Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Fireheart felt a twinge of regret tighten in his belly as he told Cinderpelt that she had to send the ShadowClan cats away. Part of him felt that he was abandoning them, but he couldn’t take the dream Spottedleaf had sent him lightly… This had to be what she meant. But he still felt the need to explain why to his trusted friend and former apprentice. 

“Cinderpelt, I have to listen to Spottedleaf… I- she…” A hard lump seemed to form in his throat, choking his words. The scent of the medicine den made the memory of his beloved medicine cat even stronger, as if she still lived and worked here.

“You talk about her as if she’s still alive,” Cinderpelt murmured, closing her eyes.

“Why can’t you let her rest with StarClan? Don’t you remember what Yellowfang said to me when I couldn’t stop thinking about Silverstream? Put your energy into today. Stop worrying about the past.”

“What’s wrong with remembering Spottedleaf?” Fireheart protested.

“There’s nothing wrong with remembering Spottedleaf, Fireheart. But you’re missing what’s in front of your muzzle. There are plenty of other cats around you who would appreciate that kind of attention from you.”

Fireheart stared at Cinderpelt, puzzled. 

“What are you talking about?”

“Haven’t you noticed?”

“Noticed… What?”

Cinderpelt opened her eyes, staring at him. 

“Great StarClan, Fireheart! You have multiple cats fussing over you, can’t you see that? How many times has Longtail tried to get you to assign him to the same patrols as you? Not to mention that every cat in the clan can see that Sandstrom is very, very fond of you!”

Fireheart felt a hot flush spread through his fur. He stammered a protest, but Cinderpelt ignored him.

“Now, go away. I need to rest.” She muttered, curling further into her nest.

“I’ll tell Littlecloud and Whitethroat to leave tomorrow, I promise.”

Fireheart could hear Cinderpelt’s gentle snoring mingling with the steady rasps of Yellowfang’s breath as he reached the fern tunnel. His mind was still reeling as he padded into the clearing. What was Cinderpelt talking about? It was true that Sandstorm had begun to feel like a mch closer friend, far more than he would have ever expected of her when he first joined the clan, but it had never occurred to him that she might have felt anything stronger than friendship for him. He could picture the look in her eyes as she had licked his stinging paws.

And not only Sandstorm, but Longtail? The tabby tom had been asking more often than not if he was to join Fireheart’s patrol- but surely that was just because he respected him as a clanmate now, right…? Longtail was even less fond of Fireheart when he had joined the clan. Their fight made that much obvious. 

Fireheart’s pelt began to prickle with a sensation he had not felt before. He wasn’t really sure how he felt about either cat. They were both his friends, but he had never stopped to consider how they had felt about him. Really, he hadn’t even stopped to consider how he felt about them.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Fireheart carefully organized the patrols. He was attempting to give Cinderpelt plenty of time to get the ShadowClan warriors out of ThunderClan territory- It would be bad news if one of the warriors found out what she was doing. Now, it was already sunhigh. Fireheart was leading a hunting patrol through the thicket- Runningwind, Longtail, and Swiftpaw padding along behind him.

“I still think that sunningrocks would have been a better place to hunt.” Longtail grumbled. Fireheart flicked his tail impatiently, wondering again if Cinderpelt’s words about the prickly tom could be true. All he does is argue with me! 

“I’tll be a good chance for Swiftpaw to show off his hunting skills.” Fireheart tried.

“I bet the whole patrol will catch something before you do.” Longtail sneered. Fireheart’s fur began to prickle, and he frowned at the pale tabby.

“A competition eh?” Runningwind joined in, catching up to the other members of the patrol.

“That sounds great! Can we?” Swiftpaw was already lashing his tail in excitement.

“Sure, fine, let’s have a competition then. Let’s see…” Fireheart looked around, and padded over to an oak, scratching his claws across the bark.

“We’ll spread out, and whoever brings a piece of freshkill back here first wins.” his clanmates were standing around him excitedly, swishing their tails and flexing their claws. Fireheart lifted his tail straight up.

“We’ll all be hunting in the same area- remember, you have to catch and return with your prey first to win. If everyone's got that… On my signal… Ready… Go!” The cats all sprang off in different directions, scattering leaves as they ran.

