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Chapter Text

THUNDERCLAN

Leader: Bramblestar- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark brown striped cloak.

Deputy: Squirrelflight- Woman with red hair and green eyes. She wears a red cloak.

Healers: Jayfeather- Man with black hair and blind blue eyes. He wears a gray striped cloak.

Leafpool- Woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown striped cloak.

Alderheart- Young man with red hair and brown eyes. He wears a red cloak with a white patch in the middle.

Warriors: Cloudtail- Man with long, platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. He wears a white cloak.

Brightheart- Woman with orange hair and blue eyes. She wears a white and orange cloak.

Thornclaw- Man with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a golden brown striped cloak.

Whitewing- Woman with platinum blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Birchfall- Man with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a light brown striped cloak.

Berrynose- Man with blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a yellow cloak.

Mousewhisker- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and white cloak.

Cinderheart- Young woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a gray striped cloak.

Lionblaze- Young man with blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a golden striped cloak.

Bumblestripe- Young man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray cloak with black stripes.
Apprentice- Leaf

Ivypool- Young woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a striped gray cloak.
Apprentice- Twig

Dovewing- Young woman with black hair and heterochromia. She wears a gray cloak.

Rosepetal- Young woman with strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a pink cloak.
Apprentice- Lark

Poppyfrost- Young woman with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Molewhisker- Boy with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown and cream cloak.

Cherryfall- Girl with orange hair and brown eyes. She wears an orange cloak.

Stormcloud- Young man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray striped cloak.

Snowbush- Young man with long, platinum blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a white cloak.

Ambershine- Small young woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a yellow cloak.

Sorrelstripe- Young woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a dark brown striped cloak.

Dewnose- Boy with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and white cloak.

Sparkfire- Girl with orange hair and green eyes. She wears an orange cloak.

Mousetooth- Boy with blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a yellow striped cloak.

Fernfur- Girl with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a gray cloak with black spots.

Foxwhisker- Girl with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray striped cloak.

Camp Aides: Daisy- Woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

Briarlight- Girl with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown cloak, and her legs are paralyzed.

Firesong- Young man with blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a yellow striped cloak.

Apprentices: Lark- Boy with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak.

Twig- Girl with black hair and green eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Leaf- Girl with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Nursery Mothers: Lilyheart- Young woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a dark gray and white striped cloak. (Mother to Honey; newborn girl with blonde hair and brown eyes)

Blossomfall- Young woman with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. She wears a dark dappled cloak. (Mother to Plum; girl with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes, and Eagle; newborn girl with orange hair and brown eyes)

Elders: Brackenfur- Man with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a golden brown striped cloak.

Graystripe- Man with long black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray cloak.

Bellsong- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray striped cloak.

Pets: Sunny- White she-wolf.

Weaver- Dark brown she-wolf.

SHADOWCLAN

Leader: Rowanclaw- Man with auburn hair and brown eyes. He wears a red cloak.

Deputy: Tigerheart- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a striped cloak.

Healer: Puddleshine- Young man with brown hair and blue eyes. He wears a brown cloak with white splotches.

Warriors: Tawnypelt- Woman with dirty blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Scorchfur- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Cloverfoot- Young girl with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray striped cloak.

Stonewing- Young man with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. He wears a white cloak.

Berryheart- Young woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a black and white cloak.

Spikefur- Young man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark brown cloak.

Beenose- Young woman with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a white cloak with black spots.

Gullswoop- Young woman with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Sparrowtail- Young man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.

Conefoot- boy with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and white cloak.

Juniperclaw- Young man with black hair and green eyes. He wears a black cloak.

Strikestone- Young man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown and white cloak.

Slatefur- Young man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray cloak.

Camp Aides: Snowbird- Woman with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Frondwhisker- Young woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray striped cloak.

Nursery Mothers: Grassheart- Young woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a light brown striped cloak. (Snake; young boy with blonde hair and brown eyes, and Flower; newborn girl with black hair and brown eyes)

Elders: Oakfur- Small man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.

Ratscar- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.

WINDCLAN

Leader: Harestar- Young man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a light brown and white cloak.

Deputy: Crowfeather- Man with black hair and blue eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Healer: Kestrelflight- Young man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Warriors: Nightcloud- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a black cloak.

Weaselfur- Man with orange hair and brown eyes. He wears an orange and white cloak.

Emberfoot- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and black cloak.

Gorsetail- Woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a gray and white cloak.

Heathertail: Woman with light brown hair and blue eyes. She wears a brown striped cloak.

Breezepelt- Young man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak.

Sedgewhisker- Young woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a light brown striped cloak.

Crouchfoot- Young man with orange hair and brown eyes. He wears an orange cloak.

Larkwing- Young woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown striped cloak.

Featherpelt- Young woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Slightfoot- Young man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak with a white spot in the middle.

Hootwhisker- Young man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Fernstripe- Young woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray striped cloak.

Smokehaze- Young woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Brindlewing- Young woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown cloak.

Appleshine- Young woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a yellow striped cloak.

Camp Aides: Leaftail- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Whiskernose- Young man with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Oatclaw- Young man with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Woodsong- Young woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown cloak.

Elders: Whitetail- Small woman with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a white cloak.

RIVERCLAN

Leader: Mistystar- Woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a blue cloak.

Deputy: Reedwhisker- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak.

Healers: Mothwing- Woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a golden cloak.

Willowshine- Woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Warriors: Minnowtail- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Pouncetail- Man with orange hair and brown eyes. He wears an orange and white cloak.
Apprentice- Soft

Sneezecloud- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and white cloak.

Mallownose- Young man with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a light brown striped cloak.

Icewing- Woman with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Rushtail- Young man with light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a light brown striped cloak.

Shimmerpelt- Young woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Breezeheart- Young woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown and white cloak.

Duskfur- Woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown striped cloak.

Havenpelt- Girl with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a black and white cloak.

Perchwing- Girl with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray and white cloak.

Curlfeather- girl with light brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a light brown cloak.

Podlight- boy with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray and white cloak.

Brackenpelt- Young woman with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Jayclaw- Young man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a gray cloak.

Owlnose- Young man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown striped cloak.

Camp Aides: Mosspelt- Woman with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Lizardtail- Boy with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a light brown cloak.

Apprentices: Soft- Girl with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a dark gray cloak.

Nursery Mothers: Lakeheart- Young woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray striped cloak. (Mother to Hare; boy with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes, Dapple; boy with black hair and blue eyes, and Gorse; boy with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes)

SKYCLAN

Leader: Leafstar- Woman with brown hair and brown eyes.

Deputy: Hawkwing- Man with black hair and brown eyes.
Apprentice- Violet

Healer: Frecklewish- Tall young woman with light brown hair and green eyes.
Apprentice- Fidget

Warriors: Sparrowpelt- Man with dark brown hair and brown eyes.
Apprentice- Nectar

Mulaney- Older man with black hair and brown eyes.
Apprentice- Dew

Plumwillow- Woman with black hair and brown eyes.
Apprentice- Gravel

Sagenose- Woman with black hair and brown eyes.

Mintfur- Man with black hair and blue eyes.

Harrybrook- Man with black hair and brown eyes.
Apprentice- Fringe

Cloudmist- Woman with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes.

Blossomheart- Woman with orange hair and brown eyes.
Apprentice- Fin

Sandynose- Stocky man with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Rabbitleap- Man with brown hair and brown eyes.
Apprentice- Pale

Nettlesplash- Man with light brown hair and green eyes.

Bellaleaf- Woman with orange hair and green eyes.
Apprentice- Reed

Camp Aides: Fallowfern- Deaf woman with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Apprentices: Nectar- Girl with brown hair and brown eyes.

Gravel- Boy with blonde hair and brown eyes.

Reed- Small girl with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Fidget- Boy with black hair and brown eyes.

Fin- Boy with light brown hair and brown eyes. He walks with a limp.

Violet- Girl with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a black and white cloak.

Dew- Large boy with black hair and brown eyes.

Pale- Girl with black hair and brown eyes.

Fringe- Girl with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Nursery Mothers: Tinycloud- Small woman with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes.

Elders: Barley- Man with graying black hair and blue eyes.

Violetsong- Small woman with graying orange hair and blue eyes.

THE KIN

Leader: Sleekwhisker- Young woman with blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a yellow cloak.

Deputy: Eleanor- Woman with long black hair and brown eyes.

Warriors: Sterling- Man with black hair and brown eyes.

Bruno- Older man with spiky brown hair and brown eyes.

Tyler- Muscular man with black hair and blue eyes.

Max- Plump man with black hair and brown eyes.

Charlotte- Woman with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes.

Asuka- Woman with long blonde hair and green eyes.

Shula- Young woman with orange hair and green eyes.

Nursery Mothers: Yarrowleaf- Young woman with orange hair and brown eyes. She wears an orange cloak. (Mother to Flax; newborn boy with brown hair and brown eyes)

WOLF PACK

Leader: Warrior- Huge male with gray fur.

Deputy: Twilight- Female with jet black fur and a white underbelly.

Adults: Dagger- Male with dark brown fur.

Grace- Long legged female with white fur.

Fluffy- Small, shaggy haired male with black fur and a white underbelly.

Gremlin- Male with light brown fur.

Thunder- Huge male with black fur and white paws.

Pups: Aspen- Female with white fur.

Howl- Female with brown fur and a lighter underbelly.

Smoke- Small male with light brown fur.

ROGUES, LONERS, AND TOWNSFOLK

Hugh- Large man with black hair and brown eyes. Lives on the ranch beyond the marsh.

Coriander- Young woman with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. Lives on the ranch beyond the marsh.

Jessie- Woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

Lynn- Small, young woman with black hair and blue eyes.

Garrick- Boy with blonde hair and brown eyes.

Chapter Text

“For someone who traveled so far while pregnant, you’re doing great,” Alderheart told Tinycloud. The SkyClan warrior was looking much better after being in ThunderClan for a month.

Leafpool shifted beside him. “I’m glad you got here before it was due.”

“Me, too!” Despite her situation, Tinycloud always seemed to have a chipper attitude.
“I hope we’ll have our own camp by then. I feel honored, giving birth to the first baby at the lake.”

Alderheart laughed. For the first time in years, he felt at peace. RiverClan and ShadowClan had both left to rebuild their own camps, Harestar had reopened WindClan’s border, and SkyClan was growing strong enough to take care of themselves.

Some of ThunderClan still complained about the overcrowded camp, but SkyClan would have their own camp soon. Then StarClan’s prophecy would be fulfilled.

But then Alderheart noticed Leafpool frowning. She stood up. “Jayfeather will want help cleaning out the herb store.”

Alderheart walked away with her. “Shouldn’t we discuss who will deliver Tinycloud’s baby? SkyClan doesn’t have a healer yet. One of us will need to help.”

“We’ll decide when the time comes.”

“But what if she’s in their new camp?” Alderheart protested. “I could go with them after they move, just until they have their own healer.”

Leafpool stopped outside the healer’s hut, then turned to face him. “We don’t even know SkyClan is going to stay.”

Alderheart blinked. “What do you mean?”

“No one wants them here,” Leafpool said gently. “Surely you’ve heard the complaints.”

Alderheart felt confused. “They’re complaining because they have to share huts and food. Once SkyClan move into their own camp, they’ll get over it.”

Leafpool’s voice was low. “What makes you think people who don’t like sharing huts will want to share land? If SkyClan stays beside the lake, the borders will have to be shifted. No one is going to agree to that.”

“They’ll have to,” Alderheart argued. “StarClan wants SkyClan here. They even sent a prophecy to tell us that.”

“Not everyone will believe that so easily,” Leafpool warned. “They won’t want to give up land they fought so hard to keep.”

“How could they think land is more important than StarClan’s will?”

Leafpool shrugged. “Not all warriors take StarClan as serious as they should. They believe what they want is StarClan’s will, since their ancestors do not speak to them directly.”

“As healers, it’s our job to guide them,” Alderheart insisted. “We just have to convince them.”

Leafpool was heading for the healer’s hut. “Good luck.”

Chapter Text

The moon was huge and yellow in the pitch black sky. A crisp wind gusted over the lake. Bramblestar was leading the way to the island with Squirrelflight at his side. Behind the ThunderClan patrol, Leafstar was leading SkyClan along quietly.

Alderheart was still thinking of his conversation with Leafpool that morning. He glanced at his sister. She’d gone with him on the first quest to find SkyClan, and had been enthusiastic. But that had been several years ago, and she had matured. Was her stance different now?

“What do you think the Clans will decide?”

“About what?” Sparkfire glanced at him.

“About SkyClan.”

Sparkfire looked up at Bramblestar. “Let’s hope they’ll do the right thing.”

“What is the right thing?” Alderheart pressed.

“The right thing is for the real Clans to continue living as they always have.”

“The real Clans?”

“Us, ShadowClan, RiverClan, and WindClan,” Sparkfire said casually. “The Clans who originally came to the lake.”

“You don’t want SkyClan to stay?” Alderheart’s heart sank.

“Of course not. This isn’t their home.”

“What do you suppose they do then?”

Sparkfire looked confused. “Go back to the gorge. Darktail’s not there anymore, right? They can reclaim it.”

“But StarClan wants them to be here.” Alderheart could hardly believe this. “I’ve had visions of them. Doesn’t that mean something?”

“StarClan told us to find SkyClan and we did.” They were approaching the island. “They never said we had to welcome them onto our land.”

Alderheart wished StarClan wouldn’t be so vague. They had urged him to find SkyClan, but they never had said anything about giving them land. “I’m sure they want us to keep SkyClan close.”

Sparkfire glanced at him, her green eyes filled with doubt she wasn’t trying to hide. “Wouldn’t that just make things worse? It would lessen our land and probably cause a lot of fighting. It did with Darktail.”

“SkyClan are warriors who follow the warrior code. Darktail wasn’t,” Alderheart reasoned.

“Okay. Let’s say StarClan does want them here. Where will they live?” Sparkfire challenged. “Do you really think anyone will agree to give up land for them? All the borders would have to be shifted to keep the land claims even. It’ll never happen, Alderheart.”

She quickened her pace to catch up with Cherryfall. Alderheart starred after her, his mouth dry.

Waves lapped at the shore. Wind was whistling through the trees on the island. Alderheart hoped Sparkfire was alone in her feelings.

Alderheart hopped onto the tree bridge just before SkyClan. Many of them were murmuring excitedly. None of them had ever been to a Gathering before. Alderheart followed his own Clanmates through the bushes and into the clearing. The other Clans were already there, murmuring softly. They spoke with muted tones, exchanging wary glances. Each Clan was keeping to themselves.

Alderheart’s nerves were shot. He’d expected them to be jubilant. This was the first gathering since Darktail had been killed and his rogues left the forest. Even better, SkyClan had been found.

The sky had been cleared. So why was no one happy?

Leafpool led the way to the Great Oak. Willowshine, Mothwing, Puddleshine, and Kestrelflight were already gathered.

Once they arrived, Leafpool turned. “Frecklewish! Fidget! Come over here!”

Frecklewish, a young SkyClan woman with light brown hair, hurried toward them. After much discussion, Leafstar had chosen her to serve as SkyClan’s new healer. She’d promptly started training under Leafpool. Although she didn’t have a natural talent for healing, she was a quick learner and seemed determined.

Her underling, Fidget, was much more talented. As soon as Leafstar announced they needed a new healer, he’d stepped up to the plate. Alderheart had spoken to him before, and learned he’d been made an apprentice after SkyClan had gotten lost, and had never received a proper mentor.

“This is Frecklewish and Fidget,” Leafpool introduced. “They’ll be serving SkyClan as healers from now on.”

While the healers exchanged their greetings and introductions, Alderheart began looking around. This felt completely different than a normal Gathering. He remembered meeting Sleekwhisker his first Gathering, along with Brackenpelt and Fernstripe. So much had changed since then. Sleekwhisker was one of very few ShadowClan warriors were had decided to stay with the Kin, even though they’d left. It didn’t seem like Fernstripe was even here tonight, and Brackenpelt was keeping close to her own Clanmates.

When he tried looking for the usual knot of apprentices that formed, Alderheart couldn’t find any of them minging. Twig was sitting quietly beside Lark and Leaf, who chattered to each other. Soft, the only RiverClan apprentice, stood beside her mentor, Pouncetail, while he spot with Reedwhisker. SkyClan had more apprentice than any Clan, although only a few had been chosen to come tonight. But the group of kids were clustered close together, looking daunted by the huge crowd. None of them seemed intent on making friends tonight.

Violet was with them. Alderheart watched her fondly as she comforted the newcomers.

“I can introduce you to the other Clans, if you’d like,” she gently offered them. “Over there is Rowanstar, the ShadowClan leader. And that’s his deputy, Tigerheart…”

Knowing the SkyClan apprentices were in good hands, Alderheart turned his attention elsewhere. He frowned, noticing the lack of elders. He knew Bellsong and Graystripe had chosen to stay behind to keep Brackenfur company- the former deputy was starting to grow too weak too make it to Gatherings. But the only other Clan with elders tonight was SkyClan.

