tired but with wonder in his eyes.

"Think of it as practice," Fireheart urged gently. "Practice for when you grow to be the Clan's best."

The young boy gingerly reached his tongue out to taste the honey. Realizing that it was as sweet as the soldier had promised, he greedily took up the honey, gulping it down with a smile.

"You did good," Fireheart encouraged. "Sleep well." He looked up to see Yellowfang had finished her dinner, clearly having been very hungry if she had eaten this quickly.

"Ah, that was good. I haven't had lunch today either... thank you, Fireheart," Yellowfang said as she motioned to a corner. Fireheart understood that she wanted to talk to him, and he followed towards her quarters, which was separate from the rest of the hospital. Apparently Yellowfang had moved her project here, complete with several prototypes in the corner strewn with dents and bullet holes and finished products hanging on the wall.

Yellowfang cleared her throat, and Fireheart apologetically shifted his focus back to the medic.

"Bluestar has the flu," she said gravely.

"Flu isn't serious, is it?" Fireheart asked.

Yellowfang replied, "It's killed people before. It came on quickly, and it's affected Bluestar badly." Fireheart was painfully reminded that the general didn't have many lives left. "I warned her to respect the quarantine, but she wanted to see them," Yellowfang continued. "She's in her quarters right now. Frostfur is with her... she's a reliable field medic, but I can't say for sure if Bluestar will get through this life."

It scared Fireheart, Yellowfang admitting that she didn't have all the answers. Fireheart briefly wondered if Yellowfang knew the truth about General Bluestar's remaining lives. As far as the rest of the Clan knew, she had four lives.

If Bluestar lost this life, Fireheart realized, she would have only one left.

Chapter Text

Fireheart left the barracks the next morning to see the rain having finally cleared.

He walked over to Bluestar's quarters, hearing nothing inside. As he turned away, he saw Willowpelt walking back from outside, having just collected fruit for the children. "Good morning, Fireheart. How's Bluestar?" Willowpelt asked.

"Nothing to report, I'm afraid," Fireheart said. He'd given Cinder and Bracken a couple days' rest from training to learn a little of how the Clan retained its food supply. He could see them now, lounging inside, looking bored. Bracken's face couldn't be seen as it was firmly planted in his pillow. Cinder was busy throwing darts at the dartboard inside.

Fireheart knew he'd let his two trainees down, but he had wanted to check on his old mentor while she was sick. At least Tigerclaw wasn't there to criticize his decision. He was leading the dawn border patrol.

Suddenly, the door to Bluestar's quarters opened quickly and Frostfur burst through. She ran across the clearing towards the hospital, returning with Yellowfang, who followed quickly into the general's quarters.

"Is something wrong?" Fireheart asked, now more alert and alarmed.

"She's in critical condition," Frostfur said bleakly. "Stand guard and make sure nobody comes inside. It's turning into pneumonia!"

As Frostfur closed the door behind her, Fireheart motionlessly stood as shock flooded through him. Bluestar really is in danger!

He suddenly saw somebody burst through the camp entrance, panting exhaustedly. "I've come from Tigerclaw!" It was Dust. "I have a message for Bluestar!"

"She's sick, you can't go in," Fireheart replied.

"Tigerclaw needs to see her at the northern border, it's urgent!"

"What's wrong?"

This earned Fireheart a glare from Dust. "Tigerclaw asked for Bluestar," he sneered. "Not a tame pretending to be a soldier!"

Fireheart firmly stood between Dust and the entrance to his leader's quarters. "She can't leave base camp, she's sick." he growled, fed up with Dust at this point.

"Fireheart's right. Respect the quarantine." Yellowfang arrived outside of the general's quarters next to Fireheart.

Dust's reaction to Yellowfang was more tame this time. "Tigerclaw's found evidence of S.D.R. Kommandos on our land."

Despite his fear for Bluestar's life, Fireheart felt anger flare within him. After all we did for them! How ungrateful!

Yellowfang, however, wasn't interested in Dust's report, turning to Fireheart. "I need penicillin. Her lungs are infected!"

"What about Tigerclaw?" Dust demanded.

"Tigerclaw will have to handle it himself for now!" Yellowfang snapped.

"Handle what himself?" Fireheart suddenly saw Cinder arriving behind Dust, and signaled for her to be quiet.

"But ShadowClan-" Dust continued, before being interrupted by the impatient medical officer. "Where's Whitestorm?"

"Scrapheap, with Sand and Mousefur," Dust answered quickly.

"We can't risk sending anyone else out of base camp. If ShadowClan's on our land they'll attack when base camp's vulnerable. It's happened before." Yellowfang reminded him grimly.

"Once I get the penicillin, I could relay Tigerclaw's message for Bluestar," Fireheart offered.

"But he wants Bluestar to see it for herself, he found a deer that was just shot on our side of the road-"

"Then let's bring her out half-dead on a wheelchair, coughing her guts out, just so she can see it," Yellowfang sarcastically answered. "Tigerclaw's word should be enough."

"I'll tell him once I get the penicillin. Where is he?" Fireheart offered.

"I'll go!" Dust spat. "Do you think you're better than me just because you have your second stripes?" He threw Fireheart a look of rage.

"The Clan needs protection while Fireheart is gone!" Yellowfang hissed, clearly having no time for quarrels. "Is that not important? Now, where's Tigerclaw?"

"The burned ash tree that goes over the Quakepath," Dust replied sulkily.

"Right. Now, Fireheart! Move!"

Fireheart didn't need to be told twice.

As Fireheart ran across the clearing, he heard two sets of boots following him. "Fireheart, wait!"

"Go back to the barracks, Cinder," he said as he reached the entrance of the hospital.

"I could give Tigerclaw the message!"

Fireheart turned towards his trainee just outside the door. "Cinder, if there's any S.D.R. around you need to stay in camp." Cinder looked crushed, but Fireheart didn't have time to worry over her feelings. "Back to the barracks." Without waiting to see her reaction, he went into the hospital.

Fireheart rummaged through a maze of what seemed to be many identical bottles. He briefly stopped, exhausted as he looked up at the many shelves of medical supplies.

He tried to remember what penicillin looked like as he continued searching through Yellowfang's supplies.

To his relief, he soon found a small tray with a bottle as well as an empty syringe. He carried it quickly outside to Bluestar's quarters, furiously knocking.

Without a word, Yellowfang opened the door, gratefully swept up the supplies, then went back inside, closing the door behind her.

Fireheart grabbed a rifle from the armory, then turned and ran out of base camp in search of Tigerclaw.

As he skirted Snakerocks, he began to hear the Quakepath. He was getting close.

Suddenly, Fireheart heard a loud, chilling shriek of agony. He felt his blood chill as he skidded to a halt at the treeline, looking up and down the verge. Locating the ash tree, he ran over quickly. To his surprise, he saw Tigerclaw running over as well, an expression of fear on the typically stern lieutenant's face indicating that something was very wrong.

Fireheart followed his gaze to the base of the ash tree, and ran faster towards it in a panic, seeing somebody there.

To Fireheart's horror, it was Cinder, lying motionless in a puddle of blood.

Cinder and Bracken.

Chapter Text

Fireheart and Bracken nervously observed as Yellowfang examined the unconscious Cinder in a hospital bed. Her leg had been quickly bandaged, but it was rendered little more than a stump ending at the knee.

The whole time, Fireheart felt guilty. He'd told Cinder to stay in camp, but she didn't listen and had run out in a well-mannered attempt to help. This was the price she'd paid.

After a few minutes, Yellowfang looked up, her eyes dark with concern. "She's hurt badly. Not just the leg, but also abrasions across the body. I might be able to save her," she said to Fireheart's relief. Bracken, too, expressed his relief with a sigh, doffing his cap.

It was but a faint hope that Cinder would make it. Fireheart felt it for but a moment when Yellowfang murmured quietly, "I can't promise anything. I've done all I can for Bluestar in the meantime... StarClan must decide her fate now." Seeing the former tame in a state of distress, Yellowfang placed a hand on his shoulder. "Go sit with Bluestar. She was asking for you earlier. I'll take care of Cinder."

It was so like Yellowfang, not giving words of encouragement but at the same time being honest and understanding in the worst of times.

"Can I sit outside the hospital?" Bracken asked. To Fireheart's surprise, Yellowfang nodded. It was clear that she'd noticed Bracken to be more disciplined than other recruits.

Fireheart nodded blankly, turning away to see his mentor. Even as he walked across the clearing to Bluestar's quarters, he felt a painful tugging of the heart.

I should be with Cinder.

Longtail was standing guard outside. He glanced sideways, but he didn't say anything to stop Fireheart as the young soldier opened the door to Bluestar's quarters.

Inside, Fireheart could see Goldenflower, wearing an apron. She looked up from an unconscious, bedridden Bluestar, her hand on Bluestar's forehead. Fireheart's heart ached as he thought of Cinder. Would her mother be at her side now?

"Yellowfang's given her penicillin and honey," Goldenflower whispered to Fireheart. "We can only pray now. Will you be alright to sit with her?" she asked gently. Fireheart nodded, and Goldenflower took her leave.

Fireheart pulled up a chair, sitting before his general who lay upon her bed. It looked like she didn't even have the strength to cough now. There was no sound from the camp outside either, merely a chilling hush, as though the whole Clan were holding its breath.

Fireheart barely noticed as Bluestar's raspy breathing stopped just before dawn. He'd seen the general lose a life before, and waited helplessly, knowing there was nothing he could do.

Suddenly, Bluestar gasped to wakefulness. "Fireheart?" she croaked.

"Yes, General. I'm here," Fireheart murmured.

"I have lost another life." Bluestar's voice was weak. Despite knowing she still had one life left, Fireheart was still relieved. "When I lose this one, I will not be able to return," the general explained.

At that grim reminder, Fireheart swallowed hard. The thought of the Clan losing its leader pained him, but the thought of losing his mentor made it all the more agonizing. "How do you feel? Should I get Yellowfang?"

Bluestar shook her head. "The fever is gone. I just need rest." Fireheart nodded in acknowledgement. "You must be tired. Go get sleep."

"Yes, ma'am." Fireheart rose, stretching his legs. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No. Just tell Yellowfang of what has happened," Bluestar answered. "Thank you for sitting with me."

Fireheart saluted, walking out and squinting before the sudden brightness of the rising sun. It felt as though he couldn't smile.

Tigerclaw was standing in the clearing, issuing orders for preparation for winter. "I want charcoal to be made and food to be stockpiled. Mousefur, Longtail, organize a group to keep inventory of our vegetables and seeds. We need as much food as we can before the first snowfall!" The lieutenant spotted Fireheart crossing the clearing. "Fireheart, wait," he called. "Oh, I suppose you'll have to rest. I can't imagine you'll be any use on a hunting party this morning."

Fireheart looked at Tigerclaw, hostility rising. "I'm going to check on Cinder," he mutely said.

Tigerclaw held his gaze for a moment. "How's Bluestar?"

Fireheart could feel distrust radiating off of the lieutenant. He'd heard Bluestar once lie about how many lives she had left. "I'm no medic, I can't say," Fireheart replied.

Tigerclaw snorted, turning to continue directing the preparations. Fireheart walked on, relieved to get out of the cold.

"Yellowfang," Fireheart called as he entered the hospital, almost scared to find out how Cinder was doing.

The medical officer shushed him as she walked over, whispering to Fireheart. "She's asleep at last. She's had a hard night... I couldn't give her anesthesia until she'd recovered from the shock."

"Will she live?" Fireheart asked, shaking with relief.

"I don't know." Yellowfang's eyes were sympathetic. "Cinder's future is uncertain. I don't know if she can serve. She may end up having to relearn how to walk, if I find the time to make her a prosthetic, when I'm not busy handling the flu problem."

Fireheart looked up, his throat tightening. "Does Frostfur know?"

"She does. She's back in the nursery, there's other children to tend to." Yellowfang noticed Fireheart's tired eyes. "You should sleep. Do you need anything else?"

Fireheart shook his head, wordlessly leaving the hospital. Part of him longed for some sleep at last. But if Tigerclaw was right and the S.D.R. was really ready to attack, he did not want to dull his senses. He would be needed to protect base camp.

Graystripe was back in the barracks. Fireheart didn't speak to him as he walked to his footlocker, kneeling to change.

"You're back, then," Graystripe greeted with subtle hostility.

Fireheart looked up, halfway through undoing the straps of his helmet.

"You tried to warn Silverstream off," Graystripe whispered angrily. Willowpelt, who was already inside and asleep, stirred briefly, causing Graystripe to lower his voice further. "Stay out of it, will you? I'm going to keep seeing her, no matter what," he added.

Fireheart resentfully glanced at his friend as he undid the straps of his helmet, hanging it up on the wall. His talk with Silverstream felt like so long ago, he'd almost forgotten it. But he hadn't forgotten that these past few days, Graystripe seemed to be doing nothing to help the Clan.

Cinder was dealing with her missing leg and Bluestar was on her last life. As far as Fireheart was concerned, Graystripe could do whatever he wanted.

Chapter Text

Graystripe had already left his nest when Fireheart woke up the next day. The sun was at its zenith.

To his surprise, he found that it had snowed hard last night as he opened the door.

The snow's up to my knees!

After changing into his uniform, brushing his teeth and going for a quick wash, he waded out into the snow, shivering. He felt like he was trying to wade up the river. Then, to his relief, he felt solid ground as he reached the clearing, and the snow became shallower.

Outside, he could see now the camp was far quieter. He could see Willowpelt bringing a tray of herbal tea to Halftail. Mousefur was picking her way towards the kitchen, a shotgun smoking in one hand and a rabbit in the other. She stopped to sneeze, then carried on.

He looked to his right to see Graystripe trudging through the snow towards him, wearing an extra coat. "Have you heard about Bluestar?" he asked, unbothered by the frigid air. "She lost a life to pneumonia."

"I know," Fireheart snapped. "I was with her." If you weren't busy spending time with Silverstream by the river, you'd know that.

"Wh-why didn't you tell me?" Graystripe asked, briefly surprised.

"You weren't exactly in a mood to talk last night. If you weren't treating the Code of Mercy like latrine tissue, you'd know that," Fireheart spat.

Graystripe didn't answer, instead looking uncomfortable with guilt. "I just saw Cinder," he said in a lower voice. "I'm sorry."

Fireheart lowered his guard. "How is she?" the young soldier asked, anxious to find out about his trainee.

"She looked bad, but Yellowfang said she's pulling through," Graystripe answered. "Come springtime Yellowfang says she'll try to get her a prosthetic."

As Fireheart looked towards the hospital, about to head to it through the snow, Graystripe added, "She's asleep now. Her mother's with her. Yellowfang says she doesn't want anyone else disturbing her sleep."

Fireheart flinched involuntarily. How do I tell Frostfur it was my fault that I didn't keep an eye on Cinder? Instinctively, he turned towards Graystripe for reassurance, only to see him already making his way out of base camp. Off to see Silverstream... again, Fireheart resentfully concluded.

"Excuse me, Fireheart?"

Fireheart turned to see Speckletail, who was trying to look past him into the barracks. "Is Tigerclaw inside?" she asked. Fireheart shook his head.

"There's pneumonia in the nursery. Two of Brindleface's," Speckletail said.

His anger dropping to betray shock, Fireheart gasped. "Flu! Will they die?"

"Possibly. But winter always brings pneumonia," Speckletail brought up gently.

"Surely there's something which can be done!" Fireheart protested.

"Yellowfang will do what she can," Speckletail answered. "But in the end, it's up to StarClan."

Fireheart felt helpless. How could the Clan tolerate these tragedies? He felt overwhelmed by the need to leave base camp, to escape the gloom that the Clan was somehow content within. He headed to the armory, getting a hunting shotgun and a mix of birdshot and buckshot.

As he walked outside the camp entrance, he was startled to see himself instinctively headed for the firing range. As he moved to bypass it, he could hear Bracken and Whitestorm. Whitestorm must be training him in my absence. Has nobody stopped to grieve for Bluestar's lost life?

