Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

PROLOGUE
Hisses rang out, as the Windclan patrol stopped a she cat in her path. The tom at the front of the patrol spoke in a threatening mew “Don’t you take one more pawstep on our territory or we’ll shred you. What are you doing here?”. The she cat’s heart was already racing from her rush to get here and she knew every moment wasted was another her friend couldn’t spare. “I’m a medicine cat. I have the right to travel clan borders with good reason.”. The tom still stood firm “And what reason would that be?” his tone mocking. The she-cat shook her head in frustration. She didn't want to get into it with these cats, she had no choice but to tell them. “I need to speak to Maplestem, will you please take me to your camp” Her gaze bore into the toms and after a tense moment where she’d thought he'd still turn her away he gave a gruff nod. “Very well come on”

He stood and led back to the dip in the wide moorland where Windclan sheltered from the freezing Leafbare winds. The cats in the camp poked their heads out from their dens in curiosity and fear. The shecat paid no mind to the hostile whispers that came from them as she marched right for the hole in the wall of the camp she knew housed their medicine cat. The patrol left her sides aside from the head tom who spoke “Maplestem you have a visitor”. Maplestem the cream and ginger she-cat looked up from sorting her herbs, her face seeming unsurprised at the visitors appearance. She merely gave the tom a nod “Thank you Sandstone i can take it from here.”. Her voice carried a stiff authority the tom didn’t argue with as he turned out of the den. Once she was sure he’d gone she looked to the visitor whose tail was twitching with impatience. “Where’s Saltsprig? It’s time”. Maplestem looked unaffected by her almost desperate tone “Hello to you too Needlebloom.” She greeted sarcastically before moving to the den entrance. “Give me a moment to fetch him”.

As Needlebloom sat waiting she felt her breath slow a bit. She looked up to the ceiling of the den and shut her eyes “Starclan i can’t believe im doing this”. Her thoughts cut off as she heard a frantic sound of paws approaching as Maplestem returned, now joined by a pale tabby with silver stripes lining his back. She turned quickly to face him, his face clearly showing the panic that matched hers. “We don’t have much time, it's about to start.” Needlebloom turned to Maplestem "You said you could cover for him leaving for a while right?”. Maplestem nodded “Yes I’ll tell moundstar you came to ask me about an herb I saw in the territory you could use and that I'm sending Saltsprig with you to keep an eye on you as you look for it.” Saltsprig gave her a deep nod “Thanks I owe you for this big time”. Maplestem just blinked “Yes well i’ll keep that in mind for the future but for now you two need to move.”.

Needlebloom nodded as she and Salspring raced out of the camp toward the pines in the distance from the moor. By the time they reached the edge Needlebloom nodded out of breath to the burnt sycamore slightly further into the woods where she could see her friends pelt already rippling as she heard her barely containing her groans of pain. Saltsprig bounded in and she followed quickly. She thanked starclan the queen had already taken the herbs she’d advised her to take while she was gone. The dark gray queen looked up, the pain in her eyes seemed to ebb a little as she looked up at the tom. “Saltsprig? You came?” She managed to breathe before another spasm seemed to take her as she dug her claws into the nest they had made in the hollow tree. Saltspring quickly laid down by her side “Of course I came, how could I miss the birth of my kits?” His voice was shocked at the question. I know we decided we can’t continue things between us but I promised I'd still see this out.

With that a huge spasm gripped Crowpearl and she burrowed her head down and Saltsprig licked her head. Needlebloom looked up, her eyes wide “Push! The first kit is coming now” Crowpearl gave a massive grunt of effort as she pushed and suddenly a dark grey shape slipped out from the queen and Needlebloom quickly nipped the sac from around it and placed the kit at its mother’s head for her to lick rapidly. “A she cat! Saltsprig spoke happily. She has your pelt. “He gave the kit the last few licks before placing her at Crowpearl’s belly. Another spasm passed the queen as two more kits fell out. “Two more she cats” the medicine cat spoke quickly, licking them off with Salspring's help before placing them with their sister.

“Ok looks like just one more, Crowpearl be strong you're doing amazing” Needlebloom reassured her friend. Crowpearl groaned “Starclan help me, 4 kits. They really want me to suffer for breaking the code don’t they” She growled and Saltspring turned a glare at her “Don’t say that! These kits are a blessing no matter how they came to be”. At last the final kit came and Crowpearl licked it off rapidly and breathed a deep sigh of happiness “A tom! We have a son, and oh Saltsprig he looks just like you”. Saltsprig quickly looked down at the kit and Needlebloom swore he looked as if he were about to bounce with joy if not for the cramped space of the tree. Needlebloom took a deep breath “Congratulations, they all seem strong and healthy. They’ll need it if they're gonna make the trip back to Shadowclan's camp.”

Saltsprig looked indignantly at her and Crowpearl “What? No, they're coming back to Windclan? Why else would I have come?” His sharp words pierced Crowpearl’s heart as she hissed “Because they're your kits!!” She tore into the moss of her nest. Saltsprig glared back “Exactly, my kits! I have just as much right to them as you. I'm a senior warrior, the clan will understand my story and I know a cat that will help me raise them as their own so no one asks questions”. Crowpearl’s tail lashed in anger “Who? Did you move on that quickly from me? You already have another cat padding after you!!”. Needlebloom could see the tension rising between the two and Crowpearl tried to sit up to match his stare but doing so dislodged one of the kits causing them to wail. Crowpearl's face froze in horror as she quickly settled back down, nudging them back into her belly to feed. “Enough both of you” Needlebloom demanded “This isn’t about you two, it’s about the kits.” Needlebloom examined the bundles laying in the nest before speaking again an idea lighting her mind “What if you split them?”. The two parents looked at her shocked and confused but she pressed on “There’s 4, so you each could take 2 back to your camps to raise.”. The two stood looking at her, then to the kits, then finally back to each other.

“What do you think?” Crowpearl asked and Saltsprig seemed ready to argue but then looked more thoughtful and nodded “I’ll agree but only if we all swear to never speak of this to any other cat” He looked deep into Crowpearl’s eyes “Agreed?”. Crowpearl seemed to want to say something else but instead just nodded. Saltsprig continued “Alright then, Crowpearl you take first pick. Which 2 do you want to keep?”. Crowpearl looked long at the 4 beautiful kits who sat pressed into her side and her heart felt it was being cracked in two. How could she abandon her kits, let alone pick between them as which to abandon over another? Finally she pressed her nose to the first kit who shared her dark gray pelt then to the tom who shared his father’s. “I’ll keep them” Her words barely more than a whisper at that point. Saltsprig’s face grew disappointed for a moment at losing the chance to raise his only son but he conceded “Very well, I’ll take the other two she cats”.

Eventually Crowpearl watched as Saltsprig moved back across the more with the two kits. As he reached the top of the hill covering the path to windclan's camp she made out another cat's shape meeting him up there. “Was that the she cat he spoke of that would claim the kits once they reached the camp?” Crowpearl felt her pelt rise with burning anger, jealousy, but more than anything…grief. “Those are my kits, my kits that a stranger is going to raise now with the tom i love” She quickly turned away back into the tree where Needlebloom was wrapped around the 2 remaining kits who now slept peacefully. None of it mattered anymore, she couldn’t think about that now she had to focus on the two precious bundles that she still had to love.

“We should hurry and get them back to camp so I can properly check them over in the nursery. Do you want to name them? The clans will want to know…along with other things” Needlebloom asked and Crowpearl nodded examining each kit closely. “The tom I want to call Sootkit”. She looked at the she kit who looked just like her and her mind raced through her memories sneaking around her territory and parts of the moor with Saltsprig moons ago. The smell of the purple flowers that littered the territory filled her mind. Her heart felt so light and happy then. She couldn't part with the memories like she did with half her kits. Finally she finished “This one will be Heatherkit”. My last two pieces left of my life with him. A life I pray the clan, and these two never discover.

