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Chapter Text

Fireheart couldn't believe it. He felt as if he was in a trance, as Crookedstar and Leopardfur led them into Riverclan territory, away from the ash and smoke that plagued the Thunderclan camp. Away from the one cat that he couldn't help in the end. Looking around him, the other Thunderclan cats were in a similar state as him, their faces etched with pain and shock, their paws dragging on the muddy ground. One cat in particular was not dragging their paws, but instead laid stone-still on top of a few warriors.

The events kept playing out in Fireheart's head. Yellowfang stepping in place of Cinderpelt. Yellowfang and him sprinting back to the camp for Patchpelt, Halftail, and Bramblekit. Yellowfang's horrified face as the tree collapsed between them, never to be seen again. The only thing he achieved was rescuing Patchpelt and Bramblekit, and Patchpelt was already dead, for the smoke was too much for him. If Patchpelt couldn't handle the smoke, how could Yellowfang and Halftail survive being trapped?

"-lo. Hello? Fireheart?"

Fireheart snapped out of his daze, to find the Riverclan deputy scowling up at him. "Finally, did the smoke mess with your head or something?" Leopardfur continued on. "So, would you like for us to bury your elder?" Fireheart shook his head. "No, Patchpelt should be buried by his own clan, but thanks for the offer."  He padded over to Cloudpaw and Smallear, who were settled into the clearing with the rest of Thunderclan.

"Are you guys fit to bury Patchpelt?" Both cats nodded. "Make sure to bring Dustpelt with you," Fireheart added as they went to Patchpelt's body, "we have to give him a proper goodbye." The goodbye I couldn't give to Yellowfang and Halftail. He was about to retreat to an empty spot when he spotted Goldenflower padding up to him.

"Thank you, Fireheart." Fireheart was shocked at the words coming out of Goldenflower's mouth. Out of all the cats, Goldenflower had a very clear reason for hating Fireheart, as her son and daughter were related to Tigerstar. Out of all cats, he didn't expect a thank you from her. "Though I still resent you," Goldenflower continued, "I thank you for rescuing Bramblekit. I was so afraid.." Her voice broke, and her eyes filled with sorrow. If he hadn't saved Bramblekit, would she still thank him? Would a certain medicine cat be grateful? Goldenflower went away as Fireheart stood there, contemplating every scenario where he could've done something different, said something different. 

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Graystripe watched with worry as Fireheart still stood in the Riverclan clearing. Out of all times he was there for Fireheart, he just had to be away from him when Fireheart was at his worst. His chest tightened with sorrow and homesickness as he watched his former clanmates slumping around, their movements slow and slack. Stretching a paw out, he started to pad over to Fireheart when he heard a squeak come from behind him.

"Dad! Is that the enemy clan?" "Who are they? Are they the ones in your story?" "What happened?" He was bombarded by questions as he got jumped by two tiny balls of fluff and joy. Outside following them was Mosspelt, the queen who was gratefully caring for his kits. That's right. He had a new duty now, for his kits to live a life that didn't include a paw in Thunderclan and a paw in Riverclan. That was all he could offer for his love who died for them. Siverstream. No matter how much he wished to comfort Fireheart, his allegiances now lie elsewhere. As if Starclan was agreeing with his thought, Sandstorm appeared next to Fireheart, probably comforting him. He turned his back on Fireheart, and instead onto his kits.

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Cinderpelt padded alongside Mudfur, with herbs jammed in her jaws. That was all she could do, in place of Yellowfang. That stupid old she-cat, who went even though she knew her muscles were already creaking with old age. Even if she didn't know if Yellowfang was alive, she had to keep going. Watching Patchpelt die underneath her paws was too much for her, and she couldn't bear a single thought of Yellowfang, her mentor, her friend, dying. All because she butt in to volunteer to save Bramblekit. Her stupid ideas mostly lead to destruction, which she was well-aware of. Last time she made a mistake like that, she became permanently crippled. And now, it has affected a dear friend of hers. If only she had gone in place, if only she had died in place of Yellowfang.. That cat, even if she was constantly nagging and hurling insults, knew a great lot about herbs.

But none of those things happened. She was still there, with Mudfur, tending to the broken cats of Thunderclan. She couldn't grieve. She shouldn't be allowed to grieve, after what she did to Yellowfang. She shook her head as she kept going alongside Mudfur.

She and Mudfur first stopped by Willowpelt. Her kits were meowing and refusing any drink that Willowpelt offered. She spotted Fireheart heading over.

"Are they alright?" Fireheart asked, worry in his voice.

"They'll be fine, Fireheart." She knew Fireheart was still rattled, so she reassured him out of pity. Beside her, Mudfur took care of the problem, letting the kits lap up a wad of moss with sticky, golden liquid. As Willowpelt's kits lapped it up eagerly, Cinderpelt let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. The clan was safe, and that was all that mattered to her. She had to keep her promise to Yellowfang, to keep control no matter what. It was what she owed to Yellowfang anyway. She padded to a place beneath a wall of reeds, and fell asleep into a dreamless slumber.

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt felt as if she slept underneath a Twoleg monster, its weird feet squashing her whole body. Her muscles creaked in protest as she stretched, her bad leg aching as well. Even if she had slept on top of a makeshift nest, it felt as if she slept on a rock. It didn't help either that Smallear was creating a ruckus outside, his screeching bringing in the whole of Thunderclan as well as some curious and annoyed Riverclan cats.

as she got closer into the crowd, Smallear's blabbering started to take form of words. "We're all doomed, I say! Doomed!" As Smaller said this, although his voice was loud and strong, his body was trembling from his ears to tail-tip, most likely because of the recent fire. "I told you guys, I told everybody that Starclan wouldn't be happy! Now we're all doomed, and we have to stay in a fish-eater's camp!" A few Riverclan cats scowled in hate.

"Smallear has a point you know," Speckletail fretted, her eyes darting from side to side in a frenzy, "Bluestar should've appointed the deputy at moonhigh, but she didn't. Starclan must be enraged if they sent a fire like that! It's a sacred custom!" Smallear nodded in agreement. "Well," he added on, "since the deputy is a kittypet, I could see why Starclan is furious."

"Damn lump of fur, rambling on and on about nonsense." Cinderpelt hadn't realized she said that out loud until the elder whipped his gaze onto her, fixed with a menacing glare. "Don't act like it isn't true either!" Smallear yowled. "Ever since he came, bad thing after bad thing has happened in this clan, and what does Bluestar do? Appoint him as deputy, that's what!"

"Don't you dare talk of him that way, Smallear! Haven't you forgotten that he was the one that carried you over the river? You- no, we all would have died in that fire if it wasn't for Fireheart!"

"Oh, and I bet Yellowfang and Halftail are oh so grateful that he left them to burn alongside the camp!"

"Don't you dare talk like that! Yellowfang and Halftail might be alive, you know!"

"Alive?" Darkstripe scoffed from the sidelines, his gaze boring holes into Cinderpelt's head. "There's no way Yellowfang could escape that burning camp. If Yellowfang hadn't gotten out, Halftail may sure be dead." His retort made Cinderpelt's rage flatten and was instead replaced by guilt. On the other hand, it had only fueled Smallear's rage.

"You! If it hadn't been for you meddling around and sticking your nose in, they might still be here! Heck, Yellowfang could've done a better job than you! She could've saved Patchpelt!" Something snapped inside Cinderpelt. A guilt she had been hiding for so long, for the good of the clan. 'For the good of the clan,' she kept telling herself, but even her own clanmates didn't trust her enough to be medicine cat. She let all that guilt out.

"I DID MY BEST, OKAY?! I tried to tolerate this, tolerate everything, in order to help everyone! I miss Yellowfang too, okay? She knows everything and does a better job than me! I should've just gone out there instead, while she saved Patchpelt and Halftail and everyone else! But no!" With every word, she got one pawstep closer to Smallear, her eyes flaming with rage, while Smallear started to cower beneath her presence. "But no! You're stuck with me until Yellowfang comes back, okay? So get your sorry a-"

"That's enough."

Fireheart, admist all the chaos, now stood between Cinderpelt and Smallear, his tail flicking in frustration as he looked Cinderpelt in the eyes. "That's enough you two. Break it up." Fuming, Cinderpelt turned away and started to pad away, before looking at Fireheart one last time. "About time, sleepyhead." She then turned and never looked back.