Frustrated, the redheaded soldier bounded ever faster away from camp. As he stopped at Tallpines to catch his breath, about to hunt, he thought of someone now who would sympathize with him.

Princess and Cloud, he thought with longing. My sister and nephew will understand.

"Ma!" Cloud yelled as he looked back excitedly from the window. "Uncle's back!"

"Is that so? I should make some coffee... it must be awfully cold outside," Princess mused as she walked off. "Let your uncle know I'm coming, alright?" she asked over her shoulder.

"Okay!" Cloud answered as he opened the door, briefly shivering at the cold air before running outside, briefly slipping on the steps but finding his balance at the bottom.

"Hey, Cloud." Fireheart gave a tired smile as the young boy drew a dull knife and worked his way through the edge of the energy fence with enthusiasm.

"Hey, Fireheart! Come in, our Iotunns aren't home! Mom's making coffee!" Cloud enthusiastically greeted, barely giving Fireheart a chance to answer in the affirmative.

As Fireheart slipped through the fence, he took off his helmet, sighing in comfort as Cloud scrambled up the steps to open the door. "Careful, it's slippery!" the youth called as he led his uncle indoors.

It felt like forever since last Fireheart had been in the Iotunns' domain. The brief discomfort he felt of being in a Iotunn's house was replaced by the warmth he felt.

"Welcome back, Fireheart," Princess greeted her brother warmly as she came over, balancing two mugs of coffee and a mug of hot chocolate on a tray, which she set upon the table. "I didn't expect to see you come over in this weather."

"I came to look for you," Fireheart sighed. "There's pneumonia in camp."

"Are many of your Clan ill?" Princess asked worriedly.

"Three so far. ...Bluestar lost another life last night."

"Another life?" Princess echoed with confusion. "I thought it was only an old wives' tale..."

"Bluestar was granted nine lives because she's our general," Fireheart answered. At that, Cloud declared excitedly, "It's true!", which prompted Fireheart to smile a little as he took a sip of coffee.

"Only for Clan leaders," Fireheart explained. "The rest of us just have one, like me, you, Cinder..." Fireheart's voice trailed away.

"You told me about her," Princess remembered, pausing to take a sip of her own coffee. "Your trainee, right?"

Fireheart nodded. "...she was hit on the Quakepath last night." His voice cracked. "She lost a leg. She might not make it. If she survives she'll have to learn how to walk all over again..."

Fireheart fidgeted nervously as his sister wrapped him in a warm embrace. He sighed as he tried his best to hold back his tears.

"You spoke so fondly of her the last time you were here," Princess said. "She sounded so fun, so full of energy..."

"The accident shouldn't have happened," Fireheart blurted out. "I was supposed to meet Lieutenant Tigerclaw. He asked for Bluestar, but she was sick so I volunteered to send the message for her. I had to get medicine for her first, though, and Cinder tried to take the message even though I told her not to. ...if only I'd been a better mentor, she might have listened..."

"I'm sure you're a good mentor as is," Princess encouraged, but Fireheart hardly heard her.

"I don't know why Tigerclaw wanted Bluestar to meet in such a dangerous place," he confessed. "His word should have been enough!"

"Was it a trap?" Cloud asked.

Fireheart looked towards his nephew, who previously had remained silent in awe. "...why would Tigerclaw want to hurt Cinder?" Fireheart remembered then that even Tigerclaw had seemed alarmed when he saw Cinder maimed under the ash tree.

"Cloud might be right... it was Bluestar that Tigerclaw asked for, right?" Princess asked.

With a pang, Fireheart realized that they might be right. Tigerclaw had asked for Bluestar at the nearest part of the Thunderpath verge... surely Tigerclaw wouldn't put General Bluestar in danger? Right? "I- I don't know," he stammered. "Everything's so... upside-down right now. Even Graystripe isn't speaking much to me."

"Why?"

"It's too complicated to explain," Fireheart gloomily said. "...I just feel like an outcast. It's not easy being different."

"Different?" Princess asked. She and Cloud looked equally confused.

"Being born tame, while everyone else was born in the Clan."

"You seem Clanborn to me," Princess said. Fireheart looked up gratefully. "But if you're not happy in the Clan, I'm sure our Iotunns can look after one more of us."

Fireheart pictured himself living his old, tame life- a life of warmth, comfort and safety. But at the same time, he couldn't forget how he'd wanted to go outside and live free for so long.

"Thanks, Princess," Fireheart said. "But I belong with my Clan now. I could never be happy as a tame. I'd miss the forest, sleeping under the stars and living with ThunderClan."

Cloud looked on with excitement. Princess laughed a little, saying, "Sometimes, Cloud wonders what it's like to live out there. Like I did when I was a little girl."

Fireheart smiled as he finished his coffee. "Then you understand?"

Princess nodded. "Do you have to head back?"

"Yes. I have to hunt some food."

Princess hugged her brother, and Cloud stood up to join them. "Come back soon, Fireheart. I wouldn't want to lose you again."

"I will," Fireheart promised.

"Good thinking," Whitestorm called. Fireheart gave a salute as he walked past, his hand holding his shotgun and a rucksack of birds and squirrels. He headed through to the kitchen, bumping into Tigerclaw.

"More food?" Tigerclaw asked. "I was wondering where you were. Bracken," he called. "I need you to take this to the kitchen!"

Bracken entered, saluting as Fireheart gave him the rucksack. As the recruit headed off, however, Tigerclaw looked into Fireheart's eyes. "I want to know where Graystripe has been going."

"I don't know," Fireheart replied, holding Tigerclaw's gaze.

Tigerclaw stared back at him, his eyes cold and hostile. "When you see him again," he hissed, "you can tell him he's confined to the barracks."

"But Graystripe only has a cold," Fireheart protested.

"A cold is bad enough. He'll stay in the barracks!" Tigerclaw repeated. "Those with flu or pneumonia are to stay in the hospital. We must stop this sickness from spreading." The lieutenant's eyes held no sympathy, making Fireheart wonder if he saw illness as a sign of weakness. "It is for the Clan's good," he added.

"Yes, Tigerclaw. I'll tell Graystripe."

"And keep away from Bluestar," Tigerclaw warned.

"But she's not sick anymore," Fireheart objected.

"Her quarters still reek of flu. I can't afford to have any more soldiers falling ill. Whitestorm reports more RiverClan intrusions, and he also told me he had to train Bracken today. I expect you to take charge of his training tomorrow."

Fireheart nodded. "May I see Cinder now?" Tigerclaw looked at him before he added, "I don't think Yellowfang put her near anyone with the flu. I won't get infected."

"Very well," Tigerclaw agreed, seeing himself out.

Fireheart nodded, heading inside the hospital. He could see Patchpelt behind a curtain, wheezing as Yellowfang sorted through her medicine.

"How's Cinder?" Fireheart asked. Yellowfang didn't look up.

"She was awake earlier, but not for long. Her injury's infected. StarClan knows, I've tried all I could, but she must fight this one herself." she sighed, to Fireheart's alarm.

Past Yellowfang, Fireheart could see Cinder writhing restlessly in her sleep, bandages covering what was left of her leg in tightly wrapped gauze. He was afraid Cinder might lose this struggle. He turned to Yellowfang, looking for words of encouragement, but the old medical officer was never the type to sugarcoat anything. She looked exhausted.

"Do you think Spottedleaf might have been able to save these people?" Yellowfang asked unexpectedly, turning to look Fireheart in the eyes.

Fireheart shivered, remembering the medic before Yellowfang. He'd remembered how efficiently she'd treated Raven's shoulder, how she'd cared for the Clan while remaining calm.

Then, he looked at Yellowfang. "I'm sure she wouldn't have done what you're doing any other way," he replied.

One of the children started hacking and coughing, and Yellowfang sprang up. Fireheart placed a hand reassuringly on the medic's shoulder. Gratefully, Yellowfang turned towards him, then proceeded on with her work. Sorrowfully, Fireheart turned and headed back out.

As he headed towards the door, it opened to reveal Frostfur, who stepped inside.

She's here to see Cinder. Fireheart could see now the sadness in Frostfur's eyes, which twisted his heart with guilt.

"Frostfur?" he asked nervously. She stopped.

"I- I'm sorry." Fireheart trembled as he spoke.

"What for?" Frostfur asked.

"I should have been able to stop Cinder from going to the Quakepath."

Frostfur didn't seem angry, however. "I don't blame you," she murmured.

Fireheart said nothing more as Frostfur walked past to see her daughter.

Graystripe was back, eating dinner inside the barracks.

Fireheart approached him. "Tigerclaw says you're confined to the barracks until you get better." With a prickle of resentment, he remembered how Tigerclaw had questioned him about his friend.

"That won't be necessary," Graystripe happily said as he prepared to inhale a bowl of soup. "I'm better now! Yellowfang gave me the all-clear this morning!"

As Fireheart peered closer, he could see that Graystripe's eyes were bright again, and his nose was clean. At any other time, Fireheart might have teased him about his resemblance to the S.D.R. medic, Runningnose. This time, however, he spat crossly, "Tigerclaw's noticed your disappearances. You should be more careful. Why can't you stay away from Silverstream, at least for now?"

"Why can't you mind your own business?" Graystripe fired back, lowering the bowl of soup from his mouth.

Fireheart closed his eyes with irritation. Would he ever get through to Graystripe? Then, he wondered if Graystripe even cared anymore. Graystripe hadn't even asked about Cinder.

Fireheart felt his stomach growl with hunger. He proceeded to get a plate of squirrel meat and eat in his own bunk. As he settled down, he thought of his sister and her son in their house.

Lonely and anxious, Fireheart longed to visit them again.

Graystripe.

Chapter Text

In the following days, Fireheart struggled against the urge to visit his family. He was starting to feel uncomfortable, and he tried to keep himself busy by going out to hunt.

He'd had a successful hunt this afternoon, returning with a grouse that he'd caught around Fourtrees as well as three squirrels and a deer. As Fireheart brought the game to the kitchen, he could see Whitestorm trudging towards him through the snow.

"Yes, Whitestorm?" Fireheart asked, saluting.

"I need you to perform picket duty tomorrow morning. We've got reports of bootprints with square hobnails around the Owl Tree."

"ShadowClan?" Fireheart immediately thought in alarm. He'd remembered from his training that ShadowClan boots had square hobnails on the front soles so that they could climb better.

"Most likely," Whitestorm affirmed. "It's too far away from the Iotunn border to be anyone else I can think of. Oh, and before I forget. Bring Sand with you," the venerable soldier added.

"Just me and Sand?" Fireheart asked. "And what about Bracken?"

Whitestorm looked at him in surprise. "Sand's almost a soldier, and you've shown yourself to be quite independent out there," he replied. "Besides, Graystripe's much better, meaning that he'll be able to keep training..."

Fireheart didn't hear Whitestorm as the senior soldier went on. It seemed that Whitestorm had misunderstood Fireheart's concern- it wasn't a matter of enemy soldiers.

Frankly, Fireheart was confident that the second he and Sand were out on patrol by themselves, she would attempt to skin him alive.

"You can tell her, I haven't told her yet," Whitestorm's voice brought Fireheart back to attention.

"Of course, sir," Fireheart agreed, dread settling within like a weight chained to his heart.

Whitestorm nodded, continuing on towards the barracks. Fireheart walked over to where Sand was sitting with the other recruits, eating their lunch.

"Sand," Fireheart shifted uneasily as the recruits peered at him. "Whitestorm wants you on picket duty with me tomorrow morning."

He expected some insult, some jab directed towards his tame roots. He fully expected Sand to shoot him right on the spot for even suggesting, daring to form a picket, just the two of them with nobody else, it would be the perfect murder-

"Fine," Sand merely replied.

Fireheart looked at Sand in surprise. Even Dust seemed to be astonished.

"O-okay. See you at dawn," Fireheart echoed, taken aback.

"Dawn," Sand agreed.

When Fireheart walked out under the pink sky of dawn, he could see Sand already in full gear.

"Er, hi," Fireheart greeted awkwardly.

"Hi," Sand answered, quiet and neutral.

"Let's wait for the night patrol to get back," Fireheart suggested.

The two sat silently until they could see Whitestorm, Longtail and Mousefur heading through the camp entrance.

"Any sign of S.D.R.?" Fireheart asked.

Whitestorm lowered the lantern he'd been holding. "Definitely," he affirmed grimly.

"It's strange," Mousefur muttered to herself, walking to the armory to put away her shotgun. "It's always the same bootprints... worn, like there's a couple missing hobnails... they must be sending the same soldiers each time."

"You two had better check out the G.U.R. border," Whitestorm advised. "We didn't get a chance to do so. Be careful, you two... remember, it's picket duty so you won't be fighting. If you see so much as a scrap of blue fabric on our land, head back here at once."

Fireheart and Sand saluted to show they'd heard. Whitestorm proceeded to lead them to the armory.

"We'll start at Fourtrees and work our way south, then the long way around to Tallpines," Fireheart suggested as they headed out of base camp. He was bringing a rifle, which was currently slung over his shoulder.

"Sounds good," Sand replied as she slid several shells into a pump-action shotgun. "I've never seen Fourtrees in the snow." Fireheart listened for sarcasm, but surprisingly she seemed to be sincere.

"Which way now?" Fireheart asked as they passed by the firing range.

"You think I don't know the way to Fourtrees?" Sand protested as she slung her shotgun over her shoulder. Fireheart began to regret acting like a mentor again, until he noticed that she seemed amused. She charged away through the woods without another word, and Fireheart dashed after her.

It felt good to be running through the woods with another soldier again. He had to admit that Sand was quick. She was still meters ahead of her when she leapt over the trunk of a fallen tree and vanished.

Fireheart took the tree in a single bound, only to suddenly find himself losing ground as he felt something push subtly against his leg. He crashed facefirst into the snow, then rose, spluttering.

Sand laughed. "Surprise!"

Fireheart waited for her to finish laughing, taking the time to make a snowball and throw it into her face. Sand staggered blindly, falling backwards with a yelp. "That was uncalled for!" Sand protested good-naturedly.

"You asked for it, though," Fireheart snickered.

As the two got up, dusting snow off of their coats, Sand remarked, "You look like you've been caught in a snowstorm!"

"So do you. Come on," Fireheart said. "We'd better move."

The two raced side by side, making it to Fourtrees. By the time they reached the slope overlooking the massive clearing, the sky was already milky blue. Sunlight flooded past the leaves into the snowy hollow, the four bare oaks standing below and glittering with frost.

Fireheart chose to wait, touched by Sand's enthusiasm as she stared in curiosity at the sight. Eventually, the two of them finally turned to patrol along the G.U.R. border.

"When I was just 15, I didn't know the snow could make everything so different," Sand remarked, unslinging her shotgun as they proceeded along the river border. Fireheart nodded in agreement, unslinging his own rifle.

As they proceeded along the border, staying within the treeline and alert for G.U.R. bootprints, Fireheart stopped every few trees to scan the area.

Suddenly, Sand stopped dead. "Fancy a hunt?" she whispered. Fireheart nodded, and at that Sand dropped into a crouch, creeping forward, shotgun out and aimed towards the bushes. Fireheart followed her gaze and saw a rabbit hopping beneath some bushes. He stood back as Sand made the kill.

"Nice shot," he praised.

Sand looked pleased, getting out a rucksack and placing the rabbit inside. She fished into her pocket, getting out a smaller bag. "Jerky?" she offered.

"Thanks!"

"That's one of the best things about picket duty," Sand remarked as she tore a strip of jerky into two, handing one to Fireheart and popping the other into her mouth.

"What?" Fireheart asked as he chewed.

"Sometimes you can sit alone and watch the border while you grab a snack or two," Sand replied. "Who knows how many hunting missions I've nearly starved on!"

Fireheart laughed, happy to hear a joke coming from Sand that wasn't about Iotunntames.

The two skirted the Scrapheap to follow the trail into the woods once more, close to the G.U.R. border. As they reached the top of the bracken-covered slope above the river, Fireheart sent a silent prayer to StarClan that they wouldn't find Graystripe here.

"Look!" Sand excitedly said, nudging Fireheart in the shoulder and pointing towards the river. "It's frozen solid!"