 

CHAPTER 1
The faintest dawn sun began to shine over the pine forest despite the thick, leaf-bare clouds as a deep, chilly wind blew its way down into the ShadowClan camp despite the cover of dense pine trees. Heatherkit puffed out her dark gray fur and gave a small groan of annoyance as the chill disturbed her from a good dream she was having as she tried her best to curl deeper into her mother Crowpearl's warm belly and fall back into sleep. A familiarly annoying mew disturbed her once again.

"Come on, Heatherkit, wake up. I want to see the snow. It's been falling since moonhigh, and I want to see how high it's gotten. Crowpearl said it was too cold then." Sootkit, Heatherkit's younger littermate, said in a low grumble as he continued to badger his sister. Crowpearl gave a gentle sigh as she lifted her head to look down at Sootkit."It was too cold; it was the middle of the night, for StarClan's sake. Besides, I already told you you can see the snow in the morning," she said in a yawn as she curled tighter around her daughter. Sootkit gave an exasperated huff. "It IS morning now!!" Sootkit stamped his paw on the floor as he nodded to the white light peeking into the den from the opening. "Even still, you need to wait for your sister. It's not fair for you to have your first play in the snow without her"

"Which is why she needs to WAKE UP" Sootkit said in a muffled growl as he dug into their nest and yanked heatherkit out by her scruff. Finally Heatherkit had reached her limit and with fur spiked up lunged at her brother and tussled him to the floor and batted at him with her paws and finally pinned him down and yanked at his scruff causing him to give a small yowl of pain. "How do you like that fleabag" Heatherkit hissed at him before being pulled off by their mother the two kits still hissing at one another as Crowpearl split them up with her paws.

"THATS ENOUGH BOTH OF YOU! ITS FAR TOO EARLY TO BE BICKERING AND BEHAVING LIKE ROGUES!! Sootkit you do not yank on your sister's pelt when you don't get your way." She turned her fiery gaze on Heatherkit. "And you do not attack your clanmates" Heatherkit glared back up at her mother "HE STARTED IT!" Crowpearl frowned "Well I'm finishing it. Both of you apologize right now" The two kits gave each other a sour stare and mumbled their sorries to each other as Crowpearl brought them back into the nest and groomed their now scuffed up pelts.

"Now I don't want to hear anymore squabbling from either of you, and I won't have you meeting the rest of your clan looking like you just escaped a badger's den so hold still." As the two kits squirmed about a rustling noise came from another nest towards the back of the den and a small yellow head poked out from behind a resting light brown shape. "Whats going on?" Goldenkit asked in a sleepy voice as she climbed out from over her mother, nearly rolling over her. She padded quietly over to heatherkit but sootkit responded first. "The snow finally fell and we're going out to see it" Goldenkit’s face lit up "Lucky you're finally getting to leave the nursery" Heatherkit could hear the small hint of disappointment in the she-cat’s voice and turned to look up at her mother. "I can take Goldenkit with us" Goldenkits eyes widened "Really! Should I wake Rustkit maybe he’d wanna come-” Heatherkit cut her off abruptly “No!”. Goldenkit’s ears drooped a little and Heatherkit quickly softened her mew and whispered to her friend “We don't wanna push our luck now? Besides, best to let Rustkit sleep. At least one of us should get to this point.” Heatherkit finished in a sarcastic mutter to herself. Goldenkit’s smile returned and she nodded.

Heatherkit asked her mother a second time, giving her big pleading eyes and flicking Goldenkit to do the same. Crowpearl gave heatherkit a thoughtful look then nodded "Alright I'll let Evergreen know once she wakes up. Be careful the clan will be heading out on patrols and clearing up paths if the snow fell thick enough last night so try to stay out of the way and don't be too long. I don't want you catching greencough." She gave her kits one last affectionate lick on each of their heads before letting them head out of the den. Sootkit was the first to peer out from the opening and gasped before leaping out with Heatherkit and Goldenkit following quickly behind. "HEY!! I'm the oldest so I'll take the lead here." Heatherkit said as she pushed to the front of the trio but quickly followed the two’s gazes as they looked out at the wide expanse of white topped mounds and looming dark green trees that surrounded them. "Woah this is our camp?" Sootkit asked in astonishment before pointing a small paw over to one of the dark holes in the wall of the camp. "Look, the warriors are already up just like Crowpearl said."

A shadow suddenly appeared over the 3 and Heatherkit quickly yoinked her brother back as a large pile of snow was pushed quickly past them. Moved by a massive cream and brown tom who just gave them an annoyed side eye. Heatherkit gave him an angry look back as he trotted on till she heard her brother yelp."Hey!! let go already would you" her brother whined as his scruff remained in her needle like teeth. "Sorry, but maybe next time watch where you’re standing mousebrain. Crowpearl told us not to get in the way,now come on!" Heatherkit commanded as she marched forward doing her best to keep her head high as she headed toward the first group of cats she could see forming near what she could only guess was the fresh kill pile where only a bony pigeon lay.

"Pray to starclan the hunting patrols bring back something soon" one of the she-cats said in a tired and desperate sounding tone. Heatherkit tried giving a small cough to get their attention, but the adults just seemed to keep chattering like a huddle of mice. She gritted her teeth before speaking louder.

"HEY, I THOUGHT YOU HAD TO BE AN ELDER TO BE DEAF?" The group quickly snapped their heads down to look at the three as Goldenkit and Sootkit shrunk back, but Heatherkit didn't flinch as they glared. "Just who do you think you are, little one to talk to us like that?" A tom growled into her face, making her back up if only to avoid the stink of his frog breath. Her pelt rippled a little as she answered back matter of factly "Im Heatherkit, this is my littermate, Sootkit, and this is Goldenkit" Heatherkit stepped back to let the others show their faces. Goldenkit quickly shook off her fear and gave a warm smile to the warriors. "Hi there, it's our first time out in camp, and I can't wait to meet everyone" She bounced around the paws of the warriors, asking question after question. “Are you all warriors? What are your names? Which den is which? Is this the fresh-kill pile? Why is it so empty?

Heatherkit rolled her eyes. “Because it’s leafbare, don’t you remember the queens telling us that there’s like no food during it?” Goldenkit settled back to her side as Heatherkit placed a paw down on her flowy tail. A small “Oh” was the kit's only response. “Well hopefully when you two are made apprentices, they can teach you to hunt. I'm sure you can catch us something, Heatherkit. You've always been great at finding things.” Heatherkit gave a smug smile at the praise, but it was short-lived as Darkthorn, the dark brown tom from before, gave a dry mrow. "Well, let's hope so, since clearly your mothers didn't teach you how to respect your senior warriors who spend every day and night risking their tails to hunt and protect all you mewling kits.” Sootkit moved to face the tom. “HEY, Crowpearl is the best teacher in this clan. It's not her fault my sister is so snappy.” As the warriors laughed, Heatherkit dug her claws into the freezing ground and did her best to resist tackling her brother a second time. She didn't want to prove his point, especially in front of these older cats. She wanted her clan to see she was just as dignified and respectable as her mother.

Strawtooth, a sandy yellow tom, piped up in a softer tone from the back of the group. "Come on, Darkthorn, don't be so hard on her; she just wanted to get our attention is all" He ignored Darkthorn’s cranky rumblings as he padded forward and leaned down to meet the 3 kits at eye level. "I'm Strawtooth, and it's nice to meet all of you, though I'm surprised the queens allowed you out in this cold."