Violetsong and her brother, Barley, followed at the very back of SkyClan’s patrol. Alderheart had never met either of them, but ThunderClan had already grown fond. Apparently, Barley had once lived in a barn near the old forest and had helped the Clans more times than anyone could count. Graystripe had welcomed him into the elder’s hut with so much enthusiasm he’d thrown out his back.

With a pang, Alderheart looked toward the stars. He wished Rusty was still alive to have met the SkyClan elders. They would have exchanged so many stories. Barley was already proving himself to be quite the storyteller.

The Clan leaders were starting to climb into the Great Oak. Bramblestar led the way, with Rowanstar and Mistystar on his heels. WindClan’s new leader, Harestar, stayed back for a politeful second. Then awkwardly climbed after them to take up the spot that Onestar had once occupied.

Alderheart looked toward Leafstar. But she remained beneath the tree, sitting with her Clanmates.

The Clan deputies, Tigerheart, Squirrelflight, Reedwhisker- looking healthy- and Crowfeather- looking smug-, took their place at the root of the Great Oak. But Hawkwing stayed beside Leafstar.

Hostile glances were flashing at SkyClan from the dark.

“Should Rowanstar even be up there?” Icewing challenged.

Jayclaw nodded in agreement. “Is ShadowClan even a Clan anymore?”

“They chose rogues over their own Clan,” Podlight growled.

“I didn’t,” Rowanstar pointed out.

Podlight held his gaze. “Your Clan wanted Darktail as leader over you.”

“What sort of leader loses the faith of his own Clan?” Nightcloud growled.

“Our Clanmates are dead,” Molewhisker called, “and their blood is on your hands!”

Rowanstar’s eyes narrowed. “We lost people, too.”

Alderheart glanced at the ShadowClan group, realizing how small it was. But they were also glaring up at Rowanstar, as though agreeing with the other Clans. Tigerheart’s gaze was unreadable, and Tawnypelt had looked away.

The others shifted uneasily. Alderheart felt their shame. They had chosen to follow a rogue, and that decision had nearly destroyed their Clan. But if Rowanstar had been a better leader, would they still have banished him?

Bramblestar raised his hands, asking for silence. “Let’s not point fingers. What’s important now is remembering how we came together to drive out the rogues. We wouldn’t let them tear us apart then, and we can’t allow their thoughts in our minds to tear us apart now. Together we are strong.”

Indignant murmurs filled the clearing, but no one outright challenged him.

Bramblestar went on. “Tonight, I think we should honor our dead and make a plan for the future. ThunderClan was lucky to only lose one- Hollytuft- but her loss hurts us deeply.”

Harestar nodded. “WindClan lost Furzepelt at the very beginning of this whole mess. And Onestar’s death is what ended it. We honor them both.”

“RiverClan lost many when Darktail attacked us,” Mistystar said somberly. “Foxnose, Perchwing, Heronwing, Petalfur, and Shadepelt are missed every day.”

“Rowanstar,” Bramblestar said gently, “would you like to remember your fallen Clanmates here?”

Rowanstar nodded gratefully. “Beenose, Owlclaw, Snaketail, Ivytail, Whitewater, Pinenose, Mistcloud, Birchbark, Lioneye and Needletail died while Darktail had control of my Clan.”

Alderheart’s eyes widened with shock. He hadn’t realized so many had been lost. No wonder ShadowClan seemed so small.

“I will admit I made a mistake not driving the rogues away sooner,” Rowanstar continued. “But you see now that I paid with it with the blood of my own people.”

“My people’s blood, too!” Mistystar snapped. “Your Clan chose such a path. Our suffering was forced onto us by what your Clan did.”

Rowanstar looked toward her solemnly. “I know. I hope one day you will forgive me.”

“Never!” Icewing shouted.

Angry shouts erupted from RiverClan.

“ShadowClan nearly destroyed us all!”

“Rowanstar has no right to be a leader!”

Fear made Alderheart lurch. Were the Clans about to fight?

Harestar stood. “We can’t blame Rowanstar when it was Onestar who brought Darktail’s vengeance to the Clans. He died putting an end to it. Clearly, we have all suffered due to his mistake, but Bramblestar is right. We can’t point fingers. It’s over. We won.”

The crowd settled, their anger turned to sorrow as they remembered their fallen Clanmates. Alderheart relaxed.

“Wise words,” Mistystar commented. “You will serve WindClan well, Harestar.” She looked around the Clans. “I wish you well. Each and every one of you, I wish well. But this will be RiverClan’s final Gathering for a while.”

Harestar looked shocked. “What do you mean?”

“RiverClan still needs to rebuild,” Mistystar explained. “I trust the other Clans to make decisions for now. RiverClan needs time and peace. For now, our borders are closed. But you may still use the shore to travel if you need.”

She jumped down from the branch and signalled for her Clan to depart.

“But we must talk about SkyClan!” Bramblestar called after her.

Mistystar glanced back at him. “I trust you. Just remember what happened last time strangers came to our land.”

“You can’t go!” Rowanstar called. “Look what happened when WindClan closed its borders. We must work together.”

“This is different,” Mistystar answered. “Onestar closed his borders because of cowardice. I only ask that my Clan is left alone while we heal. If there is trouble, send a patrol to deliver the news.” She slid into the bushes, her Clan followed.

Alderheart stared after them. “They can’t just leave, can they?”

Leafpool looked thoughtful. “Perhaps it’s for the best.”

Alderheart blinked at her. “What?”

She didn’t answer, wanting the crowd shift and murmur.

“This isn’t like Mistystar.”

“She’s gone crazy!”

Anxious murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Leafpool stood. “Don’t be alarmed,” she called. “Mistystar’s decision makes sense. Her Clan is vulnerable and hurt. Let them have peace. I’m sure they will be back with us by winter.”

Bramblestar nodded gratefully to Leafpool. “Without RiverClan, it’s important the rest of us work together. And we are fortunate to have a new ally.” He nodded to SkyClan. “Leafstar, please join the other leaders. Where you belong.”

As Leafstar stood, outraged shouts erupted.

“She doesn’t belong there!”

“We don’t even know SkyClan!”

“We didn’t even know they existed until a month ago,” Scorchfur called. “Why did the ThunderClan leaders keep this a secret for so long?”

“Leave it to ThunderClan,” Strikestone sneered.

Bramblestar called for silence. “StarClan asked us to bring them back.”

“StarClan told us to find them,” Scorchfur argued. “They didn’t say we had to make them into another Clan.”

“They are another Clan!” Bramblestar growled, frustrated.

“Says who?” Breezepelt snapped.

Alderheart wanted to snap back. Did they not realize StarClan had willed Firestar to rebuild SkyClan? They were a Clan that StarClan recognized!

“Why would StarClan want us to find SkyClan if we weren’t meant to welcome them?” Rowanstar asked.

Harestar nodded. “Another Clan will make us stronger.”

Crowfeather narrowed his eyes. “We have always been strong. We don’t need them.”

“They belong here!” Bramblestar beckoned for Leafstar again.

She scrambled awkwardly up the trunk to stand beside the ThunderClan leader. Her gaze was anxious as she surveyed the Clans. “We only wish to live peacefully with all of you. Darktail was our enemy, too.”

“How?” Juniperclaw demanded.

“The reason we came here is because our original home was destroyed by him,” Leafstar explained. “He invaded the gorge we lived in and took over. Eventually, we had no choice but to flee.”

“Eventually?” Juniperclaw echoed.

“The tricks he used on ShadowClan he also used on us. We did not realize his true intentions until it was too late.”

Silence settled over the Clans.

Sparkfire stood up and Alderheart’s breath quickened. What would she say?

“I’m sorry to hear SkyCan has suffered so much,” she began. “But why can’t they return home? Darktail is gone, and so are his rogues. The gorge is safe. Everything would work out if they just went home. Everything could go back to how it used to be. Isn’t that what we all want?”

The older warriors were murmuring in agreement.

“Besides,” Sparkfire continued, “who would give up land to make room for SkyClan?”
Alderheart swallowed, watching for reactions around the clearing.

Tigerheart stood up. “I’d like to speak.”

Rowanstar nodded.

“We have suffered because of Darktail,” Tigerheart began. “He left us weak and frightened. We’ve lost so many warriors it will take decades before we’re fully recovered.”

Rowanstar shifted uneasily.

“ShadowClan has just become the smallest Clan. Do we really need such a large land claim? We have fewer mouths to feed and not enough warriors to patrol our borders. Perhaps we could exchange some of our land for an allyship.”

Rowanstar looked thoughtful. He turned to Leafstar. “He speaks the truth. ShadowClan is weakened. If we gave you land, would you help protect us?”

“Yes,” Leafstar agreed immediately. “I would be honored to stand beside you. And we’d be grateful for land.”

WindClan and ThunderClan warrior were exchanging glances.

Molewhisker broke the silence. “You’d be allies with all of us, right? Not just ShadowClan.”

“Of course,” Leafstar replied. “We want to live with you in peace. We will do everything we can to help where we are needed.”

Rowanstar nodded. “You can have the narrow stretch of grass beside ThunderClan. From the stream to the marsh.”

Scorchfur and Snowbird exchanged a glance, looking horrified.

Leafstar’s eyes lit up. “Thank you!”

Bramblestar nodded. “It is late. SkyClan can stay in ThunderClan camp one final night. Then tomorrow, ShadowClan will help you move into your new land.”

Alderheart was limp with relief. They’d made a decision that had not involved kicking SkyClan out. Tension in the clearing was ebbing away.

Bramblestar jumped down from the Great Oak. The other leaders followed. The Clans were separated in preparation to make the journey home.

Twig and Violet had raced over to Hawkwing, embracing him happily. Their father would stay.

Chapter Text

SkyClan crowded around the camp entrance, excitement rising from them. Fallowfern was helping Tinycloud along while Harrybrook kept peering out of camp. Rabbitleap paced up and down the length of the camp.

Macaulay looked nervous. “I hope it’s not a long walk.”

“We’re crossing a single border,” Sandynose reminded him.

Macaulay glanced at Tinycloud. The woman already looked exhausted. “Let’s just hope that kid can wait until we’ve got a new camp.”

Alderheart rushed to join them. “Speaking of- when she goes into labor, send for me or Leafpool. I’m sure Frecklewish will appreciate some help.”

“Thanks, boy,” Sparrowpelt replied.

Leafstar stood beside the camp entrance. “Everyone ready?”

As they nodded, Bramblestar appeared on the Highledge from his cave. “Good luck,” he called. “A ShadowClan patrol will be waiting on the border. Would you like an escort?”

“We can manage,” Leafstar replied.

Alderheart glanced at Violet and Twig, who trailed after their father as he joined his Clan. He wondered if they’d be able to part. Violet and Twig would be separate once more. Violet had announced after the Gathering that she was going to join SkyClan. Although she’d still be neighbors with Twig, they couldn’t live together.

Then, Twig turned to face him. “I have something to say.” She met Alderheart’s gaze once, then quickly looked to Bramblestar.

Alderheart knew what she was going to say. His heart sank.

“I’ll always be grateful to ThunderClan for raising me,” she began. “But I don’t belong here. My place is in SkyClan.”

Chapter Text

Ferns trembled in the moonlit clearing. Soft black shadows drowned the forest floor. Beautiful flowers covered the ground, their petals blowing in the wind. In the distance, a comfortable cottage sat, dark but welcoming.

Alderheart knew this place. He had brought Twig here to see her sister when they were both just children. Moreso, this is where he’d meet with Needletail.

He didn’t realize he’d wandered so far looking for herbs. What was he even looking for? Tansy grew somewhere around here. Or perhaps he could find some marigold. That would be useful.

He startled when the bushes rustled. A figure had appeared in the meadow with him. A thin, tall woman. Her black hair was long, sticking around her face as though wet. In the dark, there was a shine over her clothes, as though she was completely soaked.

“Hello?” Alderheart approached her carefully. Who was this woman? Did she need help? “Are you okay?”

Her features were obscured by something. Alderheart realized she was crying. Tears streamed down her face. Her eyes were white and bulging.

Alderheart froze, horrified. The tears had a strange color to them- clear green, like lake water. Seaweed was stuck in her hair. Up close, Alderheart could see water dripping from her clothes. Her mouth was hung open, the same water that dripped from her eyes also coming from her lips.

His eyes widened. “Needletail?”

Needletail couldn’t seem to focus on him. She stood completely rigid, lake water pouring from her eyes and mouth. She seemed absolutely soaked by it.

Alderheart leaned closer, watching as her mouth opened further, although about to speak. But all she let out was a choked rasp as a red hole blossomed in between her eyes.

Alderheart reared back, horrified, as the wound began to gush blood, mixing with the lake water. Red, bleeding lines grew over Needletail’s forehead, like ice cracking.

“I’m dreaming,” Alderheart breathed. “It’s a nightmare.” Louder, he said, “how can I help you? Tell me what you need.”

Needletail let out another rasp. Another wave of water cascaded from her mouth, now turning red as blood mixed with it.

“Tell me how to help you,” Alderheart begged desperately. “Why aren’t you in StarClan?”

The ghost of his friend stared at him, leaking with the lake water she’d died in. But she could not speak.

Alderheart startled when she slowly raised one hand, then the other. Both were palm up. Her left she kept fanned out, all five fingers stretched. On the other, she only raised one finger.

“Six.” Alderheart spoke for her. “Six what?”

Needletail moved her hands closer together.

“Six what?” Alderheart repeated. “Please, I need more information.”

He blinked, and he was staring at the ceiling of the healer’s hut. Alderheart sighed, rubbing his eyes. Had that been a nightmare, or an actual omen? He’d never seen a StarClan warrior look like that.

He sat up to look outside and check the time, then froze.

Needletail’s ghost, waterlogged and bleeding, stood over him. Lake water dripped onto the floor in front of her. She was there for just a moment, then vanished.

Alderheart shuddered with fright.

Chapter Text

“How did you sleep?” Hawkwing asked as he came to sit beside his daughters.

“I’m sure it’ll be better once we have proper huts and beds,” Violet commented.

Around them, SkyClan was waking up. Fallowfern and Bellaleaf were helping Tinycloud into the clearing. Blossomheart was gathering up the apprentices to go hunting. She nodded to Hawkwing and his family as she passed.

Violet waved back awkwardly. She was her aunt, although Violet wasn’t comfortable around her yet. She’d always wanted a mother and father, but she hadn’t realized that also included a grandmother and aunts.

Hawkwing had two older sisters, Cloudmist and Blossomheart. Cloudmist seemed a bit more reserved, greeting the twins when they crossed paths but otherwise ignoring them. Blossomheart, on the other hand, was trying a bit too hard to form a relationship, for Violet’s liking. If she wasn’t training Fin, she was calling for Violet or
Twig to come hunting with her, or asking if she could help them with chores. Violet didn’t have the heart to tell her off.

Six months had passed since they’d left ThunderClan’s camp. SkyClan had made a lot of progress. Leafstar had picked out a small clearing where the pine trees opened to let a narrow stream cut through. Cedar and juniper also grew here. Violet knew this spot already. Needletail had shown it to her before. Low branches formed a natural dome for the grove. Ferns formed a rough outline, which Leafstar planned to reinforce with bramble. SkyClan was already making an apprentice’s hut out of juniper and a warrior’s hut out of brambles, though it would take some work before they were comfortable. Another bramble thicket was being used to build the nursery beside the stream.

Leafstar’s hut was being built from an old cedar at the far end of camp. The entrance was an arch woven from thinner branches, while the hut itself was being carved out of the trunk of the tree. It was leaned against a pile of boulders covered in moss, which had a natural cave beneath it where the healer’s hut would be.

“This place is beautiful,” Twig commented. “I can’t believe ShadowClan walls up in that ugly bramble thicket and not in a place like this.”

Violet glared at her, a bit hurt. ShadowClan’s camp wasn’t ugly. “This place was too close to the border,” she said. “They probably wanted someplace closer to the center of their territory.”

Twig thought a moment. “I suppose. Still, this place looks better.”

Violet wouldn’t look at her. In the three days she’d been away from ThunderClan, Twig had started acting like they’d always been SkyClan. This wasn’t the first time she’d said something rude about ShadowClan. Twig was aware her sister had never really felt like ShadowClan, but that didn’t mean Violet was comfortable making fun of the only people who had given her a stable home.

Hawkwing chuckled, pulling her from her thoughts. He was watching Tinycloud waddle over to the stream for a drink. “It’ll be nice having a kid run around again.”

“Do you ever wonder what we looked like when we were little?” Twig asked, her eyes bright.

“Every day.” Hawkwing’s eyes glistened.

“Do you miss our mother?” Twig asked.

Violet glared at her. Had her sister always been this insensitive?

“Yes.” Hawkwing’s voice was husky. “Your mother was so kind and thoughtful. She was the love of my life.”

“Can you tell us about her?” Twig asked.

Violet nudged her. “He can when he’s ready.”

Hawkwing glanced at her gratefully. “It’s okay, Violet. I’ll always be happy to talk about your mother.”

Violet dropped her gaze, wondering if he really meant that or if he just didn’t want to disappoint Twig. Violet also wanted to know more about her mother. She didn’t even know what Pebbleshine looked like.