Fireheart's heart lurched as he remembered Cinder saying those same words before Graystripe nearly died. "We're not going down to look," he firmly said.

"No need, we can see it just fine. Let's get back and tell everyone!"

"Why?" Fireheart couldn't understand Sand's excitement.

"It's solid enough to walk on- we could have one of our patrols go over and steal back some of the food they've taken from us!"

Fireheart felt a shiver down his spine, and it wasn't from the cold. What would Graystripe say? Can I bring myself to escalate the conflict further?

"Well? You coming?" Sand impatiently asked.

"Yes," Fireheart heavily replied. The two of them immediately headed back to base camp.

Sand was the first there, enthusiastically rushing in and practically dragging Fireheart behind her. At the same time, Fireheart could see Graystripe and Bracken heading through behind them.

Bluestar walked over to greet them- thank StarClan, she was well again- looking normal as ever, Tigerclaw behind her. "Good morning, Fireheart, Sand. How was picket duty?"

The two stood to attention, with Sand reporting, "The river's frozen solid enough to cross!"

Bluestar gazed thoughtfully at the recruit. Fireheart flinched as he saw his leader's eyes gleam with anticipation. "Thank you, Sand."

Fireheart whispered into Sand's ear, "Come on, we should tell the others." He guessed that Bluestar would want to discuss the frozen river with her staff.

"This morning was the best!" Sand announced aloud as she approached the mess clearing. Fireheart just nodded, looking anxiously at a confused Graystripe.

"You two look like you had fun!" Dust had emerged from the recruits' barracks. "Drowned another RiverClanner?" he sneered at Fireheart.

Sand, however, wasn't listening, much to Dust's irritation. "We found out that the river's frozen solid! I think Bluestar's planning a raid!"

At that moment, their general's call sounded from the Highrock, and the Clan began to gather under the afternoon sky.

"Sand and Fireheart have brought good news! The river's frozen solid," Bluestar announced. "We'll use this opportunity to raid G.U.R. territory and steal our food back. Our soldiers will get food from their territory and send a message they'll remember for generations to come!"

Fireheart winced as he remembered what Silverstream had said about the starving Clan. Around him, loud cheers resounded. Fireheart hadn't heard ThunderClan sound this excited for months.

"Lieutenant!" Bluestar enthusiastically called. "Can we muster a sufficient raiding party?"

"Yes, General!" Tigerclaw raised his voice to be heard over the din.

"At ease," Bluestar said, and the Clan fell silent. It was only for a brief moment, as the general declared, "We raid at sunset!" The Clan cheered again. Fireheart shifted his feet nervously. Was Bluestar going as well? Surely she wouldn't risk her last life on a raid.

As the cheers died down, Fireheart looked towards Graystripe, who seemed nervous. "It feels warmer today. A thaw could thin the ice," he called out.

Fireheart held his breath as more and more attention shifted towards Graystripe.

Tigerclaw peered down towards Graystripe with a steely gaze. "You're not usually this reluctant to fight," he said slowly.

Darkstripe seemed to agree. "Not afraid of those slimy RiverClanners, are you?" he added.

Graystripe fidgeted uncomfortably as the Clan waited for an answer.

"Looks like he's scared!" Dust whispered to Sand.

Fireheart decided to step in, lightly saying, "On account of getting his socks wet! He fell through the ice earlier this winter. He's not keen to do it again."

This seemed convincing enough, and a ripple of laughter could be heard throughout the Clan. Tigerclaw suspiciously stared at an embarrassed Graystripe, but other than that the tension seemed to have dissolved.

Bluestar waited until the murmurs died away. "Perhaps this requires further discussion," she announced. "Tigerclaw, Whitestorm, Willowpelt, with me." As Bluestar and the soldiers she'd summoned made their way inside, the Clan broke up into groups to gossip.

"I suppose you expect me to be thankful for you embarrassing me," Graystripe angrily muttered in Fireheart's direction.

"Not at all. But at least you could still be grateful that I'm still covering for you!" Fireheart snapped, angrily moving away towards the edge of the clearing.

Sand ran over to join him. "It's about time we showed RiverClan how it feels," she said, her eyes shining.

"I suppose so," Fireheart agreed absently. He couldn't take his eyes off Graystripe. He could almost swear he was moving towards the hospital- possibly to warn Silverstream.

Fireheart changed his direction, heading towards the hospital and prompting a glare from Graystripe. Before either could speak, however, Bluestar's call echoed from Highrock. Fireheart stopped, but didn't take his eyes off of Graystripe.

"Willowpelt agrees with Graystripe," Bluestar declared. "A thaw is on its way, meaning we cannot raid at sunset." Graystripe defiantly glanced at Fireheart, but Fireheart didn't care. There would be no raid today. Graystripe wouldn't have to choose between ThunderClan and Silverstream, and Fireheart wouldn't have to steal food from an already starving Clan.

"We will send the raid within the hour!"

Graystripe's smug look changed to one of sheer horror.

"We will have a small raid of five. I trust Tigerclaw to lead this party. Darkstripe, Willowpelt, Longtail, you will go with him. We need someone to provide overwatch. I must remain to organize defenses in the event that ShadowClan attacks the camp upfront."

"Can I go?" Fireheart asked. He was relieved that Bluestar would not be risking her life here. Though his heart felt heavy at the thought of stealing from already-starving RiverClanners, it meant Graystripe would not have to make a choice.

"Thank you, Fireheart. You may," Bluestar agreed, pleased by her former trainee's eagerness. Tigerclaw didn't look so happy, examining Fireheart with visible suspicion. "There's no time to lose. I can feel the air warming up myself," Bluestar said. "Tigerclaw will brief you as you travel. Get what weapons you need, and go!"

Tigerclaw rushed to the armory, handing out two rifles and a shotgun, and handing them to Darkstripe, Willowpelt and Longtail respectively. He handed Fireheart a rifle, grabbing a submachine gun and then rushing out, the rest of the raiding party in tow.

They charged past the Scrapheap, reaching the river as the winter sun began to be swallowed by the horizon. Sure enough, Fireheart could feel the warm air, and the sky was graying with storm clouds.

As the five of them raced down the slope towards the river, Fireheart felt anxious. Silverstream's desperate story rang in his ears, and he fought to push away his feelings of sympathy.

"Tigerclaw, sir!" Darkstripe shouted, and the patrol immediately stopped.

"What is it?" the lieutenant said, moving towards the front, suddenly falling silent. Fireheart peered behind Tigerclaw, seeing a sight that made him relieved.

The shining sheet of ice Fireheart and Sand had seen had broken up into a rushing flow of cold, black water.

There would be no raid today.

Sandstorm.

Chapter Text

Tigerclaw visibly tightened his grip on his Thompson. "We'll have to wait. Back to camp."

As the patrol trudged homeward, Fireheart sent a silent prayer of gratitude to StarClan, but there was a bitter taste in his throat. He wondered if he would have gone through with the raid. He realized that he couldn't even trust himself.

He kept silent all the way home, watching as Tigerclaw glanced over his shoulder at him. It was a slow journey with little fanfare- the sunlight was fading as they reached the top of the ravine. Fireheart waited for the others to make their way through first. By the time he got through, Tigerclaw was explaining to the disappointed Clan that there was a thaw.

Fireheart skirted the edge of the clearing in search of Graystripe, needing to know if he had slipped out of base camp. Instinctively, he went behind the hospital. As he approached the corner, he heard a voice. "Fireheart!"

At the mention of his name, he heard a glimmer of hope. Perhaps Graystripe was actually grateful that Fireheart had offered to take his place in the raid? He rounded the corner.

A hand grabbed his collar, yanking him forward, and a fist connected with his stomach, causing him to double over in pain.

"What are you doing?" Fireheart spluttered as he looked up to see a furious Graystripe.

Graystripe hissed, "You didn't trust me! You thought I would betray ThunderClan!" Graystripe punched again, aiming for Fireheart's face, but this time Fireheart grabbed his arm and threw him over his shoulder.

"I just wanted to save you from having to make a choice!" Fireheart spat angrily. "Though, it's true, I'm not sure who you're loyal to right now!"

"I make my own choices," Graystripe snarled as he rolled to his feet, running towards Fireheart.

"I was trying to protect you!" Fireheart pleaded as Graystripe tackled him, the two tumbling into view of the rest of the Clan.

"I don't need protecting!"

The soldiers in the clearing sprang out of the way as the two young soldiers tussled, rolling across the clearing with furious war cries. Fireheart roared in pain as Graystripe punched him in the stomach again. He brought his helmeted head forward, headbutting Graystripe, who tried to get behind Fireheart and put him into a chokehold.

"CEASE!" Bluestar's furious shout made the two immediately freeze and shuffle sideways. The two slowly got to their feet, with all eyes of the Clan intently watching. Tigerclaw was sneering with barely suppressed delight, his teeth visible.

"Fireheart, my quarters!" Bluestar ordered. "Graystripe, barracks. NOW!" she snarled, prompting Graystripe to scramble to the barracks.

Fireheart limped after Bluestar into her quarters, looking down upon the ground.

Bluestar sat behind her desk, leaning in. "What was that?" She angrily inquired.

Fireheart shook his head. Furious though he was, he could not reveal his friend's secret.

Bluestar sighed. "I realize feelings are running high in the camp right now, but I never expected to see you and Graystripe fighting. Are you hurt?"

Fireheart could feel his stomach aching, but he shrugged and murmured, "No."

"Why did you fight?"

Fireheart held Bluestar's gaze. "I'm sorry, General. I can't explain." That much is true.

"Very well," Bluestar said resignedly. "You two can sort it out on your own. But I will not tolerate any more infighting, especially in these trying times. Understood?"

"Yes, General. May I go?"

"Go," Bluestar spoke, and Fireheart saluted, heading for the barracks. He knew he'd let his old mentor down. However, there was no way he could confide in her. Last time he'd done that, concerning Tigerclaw's alleged assassination of Redtail, she had refused to believe him. And if she believed him this time, he would betraying his best friend.

Fireheart didn't sleep that night, plagued by worry within his dreams.

Fireheart woke early the next morning. The sun hadn't risen yet, and the clearing was empty as he went to the hospital. He wanted to see how Cinder was doing.

Yellowfang was asleep in her chair, still in uniform as she snored loudly, slumped over her desk. Fireheart didn't want to wake her, so he crept up to Cinder's bed.

Cinder was asleep as well. There was no blood left. She must have gotten through the infection!

He stayed with her, pulling up a chair until dawn. Fireheart got to his feet as the Clan began to stir, turning to leave.

"Fireheart?" Yellowfang's faint voice could be heard.

"I came to see Cinder," he explained.

"She's doing well," Yellowfang replied, rising to her feet.

Yellowfang was taken aback as Fireheart wrapped her in a tight, grateful embrace. The old medic, however, did nothing to push him away.

When he headed out to grab breakfast for him and Yellowfang, Tigerclaw was addressing a group of soldiers and recruits. Immediately, he spotted Fireheart. "Nice of you to show up," he growled. "Graystripe's just joined us, too. He's been having a word with Bluestar." Fireheart glanced at his friend, but Graystripe was staring at the ground. The other soldiers watched in silence as Fireheart hurried over to sit next to Sand.

"Longtail. You're in charge of hunting patrols today," Tigerclaw continued as he went on to speak to another group of soldiers. Longtail nodded, taking over for him. Fireheart couldn't help but wonder if Bluestar and Tigerclaw would discuss the fight last night.

Longtail's voice summoned him away from his thoughts. "Mousefur, Fireheart, and Sand will take the fourth hunting patrol. The fifth will consist of Whitestorm, Graystripe and Bracken. It's probably best if I don't put you two in the same group."

Amusement rippled through the group, which neither Fireheart nor Graystripe shared.

"Good fight last night," Mousefur rasped besides Fireheart, eyes aglow with mischief. "It almost made up for missing out on a battle."

Dust added, "Nice moves- for a tame!"

Fireheart didn't reply.

The hunting groups left together. As they filed up the trail out of the ravine, Fireheart looked at the sky. The storm clouds he'd seen yesterday had covered the sun, and now the snow was turning to slush.

Mousefur led Sand and Fireheart through Tallpines. "I'll take Sand with me. You can hunt alone. See you at base camp at noon."

Fireheart couldn't help but feel relieved at being alone. He stalked through the trees, still hardly able to believe that he and Graystripe had fought so bitterly. Fireheart felt lost, alone without his old friend, though he barely recognized him anymore. He wondered if they could ever be friends again.

As Fireheart meandered through the trees, he decided now was a good time to check up on Princess and Cloud.

Once he reached the Iotunn border, he made his way towards the fence, calling out for his family. He headed back into the woods, waiting in the undergrowth for his sister and nephew to come looking.

He didn't have to wait long as Cloud excitedly ran out with a backpack, working his way through the fence. Princess was not far behind, and Fireheart crossed at once, happy to see his kin once more.

Princess looked up at Fireheart, her eyes gleaming as Cloud slipped through. "I've brought Cloud for you, Fireheart," she said softly.

"He wants to come home with you so that he can be your new trainee."

Chapter Text

"I never expected..." Fireheart failed to find his words as he looked at his nephew, who had a backpack loaded with all sorts of things. Cloud looked up at him excitedly.

"I want his future to be something more than tame," Princess explained. "Make him a hero, please. Like you!"

The unsettling sense of loneliness Fireheart had previously felt began to ebb away. He pictured Cloud amongst the rest of the Clan, learning under him as Fireheart taught him the ways of the forest.

Finally, this meant that he would no longer be alone. He would have family in ThunderClan.

"I know how upset you were about Cinder," Princess began, placing a hand on Fireheart's shoulder. "I thought if you had a new trainee- your nephew- you wouldn't feel so lonely. I may not understand the Code of Mercy, but seeing you, and hearing you talk about your life, I know I would be honored if my son was brought up as a Clan soldier."

A flare of happiness could be felt inside Fireheart as he remembered how Bluestar had discussed the need for those fit for service. If pneumonia took more lives than just Bluestar's, they would certainly need Cloud in the ranks.

Cloud looked up, shifting his feet. "Uncle, can we go?"

Fireheart smiled. "Let's go. I'm taking you home. Princess," he said as he turned towards his sister. "He'll become ThunderClan's finest with me teaching him."

Princess gasped in gratitude and pride. "Thank you, Fireheart. Who knows, he might even become a nine-lived general!"

As Fireheart and Cloud said their farewells, heading back towards the treeline, Fireheart wondered if Cloud would be able to withstand the pressure. What if Cloud didn't make it to springtime?

As he watched Cloud scramble over a fallen log enthusiastically, however, he was comforted by the fact that Cloud had his blood running through his veins.

"What is this?" Bluestar asked Fireheart, who stood embarrassed in the clearing. They were in full view of the entire Clan.

Cloud managed a small wave. "Uh, I'm Cloud! ...general," he added hastily, snapping to a salute.

"He's my sister's son," Fireheart chimed in.

"Your sister!" Tigerclaw glared, and Cloud straightened up nervously. "Don't like him," Cloud whispered into his uncle's ear.

"You have a sister?" Speckletail asked. "Where?"

"Isn't it obvious? Iotunn territory!" Longtail spat in disgust.

"Is that true?" The general leaned towards Fireheart, who almost wished he could hide inside his helmet.

"Yes," Fireheart admitted. "Cloud wants to serve. My sister let him."

"Why would she do that?" Bluestar asked with a menacingly calm tone.

"I-I told her about Clan life... how great it was..."

Bluestar stayed silent for a long time, then spoke once more.

"How often have you been visiting your sister and nephew?"

"Uh, once a week. Since winter began. But only to see them. My loyalty still lies with ThunderClan."

"Loyalty?" Darkstripe incredulously cried out. "And yet you bring a tame here?"

"Isn't having one tame in the Clan enough?" one of the elders added.

"Trust a tame to find another tame!" Dust hissed, glaring at Cloud, who returned the insult with some profane gesture. Dust nudged Sand, who simply stared uncomfortably down at her feet.

Fireheart stared disapprovingly at the youth, whispering, "Hands down, now."

Reluctantly, Cloud obliged.