Heatherkit scoffed "Only until sunhigh and only because Sootkit wouldn't let any of us sleep until we got to play in this stupid snow." She gave a reproachful glance at her brother, but Goldenkit’s gaze was fixed on the kind tom. "Strawtooth?" She tilted her head. "But that's MY father's name. Evergreen told me he'd been there when she kitted me." Strawtooth gave an amused purr, and he gave Goldenkit a gentle lick behind her ear. "That's cause I am your father, and it's true I was right there by your mother’s side when you were born. You have my shining pelt and your mother's beautiful eyes." Goldenkit purred with joy as she brushed against her father's chest. Sootkit glanced at them with a look heatherkit didn't understand. "So...who's our father? Crowpearls never mentioned any tom coming in to see us and we've been in the nursery longer than the others." He looked around at the warriors who all seemed to grow more awkward; avoiding direct eye contact with the two of them. Strawtooth spoke up "Oh well I'm sure he's just been busy you can ask your mother once you go back to the nursery." Sootkit didn't seem satisfied by that but Heatherkit quickly distracted him by flinging a paw full of snow at him. He spun around confused "HEY?" Heatherkit took a playful stance "Forget about that, cmon are we gonna play in the snow or just stand around till our paws freeze. Now betcha can’t catch me slow slug." She taunted, as Sootkit gave chase to her.

Heatherkit quickly dashed away around a large mound of snow that had been pushed to the wall of camp. As Sootkit came around the corner he lost sight of his sister. Suddenly another hit of snow came from the direction of a bush outside the large rock in the center of camp and he could see a familiar dark tail slither underneath. He quickly ran towards the bush as Heatherkit squealed and sped off further into the camp neatly dodging the padding legs of the warriors. Sootkit however had to freeze to avoid being stepped on by a ginger, white, and black she-cat who scolded him to watch out.

Heatherkit took the distraction to check out the nearest den which was nearly empty apart from two almost bone thin cats. The smell in the den made heatherkit want to gag. "Uhh this must be the elders den I was hoping for the warriors." She thought disappointedly, but before she could leave one of the elders called out in a playful mew. "Oh look Quillspots, it seems we've got a little spy in our camp." The tabby elder purred. The tom joked back. "Perhaps thunderclan is giving their youngest their own missions." Heatherkit puffed up her chest indignantly as she padded into the den and glared at the elders. "Hey! First off I'm not little, and I would rather fight a fox than be some dumb thunderclan spy." The elders weren't offended by her attitude, just smiled and curled up deeper into their nest as the she-cat looked down at her with warm but glassy eyes. "Of course dear pay no mind to us scrawny old cats, we’re just looking to have a bit of fun, not much else to keep us entertained in here not until you and your friends are allowed to visit us more anyway and since the apprentices den hasn't been empty for this long in moons we’ve been quite lonely.

Heatherkit didn't enjoy the thought of spending time in this stuffy den listening to some old cats ramble on about their good old days and how cats today didn't know anything from what Poppyscrap had told her about visiting the elders when she was younger. The elder she-cat introduced herself. “I’m Weasaltail and this here is Quillspots. It's nice to meet you dear." Heatherkit’s pelt fell back down as she took a seat and gave a small nod "I'm Heatherkit, it's my first time out in camp but I wasn't planning to stop by. I was just looking for a good hiding spot is all from my bro-"

Before she could even finish she could hear Sootkit trudging through the snow towards the den. As Heatherkit panicked thinking she was about to be caught, Weaseltail quickly gestured for her to hide behind her in her nest which had a pocket just big enough for her to squeeze into. At first Heatherkit hesitated at the thought of having to press into the source of the weird smell, but as she heard Sootkit almost to the opening she quickly dived in and Weaseltail wrapped her tail back around to help cover her the best she could as Sootkit came stumbling in.

Shaking the snow off best he could he glanced around frantically as he tried to catch his breath. “Stupid rock tripping me up” Heatherkit could make out him muttering to himself angrily and could guess he stubbed his paw. She did her best to not giggle and give herself away. As Sootkit was licking his paw to try and soothe the pain like he’d seen his mother do before for him, he froze as he glanced to the side and noticed the elders staring at him with amused glances. He gave them a polite nod. "Uhhh sorry to intrude, I was just looking for my sister. You haven't seen-"

Quillspots answered before he could finish. "No trouble youngster I saw her speeding past towards the apprentices den if you hurry you might still catch her hiding there.” Heatherkit was doing her best to stifle her laughter and a sneeze as the mix of dry bedding and Weaseltail’s tail fur tickled her nose. "C’mon take the bait mousebrain." Heatherkit wished till she eventually heard his voice fade away and Weaseltail looked back over and nodded. "He's gone now dear." Heatherkit sighed as she quickly squirmed out from the nest and fixed her ruffled fur. "Thanks for your help. I should keep moving before he figures out you tricked him." She gave a mischievous chuckle before leaping back out into the chilly camp and checking the coast was clear she padded off towards the next den. “I guess those elders aren’t so bad.” Heatherkit admitted to herself begrudgingly.

As she looked around the camp for where to head next she caught a glimpse of a shape moving from within the shadows of the den that carved into the camp wall behind the meeting rock. Now that she had a better look at it she realised it must be the great rock where the leader stood for clan meetings like Evergreen had described. She quickly made her way back to the shrub she had hid in before near the opening to what she assumed was the leader's den. From there she made out the shape better and saw a cat still asleep inside. “Is that Aurorastar?” She’d heard the clan leader's name mentioned before when she listened into the queen's conversations in the nursery. “How can he still be asleep? Most of the clan is already awake and leaving for patrols. Lazy furball” Heatherkit thought before seeing the shape begin to stir more as Aurorastar woke up and padded slowly from his den and gave a long stretch. As he stepped out into the light of the camp Heatherkit could see his almost bluish green gray pelt shimmer in the faint ray of sunlight that peaked into the camp. He didn't look as muscular as some of the other warriors she’d seen so far in camp and was hardly taller than most of the she-cats. “How is he our leader? He doesn't look that impressive or even strong?” She saw Aurorastar’s ears swivel towards her direction before he suddenly spoke.

“Word of advice, little one, sometimes looks can be deceiving. Like how a sneaky kit can look like a shrub” He spoke cooly but as his eyes looked down and seemed to now be peering right at her Heatherkit’s heart almost stopped as she gulped.” Could he really have seen her that easily? Should she show herself, what if he was just bluffing? As he turned his head to face her completely she knew he wasn’t as she took a deep breath and crawled out from the bush doing her best to keep her chin up and look confident as she came out to face her leader. His face seemed amused.

“Heatherkit I assume?” The tom tilted his head. “You’re the spitting image of Crowpearl” Heatherkit answered back sharply “I thought looks could be deceiving? How do you know I'm not Evergreen’s Kit or Poppyscrap’s?” Aurorastar gave an amused purr “Fair point little one you’re sharp as a bramble thorn aren't you?” Heatherkit couldn't stifle a small smile creeping onto her face at her leader's praise. “Yeah and there's a lot more to come once I'm made an apprentice. The clans won’t know what hit them” She sat tall and curled her tail over her back as Aurorastar circled her quizzically. “I have no doubts there. I will be keeping a close eye on your progress then but for now you should run along. I have to see to my warriors.” With that the leader moved on to the clearing where he spoke with a cream colored tom with patches of deeper brown. Heatherkit guessed that it must be Crumplepelt, the clan's deputy.

After the exchange with her leader, heatherkit spent the morning snooping around the different dens avoiding the sight of her brother and the busy warriors. Slipping easily from the deep shadows of the pines using her dark gray pelt. "Like a true Shadowclan cat!" Heatherkit thought with pride until snow suddenly threw off her thoughts and she spun around to see Sootkit standing tall with triumph. "Got. you. finally" he huffed clearly, having exhausted himself searching for her. She simply rolled her eyes "well it took you long enough" Sootkit growled "It’s not fair your legs are longer than mine, of course you're gonna be faster." He pouted but Heatherkit just flung her tail tip in his face as she trotted forward proudly. "Too bad, so sad slugkit. Now c'mon it's almost sun high. I don't want another lecture from Crowpearl, do you? Sootkit’s ears dropped and he quickly shook his head as he ran behind her.