Twig leaped up. “You can tell us while we hunt.”

Hawkwing laughed. “Okay, okay. Help your dad up.”

Twig grabbed Hawkwing’s arm, pulling him to his feet. He stretched, then sighed, satisfied.

They headed out of camp. The land Rowanstar had given to SkyClan started half way down the ThunderClan border, then hit the lake shore. SkyClan had only been given a small stretch of the beach, but their land grew wider as it reached the pine forest.

Twig limped ahead, her head high. Her leg had been healing little by little over the past months. Leafpool and Alderheart had been taking turns coming to SkyClan’s camp every other day to work with the SkyClan healers and check on the warriors. Alderheart had stated Twig’s leg had healed at an odd angle, and she’d probably have a limp the rest of her life. But that never seemed to slow her down.

She had such an optimistic approach to life. A naive one, in Violet’s opinion.

“Aren’t the ditches this way?” Twig glanced back at her. The ditches were perfect for easy hunting.

“No.” Violet hurried to watch up, pointing toward a rising hill. “They’re this way.”

Twig frowned. “All these trees look the same to me.”

“You’ll get used to it,” Violet promised.

Twig looked unconvinced, but she didn’t argue.

“Let Violet lead the way,” Hawkwing called. “She knows the land better than us.”

Twig frowned as Violet slid past her, starting up the rise that would lead to a dip. Violet felt a bit guilty, but surely Twig realized she’d know the land better? She had lived here almost all her life.

Twig got over her disappointment immediately. She dropped back to walk beside Hawkwing. “Can you tell us about mom now?”

Violet glanced back at them.

Hawkwing nodded. “We were apprentices together, you know. She was made an apprentice a year after me. But she had enough of it by the first month.”

“I know how she felt,” Twig sighed.

Hawkwing went on. “She was desperate to impress her mentor, Billystorm. She got up before dawn every day to finish her chores so they’d have more time to train.”

Violet knew how that felt.

“One day, Billystorm gave her a test. He told her to sneak out of camp, catch a rabbit, and come back. But there was a catch. He was going to ambush her and try to take the rabbit. She was supposed to escape and race him back to camp.” Hawkwing smiled as he spoke, remembering it fondly. “She was so excited. I remember watching her pace back and forth, trying to find a way out of camp.” He was nearly interrupted by a laugh. “She…She couldn’t find anyway to sneak out. So she climbed out of the gorge. I’ll never forget it- she climbed up the wall of the gorge.”

Twig’s eyes were shining with admiration.

“Your mother did everything right. She caught a rabbit, and when Billystorm ambushed her, she fought him off with all her strength. But she forgot one important thing.”

He paused teasingly.

“What was it?” Twig demanded. Violet leaned closer.

Hawkwing laughed. “She forgot the rabbit! She’d been so desperate to beat Billystorm back to camp, she completely forgot about the rabbit.”

“Oh no!” Twig gasped.

“She realized her mistake as soon as she reached camp. I was waiting at the entrance to see how she did. When she saw me, she started begging for help- she could hardly speak, she was so out of breath. She said to distract Billystorm. She told me to run to the nearby cabin and climb and tree. I thought she was crazy. But I did what she said. I ran to the cabin and climbed the first tree I saw. Not long after, Billystorm appears. He’s panting now too, looking around.” Hawkwing cleared his throat, then made his voice more rough, clearly impersonating Billystorm. “‘Hawk! Hawk! Are you okay? Pebble said a wolf was chasing you.’”

Twig gasped, horrified. “She lied?”

Hawkwing nodded. “She did. And you shouldn’t lie. But you gotta admit, that was quick thinking! She distracted Billystorm long enough to get her rabbit and get back to camp before him.”

Twig smiled. “Was Billystorm impressed?’

“Sure was! He let her have first pick for dinner that night. And he wasn’t even mad when he found out she’d used me as a decoy. What was it he said…?” He put his hands on his lips, letting his voice go deep again. “‘I told her to get the rabbit, beat me, and come home. I never said how!’”

Violet watched Hawkwing as he spoke. Her father looked happy to be talking about Pebbleshine, even though she was dead. She wanted to know how. Whenever she thought of Needletail, all she felt was raw grief.

She felt a hand brush her arm. Hawkwing had joined her side. “You don’t mind me talking about your mother, do you?”

“It doesn’t affect me,” Violet said. “I never knew her.”

“You must have only been a few days old when you lost her,” he said softly.

Violet hesitated. “Isn’t it hard talking about her?”

“Never,” Hawkwing said. “I loved her. And if all I have left of her are memories, then I’ll love those memories.”

“You have us, too,” Twig pointed out.

Hawkwing looked back at her. “I do. And you remind me so much of her.” He ruffled Twig’s black hair. “Brave and adventurous. Only someone like Pebbleshine would set out on her own to track down a lost Clan.”

Violet swallowed back her jealously.

Hawkwing turned to Violet. “And you’re like me. Your mother would have been proud of you both. And I am, too.”

Violet smiled, but didn’t respond.

Chapter Text

Twig glanced up at the towering pines. A fierce wind hollered through the branches, making them rock. She missed the sturdy trees on ThunderClan’s land. Their ancient roots twisted deep into the earth, keeping them in place. Here, the pines leaned dangerously with each gust.

“Twig!” Fin called. “Stop standing there and help!”

A storm was on the way, and Leafstar had sent the apprentices out to gather supplies to strengthen the huts and camp walls. Twig had gone with Fin and his brother Dew to find good branches. Fin had already collected a good pile of sticks. His brother wasn’t too far off, ripping up a branch bush.

Twig joined them, glancing up at the trees. “Aren’t you scared a tree might fall down?”

“Why should we be?’ Dew asked. “They’ve been here this long. They can survive a windstorm.”

Twig squeaked when a branch tumbled down nearby.

Fin laughed. “Haven’t you lived in a forest your whole life?”

“The oak forest is different,” Twig replied. “The oak trees block out the wind. These ones sway with it.”

“ShadowClan does fine,” Fin reminded her.

“And the wind is blowing down plenty of branches,” Dew added.

Twig scanned the forest. Branches and twigs were everywhere. She bent down to grab them, including the one that had spooked her. She wished she was back in camp with Violet and Reed, helping to build huts instead of gather supplies. Violet was constantly being praised for how well she knew the land, so why wasn’t she out here putting that to good use?

Not for the first time, Twig found herself regretting her decision.

She had wanted to live with Violet and Hawkwing- her family. But SkyClan were all strangers to her. She tried to get along with her grandmother, Cherrytail, and her aunts, but she wasn’t clicking with them. Not like how she clicked with Hawkwing. All of SkyClan seemed strange. They were much more disorganized compared to ThunderClan. Leafstar acted like an ordinary warrior, letting Hawkwing assign her to patrols with the others. If Hawkwing even did organize patrols. SkyClan warriors seemed to do what they wanted, volunteering for border patrols or pairing up with friends to go hunting.

Then there was their fondness of outsiders. Twig had been shocked to discover all of SkyClan had once been townsfolks or were descended from townsfolks. At the gorge, they’d even had some warriors who lived in town at night, but came back in the morning to help the Clan. Many of them had returned to their town homes permanently when Darktail took over the gorge. The only one who’d stayed but hadn’t been killed was Macaulay.

Now there were so few SkyClan warriors. Their were almost as many apprentices as warriors. And no camp aides until recently. Fallowfern, a deaf warrior, had taken up the position once it had been explained to Leafstar. There were also no senior warriors, it seemed. Or at least the older warriors weren’t treated how Twig expected them to be.

On top of all of that, SkyClan didn’t wear cloaks. It was a staple of Clan culture- cloaks were made by Clan elders and given as a mark of adulthood when children became apprentices.

Twig felt homesick.

She felt like she’d lost her connection with Hawkwing ever since Violet had entered the scene. The two were so much alike. They thought the same and acted the same. Twig couldn’t help but feel jealous. She’d met Hawkwing first. She’d found SkyClan. This should be her home.

Fin was staring at her. “You okay?”

She blinked. “Sorry, just lost in thought.” She reached for another branch. “I’m still getting used to living here. Don’t you find this place strange?’

“Everything has felt strange my entire life,” Fin said.

“Do you miss the gorge?” she asked.

Fin shrugged. “Never lived there.”

Dew walked over with a bundle of sticks. “Fin was born just after SkyClan left the gorge. I came a year later. When we were kids, we lived upstream from the gorge.”

“Have you ever seen it?” Twig asked.

“Nope,” Fin said wistfully.

Twig leaned closer. “But you wish you had?”

Fin looked away. “The warrior talk about it all the time.”

Twig’s heart pricked with sympathy. She hadn’t realized she wasn’t alone in feeling left out when SkyClan reminisced about their old lives. Just like her, Fin and the younger apprentices had lived their whole life in places they could never truly call home.

Fin smiled warmly. “Next time they talk about it, I’ll remember that exciting day I found twigs with Twig.”

Twig giggled. “I’m very good at this task, you must admit. I was named for it.”

Pulled out of her own thoughts, Twig returned to her collection, and so did the boys. They worked in comfortable silence with a newfound understanding of one another.

The wind tore at the trees overhead, the roar growing louder. All around them, trees cracked.

“Let’s get back to camp,” Fin suggested. “We’ve got enough.”

As they joined together again, a gudt of wind slammed into the trees around them. A crack rang through the air. Heart lurching, Twig looked up. A massive branch was hurtling toward them.

“Look out!” She grabbed Fin’s arm, dragging him away. Pine needles sprayed her face as the brach hit the ground with a thud. Dust and bark showered around them.

“Fin!” Dew screamed.

Twig blinked through tears. Fin was on his stomach on the ground. The branch had landed on his leg. It was huge- as wide as a tree trunk.

“My leg!” Fin wailed in pain. “It’s stuck!”

“We need to get help.” Twig’s thoughts raced. Were the SkyClan healers ready for an emergency like this? Could she make it to ThunderClan’s camp in time? She turned to Dew. “Run back to camp. We need help lifting the branch. I’ll go to ShadowClan’s camp and get Puddleshine.”

Dew stared at her in horror. “We can’t leave Fin all alone. What if-”

“We’ll only be gone a few minutes,” Twig interrupted. “Fin will be fine.” She looked down at him. “You’ll be fine.”

“Hurry,” he croaked. “This hurts!”

Dew had already taken off. Twig ran straight for the ShadowClan border. The forest flashed beneath her. She injured leg began to ache immediately, but she pushed through it. She hoped she was going in the right direction to ShadowClan’s camp.

Her heart leaped when she recognized a mushroom covered tree stump. She kept running, her leg burning. Was that the bramble arch beyond the trees? Relief washed through her as she recognized the ShadowClan camp.

She skidded to a halt in the entrance.

Shocked faces turned to face her.

“Intruder!” Scorchfur called.

Juniperclaw had stood up to face her. “You’re trespassing.”

“Twig?” Puddleshine appeared from his hut. “Is something wrong?”

Twig was fighting for breath. “Fin!”

Puddleshine hurried from his hut.

“A branch fell and crushed his leg,” Twig puffed.

Puddleshine turned and pushed back into his hut. He returned a moment later with a satchel. He followed Twig back out of camp.

Twig led the way back to Fin. She could see figures in the distance, and knew Dew must have returned with warriors.

Hawkwing and Sandynose stood on either side of the branch, ready to lift it. Plumwillow sat beside Fin. “Don’t worry, dear. They’re about to move it.”

Hawkwing and Sandynose gripped the branch, straining as they attempted to lift it. Rabbitleap had shoved another branch beneath it and was trying to lever it up. They were slipping on the pine needles. The branch wouldn’t move.

Puddlshine slid past them to examine Fin’s leg. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”

Fin didn’t answer. His eyes were glazed over.

“He’s in shock,” Puddleshine said. “We need to get him warm.”

Twig unclipped her gray cloak and threw it over Fin.

Plumwillow pulled Fin’s upper body into her lap, her eyes wide with fear.

“Sorry, I’m about to be a bit rude,” Puddleshine said awkwardly, then his face turned stony. “You! And you!” He pointed to Hawkwing, then Rabbitleap. “Find sturdy sticks to wedge under the branch on either side. We’ll use them as levers. You-” he turned to Sandynose. “-are going to help us pull him free once the branch is moved.”

Happy to be given direction, Hawkwing and Rabbitleap hurried off to find the right branches. Sandynose knelt in front of Fin, taking his son’s hand.

Hawkwing and Rabbitleap soon reappeared. Twig backed out of the way as they wedged large, sturdy branches beneath the huge tree limb. Puddleshine held up three fingers to count down. “Lift and pull everyone. Three…two…one!”

With all their strength, Hawkwing and Rabbitleap practically threw themselves on top of the branches, straining to lift the tree limb. Twig’s heart stuttered as the levers bent under the huge weight. Sandynose and Puddleshine had grabbed either of Fin’s arms and began to drag him forward.

Twig could hear creaking and realized the huge branch was beginning to move. Plumwillow scooted out of the way, allowing Fin to be pulled free. But the apprentice was completely limp. Even once freed, he didn’t move.

“Is he dead?” Twig wailed.

“He’s alive,” Puddleshine panted, kneeling to examine Fin. “Cut one of those branches in half and we’ll make a splint before we move him. If his legs are broken, they need stabilized.”

While Rabbitleap started on the task he’d been given, Hawkwing joined Twig, putting a hand on her shoulder. “You should get back to camp.”

Twig stared at Fin. “I don’t want to leave him.”

“He’s i good hands,” Hawkwing promised. “It’s cold out here. Let’s get you home and warm.”

Twig jolted. “Is Violet still in camp?”

Hawkwing’s eyes were round with worry. “She switched with Nectar to go collect sticks.”

Twig’s heart skipped a beat. She raced off back toward camp, praying that StarClan wouldn’t let two apprentices be crushed in a single day.

But when they returned to camp, they found most of the apprentices already there, including Violet. The black haired girl turned when her sister and father appeared. “Where’d everyone go?”

“Fin had an accident,” Hawkwing said.

Reed, Fin’s older sister, looked horrified. “Is he alright?”

“He was crushed by a fallen branch,” Hawkwing explained. “Puddleshine is with him.”

“Does he need help?” Fidget asked anxiously.

Hawkwing shook his head. “He has this handled. But I’m sure he’d appreciate if you’d prepare a space for Fin in the healer’s hut.”

Fidget raced off at once.

Just as he was disappearing, Leafstar entered camp with a bundle of sticks. She froze when she spotted Hawkwing surrounded by the apprentices. “Did something happen?”

Twig was trembling.

“I’ll tell you later,” Hawkwing replied. “I want to get Twig to her bed.”

“Is she okay?” Leafstar asked.

Violet’s eyes widened. “Did she get hurt too?”

Twig stared at them in disgust. Fin was the one hurting. Why were they wasting time with her?

“She’s just scared and cold.” Hawkwing led Twig to the apprentice’s hut.

As Twig laid down in her bed, Violet entered, unclipping her cloak. “Of course she’s cold. She doesn’t have any cover.”

Twig sighed with warm as Violet’s black and white cloak settled over top of her. As soon as her head hit the bed, she felt sleep grabbing at the edge of her vision. She couldn’t keep her eyes open and allowed it to take her. But she knew her dreams would be filled with Fin.

Chapter Text

“And borage! We need borage.” Jayfeather was mostly murmuring to himself. “Tansy, too. All of these are too brittle. Catmint is of utmost importance as well. Don’t let me forget all this, Alderheart.”

Alderheart blinked, not realizing he was supposed to be paying attention. “You never forget a word,” he teased. “Especially when it comes out of your own mouth. The only other person who enjoys the sound of their own voice so much is Berrynose.”

“I should slap you,” Jayfeather commented thoughtfully. “But I’m always impressed when you manage to think of a comeback without stuttering through it.”

Alderheart sat up straighter. “Over a decade stuck in here with you will do that.”

“Correct, brother of mine. It’s all part of my curriculum.”

“Being a jerk is part of your curriculum? StarClan bless ThunderClan’s next healer apprentice. I thought about slipping deathberries into your food more than once, you know.”

“Oh, I figured,” Jayfeather replied slyly. “But only after Sparkfire put the idea in your head, yes?”

Alderheart blushed.

His silence was reward enough and Jayfeather grinned. “You’re too nice to think of assassination on your own.” He turned to face Alderheart, holding his hands out. “Go on. Punch me. I give you full permission.”

Alderheart startled, and could only stare at Jayfeather for a long moment. Sure, Jayfeather could be frustrating to deal with, but Alderheart would never really want to hurt him. They were brothers.

Jayfeather chuckled. “Thought so. Now enough messing around. Go get us something to eat before we have to leave.”

“Sure, Jayjay.” Alderheart stood and exited the hut.

Out of habit, he looked toward the apprentice’s hut. Although it had been several months since Twig had left with SkyClan, Alderheart always expected her to appear, bright eyed and ready for the day. He saw her during Gatherings when she was chosen to go, but even those monthly meetings weren’t guaranteed.

“Hi, Alderheart!” Leafpool called. She was walking beside Briarlight, who wheeled along in her chair. “We’re doing laps to keep warm. Briarlight’s getting faster.”