"Why have you brought him here?" Tigerclaw asked.

"We need soldiers..." Fireheart didn't finish as the Clan replied with scorn, jeers filling the clearing.

Fireheart had to physically place his hands on Cloud's shoulders, lest the boy attempt to punch Tigerclaw in the face.

When the insults died down, Runningwind spoke up. "The Clan has enough to worry about as is," he quietly said.

"He'll be nothing but a burden. How old is he?"

"My name is Cloud! I'm fourteen!" Cloud indignantly yelled as Fireheart slapped a hand over his mouth, muttering once more, "Quiet."

Whitestorm added in agreement, "You shouldn't have brought him here, Fireheart. He'll be too soft for Clan life."

"Like me?" Fireheart angrily replied, momentarily forgetting to restrain Cloud before grabbing him by the back of his collar and holding him close.

"If he's got Fireheart's blood, he'll make a good Clan soldier," a voice said from behind Whitestorm.

Fireheart looked up, and to his relief he could see Graystripe! Hope flared once more within his chest as Graystripe stepped forward, straightening the helmet on his head.

"Makes a change to see you speak up for your friend, Graystripe. Last night you wanted to shred him!" Longtail sneered as Graystripe walked amidst the clearing, standing next to Fireheart.

Cloud looked up, a devilish grin on his face, whispering, "Are we gonna fight the whole Clan?"

Graystripe snorted with laughter. "No, kid," he whispered back. "It's two rifles against a hundred."

"Hey, Graystripe! How do you know Fireheart has blood worthy of ThunderClan? Did you bite him too while you two were fighting?" Darkstripe challenged.

"Okay," Graystripe reconsidered. "Maybe we are going to fight the whole Clan."

Bluestar spoke again. "Tigerclaw, your thoughts?"

"Throw him out," the lieutenant answered, the arrogant satisfaction in his voice making Fireheart pale.

"Goldenflower?"

"He might not survive come spring," Goldenflower replied, her son and daughter peering out suspiciously at Cloud, who glared back.

"He'll have pneumonia by sunrise!" Mousefur added.

"Or he'll stuff himself to death," Runningwind spat as Cloud struggled against his uncle's grip, Fireheart once more placing a hand over his mouth.

"Enough!" Bluestar snapped, and the Clan fell silent. "I must think on this."

As the Clan dispersed, muttering darkly, Fireheart led Cloud into the barracks. Hostile faces of the Clan swam around Fireheart's mind, filling him with dread. He thought he'd been lonely before, but now it seemed as though the entire Clan had disowned him.

Likewise, Cloud was fuming as though he wanted to shoot up the Clan, then looked up. Fireheart followed his gaze to see Graystripe walking in as well.

"Thanks for standing up for me," Fireheart quietly said as his friend sat next to him, holding his box of hardtack.

"Hey, we're still friends. And nobody else was standing by you either," Graystripe said. "Hardtack, you two?"

"Whoa, just like Ma made them!" Cloud's mood brightened quickly as he eagerly grabbed a cracker, crunching onto it. Fireheart smiled as Graystripe added, "You looked like you were gonna fight the entire Clan, uh... Fireheart's nephew."

"Cloud," the youth answered happily. "Are you Graystripe? Uncle Fireheart told me about you."

"I am," Graystripe replied.

"Can't you shut that thing up?" Darkstripe complained as he walked past. Cloud glared in his direction. Willowpelt glanced at Cloud, then at Fireheart, but said nothing.

Fireheart sighed, but the door opened again, making him, Graystripe and Cloud turn. It was Frostfur. She walked over, looking upon Cloud, who walked back, clearly quite paranoid. To Fireheart's surprise, Frostfur gently ruffled his nephew's hair.

"He'd be better off with Brindleface," Frostfur suggested. "I could ask her to help me take care of him."

Fireheart looked up at her in surprise. "Frostfur, why are you helping us?"

"I haven't forgotten that you saved my children from ShadowClan," Frostfur explained. "Come with me."

Cloud was led into a building with several beds. He saw other kids of varying ages, sticking close to Fireheart's side nervously.

The nice lady who had brought him and his uncle to this place was talking with another woman with freckles on her face, who held two children closely. "One of Brindleface's children died last night," Frostfur explained to Fireheart. Looking close, Cloud could see the freckled woman had been crying recently.

"I'm sorry," Fireheart murmured respectfully as he took off his helmet.

"Brindleface," Frostfur began. "I can only guess at how much pain you feel. But Cloud is only fourteen, and he needs someone to care for him. Will you?"

Brindleface shook her head, closing her eyes as though denying Fireheart's presence.

Frostfur gently placed a hand on Brindleface's shoulder. "I know he won't replace your son," she soothed. "But he needs your warmth and care."

Fireheart waited anxiously as Brindleface looked at Cloud, who had wisely chosen to be quiet.

Nervously, Cloud stepped forward, looking at Brindleface with worried eyes. There was a long silence until Brindleface set down her children. "Come here," she said softly as Cloud obeyed.

"It's okay," Brindleface quietly assured the boy. "I'm not like the others. If you need anything you can talk to me or Frostfur."

At those words, Cloud practically ran into Brindleface, hugging her tightly.

"Thank you, Brindleface." Frostfur nodded. "Can I tell Bluestar you'll care for him?"

"Yes," Brindleface replied, not taking her eyes off Cloud.

"Thank you. I promise I'll bring extra food here daily," Fireheart said, sighing in relief.

"I'll be with Bluestar," Frostfur said as she stepped outside. "Nobody deserves neglect, Clanborn or not."

"You can go now," Brindleface murmured to Fireheart. "Cloud will be safe with me."

"Let all old enough to handle their own firearms gather beneath the Highrock!"

They're going to make me take him back, Fireheart darkly thought, beginning to breathe fast. What if Bluestar asks Tigerclaw to abandon him in the forest? He's gonna die... oh StarClan, what am I gonna say to Princess...

Bluestar began. "People of the ThunderClan Free State. No one can deny the need for soldiers. We have lost someone to pneumonia today, and it will be some time until spring. Cinder is gravely injured, and Yellowfang says she will need to relearn how to walk. As Graystripe pointed out..."

Fireheart heard Dust whisper nearby, "Graystripe's turning tame himself these days!" then a grunt of pain as the recruit was hit on the nape of the neck by a veteran.

"As Graystripe pointed out," the general repeated, "Cloud carries Fireheart's blood. There is every chance he will follow in his uncle's footsteps." Some of the Clan glanced at Fireheart, who was dizzy with hope and relief.

"I have decided Cloud shall be taken into the Clan," Bluestar concluded to a silent crowd.

Fireheart wanted to scream his gratitude out to StarClan, but he held his tongue, simply taking the first deep breath he'd had since noon.

His nephew would be ThunderClan.

"Brindleface has offered to raise him," Bluestar continued, "and Fireheart has offered to provide for her."

"Will there be a welcoming ceremony?" Mousefur asked from the crowd.

Bluestar looked down coldly at Mousefur. "No."

Chapter Text

The weeks leading up to the next Gathering dragged by slowly for Fireheart. It seemed like forever since he had last attended. Last time, rain clouds had covered the moon, and the Clans didn't know to meet at Fourtrees at the time. Meanwhile, reports kept coming in of G.U.R. bootprints at Sunningrocks, and the same hobnailed bootprints of ShadowClan commandos around the Owl Tree.

Whenever he could, Fireheart divided his time between Cloud, Cinder and Bracken. Though Graystripe had resumed his role as Bracken's mentor, he always somehow managed to turn up missing half the time. To Bracken's knowledge, his mentor was hunting.

"Why didn't you go with him?" Fireheart asked one time while training Bracken in CQC.

"He said I could go tomorrow," the rookie had replied.

Fireheart felt irritated as usual at his friend's stubbornness, but he shrugged it away. He'd given up trying to make Graystripe see sense- since Fireheart had brought Cloud into base camp they never really spoke- but he made an effort to train Bracken in Graystripe's stead. Fireheart knew that Tigerclaw would get suspicious if Bracken's reports of his mentor hunting alone kept coming.

In the meantime, Cloud had started helping Yellowfang at the behest of Fireheart. During the day, the white-haired youth could be seen helping Cinder walk with her new prosthetic leg. Fireheart had guessed that Cloud was doing so out of gratitude towards Frostfur. In her own spare time, Cinder had also been helping Yellowfang in organizing medicine- the old medic was able to work on her bulletproof shirts and Cinder's new leg, now that the threat of pneumonia had lifted- for the time being.

As Fireheart came back early under the full moon, he stopped by the hospital to check up on Cinder. As of current, she was helping Yellowfang finish her bulletproof shirts. "Fireheart!" Cinder enthusiastically shouted as she and Yellowfang turned towards the redheaded soldier.

"Just in time. Here, put this on," Yellowfang said as she handed Fireheart a bulletproof shirt. "And stand right there, at the entrance."

Cinder looked worriedly at Yellowfang, who walked all the way to the other end of the hospital.

Fireheart buttoned up, looking back at the medical officer. "This is really tight," Fireheart complained. "How do I look?"

"Just hold still," Yellowfang called as to Fireheart's horror, she drew an M1911 pistol, aiming at his chest and pulling the trigger.

The resounding shot across the room made Fireheart stagger back, falling to the ground at the entrance.

"Never... do that again," Fireheart panted in exhaustion and relief, his bulletproof shirt off and his tunic unbuttoned. He was sitting on a table as Yellowfang studied his chest, finding the spot to be a bit sore. By this time, Yellowfang had assured everyone that it was just another field test, and that Fireheart was mostly fine.

"Did you really think that I never tested these at the firing range? Who do you take me for?" Yellowfang replied, exasperated but at the same time also quite amused. "I've been testing these for months, mind you!" Fireheart sighed as he relaxed.

"Now, you were just shot with a pistol at medium to long ranges. This doesn't mean you're invincible," she warned. "If you were shot with a pistol at point blank, you might get off with a broken rib," the old medic explained.

"Do ribs grow back?"

Yellowfang roared with laughter. Fireheart took that as a no. "Now, excuse me while I take this shirt-" she explained as she took the bulletproof shirt off the hanger- "and study this and see if I can improve it. If it's too heavy, you'll be dragging yourself around the forest. Fireheart, you're free to go." Yellowfang disappeared further into the hospital as Fireheart slipped his tunic back on, buttoning it up.

"So, Cinder," Fireheart asked. "How's your leg doing?"

"Well," Cinder said as she sat next to Fireheart. "It's awkward, but I'm starting to walk on my own. Yellowfang says I have the potential to be a soldier again."

"That's great!" Fireheart said with a smile as he finished buttoning up his tunic. He couldn't wait to start training Cinder again.

To his surprise, though, Cinder looked calmly at him as though she'd aged five years. "...during my time with Yellowfang I've been thinking. You remember how I was early on as a rookie, right?"

"I could barely catch up to you on Day One," Fireheart remarked with a laugh.

Cinder snorted with laughter. "Well... during my time in here I started taking interest in medicine. Yellowfang saved my life," she explained. Fireheart couldn't help but agree.

"I want to be a medical officer."

Fireheart looked at her in surprise.

"I- let me explain! I took an interest in medicine while with Yellowfang, not to mention she's helping me walk again..." Cinder trailed off.

"No, it's fine," Fireheart encouraged as he placed a hand on his trainee's shoulder. "If you want to change your path, I'm happy for you. Go ask Yellowfang and Bluestar if you can be an orderly. They have no reason to deny you this."

Cinder smiled gratefully at her mentor's words. 

Fireheart smiled back, but there was a question that had been nagging at him since the accident. "Cinder," he began, "can you remember what happened when you were on the Quakepath? Was Tigerclaw there?"

Cinder's eyes clouded with confusion and discomfort. "I d-don't know," she stammered, much to Fireheart's guilt. "I went straight to the ash tree where Dust said Tigerclaw would be, then there was the Iotunn wagon and... I don't remember."

"You didn't realize how thin the verge was there... you must have run straight onto the Quakepath," Fireheart muttered. Why wasn't Tigerclaw where he'd said he'd be? He could have stopped her from running out!

Princess' words echoed in Fireheart's head. Was it a trap? He pictured Tigerclaw, hiding amongst the trees, staring out at the verge and waiting-

Cinder decided to change the subject. "How's Cloud fitting in?"

Fireheart sensed that his trainee was uncomfortable talking about the accident, but he, too, was also relieved to change the subject, especially if it were about his nephew. "He's getting used to the Clan. Brindleface treats him like the rest of her kids, thank StarClan. To be honest, I wasn't sure she'd take to him, what with him being..." Fireheart didn't finish. "At least he gets along with everyone else."

"What's the matter?"

"I'm just sick of the way some people look at him, like he's stupid or something. He knows it, too," he added grudgingly.

"Well, he's not stupid," Cinder protested. "You were born a tame and there's nothing wrong with you! Cloud's gonna become as good a soldier as you," she encouraged. "He looks like he was born ready!"

"When did you get so smart?" Fireheart said, surprised by Cinder's sharpness.

"Suffering does that to a person!" Cinder dramatically announced. "No, really! Look who I've been hanging out with lately!"

Fireheart was briefly confused until Cinder scoffed, "Yellowfang, you dope! She's one sharp old lady, and I'm learning a lot. Oh, right, she also said there's a Gathering tonight. Are you going?"

"I don't know," Fireheart admitted. "I'm going to ask Bluestar later. I'm not exactly the Clan's favorite right now."

"They'll get over it," Cinder said. "You should go and find out if you're going. They'll be leaving soon."

"You're right," Fireheart replied. "Will you be alright?"

"I'll be fine," Cinder said dismissively but with a humorous gleam in her eyes. "Yellowfang'll bring me dinner. She always does. I'm going to be the fattest in the Clan by the time she lets me out by myself!"

"I'll tell you about what happens at the Gathering," Fireheart said as he stood up.

"You better! Make sure Bluestar lets you go! Hurry!" Cinder said enthusiastically.

"I'm going, I'm going," Fireheart retorted. "See you later tonight, Cinder."

"Seeya!"

"You want to go to the Gathering?"

"Yes, General," Fireheart affirmed. He and Bluestar were standing outside the general's quarters.

"All the soldiers want to come tonight, and I can't take everyone."

"But I wanted to see WindClan again," Fireheart said. "I want to know how they've been doing since Graystripe and I brought them home."

Bluestar narrowed her eyes. "I don't need reminding of what you did for them," she said sharply, causing Fireheart to flinch. "But you're right to be concerned. You and Graystripe may come to the Gathering tonight."

"Thank you, General," Fireheart said.

"It'll be an interesting Gathering," the general warned. "RiverClan and ShadowClan have much to explain. I want the soldiers going with us to carry arms."

Fireheart felt nervous, but he couldn't help but also feel a thrill of excitement as well. Bluestar clearly meant to challenge Crookedstar and Nightstar about their invasions onto ThunderClan land. Fireheart saluted, walking away.

As he collected two plates for Brindleface and her children, he noticed Yellowfang walking over to Bluestar, holding up the bulletproof shirt he'd worn and proudly showing Bluestar where it had been shot. Bluestar seemed very interested- it was clear this project would get much support in the future.

Fireheart entered the nursery, seeing Brindleface looking over a sleeping Cloud. As he set the plates down at a table, she looked up with concern. "I've just sent for Yellowfang," she said.

Fireheart was instantly alarmed. "Is Cloud okay?"

"He's been a little feverish today." Brindleface leaned down, placing a hand on Cloud's head. "It's probably nothing, but I thought I'd ask for Yellowfang's input. I... I don't want to take any chances."

Fireheart remembered then that Brindleface had lost her son to pneumonia recently, and he hoped that she was just being overprotective. But Cloud did look uncomfortable. "I'll see you after the Gathering," he promised as he headed back out.

Although his appetite was spoiled by the bad news, Fireheart went to grab dinner, knowing he had to eat before the Gathering.

As he walked towards a table with his food, he could see Longtail and Dust eating, glancing with a lack of sympathy towards the nursery. "Haven't seen the Cloudchick today," Longtail snidely remarked, causing Fireheart to stiffen in frustration.