Fireheart jumped over a fallen log and through the brush, eventually slowing down and opening his mouth to let the scents of the forest fill his thoughts. It didn’t take him long to catch the whiff of a mouse- and he dropped into the hunter's crouch. He lightly padded forward, his paws barely touching the forest floor- and then he suddenly pounced, landing square on the mouse and killing it with a quick nip. He felt pleased with himself- surely no one else had caught anything that quick! Not even Longtail!

He had barely picked up his mouse and turned to pad back to the oak when he froze. There was a thrashing sound coming towards him. What was that- or was it a who-?! Before Fireheart could react, he was knocked off his paws. His breath caught in his throat, and he unsheathed his claws, ready to shred his attacker- that is, until he heard a mroww of laughter. He struggled to his paws, and let out an exaggerated sigh as he realized that it was Longtail who had bowled him over.

“What was that for?!”

“My bad, Fireheart, I must have mistook you for a squirrel.” Longtail said in a mocking tone, but his eyes shone with playfulness. He nodded towards Fireheart’s mouse.

“Not bad, kittypet!” Fireheart felt an odd mix of emotions stirring in his belly. Was he supposed to be pleased at getting taunted for his kittypet origins, even though he was the deputy now? His ear twitched.

“Well the kittypet caught more than the great warrior of Thunderclan, so he would say he’s doing pretty well.” Fireheart snorted, his whiskers twitching. Longtail shrugged, but paused and straightened his tail. Fireheart watched as he crept forward, ears back. Longtail darted forward- his claws expertly hooking another mouse. He nipped it, and dropped it just long enough to flash Fireheart another look.

“Beat that, deputy. It’s just a race back to the tree now, isn’t it?” Before Fireheart could even respond, Longtail raced off. An odd sensation of pleasure rippled under Fireheart’s pelt, and he grabbed his own mouse and sped off after his clanmate.

Fireheart made it back to the tree before Longtail- but it turned out, they had both gotten there last.

“I won!” Swiftpaw announced, puffing out his chest. Fireheart panted as he dropped his mouse besides Longtail’s. 

“You’ll be a great warrior one day, Swiftpaw!” Longtail proudly exclaimed. This could be just the kind of thing the clan needs, friendly competition to bring us closer together…And... His thoughts were stirring as he looked at the pale tabby warrior next to him. He couldn’t help but notice how his green eyes sparkled as he looked so proudly at his apprentice. Fireheart could feel a slight pounding in his chest, and he fixed his gaze steadily on his paws. He fluffed out his pelt, and looked at his patrol again.

“Very well done, all of you. How about you get first pick of the freshkill pile when we return to camp, Swiftpaw?”

Chapter Text

Fireheart called to Sandstorm and Brackenfur, who were getting back from patrol.

“Would you two escort Smallear and the others? I don’t know how close to the river they’ll have to go, and I want them to have backup in case Riverclan tries anything.” A twinge of guilt sparked in his fur. He could tell the warriors were tired, but they easily accepted his orders anyway.

“No problem!” Brackenfur meowd easily.

“I’m not tired, Fireheart.” Sandstorm’s green eyes softened as they met his. His paws tingled as he once again thought about Cinderpelt’s words- and he began self-consciously washing his chest.

“Er… That’s great!” He meowed, a bit too loud. The group padded out through the gorse tunnel, but not before Brackenfur shot him a look, twitching his whiskers. He felt his pelt burn, and screwed up his nose at the tom, shooting him a serious glance as a warning. 

He shook his head. He had more important things to think about then turning his love life into gossip for the whole clan by making faces at Brackenfur. He looked around the camp. Whitestorm was chatting with Bluestar- Fireheart could barely make out his white pelt in her den. He had warily watched Goldenflower’s kits padding around camp a few days before. He’s just a kit. Kits aren’t always like their fathers… He was still trying not to think of Bramblekit as another Tigerclaw. What I should be worried about, is if the kits are getting enough milk. With the heat bearing down in camp, he was much too aware of his own thirst. Surely the queens would be even more parched, having to stay in camp to watch their kits. He pictured the elders slowly moving with Sandstorm beside them, her orange fur glowing among the green fronds…

With a jolt, he remembered the sickly Shadowclan cats. Due to his race with Longtail and the others, he had completely forgotten to check when the patrol was over. What if Cinderpelt hadn’t sent them away yet?