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Fireheart had to admit, that wasn't a good morning. Now, his friend is angry, and all Thunderclan cats were looking around in fear, murmuring amongst themselves as they broke up to go to different sides of the clearing. Looking around among the many cats, he spotted a familiar gray pelt coming toward him, an awkward smile plastered upon his face. "So," Graystripe awkwardly started, "not a good morning, huh?" Fireheart nodded, exhausted already at the order he had to give both of them.

"Well, this may not be a good time, but there's a fresh-kill pile reserved for you guys. Would you like to see?" Fireheart nodded, and Graystripe pointed with his tail to a small pile of fresh-kill. As he was about to go to hi clanmates, Graystripe stopped him for a moment.

"Hey.. If you need anybody to talk to, you can always talk to me. Wait, I don't mean walk into each other's territories, I mean just for the time being.. Wait no, uh, never mind." Fireheart chuckled as Graystripe flushed from his paws to his ears. "Don't worry," Fireheart reassured him, "I will inform you." As they both awkwardly laughed together, Fireheart felt a little hole in his heart fill up for a moment, as he felt thankful to have his best friend near him once again. For some reason, he felt his heart welling up with a warm feeling as he laughed together with Graystripe.

Chapter Text

By late afternoon, the rain had stopped. The smell of smoke that wafted from the Thunderclan camp was replaced instead with the stench of wet ashes. Looking at the sky, which was now washed from the black, acrid clouds, Fireheart was still reminded of Yellowfang and Halftail, whom Fireheart still didn't know was alive. If Yellowfang was even alive. Looking across the Riverclan clearing, he spots Cinderpelt, who was in the middle of a conversation with Mudclaw, the Riverclan medicine cat. He made up his mind. He will find Yellowfang, and bring her back for Cinderpelt's sake.

"The fire must be out by now," Fireheart said to Graystripe, who was sheltered beneath a clump of reeds. "I mean, you could go back and see if it's safe for the Clan to return," Graystripe suggested, "and maybe bring some warriors with you too." Fireheart nodded, but in that moment, Graystripe looked kind of strange, like he was trying to hint something. Then it hit him.
"Don't worry Graystripe, I will come back in time to tell stories to your kits." Fireheart turned quickly and padded away, oblivious to Graystripe, whose eyes filled with disappointment.
Looking around at his Clanmates, he tried to decide on who he should choose to go with him. Whitestorm was a definite no, since he constantly stayed by Bluestar's side, probably for the best. The rest of the clan was either still recovering, or still in shock. Looking around, his eyes fell on a dark brown cat next to Fernpaw, Darkstripe's apprentice. It was decided then. He would take Dustpelt. Padding over to Dustpelt, he saw Dustpelt look over at Fireheart and narrow his eyes at him.
"What do you want?" Dustpelt asked, sounding harsh, making Fireheart doubt his choices. "Well," Fireheart said, "I am planning to check on the Thunderclan camp, and I was wondering if you would come."
"Why don't you ask Sandstorm instead?" Fireheart was a little taken aback by the rudeness of Dustpelt. He never did anything to him! "Well," Fireheart retorted, "you were the only warrior that seems fit enough mentally and physically. Also, we still need Sandstorm to support the others."
Shaking himself off, Dustpelt huffed, while Fernpaw watched in curiosity. "Could I come too?" Fernpaw asked. Looking at Fernpaw, Dustpelt replied with softness, opposite of what he treated Fireheart with. "No, you can't," Dustpelt answered, "or else who would help watch over our other clanmates?" Nodding her head with excitement, Fernpaw padded away to the group of apprentices.
After Fernpaw left, Dustpelt flicked his head back at Fireheart, his cold heart back in place. "Let's go."

With Crookedstar's approval, Dustpelt and Fireheart walked down to the river, with Leopardfur leading the way. Upon coming to the river, both Thunderclan cats could see the horrifying scene of destruction before their eyes. On the other side of the river, the forest was horrible charred, with the trees stripped bare and charred black. The tallest trees were only able to save a tiny amount of measly leaves, but all in all, it was horrible.
"So, are you guys going to move it or not?" Snapping back to reality, both Fireheart and Dustpelt nodded, and quickly continued on their way. After a while of struggling across the river, they finally made it to the charred side, and both Fireheart and Dustpelt looked forward and trotted into the ruined forest they once knew.

"So, how is Fernpaw?" Fireheart, for the thousandth time, had tried to strike up a conversation with Dustpelt, but, like every time, Dustpelt just stalked right by him without a single word. Fireheart was on the brink of beginning to explode, and so he did. Picking up his pace, he quickly sidestepped and blocked Dustpelt's path. No matter how quickly Dustpelt tried to get around him, Fireheart had intercepted his every single move. It had been going on for a while, and by the clear scowl on Dustpelt's face, he too was on the brink of an explosion. So Fireheart got right to the point. "So," Fireheart said, a little too hostile, "what is up with you? You have been scowling and avoiding me for the past time we have been walking! So spit it out!" Dustpelt narrowed his eyes at him.
"You know we can't dilly-dally when there are dead cats we need to take back." Dustpelt was obviously shaking with anger as he said that, and Fireheart knew that they couldn't properly bring Patchpelt and Yellowfang back with this attitude. "You know we can't continue like this," Fireheart answered, "so spit it. Or else I might just get Sandstorm instead."
That seemed to hit a nerve, as Dustpelt suddenly exploded onto Fireheart, bowling him over and knocking his breath out. Fireheart, caught off guard, pounded his hind legs against Dustpelt's belly, trying to kick him off, until Dustpelt hissed something. "You already have Sandstorm, so is that something? Yes, I am jealous! I am jealous of how Sandstorm feels for you! So stop trying to rub it in!" Something clicked in Fireheart's mind. "Wait, you thought I was courting Sandstorm?"
Getting off of Fireheart, Dustpelt looked confused. Shaking his pelt, Fireheart stood up. "I mean," Fireheart said, " if you had told me, I would have cleared it away earlier. Sandstorm's an amazing cat, but I just can't imagine myself with her." Dustpelt's eyed widened. "So, you.. You weren't courting her?" Dustpelt broke out into sudden laughter. "So," he said between laughs, " I-I was worried for nothing? All this time?" Dustpelt's laughing died down quickly, and he looked sorry as he faced Fireheart. I am so sorry. It's just, I have like Sandstorm ever since we were paws, and the thought of my best friend being taken from me by a newcomer-" Fireheart winced a little on that part, "-and that just made me feel mad, and I directed it at you. I'm sorry, Fireheart." Fireheart smiled. "I forgive you, Dustpelt." Dustpelt let out a sigh of relief, and the two felt a weight lifting off of them. Finally, Fireheart stepped out of Dustpelt's way, becoming more serious. "Come on, there's still Patchpelt and Yellowfang we need to save." Dustpelt shook himself and became more serious too, and they both started to head their way to the ruined camp.

Chapter Text

-Yellowfang POV-

It hurts. Everywhere hurts. Yellowfang forced another breath in, only to start coughing due to the damage the smoke caused in her lungs. While the fire had been raging on, and the path had been blocked by a tree, Yellowfang tried her best to drag the frail old Halftail to the medicine den, but to no avail. Alas, her days of strength were long over, and in addition to the horrible smoke, she had to drag Halftail, which, not to be rude, felt like dragging a whole hawk. After some difficulty struggling, she finally made it to the entrance of the medicine den, but then, she felt Halftail heave and cough, and she heard the words that made her heart shatter.
"Leave me, Yellowfang. I can't go on longer, and you know that." No. Yellowfang tried to not believe those words, but deep down, she knew. Dep down, she felt Halftail's pain, aching through her body, spreading like the very wildfire outside. She knew that some cats couldn't be saved. Nodding, she slowly laid Halftail down, and heard his final breath fade into the surrounding fire.

How long had it been since she had laid there, wheezing on the medicine den floor? Yellowfang had no clue. The fire had stopped a long time ago, and she could smell the muddy ground, fresh after the rain. Even if she tried her hardest, Yellowfang knew she couldn't get up, so why was she not dying yet? As Yellowfang tried to find peace, she heard some pawsteps, coming closer and closer.