"He's probably realized how silly he looks and decided to hide in the nursery!" Dust jeered.

Fireheart looked away, trying to focus on eating. He watched Yellowfang hurry into the nursery with a cup of honey. Unfortunately, Longtail and Dust noticed as well. "Looks like the tame's sick. What a surprise," Longtail said. "Goldenflower was right- he won't survive the winter!" The soldier looked at Fireheart, waiting for a reaction, but Fireheart chose instead to sit farther away.

Graystripe was eating alone elsewhere. As Fireheart approached, he tried to make conversation. "Graystripe, Bluestar said we could go to the Gathering."

"I know," Graystripe dismissively replied as he dug into his food. He didn't seem interested in conversation.

Fireheart sighed, walking on and sitting elsewhere to eat. Longtail's words echoed in his ears. Would the Clan ever accept Cloud? He sighed as he began to eat.

Suddenly, he sensed somebody walking towards him, and to his surprise looked up to find Sand. "Thought you might like some company," she said as she took a seat next to him. Behind her, Fireheart could see Dust staring with a mix of envy and surprise. Fireheart was also surprised by Sand's gesture- up until recently she'd been nothing but abrasive. Still, her change in mood was welcome and he wasn't going to question it.

"Are you going to the Gathering?" Fireheart asked.

"Yep. You?"

"Same. I think Bluestar's going to challenge Crookedstar and Nightstar about their incursions." He waited for Sand to reply, but she was looking up at the darkening sky.

"I wish I were going as a soldier," she murmured. Fireheart tensed, but found no jealousy or bitterness in her words.

Fireheart felt awkward, knowing that he'd started training long after Sand had, yet he had been a soldier for months. "It can't be long until Bluestar gives you your second stripes," he encouraged.

"Why do you think it's taking so long?" Sand asked, looking at Fireheart.

"I wish I knew," he admitted. "Bluestar's been sick, and there's the ongoing antebellum... I guess she's got other things on her mind."

"You'd think she'd need more soldiers than ever!" Sand said.

Fireheart felt a stab of sympathy. "I suppose she's just waiting for the... the right time." It was about the best response he could think of.

"Maybe by spring," Sand sighed. "I heard Cinder decided to be an orderly. When do you think you'll have a new trainee?"

"Bluestar's said nothing yet."

"Maybe Cloud, when he's of age?"

"I hope so." Fireheart stared at the nursery, wondering if Yellowfang had finished treating Cloud. "If he makes it that far."

"Of course, he will!" Sand responded confidently.

"He has a fever," Fireheart pointed out worriedly.

"Everyone's had a fever at some point!" Sand retorted. "He's tougher than you give him credit for. I still remember a few weeks ago when you first brought him in. I thought he was going to try and fight the whole Clan!"

Fireheart smiled, feeling himself relax. Sand had lifted his spirits yet again. He turned his gaze to see soldiers preparing for the Gathering at the armory. "We should go," Fireheart said as he stood up, plate in his hands. "Bluestar's calling for us."

After depositing his plate back at the kitchen and grabbing a rifle, Fireheart joined Sand with the rest of the group heading to the Gathering. The air was silent, purposeful and at the same time full of excitement.

Together, they headed to Fourtrees, Bluestar leading them over logs and around trees. Clouds of breath billowed from the group, and the snow crunched underfoot.

For the first time since Fireheart had joined ThunderClan, Bluestar didn't stop at the ridge.

This time, the ThunderClan Free State plunged straight down into the clearing, without hesitation.

The Clans are developing bulletproof armor.

Left to right: Chemico body armor (ThunderClan and WindClan issue), Sappenpanzer armor (ShadowClan), and Arditi armor (RiverClan).

Times for the Clans are changing, to be certain.

Chapter Text

Already waiting for ThunderClan was the Moorland Republic of WindClan. Prime Minister Tallstar tipped his cap towards General Bluestar in respect.

As Bluestar returned the gesture and their two Clans united in exultation, Fireheart could see his friend Onewhisker. Calling Onewhisker's name, he went over. It had been months since he'd seen the WindClanner at the gorge. For the first time in ages, he could remember Whiteclaw's death, involuntarily feeling the familiar bristle of horror when Whiteclaw fell into the gorge.

"Good evening!" Onewhisker greeted, having seen the redhead as well. As Fireheart approached the WindClanners, he noticed to his astonishment that virtually all of them were armed. There was the usual mix of SMLE Mk. III rifles and pump-action shotguns, with the occasional Sten SMG or revolver. However, this time he could see other weapons- ThunderClan semi-automatics and break-action shotguns wielded by the retired, and melee weapons such as clubs, pitchforks and rakes being held by recruits. Fireheart almost swore he saw a carving knife tied onto a broom handle somewhere in the crowd.

The Code of Mercy stated that recruits couldn't bring firearms to a Gathering. They weren't.

"So, where's Graystripe? Is he alright?" Onewhisker asked, bringing Fireheart's focus back to him.

"He's alright. He's over there," Fireheart answered, seeing concern in Onewhisker's eyes. Clearly, he felt the same about what had happened at the gorge. "How's Morningflower and Gorse?" Fireheart asked, trying to change the subject.

"She's doing quite well!" Onewhisker beamed. "Her son's growing up big and strong. The whole Clan's well," he said to Fireheart's joy as the two of them took a seat. "Ah, it feels good to eat rabbit again. I hope I never have to eat a rat again for as long as I live!"

On the other side of the clearing, Fireheart could see RiverClan and ShadowClan approaching as well. From one end of the clearing, he could see Crookedstar leading his Clan, with all the soldiers clearly armed. On the other side, Nightstar led ShadowClan into the clearing, with ShadowClan's soldiers all decked out in bulletproof armor. He noticed that for the most part, RiverClan and ShadowClan sat apart from WindClan and ThunderClan.

"At last," Onewhisker hissed, stiff with anticipation. "It's too cold to tarry tonight."

Fireheart nodded absently, searching the crowd for Silverstream. He recognized her easily- she was heading into the clearing with a MAS-36 slung over her shoulder. Will Graystripe try to talk to her? He nervously thought as he turned towards his best friend. He could see to his relief that Graystripe was talking with a WindClan soldier, having faced away from Silverstream.

"Fireheart! There you are." Fireheart turned, looking up to see Deadfoot. "How is your evening?" the field marshal asked.

Respectfully, Fireheart rose and snapped to a salute. "It's fine, thank you, sir."

"Good. At ease, it's a Gathering," Deadfoot said, continuing to walk past. Fireheart lowered his hand, sitting back down.

"You're privileged!" Onewhisker remarked, and Fireheart felt a hint of pride.

"People of the Clans, lend us your ears!" Bluestar's voice rang out across Fourtrees.

Fireheart looked up in surprise, not expecting the Gathering to be called so soon. He noticed Nightstar and Crookedstar standing together, whereas Tallstar stood proudly next to Bluestar. It was at this point that he'd realized this was the first time he'd seen WindClan at a Gathering. While he hadn't been there to see WindClan's return, it had been clear that the Moorland Republic trusted ThunderClan.

Bluestar didn't waste time on friendly words, instead looking at Crookedstar.

"My soldiers have found RiverClan bootprints at the Scrapheap," she began angrily. "The Scrapheap is ThunderClan Free State territory!"

The marshal steadily met the general's gaze. "Have you forgotten how recently one of my men was killed defending our land from ThunderClan trespassers?"

"There was no need to defend your land," Bluestar icily pointed out. "My soldiers were not hunting there. They were not invading. They were returning home after bringing WindClan back! It was a mission we all agreed upon. According to the Code of Mercy, they should not have been attacked."

"You speak of the Code of Mercy?" Crookedstar spat. "What of the ThunderClan bootprints we've found on our side of the river?"

Bluestar was clearly caught off guard by this. "ThunderClan bootprints?"

"We haven't seen whose boots they are," Crookedstar admitted, clearly calmer now that he had the general by the ropes. "But we find those bootprints so often, it won't be long before we find which of your soldiers made them."

Fireheart glanced in alarm at Graystripe- it could only have been him. He suddenly felt a sense of panic- what if RiverClan soldiers found him out at the Gathering?

Graystripe sat motionless, not taking his eyes off the Great Rock.

Tigerclaw stood up. "RiverClan has not been the only ones trespassing on our land recently. We've found bootprints with square hobnails on our land. And last we checked, only ShadowClan has square hobnailed boots," the lieutenant added with a glare.

Chancellor Nightstar straightened up indignantly, looking down upon Tigerclaw. "ShadowClan has not been in your land! We've seen game stolen from our own territory- they can only be rogues! Do you doubt the word of ShadowClan, lieutenant?"

Tigerclaw's expression indicated that he did indeed doubt the word of ShadowClan.

"One moment," Tallstar said as he stepped forward. "My sentries have reported square hobnails on our land as well. They likewise seem to be S.D.R."

Tigerclaw's eyes gleamed with the same triumph he might have found in cornering a foe. "ShadowClan and RiverClan have united against us!"

At those words, WindClan and ThunderClan soldiers alike tensed up. Fireheart gulped as he looked at Graystripe. Onewhisker bristled with anger.

"Us? What do you mean by 'us'?" Crookedstar spat once more. "I think it's you and WindClan that have formed the alliance! Is that why you were so keen to bring them back? So you can use them to invade ShadowClan and RiverClan?!"

Tallstar gritted his teeth. "WindClan has kept to our own territory! Look upon our forces." The Clans turned to see WindClan, who collectively rose. Next to Fireheart, Onewhisker stood up proudly, glaring daggers at RiverClan and ShadowClan. "Hunting shotguns. Pitchforks. Rakes. These are the measures we have been forced to in the defense of our own territory against RiverClan and ShadowClan!" The prime minister announced. "Rest assured," he added in a calmer voice. "WindClan will not be driven from her land again!"

"Then why have we found bootprints in our own land?" Crookedstar protested over the defiant cheers of the WindClanners, who rattled their weapons and raised them high.

Tallstar, strangely enough, took off a shoe, holding it up for Crookedstar to see the sole. "Do these look like square hobnails to you, Marshal? They may be rogues, but I can safely say this- they are not WindClan," the leader of WindClan finished, satisfaction in his eyes.

"But rogues would be a convenient excuse to invade, would they not?" Bluestar murmured, looking at Nightstar as Tallstar slipped his shoe back on.

The clearing devolved into chaos and arguments. Fireheart wondered then if the war would actually start during a Gathering, of all times.

"You bog barbarians won't get the better of us!" Ashfoot indignantly declared.

"Stay off our land, pig-dogs!" Blackclaw yelled.

"ShadowClan! Rogues! What's the difference?" Longtail jeered.

"What, are you asking us to send commandos?" Wetfoot threatened.

At that moment, a shadow fell over the clearing. Silence was had as the Clans looked up to see the moon being covered by the clouds.

"StarClan has sent the darkness!" Halftail cried out.

"These meetings are meant to be held in peace," Runningnose, the ShadowClan medical officer, reminded the Clans. "StarClan is angry!"

"Runningnose is right!" Yellowfang declared aloud. "We shouldn't be fighting among ourselves, especially during this winter! We should be worrying about keeping our Clans safe!"

"In bringing such turmoil to the Gathering, we are violating the Code of Mercy!"

Prime Minister Tallstar.

Chapter Text

Tallstar grimly stood before the other Clans. "By the will of StarClan, this Gathering is over." The crowd murmured in agreement, beginning to divide into their respective Clans. The air remained tense with fear and hostility.

"Tigerclaw, take ThunderClan back to base camp," Bluestar ordered crisply as Fireheart stood up with Onewhisker. He could see Bluestar and Yellowfang were approaching the prime minister, now speaking quietly with Tallstar- his eyes visibly darkened with concern but were replaced by resolve as he nodded, clearly in agreement with something.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Onewhisker asked as Deadfoot gave orders for WindClan to rally around him. At this point, Tallstar had shaken Bluestar's hand, and was shaking Yellowfang's.

"I don't know," Fireheart admitted. "I'm glad we're on the same side."

"I feel the same. We won't be bested so easily by those bog-dwelling-"

"Onewhisker!" Deadfoot barked, lowering his voice as he approached the two. "ThunderClan may be our allies, but we need you as ThunderClan needs Fireheart. The Gathering's over."

"Yes, Field Marshal!" Fireheart and Onewhisker saluted, returning to their respective Clans. They would talk later.

As Fireheart followed the rest of ThunderClan through the forest on their way home, he saw Graystripe at the back, slowing his pace. Maybe Graystripe'll be more willing to talk about Silverstream, with the antebellum going on. They're putting us in danger with their secret meetings!

As Graystripe passed by, he glared at Fireheart, hissing under his breath, "I know what you're going to say. I'm not going to stop seeing her!"

"Graystripe, you idiot," Fireheart hissed as Graystripe caught up to him. "RiverClan'll figure out that you've been on their land, if Bluestar doesn't find out first! Tigerclaw probably knows already!"

Graystripe fell silent in alarm. "Do you think so?"

"I don't know," Fireheart admitted, relieved that Graystripe seemed like he had some sense within him after all. He'd been acting before as though he had no idea what might have happened if the Clan found out. "But the second he gets suspicious..."

"Okay, okay!" Graystripe backed down. He stopped talking, clearly going through his options. "What if we meet only at Fourtrees? That way they won't be able to trace us, and neither of us will be trespassing. Alright?"

Fireheart sighed quietly. Graystripe was clearly not going to give in so easily. Still, it was safer this way.

"Satisfied?" Graystripe's eyes flashed with irritation, though his voice sounded shaky.

"Graystripe-" Fireheart began. Graystripe didn't hear any of it as he walked faster past the redhead, clearly trying to get away.

Fireheart felt a rush of sympathy, plagued with regret that he and Graystripe were now so distant.

Though the Clan was tired, Bluestar found it necessary to brief the Clan immediately on what had transpired. Many heads turned to see the general march up to the Highrock, stepping upon it alongside her lieutenant.

While they crossed the clearing, Fireheart chose to check up on his nephew. Brindleface, who was standing outside, joined him in the crowd.

"Cloud's alright," she began with relief, knowing full well why Fireheart had approached her. "It was just a chill." As Fireheart smiled, just as relieved as she was, she asked, "What happened at the Gathering? We saw clouds cover the moon."

"I think Bluestar's going to tell us everything."

"Fireheart!" Cinder's voice could be heard excitedly as Fireheart turned to see her. That's right, she'd been looking forward to the news at the Gathering. As Fireheart looked at his former trainee, however, Cinder's expression changed, clearly noticing that something was wrong.

"The greatest threat seems to be from the newfound alliance between RiverClan and ShadowClan," Bluestar announced, having already begun. "We have reason to believe that they have allied against us."

Shock rippled through the Clan in response.

"Do you really think they've joined together?" Yellowfang rasped. "RiverClan has the best sources of food, but I can't imagine they'd want to share with ShadowClan." Fireheart remembered then that RiverClan was undergoing a famine according to Silverstream, but held his tongue, lest Bluestar ask about where he heard such a story.

"They didn't deny it," Tigerclaw pointed out.

"Then it is good that I have discussed an official military alliance with WindClan. After the Gathering, Yellowfang suggested to me that we advise Prime Minister Tallstar on our new bulletproof shirts. He is likely to have some made for his own soldiers in the future- this will lessen casualties for both our Clans."

At those words, Fireheart couldn't help but feel happy for Yellowfang, who visibly beamed at the fact that she was helping save lives. This must be why they were talking.

"In the meantime, we must be on full alert. From tonight onwards, I want the size of our pickets to be increased to four. At least three per picket must be a soldier. I also want sentries posted around our borders, with our border patrols routinely swapping out with them and bringing back reports. At any given time, we will have two border patrols. The first patrol will leave before dawn," the general ordered.

"It is clear that neither the Grand Union of RiverClan nor the ShadowClan Democratic Republic respect our borders. If they won't listen to our words, they will listen to our guns."

The Clan roared in agreement, with many crying out, "ThunderClan!" Fireheart could see Graystripe, standing quietly in the crowd, his eyes obscured by his helmet as his head hung low.