He dashed off for Yellowfang’s den, nearly colliding with Cinderpelt as she limped out of the tunnel entrance.

“Good Starclan Fireheart, who put ants in your pelt?” She mewed cheerfully. She frowned as she noticed his expression.

“Did you tell Littlecloud and Whitethroat they must leave?” he blurted. Cinderpelt’s whiskers twitched irritably.

“We’ve already been over this. They promised to leave that night.” Her blue eyes burned, challenging him to argue with her. He almost bit back his reply- but he couldn’t help it.

“And the sickness? Is it gone? I’ve sent the elders with Sandstorm and-”

“Look!” she snapped. “I told them to leave and they said they would. I don’t have time for this. If you can’t take my word for it, why don’t you just go check? That should put your mind at ease.”

Fireheart jumped as a low yowl came from the medicine cat’s den.

“I don’t know who you’re mewing at out there, but stop all that racket and fetch those berries!”

“Sorry, Yellowfang! Fireheart is just nagging me about the heat!” She flashed an accusing look at her deputy as she spoke. Yellowfang’s voice sounded again.

“Well tell him to stop wasting your time or he’ll have me to answer to!” 

Cinderpelt’s whiskers twitched in amusement. Fireheart’s guilt tugged at his heart.

“I’m sorry, Cinderpelt. It's not that I don’t trust you, it's just-”

“Just that you're a fretful old badger.” She cut him off, nudging him affectionately on the shoulder.

“Go and check out the root cave for yourself, and put your mind at rest. Maybe you’ll even run into your darling she-cat on her way back.” She pushed past him and padded off into camp. Fireheart felt his pelt bristling, embarrassment flooding him once again as yet another cat teased him about Sandstorm. But, Cinderpelt was right. Well, about checking the cave himself at least, he was still unsure on the Sandstorm thing. 

He shook out his fur again, and started pacing. He couldn’t leave now- Whitestorm and him were the only warriors left in camp. He looked up as he saw Whitestorm’s pelt in the corner of his eye- the warrior was padding towards him.

“Have you decided on the evening patrol?” he called.

“I thought Runningwind could take Mousefur and Thornpaw.” Fireheart answered. Whitestorm nodded distractedly.

“Could Brightpaw go with the dawn patrol tomorrow? The experience will do her good. I… I haven’t been keeping up with her training lately.” His ear twitched, unease showing under the warrior’s normally calm gaze. Fireheart realized that the senior warrior had been spending more and more of his time with Bluestar. He couldn’t help but suspect that Whitestorm was afraid of what the Thunderclan leader would do if left alone for too long. After all, it was normal for him to be worried about her- he was her kin, after all.

“Of course. If you don’t mind, I can take her out with Cloudpaw, Swiftpaw, and Longtail. Whitestormed blinked gratefully.

“You and Longtail have started becoming friendlier, haven’t you? It's good to see the younger warriors getting along.” Fireheart shifted uneasily on his paws, shrugging. At least with Longtail cats aren’t as quick to jump on my tail…

Whitestorm let it go, sitting next to Fireheart. He glanced over the empty clearing.

“It's quiet this afternoon.” Fireheart nodded in agreement, enjoying the break in his hectic life.

“You’re doing very well, you know.” Whitestorm remarked calmly. Fireheart sat up.

“What do you mean?”

“Being deputy. I know it hasn’t been easy with Bluestar… the way she is, and the drought. But I doubt there’s a cat in the clan who would deny Bluestar made the right choice when she appointed you.”

“Except maybe Darkstripe, and half of the el-” Fireheart bit his tongue, realizing a bit too late that he probably shouldn’t bad mouth the other cats to the senior warrior. Whitestorm let out a purr.

“The elders will come around. And Darkstripe… Well, we’ll have to see.” Fireheart bowed his head.

“Thank you, Whitestorm.” He couldn’t help feeling encouraged to receive such high praise from this cat who he looked up to so much.

“I’m sorry about Cloudpaw. And Graystripe. I know you must be feeling lonely without your kin and the cat that welcomed you so openly into apprenticeship with him.” Whitestorm went on gently. Fireheart’s ears drooped for a moment.