Back in the warmth of the nursery and their mothers nest, Heather kit curled back up hoping to finally get back to her dreams but Sootkit piped up once again. "Crowpearl…who's our father?" The seemingly simple question seemed to make their mother freeze in the middle of her licking sootkit’s head as her eyes darted around for a moment and she answered in that annoyingly pleasant voice she always tried to use whenever she had to excuse Heatherkit’s rude comments. Heatherkit peaked an eye open awaiting her mothers answer as she had grown curious too.

"W-why do you ask all of a sudden sweetie?" Sootkit explained the conversation earlier between him, Goldenkit and Strawtooth. "It just made me wonder why none of the toms I saw in camp have come to see us yet we're nearly 3 moons old?" Crowpearl’s gaze seemed to give nothing away now but heatherkit could see the slight twitch in her tail. Why did the question make every cat act so weird? Was their father dead or something? He couldn't be; they hadn't heard any vigils be held outside by the clan so their father must still be alive. After what seemed to be ages of silence Crowpearl finally answered "Y-your father's a very important and busy warrior so he hasn't had time to visit you"

"Oh..ok that makes sense I guess" Sootkit responded a bit disappointed. Before he could try asking more he gave a large yawn and Crowpearl quickly scooped him deep into the nest. "Now now that's enough out of you. You both need to rest after that adventure you had today" She told him with no room to argue as she wrapped around them. Heatherkit was happy to finally have her brother's mewling stopped at least for a little, but his questions had now left her with a mind full of questions as she tried to fall back asleep. “Thanks a lot fuzzbrain”

CHAPTER 2
"Branchkit you've reached the age of 6 moons and so it’s at last time you be made an apprentice of thunderclan" Grizzlystar, Thunderclan’s leader, spoke from the top of the clans highrock as Branchkit, a vibrant oak brown tabby she-cat, looked up with her chest puffed as she did her best to stand tall and look as grown as she could in front of her clanmates who looked on with joy. "Thats right im not some mewling kit any more i can finally do everything to become a warrior and make thunderclan a success" she thought in her head, nearly missing Grizzlystar announce who her mentor was. She quickly looked around panicked till she saw Stormclaw stand and pad toward her, giving her a serious look over and Branchkit nearly forgot to breathe for a moment as she did her best to meet his stare. He then smiled and pressed his nose to hers. "It's alright you can relax little one don't worry I'll make you one of this clan's finest warriors". Grizzlystar finished "With that, until you receive your warrior name I name you Branchpaw" Branchpaw let out a deep sigh as she and Stormclaw moved to the side to let the rest of her denmates receive their mentors and names.

As they did she heard the clan cheer her name "BRANCHPAW! BRANCHPAW!" and she fought the urge to bounce around in her excitement but instead choosing to remain composed as she headed back to her parents Sapswirl and Cinnamonstripe who glowed with pride. Sapswirl, her mother, who shared her tabby pelt but with cream patches along her tail and and belly, covered Branchpaw’s head with licks and congratulations but Branchpaw could only look up at her father Cinnamonstripe for his response but he merely gave her a deep nod of approval "I’m sure you'll do fine" Branchpaw’s ears dipped a little from his lack of enthusiasm but she quickly perked back up when Stormclaw added. "I certainly hope so on her first patrol of the territory". She quickly spun around to face him "Really!!". Stormclaw nodded as he led her away to the center of the clearing as the clan meeting had broken up and they met up with her fellow apprentices. "Snapvine, Beamheart how's about we all take our new paws out to tour the territory?"

The other mentors gave a nod and the other apprentices gave excited squeals. Peachpaw and Wildpaw looked at branchpaw expecting her to match their joy but she only remained sitting calm waiting for her mentor's direction. Peachpaw rolled her eyes as the patrol left camp and headed off into the woods.

Finally out in the woods Branchpaw felt her breath quickening as she raced, doing her best to keep pace with her mentor, but the leaf-bare chill made it difficult. As Stormclaw glanced back at her he could see her struggle and slowed to a quick trot. Branchpaw was equal parts grateful and ashamed. She didn't want her mentor to think she wasn't strong enough to handle something as simple as a run through the woods. As the 6 cats moved along Wildpaw didn't even try to hide her excitement as she bounded around her mentor "You think we'll get to find a bear while we're out here?". Wildpaw asked with a strange hopefulness to her voice. Beamheart gave her apprentice a confused and rather concerned look. "Now why in Starclan’s name would you ask that?"

"Because, I was listening to Wheatfrost's stories about the time he and Silverswipe once saw a bear roaming the territory and chased it off by tearing at its face" Wildfire tried to give a swinging swipe as she described the story but nearly fell back onto Branchpaw. "Hey, watch it!! You know the elders are always making those stories up to try and impress up there's no bears in Thunderclan or else we would've heard about them from a patrol or something"

"Branchpaw’s right wildpaw" Wildpaw’s mother Snapvine responded, "Although I appreciate your fondness for listening to the elders' stories it's important to not take everything they tell you to heart. At least when it comes to those two." She shook her head. "Trust me there's plenty of dangers we face already in our territory without adding bears to the mix" Stormclaw added in a serious voice as he nodded over to a massive pile of rocks at the edge of a huge line of water.

"Are those the Sunningrocks?" Peachpaw asked, Stormclaw nodded "Yes and they’re a part of riverclan territory...for now" Stormclaw said with a growl as Branchpaw saw his claws sink into the soft dirt. "W-well i’m sure once we start our battle training we can help win those rocks back from those fish lovers" Branchpaw stated proudly which Stormclaw gave her an approving nod in turn. "But for now it's best to keep moving.” Stormclaw glanced up to the graying sky. “I think we're due for another snow storm sometime today and we don't wanna get caught in it." The patrol headed along quickly as the warriors described the great landmarks of Thunderclan from Snakerocks to the sandy hollow, although it was currently covered by a thin blanket of snow from the leaf-bare weather. All the while Branchpaw did her best to answer every question the mentors gave the 3 apprentices along the way. She had been secretly hoping they would quiz them like this. Her father told her all about the different areas he patrolled daily while she was still in the nursery.

"I dunno why Grizzlystar bothered making you an apprentice when you clearly know everything already. Might as well just give you your warrior name now and save Stormclaw the trouble of training you, and us the trouble of hearing you rattle on." Peachpaw’s words were laced in mockery and Branchpaw felt her pelt growing hot with embarrassment and anger despite the chilly wind passing them. Snapvine turned an icy glare on Peachpaw as she chuckled behind branchpaw. "Peachpaw, that is not how we speak to our clanmates. You could stand to learn something from Branchpaw, she's been right about most of these spots. Peachpaw and Wildpaw gave a small apology though branchpaw could tell it was just to get the warriors off their backs. Branchpaw did her best to ignore the jabs, she'd always gotten comments like that from her denmates about being a know-it-all but why was that seen as a bad thing? The more they could learn the faster they could be made warriors and the faster they'd get to help the clan. Snapvine continued “However the thunderpath won't actually melt your paws to trap you for monsters to eat Wildpaw; that was just something Silverswipe said to scare you.". The mentors shared amused purrs as Wildpaw let out a deep sigh of relief

The rest of the patrol went well enough for the 3 paws, each getting a chance to practice a bit of stalking through the snow even if there wasn't any prey available at the moment to use the skills on. As the patrol was making its way back to camp, the clouds began to darken more and more warning of the storm approaching. Suddenly Wildpaw stopped and looked around causing the patrol to halt. "Wait you guys i smell something" The whole patrol looked confused as they had tried to practice scenting earlier during the trip but the snow covering most of the ground made it hard for the paws to get a scent of anything aside from the border markers. Which they still had to be a mere mouse length away to even get. "Wildpaw now isn't the time for your games" Branchpaw huffed impatiently as the trip had left her tired and freezing though she did her best not to show it. Beamheart however seemed more curious as she sniffed the air as well.