-Fireheart POV-
Even if Fireheart was prepared for the shock that would come, he was still filled with shock and devastation as he faced what was once the Thunderclan camp. Looking beside him, it seemed like Dustpelt was feeling the same emotions as him as they both looked at the ruined camp. The ground felt sticky from the ash and rain, and all undergrowth was burned to a crisp. The plants that have once protected and sheltered the camp were gone, leaving only the Highrock, the only thing that signified that this was really their camp. Rushing down into the camp, his heart pounded, for if the camp was ruined like this, Yellowfang and Halftail might not even be alive. They might not even find their bodies.
"Hey! Over here!" Fireheart heard Dustpelt meow. Looking over to where he heard him from, his heart dropped at the sight of a scorched body, luckily not scorched beyond recognition. Halftail's scorched body lay at the entrance of the medicine cat den, where Yellowfang probably tried to drag herself and Halftail in, hoping that the rocks would protect them. Heart pounding, Fireheart padded over to Halftail's body, only to be stopped by Dustpelt, who padded over to Halftail quicker. "Don't worry," Dustpelt said, "I'll bury Halftail. You better go find Yellowfang." Yellowfang. She might not even be alive anymore. She, like Halftail, might already be scorched beyond recognition. Preparing himself for the worst, Fireheart slowly went into the medicine cat den. Looking around, he spotted the storage, where a row of herbs and berries were luckily untouched, only covered by some lingering ash. Wandering deeper, he heard a raspy cough, and, quickly peering inside, there was Yellowfang, still alive and breathing.
'Yellowfang!"Fireheart quickly rushed to the old medicine cat's side. She lay with her legs crumpled beneath her, her breathing haggard. she looked too weary to move, as she could barely hold his gaze as she spoke, her voice hoarse.
'Fireheart," she croaked, "I'm so glad it's you who came." Fireheart felt a rush of joy inside of him, quickly replaced with regret. "I'm so sorry Yellowfang, I shouldn't have left you here." He pressed his muzzle against her matted fur. "Did you at least save Patchpelt?" Fireheart shook his head. Yellowfang sighed in sorrow. "Halftail too... I could've saved him..." Closing her eyes, Yellowfang sighed hoarsely. Fireheart, in an attempt to give her some peace of mind, he meowed, "But we did save Goldenflower's kit! It was Bramblekit." Yellowfang gazed at him, and her eyes suddenly grew wider and fiercer.
"You're a brave warrior, Fireheart," she meowed, "and I could not be prouder of you if you were my own son. And Starclan knows how many times I have wished that you were, instead of--"Yellowfang drew some shallow breaths, "-Brokentail." Fireheart knew of Brokentail and Yellowfang's relationship already, and he knew that Yellowfang only wanted to have a last chance to take care of the son she never was able to take care of, due to her medicine cat title. He also knew of his poisoning, how he watched Brokentail lap up the deathberries, which Yellowfang herself had given him. Alas, Fireheart left that part unspoken, and Yellowfang continued on.
"I killed him. I poisoned him. I watched him die in front of me. I wanted him to die, my own son." Yellowfang broke into a series of coughs and hacks, each one more harsher than the last. "Hush," Fireheart soothed, "and let me get you some water." As he turned to go out though, he heard Yellowfang croak, her voice even harsher than before. "Water's no use to me, Fireheart," Yellowfang meowed. "Let me tell you everything before I die."
Fireheart panicked. "You're not going to die, Yellowfang!" Yellowfang then spat at him harshly. "Shut up and let me tell you this!" Yellowfang coughed, her forceful voice causing her to heave. Fireheart sighed. Even if he wanted to get water for her and do anything he could to save her, he already knew that Yellowfang was ready.
The coughing ceased, and Yellowfang began to continue. "Tell Cinderpelt that I'm sorry, that I couldn't hold on. Please," Yellowfang looked at him with deep sorrow in her eyes, "That I am thankful for her company, even if she bored me to death with her talking." Fireheart chuckled sadly at this. "And Fireheart...No matter what any cat says about you, you must follow your heart." Fireheart looked confused when she said that. "You know," Yellowfang teased, "I've always known where your heart pointed towards." Yellowfang mustered a teasing wink. "No matter what any cat says, I will always be at your side." Yellowfang closed her eyes and heaved a deep sigh. Fireheart thought it was the end, until Yellowfang murmured something. "Tell Bluestar that I have always been grateful," Yellowfang murmured, "and that the only thing I regret is not seeing you become the one Starclan has destined you to be." Fireheart's eyes watered, as he sat by her side, realizing this was her final words. "Don't be afraid of Starclan," he reassured her, "they'll understand about Brokentail. You will be honored by our ancestors for your loyalty. So many cats owe their lives to you, like Cinderpelt, who would've died from her accident if you weren't there, and the time when there was greencough, when you..." Fireheart continued on and on, though he knew Yellowfang had already drew her last breath, and layed dead beside him.

Chapter Text

"The fire must be out by now," Fireheart said to Graystripe, who was sheltered beneath a clump of reeds. "I mean, you could go back and see if it's safe for the Clan to return," Graystripe suggested, "and maybe bring some warriors with you too." Fireheart nodded, but in that moment, Graystripe looked kind of strange, like he was trying to hint something. Then it hit him.
"Don't worry Graystripe, I will come back in time to tell stories to your kits." Fireheart turned quickly and padded away, oblivious to Graystripe, whose eyes filled with disappointment.

-Graystripe POV-

"Come on," Graystripe half whispered and ranted, "I gave an obvious hint, didn't I?" When the rain had stopped and the last remainders of lingering smoke vanished into the rain, the feeling of homesickness was even more unbearable like the time he had to leave Fireheart and go with his kits to Riverclan. In an act of desperation, Graystripe had decided to hint to Fireheart about bringing him to the Thunderclan camp. But, alas, Fireheart was oblivious to his hint, and instead thought he wanted stories to tell to his kits, which brought him to this moment, where he was ranting to himself at the edge of the Riverclan clearing, next to the medicine den.
'And he brought Dustpelt with him. Dustpelt!' Graystripe thought angrily. "Come on," he continued ranting to himself, "so now Dustpelt's now your best friend, replacing me for that piece of-" Graystripe heard some pawsteps nearing him, and he whipped his head around to see Cinderpelt padding up to him, smirking. "Oh no," Graystripe said jokingly, "here to annoy me?" Cinderpelt scoffed. “Well,” she teased back, “I was about to, but it seems you are annoying yourself already with that scowl on your face. Wanna let me in on it?” Graystripe gladly patted the space next to him with his tail, and Cinderpelt sat down.

"So, what's going on with you?" Cinderpelt asked. Graystripe sighed and told her of his rantings before she got there, and all the while, Cinderpelt looked as if she was holding in a laugh, which slowly annoyed Graystripe to a point where he just exploded in frustration. "Okay, so what's so funny? You look as if you're holding in something." Not able to hold it anymore, Cinderpelt broke into laughter, which startled poor Mudfur, who was walking out of his den. Saying some apologies, Cinderpelt then turned to Graystripe with a smirk Graystripe knew all too well. "So?" Graystripe said, "spit it out." Cinderpelt gladly said it. "You're jealous, aren't you?" Graystripe felt as if his pelt burst into flames, then and there. "NO!" He denied a little too loudly, "I'M NOT JEALOUS!" Again, Poor Mudfur was startled for the second time in the day, as he was still wandering near his den, probably eavesdropping, but Graystripe was too flushed to take note on that. Instead, he glared at Mudfur, making Mudfur let out a meep and run off.

At that point, Cinderpelt's grin grew even wider, her eyes glistening in amusement. "I knew it," she crowed, "you are jealous of Dustpelt!" Graystripe felt his frustration boil up to a point where he just exploded. "I DON'T HAVE FEELINGS FOR FIREHEART, AND THAT'S THAT! I'M NOT JEALOUS!" Graystripe realized he went too far, as Cinderpelt's teasing smile slowly faded. "I don't have any feelings for him," Graystripe said, "and that's that." He hoped that he was speaking the truth. He didn't want to think about it. How he abandoned Fireheart.

-Flashback-

"You should've seen Firepaw's beautiful eyes light up when we caught that big rabbit! He looked like a Starclan cat, then and there!" It was an ordinary day for Ravenpaw and Graypaw, as they sat down as Graypaw rambled on about Firepaw, on and on. Luckily, due to Ravenpaw's cautiousness, only a few cats, Whitestorm and Lionheart, knew about Graypaw's huge crush.