"There is one final thing I wish to address," Bluestar announced, the Clan falling silent. "Cinder, Fireheart, please step forward."

Slightly surprised, Fireheart stepped forward before the general, Cinder loping next to him on her prosthetic leg.

"Cinder has declared that she wishes to become a medical officer. This will make Yellowfang our chief surgeon. Fireheart," the ThunderClan leader said as she turned towards Fireheart. "Do you agree that Cinder follow as she wishes to become an orderly?"

"Yes, general." Fireheart saluted.

"Yellowfang, do you accept Cinder as your orderly?"

"I do," the medical officer replied.

"Cinder," the general finally said as her eyes settled upon the recruit. "Do you swear to put your Clan first and foremost, to help them in ways that soldiers cannot, to retain our contact and faith in StarClan?"

Cinder's gaze was one of firm conviction. "I do."

"Then it is decided. From here on, Cinder is promoted to orderly, and is now Yellowfang's trainee."

As the Clan celebrated, praising Cinder for her resilience, Fireheart couldn't help but focus again on the coming conflict. RiverClan's intentions were evident- they were raiding because they needed the food.

But what about ShadowClan? They didn't seem to be starving, and they'd driven out Brokenstar, who had been openly hostile towards the other Clans.

These thoughts continued to haunt Fireheart even as he settled into his bunk for the night.

The clouds covered the sky the next morning. Fireheart stepped out, yawning as he stretched in the entrance of the barracks. He could see his nephew had gotten up early, excitedly holding a ball.

"Morning, Cloud," Fireheart greeted. "Feeling better?"

"Yep! Wanna play?"

"Sure!" Fireheart smiled as his nephew threw the ball towards him. Fireheart kicked the ball with one foot, briefly bouncing it upon the same foot a few times before returning it to its white-haired owner. Cloud tried to imitate the same motion but ended up kicking it too hard.

The ball soared across the clearing, landing by the nursery, and Cloud ran over to get it.

Suddenly, Fireheart stiffened in shock as he saw a hand reach for the ball first, picking it up.

Tigerclaw was holding the ball, with Cloud looking up at him. Calmly with a hint of menace, the lieutenant returned the ball to the youth. "Be careful," he warned. "You wouldn't want to lose such a precious plaything." As he spoke, he looked right at Fireheart.

Fireheart shivered, trying to figure out what Tigerclaw meant. He seemed to be talking about the ball- but Fireheart had a sinking feeling that he was in fact referring to Cloud. What about Cinder? the young soldier thought. Was she another plaything, too?

Fireheart thought back to the accident that had cost Cinder her leg. Involuntarily, he pondered again on Tigerclaw's intentions.

Wetfoot (winter gear) and Ashfoot (in a foxhole). ShadowClan winter gear is based off of Soviet uniform.

Chapter Text

"Cloud!"

Fireheart could hear Brindleface now from within the nursery. Tigerclaw turned and walked off. Cloud, still holding the ball, ran over to Brindleface. "Bye, Fireheart," he called over his shoulder. Fireheart waved goodbye as his nephew disappeared into the nursery.

At that point, Whitestorm stepped out of the armory, having chosen a Tommy gun, passing Fireheart a bulletproof shirt. "Good morning, Fireheart, are you busy?" he asked as he headed towards the camp entrance.

"No, Whitestorm. Do you need anything?"

"I need someone to form a picket with me, Sand and Mousefur. Gear up, we'll be waiting at the firing range."

Upon arming himself with a rifle and arriving at the slope, Fireheart waved in greeting, surprisingly happy to see Sand.

"Morning," Sand greeted. Mousefur nodded.

"Is the dawn patrol back yet?" Fireheart asked.

"Nothing yet," Mousefur said. At this point, however, Willowpelt returned, leading Runningwind, Darkstripe and Dust.

"We just deployed sentries at the RiverClan border," Willowpelt reported. "We brought Runningwind and Darkstripe back from the two sentry posts at the Scrapheap and near Fourtrees. Nothing indicating any intrusions..."

"Good. We'll check the ShadowClan border," Whitestorm directed.

"They better have the sense to stay away like RiverClan," Darkstripe remarked. "After last night they must know we're watching for them."

"I hope so," Whitestorm agreed. "Are we ready?"

The soldiers' eyes were all on him, and Whitestorm pulled back the safety on his Tommy gun, taking their silence as a yes. "Move out."

Several minutes into the patrol, however, just in view of Snakerocks, Runningwind yelled for Whitestorm. "Hey, I found a rabbit! Its head's blown clean off!"

Whitestorm walked over to inspect what Runningwind had found. "Fan out!" he ordered.

Soon enough, Dust found confirmation of their fears. "Whitestorm, I found this! It's an SMG round!" he said as he held out the casing for Whitestorm to inspect. The cartridge shone brightly, clearly having been fired off recently.

"That's 7.25mm... I thought ShadowClan used rifles for hunting like everyone else!" Whitestorm mused as he knelt, finding more bullet casings of similar caliber on the ground. "I hoped Nightstar might bring some honor to his Clan. But it seems like the cold winds of the north really do blow over every ShadowClanner's heart."

As Fireheart continued to search with the others, he noticed that there were ShadowClan bootprints. As reports had said, they all seemed to be the same. Two missing hobnails...

"I think we've seen enough," Whitestorm reported. "We're heading back to camp. ThunderClan needs to know of this!"

"Bluestar!" Whitestorm shouted as he reentered base camp, the rest of ThunderClan's soldiers behind him.

"Bluestar's out on patrol," Tigerclaw replied as he stepped out, carrying a submachine gun like Whitestorm. "What's this?" He growled, noticing the headless rabbit Whitestorm was holding.

"Look at this," Whitestorm simply said, fury in his eyes.

Tigerclaw gritted his teeth, understanding what it meant. "Everyone. With me. We're leaving now. Whitestorm, Darkstripe, Willowpelt, Runningwind. We're going to visit Nightstar."

"Can I come?" Sand asked, clearly excited about the prospect.

"No, it's too dangerous. Stay here," Whitestorm said.

"What about Fireheart?"

"We need someone to report to Bluestar once she returns," the lieutenant contemptuously replied as he shoved the headless rabbit and bullet casings into Fireheart's arms.

"Why aren't we waiting for Bluestar?" Fireheart incredulously asked.

"ShadowClan has been let off the hook for too long. Move out!" Tigerclaw ordered. Whitestorm ran out of the camp, followed by Darkstripe, Mousefur and Runningwind. Following behind them was the lieutenant.

Fireheart was suddenly aware of how empty base camp was. Pretty much all the soldiers were out on patrol.

As he awkwardly stood amidst the clearing, Yellowfang walked out. He turned to greet her, but she walked over with alarm, observing the SMG bullet casings.

She studied them for an uncomfortably long time. Fireheart was about to ask as she suddenly looked up, fear in her eyes. "This is not good. Not good at all! How many soldiers are left in camp?" the medic asked.

"Uh-" Fireheart didn't reply as Frostfur walked out to answer for him. "Dust and Bracken are in the recruits' barracks. Most of the soldiers are out on patrol or sentry duty."

"Brokenstar's going to attack base camp," Yellowfang said, startling Fireheart.

"Wh- how do you know it's Brokenstar?" Fireheart fumbled for his words.

"I shouldn't have been so stupid... look, remember the bootprints with missing hobnails? Those bootprints are worn out, clearly without any maintenance," Yellowfang explained hurriedly as she rushed to the armory. Fireheart scrambled to catch up as she headed inside, grabbing a submachine gun. "You need to hurry and get Tigerclaw, now!"

"But we need as many people to defend base camp as possible!" Fireheart protested.

"Then I'll go!" Yellowfang replied.

"No, I will!" Sand replied as she headed out the armory. She and Dust were holding rifles.

Fireheart looked towards both of them with worry- both were needed to protect ThunderClan's base camp. Yellowfang was right, however- they needed reinforcements. He would need to send for another, and fast- they couldn't afford war with ShadowClan, not when Brokenstar was the real threat.

"Bracken!" he yelled, and he heard the recruit scrambling to him. Yellowfang understood, immediately grabbing a bulletproof shirt. As Bracken arrived, Yellowfang started to button up his bulletproof shirt for him. "Yes, Fireheart?" Bracken asked.

"Bracken, I have an urgent mission for you. You need to find Tigerclaw, stop him and his patrol from crossing into S.D.R. territory. Tell him it's Brokenstar who's been invading!" Bracken's eyes widened in alarm as Yellowfang headed into the armory. "You might have to cross the Quakepath, I know you haven't been trained..." Images of Cinder's broken body forced themselves into his mind, but he pushed the thoughts away. "You must find Tigerclaw," he repeated, "or there'll be war between the Clans."

Yellowfang grimly returned, placing an M1911 into Bracken's hand. He looked at it, then up towards Fireheart with purpose. "I'll find him."

"StarClan guide your footsteps," Fireheart muttered. Bracken nodded, sprinting into the forest.

Fireheart turned back to see Yellowfang already running out with all the bulletproof shirts she could get. Behind her, Sand and Dust were heading out of the armory, with all sorts of weapons in tow. Fireheart scrambled up the Highrock to summon the Clan. He raised two fingers to his lips, letting out a shrill whistle.

At the sound of his whistle, the Clan slowly started to gather. Yellowfang, Sand and Dust wasted no time in beginning to equip the Clan.

"What do you think you're doing up there?" One-eye demanded.

"Brokenstar's attacking! Children and veterans need to stay inside-" Fireheart began.

A loud gunshot echoed. Someone fell. Everyone flinched, some panicked and others took cover.

Dust looked up, screaming an alarm and raising his rifle.

"SNIPER!"

Chapter Text

"We're outnumbered four to one!" Dust yelled as he remained in cover behind an overturned table. From behind his cover at the Highrock, Fireheart could see that Yellowfang and Sand had likewise taken cover behind a table together.

By then, the Clan had already gotten towards cover, but several had been shot and were dragged to safety as the shooting started. To Fireheart's knowledge, Brokenstar and his loyalists were few enough in number that they couldn't take ThunderClan in full force head on.

That's why they planted the rabbit! To lure all the soldiers out and leave base camp vulnerable!

"Come out and fight!" the premier taunted as SMG fire bounced around the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.

"You lost last time we fought! You'll lose again!" Fireheart leaned out, shooting at the Premier with his rifle. He was forced back into cover as the sniper's bullet just whizzed past him. He was pinned, along with the rest. Crap! I missed!

"Never!" Brokenstar retorted. "I am a nine-lived leader! Just try and kill me!"

"One ThunderClan life is worth ten of yours!" Fireheart retorted, cycling his rifle, then peering from the other side of the rock to open fire.

Suddenly, Fireheart was sent tumbling back into cover as the sniper's bullet glanced off his helmet, causing Fireheart to fall out of cover, unharmed but now in full view of the sniper. He looked up to the trees to see Clawface holding a rifle, balanced on the branches of an oak tree. Clawface cycled again, knowing he was being covered by Brokenstar and his fellow rogues.

Fireheart was stunned by disbelief. He remembered Clawface- he'd killed Spottedleaf, the former chief surgeon of ThunderClan. He'd also kidnapped Frostfur's children.

Taken by shock, Fireheart saw Clawface now aiming right at him, scope glinting in the sunlight.

Suddenly, the ShadowClan sniper was hit, falling to the ground with a scream- a sickening crunch could be heard as he landed in the clearing, silencing Clawface for good.

Fireheart looked up, trying to see where the shot came from as the battle raged around him. To his relief, he could see Graystripe cycling his rifle, lying prone above the nursery.

"Graystripe!" he yelled as he scrambled back towards cover behind the Highrock. "Is Bluestar with you?"

Graystripe shook his head, yelling back, "She sent me back to get Tigerclaw. We found the same bootprints around the RiverClan border. Bluestar guessed this was meant to lure us out, so she sent me here." Graystripe aimed again, firing at another rogue.

Fireheart was interrupted by Frostfur running past with a bloodthirsty scream. She had gotten her hands on a captured ShadowClan SMG, letting bullets fly as she mowed down rogue after rogue. Realizing that they were losing to the hastily assembled ThunderClan defense, several rogues broke off, retreating through base camp.

Frostfur almost ran out after them, but Fireheart stopped her. "Frostfur! We need to protect base camp first." At those words, she nodded, turning back to assist in the rest of the defense.

As Dust nailed another rogue clean in the head, Fireheart noticed that there were less and less of the enemy. At the same time, however, he heard two gunshots from the hospital, and his blood chilled.

Cinder!

Fireheart rose and ran towards the hospital, uncaring if he was shot at. A pistol round hit him in the back, and he staggered forward in shock before realizing that he was unhurt- the bulletproof shirt had saved him. The shot was followed up by Sand providing cover fire as Fireheart continued running. He turned towards Sand, who urgently waved him on towards the hospital.

Fireheart nodded gratefully, charging on inside. He raced within, expecting the worst, only to find Cinder and Yellowfang standing over Brokenstar, who was lying on the floor. Cinder had a look on her face which suggested that she was both horrified, but simultaneously had no regrets.

The orderly was holding a smoking handgun, still aimed at Brokenstar's body.

Fireheart was jolted back into focus as Brokenstar started to breathe again. He had merely lost a life- this wasn't his last.

Cinder tensed up again, but to Fireheart's astonishment, Yellowfang stopped her, cleaning a knife on her apron. "You've done enough," the medical officer said, uncharacteristically quiet. Cinder slowly handed the pistol to the chief surgeon, clearly reluctant to let down her guard in the presence of this tyrant.

"You should get medical supplies. See to the rest of the Clan, help Frostfur stabilize their wounds. I'll handle this," Yellowfang said, placing a hand on her trainee's shoulder, and Cinder nodded mutely, heading outside with first aid supplies.

Fireheart ran towards Brokenstar, cautiously aiming his rifle at the premier. "Is this his last life? Why didn't you kill him?" he urged Yellowfang. "He murdered Raggedstar, drove WindClan out, banished you and sent child soldiers to their-"

Yellowfang raised her hand, commanding silence. "It's not his last life," she rasped. "Even if it were, I couldn't kill him."

"Why not?" Fireheart could not believe those words. The name of Brokenstar always made Yellowfang bristle with rage.

Yellowfang dragged her gaze towards Fireheart, her eyes clouded with pain and grief.

"He is my son."

"But I thought medics were forbidden from having kids..." Fireheart trailed off in shock, feeling unsteady on his feet as he lowered his rifle.

"They are," Yellowfang confirmed. "But then I fell in love with Raggedstar. I never intended for children." Fireheart suddenly remembered back at the invasion of ShadowClan's base camp, that Brokenstar had declared that he had killed his father Raggedstar. Yellowfang had been devastated- Fireheart now knew why.

"I had triplets," she went on. "But only Brokenstar survived. I gave him to the nursery to be raised. I never told anyone who his mother was. I thought that StarClan's punishment was that two of my children died. I was wrong," she said as she angrily turned towards Brokenstar, who was whimpering on the ground. "It was that this one survived."

"I- I can't see!" Brokenstar pitifully whined, and Fireheart realized to his horror that the premier's eyes had been slashed out. Yellowfang sheathed her knife, and at once Fireheart understood that she had blinded Brokenstar.

"Does he know you're his mother?" Fireheart whispered. Yellowfang shook her head.

Cautiously, Fireheart prodded him with the barrel of his rifle. The now-humbled leader shrunk into a ball, pleading, "I surrender! Please, don't kill me!" Fireheart felt a shudder of revulsion at Brokenstar's fear.

Brokenstar now had the same fear that so many were once subjected to by his hand.

As Yellowfang hauled Brokenstar up onto a bed, Fireheart turned to leave. He had to see how the rest of the Clan was.

Outside, the camp clearing saw the Clan busy with repairs. Yellowfang's bulletproof armor had worked wonders- miraculously, far less people had died this time as opposed to the last time Brokenstar had attacked. Regardless, many ThunderClanners were wounded and needed treatment, which Cinder and Frostfur were administering.

Immediately, Fireheart realized someone needed to take charge. He headed straight towards Dust, saying, "Yellowfang's tending to Brokenstar's wounds. We need someone to guard him."