"No, she's right it’s unfamiliar but I can tell it's a cat...maybe more than one”. The fur on her spine rose slightly "Smells like a rogue" the warriors followed her and the apprentices trailed close behind keeping quiet as they followed the scent to a dip in the snow with an underlying scent of something awful that made Branchpaw’s nose scrunched up. "This must be covering the strange twoleg spot Cinnamonstripe told me about”. Branchpaw thought as they searched around for the rogue. "There!" Stormclaw whispered as he nodded to a strange cat in the distance with something dangling from their mouth. "Unbelievable!, the nerve of this rogue to not only trespass on Thunderclan territory but to hunt what little prey remained" Branchpaw thought with indignation as the patrol quickly discussed a plan to split up and surround the rogue.

Each mentor took their apprentice and split, slinking between the trees. Branchpaw tried to keep up but worried about tripping over a stick or rock hidden in the snow. "C’mon Branchpaw, before we lose sight of the others or the rogue" Stormclaw hissed behind him. Once all 3 pairs were in place the mentors sprung out, backs arched, pelts bushed, having ordered the paws to stay in place.

Now that branchpaw was closer she could get a good look at this cat. She was a deep brown, not much different from her own pelt, but with black tipped ears and paws and with a curly black tail. She could tell from her rounder build that this cat must come from twoleg place, but she didn't see any collar. Wasn't she a kittypet?

Branchpaw’s thoughts were cut off as Snapvine tried to approach the she-cat but they quickly bristled and hissed back doing her best to intimidate the patrol. "What is a kittypet doing on thunderclan territory and hunting no less. Don’t you have enough food from your precious twolegs" Snapvine got closer to the she-cats face and met her glare "I wasn't hunting I was just looking". Stormclaw cut her off with a growl "yeah looking for a mouse or two to steal" The she cat gave him an offended look "How dare you in am no thief" she stamped her paw down. Stormclaw only gave a disbelieving huff. "No matter you're still trespassing so push off before we make you" he unsheathed his claws and Branchpaw watched with baited breath to see real warriors in action but her ears suddenly caught a faint mew that came from a hole nearby one of the trees. At first she thought she was hearing things, but then heard it again and she silently made her way towards it. As she got closer she could tell it must've been an old unfinished fox den by the smell of it but there was another smell underneath, a warm milky smell familiar to her from moons spent in the nursery. Her jaw dropped as peered down into the hole and gasped at what she found.

CHAPTER 3
Stormclaw's hackles were raised as he was nearly ready to pounce on the strange she-cat when suddenly Branchpaw spoke up. "WAIT!!" The other cats turned to see her scrabbling up from the distance with a small bundle of fur in her mouth doing her best to keep it away from the cold ground. The she-cats eyes widened in fear "GET AWAY FROM MY KIT!!!" She hissed ready to spring on Branchpaw, who froze from the force of her words, but Stormclaw was faster standing between the mother and his apprentice pushing her away though not without some struggle. This she-cat had power behind that soft appearance clearly determined to keep her kit away from these strangers. Beamheart stood beside them. And spoke softly "Stop! It's ok we wont hurt him."

After a tense moment where it seemed the mother would try to lunge again she backed off but her gaze remained fixed on Branchpaw who quickly padded forward and handed the little brown kit gently to his mother who snatched him up and purred, as she laid down and wrapped around him, covering him in licks to calm his panicked mewing. Seeing the strange scene unfolding, peachpaw and wildpaw cautiously came out from behind the other trees and gazed curiously between their mentors, the she-cat, the kit, and Branchpaw herself. Beamheart spoke gently to the she-cat.

"Why in the world would you bring your kit out to the woods, especially in weather like this? The she-cat looked back. "My twolegs had taken the other 3 kits I had in my litter but I couldn't take the heartbreak one more time so I planned to bring him away to somewhere safe where I could raise him myself.” The loner answered in a heartbroken mew. All the fire in her seemed to have dwindled and Branchpaw could see the exhaustion in the mother's eyes. How long had she been out here? Branchpaw thought as the warriors looked between each other with unsure expressions then up at the darkening clouds heading towards them. The first few flakes of snow began to land. One landed on the kit's head which caused it to mew again “c-cold” his voice sounding shrill and scared. The loner quickly licked his head and held her bushy tail over him. “It's alright little one, im here, it'll be ok I wont let anything hurt you” She cooed softly but was giving a threatening glare to the warriors.

Beamheart sighed then answered “Well you certainly can't go trotting around the woods with a kit this young in this cold. Please, let us take you back to camp with us so you both can seek shelter from the storm”. Stormclaw was about to object but Snapvine gave him a look that made him think otherwise. Branchpaw also felt uneasy about bringing this stranger into the heart of their clan but she reminded herself of one of the most important rules of the warrior code. To never let a kit suffer, and this kit and his mother would surely never make it in this storm.

As they returned to camp Stormclaw left to report the situation to Grizzlystar. Branchpaw watched as Beamheart led the queen to the nursery and even let her use her nest for now before heading quickly to the medicine den. Sapswirl came up from behind and whispered. “How was your tour dear?” Branchpaw nearly jumped before recognising her mothers mew. “Oh! It went great. I think stormclaw is really impressed with how much I knew about the territory already thanks to you and Cinnomonstripe’s stories.” She nuzzled her mothers shoulder. “Well that's wonderful, but who's our new guest?” Branchpaw quickly explained finding the former kittypet on their way back and Sapswirl simply nodded and said “Well by the looks of it Grizzlystar’s agreeing to let her stay until the storm ends so we should do our best to be good hosts ,which means?” Her voice hinting something to Branchpaw.

“Oh! I know, she must be starving. I should bring her some fresh kill…um is it ok to take some from the pile. We didn't get the chance to really practice hunting skills yet and it doesn't seem the hunting patrol was able to bring back much.” Branchpaw’s ears drooped slightly as she became unsure what was the right move. Sapswirl looked thoughtful for a moment before answering “Hmm there's a nice mouse on the pile I can see. I'm sure the elders can spare that much for a nursing queen especially now that most of the nursery is empty aside from Beamheart’s nest. Now go on, if any cat has a problem with it just tell them they can talk to me about it” She said in a mock threat but it gave Branchpaw reassurance as she grabbed the mouse and brought it to the den where the queen was already laying curled up around her son.

The medicine cat, Songwing, was in there as well with a bundle of herbs laid out beside her. Branchpaw recognised them as the herbs she would bring for Sapswirl and her when she was still a young kit, the bitter taste still clear in her mind but she always did her best to not complain in front of Songwing.

“Um excuse me, but i thought you might be hungry so i brought a mouse” Branchpaw was polite but her voice must've given away her anxiety being near this strange cat. The queen gave her a gentle nod to come in. “It's alright baby im not gonna bite…not you anyways” she gave a small purr of laughter. “Sorry if I scared you before. I was just trying to hide little Devon here when I smelled strange cats coming. I couldn't risk him getting hurt if I had to fight.” Branchpaw nodded as she sat down laying the mouse for the queen to take. “It's ok i understand and sorry for the little prey as you can tell we're pretty short on fresh kill” the queen swallowed before responding "Don't worry after the night I've had I'd take anything to fill my belly and im sure little devon appreciates it too.” She nodded to her kit suckling now at her belly. Branchpaw couldn't help but be warmed at the sight of the little brown scrap. “Devon? What kind of a name is that for a cat?”

“It's what my twolegs named him, and where are my manners? My name's Quail though my twolegs had started to call me Mama or Mamacat once they realised i was having kits” Branchpaw tilted her head. "Twolegs are so weird they live in those big scary dens, and the other warriors say they make weird noises, and do things like ride in monsters, and sit around fires and–.” Quail cut her off with a soft chuckle. “And keep cats?” Branchpaw felt a little embarrassed at her guessing her next words. “Well yeah, our warrior code tells us to reject the soft life of kittypets. You give up a life of freedom for some strange den and to eat gross pellets and slop.” Quail frowned “I’t ain't all that bad now, my two legs were some of the sweetest folks i know at least until they took my first 3 kits away. I knew there was a chance, after all I remember leaving my own mama when I was only a little older than Devon. It still hurt though I thought about all the things I would miss as they grew up without me and I couldn't bear it when I looked at him, still there with me. So after my two legs left in their monster for whatever it is they go do during the day; I took him and escaped. Who knows, maybe once he's all grown up we can head back there and they'll take us both back.”