“I don’t think Graystripe was wrong to choose his kits… And I do miss Cloudpaw. Not just because he’s my kin… I think he could have made a good warrior in the end.” He glanced sideways at Whitestorm, half expecting him to contradict him, but to his surprise the warrior was nodding.

“He was a good hunter, and the other apprentices looked up to him. But perhaps Starclan has a different destiny for him. I’m no medicine cat, I cannot read the stars like Yellowfang and Cinderpelt have been blessed to. But I have always trusted in our warrior ancestors, wherever they may lead our clan.”

And that’s what makes you such a noble warrior… Fireheart felt filled with admiration once again for Whitestorm’s loyalty for the warrior code. He even was beginning to feel comforted, but he still felt a twinge in his belly to go check on the Shadowclan cats. His ears pricked as he saw Sandstorm’s patrol pad back into camp. 

Fireheart dipped his head respectfully to Whitestorm and rushed to meet them- his heart thumping as he saw that their pelts were pricked.

“What’s happened?” He demanded.

“Twolegs!” Speckletail panted as she caught up to the group at the foot of the ravine. His eyes snapped to meet Sandstorms.

“It’s okay. We lost them.” Brackenfur shivered,

“There was a group of young ones. They chased us!” 

“Are you all ok?” Fireheart watched as Sandstorm looked over her group, and felt his fur beginning to lay flat as she nodded, her confident green gaze reassuring him.

“Where are the Twolegs? Are they by the river?”

“We hadn’t even reached Sunningrocks.” Sandstorm told him, her eyes beginning to gleam with indignation. 

“They were loose in the woods, not on the usual Twoleg paths.”  Fireheart tried not to betray his alarm as he carefully thought out his words.

“We’ll have to wait till dark to fetch water.”

“But what about Goldenflower and Willowpelt? They’ll need water before then.” Fretted Speckeltail. Sandstorm stepped forward.

“I’ll fetch some for them.” Fireheart shook his head.

“No. I’ll go. Everyone should get the chance to catch their breath.” He nodded to Sandstorm.

“I need you to stay at the top of the ravine to watch for Twolegs. I’m sure they’ve turned back by now-” he continued as One-eye let out an anxious mew.

“But even if they haven’t, you’ll be safe with Sandstorm on guard. He looked into her sparkling eyes and knew he spoke the truth.

“I’ll bring as much water back as I can, and then send out another patrol at sunset. Brackenfur, please report the Twolegs to Bluestar.” 

Fireheart and Sandstorm climbed the ravine together, cautiously sniffing the air as they approached the top. There wasn’t a scent of Twoleg to be found.

“Be careful.” Sandstorm whispered as Fireheart prepared to head into the forest. He hesitated for a moment,and simply nodded.

“I will.” He promised, heart skipping a beat as his green eyes met hers. Fireheart turned and crept warily through the forest, his ears pricked and his mouth open for any signs of twolegs.

There was no sign of Twolegs- a stale stench wafted around him as he approached Sunningrocks, but they were no longer around. Satisfied, he started walking down the RiverClan border. No patrols seemed to be around, so he knew he would be able to get fresh water without being challenged, but first he had to check the cave. He soon spotted the gnarled oak, and as he drew near he saw the dusty cave where the ShadowClan cats had sheltered.

He breathed in deeply. The stench of sickness had gone. He let out a sigh of relief, deciding to peek into the cave and head back to the river to fetch water.

A startled mrow escaped his lips as a weight dropped onto his back and claws grasped his sides. Fear and rage coursed through him as he yowled, twisting and clawing in an attempt to throw off his attacker. He paused as he realized his attackers paws were soft- and the scent filled his nostrils. RiverClan, but something familiar under that.

“Graystripe!” He meowed joyfully. I have got to stop letting cats sneak up on me like that!

“I thought you would never come to see me!” His friend purred. Fireheart watched as he shook the water from his pelt. 

“Don’t tell me you swam over!” Fireheart gasped. Taking a closer look at his friend's pelt, it was far less fluffy, and now more so resembled the sleek fur of RiverClan. Graystripe rolled his eyes.

“No, I flew. Taking the Steppingstones would have taken too long! Anyways, you look well Fireheart!”

“You too.” Fireheart purred back.