“I’m going the same pace I always go,” Briarlight said. “You’re just getting slower.”

Leafpool laughed, amused. “It’s these old lady legs.” She turned to Alderheart, then gestured to the firepit. “Wait for the hunting patrols to come back.”

Alderheart shook his head. “I wouldn’t want to waste food.”

“Waste it while you can,” Briarlight commented. “This winter will be a bad one.”

“Come on, Briarlight,” Leafpool encouraged. “Let’s do one more lap. And try not to stop this time.”

“You’re the one who keeps stopping!” Briarlight retorted. “What’s with old ladies and talking to every single person they come across?”

As Alderheart started for the firepit again, he noticed Squirrelflight jumping down the stumbled rocks. “Cloudtail, Thornclaw, and Poppyfrost will come on a border patrol with me.”

Cloudtail groaned. “Border patrols are exhausting nowadays. We have three borders to cover. ShadowClan, WindClan, and SkyClan.”

“It’s literally the exact same border,” Squirrelflight reminded him, unamused. “You’re traveling the same exact same distance.”

“Well it feels like more work.” Cloudtail crossed his arms.

Thornclaw shrugged. “He’s not wrong. That’s three Clans who could cause us problems.”

“Would they?” Poppyfrost wondered. “SkyClan is still adjusting to life here and ShadowClan is weak. They would be foolish to attack.”

“Exactly- they’re clueless and weak,” Thornclaw said. “Stealing game would be easy.”

“You know, we could stop them if we went on patrol,” Squirrelflight growled, gesturing toward the camp entrance.

Alderheart watched as she led them out of camp. His stomach tightened with worry. Surely the other Clans weren’t planning on causing trouble. The last few months had been so peaceful.

Lilyheart had been sitting at the firepit. She scooted closer when he sat down. “You seem tired.”

“There’s been a lot of change lately,” he said.

Lilyheart nodded. “I still can’t believe Twig left.”

Alderheart heard sadness in her voice. “You must miss her.”

“Of course I do. She’s my daughter. Or…like my daughter. I’m not sure now that she’s found her real family,” Lilyheart replied. “Either way, it’s hard to raise a child only to watch them leave.”

As Alderheart began to eat, his attention was drawn to the nursery. Blossomfall and Bellsong sat just outside, watching as Eagle stumbled forward on unsure legs. Her little arms were outstretched. Alderheart quickly sat what she was grappling for. Graystripe stood not far off, with Plum sitting on his shoulders.

“Plum!” Blossomfall called. “Let your sister have a turn with grandpa.”

Plum pouted. “But I’m not done yet! Grandpa is gonna help me climb all the way to Bramblestar’s cave.”

“He better not!” Bellsong chided.

“How’d you hear her all the way over there?” Graystripe rasped. “You can’t even hear me when I’m yelling in your ear.”

“What?” Bellsong called. Blossomfall snorted, amused.

Eagle had stumbled up to Graystripe’s leg. “Up!” she requested, gripping his pantleg.

Plum whined. “No! Not yet.”

“Don’t worry, Plummy,” Graystripe reassured her, taking one hand off her leg and bending down. “Your grandpa might be a kooky old bear, but he’s still just as strong!” He scooped up Eagle in his free arm, clutching her to his chest. “Come on, girls! To the Highledge!”

Both girls cried with glee as their grandfather stomped toward the tumbled rocks.
Alderheart’s chest swelled with affection. He wished Twig could be here to see this. She used to be Plum’s number one playmate. But he supposed she had Tinycloud’s baby to play with now.

Once he’d finished eating, he gave Lilyheart a quick farewell, then headed back for the healer’s hut. He had to dodge around Dewnose and Ambermoon, who were sweeping leaves out of the middle of the clearing. Sparkfire lingered nearby.

Dewnose glared at her. “You’re supposed to be helping us, you know.”

Sparkfire had her arms crossed and a cheeky smile on her face. “Thornclaw never told me to help. He told the apprentices to.”

“The apprentices are doing other chores,” Ambermoon said. “You haven’t hunted today. So pitch in.”

“The camp aides should be doing this,” Sparkfire argued.

Dewnose narrowed his eyes. “Daisy and Firesong are busy in the nursery and Briarlight can’t hold a broom.”

Sparkfire scoffed. “Firesong shouldn’t even be working in the nursery right now. He’s just worried about his dumb kid.”

The argument continued, but Alderheart turned away. He didn’t know what had gotten into Sparkfire lately. She’d been especially aggressive towards the other Clans, and that was even bleeding into how she treated her own Clanmate. Normally, he’d grab her arm and drag her away to talk to her kindly. But she deserved to get yelled at by older warriors for her bad attitude.

Graystripe marched past him with his granddaughters again, and Alderheart took a deep breath. It had been a good day so far. And tonight was the half moon meeting. He didn’t have thoughts to waste on his sister.

His mind was directly beside him, on the soaked, wide eyed specter that haunted the very edge of his vision.

Chapter Text

“Still no Willowshine, huh?” Kestrelflight asked, peering over the rim of the hollow.
Jayfeather shifted impatiently beside the Moonpool. “We’ve waited long enough. Neither of them are coming.”

“It’s worrying, isn’t it?” Puddleshine asked. “What if StarClan has a message they can’t deliver because neither of them come?”

“StarClan spoke to Echosong, even though we didn’t have a Moonpool,” Frecklewish pointed out.

“You told us about the glowing cave behind the waterfall, though,” Leafpool pointed out. “Just like how we had the Moonstone in the old forest.”

Jayfeather scoffed. “StarClan has always been able to reach healers away from conduits. They’ll be fine. Now can we please start?”

The night sky was clear and sparking overhead. A cool breeze swirled into the hollow, making the Moonpool ripple.

Alderheart dipped his hands into the cool water, then drank.

The ground fell away beneath him. He relaxed into it, swirling among the stars. Then, he felt grass underfoot. Sunshine warmed his skin and he opened his eyes to find himself in StarClan. He was surprised when he turned to see the other healers beside him. They also glanced around, tense.

“Where’s StarClan?” Puddleshine asked. The hilltop was deserted.

Frecklewish and Fidget were looking around in wonder, their eyes glittering as they took in StarClan’s realm.

In the distance, Alderheart spotted several figures milling around a stream.

“Let’s go to them,” Leafpool said.

“No need.” A deep voice took Alderheart by surprised. He turned.

Firestar was approaching them, his orange hair speckles with stars. Others followed.

He was followed by a few others. Directly beside him was a tall, black haired man, along with another man with lighter hair and a crooked bottom jaw. Both of them towered over a small, thin man. Alderheart knew this must be Tallstar, Stormstar, and Nightstar, recognizing them from descriptions Jayfeather had gave him before. The last was just as big as Stormstar, with dark brown hair. The meadow behind him was visible through his figure. He was older than all of them, but Alderheart didn’t recognize him.

“Willowshine still isn’t coming?” Stormstar asked, scanning the healers with dismay. Despite his broken jaw, he didn’t seem to have any trouble speaking.

Leafpool nodded. “She’d be here if she could, I’m sure.”

Stormstar exchanged a glance a Firestar. “It’s worse than we thought.”

Firestar nodded. “You must bring RiverClan back to the Clans.”

“Mistystar has already given the decree,” Kestrelflight said. “Perhaps this is for the best. RiverClan is only healing. It’s not like when my father cut off WindClan or when ShadowClan was taken over by rogues.”

Firestar’s green gaze was dark with worry. “There isn’t time for healing.”

The man Alderheart didn’t recognized stepped forward. “We are glad you made room for SkyClan.”

Delight surged through Alderheart. He’d been right.

Firestar nodded to the man. “Fill them in, Spiderstar.”

Spiderstar turned to face the healers. “SkyClan is where it belongs, but the challenges for the Clans are not over. The decisions you make now will change your ways forever. But the dark sky must not herald a storm. To fend it off, you will ended more than five fingers.”

Alderheart felt the hairs on the back of his neck lift. A prophecy about a dark sky?Despite the warm sunshine, h felt a chill run through him. What did it mean? He looked to Jayfeather, hoping to see understanding in his blue gaze. But his brother was starting to fade, along with the rest of the healers. All around him, the grass and sky were dissolving. He felt himself fall, his heart rushing.

Then, he woke in the Moonpool’s hollow.

“Wow!” Frecklewish gasped. “We actually spoke to StarClan. And they spoke to us.”

“They gave us another prophecy,” Jayfeather growled, irritated.

“Yes, but what did it mean?” Leafpool asked.

“Don’t know, don’t care. Let’s just give it to the leaders and they can do something,” Jayfeather said.

“No!” Alderheart protested. “We have to work it out. Last time we gave our leaders a prophecy it was a disaster.”

Leafpool smiled sympathetically. “We should all be thinking about it. And discuss it. We’ll need another sign before we work out its meaning.”

The others nodded in agreement. Alderheart followed them to the rim of the hollow. As soon as he was a step from the Moonpool, that same ghost appeared in his vision. Every time he turned his head to Needletail, she seemed to disappear, as though beholding her would shatter her presence. She was always at the very edge of his vision, and had been ever since he’d experienced that dream.

This time, she raised her hands once more, holding up six fingers.

He thought of Spiderstar’s prophecy, and the mention of more than five fingers.

Something dawned on him. Perhaps Needletail’s message was much more literal than he’d previously thought. He was supposed to literally find someone with six fingers.

Needletail lowered her hands, but her ghost followed him all the way home.

Chapter Text

Twig pulled up another flower stem. She shook the dirt out of the roots and laid it in the basket beside her. Soon she’d have enough to decorate the apprentice’s hut with. She shivered, rubbing her arms a second. The clear sky had brought cold weather. With Fin still using her cloak, she felt much less comfortable than usual.

At least the huts were ready for such weather. The apprentice’s hut was now waterproof. Twig had helped Fallowfern and Sandynose weave brambles into the warrior’s hut to make it thicker. Now their attention was on strengthening the elder’s hut after Barley had complained of a draft. Twig had decided to decorate the apprentice’s hut and make it nice for when Fin recovered.

He was still standing in the healer’s hut. Leafpool and Puddleshine took turns coming to check on him. They were the only ones who ever entered. Plumwillow had originally been sitting with Fin, but he’d sent her away. Now he didn’t want visitors at all. Twig had asked to see him numerous times, but she’d been shooed off.

Footsteps sounded behind her. “You know these are eventually going to wilt, right?” Violet asked.

“I know,” Twig said. “It’s just to welcome Fin home once he starts walking again.”

She didn’t turn, not wanting to see the doubt in her sister’s eyes.

Violet came to join her side, and began picking flowers to place in the basket. “It would probably be more efficient to just take these to him. They’re so nice, you should show him before they go bad.”

“He won’t be in the healer’s hut forever. He’ll be back on his feet in no time.”

“Really? He seems pretty comfortable there.”

“He doesn’t want to be there,” Twig said defensively.

Violet was losing her patience. “He seems to enjoy feeling sorry for himself.”

Twig turned to look at her, but saw there was no malice in her sister’s face. “Has anyone gone to see him today?”

“Dew tried,” Violet replied. “But he doesn’t want to see anyone. If you ask me, he’s just making himself worse. Moping in bed all day won’t help anybody.”

“Just give him time.”

“Why don’t you go talk to him?”

Twig startled. “If he didn’t want to see Dew, he won’t want to see me.”

“Sure he will,” Violet said. “He knows you saved him by getting Puddleshine. And Dew says you pulled him out of the way of the branch.”

“Not all the way,” Twig said, guilty.

“You saved his life,” Violet insisted. “If that branch hit his head or back, he could have died.”

“He won’t want to see me.”

“He’ll want to thank you, I’m sure.”

“For breaking his legs?” Twig rasped.

Violet paused. “I’m sure he’s grateful for his life over his legs.”

Twig sighed. Violet wasn’t going to drop it. “Fine. But if he turns me away I’m not pushing.”

Violet stood. “By the time you get back, I’ll have the hut decorated.” She took the basket and headed for the camp entrance.

“Hey, Twig!” Dew greeted her when she entered camp. “Find the flowers you were looking for?” He caught sight of Violet with the basket. “Seems so!”

“Where’s Nectar and Reed?” Violet asked. “I’m sure they’ll want to help.”

Violet sent a glance Twig’s way, then followed Dew into the apprentice’s hut. With a sigh, Twig turned toward the healer’s hut.

“Leafpool?” she called inside.

No one answer.

“Fin?” Twig tried. “Are you awake?”

“I am now,” Fin grumbled.

“Can I come in?”

“No.”

“Too bad.” She pushed inside.

Fin was laying in his bed. Both legs were wrapped in tight splits, forcing him to lay straight. Otherwise, he looked fine. His blonde hair was combed and his face was clean. Besides the darkness in his eyes, he was healthy.

“How do you feel?” Twig asked.

“Like my legs are broken.”

Twig sat at the edge of the bed. “In ThunderClan, there’s a camp aide with a broken spine. She’s the most cheerful person I’ve ever met.”

“Good for her.”

“You’ll be healed in no time.”

“So I keep hearing.”

Twig swallowed back her frustration. “I hope you’re not being mean to the healers.”
Fin didn’t answer.

Twig thought about the way they’d joked in the forest before. He’d always seemed much more upbeat than this.

“I wish I’d pulled you clear,” she blurted out. Sadness flooded through her. She should have reacted faster. Then he wouldn’t be stuck here.

Fin turned to her, alarmed. “Hey, I’m the one with broken legs! You’re not the one whose supposed to be sad.”

“Why not?” Twig asked, confused.

“Because you’re never sad. That’s what I like about you.”

Twig blushed. For a moment, she didn’t know what to say. “Uh…Reed and Dew are worried about you.”

Fin hummed in acknowledgement.

“They’re going to help me decorate the hut for when you get back. I picked a whole bundle of flowers today. They smell great.”

“Sounds…nice. Thanks.”

Twig smiled at him. “Does Leafpool know how much longer you’ll be in bed?”

Fin sighed. “A few months.”

Twig grunted sympathetically. “I’d go crazy if I was stuck in here for months.”

“Yeah. How do you think I feel?”

Twig shrugged. “You know, it might not be as boring if you allow visitors.”

Fin rolled his eyes. “You’re the worst.”

As they both laughed, the lichen swished and Leafpool entered. She seemed pleased to see Twig. “Having visitors after all?”

“She barged in,” Fin said.

“I wanted to check on him.”

“Finish it up, then you’ll have to leave,” Leafpool said. “I have to do a check up.”

“Can she stay?” Fin begged. “It’ll hurt less if I can talk to someone.”

“Does it hurt?” Twig asked.

“A little.”

“Sure,” Leafpool agreed. “I’ll be back in a moment. I’m showing Frecklewish how to soak leaves.” She grabbed a pile of herbs and left.

Fin shifted to get more comfortable. “So you do like it here? Your dad was super happy you decided to join us.”

“Yeah,” Twig replied. “It still feels weird. Like I’m in the wrong place.”

“Everyone feels out of place right now. But my dad says it’ll feel like home soon.” Fin’s eyes were wide with curiosity. “Leafpool told me you and Violet were raised in separate Clans. I was surprised to here that. You seem close.”

“We are close,” Twig said. “And I’m happy to finally live with her. And our dad.”

“Your dad’s cool.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re a lot like him.”

Twig shook her head. “No, Violet’s like him.”

“She is,” Fin agreed. “But you and Hawkwing act more like real warriors. Violet seems uncomfortable and unsure. You and Hawkwing are more confident. You’re brave and loyal, just like him. And nice.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

Twig blushed, and at the same moment, Leafpool and Frecklewish arrived. Both held wet leaves. Leafpool draped them across a log at the back of the hit. “We’re checking for if the swelling has gone down,” Leafpool was explaining. “All of the damage is external, so we mostly use sight to understand the condition.”

Frecklewish nodded in understanding.

Twig moved to sit closer to Fin’s head so he wouldn’t see as they began peeling off the splints.

Fin winced.

“What games do SkyClan kids play?” Twig asked.

“I figured it would be the same in any other Clan. Hide and seek, stalk the deer, hide the beechnut…”

“I played those too.” Twig felt a bit comforted, knowing kids were the same no matter where they came from. “But instead of hide the beechnut, it’s hide the pebble. And Violet’s version was hide the pinecone.”

“Now we’re going to rewrap it to make sure it doesn’t move,” Leafpool murmured to Frecklewish. “It’s important that the bone is always lined up correctly, or else it won’t heal properly.”

“Did you ever get to play with Violet?” Fin asked.

“Lots before we were separated. But we couldn’t once Violet moved to ShadowClan.” Twig wanted to comfort him with tales of how Alderheart snuck her out of camp to see Violet, but not with Leafpool listening.

Fin shifted. “We should all play together. Me, you, Violet, Reed, and Dew. We’ll play hide the pinecone.”

“Aren’t we a bit old for kid games?”

“Being made an apprentice doesn’t suddenly make you too old for games,” Fin teased.

“All done,” Leafpool said cheerily. “See how easy it is?”

“Yes,” Frecklewish agreed.

Fine turned, seeming surprised. “That was fast. It hardly hurt.”