"So," Ravenpaw teased, "are you done now, and finally eat that mouse?" Talking about Firepaw was the only thing that made Graypaw forget about his food, his second love. As Graypaw dug into the mouse, Whitestorm happened to walk by. "Why don't you already confess already?" Whitestorm meowed, sitting next to the two apprentices. Graypaw choked on his mouse. "N-No way!" Graypaw blurted. "I don't want to ruin our friendship! Besides," Graypaw lowered his voice, "What if it means breaking something in the warrior code?" "Come on, there's no such rule in there!" Whitestorm chuckled. Graypaw flushed as he gobbled down his mouse and padded off. Gulping, he decided then and there. There wasn't any barriers blocking them both, so he'll confess when they become warriors!

At least that's what Graystripe thought.

-End of Flashback-

Now, too many things stood between him and Fireheart. And he lost count of how much times he left Fireheart when he needed him most, mainly when he was Silverstream. He was so blinded by love, that he ignored his best friend, and abandoned him when he was going through the hardest of times. Cinderpelt's injury when she was Fireheart's apprentice, Tigerclaw, and when he left to join Riverclan for his kits. At that point, he couldn't even bear to stay with Fireheart anymore, as his heart hurt whenever he was there. He didn't deserve Fireheart

Graystripe remembered where he was, as Cinderpelt slowly got up to her paws. In a flash, all of a sudden, Cinderpelt slashed the side of his face with a claw, just below his eye. Jumping up, Graystripe widened his eyes as he looked at Cinderpelt, who looked like a spitting image of an annoyed Yellowfang. "Get up, you furball, and stop feeling sorry for yourself!" She spat. Graystripe was just frozen in place as he looked at Cinderpelt. Was she a mind reader, or something? As if she read his mind, Cinderpelt answered. "I'm no mind reader, but what I do know is that you think you aren't good enough, which you aren't!" Graystripe felt a twinge of hurt, although it may have been the scar. "You will never be good enough for Fireheart, but that doesn't mean you can just push away! To him, you are the most important cat in the whole forest, and that's enough for him!" Graystripe wasn't sure of what to feel at this point. Happiness? Sadness? As he was about to open his mouth, however, Cinderpelt had already stalked off, huffing.

"Well, that wasn't a very happy way of explaining it, huh?" Graystripe jolted as Mudfur padding over to him. "But she got straight to the point, which is what I had expected, as she was apprenticed to Yellowfang herself." Mudfur chuckled, while Graystripe was still frozen in place. "But, you know, she's right," Mudfur said. "You are important, Graystripe, and you have the right to follow your heart wherever you like." Mudfur padded away while Graystripe had some moments to soak it all in. He was important. To Fireheart, of all cats. The cat that he had left behind so many times, still thought of him as a friend. For once, Graystripe let out a huge breath he didn't know he was holding and chuckled to himself. He had thought of himself as incompetent, and he forced himself to follow other's commands. But, for once, he had the chance to follow his heart. Graystripe was still chuckling to himself. He had always thought he was bound to the rules, like a wren trapped in a cat's claw. But, as he looked closer, he wasn't a wren, but a fish, gliding in the river, following the stream. He was free to do what his heart wants.

Just then, Fireheart and Dustpelt came plodding back into the Riverclan camp, dragging themselves to their clanmates, ready to tell them the news.

Chapter Text

-Fireheart POV-

Fireheart hung his head as he and Dustpelt went back into the Riverclan camp, back to their clanmates to tell them the news. The feeling of dread slowly creeped up on him when he saw Cinderpelt, and the feeling of dread increased a lot when she spotted him and Dustpelt and started to pad toward him. How was he going to explain the loss of Yellowfang without hurting her? Hanging his head even lower, he attempted to slink behind Dustpelt. Dustpelt, in answer to that, sidestepped to Fireheart's right, and in a low voice, said, "Act like a deputy, idiot, and stop hiding behind me." Fireheart pouted as Dustpelt padded away, to Sandstorm he reckoned. Clearing his voice and straightening himself, he anxiously waited for the approaching Cinderpelt, who was now less than three pawsteps away. Coming toward him, she seemed to look behind him, as if she was anticipating Yellowfang to pop up behind him.

"Where's Yellowfang?" The dreaded question Fireheart was anticipating came out, and his courage with it. Trying to maintain his composure, he cleared his throat, before finally telling her. "I'm sorry," he choked out, "but when we got there, Yellowfang was already weak, and..." He didn't need to finish the sentence, as Cinderpelt already staggered away, her eyes wide in shock, before melting in sadness. "No... She can't be..." Taking a step back, Fireheart decided to give Cinderpelt her space.

-Cinderpelt POV-

She had expected it, but hearing it out for the first time shook her up still. As Fireheart took a step back and left, Cinderpelt, too, decided to pad away towards the Riverclan medicine den. Walking into the den, she saw Mudfur sorting out herbs. Looking up, he noticed her, and his gaze softened when he realized what happened. "I'm so sorry." That was all he could offer as Cinderpelt collapsed beside him and started weeping.

After a while, Cinderpelt tried her best to recollect herself. 'If Yellowfang was here,' Cinderpelt thought, 'she would already be insulting me.' That old cat was capable of humbling even the most righteous cat, aka Fireheart. As she was recalling memories with Yellowfang, she heard Mudfur clear his throat. "I don't know Yellowfang really well, since we were in opposite clans, but I know she was headstrong." Cinderpelt sadly chuckled at this, remembering how Yellowfang ran her mouth off with insults. "So how would she react, in Starclan, seeing you weeping like a lost kit?" Cinderpelt sniffed. "S-she would cuff my ear and call me a mouse-brain, I bet." Mudfur then cuffed her on the ear. "Then get yourself back together, so that you can do the best you can, for Yellowfang," Mudfur meowed softly. "You chose this path, and even if Yellowfang isn't there for you, you still have others that care for you, You mouse-brain." Mudfur said, chuckling. Flicking his tail at the mouth of the medicine den, Cinderpelt spotted a tiny Fireheart peeking from far away, at the edge of the clearing, worry in his eyes. Cinderpelt laughed along and got up.

"Thank you Mudfur," Cinderpelt thanked, "for clearing the fog from my brain. I'm ready now." She had chosen this path, and Yellowfang was the best mentor she could have asked for, next to Fireheart. Padding out of the medicine den, she felt a sense of freedom as the wind battered her fur. Yellowfang passed the title of medicine cat down to her, and she would not let Yellowfang down. She would be the best medicine cat in the history of Thunderclan!

-Fireheart POV-

Fireheart let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding as he watched Cinderpelt pad out of the den, her face looking content. He sighed in relief. Now he didn't have to feel much worry for Cinderpelt, and he could finally relax. Turning around, he was about to go to the edge of the clearing to take a nap when he saw Graystripe padding over, with a scratch below his eye. Padding over quickly, he looked at Graystripe with worried eyes. "Are you okay? Who did this?" He then realized that Graystripe didn't look hurt, or mad. His face instead had that goofy grin of his, and he seemed relaxed as Graystripe started laughing at Fireheart's obvious concern. Feeling his pelt heat up, Fireheart playfully batted right at the spot where Graystripe was scratched. "Ow! It still hurts, you know," Graystripe chuckled. "But it was so cute when you were worried, I couldn't help it!" Feeling his pelt heat up more, Fireheart turned and stalked away, hearing Graystripe still laughing behind him.

Fireheart stalked away, only to run into another situation. "It's him, right?" Dustpelt sat with a smug look as Fireheart padded up to him, his pelt flaring up so much he would've burst into flames then and there. "Shut it!" He hissed at Dustpelt, while Dustpelt laughed. "Or else I won't help you with Sandstorm!" Dustpelt's laughing slowly ceased, and Fireheart sat by him. "When we get back to the Thunderclan camp, I'll maybe set up a patrol with you guys together." Fireheart sweared that he could see Dustpelt's fur turning red as he went rigid. But before he could retort an insult back, Whitestorm padded up to Fireheart. "Bluestar wants you to gather our clanmates, so that we can begin to leave back."