“How is everyone? Is Dustpelt still a pain? How’s Bluestar? And Whitestorm? And-”

“Woah there, one at a time! Dustpelt and Whitestorm are fine. Bluestar is…” He searched for the words, but nothing could quite describe his conflicts with Bluestar. Graystripe’s eyes narrowed.

“What’s up? She’s not sick, is she?” Fireheart shook his head.

“She hasn’t been herself lately, ever since Tigerclaw…” Graystripe nodded in understanding.

“Have you seen that old poisonpaws since he left?”

“Not a sign of him. I don’t know how Bluestar would react if she saw him again.” Fireheart sighed.

“She’d scratch his eyes out. I can’t imagine anything keeping her down for long!” Greystripe purred. If only that were true. Fireheart sat down, wrapping his tail around his paws, his ears drooping.

“Hey, don’t be too upset! If we’re lucky, a badger got him.” Graystripe purred, earning a nudge from Fireheart.

“And? What else?  I can tell there's more on your mind, Fireheart. I know you too well.”

“Well…” Of course, Tigerclaw was at the front of his mind. The tabby could be lurking anywhere in the shadows of the forest. And then there was the ShadowClan cats. The drought… and, Cloudpaw. But the ShadowClan cats had gone, all of the cats had to deal with the drought, and… He wasn’t ready to tell Graystripe about Cloudpaw. Not yet. It wasn’t just that it would hurt his pride, but he didn’t want to worry his friend with something he couldn’t do anything about. The least of his problems seemed to be the best option.

“There’s sort of… A cat…That I…?” Fireheart tried. Graystripe must have guessed what he meant by the look on his face. His pelt burned as a mischievous look glinted his best friend’s gaze.

“Ohhhh, now you’ve gotta spill. Fireheart, did you get a mate while I was away?” 

“I-it's not like that!” Fireheart stammered, and realized he had to back up his claim, as Graystripe was no longer buying excuses.

“Well… You see…There’s a few and I’m not sure who…” Fireheart muttered. Graystripe made a circular motion with his paw.

“Come on, if you don’t tell me I’ll have to march into ThunderClan camp myself.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea-”

“Fireheart.”

“....orm and ail.” he mumbled.

“Who worm and what tail?” Graystripe leaned closer.

“Sandstorm and Longtail!” Fireheart covered his mouth with his tail as he realized how loudly he had blurted the names. Graystripe blinked in surprise.

“Sandstorm I can see.. But Longtail? What put that idea in your head?” 

“Cinderpelt told me they both may have feelings for me. But I’m unsure if either of them do.” Fireheart grumbled.

“Well, if you think so. But what about you? Who are you interested in?” Greystripe asked. Fireheart layed down and pressed his muzzle into the forest floor.

“I don’t know… There’s so much else to think about, as deputy…I don’t even know if I should be thinking about this in the middle of… Everything. I mean, I shouldn’t be, right?” Graystripe blinked sympathetically at him.

“You do have to put the clan first… But I don’t think that should keep you from having a mate, right? I don’t think there is a perfect time to think about it.” Graystripe scuffed his paws, staring at the ground.

“Not that I have much room to talk. But again, who do you like? I mean, unless you want two mates, but I don’t think you could handle both of them. No offense. I don’t see those two being willing to share.” Graystripe chuckled. Fireheart thought for a moment.

“I think you’re right on that, at least. Well… Sandstrom has been a lot nicer to me, and I have to admit, she’s… stunning. Not to mention a far better hunter than me. And Longtail- Well. He’s certainly respected me more, but I don’t know if that means anything.” He growled.

“He’s always taunting me! Why would Cinderpelt think that makes him like me?”

“Cats show affection in different ways. Yellowfang’s like that isn’t she?” Graystripe pointed out.

“Yellowfang’s different.” Fireheart huffed.

“Ok, ok. Well, I can’t make a decision for you, Fireheart. If you ever need to talk I'll…” Graystripe’s ears drooped.

“I wish I could say I’ll always be there for you but…” Fireheart closed his eyes.

“I know, Graystripe. I wish I could be there for you too.” Changing the subject, Fireheart went on.

“How are your kits?” To this, Graystripe perked up.

“They’re wonderful!” He purred.

“I’ll have to tell you all about them before I go back to camp.”