Quail sighed and Branchpaw felt moved by her story. “Well I can't be sure what you can do once the storm ends but as long as you're here I promise thunderclan will look after you and Devon. Thunderclan is stronger and nobler than any other.” Branchpaw puffed up her chest and Quail gave a small purr of laughter. “Sorry but you wild cats talk so funny sometimes, but still i appreciate the thought little one. You should run along now we've had a long few days. I better get as much rest as I can before this storms over”. As Quail curled around her now sleeping kit and closed her eyes, Branchpaw quietly padded out from the nursery and went out to tell her friends in the apprentices den.She couldn't wait to tell them all she had learned.

 

CHAPTER 4

The reeds rustled as Fogkit charged through them trying her best to block out the sounds of mocking laughter and judgmental mutters from the older warriors as she stormed out of the camp. She quickly glanced around for the clearest route away from any patrols. Once she could see a path she raced along, ignoring the burning of her lungs from the freezing air around her. Only slowing down once reaching the river's edge. Fogkit glanced around the patch of shore for a decent spot to sit as most of the ground had turned to freezing mud. Eventually, she settled down in a small circle of dead grass. As she sat there she felt the ground rip under her needlesharp claws as she angrily pawed at her spot feeling tears welling up in the corners of her eyes as her mind slowed enough to focus.

“Stupid floodkit, stupid Basskit, stupid elders” she muttered to herself as she pawed up a good clump of frosty mud. Her heart was beating fast and her pelt burned with embarrassment and rage as she replayed the argument she just had in the elder's den in her head. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the reeds rattle behind her and she spun around, her fur bushing in fear that one of the warriors had followed her to drag her back to camp. She knew kits were forbidden from leaving camp without an escort but she didn't care right now. She just had to get away from everyone at that moment. She relaxed a little when she saw the cat who tailed her was just Sagekit, one of her denmates. Fogkit gave him an annoyed sigh as she turned her back to him and went back to her sulking. Sagekit padded quietly to her side and just sat beside her for a moment looking at the river.

“Ive never seen the this part of the river. I only was able to see it from the camp entrance when the warriors came back from patrols. How'd you find this spot?” Sagekit asked in his gentle but slightly raspy mew. Fogkit didn't want to look at him but just shrugged. “I wasn't exactly planning on coming here, I just had to get out of that stuffy overcrowded camp and this was the direction I saw with no warriors patrolling around to take me back.” Sagekit just nodded “Well lucky guess then…so what happened back there i slept kinda long and Ivystripe told me to go play outside and get some air while she cleaned up in the den but as soon as i stepped out i saw you rushing past and Basskit and the others staring after you laughing but the elders didn't look too happy.” Sagekit tilted his head moving around to see Fogkit's face. She gave a low growl before answering. “They're always unhappy with me. They're always saying I look like I've got a little stormcloud hanging over my head and I need to “just cheer up" She repeated Shellclaw's words in a mocking tone.

“But today it's because they were telling us about a flood that happened moons ago and I just thought it would be cool to tell them about the dead fish I found one time after it rained and the river came past the shoreline. It’s belly was all bloated and when I pressed it down its eye popped out. The others all screamed and Basskit told me I was gross and something must be wrong with me. Fernsilt then scolded me for being that close to the river in the first place and then on top of all that when Drudgetail explained that the fish was probably sick Basskit convinced all the other kits that i must be infected too and they all called me Sickkit and made them run from me!!” Fogkits voice grew to a frustrated wail as she finished clawing another scoop of dead grass and mud out of the ground before laying down and curling her tail over her face. Sagekit laid his own tail over her back and softly passed it across to help her calm down.

“Dont listen to him, Basskit is a frogbrain. I once saw him trying to bite into the beak of a bird and complained to Shiverwillow when he couldn't find any meat in it.” Fogkit couldn't contain a small laugh at the thought as she sniffled and wiped her eyes. “Thanks but you should head back, you shouldn't have to get in trouble too if the clan realises where I've gone.” Sagekit shook his head “No way! You've been through enough without having to get yelled at alone again, and besides we’re clanmates we look out for each other. That's what being in the clans is all about right?”

Fogkit rolled her eyes “Oh yes and don't forget bickering and killing each other over pointless lines we cant even see, or the smallest bird and who's allowed to catch it.” Her words were laced with bitterness which made Sagekit’s ears drop a bit and he gave a resigned sigh. “Do you mean Claystep?” Sagekit asked cautiously. Fogkit shut her eyes at the mention of her fathers name.

Claystep had been killed less than two and a half moons after Fogkit and her brother floodkit had been born. The river had been frozen over in the late leaf bare and he had ventured out across the river close to the Shadowclan side of it to try and catch a thrush for their starving mother, but missed when he crossed the shadowclan border and was ambushed by a patrol who accused him of stealing prey and a fight broke out. Claystep’s body was brought home by Umberback who explained what happened to them and their mother Lotuspelt, who was too grief stricken to speak. Fogkit could still remember the sharp wail that broke from her mother as she laid by her mate's still body in the middle of camp. Fogkit remembered the bile that rose in her belly watching her clanmates all begin to call for revenge against Shadowclan. “What good would that do but only get more cats killed!!” She spat angrily at her brother floodkit who also tried to volunteer for the potential battle patrol that was forming but was thankfully shutdown by Lichenpelt, riverclan’s medicine cat, who convinced Scarletstar that leafbare was no time to be starting wars.

After that day Fogkit had begun to question everything about the battles warriors participated in, their motives, how quick the battle started, who was in what patrol. It began to make the older warriors more weary of talking around her and her denmates less eager to invite her to play in camp. “Why bother she’ll just bug us about why we can't just share the prey or which clan needs it more” Fog kit remembered Garkit muttering to Lilykit and Tulipkit when they thought about asking her to join. Fogkit had resigned herself to staying in the nursery most days keeping her mother company through their grief.

When she was occasionally forced to leave the den she relocated to playing on her own or talking to Lichenpelt who seemed to be the only cat in camp with any sense to Fogkit. “Medicine cats can be friends despite the borders and cross whenever they need so why can't it just be that way for everyone?” Fogkit mewed indignantly to the tabby and white she-cat. Lichenpelt simply shook her head and sighed "It's complicated little one, when you’re a warrior yourself perhaps you'll understand”. Fogkit scowled and muttered “If im made a warrior ill find a way to stop it” She stamped her paw down and Lichenpelt gave her a gentle smile “That’s a day I'd be happy to see young one”

Fogkit was brought out from her memories by the sound of pawsteps coming from a distance and her and sagekit turned to see Umberback glaring down at them. “There you two are, you had the clan searching all over for you. Your mothers have been frantic, now come on back to camp right now.” The massive sandy colored tom grabbed both kits by the scruff and carried them both back to camp. As the two were plopped down into the nursery they were enveloped in the frantic licks of their mothers Lotuspelt and Ivystripe respectively. “Thank you Umberback, starclan only knows what i would've done if i had lost Fogkit too” Lotuspelt spoke before continuing to lick the now caking mud off her daughters paws. Fogkit squirmed out from her grasp. “I can clean my own paws” As she licked the last of the mud off she saw the two queens faces go from relieved to furious as Ivystripe scolded them. “What in Starclan were you too doing that far from the camp you know better, especially you Sagekit you've never gone as far as the stepping stones.” Fogkit saw Sagekit’s eyes glued to the floor as he wrapped his tail around his paws and gave a pitiful “I know and I'm sorry” to his mother.