“It’s healing well,” Leafpool said.

“And you had a distraction,” Frecklewish added.

Twig glanced away bashfully.

“We’re gonna start doing exercises with you,” Leafpool went on. “Nothing big. Just moving your legs up and down as much as you can.”

“I can help!” Twig said excitedly. “I used to help Briarlight do her exercises.”

“Fin’s will be a little different,” Leafpool said. “But you can help.”

Twig exchanged a delighted glance with Fin.

Chapter Text

“He was the sweetest thing. When he came to me that day in the rain, how could I turn him away? I could see in his eyes he was running from something. And if I could give him a place he could stop running, I would. After that day, Raven and I were attached at the hip.” Bittersweetness flashed in Barley’s blue eyes. “I loved him more than I’d ever loved anyone before.”

“Do you miss him?” Violet asked.

Barley thought a moment. “Kind of. But whenever I feel myself getting gloomy, it’s like I can feel his hand in mine. I know he’s still with me, watching over me. Although I can’t see him, I know I’m never alone.”

Pale’s brown eyes shone with emotion at the touching story. Fringe cooed with delight. Violet glanced at the other apprentices. She had thought they’d heard this story before, living with Barley for so long.

“How did he die?” Fringe asked bluntly.

Gravel nudged his younger sister sharply. “You know how. He was sick. And don’t be rude.”

Barley chuckled. “No, it’s alright. If he was here now, I’d tell him he was an idiot for not telling me he was sick.”

“The older warriors got to meet Raven, you know,” Violetsong added. “It wasn’t long ago he brought Bellaleaf, Rileypool, and us to SkyClan. He was so brave on that journey.”

“Especially for an old bear.”

Some of the apprentices giggled.

Barley leaned back, scratching his chin. “Now what story y’all wanna hear?”

“Oh! Oh! Oh!” Pale raised her hand excitedly. “Tell us about how you and Raven fought in the Blood Battle.”

“The Blood Battle?” Violet echoed. What were farmers doing in a battle?

Barley fixed her with a surprised look. “You don’t know about the Blood Battle? I thought you grew up in ShadowClan. They don’t teach you about it?”

Violet shook her head.

“Do you know about Tigerstar?”

“Um…” Violet thought a moment. She felt like she should recognize the name.

Violetsong tilted her head. “Isn’t it Clan tradition for elders to pass down the history with stories? Aren’t their elders in ShadowClan?”

“There are,” Violet said, nodding vigorously. There were elders in ShadowClan, but none that would tell her stories. She’d always been told not to bother the elders with questions, or get them on rambles.

“So why don’t you know about Tigerstar?” Pale asked. “We know about him, and none of our ancestors were anywhere near the Blood Battle.”

“I…I recognize the name.” Violet drew in on herself, embarrassed. She felt like she was missing out on a joke. “Was he a leader?”

“A ShadowClan leader who was born in ThunderClan,” Barley grunted. “Pretty big part of ShadowClan’s history. Not a good sign if they’re not telling kids about the Blood Battle.”

“It was super bad,” Fringe blurted. “Like almost destroyed the Clans bad. Barley says Tigerstar made a deal with townsfolk- a couthy, can you believe it? But the couthy killed him! If it wasn’t for Firestar-”

Gravel elbowed her again, harder this time. Violet thought she must look miserable as everyone stared at her.

Footsteps sounded outside. “Gravel? Pale? Are you in here?” Cherrytail’s wrinkled face appeared in the hut entrance. “Come on out, all of you! Story time will have to wait. It’s training time.”

The other apprentices immediately got up to race into the clearing and find their mentors. Violet followed a little slower, her head dropped.

Cherrytail frowned. “You okay, dear? You seem upset.”

“It’s nothing,” Violet said. She glanced up at Cherrytail This was her grandmother. Strangely, Violet couldn’t see her like that. They looked nothing alike. They acted nothing alike.

But Cherrytail had a naturally reassuring face. Perhaps it was a grandma thing.

“It’s just…” Violet tried to think of how to word it. “Have you ever felt like you’re in the right place, but it feels wrong because its someone else’s place?”

“Yep.”

Violet startled. “Really?”

Cherrytail nodded seriously. “I felt like that when I first joined the Clan, too.”

“Joined…?” Violet’s eyes widened. Cherrytail hadn’t been born here?

“Surely you’ve heard the story of how Firestar brought back SkyClan?”

“Vaguely,” Violet said, frustrated. Did everyone know more about Clan history than her? “I know he went to the gorge to find the descendents of SkyClan.”

“Yes,” Cherrytail said. “I was one of them. My brother and I, Sparrowpelt, had been born in a town nearby. But we’d always been drawn to that gorge. Actually, we used to bully this poor old man who lived nearby, not knowing he was the last warrior of SkyClan. But when Firestar arrived, he told us about SkyClan, and thought we might be descended from them. We joined immediately. But it was strange. We were the first ones, you know. Firestar and his wife, Sandstorm, already knew what a Clan was supposed to be. I felt like I was intruding on their culture, even know it felt like I belonged there.”

Violet blinked at her, surprised, as she took in the new information. She had never thought it would be so easy to find someone she related to.

“Did you ever stop feeling like that?” Violet asked.

Cherrytail nodded. “I did. SkyClan is my home. It’s my place. And after I figured out where I belonged in that place, the rest came easy.” Her gaze was soft. “We’re so glad you’re here, Violet, even if you were a stranger to us just a year ago. We love you very much.”

Chapter Text

Movement flashed in the corner of Twig’s eye. A rabbit was threading through the shriveled frogs of the ferns a few lengths away.

“Twig!” Sandynose’s snap grabbed her attention. “Are you even listening?” He was staring up at a pine tree.

“I’m listening,” Twig replied, still watching the rabbit.

Mist swirled through the trees, muffling any sound. Clouds were massing in the sky. Twig wished she had the bravery to ask Fin for her cloak back.

Sandynose’s eyes were narrowed. “See that bird?”

Twig dragged her gaze away from the rabbit. A sparrow was flitting between the branches. “I see it.”

“Climb the tree and catch it,” Sandynose instructed.

“There’s a rabbit over there,” Twig murmured. “It’s bigger than a sparrow and will be easier to catch.”

Sandynose glared at her. “We’re practicing bird catching, not rabbit catching. SkyClan warriors hunt birds.”

Twig’s heart ached, wishing SkyClan was more like ThunderClan. Ivypool wouldn’t tell her to catch birds. Ivypool would praise her for spotting the rabbit.

“Twig!” Sandynose shouted.

“Sorry,” Twig murmured.

“Get up that tree!”

Frustrated, Twig grabbed the bark of the tree and began climbing her way up.

“Find the deep hand holds,” Sandynose said.

Twig knew that.

“Make sure you’re balanced before you move.”

Twig new that.

She wished Leafstar had chosen someone a little more patient to be her mentor. Sandynose knew she’d been training as an apprentice for four years now, yet he treated her like she’d just earned a cloak.

She hauled herself up to the spindly branches of the pine. She wondered if Fin enjoyed doing this. He could probably climb the Sky Oak on ThunderClan’s land. Her thoughts began to wonder. Although he was twelve, like her, his shoulders were broad. He was going to be handsome when he was fully grown. He already was handsome in Twig’s eyes. And funny. And kind.

“Twig!” Sandynose snapped. “Are you going to hang there all day?”

Twig’s fingers were burning. She pushed up harder, finding a thicker branch to hold on to.

The sparrow had fluttered higher. Twig sighed. Why wouldn’t Sandynose let her catch the rabbit? Did he realize any game was good game? Tinycloud wouldn’t care if she was eating a sparrow or a rabbit. She had a baby to nurse. Her milk didn’t taste different because she ate a bird over a rabbit.

Twig scrambled onto the next branch, then the next, following the spiral into the tree. The sparrow hopped along a bough overhead. Twig paused, looking for a route through the branches.

“Hurry it up!" Sandynose called.

Alarmed, the sparrow flew higher.

Twig wished it was socially acceptable to yell at adults. Gritting her teeth, she hauled herself onto the next branch. Finally, she was level with the sparrow.
It was digging its beak into the pinecones.

Twig drew her dagger and slowly inched along the bark. She moved slowly, trying not to shake the branches.

Then the branch snapped.

She felt herself falling and scream. Memories of searing pain shot played through her mind. Weaver wasn’t here to drag her to safety this time.

She squeezed her eyes shut. But the thud and the pain never came. Instead, she heard Sandynose’s voice in her ear.

“You okay?”

She opened her eyes, and found herself in his arms. He’d caught her. He slowly put her down, then backed up to give her room to breath.

Sandynose sighed. “That’s enough for today.”

Twig felt awkward as she followed him back to camp. She was supposed to be SkyClan. Her father was, her mother was…her grandparents, too. So why couldn’t she get the hang of their ways?

“Hi, Twig!” Fin called. He was standing outside the healer’s hut- well, standing with support. Two long, straight branches were tied to his wrists his vines, serving as canes for him to walk with. He had to waddle, his legs still wrapped in splints. But in recent days, he’d been well enough to start walking.

“Hey, Fin.” Twig separated from Sandynose to greet her friend.

“Why’s my dad look frustrated?” Fin asked. “You causing trouble?”

Twig sighed. “Just disappointing him.”

“Everything does.”

Twig giggled. “The truth is, I’m having trouble with hunting in the trees.”

Fin rolled his eyes. “My dad wants things to be how they were in the gorge. But pine trees aren’t good for climbing. Yesterday, he said the best way to strengthen my legs was to find a cliff and climb it. He’s gotta get it into his skull that we live by a lake now. Not a gorge.”

Twig nodded in agreement, although she would never say anything insulting about Sandynose. Although he was difficult to get along with, he was still her mentor and she had respect for him. Besides, he was Fin’s father. They didn’t always get along, but she didn’t think Fin would want her to be rude about his family.

“I guess it’s just hard for adults to change,” she said. “In ThunderClan, the elders always complained about youngsters and their silly ideas. Once time Graystripe asked how training was going. I showed him a new hunting technique and he scoffed and said, “Game is game. You don’t need these fancy tricks.’”

Fin laughed. “Our elders are the same way. I can hardly stand being in there, listening to Barley recount every single second of his life.”

“I wish they’d start looking forward instead of backward,” Twig agreed. “SkyClan is at the lake now. They’d start loving it if they’d just open their eyes.” She felt a pang of homesickness. “I wish I could show you ThunderClan’s land. It’s beautiful. And there’s so many places to play.” She paused. “Actually, I know a place on SkyClan’s land. Or at least close to SkyClan’s land. I used to play with Violet there.”

“I thought you couldn’t play with her after she left.”

“It’s a secret I didn’t want Leafpool to know.”

Fin looked eager. “Can we go find it?”

“Right now?” Twig would love to. “Can you walk that far?”

“So long as we take it slow.”

“Sure,” Twig agreed.

“Then let’s go. Leafpool won’t even notice we’re gone.”

“What about your dad?”

Fin looked around. “No sign of him. Most of the warriors are out.”

He led the way to the camp entrance. As quickly as Fin could waddle, they raced up the fern covered rise, then ducked into cover so Twig could check the forest. She tried to remember the direction of the meadow. She knew it was between ThunderClan and ShadowClan’s land. So she led the way up the border, away from the lake.

“Why didn’t you want Leafpool to know you still played with Violet?” Fin asked.

Twig glanced at him. “Alderheart and Needletail used to sneak us out of camp. It was the only way we could see each other.”

“You must have been lonely.”

“I was.” Twig knew Violet had been, too. With a flash of guilt, she remembered happily running home after ShadowClan had taken her hostage, and how Violet had cried for her. She had ThunderClan, who was always kind, but Violet had been completely alone in ShadowClan. But now the situation had shifted. Violet had Hawkwing, and she’d even started hanging around Cherryfall lately. She didn’t need Twig anymore.

“It’s great you two are in the same Clan now,” Fin said.

“Yeah,” Twig sighed. She recognized the curved slope ahead. Brambles edged the base. “It’s this way.”

She scrambled down the other side and yelped Fin clamber over a fallen tree. The forest opened in front of them. Gazing at the sky, she saw dark clouds. Rain was on the way.

A voice made them both freeze. “What’s this?”

Twig raised her head. A tall, lean man stood on the rise, looking down at them with brown- yellow, almost- eyes. At first, Twig thought he was a giant. But most of his size came from a large, fluffy coat he wore.

“Dios mio!” he rasped. His voice had a strange accent. “I just chased those dumb kids off again. Now there’s more of them? Deja de fornicar en mi césped, maldito seas!”
Twig exchanged a glance with Fin. She’d never seen this man before. “We’re sorry. We didn’t know someone lived here.” Was this the man that lived in the flowery cottage?

“What other kids are coming here?” Fin asked.

The man glanced between them. “You don’t know I live here? You don’t know my tale?” He threw up an arm dramatically. “Have I faded so soon? Oh! Not even el pequeño sanador mentions me?”

Fin leaned close to Twig. “He talks weird.”

The man put his hands on his hips. “Don’t be rude. It’s already rude forgetting me.” He was silent for a moment, then stopped his foot. “How could you forget me?” he whined. “I made the sun go out! I owned the pine forest! Estrella negra tonta e ingrata! Pensé que teníamos algo pero me echó. Inútil!”

Twig and Fin exchanged a glance. Twig knew elders went senile once they got too old, but this man didn’t even look old enough to retire.

Another, much more familiar voice, made them jump.

“Burn the stars!” Berrynose cursed. “Lionblaze! Sol’s out!”

Twig heard Lionblaze crashing through the forest long before he appeared. “Sol! What have we told you about coming near the tree line?”

Before either warrior could spot them, Twig shoved Fin back toward the pine forest.

“Ay!” They heard Sol shriek behind them. “I’m on my property! I’m on my property!”

The two apprentices didn’t stop moving until the sounds of a struggle were muffled by pine trees. They found a clearing to stop in, then stood panting.

Twig’s face flushed. She’d wanted to show Fin that meadow in hopes they could play there. But now they knew someone lived there and would be watching them. Even worse, they’d almost gotten caught by a ThunderClan patrol.

But when she looked up at Fin, he was laughing.

“Wow! Did you see the look on that guy’s face when Lionblaze appeared? It was like he was staring at his own death!”

Twig’s lips twitched into a smile. “Yeah…yeah, I guess it was pretty funny.”

“And all those weird words he was saying? What a strange guy! I thought he was putting a curse at all.”

Slowly, Twig joined in on his laughing. After the initial fear, it had been pretty funny. Then, the name Berrynose had said struck her.

Sol.

“Great StarClan!” Twig gasped. “That’s the man who predicted the sun would disappear, way before I was born. He tried to take over ShadowClan.”

Fin stared at her seriously for a long moment, then they both burst into laughter.

“That guy almost took over ShadowClan?” Fin sneered. “That pathetic scrap? He was pouting like a little kid.”

Twig stomped her foot. “‘How could you forget me?’” she whined. “‘I made the sun go out!’”

Fin laughed. “‘I’m on my property! I’m on my property!’”

Twig’s stomach hurt from laughing. Through tears in her eyes, she watched the way Fin’s face changed as he laughed. Even with his eyes half closed and his teeth bared, he was handsome.

Chapter Text

“I’d like to visit ShadowClan,” Alderheart said. “I need to ask Puddleshine about something.”

Bramblestar blinked at him. “Now?”

“Yes.”

“You’ll need an escort.”

They were sitting together on the Highledge. Alderheart had been mulling over this for ages. He knew the prophecy was speaking of someone with six fingers, but that was all he knew. Not their age, not their gender, not even where to find them.

Puddleshine couldn’t help with the prophecy. But perhaps someone in ShadowClan could give him a clue of how to appease Needletail’s spirit.

“I should probably visit SkyClan, too,” Alderheart said. “I’d like to check on Frecklewish and Fidget. They’ve had their hands full lately.”

“Wait for the patrols to return,” Bramblestar insisted.

“I’m a healer. I don’t need an escort.”

Bramblestar glanced at him. “You’ve gotten more assertive since you were small. Alright, you can go. Just be careful.”

“Of course.”

“And don’t tell your mother I let you go alone.”

Alderheart chuckled. “Sure, dad.”

He headed down the rock tumble and out of together. Setting a brisk pace, it wasn’t long before he crossed the stream and found the path that led to SkyClan’s camp.

When he entered camp, Leafstar sharply looked up from her conversation with Macaulay. “Hi, Alderheart. Can I help you?”

Alderheart gulped in air. “Do you know someone with six fingers?”

Leafstar blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Do you know anyone with six fingers?” Alderheart repeated. “Has SkyClan ever had a warrior with six fingers?”

Leafstar shook her head. “No.”

“What about Sunny?” Macaulay asked. “Has anyone checked?”

“I’m sure Tinycloud would have told us by now,” Leafstar said. “Are there any six fingered warriors in other Clans?”

“Not that I know of,” Alderheart answered.

“May I ask why you want to find someone with six fingers?” Leafstar asked.

Alderheart didn’t have time to explain it all. “I believe StarClan wants me to.”

Leafstar and Macaulay exchanged a glance.