So soon? Fireheart thought that Bluestar would be planning to leave later on, but not this soon, when the camp was still in need of repair. But, on the other hand, Fireheart smirked at Dustpelt. "Get ready..." he murmured to Dustpelt, grinning as Dustpelt shot up, his eyes wide in panic. Fireheart padded away, leaving a panicked Dustpelt behind as he started to round up the Thunderclan cats to go back to their camp.

Chapter Text

-Dustpelt POV-

Ever since Thunderclan made it back to the scorched camp, all cats have been hard at work, even the elders, who were complaining constantly as they worked. Dustpelt even thought about clawing his ears off as he heard Smallear complain for the umpteenth time how his paws ached while he brought some moss for the nests. Fireheart had also been working hard these past few moons, constantly supervising the rowdy apprentices and making sure everything was set and secure. The camp was exposed, which meant more patrols, but promising sprouts were also shooting out of the dirt, which meant the forest's recovery is starting. Luckily, since Fireheart was so busy supervising, Dustpelt was lucky to not end up on the same patrol as Sandstorm, for he was not ready to confess. Heck, he didn't even practice his lines on what he'll say! But, the feeling that was most present in his heart was fear, for Sandstorm might reject him, most likely. he was a jerk, and Sandstorm had already drifted away from him, instead staying near other cats beside him.

Dustpelt sighed as he sat next to Fernpaw. Fernpaw was a great friend to hang around nowadays, even if she is Darkstripe's apprentice. And with no one to talk to nowadays, it felt good to have a friend to talk to for once. "I know what you're thinking about." Fernpaw looked at him, her eyes glinting in amusement as Dustpelt struggled to compose himself. "You know it's not good to keep avoiding her," Fernpaw meowed. "The way you do it is so obvious, even One-eye caught up on it!" It was true though. In all the times Sandstorm was about to approach him, he always went straight to Whitestorm for a patrol, or straight to Fernpaw to strike up a quick conversation. Even the most clueless mouse could see what he was doing.

"C-Come on, Fernpaw, I just can't bring myself to face her after what a jerk I've been to her friends. Heck, I bet she'll turn me right down." Fernpaw heaved a huge sigh. "That doesn't make an excuse for how you have treated Sandstorm these past few days. She's frustrated, Dustpelt, that you won't talk to her." Dustpelt sneaked a peek at Sandstorm, who was now talking to Brindleface opposite from him and Fernpaw. "I just don't know how to approach her," Dustpelt sighed, "for all I know, she might be calling me names over there." Fernpaw stood up, shaking her pelt. "Well, I knew that you were struggling, so that's why I got a little help." Dustpelt looked at her in confusion, until he spotted a flaming orange pelt standing behind her. Well. Fernpaw has certainly been a good friend up to now.

"No! I'm not going to go on a patrol with Sandstorm, are you insane? I can't do it!" Fireheart had agreed to arrange a patrol with Dustpelt and Sandstorm, only to have Dustpelt straight out refuse it. "Come on," Fireheart retorted, "you need to face her at some point, why not now?" "Come on," Fernpaw added, "Ashpaw and I will be there with you guys too." Dustpelt glare followed Fireheart as he went to get Sandstorm and Ashpaw. His glare then turned sharply to Fernpaw. "Hey," Fernpaw meowed, "better sooner or later, am I right?" No matter how much Dustpelt wanted to argue, she was right. He had to fix this, sooner or later. Sighing, he gave in. "Fine, I'll do it." Fernpaw smiled encouragingly at him, just as Sandstorm and Ashpaw came to them. Dustpelt folded his ears when Sandstorm fixed him with a cold stare. "So," She mewed coldly, "shall we go?" Dustpelt gulped. This was going to be an awkward patrol.

Dustpelt wiggled his haunches as he prepared to jump on the unknowing mouse, creeping closer and closer, until he was in jumping reach. Preparing himself, he was about to jump when the wind suddenly changed direction, and the mouse quickly picked up his scent. Cursing under his breath, he burst into running, chasing the mouse that was now running for protection. Just as the mouse was about to slip away, though, a ginger flash shot out of the bush and trapped the mouse and killed it in one swift bite. Unable to control his speed, he collided hard into Sandstorm, both their bodies flying into a nearby bush. Landing with an oof, he scrabbled to his paws quickly, his pelt burning with embarrassment for what he did to Sandstorm. before he was able to utter an apology however, Sandstorm, too, scrabbled to her paws and quickly padded away to Ashpaw, leaving the mouse in front of Dustpelt. Dustpelt's pelt flushed with embarrassment as he considered Fireheart's advice. 'You need to face her at some point, why not now?' As much as Dustpelt wanted to deny it, he was right. This misunderstanding must be cleared sooner than later, than letting the gap between him and Sandstorm widen. Covering the mouse to pick it up later on, he started to devise his apology plan.

Catching up to Sandstorm and the apprentices, he had a pretty clear mind in his head. First, though, he had to get him and Sandstorm alone. "Hey, Ashpaw and Fernpaw," Dustpelt meowed, "why don't you guys practice your hunting skills?" Dustpelt tried to get the hint through to Fernpaw, which, luckily, she got. Widening her eyes in understanding, she played along. "Right!" she exclaimed, "Come on Ashpaw, wanna go?" Before Ashpaw could argue, Fernpaw was able to drag him away, leaving Dustpelt and Sandstorm alone. Standing in silence, Dustpelt shifted from one paw to another, before finally mustering up the courage. "Sandstorm, I'm really sorry." Sandstorm flicked her head to look at him, her eyes narrowing. Well, that wasn't a good sign. No matter, Dustpelt continued. "I-I've been very dodgy lately, and I just wanted to apologize. For everything. I have been a jerk to your friend, Fireheart, and I've continued being a jerk without realizing that I was hurting you at the same time. I was scared that you would keep drifting away from me, which is why I tried to push Fireheart away, because of jealousy." Dustpelt looked away from Sandstorm, his heart filling with guilt. "I understand that you wouldn't want to have any more contact with me-" Before Dustpelt could continue, Sandstorm butted in. "Are you kidding me?! You were avoiding me because you thought I hated you?" Sandstorm scoffed. "Of course, I'm mad at you for being a jerk and being dodgy, but that didn't mean that I hated you. I mean, there are times I would be sick of you, but there wasn't a moment when I hated you. You're my friend after all."

Sandstorm smiled warmly at him as Dustpelt flushed and looked for a response. "I-So, you don't hate me? After all I did?" Sandstorm chuckled and smacked him on the shoulder with her paw. "Sure, I'm mad, but I don't hate you. Just don't do that again." Just in time, Ashpaw and Fernpaw appeared back, with two squirrels and a shrew. "Nice job!" Sandstorm exclaimed, seeming in a better mood now. "Let's head back, shall we?" Looking back at Dustpelt, she smiled and waited for an answer. "Sure. Let's go back." Padding up next to Sandstorm, the two cats, now reconciled, padded back to camp, with two apprentices trailing behind them. Finally, Dustpelt had his friend back.

Chapter Text

-Timeskip:Before the next gathering-

Fireheart felt doubt as the time of the next gathering got closer and closer. Bluestar was still shaken up and deranged, and she was clearly in no state to be going to the Gathering. Which meant, that Fireheart was to go in her place. Adding to the anxiety of representing Thunderclan, there was also the fear of Tigerclaw. Even if Tigerclaw hasn't been appearing in the past moons, Fireheart was still hallucinating Tigerclaw's head popping up behind the bushes, or hiding behind every root and stone Fireheart comes across. Fireheart knew that he shouldn't worry about Tigerclaw, but the pressure of being deputy must have caught up to him, as he felt the burden to protect every cat in Thunderclan.