Fogkit knew she couldn't let him take the blame for her actions. “Dont yell at him; I was the one who ran away. He only came after me to make sure I was ok. He was just being a good friend.” Ivystripe’s angry glare turned to her. “You little one I expect to cause trouble like this with all your questioning the elders, and even scalestars orders just the other day. Your poor mother is going through enough without having to keep defending you and your ridiculous outbursts.” Fogkit flinched back slightly at the queen's harsh retort. She dug her claws into the floor to steady herself. “I wouldn't have so many outbursts if this clan would bother to listen to me for once” She muttered under her breath but she shut her eyes when she saw Ivystripes nose flaring and her tail now lashing as she got a mouse length from Fogkits muzzle. “Maybe when you learn your place and when to hold your tongue till you actually have something worth listening to, they will, but for now instead of running your smart mouth you can make it useful and go pick the ticks off the elders. The clan is down on apprentices but you're nearly 6 moons and I'm sure Scarletstar will have no issue when I report this latest disruption.”

Fogkit's heart dropped to her stomach as Ivystripe marched out of the den. She looked to her mother. "Isn't she going to say anything?” Her hope swelled a little when Lotuspelt came up and gave her a gentle lick behind the ears, but it ebbed completely when she merely nudged her toward the medicine den saying “Go see Lichenpelt for mouse bile” in a soft but exhausted voice before going to her nest and curling up. Fogkit wanted to scream at her mother, at Ivystripe, at everyone, how could they be so unfair, so uncaring. All she wanted was to stand up to what she knew was wrong but every time she was met with the same aftermath of rebuke or disappointment. In the corner of her eyes she saw Sagekit approaching to say something but she didn't want to hear it, she knew it would probably be more nice words to try and cheer her up but it wouldn't fix anything she just wanted to get this over with then be left alone.

“Well look who's back after they're little pity party” Fernsilt welcomed Fogkit into the elders den with a dry mockery which Fogkit did her best to ignore “Whose got ticks?” She asked, muffled by the stick in her mouth holding a stinking and soggy wad of moss coated in mouse bile. Dredgetail gave a horse laugh “Dont tell me Scarletstar rewarded your little escapade by making you an apprentice early?” Fogkit only blinked as she propped the stick against the den wall to answer “No, Ivystripe sent me here as a punishment for leaving camp” Fernsilt responded “Serves you right for speaking to us the way you did. Maybe this will teach you to hold your tongue next time” Fogkit gave one twitch of her tail before asking again “Do any of you need ticks removed or not cause I can always go back to my nest if-?”

“Woah now there youngin, we didnt say that. Fernsilt is always crabby in leafbare with no sun to bask in” Fogkit heard Cobtail ,a wiry gray elder tom respond quickly before she grabbed her stick to leave. Cobtail gave Fernsilt a look that told him to shut his mouth as Fogkit padded up and Cobtail turned to reveal two large ticks at his side. “These Starclan cursed things have been giving me trouble all night. I tried to bite 'em off but lost so many teeth in these last few years I can't get a grip.” He tried to give a chuckle but fogkit could tell it was really paining his side as the area was red. She quickly followed Lichenpelt's instructions and used the stick to press the bile into the spot and after a moment they fell right off and she quickly killed them with a good squish. Cobtail gave a deep sigh of relief “Thank starclan for you youngin that feels so much better” Fogkit’s anger lifted a little at the kind elders words as she moved on to check the rest of the elders in the den. As she turned to leave she saw Sagekit in the opening of the den. “Sorry to interrupt, I just came to say hi to Cobtail since I didn't get to this morning.” He gave a polite nod before rushing up to the old tom and giving an affectionate nuzzle. Fogkit had forgotten that Cobtail was Ivystripe’s father and therefore Sagekit’s kin.”How can cats this kind be related to a cat as foxhearted as her” Fogkit thought bitterly.

“Sagekit, did you run off after your little friend here?” Fogkit was ready to defend him again but Cobtail just gave a laugh “It's good to see you finally getting into some trouble. You've always been too cautious when it comes to the rules. I can't say I blame you, your mothers, a sharp one who never knew how to have a little fun from time to time. Though I guess that's why she and MossMuzzle get along so well they both were real prickly when it came to the clans safety.” Sagekit looked a little embarrassed at the elders words but he seemed happy to learn more about his parents. Fogkit still held a scowl as he talked about Ivystripe and Cobtail noticed and sighed “Oh don't take whatever she said to you too seriously. She was just worried about is all, and gets snappy when she's scared.”

“Yeah well her being scared shouldn't give her the right to make me feel like a burden to my own mother” Fogkit responded in a dry whisper. Sagekit placed his tail along her back and gave her a reassuring smile. “Give her some time im sure once shes cooled off she’ll apologise”

“Right, when frogs learn to fly” She half joked. “Did you mean it back there when you said I was your friend?” Sagekit asked uncertainly. “I-i guess yeah i mean, at least as much of a friend as I've got in this clan so far” Fogkit answered.

Sagekits eyes brightened “Then iI just hope Scarletstar doesn't push back your apprenticeship for this i wanna be able to train with you when we turn 6 moons” Cobtail spoke up again “Im sure she wont, Scarletstars a lot of things but she aint completely unreasonable. No cat got hurt, and you're already helping us out here. I don't see any reason to punish you further little one. You got a good heart under that murky pelt of yours and you've got plenty of spirit that any true warrior needs.” Cobtail gave fogkit a playful poke in the chest with his paw and she laughed along with him and Sagekit but it stopped when Cobtail broke into a fit of raspy coughs. Sagekits pelt bristled “COBTAIL! Are you ok should i fetch Lichenpelt?” His mew was panicked

“No need i've got it!” The kits turned to see Lichenpelt rushing from outside the den with some herbs in her jaws. “Breathe Cobtail slowly with me” The she-cat took long slow inhales then exhales encouraging the elder to copy her. “I was just about to bring you this Coltsfoot here” She passed the round leaves with a tiny yellow bud attached to the elder and he slowly chewed it and his breathing slowed back to normal. “Thank you Lichenpelt but you don't gotta fret over me, you either sagekit i just get a little too excited from time to time my bodies no fun anymore” He tried to joke but Sagekit still look shaken by the ordeal. Fogkit placed a paw onto him and led him out of the den. “He’ll be fine im sure” Sagekit only nodded after a moment. “Cmon, I think we both need some rest for now.” Fogkit reassured her new friend as they padded together to the nursery to nap. As she curled into the nest she made beside Lotuspelts to give her mother more room, she couldn't get her clanmates words out from her head “Am i really causing more pain than im fixing?”

CHAPTER 5
It had been a few days since the kits first trip out in camp and Heatherkit was sitting with Goldenkit in her nest chatting about her encounter with Aurorastar. “Were you scared when he caught you?” Goldenkit asked. Heatherkit scoffed “No, why should I have been? I wasn't breaking any rules, I just wanted to see what he looked like for myself. He was impressed with me and said he'd be keeping an eye on my progress once I became an apprentice” Heatherkit boasted and her friend's eyes were wide with amazement. “Wow I wonder if he'll be your mentor once the time comes. I wish I could have Strawtooth as mine but Evergreen says that parents aren't allowed to mentor their own kits usually” Goldenkit's ears drooped down in disappointment but Heatherkit nudged her encouragingly. “Don't mope about it, I'm sure whoever you get will be fine. Maybe if I get the chance to talk to Aurorastar again I can ask him to make an exception.” She half joked but Goldenkit’s eyes lit up with hope as she leaped onto Heatherkit and nuzzled her happily. “OH PLEASE PLEASE THANK YOU!!!”. Heatherkit knew she'd be in trouble again if she flung her off so she let the kit have her moment of gratitude. “Don't thank me yet I still have to ask him and I can't do that if you squish me into the ground” Heatherkit muttered with her face pressed into the floor. Goldenkit quickly crawled off her and apologised as Heatherkit shook herself off.