Dust stood in shock, clearly not expecting that they had captured and not killed the premier. Slowly, he nodded, then headed towards the hospital, rifle slung over his shoulder.

Fireheart then went over to Graystripe, who was standing over Clawface's body. The ShadowClanner had died a horrible death- shot in the gut, his neck had broken after he'd fallen from the tree he was perched in. "You saved my life," Fireheart murmured. "Thank you."

"You're still my friend," Graystripe simply responded. "I would give my life for you."

Fireheart choked as Graystripe turned and walked away. Their friendship wasn't over after all.

The sound of multiple footsteps could be heard as suddenly, General Bluestar returned, followed by Longtail and Swift. "Brokenstar attacked?" she urgently asked as she rushed over.

Fireheart nodded breathlessly.

"Is he dead?"

"He surrendered. Yellowfang's tending to his wounds," Fireheart panted. "He's been blinded."

"The other rogues?"

"Dead or on the run."

"Casualties?" Bluestar asked with alarm.

"A few people died, but Yellowfang's bulletproof shirts saved more people than not. Frostfur and Cinder are tending to the wounded." Fireheart reported. The general nodded in understanding, directing her Clan, "I need those rogues buried. Where and how, I don't care. No veterans need attend- these murderers do not deserve the honor of Clanfolk."

Sand, Swift and several others began dragging the dead rogues out, one at a time. Nobody would miss them.

"Where's Tigerclaw?" Bluestar asked as slowly, the people of ThunderClan gathered out into the clearing. Cloud could be seen amongst the crowd, curiously peering at the body of Clawface as it was dragged out, but his eyes were promptly blocked by Brindleface.

"He's taken a party to attack ShadowClan," Fireheart explained. "We found SMG bullet casings of S.D.R. make, so Tigerclaw decided to attack. I sent Bracken to stop him when Yellowfang deduced that it was Brokenstar's rogues."

"Bracken?" the general echoed. "Though he might have to cross the Quakepath?"

"There was nobody else I could send. We needed as many people as possible to guard base camp."

Bluestar nodded in understanding. "You did well, Fireheart. I think Brokenstar was trying to lure us out so he could attack our camp while it was vulnerable. We found ShadowClan bullet casings, too."

"Graystripe told me." Fireheart looked around for his friend, but he was gone.

"Send Yellowfang to me once she's done with Brokenstar," Bluestar ordered. She turned to see that Tigerclaw and his raiding party had returned. Next to Tigerclaw was Bracken, who looked exhausted but unhurt. Fireheart let out a small sigh of relief.

"Did Bracken reach you before you ran into ShadowClan?" Bluestar inquired.

"We hadn't even crossed the Quakepath. Was that Clawface I just saw?" Tigerclaw asked in turn. Bluestar nodded. "Then Bracken was right," the lieutenant concluded. "Brokenstar was planning to attack base camp. Is he dead too?"

"No, he surrendered. Yellowfang is tending to his wounds," Bluestar answered.

"Surely not!" Mousefur cried out. Runningwind's face darkened.

"Tending to his wounds?" Tigerclaw's eyes narrowed dangerously. "He deserves to die for all he's done!"

"We'll discuss this with Yellowfang," Bluestar replied.

"We can discuss it now, Bluestar," Yellowfang said as she walked out into the clearing, clearly exhausted.

"Did you leave him in there alone?" Tigerclaw accused.

"No, Dust is guarding him. I gave Brokenstar opium anesthesia, so he's asleep," Yellowfang explained. "Brokenstar's blind now, Tigerclaw. There's no way he could escape if he tried. He'd die of hunger in a week, if wolves or crows didn't get him first."

"That makes it easier then," the lieutenant snarled. "Let the forest deal with him."

"No, we can't let him die. What of the Code of Mercy?" Yellowfang asked as she turned towards Bluestar. "Brokenstar has surrendered, we can't kill or wound him."

"When did Brokenstar ever respect the Code of Mercy?" Tigerclaw snorted but was interrupted by the general, who raised her hand in silence.

"Whitestorm, what say you?" Bluestar turned towards the senior soldier.

"It would be a burden to care for him," Whitestorm admitted. "But we would do well to remember that just because Brokenstar violated the Code doesn't mean we should too. We are better than him."

"Thank you, Whitestorm," Bluestar nodded. "Does he have any other wounds besides blindness?"

"Cinder shot him twice," Fireheart reported. Yellowfang nodded in affirmation.

"How long can we expect these wounds to heal?"

"Likely a few months," Yellowfang reported. "Maybe less, considering that he has StarClan-gifted regeneration."

"Then you may nurse him until then. He will no longer be recognized as a leader, though he might retain the lives of such. When he is healed, we'll talk again about what to do with him. What was his name before?"

"Brokentail," Yellowfang replied. Tigerclaw said nothing, though it was clear he was displeased by the verdict.

"It is decided," Bluestar concluded. "Brokentail stays."

Chapter Text

As the sun began to set, Sand returned with a report, "We've finished burying the rogues. We buried them just south of Snakerocks."

"Thank you," Bluestar said. "You are dismissed."

"Wait," Fireheart said. "I think Sand and Dust should be here. I have something to say." The general looked curiously at her former trainee, then waved for Dust to come over. Hesitantly, the recruit did, flashing a wary glance at Fireheart.

"General," Fireheart began. "Sand and Dust fought hard to protect base camp when Brokentail attacked. Who knows how much worse off we would have been without their courage."

At those words, Sand was quiet, fidgeting nervously as Dust's eyes widened in realization.

Whitestorm laughed somewhat. "It's not like you to be shy," he remarked towards his trainee.

Sand seemed to hesitate, finally saying, "Fireheart alerted the Clan. He's the one who saved us precious time."

Fireheart turned red, quite embarrassed that he was receiving this much recognition. Bluestar nodded in acknowledgement, stroking her chin in thought. "Yes, I agree with both of you," she finally answered, turning away and walking towards the Highrock.

"Let all old enough to handle their own firearms gather here beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!" the general declared, stepping atop the stone stage to make her announcement.

Sand and Dust looked at each other, shaking with excitement. Fireheart couldn't help but smile, and he could even see Graystripe standing outside the barracks. He'd stuck around for this meeting after all!

Around the edge of the clearing, the Clan gathered. Fireheart could see Cloud staring with wonder at the sight, and likewise he couldn't help but agree that it was something you didn't see every day.

Beneath the Highrock, Darkstripe and Whitestorm watched as Dust and Sand approached the rock proudly, side by side. Both recruits stood to attention, saluting their mentors as Bluestar stepped down from the Highrock, fishing two sets of rank insignias from her pocket.

Bluestar turned her gaze to the sky. "I, Bluestar, General of the ThunderClan Free State, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these two recruits. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn." She shifted her gaze to the two standing before her, both clearly brimming with excitement. "Sand, Dust, do you promise to uphold the Code of Mercy and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

The reply was solemn and in unison. "I do," both promised.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior suffixes. Sand," Bluestar began as she walked towards the recruit. "From this day forward, you shall be known as Sandstorm. StarClan honors your courage and spirit, and we welcome you as a full soldier of the ThunderClan Free State." Sandstorm held out her left hand, and Bluestar placed two rank stripes within it. With her right, Sandstorm firmly shook the general's hand.

"Dust," Bluestar continued, turning towards Sandstorm's childhood friend. "From this day forward, you shall be known as Dustpelt. StarClan honors your bravery and honesty, and we welcome you as a full soldier of the ThunderClan Free State."

The motions done between Bluestar and Sandstorm were repeated. Once Dustpelt shook the general's hand, both he and Sandstorm saluted in unison.

Cheers resounded as the sun disappeared over the horizon, with Fireheart being one of the loudest.

"In the tradition of our ancestors," Bluestar continued after allowing the cheers to die down, "Sandstorm and Dustpelt will be assigned to sentry duty tonight, and they shall guard base camp while we sleep. Before they begin their vigil, however, we shall feast- in memory of our victory today, those who have fallen in battle, and those who rise to take their place. Fireheart, StarClan thanks you for your courage. You're an exemplary soldier, and I'm proud to count you as a soldier of ThunderClan."

This time, only Tigerclaw seemed to look at Fireheart with any sign of hostility. Dustpelt could be seen warily glancing at Fireheart, but the newly promoted soldier said nothing.

"Let us feast!" Bluestar announced, and the Clan broke into separate groups, heading to the kitchen.

The next morning, Fireheart woke up to find dazzling white light streaming through the doorway. It must have snowed again, he thought as he stood up, getting his uniform to change. He wondered now how Sandstorm and Dustpelt must have fared during the vigil- it seemed even colder than when Fireheart and Graystripe had their own. As he walked towards the backrooms of the barracks, he could see the two freshly minted soldiers sleeping in their bunks. Whitestorm must have sent them in before the dawn patrol.

After donning his helmet, Fireheart walked out into the clearing, his boots crunching on the snow. Just within the entrance, he could see two bare spots, one of which had a chair upon it. Fireheart shivered at the thought of standing guard in the middle of the night again, yet he envied them. Oh, if only I could relive the night of my vigil- the excitement of being made a soldier! Minus the pinching to stay awake, of course.

The sky was heavy with snow- it was still snowing, actually. There would be much hunting to do- especially after tonight's feast.

He could hear Bluestar summon the Clan from atop the Highrock, immediately walking over to join them as well. He could see Graystripe standing at the other side of the clearing, and Fireheart wondered then if his friend had gone off to warn Silverstream of the rogues.

"As you all know, Brokenstar is blind and harmless." Bluestar's voice caught Fireheart's attention once more. The crowd was mostly silent, bar a few mutters of dissatisfaction, which Bluestar acknowledged. "I am concerned as you are for the safety of ThunderClan. But, StarClan knows, we cannot turn him out to starve in the forest. Yellowfang will nurse him back to health. Once he is at full health, we'll discuss this again." Hearing nothing more from the Clan, Bluestar concluded the meeting. "Dismissed."

As Fireheart turned to leave, however, he saw the general descend the Highrock and walk towards him amidst the dispersing crowd. He turned to salute her.

"At ease," Bluestar said. "Fireheart, I've noticed that you haven't settled things with Graystripe quite yet. You two haven't eaten together for weeks, I think. I suggest you two go out and hunt today, get some fresh air."

"Yes, General. Thank you," Fireheart replied. He agreed- spending time with his old friend would do some good to mend their relationship. After his and Graystripe's interactions yesterday, he was sure his friend wouldn't mind either.

Almost immediately, Fireheart found Graystripe shoveling snow away from the entrance to the nursery. "Hey Graystripe," Fireheart asked. The shoveling didn't stop. "Do you want to go hunting with me?"

Graystripe stuck his shovel into the pile of snow, turning towards Fireheart. "Making sure I don't run off again?" He snarled.

Fireheart stepped back, not expecting such a reaction. "N- no, I just thought- after yesterday... Clawface-"

"I would have done the same for any ThunderClan soldier. That's Clan loyalty!" Graystripe's words stung worse than the cold as he picked up his shovel once more.

Fireheart's hopes plummeted, and he despaired that he might lose his friend for good. He added quietly, "Bluestar wants us to hunt together."

Graystripe threw down his shovel this time. "So you were just trying to please Bluestar. Again," Fireheart heard him mutter as he trudged towards the armory.

For the most part, the hunt was smooth, but relations were not.

"That should feed someone," Graystripe muttered as he practically threw a pheasant into a rucksack, hunting shotgun still slung over his shoulder.

"You don't have to prove anything to me," Fireheart protested.

"No?" Graystripe retorted bitterly. "Maybe you should start acting as though you trusted me, then."

By the time the sun was at its highest point, the two were returning home- Graystripe had bagged more than Fireheart at that point.

Fireheart wondered if they should go out again as Brindleface suddenly rushed out, her eyes frantically searching. Her eyes landed on Fireheart, and she ran over. "What's the matter?" Fireheart asked.

"Have you seen Cloud?" Brindleface panicked.

"Is he missing?" Fireheart asked with concern, starting to panic as well.

"Yes! I can't find my other little ones either- it's too cold for them to be out, they'll freeze to death!" Brindleface swayed on her feet as though she was about to faint.

Frostfur went out, panicking as well as she cried out, "I can't find Bright, she's gone!"

With a jolt, Fireheart remembered Cinder.

What's going to happen to Cloud?

Chapter Text

Cloud wished he had a gun with him right now.

He'd been told he wasn't old enough- even if he tried to get one, all the guns were locked up. He'd ended up trying to improvise by getting a knife from the kitchen.

It was a small knife, but it would definitely be enough, or so he hoped. He'd remembered stories his uncle once told him of how he threw knives to try and catch rabbits.

He held it near the tip, pinching the flat like Fireheart once mentioned.

"F-f-find anything y-y-yet?" Ash's teeth were chattering as he trudged through the snow near his foster brother.

"W-we- We sh-should go ho-home!" Fern squeaked as she practically stuck to her brother Ash for warmth.

Bright shivered, saying nothing- but she also had a look in her eyes that suggested 'We shouldn't be out here'.

"N-non-nonsense!" Cloud said. "We can do it!" The wind howled over the four of them as they continued trudging through the snow.

"Look!" Fern excitedly said as she spotted a snow hare running across, towards its burrow.

At once, Cloud ran after it, ignoring the yells of the others to not run with the knife.

He skidded to a halt as the hare dashed towards a hole in the ground.

"Oh, no you don't!" Cloud yelled as he threw the knife, watching as it spun through the air. The other youths held their breath as the knife, to Cloud's surprise, made its mark, skewering the hare clean through. The hare twitched silently for a few moments, then lay still.

A quiet gasp could be heard from Fern as Ash's jaw dropped in shock. Cloud himself was stunned for a few moments, then decided not to act surprised like the rest.

"Uh... I meant to do that!" Cloud finally declared proudly.

"Cloud, I see someone!" Bright shouted as she pointed through the trees.

"Cloud, there you are!" Fireheart's voice called as he, Longtail and Sandstorm headed through the bushes. "What are you doing out here?!"

"What were the four of you doing out of camp?" Bluestar reprimanded. "You know it's against the Code of Mercy for children to go out of base camp!"

"Hunting," Cloud proudly said as he held up the snow hare he'd killed. "The Clan needed food."

Fireheart winced at his nephew's bold remark. Bluestar asked, "Whose idea was this?"

"Mine," Cloud said, clearly oblivious to the fact that Bluestar was angry. That is, until the general leaned in, yelling,

"You could have frozen to death out there!"

"We caught something, though," Cloud said defensively, leaning back.

"Your intention was good, but foolish," the general said slowly. "Go back to the nursery. We'll decide a punishment for you yet. And you can take the hare to the kitchen," she added. Was that a motherly tone Fireheart heard from Bluestar's voice?

Cloud turned, proudly trotting to the kitchen. As Bluestar observed Fireheart's nephew walking over with the game he'd caught, Fireheart thought he could see a glint of admiration in his leader's eyes, if for but the briefest moment.

"I'll send Longtail to retrieve the other search parties. You're dismissed." Fireheart and Sandstorm turned to leave, but Bluestar placed a hand on Fireheart's shoulder. "One moment, Fireheart. I need to talk to you."

Fireheart tensed up. Maybe he'd relaxed too soon.

"Cloud showed fine hunting skills today," Bluestar began. "But that means nothing if he can't follow the Code of Mercy. It may be for his own safety now, but in the future the safety of the Clan will depend on it."

Fireheart stared at the ground. He knew Bluestar was right, but he couldn't help feeling that she was expecting too much of his nephew. Cloud had only been in the Clan for a short time. Fireheart swallowed a pang of resentment as he remembered how Graystripe was still sneaking off to see Silverstream.

Fireheart looked up at Bluestar. "Yes, Bluestar. I'll make sure he learns."

"Good." Bluestar sounded satisfied, turning to retire to her quarters.

As evening came, Fireheart settled down to eat dinner. By now, the snow had stopped falling.

Once he'd begun eating, he could see Graystripe walking through the camp entrance again, holding a rucksack full of game. Maybe he was hunting after all.