Fireheart jumped as he felt a pelt brush his. Jumping away on reflex, he relaxed when he saw it was just Whitestorm.
"Hard day, huh?" Whitestorm mewed in a low voice. "Don't even get me started." Fireheart sighed as he shifted from one paw to the other. "I just don't feel ready to lead. And with Tigerclaw on the loose, who knows what could happen?" Whitestorm laid his tail on Fireheart's back comfortingly. "Relax, Fireheart," Whitestorm mewed soothingly, "there are enough strong cats in this clan, and we will stay on our guard."
"Don't worry, deputy," Whitestorm added as he padded away, "if Tigerclaw steps one paw in Thunderclan territory, we will meet him." Whitestorm looked over his shoulder with one last smile, before padding to Bluestar's den. Meanwhile, Fireheart was feeling a little less anxious as he looked around the camp.
Looking around, he spotted four apprentices in the middle of getting fresh moss. The two rowdy ones, Swiftpaw and Cloudpaw, were busy batting the moss at each other, while the other two, Thornpaw and Brightpaw, were trying to stop them both. Purring in amusement, Fireheart watched as Smallear padded over and snarled at them, batting at Cloudpaw's ear. The four apprentices hung their heads in shame as Smallear continued to scold them.
Smiling to himself, Fireheart felt the burden of authority, but a different feeling this time. This time, it was a feeling of the need to protect them, the cats in his clan, sort of like a feeling a mother would have over her kits. The feeling washed over Fireheart, overpowering the feelings of fear. Screw Tigerclaw! Whitestorm was right. The clan will meet Tigerclaw if he steps a paw onto their territory, and Fireheart was prepared to lose his life if it meant his clan would be safe. If it meant that the apprentices could have a chance to have a wonderful warrior life.

-The Gathering-

Fireheart's pelt bristled and his heart pounded in anger as he glared at the cat standing at the top of the Great Rock. All that Whitestorm had said, all of the reassurance flew away with the breeze as Fireheart watched Tigerclaw, no, Tigerstar, as he puffed out his chest and stood tall, his eyes glowing with triumph as he stood with the other leaders.

"What's going on?" Sandstorm hissed, weaving her way to Fireheart. "Why is that traitor up there?!" Tigerstar has done some terrible deeds, including the murder of Redtail and the attempted assassination of Bluestar. "But none of the clans know of this," Fireheart mewed. "Then tell them!" Sandstorm hissed back, her fur standing on edge. Looking up at the other leaders, Fireheart contemplated if he could really convince them of Tigerstar's deeds. Would the leaders even believe him when he tells of things they didn't even know? Would Shadowclan even exile him, when they had faced all that hardship and sickness?

Fireheart also felt some guilty relief, a Tigerstar had finally achieved his ambition, which might mean that he wouldn't have to worry anymore about future attacks. For now, he should keep his mouth shut. At least that's what he was going to do until Cloudpaw padded quickly toward him, Mousefur just behind. "Fireheart, what the hell are you doing? Are you just going to stand there and let that piece of fox dung stand there?"

"Quiet, Cloudpaw," Fireheart hissed, "I know, I'll-" He was interrupted as Tigerstar spoke at the front of the Great Rock.

"I am pleased to be standing here with you at this Gathering," the huge tabby spoke with authority, "Unfortunately, Nightstar died of the sickness that took so many of my clan, and Starclan has named me as the new leader." Tallstar, the leader of Windclan, turned to him with respect('which he didn't deserve,' Fireheart thought bitterly). "Welcome, Tigerstar," Tallstar spoke, "may Starclan walk with you." Crookedstar nodded his head to agree. "Thank you," Tigerstar replied, "though I wish the circumstances may have been different-"

"Wait." Tallstar interrupted him. "Where is the leader of Thunderclan?" Fireheart looked around for Bluestar for a second, before he was nudged by Whitestorm. Remembering his position now, Fireheart quickly bunched his muscles and sprang onto the great Rock, where he was left to scramble on like an idiot. When he finally got on top, Fireheart looked down, and saw the many glowing eyes beneath him, and the shining moon. If he was there on a different circumstance, he would've mooned over this view. But that could wait.

"Fireheart?" Tallstar looked at him. "why are you here? Did something happen to Bluestar?" Fireheart dipped his head respectfully before he spoke, careful to not show any weakness.

"Out leader breathed smoke in the fire, and she's not well enough to travel. But she'll recover soon." Tallstar nodded, and Crookedstar broke in. "So, will we be starting or not?" Without hesitation, the Riverclan leader yowled the beginning of the meeting, and conversation quickly died away. "Cats of all clans, we welcome Tigerstar, the new leader of Shadowclan." He beckoned Tigerstar over to the front. "Tigerstar, what news have you to share?"

"Starclan brought me to Shadowclan when they were in a desperate time," Tigerstar said, his voice echoing to the cats below. "Cats were dying left and right, and there was no one to take leadership, as Cinderfur had also died of the sickness. But, Runningnose then received an omen, that another great leader will arise, and I swear that I will be that leader."

In the shadows, Runningnose was hiding there, his head hanging down, all but obscuring his face, that showed fear and doubt, as there was more to the omen. Where there was great hope and light, there was darkness after.

Chapter Text

-Graystripe POV-

"TIGERCLAW IS WHAT NOW?!?"

"Hush, Graystripe! You'll disturb every cat in this camp!" Mistyfoot hissed.

"TOO LATE, NUMBSKULL!" Graypool shouted from the elder's den, her eyes narrowing in annoyance as she peeked her head out and Graystripe and Mistyfoot in the clearing. Since Graystripe wasn't allowed to go to the Gathering, he waited until Mistyfoot came back to tell him the news. But once he heard it come out of her mouth, he regretted sitting in the clearing for so long.

"So wait, let me get this straight," Graystripe mewed, lowering his voice as to not disturb Graypool, "so Tigerclaw, now Tigerstar, is leader of Shadowclan." He tried to hide his disgust, as Mistyfoot had no idea of what things Tigerclaw even did to Fireheart. But Mistyfoot had already picked up on his hatred for Tigerstar, probably because of his outburst. But he couldn't help it, he was angry. But above all, he was worried. Fireheart did show no signs of fear to Tigerstar, according to Mistyfoot, but he knew his best friend. Fireheart could even be stressed right now, or even worse, attacked by Tigerstar at any moment! He swore, if Tigerstar dared to lay a paw on Fireheart, he would-

A cough interrupted Graystripe from his plot to shred Tigerstar to pieces. Looking back at Mistyfoot, he murmured a sorry. "Did you say something?"

Mistyfoot shot him a glare, before repeated what she was saying. "I said, that you don't need to worry for Thunderclan. They have good leadership, and they are perfectly fine. Besides, if this Tigerstar is as bad as you say he is, then Riverclan is in danger too." Well, she wasn't wrong. Ever since Silverstream died having his kits, the kits had still been seen as Half-Clan members, and Tigerstar never hid his hatred for any cat with no pure blood running through their veins. Besides, Bluestar had been sort of fine the last time he saw her, so what could go wrong?

-Fireheart POV-

Everything was not fine here. Ever since he got the news to his Clanmates, they were now all standing up, their pelts bristling in anger, even Longtail, once a follower of Tigerstar.

"They let Tigerclaw take over Shadowclan?" Longtail meowed, trying his best to keep is voice leveled. "And they let him? Are they mad?"

"Not mad at all." Oh, thank Starclan Whitestorm was there. "The sickness overtook their camp," Whitestorm continued, "and Tigerclaw must have been viewed as a gift from Starclan."

"A gift from Starclan? What a mouse-brained lot!" Brackenfur replied. "Do they even know the deeds Tigerclaw committed?"

"No, Shadowclan doesn't know that," Fireheart pointed out. None of the clans knew what he did, except Thunderclan. He was scared too, that Tigerstar might wage war on Thunderclan with his jolly band of rogues, but in the Gathering, Tigerstar seemed content of leading his own clan, his ambition completed. For now.

"Listen, all of you," he meowed, trying to stop the wave of snarling and insults hurled at Tigerstar. "Whitestorm will tell you the rest of what happened, and I'll get a dawn patrol if Tigerstar wants to try anything, okay?" Dustpelt volunteered, along with Ashpaw, Mousefur, and Cloudpaw. "Don't worry Fireheart," Cloudpaw meowed, "I'll shred his pelt off if I see him!" Nodding in amusement, Fireheart watched as all the cats padded off to go to sleep before padding over to where Cinderpelt was, which was at the opening of Bluestar's den.

"How's Bluestar?" Fireheart mewed.

"I gave her juniper berries to help her calm down, but I don't think it's going to do any good." Cinderpelt answered, shooting a worried glance at the leader's den. "Well," Fireheart continued, "like it or not, but I have to tell her what happened at the Gathering, and I bet you'll need more juniper berries after that." Cinderpelt sighed. "I really hope she'll take it well. Or else I won't know how to further help her. If only Yellowfang could tell me which herbs could help Bluestar." Fireheart nodded in agreement. Like Cinderpelt, he also wished for his best friend to be there, to tell him it would be all right. If only Graystripe had stayed in Thunderclan, he would have had someone to fill the empty place Yellowfang had left. The only thing that he could do to comfort Cinderpelt currently was press his muzzle to hers comfortingly as they both thought of their friends, far away from them.