“We can’t really help with that, kid,” Macaulay said.

Alderheart sighed. It had been worth a shot. “Alright. Thanks anyway.”

“Any time,” Leafstar said. “Do you want an escort back to the border?"

Alderheart shook his head. “No, that’s okay. I have business in ShadowClan, actually.”

He trudged out of camp. Well, that was one mystery still in the air. But as lake water splashed in the edge of his vision, he turned in the direction of ShadowClan. With any luck, another mystery could be solved.

When he arrived at the ShadowClan border, he heard pine needles crunching and decided to wait as a patrol approached. Through the trees, he recognized Strikestone, Spikefur, and…Ratscar?

Alderheart blinked, surprised. “Are you a border patrol?”

“Duh,” Strikestone sneered.

Alderheart tilted his head. “With an elder?”

Spikefur shrugged. “With our Clan so small, we need all the help we can get.”

“Don’t worry,” Ratscar said. “I’m happy to have a job. I’m old, not dead.”

“What are you doing here?” Strikestone asked.

“I need to speak to Puddleshine,” Alderheart explained. “I’d really appreciate if you’d take me to him.”

Spikefur nodded. “Sure. You can walk with him.”

Alderheart couldn’t help but sigh in relief. He’d gotten use to hostility at borders. It was nice to have the warriors acting a little more reasonable for once.

“I have a quick question,” he began. “Would any of you happen to know someone with six fingers?”

Strikestone and Spikefur exchanged a confused glance. “No?” Spikefur was the one to answer.

“Even in the Kin?”

Strikestone glared at him. “No!”

Alderheart dropped the subject.

As they neared ShadowClan’s camp, Alderheart became aware of raised voices. But the way Strikestone and Spikefur startled, he reckoned it wasn’t good.

The patrol pushed into camp to find Scorchfur and Rowanstar facing each other.

“We barely had enough people to patrol two borders. Now we have three!” Scorchfur growled.

“Leafstar promised us friendship,” Rowanstar said, gritting his teeth.

ShadowClan warriors littered the camp. Puddleshine peered out from his hut. Juniperclaw and Oakfur were sitting near the edge of camp. Cloverfoot, Gullswoop, and Slatefur sat around the firepit. Grassheart was bundling Snake and Flower back into the nursery. Tawnypelt, her arms crossed, stood outside Rowanstar’s hut with Tigerheart at her side.

All eyes were on the Clan leader.

“It was Tigerheart’s idea,” Rowanstar reminded Scorchfur.

“‘It was Tigerheart’s idea,’” Scorchfur echoed in a high pitched, mocking voice. “Is there anything happening in your head except your own son’s voice?”

Alderheart glanced around, wondering if he should be watching this.

“I’d like to see you try to lead a Clan!” Rowanstar snapped. “You could use the skills you learned from Darktail.”

“At least he knew how to lead.”

Tawnypelt glared at Scorchfur. “You betrayed your Clan, now you insult your leader? Show some respect?”

“He’s done nothing to earn it,” Scorchfur growled. “If he’d driven out Darktail in the first place, none of that would have happened. Instead he allowed them to stay near our land and fill our apprentices’ heads with nonsense.”

“Rowanstar has made mistakes,” Tawnypelt said. “But he still has StarClan’s blessings.”

Grassheart and Snowbird exchanged glances. Slatefur was staring at the ground.

“You couldn’t have done much better if you were leader,” Tawnypelt went on. “You blame Rowanstar, but you were disloyal to your Clan. Our children grew disrespectful and arrogant. That is the fault of the parents and mentors, not Rowanstar. He cared about ShadowClan when none of you did. He still wakes in the middle of the night, haunted by the ghosts of his lost Clanmates.”

Alderheart jolted.

Scorchfur rolled his eyes. “He’s lucky. He has the blessings of StarClan to keep him alive. His Clanmates didn’t.”

“That’s not a fair statement,” Puddleshine said. “StarClan wouldn’t have blessed him if they didn’t believe he’d be a good leader.”

“Tigerstar, Splitstar, Dawnstar,” Scorchfur rattled off. “I don’t think StarClan is the best judge here.”

Gasps sounded around the clearing.

Tawnypelt’s eyes were like green flames. “Do not talk about judges. You let the rogues take over your Clan. You let them drive us away. You are a traitor.”

“Why do you think I chose the rogues over Rowanstar?” Scorchfur snapped. “He was weak then, and he’s weak now.”

Tawnypelt’s hand flashed out, nailing Scorchfur in the jaw.

Alderheart backed away, horrified.

Scorchfur reached up to grab the front of Tawnypelt’s shirt. She dragged him to the ground and they began to wrestle. Scorchfur grabbed Tawnypelt’s head and slammed her into the ground. Gasps echoed through the clearing.

She sat up, dazed, then her face twisted with hatred. “Traitor!”

“Enough!” Tigerheart shot forward, grabbing his mother and dragging her back.
Rowanstar’s eyes were wide. “We are a Clan! We do not fight each other.”

Alderheart backed away toward the camp entrance. Puddleshine’s blue eyes were wide with shock, but he hadn’t even seen the ThunderClan healer. Alderheart would have to wait to talk to him.

Chapter Text

“You took him to the meadow?” Violet’s eyes were wide with shock.

Twig winced. “I don’t know why you’re upset. We were just going to play.”

Violet looked hurt. “Because that’s our spot! That’s where Needletail used to take me to see you. It’s special.”

“We don’t use it for that anymore,” Twig argued, not understanding the problem. “Why are you making a big deal out of this?”

“Because it’s special!” Violet rasped again. “It’s special to me, and it was special to Needletail. You can’t just-”

She was interrupted by a voice calling out from outside the camp. The sisters exchanged a glance, recognizing Fallowfern fretting.

Juniperclaw had appeared in the camp entrance.

Fallowfern hurried after him. “You can’t just walk into our camp!”

Juniperclaw turned on her. “You can’t just invade our land!”

Fallowfern stared at him blankly.

Leafstar shot out from her hut. She crossed the clearing to stand with Fallowfern. “She can’t hear you.”

“Is that why she wondered onto my land to steal my herbs?” Juniperclaw growled.

Fallowfern glanced around. “Did I do something wrong?”

Leafstar shook her head, then gently shooed her away.

Fallowfern moved away, frowning. “I’m sorry, Leafstar.”

Juniperclaw looked frustrated. “Aren’t you going to punish her?’

“What for?”

“Crossing the border! Rowanstar’s gonna be furious when I tell him.”

“Then don’t tell him.”

Juniperclaw looked shocked. “Just because we gave you land doesn’t mean you can walk all over us.”

“She’s deaf,” Leafstar explained. “She doesn’t understand the border markers yet.”

“She should!” Juniperclaw growled.

Leafstar narrowed her eyes. “It’s not like you’ve been keeping your markers updated.”

Juniperclaw glared at her.

She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. Fallowfern is still getting used to the land. I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

As she spoke, Leafpool entered camp. She stopped when she saw Juniperclaw. “Did something happen?”

“I caught your camp aide stealing herbs!” Juniperclaw snapped.

Leafpool looked distraught. “That’s my fault. I’m still getting used to the new borders. I must have sent her to the wrong herb patch.”

Juniperclaw rolled his eyes. “What kind of Clan borrows a healer who knows even less about your land than you do?” He looked around camp. “And where is everyone?”

“Busy.” Leafstar’s tone was defensive.

“When they stop being busy, give them a lesson in borders,” Juniperclaw growled. “Next trespasser gets gutted, deaf or not.”

He stomped out of camp and disappeared into the forest.

“I’m so sorry,” Leafpool said. “I should have just gone with her.”

“It’s okay,” Leafstar assured her. “I’m sure Rowanstar will understand. The borders aren’t being properly marked.”

“He’d never admit that,” Leafpool grunted.

“I wouldn’t expect him to,” Leafstar said. “But I trust he won’t want to start a conflict over it.”

Twig and Violet exchanged a worried glance, their argument forgotten. Border tension was never good. What if ShadowClan demanded their land back?

Leafpool walked off to find Fallowfern. On the way to her hut, Leafstar passed the sisters. “Can you two make yourselves useful?” she asked gently.

“Sure,” Twig offered. “What do you need.”

“The warrior’s hut is due for a cleaning.”

Violet nodded. “Yes, Leafstar.”

As soon as Leafstar was gone, Twig turned to glare at Violet. “We wouldn’t be on chore duty if you hadn’t started an argument in the middle of camp.”

Violet returned the glare. “We wouldn’t have argued if you hadn’t been stupid about a boy.”

Twig rolled her eyes. “I’m not being stupid! I’m allowed to have friends besides you.”

Together, they squeezed into the warrior’s hut to start assessing the damage. As Twig took a look at skewed beds and tossed bowls, she grumbled. She knew this wasn’t a punishment. She knew Leafstar was just flustered. But did she have to be the one to deal with this?

Macaulay was the only warrior in the hut. “Hello, girls. What are you doing in here?”

“We’re on chore duty,” Violet said miserably.

Macaulay waved one hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about my bed. I keep my space clean. Unlike the rest of these hooligans.”

Violet sighed. “I’ll start ripping open the beds. You go get more bedding.”

Happy to be away from her sister, Twig exited the hut. She already knew Fin wasn’t in camp, and there was no point in looking for him. Blossomheart was taking him out training again. Sandynose, Dew, and Sagenose had just returned from hunting. Reed and Fidget had taken a break to eat together.

“Twig!” Sandynose called. His gaze was serious as he approached her.

Twig sighed. What had she done wrong now?

His voice was stern. “I need to speak to you about Fin.”

Twig frowned.

“I don’t like you hanging around him so much.”

She blinked at him. “We share a hut!” How could she avoid him?

“That doesn’t mean you have to go running off with him every chance you get.”

“We only go hunting together. We’re not doing anything wrong.”

“He doesn’t need to be running around this much. He needs rest.”

“He wants to hunt.”

“Discourage him.”

“Why?”

Sandynose glared at her. “He’s got a lot of training to catch up on. He needs all his energy for Blossomheart’s lessons. Besides, seeing you do everything so easy is hurting his feelings.”

Twig blushed. Was that true? “But I’ve been helping him.” She’d been teaching him to be silent, even on his crutches.

“He’s young and fond of you,” Sandynose said, ignoring her. “I don’t want him taking risks to impress you.”

“I wouldn’t let him!” Twig whined.

“You’re being a distraction,” Sandynose growled. “Just stay away from him. It’s for the good of the Clan.”

He walked off and Twig stared after him, angry and hurt. Fin was her Clanmate. She was allowed to be around her Clanmate.

Footsteps sounded at the camp entrance. Twig turned, half expecting Juniperclaw to show up and throw another tantrum.

Instead, Ivypool entered, followed by Lionblaze, Birchfall, and Thornclaw. They stopped in the center of camp, waiting for Leafstar to approach them.

“Leafpool!” Fidget stuck his head into the healer’s hut. “Your Clanmates are here.”

Leafpool appeared from the healer’s hut. “Ivypool!” Her gaze warmed. “How’s Bristle?”

“Doing well,” Ivypool said politely.

“I assume Firesong is watching her?” Leafpool’s eyes sparkled.

“Yes. He’s an excellent father.”

“That’s good to hear. I hope he doesn’t mind being in there with four little girls,” Leafpool said amused.

Ivypool smiled fondly. “He’s just fine. He quite enjoys being in the nursery. Although it’s really more like three little girls. Plum has been exploring camp. She seems to especially love causing trouble in the healer’s hut.”

Leafpool laughed. “Jayfeather can’t be too happy about that.”

“He is not. But Alderheart says he just likes to complain.”

Twig felt a jab of homesickness. Jayfeather used to complain about her.

Birchfall cleared his throat. “Ivypool?”

The baby fever in Ivypool’s eyes melted, replaced with something dark. “Oh. Right. We came here looking for Dovewing.”

Leafstar frowned. “Is she missing?”

“No one has seen her since yesterday night.”

Twig stiffened.

“She didn’t say where she was going?” Leafstar asked.

Lionblaze shook her head. “Not a word.”

“Have you already searched the whole forest?” Leafpool asked.

“ThunderClan and ShadowClan,” Ivypool said. “No one has seen her.”

Leafstar turned to Sandynose. “Has there been any signs of trespassing?”
“None that’s been reported.”

Leafstar looked worried. “You’re welcome to search our land, but I’ll send Rabbitleap to keep an eye on you.”

“That’s fine,” Ivypool said. She turned away, heading for the camp entrance. Rabbitleap hurried after them.

Twig watched them leave, her stomach tight. Not just fear of Dovewing, but also sadness that her former Clanmates were leaving so soon. Ivypool hadn’t even looked at her.

Chapter Text

Alderheart unrolled another bundle of catmint, disappointed. “It’s starting to rot.” The leaves were dark at the edges. “I hope this rain ends soon.”

“Hoping doesn’t get you very far.” Jayfeather pulled a roll of comfrey from the herb store.

Alderheart frowned. “Those smell rather strong for being dry.”

“They’re not dry,” Jayfeather grunted. “Nothing’s dry.”

Alderheart peered out of the hut anxiously. Rain pounded the camp. A large puddle had formed in the center of the clearing. The entire Clan was safe in their own huts. All except Bramblestar and his patrol of Squirrelflight, Brightheart, Sparkfire, and Berrynose, who had volunteered to go hunting in the horrible weather.

The thorn barrier quivered as Ivypool led her search party into camp. Alderheart pulled up his hood, then splashed into the clearing. “Any sign of her?”

Ivypool looked stressed. “Nothing. No one has seen her.”

“Any trace of her will be washed away in this weather.” Alderheart looked up at the sky. Was this the storm StarClan had prophesied?

Lionblaze put a hand on Ivypool’s shoulder. “Go see Bristle. We’ll bring you something to eat.”

Ivypool nodded to him gratefully, then trudged off toward the nursery. Lionblaze stood back with Alderheart to watch her go. He assumed they were thinking the same thing- it must be awful to lose a sibling.

Suddenly, pebbles clattered down from the top of the cliff, landing on Highledge.

Alderheart looked up nervously. Rain was streaming down the cliff. Ferns and brambles sagged over the top. The earth groaned.

“We might have to evacuate,” Lionblaze said. “Last time we had weather this bad a tree fell into camp.”

The cliff groaned again. A chunk of rock shifted at the top, then broke away and dropped into the hollow. Soil and plants were pulled after it. Alderheart startled as it smashed into Highledge.

Lionblaze took a deep breath. “Evacuate! Clear the camp!”

Stormcloud was the first to shoot out from the warrior’s hut. Lionblaze faced him.

“Clear the warrior’s and elder’s hut,” he ordered. “Get everyone to the lake.”

Stormcloud nodded. When Cinderheart and Bumblestripe stumbled out of the hut, he repeated the orders. Cinderheart disappeared back into the hut while Bumblestripe rushed to grab the elders.

As more warriors streamed out, the orders were repeated and echoed until the whole Clan knew what was happening. Whitewing led the way out of camp with Lilyheart and Poppyfrost on her heels.

Ivypool had appeared from the nursery carrying Bristle. Cherryfall followed with her daughter, Bay, while Blossomfall had Eagle with Plum at her hip. Firesong was the last to exit, glancing nervously toward the cliff top as it creaked.

Alderheart stared in horro as a lump of stone fell toward the clearing. Lionblaze grabbed him by the arm and dragged him back toward the thorn barrier. Behind him, rubble and earth exploded as the stone hit Highledge.

“Jayjay!” Alderheart called.

Lionblaze hared after him into the healer’s hut. He called over his shoulder, “Cloudtail! Snowbush! Get Briarlight out of here!”

The older warriors hurried to the warrior’s hut where Briarlight had just emerged, her chair’s wheels sticking in the mud.

Lionblaze shouldered into the healer’s hut. Jayfeather was in the back, desperately shoving handfuls of herbs into a satchel. He yelped when Lionblaze picked him up and slung him over his shoulder.

“Let go!” Jayfeather snapped. “My herbs!”

“Leave them!” Lionblaze shouted.

“We can get more.” Alderheart fell in behind Lionblaze.

Bumblestripe was herding Bellsong, Graystripe, and Brackenfur through the thorn tunnel. Lionblaze waited to exit, not bothering to put Jayfeather down in case he decided to race back into his hut. Most of the clearing was deserted. It was just the healers, Lionblaze, and Snowbush pushing Briarlight’s chair through the mud. Alderheart noticed him stop to glance at the cliff top.

A massive piece of stone broke from the cliff. It slipped like ice into the clearing. Soil, plants, and stones showered around it. Snowbush’ grip on Briarlight’s chair tightened and he threw her forward as far as he could. She yelped, putting her hands out to catch herself in the mud. Alderheart felt Lionblaze grab him, shielding both him and Jayfeather as the stone crashed into the clearing.

Alderheart peered around his brother.

“Snowbush?” he rasped.

Briarlight laid on the ground on her stomach, her chair overtop of her. Behind her, a white cloak was caught beneath the the rubble.

“Snowbush!” Lionblaze raced forward.

Alderheart scrambled after him. He pushed past the older man to examine Snowbush. His eyes were closed, but his chest was rising slowly.

“Get that rock off him!” Alderheart instructed.