Graystripe headed to the kitchen, depositing his food. He got a plate, choosing to sit at a secluded spot near the edge of the mess clearing. The distracted look in his eyes told the truth- he'd been seeing Silverstream again, to Fireheart's dismay.

Upon finishing his dinner, Fireheart returned to his quarters to sleep.

Fireheart dreamed of himself and a fully grown Cloud, walking through the snow-covered forest with hunting shotguns.

"Watch!" Fireheart whispered to his nephew, who got into a crouch, loading two birdshot shells into his shotgun. Cloud made for a rabbit sniffing through the snowy-white undergrowth.

As Fireheart intently watched, however, he felt a presence next to him, turning and flinching in surprise to see someone next to him.

Spottedleaf?

"A battle is coming. Beware a warrior you cannot trust," the medical officer solemnly said, staring passively upon Fireheart, as though she had centuries of experience within her eyes.

Bluestar's voice could suddenly be heard within Fireheart's dream.

"A battle is coming!"

Fireheart shook awake as soldiers scrambled around him in uniform. Sandstorm was already next to him.

"Get up, Fireheart! Quick!" the soldier said as she practically shoved Fireheart's uniform into his arms.

"Onewhisker just arrived- he's saying WindClan's being invaded!"

Chapter Text

As ThunderClan surged towards the trenches on WindClan territory, Fireheart could hear the din of battle in the distance.

"ONEWHISKER!" Ashfoot yelled as she ran over to her brother, an SMLE in one hand. "They found the tunnels!"

"They're inside the trenches?" Onewhisker gasped, and he ran forward even faster.

"Fix bayonets!" Tigerclaw roared as ThunderClan's soldiers charged.

Dying screams and gunfire could be heard all around Fireheart as he slid into the nearest trench.

It was chaos- everyone was in close proximity and in melee range. Everything was being used to fight- guns, clubs, shovels, even bare fists. Every WindClanner was fighting to protect their homeland, using farming implements and hunting shotguns.

Fireheart immediately saw Morningflower, a helmet hastily placed upon her head as she wrestled a ShadowClanner over the Kar98k rifle he was holding.

At once, Fireheart uttered a loud war cry, charging forth as he bayoneted the ShadowClanner from behind, twisting his rifle. With a dying, strangled scream, the ShadowClan soldier crumpled to the ground.

At first, Fireheart had trouble pulling out the bayonet. Grimacing, he placed a boot on the dead ShadowClan soldier’s back, then yanked hard to reveal the bayonet, glistening red with blood.

Too winded to care about the adversary he had just killed but very much caring about his allies, he looked up to see Morningflower, who was thankfully unharmed but shaken.

After a moment, the WindClan woman gratefully nodded towards Fireheart, picking up the ShadowClan rifle. "Protect the nursery," Fireheart urged her- she needed to stay alive for her son. She was all too happy to oblige.

In the distance, Fireheart could see a hesitant Graystripe, standing with conflict in his eyes. Reluctantly, his friend fired- but not on RiverClan. Graystripe crouched down, cycling his rifle as a ShadowClan soldier collapsed.

It seemed that as he fought, Graystripe was actually avoiding combat as much as he could. However, he still had to defend himself on the field because he, too, was a target.

Breathlessly, Fireheart turned away, proceeding down the trench as the din of combat barraged his ears. Rounding a corner, he heard the hammering of a submachine gun.

"Where's Flintfang?!" Tornear yelled as he fired a Sten into a trifecta of approaching RiverClan soldiers. A loose shot exploded next to Tornear’s head on the trench wall. "The snailsuckers have armor!" Sure enough, Fireheart could see steel chestplates being worn by many of the RiverClanners- likely provided by ShadowClan.

"I don't know!" Fireheart yelled back, stepping over a discarded ThunderClan helmet- he couldn’t tell whose- as he looked up, firing at a ShadowClan soldier trying to get the jump on Tornear. At ranges this close, the rifle would go clean through any armor- Fireheart had to be wary that he wasn't shot.

Tornear didn’t seem to hear, dashing down the trench as mud sloshed around his boots. The sounds of fading gunfire could be heard around the corner where Tornear soon vanished.

Deciding that the WindClan soldier had this part covered, the ThunderClan soldier took another turn, proceeding up over the trench to get a better vantage point. The wooden wall seemed slippery as he scrambled upon the top.

Rising to his feet, he gazed around in shock to find dead bodies of different Clans around him. To his relief, most seemed to be RiverClan and ShadowClan, but there were also several dead WindClanners in the mud, both in and out of the trench. He was relieved that of the small ThunderClan force sent to relieve Tallstar, none seemed to have been killed… yet.

Turning around, Fireheart could hear Tigerclaw calling his name, and at once he ran to the lieutenant. However, he was suddenly tackled onto his side.

Fireheart fell onto his back with a panicked scream. He felt two hands grasping his neck.

"You!" Fireheart recognized that voice, and he paled as he went face-to-face with Colonel Leopardfur. She'd been at the gorge when Whiteclaw had died.

Slowly, she started to squeeze, burning rage in her eyes as she mercilessly looked down on him.

"Tigerclaw-!" Fireheart tried to scream. "Help-!"

To his horror, he turned to see the lieutenant, who stood there menacingly, making no move to assist at all.

He wants me to die... I can't do this...!

Sheer rage gave Fireheart the strength he needed. He suddenly grabbed Leopardfur's arm, to Tigerclaw's surprise, while simultaneously pulling her leg with his own so that she fell onto her side. Caught off-guard, Leopardfur tried to escape, but Fireheart quickly tore off his helmet with one hand, slamming it down over the colonel's head with a muted clang, rendering her unconscious.

Staggering to his feet and gasping for air, Fireheart slipped his helmet back on, briefly forgetting where his rifle was as he glared towards Tigerclaw.

Tigerclaw returned the glare, disappearing into the battle as Fireheart found his rifle next to his feet.

Still gasping, Fireheart dropped into the nearest trench again, acknowledging that out here he was even more vulnerable to enemy fire.

"Enemy reinforcements from Bridge Green! We can't let the enemy send more soldiers!" He could hear Deadfoot's orders as the field marshal rushed past, wielding his revolver and blowing into a whistle. Immediately, Fireheart got up onto the firestep at the edge of the trench, bringing out his rifle.

At once, he could see the blue uniforms of RiverClan reinforcements surging forward over a hill. At once, Fireheart aimed for the lead soldier in the group, his breath steady like in training.

As the world seemed to slow around him, Fireheart was shocked to find how little he felt for the enemy, how far they were to the point where he couldn't even hear them.

It felt as though they weren't even human, little more than game wandering through the forest to be shot for the Clan.

This wasn't like the time he'd fought Brokenstar's troops. ThunderClan had been heroes then, and ShadowClan didn't miss the Premier one bit.

But now? Fireheart knew that the RiverClan soldiers were being depended on by their Clan. They had families waiting back at home for them, slowly starving to death and hoping desperately for food.

Even the ShadowClan soldier he'd bayoneted to save Morningflower... Did he have family, too?

Fireheart knew what he had to do. He aimed and fired- but not at the incoming enemy.

The warning shot exploded into a cloud of dust before the RiverClan reinforcements. Go home, Fireheart willed them silently. Go home! I don't want to kill you, too!

He let loose another warning shot, and the soldiers disappeared over the side of the hill, clearly reconsidering their options.

A hand grabbed Fireheart's shoulder, pulling him around. He froze as a RiverClan soldier aimed a pistol point blank at his chest and fired.

He screamed in pain as he struggled to stay standing. He knew that face anywhere- Silverstream. She hadn't recognized him- her eyes were covered in blood. But she had seen him firing on her Clanmates, it seemed.

Fireheart knocked the pistol out of her hands, and with a muted gasp of panic she realized who it was, as he aimed the rifle towards her out of instinct.

He hesitated, seeing Graystripe in the distance, running towards them in alarm.

"Leave," Fireheart ordered Silverstream, gritting his teeth in pain as he lowered his rifle. "I didn't shoot them... they were warning shots," he hissed as he dropped to his knees, using his rifle to support himself.

"I- I'm so sorry! Will you be alright?" Silverstream's shocked voice quavered in realization.

He looked down, bringing a hand to his chest. No blood. The bulletproof shirt had saved him yet again.

"I'll be fine," Fireheart assured through shallow breaths, noticing Silverstream's hesitance. "Go!"

Silently, Silverstream picked up her pistol, holstering it. Gratefully, she nodded, turning and running further into the labyrinth of trenches.

As Fireheart's world faded to black and he finally fell to the ground, he could see a worried Graystripe running towards him. Behind Graystripe, he could see Darkstripe staring neutrally at the two of them.

Fireheart groaned to wakefulness, looking up at a dirt ceiling. He tried to get up, only to feel a sharp pain in his chest, forcing him to collapse again onto a bed.

"Don't move, kid," Yellowfang said as she stood over him. "You're really lucky, you know that? Your rib's just been bruised thanks to that bulletproof shirt. Without it you'd have been worse off..." Next to the chief surgeon, Sandstorm visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

Fireheart tried to get up again, but Cinder and Sandstorm forced him back down onto the bed. "Your rib isn't damaged, but you need to rest," Cinder warned.

"What happened? Where am I?" Fireheart asked hoarsely as Sandstorm passed him a canteen of water.

"WindClan hospital. The battle's over, Tallstar and Deadfoot are overseeing the peace conference," a new voice said. WindClan's medical officer, Barkface, could be seen now as he walked over. "How are you feeling?"

"Terrible," Fireheart said as he gratefully gulped down the water. Suddenly, a horrible thought came to him. "Is Graystripe alright?"

"He brought you here, actually. He's been waiting for you outside." Onewhisker called over from the bed next to Fireheart's. Relieved, Fireheart turned his head to find the runner sitting up shirtless, his left shoulder bandaged. Next to him was Morningflower, who looked at Fireheart with relief and gratitude as she held Gorse tightly in her arms. "Yellowfang, your bulletproof shirts saved a lot of lives today. Thank you," Onewhisker faintly said.

"Shut up and lay down. And don't move your shoulder or it'll bleed again!" Yellowfang snapped as she caught up with Longtail and Swift, who had just entered. The mentor and trainee were carrying a stretcher bearing Runningwind, who was moaning as he writhed in pain from two broken ribs.

"Is she always like this?" The WindClan soldier asked, turning his head towards Fireheart as he lay down.

Fireheart chuckled faintly, having heard those words before. He needed something to laugh at. "You have no idea..."

Limping determinedly past the group was Mudclaw, who finally crashed into a chair, allowing Cinder to come over to treat his leg. "Fireheart! Ye fought well today," the WindClanner called towards him. Fireheart nodded, too tired to reply.

He slumped back onto the bed, thoughts disturbing him as he looked back up at the ceiling.

He'd betrayed ThunderClan, hadn't he? By sparing Silverstream. ThunderClan was in the right- they had been fighting to protect their allies. Fireheart knew a lot of good people in WindClan- Tallstar. Deadfoot. Morningflower. Onewhisker.

At the same time, however, he'd remembered what Silverstream had said before. RiverClan was starving. They needed food badly.

He had to know what was going on.

"Can I go see the peace conference?" Fireheart croaked.

Yellowfang sighed. "Nothing's going to stop you, is it? I'm not letting you go out there alone. Sandstorm, get me some opium anesthesia..."

As Fireheart limped out with Sandstorm's help, he could see a strange sight across the trenches.

Soldiers of all Clans were, to his surprise, sitting around the trenches, some wounded and others receiving food and water. Some still held onto their weapons, but most if not all of them looked tired of fighting. Around them, field medics ran around, providing aid.

"Graystripe, here he is," Sandstorm called towards Fireheart's friend, who stood up from his seat. Sandstorm passed Fireheart to Graystripe, who looked at her with wordless gratitude and relief. His gaze was broken as Tornear was ushered inside past them on a stretcher. "You did good, lad!" Tornear shouted as he passed by. "I'll be fine, this isn't my first scar!"

"Sandstorm, I need someone to hold Runningwind down!" Yellowfang yelled, and Sandstorm rushed back inside as Runningwind screamed in agony.

To the dismay of Fireheart and Graystripe, they passed by a sobbing Badgerfang, who was being tightly embraced by Ashfoot, as Frostfur placed a burial shroud over the dirt-covered body of Flintfang. Nearby, he could see Whitestorm, Wetfoot and a RiverClan soldier, Stonefur, digging out a collapsed tunnel nearby.

"What happened?" Graystripe gasped as he looked down towards Ashfoot, who looked up, a firm but sad look in her eyes.

"He collapsed the tunnels to stop RiverClan and ShadowClan from sending reinforcements here. ...he didn't make it out in time," Whitestorm explained, shoveling out dirt as Ashfoot closed her eyes, adding, "Onewhisker knows."

"There's still RiverClan and ShadowClan soldiers in there," Wetfoot grimly said as he added dirt to a pile forming at his feet. "Several were buried alive like Flintfang," he added, causing Graystripe and Fireheart to wince. It was a fate they didn't wish on anyone.

"What about Badgerfang?" Fireheart found himself asking, feeling sorry for Flintfang's trainee.

"Onewhisker and I are raising him," Ashfoot quietly replied.

Graystripe brought Fireheart into the central clearing, where soldiers of all Clans gathered silently around the center, where there was a table. The leaders and seconds-in-command of all Clans were sitting at this table- WindClan and ThunderClan on one side, ShadowClan and RiverClan on the other.

Marshal Crookedstar's eyes were glazed over in defeat as he failed to look Tallstar in the eyes. Colonel Leopardfur was visibly seething that RiverClan had lost, glaring at Deadfoot- Fireheart could see the Colonel holding a cloth to her head. The prime minister stiffly sat up, towering over the other leaders. Bluestar grimly stared at the Marshal and Chancellor, expecting a response.

"What do both your Clans have to say for themselves?" Tallstar said, his voice deathly quiet, but stern with purpose. Deadfoot was standing behind him, glaring back at Leopardfur with a total lack of sympathy.

Fireheart remembered then what the prime minister had told him concerning Clan loyalty. Looking closely, he could hardly see any triumph in Tallstar's eyes- only tiredness, anger, and above all, grief.

"For as long as I am Marshal," Crookedstar promised, quiet and reluctant, "I swear by StarClan that the Grand Union of RiverClan will not trespass upon the territories of the ThunderClan Free State or the Moorland Republic of WindClan." This earned a displeasured snort from Leopardfur, but she said nothing.

Past the table, at the edge of the crowd, Fireheart could see Silverstream with tears in her eyes, but her relief soon showed as she saw Fireheart and Graystripe across the clearing.

"For as long as I am Chancellor," Nightstar hesitantly echoed, "I swear by StarClan that the ShadowClan Democratic Republic will not trespass upon the territories of the ThunderClan Free State or the Moorland Republic of WindClan." Cinderfur, Nightstar's Oberst (second-in-command), looked deeply ashamed.

As these words were said, Fireheart was uncomfortably aware of Tigerclaw staring right at him.

Darkstripe saw me... he and Tigerclaw must know I spared Silverstream.

Tigerclaw broke eye contact to continue observing the talks. Fireheart remembered Spottedleaf's words: "Beware a warrior you cannot trust." Was she referring to the lieutenant?

Next to Fireheart, Graystripe let out a ragged breath. "Fireheart. Thank you for sparing Silverstream. You were right... I felt like I was fighting Silverstream's Clanmates. ...it wasn't easy. Too many people, just... gone."

Fireheart spoke, though the pain in his chest made it difficult to speak. "I'm glad she's safe," he whispered.

"Silverstream lost a lot of Clanmates today. ...she'll need someone to console her," Graystripe hesitated. "I still can't give her up."

This time, Fireheart didn't say anything to stop him. Not that he could- StarClan knew he'd tried his hardest. "This is something you should work out on your own," Fireheart chose to say. "It's not my place to judge you. But whatever happens, I'll always be your friend. ...I'm glad you're safe."

"I'm glad you're safe, too," Graystripe replied, exhausted.

Together, the two of them watched the sun set beyond the war-torn trenches.