After some minutes of silence, Fireheart breathed in deeply, and prepared to confront Bluestar. "Don't worry, Fireheart," Cinderpelt assured him, "Bluestar's still strong." He slowly padded into Bluestar's den, and immedietly, he was filled with sadness for the state of Bluestar. Her pelt was matted and unwashed, and her eyes looked cloudy and confused. "Bluestar?" Fireheart called out. Bluestar didn't turn at first. Then, Fireheart padded into the den, and Bluestar finally turned to him. For a second, it looked as if she didn't recognize him, before she finally remembered. "Fireheart? What do you want?" Sighing, Fireheart dipped his head. "Shadowclan has a new leader. It's Tigerclaw-Tigerstar now."

Jumping up, Bluestar's pelt bristled with anger, and her eyes clouded with rage. Impossible! How dare Shadowclan do this! Sheltering the one damn cat that betrayed me!" 

"But they don't know-"

How could the leaders even stand with him?! They are all insane!"

Trying to calm the situation, he tried to reason with the deranged Bluestar. "None of the leaders knew, but-"

"How could Starclan have allowed this? And Tallstar!" She spat out his name with fury. "I knew we couldn't trust him! And after all you and Graystripe did for him! We all are doomed! Doomed!"

"but Tigerstar-"

"Don't speak of that filth's name every again, you understand?" Bluestar was glaring at Fireheart with such intensity that for once Fireheart thought that she was really going insane. "Y-Yes."

"Double the patrols, set a watch on the camp, and especially watch those Shadowclan cats." Fireheart widened his eyes. How he wished that Whitestorm was there to calm her down. "But every cat is exhausted, and we don't have enough cats!" He protested. "Are you questioning my orders?" Bluestar spat. "Or are you like all of the traitors in this camp?"

"No, Bluestar!" Bluestar relaxed for a moment. "Yes," Bluestar murmured, "of course you are not a traitor, not like the rest. Set the patrol, now." Murmuring a yes, Fireheart backed out of the den. He hoped Cinderpelt would have enough Juniper berries for him, because everything was going wrong.

Chapter Text

-Dustpelt POV-

He was still up. Hearing his fellow clanmates shifting constantly in their nests, he could tell they were awake too. After Fireheart had delivered the terrible news, all cats were wary, anticipating an attack at any time. Peeking outside the warrior's den, he could even make out Cloudpaw lashing his tail as the young apprentice padded back and forth, obviously waiting for an attack as well.

That's it. He couldn't take it anymore, the heavy feeling of fear and rage wafting in the camp. Standing up, he slowly tiptoed out, taking in the fresh air as he padded out of the thick atmosphere and into the clearing.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Damn it. Cloudpaw had padded up to Dustpelt, still in high alert. "Hey," Dustpelt answered, "now that Tigerstar's running all over the place, you believe that you have to protect us or something?" Like the stubborn cat he was, Cloudpaw stalked up to Dustpelt, as they glared at each other face to face. Before Cloudpaw could snap back, though, Dustpelt saw Sandstorm coming out of the den, yawning as she plodded over to where Dustpelt and Cloudpaw were. 

"Why is everyone so damn uptight about Tigerclaw? That cat could care less about our clan, currently, as he has his own clan to run. So stop stalking around noisily like a badger and go to sleep, Cloudpaw." Sandstorm shooed Cloudpaw to the apprentice den, and as Cloudpaw reluctantly crawled in, Dustpelt realized that he and Sandstorm were now alone in the clearing.

Taking a pawstep back, he was about to bolt back into the warriors den until Sandstorm fixed him with a glare, making him stay put awkwardly. He watched with a dumfound expression as Sandstorm slowly walked toward him, her pawsteps barely making a noise as she slowly got closer to him, step by step. 'Crap, don't make a stupid face!' Dustpelt thought frantically, trying to fix a straight face on himself as she kept creeping closer.

"Why so nervous, Dustpelt?" Sandstorm teased, now a mouse-length away from Dustpelt. "Am I getting too close for comfort?"

"N-No, I'm not nervous," Dustpelt answered, "I just wanted to get a good fresh of air!" Turning his face away from Sandstorm, he sniffed the air a little too enthusiastically, padding in a random direction, any direction, as long as Sandstorm doesn't sense his pelt burning up. He thought that Sandstorm only thought of him as a friend, but wasn't it good, that she showed interest? Wait, she might just be teasing me for the fun of it. But, on the other hand...

Dustpelt was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't notice Sandstorm running in front of him, and he bumped into her again. At this point, Dustpelt's fur felt as if it was going to burst into flames, as he stared stupidly at Sandstorm as she laughed at him.

"I'm going back into the den!" Dustpelt huffed as he quickly went back into the warriors den, trying to ignore Sandstorm's laugh behind him as he crawled into his nest. He was getting a muddled sense of where their friendship lay. As much as he wanted to find out, he also didn't want to break the friendship between them. What if the same thing happens from when they were paws when Fireheart came in? No matter how much Dustpelt thought, the weight of sleep soon took over him.

Chapter Text

For once, the whole den didn't feel so heavy with fear of impending doom as Fireheart opened up his eyes to the sunlight. The greenery had yet to grow back, so for now the camp was wide open for attacks whenever Tigerstar felt like it. For three days, however, since the announcement, nothing happened. All cats were now snug in their nests, as Fireheart stretched his legs and shook little bits of moss off his fur. Looking outside, he heard the dawn patrol heading in, and saw Whitestorm in the lead.

"Any more news about Shadowclan?" Fireheart asked as he padded up to Whitestorm. "Nope," Whitestorm replied, "but there's something I need to tell you." His voice sounded troubled as he continued. "We found a carcass of a pigeon, and it reeked like dog all over. It wasn't that recent, but still, we have to warn everyone." Whitestorm sounded genuine as he spoke, his eyes darting around the clearing, probably looking out for Bluestar. She had already gone nuts over the Tigerstar news, and she already had no faith in Starclan, so she could be rocked over the edge any time.

"Don't worry Whitestorm, I will make sure to warn them." Whitestorm nodded his thanks before heading into the warriors den. Fireheart watched Whitestorm as a short feeling of impending doom made his heart pump in fear, before Fireheart smothered it back down. 

Following Whitestorm, he heard a certain white-furred apprentice complaining about the prey they caught. "Come on," Cloudpaw complained, "there's hardly a mouthful on it!"

"Prey is scarce," Fireheart reminded him, "and any creatures that survived the fire are as starving as we are." Cloudpaw huffed in frustration as he quickly finished the vole, as it was really not holding that much flesh inside. "I'll just go on another hunting patrol," he huffed. "Brightpaw, will you come with me?"

Surprised, Brightpaw looked to her mentor for permission. When Whitestorm nodded, she eagerly bounced to her paws and followed Cloudpaw out the den. Beside him, Whitestorm sighed.

"Apprentices, so full of energy. I wish I had their energy." As Whitestorm padded away, Fireheart spotted Sandstorm watching something from far away.

"Hey, Sandstorm." Fireheart padded up to her, only to see that she didn't get the message at all. He waved his tail over her face, which seemed to do the trick. Sandstorm snapped her head over to Fireheart. "Oh. Fireheart." Sandstorm seemed flustered. "Now, what do you need?"

"If you're not busy, do you want to go on a patrol with me?" Sandstorm flicked her eyes back to the thing she was watching, before shaking her head and looking back at Fireheart. "Sure," she sighed, "I need it anyway, and prey is scarce." Padding away from her, Fireheart found Longtail and Swiftpaw to bring along. Padding closer, he noticed that Swiftpaw was almost the same size as his mentor. He really had to talk to Bluestar about his naming ceremony, and maybe Cloudpaw, Brightpaw, and Thornpaw too. They all almost look like warriors at this point.

"Longtail! Come join our hunting patrol!" Longtail nodded, and Brightpaw looked at least more eager than Longtail, who's tail was lashing in impatience.