Gritting his teeth, Lionblaze lifted the stone, his feet digging deep into the mud. Alderheart grabbed Snowbush’s arms and pulled him through the mud. When Lionblaze dropped the stone, Snowbush was clear.

Quickly, Alderheart glanced toward Briarlight. But Jayfeather was already at her side, sitting her chair up and helping her back in. She was trembling with fright, but seemed unharmed. Alderheart knew Jayfeather would be thorough with a check up.

“Get help,” Alderheart instructed Lionblaze.

Alderheart began checking over Snowbush. His upper body was fine, but when Alderheart checked where the stone had crushed him, he gasped. Snowbush was bleeding heavily on the back of one leg. A jagged bone poked out from the skin where it had broken. Alderheart felt bile rise in his throat and quickly swallowed it down.

Snowbush groaned, opening his eyes blearily.

“You’re safe,” Alderheart said quickly. “But your leg is broken. Lionblaze is getting help.”

Lionblaze reappeared, followed by Molewhisker, Birchfall, and Lilyheart. The woman let out a cry of anguish when she saw Snowbush. She crouched beside her husband.

“Jayfeather!” Alderheart called. “Is Briarlight okay?”

“Yes,” Briarlight replied. She turned to Jayfeather. “Go help Snowbush. I’m fine, honest.”

“Great StarClan!” Molewhisker had caught sight of Snowbush’s leg.

“We need to get him out of here.” Lilyheart glanced fearfully toward the cliff top.

“Be gentle,” Alderheart cautioned as Lionblaze and Birchfall took Snowbush under the arms. “Don’t let his leg touch the ground.”

Snowbush groaned, stumbling along on one leg.

Alderheart glanced around camp. Highledge was hidden beneath a pile of dirt and stone. Rubble covered the clearing in every corner. Mud and twigs plastered each hut. Stones were blocking the entrance to the healer’s hut.

Alderheart looked up at the black sky. Was this the storm StarClan had promised? How could someone with six fingers have prevented all this?

Chapter Text

Violet sat at the edge of the meadow, her legs crossed and her chin in one hand. She watched as the lights in the cottage flicked off, signaling Sol was heading to bed for the night.

She still couldn’t believe Twig had shone someone else this place. Didn’t she realize how important it was? How special? Violet could vividly remember playing with Needletail here as a child. This had been difficult back then, but still easier than they were now.

A sudden, strange sound broke through her throats. She raised her head, her heart pounding. Was someone close by? Was it an animal? The sound was like a roar, deep and bellowing.

Then, she recognized it as a snore.

Confused, she stood up and wandered further along the tree line. She followed the sound as it got louder, peering around a pine tree.

Beneath a large, ancient looking oak leaned a blonde haired boy. He looked to be about her age, maybe a year or two older. His chin was on his chest and his hands folded in his lap as he slept.

“Uh…hello?”

The boy snorted, startling awake. He rubbed his eyes, then looked up at her. “Who are you?”

“I should be asking you the same question,” Violet said. “Why are you on SkyClan’s land?”

“I was told to be.”

“By who?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Violet frowned. “You can’t be here.”

“Why not?”

“It’s Clan land. You’re trespassing.”

“You have really pretty eyes.”

Violet blushed, startled.

The boy was looking up at her, his head tilted to the side. “They almost look purple. It’s really pretty.”

“Are you…is this flirting?” Violet asked.

The boy laughed. “You say that like you’ve never been flirted with before. A pretty girl like you? Don’t tell me you’re single.”

Violet was struggling to find words. “I’m not interested in boys. Now you need to leave. You’re trespassing.”

The boy stood up, rolling his eyes. “I was just taking a nap. Is it against the warrior code to take a nap?”

“It-...how do you know about the warrior code?” Violet had never met this boy before. He didn’t have a connection to the Clans, did he?

The boy smirked teasingly. “I know lots of things.”

“Then you should know you can’t be here.”

“My name’s Garrick.”

Violet huffed, annoyed. “I’m Violet.”

“Like your eyes,” Garrick commented. “That’s cute.”

“Stop it!"

“I’m just telling the truth,” Garrick said. “It’s a pretty name for a pretty girl.”

Violet narrowed her eyes. “Are you a rogue?”

Garrick shrugged. “Don’t know. I travel alone. I hunt, eat, and sleep wherever and whenever I want.”

“A loner.”

“Is that what it’s called?”

Violet looked him up and down. His blonde hair was fluffy, covering a lot of his face. He seemed muscular despite being so young. His brown eyes were bright and clear.

As she took the moment, Garrick glanced around. When he looked back to her, understanding shone in his eyes. “You’re Needletail’s friend?”

Violet jolted. “You knew Needletail?”

“Yeah. I presume you did, too?”

“Yes!” Violet rasped. “She was my best friend. But she’s dead now.”

“Well, duh,” Garrick scoffed.

Violet glared at him. “So how do you know her?”

“‘Cuz she’s dead.”

“What does that mean?”

“Violet!” Hawkwing’s voice sounded from the trees. He appeared a moment later. “There you are! Twig said you wandered off and-” He caught sight of Garrick. “Who is this?”

“His name is Garrick,” Violet said. “He was just leaving.”

“Actually,” Garrick countered, “I’d like to stay.”

Violet and Hawkwing exchanged a glance. “Sorry, boy, but we don’t like trespassers. You’ll have to leave.”

He took a step toward the boy, as though ready to force him. Garrick threw up his hands. “Wait! Pebbleshine had something to tell you.”

Hawkwing completely froze. “You…you know Pebbleshine?”

Garrick nodded quickly. “She says she’s sorry she had to leave you all so soon, but she’s watching you closely. She thinks you should spend a little more time with Twig.” He pointed to Hawkwing, then looked at Violet. “And she says she’s glad you’ve finally found somewhere you can be happy.”

Violet shook her head. “He’s just trying to mess with us.” Those messages were so vague. It would only take a few days of spying on the Clans for Garrick to learn what they wanted to hear.

Garrick glanced to his side desperately. “Dusk says he doesn’t blame you.”

Hawkwing jolted. “What?”

“He says he knows you panicked, and no matter what you did it was either him or Pebbleshine who would die. He doesn’t hold it against you.”

Violet looked at her father, confused. Who was Dusk? This person had never been mentioned to her.

“How do you know Dusk?” Hawkwing growled. “How do you know what happened?”

“He told me.”

Violet didn’t believe it. “He’s a spy. He’s been watching us.”

Hawkwing stared at the boy for a long moment. “No. He’s not.” His gaze held grief. “Dusk died long before you were born. Long before he could have been born.”

“Who’s Dusk?” Violet asked.

Hawkwing wouldn’t look at her. He gestured toward Garrick. “Go ahead. If you really can speak to him, tell her who he was.”

“Dusk is Hawkwing’s brother.” Garrick leaned to the side, as though listening to something. “Which makes him your uncle, and he’s very excited about that. He died in a fire after getting his leg stuck beneath a burning branch. But Hawkwing chose to save Pebbleshine from a ring of fire instead of him.”

Violet watched Hawkwing’s face as she listened to the story. Her father chose a girl over his own brother? She wasn’t aware that was something someone could do.

Fin flashed through her mind.

“Is it all true?” Violet asked.

Hawkwing nodded. “I don’t know who you are, boy, but you should come back with us. You should talk to Leafstar.”
Garrick smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

Chapter Text

Twig followed Sandynose and Sparrowpelt into camp after a border patrol. As they neared the cedar grove, she became aware of several voices in the clearing. Sandynose and Sparrowpelt exchanged a glance, then quickened their pace.

Ivypool, Cinderheart, and Bumblestripe stood in the center of camp, facing Leafstar and speaking in low murmurs. Bellaleaf and Sagenose listened while Fin and the other apprentices stood close by.

Ivypool’s black hair was mused. Bumblestripe was covered in mud and Cinderheart had a bruise on her cheek.

“There was no warning,” Ivypool said.

“The camp is ruined.” Bumblestripe’s gaze was dark.

“Did something happen?” Twig hurried to meet them.

Ivypool blinked. “There was a rockslide in camp,” she said grimly.

Twig’s stomach tightened.

“The rain knocked the cliff loose,” Bumblestripe added.

“Is anyone hurt?”

“Everyone,” Ivypool said. “We’re lucky no one died.”

“But Snowbush is badly injured,” Cinderheart said.

Twig gulped. “Is Lilyheart okay?”

“She’s fine,” Cinderheart reported.

“What about the children?” Sparrowpelt asked.

“They were the first ones out of camp,” Ivypool said. “They’re all safe.”

Leafpool looked at Leafstar. “I might have to return to ThunderClan.”

“No,” Ivypool said. “Alderheart and Jayfeather can manage.”

“But you said the healer’s hut is blocked,” Leafpool said.

“That’s why we’re here,” Ivypool said. “Jayfeather managed to grab some herbs, but the rest of out of reach. We were hoping you had some to spare.”

“Absolutely.” Leafpool hurried into the healer’s hut.

“We can gather more for you,” Leafstar offered.

“Let me help,” Twig volunteered. “I know what they look like.”

Sandynose scoffed. “You have training to do.”

“But it’s an emergency.”

“A ThunderClan emergency.”

Twig stared at him. After all ThunderClan had done for SkyClan, how could he be so cruel?

“Twig can help.” Leafstar fixed Sandynose with a stern look.

“Thank you,” Ivypool said. “ThunderClan is camping on the shore for the time being. Since the rain stopped, we’ve been working to clear the camp. It would be a big help if our warriors tasked with herb gathering could clear mud instead.”

Leafstar nodded. She looked at Twig. “If Leafpool gives you a list of herbs, could you take a patrol to find them?”

Twig nodded eagerly.

Leafpool had emerged from the hut with a satchel. “Thyme, comfrey, and marigold are of upmost importance. Goldenrod or nettle, too.”

“Fallowfern, Harrybrook, and Plumwillow can help,” Leafstar said.

Sandynose huffed. “That many? We can’t afford four people gone.”

“We’ll be safe until sunset,” Leafstar said. She turned to Twig. “Go on. But be back by dark.”

Twig headed for the entrance. Sandynose followed to block her path. “You can’t be part of two Clans.”

She stepped back. “I’m not trying to be. The warrior code says we help other Clans in need.”

Sandynose’s gaze was cold. “It also says to be loyal to your own Clan above all else.”

“Are you accusing me of being disloyal?”

“Depends. Which Clan are you fighting for?”

His words were sharp. She stared at him as he walked away. But she couldn’t be angry. Sandynose knew the truth- she couldn’t choose between ThunderClan and SkyClan. If staying here meant turning her back on the people who raised her, she wouldn’t be able to continue living here.

Chapter Text

Alderheart dipped a finger into the oak poultice, then smeared it over the cut on Sorrelstripe’s leg. She winced.

“Is it sore?” He couldn’t find any warmth or swelling.

“No. Just stings.”

“It should heal in a few days,” Alderheart assured her. He leaned back, looking around at the makeshift camp. The lake lapped at the pebbles nearby. No one had bothered making beds and several patches of ferns had been flattened. Bramblestar kept saying they could move back into the hollow soon, but it would be a while before all the earth was cleared. Some of the fallen rocks were too big to move.

At least no one had died.

Alderheart glanced at Snowbush. His broken bone had been reset and bound. Jayfeather had him on a strict diet of honey and nettles to treat the fever. Lilyheart hadn’t left him side. Now, she sat beside him, petting back his hair. Her eyes glittered with worry. Alderheart wished he could reassure her, but Snowbush’s wound was already infected.

Jayfeather had warned him to expect the worst.

Sorrelstripe limped away and Alderheart yawned. He’d hardly slept since the rockside. Not a single warrior had escaped without injury.

But before he could lay down for a nap, Lilyheart’s panic-stricken shriek made him jolt. “Snowbush? Snowbush! Wake up!”

Alderheart leaped up, joining her side. Snowbush had gone completely limp, his head lolling. His chest was completely still.

Alderheart sat back, grief thick in his voice. “He’s gone.”

“He’s dead?” Lilyheart’s hands flew to her mouth. “He can’t be! It was just a broken leg.”

“It was infected.” Alderheart couldn’t meet her gaze. “I’m so sorry.”

Poppyfrost and Bumblestripe had come closer, horrified. Jayfeather pushed between them. He put a hand on Snowbush’s neck. Then sighed. “He’s with StarClan.”

Chapter Text

Alderheart dragged his feet all the way to the island, his heart heavy. His Clanmates were silently, drained after the horrors of the past few days. Jayfeather hadn’t even come tonight.

Sparkfire walked beside Alderheart. Neither of them spoke.

Bramblestar led the way over the bridge and into the clearing. The other Clans were already there. Like always, RiverClan was missing.

SkyClan was much more confident, chatting with WindClan and ShadowClan warriors like old friends. They no longer seemed lost and awkward.

ShadowClan kept to the edges. Rowanstar had separated from his Clanmates. Alderheart glanced toward Puddleshine, then Tawnypelt, but neither would look up. Had something happened?

Alderheart and Leafpool joined the other healers. Puddleshine wandered over to them.

“How’s Snowbush?” Leafpool asked.

Alderheart simply shook his head.

Leafpool’s eyes widened with grief.

“Snowbush died?” Kestrelflight asked. “I’m so sorry to hear that. What happened?”

“The rainstorm caused a mudslide in camp,” Alderheart explained. “A falling rock broke Snowbush’s leg and it got infected.”

Kestrelflight’s eyes widened. “Do you think the storm had something to do with the prophecy?”

Alderheart returned his gaze. “I don’t know. But I have an idea about the back half of the prophecy meant.”

Kestrelflight and Puddlshine leaned closer.

“Spiderstar told us we need more than five fingers. So what if that was literal? I think we’re looking for someone with six fingers.”

Kestrelflight frowned.

“I know it sounds too easy,” Alderheart said. “But…” He wasn’t sure how to word it.

He’d told Leafpool and Jayfeather about his theory before the Gathering, and how Needletail had been haunting him. Jayfeather had been surprisingly supportive of it.

“Alderheart has been having visions of a dead warrior lately,” Leafpool explained. “She keeps holding up six fingers.”

Before the other healers could respond, Bramblestar climbed onto the lowest branch of the Great Oak. Harestar and Leafstar joined him. Rowanstar was the last to jump up beside them.

Alderheart suddenly realized how sparse the crowd seemed. RiverClan was gone, and so was Dovewing and Snowbush. He glanced at the deputies and noticed Tigerheart missing as well.

Bramblestar began the meeting.

“We are here tonight with StarClan’s will,” he began. “The rain has caused a mudslide in our camp. Snowbush has died and our camp is currently abandoned. But the rest of my Clan has survived with minor injuries. I would like to formally thank SkyClan for providing us with herbs.”

Leafstar nodded. “Consider it a favor returned for training our healers. SkyClan is fairing well. A few days ago, Violet and Hawkwing found a stranger on our land. With Hawkwing’s good word, I have welcomed him into SkyClan, although he is not here tonight.”

Alderheart glanced at Frecklewish. He noticed murmurs of unease going through the crowd. ThunderClan was often criticized for Firestar’s allowance of giving strangers a place to stay and ShadowClan was still on edge after Darktail’s invasion. He was at least glad Leafstar hadn’t led this newcomer to the Gathering.

“WindClan is also thriving,” Harestar announced. He nodded to Bramblestar. “I am sorry to hear of this tragedy. If there are any moor herbs you need, you’re welcome to take them.”

Rowanstar raised his head. “Tigerheart is missing.”

Squirrelflight and the other deputies shifted uneasily.

Alderheart saw Ivypool’s eyes narrow. Brackenfur whispered something to Cinderheart. Bumblestripe and Rosepetal exchanged a glance. Everyone knew Dovewing and Tigerheart had been a little too close for enemy warriors. But even when Dovewing had gone missing, no one had voiced any concern regarding the ShadowClan deputy.

Rowanstar went on. “We have sent out search parties, but he left no trail. We have no clue where he could be, or why.”

Murmurs of speculation went through the crowd.

“Maybe StarClan sent him on a mission.”

“Perhaps he was taken.”

Gorsetail scoffed. “Oh, please,” she chided. “This isn’t the first time a man and woman from different Clans suddenly disappeared.”

“Watch it,” Lionblaze growled.

Rowanstar ignored him. “I have been struggling to hold ShadowClan together. I had hoped appointing Tigerheart as my deputy would help me regain control. But I could not hold the faith of my Clanmates. I’m not strong enough to treat the wounds Darktail left on my people.”

Alderheart glanced at the ShadowClan warriors, who stared at their leader, their eyes cold.

“I can no longer lead ShadowClan,” Rowanstar announced.

Scorchfur’s gaze was unreadable. Juniperclaw whispered something to Strikestone. Tawnypelt looked alarmed.

“Leafstar.” Rowanstar turned to the other leader. “In exchange for my land, I’d like a home. Let me, and whatever Clanmates wish to join me, be apart of SkyClan. In return, all of the pine forest now belongs to you.”

Scorchfur stood “You can’t give away our land!”

Snowbird glared at him. “He wouldn’t be if your sharp tongue hadn’t cut the Clan to shreds.”

“Don’t blame me!” Scorchfur looked outraged.

“Scorchfur wasn’t the only one criticizing Rowanstar,” Juniperclaw growled.

Tawnypelt turned on them. “No leader could deal with so much treachery!”

Puddleshine stood up. “This is the wisest decision for Rowanstar to make. ShadowClan does nothing but bicker, and nothing seems to be able to stop it. We need the security of supportive Clanmates and the warrior code.”

Scorchfur narrowed his eyes. “I have always stayed true to the warrior code.”

“Then obey it now and support your leader’s decision,” Puddleshine growled.

“He’s giving away our land!” Juniperclaw protested.

“He wants his Clan to be safe,” Puddleshine countered.

Stonewing nodded. “We don’t have enough warriors for patrols. My children are just a few years away from behind apprentices. I cannot let them turn out how those before them did. At least if we join SkyClan, we’ll have more warriors.”

Leafstar’s gaze was soft with sympathy. “SkyClan welcomes any ShadowClan warriors who wish to join us. We will be honored to accept them. But those who do not join must leave our land.”

Anxious murmurs came from the other Clans.

“ShadowClan can’t be replaced!” Nightcloud called.

“This isn’t what StarClan wanted,” Leafpool called.

Passion surged through Alderheart. “There must be five Clans!”

Sparkfire leaned forward. “It didn’t take long for SkyClan to take more land! I knew they didn’t believe here.”

“We haven’t taken anything,” Sandynose growled. “This land was given to us.”

“The rest of you were falling apart when we arrived,” Sagenose added. “That’s not our fault.”

Alderheart felt like he’d been struck. Sagenose was right. ShadowClan was in pieces, RiverClan was hiding behind their borders, and WindClan was recovering after losing their leader. Five Clans had become three.

He felt like the ground was shifting beneath him.

This was the storm.

He turned to Leafpool. “This is wrong!”

She returned his fearful stare. “There is nothing we can do.”

Chapter Text

Violet covered her ears. The camp felt cramped and overflowing with so many warriors in it.

She peered out from the apprentice’s hut. Sandynose and Plumwilow were relaxing in a patch of grass. Tinycloud sat beside Grassheart, watching the children play. Conefoot and Sparrowtail were weaving extra lichen into the walls of the warrior’s hut.

Sparrowpelt was supervising with a frown. “We might need a second hut.”

Stonewing appeared from behind the warrior’s hut. “There’s room to extend the walls.”

“We can get supplies from our old camp,” Snowbird offered.

Leafstar was organizing patrols. “Sandynose, take two ShadowClan warriors to hunt near ShadowClan’s old camp. Plumwillow, take Sagenose-”

“Who’s this?” Scorchfur had spotted Garrick sitting at the edge of the camp. Violet quickly scrambled out of the hut.

“This is Garrick,” she introduced. “I found him wandering on his own. He knows a lot about Needletail and-”

Tawnypelt scoffed. “Needletail! You shouldn’t even say that name.”

“Needletail gave her life to save the Clans,” Violet argued.

“After she betrayed us,” Tawnypelt growled.

Hawkwing joined Violet’s side. “Needletail isn’t important right now. Garrick knows a lot about people of the past.” He looked toward Cherrytail. “He knows about Dusk.”

Cherrytail’s eyes flashed with grief.

Tawnypelt shook her head. “Take it from us, we know what happens when you bring strangers into a Clan.”

Leafstar looked uncomfortable. “He’s only a child. Surely he won’t cause harm. Besides, he’s strangely knowledgeable of my dead Clanmates.”

“I don’t care if he saw the forming of the universe, he shouldn’t stay here,” Scorchfur snapped.

“Wait!” Puddleshine rushed forward. He grabbed one of Garrick’s hands before the boy could pull away. “Look! Look at his fingers!”

Leafpool hurried after him. “Six fingers,” she gasped. She looked at up Leafstar. “StarClan has told us to find someone with six fingers. This is him!”

Hawkwing frowned, puzzled. “StarClan wants us to find him?”

“StarClan gave us a prophecy,” Puddleshine explained. “‘The dark sky must to herald a storm. To fend it off, you will need more than five fingers.’” His eyes shown with relief. “And now we’ve found someone with more than five fingers.”

Tawnypelt narrowed her eyes. “You received a prophecy and didn’t tell us?”

Puddleshine and Leafpool exchanged a glance. “We wanted to make sure we understood it first,” Leafpool said. “We didn’t want to cause a panic.”

“And you say he can communicate with dead warriors?” Puddleshine turned to Hawkwing. “How? Can he talk to StarClan?”

Violet saw her own relief reflected in Garrick’s eyes.

Chapter Text

“I wonder how this is even possible.” Alderheart gently examined Garrick’s right hand. “I assume it’s a genetic mutation? Did either of your parents have a sixth finger?”

Garrick shrugged unhelpfully.

Alderheart stood back, thinking. “Perhaps it’s a mark given by StarClan. Specifically to tell you apart from others.”

“It’s cool!” Puddleshine commented.

“It’s cold!” Jayfeather snapped. He was gripping his gray cloak around himself, shivering as a wind blew in from the lake. Every healer, except Willowshine and Mothwing, had gathered on the shore between the ThunderClan and SkyClan borders. Leafpool had called them all together, promising to bring Garrick. Alderheart hadn’t gotten to properly meet him.

Footsteps sounded at the edge of the forest. Scorchfur and Juniperclaw were leading their Clanmates across the pebbles. Tawnypelt walked beside Rowanstar, who stumbled along weakly.

Jayfeather frowned. “Why are they here?” he demanded.

Kestrelflight looked at Puddleshine. “Did you know about this?”

“They had to be here,” Puddleshine explained. “They need to see what Garrick can do.”

Alderheart’s thoughts swam. What could Garrick do? Was it something that could stop ShadowClan from disappearing?

“What’s going on?” Jayfeather growled.

“Garrick has a special power,” Leafpool explained. “He can see those who have died but haven’t moved on to the afterlife. He can even make them appear to the living.”

Alderheart’s skin began to crawl. He could hear water splashing just over his shoulder, as though Needletail had leaned closer.

“They surround us, you know,” Garrick said. “And this shoreline is riddled with them. Something bad happened here.”

Alderheart shuddered when Garrick looked right at him.

“Sometimes, when people die, they don’t move on to the afterlife. Usually it’s because they have unfinished business. Or they died in such a way they don’t realize they’re dead. Sometimes, and from what I’ve learned with the Clans, it’s because no one came to collect their spirit. Or they refused to be collected.”

“So is this how we’re supposed to stop the storm?” Jayfeather asked. “What is a bunch of ghosts supposed to do?”

Garrick looked uncertain. “I have no idea. The ones here now are hardly even conscious. Ghosts with unfinished business are more likely to be fully formed.”

“Fully formed?” Kestrelflight echoed.

“I guess what I mean is they’re still put together,” Garrick said. “A soul is like glass. If a death is particularly rough, it shatters, and pieces often end up lost. The more pieces a ghost keeps, the more they’re like they were when they were alive. But if they lose too many pieces, they begin to fall apart.”

He looked at Alderheart.

“You keep glancing at her. Can you see her?”

Alderheart shrunk away as all eyes turned to him. He nodded. “Yes. She’s been appearing to me since Darktail was defeated. I think she was trying to give me clues about you.”

Garrick nodded. “What you see is the only form your friend has the strength to maintain. Oh.” He turned to look at the others. “I should mention- be prepared for when you see your Clanmates. They might not look the same as they once did.”

Alderheart heard water splashing behind him. He turned, and thought his heart might stop.

People were wading out from the depths. But they weren’t the glowing figures of StarClan. These were closer to Needletail’s dripping ghosts. All of them leaked with lake water, just as she did. Some were rotting, their skin falling from their bones. Most had bleeding wounds all over their bodies. Throats were slashed, necks were broken, eyes were sunken. These weren’t people.

“Mistcloud!” Sparrowtail yelped in surprise at the sight of his sister. She limped onto the sand, water pouring from her mouth. Her body was nearly cut in two, a long slash going from her shoulder to her hip.

“Oh, Lioneye.” Puddleshine stared in dismay at his own sister, who didn’t look much better.

Another figure was pulling itself from the water, crawling onto the sand. Rowanstar gasped. “Dawnpelt! No!”

His daughter’s head was twisted at a strange angle. She was covered in rotting wounds.

Garrick’s eyes shone with sympathy. “I told you it would be bad.”

“Why are they here?” Snowbird cried. “Why aren’t they in StarClan?”

“I don’t know yet,” Garrick said.

“Do you know what happened to them?” Stonewing asked.

“We know what happened,” Scorchfur snapped. “Darktail happened.”

“There’s so many.” Gullswoop watched her Clanmates mull onto the shore, groaning in agony.

Berryheart looked troubled. “It’s everyone who ran away. Everyone who went missing.”

“Darktail caught them,” Tawnypelt realized. “He killed them and threw them in the lake. That’s why we never found the bodies.”

Murmurs of sorrow and terror rippled through the ShadowClan warriors.

“Are they in pain?” Snowbird rasped.

Garrick dropped his gaze. “Until they can find a way to move on, they will be.”

The ghosts were beginning to fade. Alderheart stared in amazement as even Needletail began to disappear. As she did, she raised one hand, as though wanting to gesture to him, but she was already gone before she could deliver the message.

“Sorry,” Garrick said. “I can’t hold them very long.”

Leafpool joined his side. “You showed everyone what you can do. That is all we asked.”

Garrick blinked anxiously. “So that’s all you needed, right?”

No one answered.

Alderheart gazed at him. How could he think this would solve anything? How did StarClan think this would solve anything?

Chapter Text

Twig felt like she should be happy or excited. But her heart weighed heavily in her chest.

Today, she’d be made a warrior.

Hawkwing stood beside her. “I’m so proud of you,” he rumbled. “You’ll make excellent warriors.

Fringe, Dew, and Pale crowded around them.

“You’re getting your warrior name!” Dew cheered. “I’ve gotta get Fin. He’ll want to watch.”

Twig stared after him as he raced out of camp.

“Twig!” Violet called.

Twig turned to her.

“Aren’t you excited?” Violet must have caught on.

Twig shuddered. “Of course I am.” She forced herself to smile. “We’re going to be warriors!”

SkyClan warriors.

The camp seemed so crowded. ShadowClan and SkyClan mingled together awkwardly. It didn’t seem like they’d ever get used to one another.

Violet had turned back to Hawkwing. “What do you think my warrior name will be? I hope it’s a good one. Twig will probably get something fierce. Twigclaw? Twiglash?”

Twig backed away.

Hawkwing spotted her. “Where are you going?”

“I need some air.”

“Don’t be long,” Hawkwing said, his eyes shining. “Leafstar will start the meeting soon.”

Twig turned and wove between the gathering Clan. She quickened her pace as she neared the camp entrance.

She swerved off the track, crashing through the bracken and running as fast as she could. She reached a slope where the sky opened overhead and stopped, panting. This was supposed to be the most important day of her life. So why was she so upset?

“Twig?” Fin’s call caught her off guard. She turned to see him trudging up the slope. His legs had healed as well as they could, but during bad weather they began to ache.

He was Twig’s limp buddy.

“Where are you going?” he asked gently. “Aren’t you having your warrior ceremony today?”

“I just needed some air.” She turned her back to him, hugging herself.

Fin joined her. “Are you okay?”

“Yes!” Twig rasped, feigning happiness. “I’m about to made a warrior! This is the best day of my life. I’m just…overwhelmed.”

“Yeah, it must be.”

“Yeah.” She glanced at him. “Violet’s so excited. And I bet you’ll have your name in no time.”

“Not yet,” Fin admitted. “I’ve still got plenty left to learn. I hope I get mine with Dew. Reedclaw had her’s with Nectarsong and Gravelnose, but I want mine with my brother. He’s my best friend. Well, second best compared to you.” He winked at her. “It must mean a lot to be made a warrior along side Violet after being apart for so long.”

“It does. We’ve always dreamed of this.” Her heart twisted. She’d always thought this would be happening in ThunderClan. She thought of Alderheart, Lilyheart, and Ivypool. They should be here to see this.

Fin was watching her. “You don’t seem very excited.”

Twig lifted her chin. “I am.” She pushed ThunderClan from her mind. She’d chosen to come here. She was with her family. “It’ll be the best day ever.” She hurried back down the slope and into camp.

The Clan had formed a circle beside the stream. ShadowClan had joined them. Violet was standing with Hawkwing at one end, while Leafstar stood in the middle.

“There you are!” Violet called to her. Twig joined her, while Fin walked around the outside of the circle to sit with Dew.

Hawkwing patted Twig’s shoulder as she joined her sister, then stepped back into the crowd.

“Violet.” Leafstar stood up tall as Violet came to join her.

Nerves churned in Twig’s stomach.

“I, Leafstar of SkyClan, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard and learned to the warrior code. I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn.” She held Violet’s gaze. “Violet, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your own life?”

“I do.” Violet’s voice was husky with emotion.

“Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name.” Leafstar’s eyes glittered. “From this moment you will be known as Violetshine, in memory of your mother and in honor of your bright spirit in the wake of all you’ve faced. StarClan honors your bravery and intelligence.”

“Violetshine! Violetshine!” Shouts of celebration rang throughout the camp as SkyClan cheered for Violetshine’s new name. Puddleshine and Slatefur were the first of ShadowClan to raise their voices. Grassheart and Stonewing joined in, then Tawnypelt. Even Rowanstar had raised his voice enough to join the celebration.

Scorchfur was the only one who remained silent.

“Violetshine!” Twig joined the cheer.

Hawkwing’s voice was shocked. Prideful tears shone in his eyes. Twig felt like ice had gripped her heart.

She walked forward, standing beside Violetshine. Each step felt heavier than the last.

She couldn’t breath.

She couldn’t do this.

She wasn’t SkyClan.

Words tumbled from her mouth before she could take in a breath. “Bramblestar should be giving me a warrior name. I’m not SkyClan. I need to be in ThunderClan.”

Leafstar froze.

The cheers of the Clan faltered. Twig couldn’t raise her head.

“I don’t belong here,” Twig continued more confidently.

She wanted to run out of camp and all the way to ThunderClan. She wanted to tell them she had come home. She wanted to see their eyes light up and hear the joy in their voices. But could it be that simple? What if they thought she’d leave again?

“I belong in ThunderClan.”

Leafstar frowned. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

Twig was trembling. “I didn’t realize until just now. This doesn’t feel right.”

Sandynose’s gaze was hard. “You’ve wasted my time.”

Leafstar’s gaze was soft. “Now isn’t the time for cruelty. I’m sorry we couldn’t make you feel welcome, Twig. But I hope living here for a short time has helped you discover where you truly belong.”

Twig nodded vigorously. “It has.”

She glanced at Fin. Disappointment shown in his eyes.

Hawkwing joined Twig’s side. “It was brave of you to admit that.” Despite his kind words, there was sadness in his eyes.

“I wanted to live with you and Violetshine,” she said. “But ever since I came here, I’ve felt out of place. And I miss my old Clanmates.”

Violetshine scoffed. “You’re leaving me?”

“Never. I’m still your sister. I’ll always be near.”

“Is it too much to ask for you to just stay beside me?” Violetshine rasped. Her eyes shone with hurt.

Twig’s heart twisted. “I’m sorry. But I could never be happy here.”

“What about me? When do I get to be happy?”

The pain in her sister’s eyes was almost too much. Twig wanted to take it all back. But she couldn’t sacrifice her own happiness for her sister. “I will always love you and dad. And I’ll always cherish the time we’ve spent together. But now it’s clear we cannot live together.”

Hawkwing wrapped an arm around Violetshine, then reached out to do the same to Twig. “We’ll always be family. We’ll miss you, Twig. But I’d rather you live where you can be happy, rather than keep you here where you’re miserable.”

Violetshine wiped her eyes.

Leafstar cleared her throat behind them. “Twig, if you’re not part of SkyClan, you should return to your own Clan.”

Twig could see disappointment in her eyes. “Okay. Thank you for everything.”

Leafstar nodded then walked away.

“Be safe,” Hawkwing said.

Twig nodded. “Take care of each other.”

Hawkwing smiled sadly. Violetshine looked away.

Twig’s heart shattered with each step she took toward the camp entrance. She felt the eyes of SkyClan following her, their murmurs just loud enough for her to hear.

“ThunderClan?”

“I always noticed she seemed unhappy.”

“Why didn’t she even come here?”

She hoped they could forgive her.

At the entrance, she heard a rush of uneven footsteps behind her. “Twig!”

Fin had caught up to her. She felt like a stone had settled at the bottom of her stomach. ‘I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Leaving you.”

“You aren’t,” he said. “I’m coming with you.”

Twig’s eyes widened. “But you were born in SkyClan!”

“So were you, before you got lost.”

Twig blinked at him. “What about your family?”

“They’ll manage without me.” Fin stood up tall. “I don’t care what Clan I’m in, so long as it’s with you.”

Twig couldn’t find words. She simply nodded to him, then walked out of camp. He joined her at the shoulder, their arms brushing. As birds twittered in the branches overhead, she felt her heart lifting.