The ground was sprouting with green shoots, the green ferns beginning to cover the earth. As the patrol headed out toward Sunningrocks, Fireheart split off and headed toward a patch of grass, where he smelled a trail of mouse. He quickly ran and finished it off, the sweet smell making his stomach rumble, as the sparrow he ate wasn't enough to fill him. Scraping dirt over the mouse, Fireheart spotted Longtail and Swiftpaw heading over to him, Swiftpaw triumphantly carrying a fat vole between his jaws. Longtail, for the first time, looked so happy, his eyes gleaming in approval. Then, his eyes flicked somewhere else, and that gleam quickly disappeared as he unsheathed his claws.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Longtail growled at someone behind him. As Fireheart spun around, his heart leapt as he saw Graystripe at the border, his pelt gleaming with water. "Don't worry, Longtail," Fireheart quickly meowed, "Graystripe's not going to hurt anyone. Why don't you guys hunt somewhere else?" Longtail took one last glare at Graystripe before stalking away, Swiftpaw right behind him. Fireheart then spun back around and faced Graystripe, the silence becoming awkward as they both shuffled their paws.

"So," Graystripe said, breaking the silence, "how is the camp? Since the announcement and all?" Fireheart chuckled as he remembered everything. "Everything went wrong, but at least we weren't attacked yet." Laughing together, it felt like old times, and Fireheart had the urge to go over the border to Graystripe. Just as he was about to do that, though, Sandstorm popped up beside him, with a rabbit at her paws.

"Well, hello Graystripe." Sandstorm greeted him. "How are the kits?" Graystripe chuckled awkwardly. "They're great, thanks. They're also going to be apprenticed soon."

"Will you mentor one of them?" Fireheart asked.

"I mean," Graystripe mewed," Leopardfur organizes everything these days, and since I was the reason Whiteclaw died, she would most likely give them to some other warriors. But hey, they will be completely loyal to Riverclan, no doubt." Awkward silence spread between the three of them. At that moment, Fireheart wanted to urge Graystripe to come back, to be what they used to be, instead of being so far away. But alas, some things are better left unsaid. Instead, Sandstorm piped up.

"Don't you worry your fur off, Graystripe," she cheerfully meowed, "and just focus on being the best father you can be." For a second, Fireheart thought he saw some sadness in her eyes, before she turned. "We should go now, Fireheart. I think we have enough to bring back to the clan." She padded away, leaving Fireheart alone with Graystripe.

"Well, I should get going to." Fireheart turned to leave.

"Wait!" He stopped in his tracks and turned back to Graystripe and watched as the gray tom sat there at a stream, stone-still. Then, in a split second, Graystripe had already killed the fish, and brought it to Fireheart, casually crossing the border like it was no big deal. Gosh, if Longtail was there it would be a different story.

"Here," Graystripe mumbled, poking the fish over to him, "I know that leaf-bare's tough, so stay healthy, okay? I can't have my kit's idol dying now, could I?" They both chuckled, and Fireheart felt just as if it was the old times again, laughing without a care in the world. Without thinking, he brushed his pelt against Graystripe's wet one, his heart pounding loudly in his ears as he realized what he did. Clearing his throat, he stepped away from Graystripe.

"You should go, before Sandstorm or Longtail rips your ears off." Nodding, Graystripe walked to the Riverclan territory, but not before turning around and whispering, "good luck with Sandstorm. She's a feisty one." That left Fireheart in confusion as Graystripe walked away.

Chapter Text

She was running in the darkness, her heart pounding, her mind racing. Pawsteps rang out behind her, the panting getting closer.

"Yellowfang! Fireheart! Anyone!" But no matter how hard she screamed, she didn't hear anyone coming to her aid, only the sound of panting, of the pawsteps hurtling closer and closer. Suddenly, she couldn't run at all. She was going so slow, like trekking through mud. Only difference was that she was trekking through blood.

Pack pack, kill kill

She hurtled through the blood and ran onto dry land, only to be intercepted by a monster. It's teeth were caked in blood, and it's eyes were bloodthirsty, hungry for more. It licked its lips and took a bite.

Kill

Cinderpelt woke up with a start. She saw the light coming into the medicine den, signifying that she had slept in. But what was that? All she remembered was Pack pack, kill kill. Was it a sign? Or was it just a random nightmare? Either way, she had to tell Fireheart, because medicine cats had visions all the time, and maybe this was one, or not? Her head pounded from all this thinking just when she woke up. She stretched her legs and yawned as she walked out the den, her tail dragging on the floor.

Lifting her head, she instantly perked up as she saw Fireheart awkwardly dragging a fish back to camp. Seeing her, Fireheart beckoned her over, dropping the fish with the motion. Cinderpelt quickly went over, the feeling of sleepiness all faded.

"Come on, Fireheart!" She chided at him, grabbing the fish by its head. "Why would you drop a wet fish onto the dirt? Now it's all dirty!" She was excited as she dragged the fish into her den quickly, despite her past injury. Then she remembered the dream. I still have to tell him, Cinderpelt thought as she looked at Fireheart, even if he was in a good mood, as he wasn't often like that. As the medicine cat and the one that receives the vision, she had to ruin his good mood. But not after I take a bite out of this fish.

"That fish was good, wasn't it?" Fireheart smiled at her as she finished the remainder of the fish. Looking up and licking her lips, she felt bad for what she was about to put on him. "Hey, Fireheart? About um.. I had a dream from Starclan."

"Okay?" Fireheart still smiled innocently, which made Cinderpelt feel even worse. "Why are you hesitating? You can tell me anything." She looked at him straight in the face, knowing her face was giving out what she wanted to say.

"I-I'm not sure," she started steadily, "but I was running, and there was blood, and something chasing me. It was saying something." The happiness drained from Fireheart's eyes and was replaced with worry, "Did you recognize the language? What was it?"

"I can tell that they didn't speak cat, but I still understood. They said 'Pack pack, kill kill.'" The saying still brought shivers down her spine as she spoke it out loud. From the way Fireheart looked down, she could tell that he felt shivers too. In desperation, she tried to soften it so that Fireheart wouldn't have that depressing look on his face.

"C-Come on, Fireheart," Cinderpelt half-heartedly joked, "It's not like a medicine cat's dreams are always a sign. L-Look, a few nights ago, I was chasing a butterfly. Does that count as a sign?" He looked so depressing, that it was breaking Cinderpelt's heart as she watched Fireheart excuse himself out of the den.

Fireheart walked out of Cinderpelt's den, trying to hide the fact that he wasn't screaming internally inside. If Cinderpelt had a sign, why not go to Bluestar and not dump this responsibility on him? Oh, it's probably because Bluestar is probably out of her mind right now, so everyone turns to him, the responsible and not insane deputy! Fireheart shook his head of the other bad thoughts filling his head. He really needed to clear his head.

He didn't know how far his paws had taken him, but surprise, he was at the Riverclan border, of all things. Seeing Graystripe would only pile up on his other thoughts. He heard a crack behind him, and the thought of a crazy monster filled his mind instantly. Hissing, her turned around only to find a shocked Sandstorm cowering behind a bush.

"What are you doing here?" His voice sounded more harsher than he intended, and Sandstorm looked at him as if he was insane. Fireheart sighed. "I'm sorry, I've been on edge lately. What are you doing out here?" Slinking out of her place behind the bush, she slowly went and sat next to Fireheart, her guard relaxing. "I'm just out here to rest my mind." Her response was short, like she was hiding something. But before Fireheart could prod further, she turned the topic straight on him. "So, what are you out here for?" Fireheart knew that he shouldn't alarm the clan, not like this. "I mean, just resting my mind here too."

"Well, since we're both here, might as well relax." Sandstorm let out a sigh as she flopped onto her side and curled up. Following her lead, Fireheart curled up on the ground, looking at the Riverclan side. As much as he was stressed, he wondered about how Graystripe was adjusting to Riverclan. Although some Riverclan cats don't approve of Graystripe, most have already accepted his presence, as Mistyfoot had, and he also had his two adorable kits. If he asked for Graystripe to come back, he bet Graytripe would say no. He was always loyal to his friends and family, just as he was to Fireheart. That was what Fireheart liked about him. Even if they both were in different clans now, they would always stay friends.

Fireheart slept, right then and there, with Sandstorm already knocked out.