The two laughed when they suddenly heard a commotion come from outside and saw Poppyscrap rush out and followed suit. The warriors had all huddled around the center of camp as the dawn patrol had come back. Heatherkit managed to squeeze her and Goldenkit through the tangle of legs to see what it was they had to cause such a crowd. As her eyes adjusted to the glare of the sun peering into the camp she saw the deputy Crumplepelt as well as Darkthorn, Driptail, and Sagecurl holding a kit in her jaws. Heatherkit's tail twitched with suspicion. “Who is that?” She whispered to Goldenkit and it seemed her leader shared her thoughts as Aurorastar came through the crowd to see.

“Crumplepelt what is the meaning of this? Whose kit is that?” His voice was sharp with disgust and suspicion. The rest of the clan began to mutter their own questions and objections “DID YOU STEAL IT? She doesn't smell like any clan cat? We don't need another mouth to feed now!” Heatherkit tried to press her ears to her head and shut out the noise. “SILENCE!!” Aurorastar called out which immediately quieted the camp as he looked right at Crumplepelt and nodded allowing him to finally explain.

“We found this kit in the grasp of an owl who had stopped to perch on one of the trees we were nearing on our way back from border patrol. At first we thought it must already be dead from the scratches she had until we saw it start to squirm in the owl's grasp and cry out. We climbed the branches and managed to scare it into dropping the kit and Sagecurl was able to catch it just in time.” As Crumplepelt finished, Darkthorn took up the story. “From the direction it flew in from and the smell of mouse, straw and twolegs we assume the owl must've taken her from the barn near windclan territory.”

The crowd began to quietly mutter again as Darkthorn finished and Aurorastar gave a suspicious growl as he examined the little white and brown spotted kit. “I don't like that you risked your safety taking on an owl this late in leaf bare but I guess starclan wouldn't have been pleased if you had left her to suffer at the claws of a predator even if she's not of the clans.” As he spoke the crowd parted again to allow Needlebloom, Shadowclan's medicine cat, through. She quickly examined the kit and breathed a sigh. “Her wounds aren't deep. I can patch her up with what herbs remain in my den. With enough rest and warmth she should be ok to join the nursery.” She mowed gratefully but as she went to carry the kit back to her den Aurorastar stepped in her way. “Wait! Who said we were going to keep her here?” Needlebloom looked at her leader in confusion. Aurorastar continued “I only said the patrol was right to rescue her not to bring her in as a new clanmate. Toadpuddle is right, leaf bare is not the time to be taking in more mouths to feed, especially ones so fragile. Besides if it's true she comes from the twoleg barn then she must have parents there who are looking for her if not already grieving if they saw the owl take off with her. We should bring her back.” Heatherkit and the rest of the crowd meowed their agreement but Needlebloom looked hesitant as she gently lowered the kit back down to speak. “The barn is a long journey from here even for our strongest warriors. This kit is in no shape to travel right now. At least give me a day or two to treat her before you take her back to make sure she survives and the patrol's efforts were not for nothing.” She stared back at Aurorastar with a gaze just as sure and determined as the leader’s which Heatherkit admired. She always imagined healing to be a job for soft, submissive cats who couldn't handle the ferocious life of warriors.

After a tense moment of silence Aurorastar nodded “Very well Needlebloom she may stay under your care and one of the queens until we can locate any of the kit’s kin to return her to. As for the rest of you, get back to your duties.” Aurorastar's voice rang out and the crowd quickly broke up leaving Heatherkit and Goldenkit to gaze after the medicine cat as she took the kit back to her den. Heatherkit nudged Goldenkit and whispered “Come on let's go take a look at the newcomer.” Goldenkit seemed unsure for a moment but quickly nodded and padded after Heatherkit as the two quietly followed a distance behind Needlebloom. They watched from under a thick brush just outside the medicine den, as Needlebloom examined the kit closely once again before going off to grab an assortment of herbs from her store. As she did the two kits attempted to move closer to get a better look at the kit in the nest. She was asleep with only the faint but quick rise and fall of her ribs showing she was still alive. Her modeled pelt was covered in tiny patches of missing fur and a long scar going across her side from where the owl's talons must've been holding her before losing its grip. She must've been nipped at by the wretched bird along the way.

“What are you two doing snooping in here?” Needlebloom called through a muffled mouth of herbs. Heatherkit and Goldenkit flinched as they looked up at the medicine cat. “We wanted to see the new kit because there were too many cats in the clearing.” Heatherkit did her best to answer without showing her guilt. Needlebloom dropped the herbs beside the nest but before she could scold the two they all heard a faint groan from the nest and saw the kit start to stir back awake. It looked around dazed and pained. “w-where the heck am i?” Was all she was able to croak out before wincing as she tried to shift onto her side. Needlebloom was at her side at an instant giving her soft comforting licks across her head. “It's alright little one don't be afraid, and try not to move so much. You've taken a nasty scratch from a bird but just try to lay still I'll have a poultice ready for it in just a moment” As the kit seemed to settle back down Needlebloom leaned back down to whisper to the other 2 kits. “Alright look i dont have time to argue with you or to take you back to the nursery so here's the deal. You two try to sit with this kit and keep her warm and catch her up to what is going on but try to keep her calm while I mix her a poultice. Can you do that?”

Heatherkit and Goldenkit gave her enthusiastic nods as they gently climbed into the nest beside the kit doing their best to wrap around without disturbing her scarred side. The kit's eyes opened again as they tried to get a good look at the two of them. “Dont be scared we're here to help you. You're in the Shadowclan medicine den, I'm Goldenkit and this is Heatherkit”. Heatherkit let the yellow she-cat take the lead for this as even she could admit Goldenkit was better at putting cats at ease. “Whats your name?” Goldenkit continued and the kit responded “b-Beth at least that’s what I hear my mom meow at me when I wander too far from her. Where is she?” The little kit glanced around sniffing the air. “She's gonna be mad if I'm away for too long.” Beth began to sound more talkative but as she tried to sit up she hissed with pain and fell back into the nest with Heatherkit’s nudging as Needlebloom turned back to the nest with a clump of mushy green stuff that made all 3 kits noses wrinkle. Beth tried to hide deeper into the nest but Goldenkit reassured her. “It's ok, it stinks but it's gonna make you feel better I promise. Needlebloom is the best healer in all the clans. She can fix anything wrong with a cat.”

Eventually Beth gave a small nod and allowed Needlebloom to apply the poultice only giving a small wince as the juices stung into her wound but she quickly settled. “Wow, that does feel nice. Thanks.” Beth looked up at the medicine cat with a smile. Needlebloom nodded back. “Of course. Now hold still while I get the rest of your scratches.” As she finished applying the mush Goldenkit did her best to explain how she ended up in their camp.

“So when can I go home?” Beth finally asked once Goldenkit finished the story. Goldenkit kept an optimistic tone. “Don't worry; I'm sure the warriors will find your mother and bring her here to find you and take you home, but for now you have to stay here and rest, and don't you worry, Heatherkit and I will keep you company!” Heatherkit gave Goldenkit an unsure look but didn't object for now, only giving a resigned sigh. “I guess we don't have anything better to do around here. Rustkit and Sootkit have started play fighting in the nursery and i dont wanna sit in there waiting to get slammed into by those stumbling badgers.” Goldenkit smiled and gave an excited bounce in the nest “Perfect, then it’s settled” Goldenkit bounced up accidentally bumping into Beth's side, causing her to give a small wince of pain. "Oops, sorry." Goldenkit looked embarrassed, but Beth didn't seem bothered.

“Hey, careful you two; we don't want to undo her dressings already now.” Needlebloom scolded as she returned from outside the den with a scrawny vole hanging from her jaws. She dropped it at Beth's paws, but the kit looked weary of the prey as she poked a tiny claw at it. “What is that?” Heatherkit scowled. “Haven't you ever seen prey before? Or do you only eat two-leg food in the barn?” Her question was slightly laced with mockery, but Beth only looked earnestly at her. “The only fur food I've been able to try is mice my mother caught in the barn. The place is swarming with them. I tried to catch one once, but it was almost as big as I was, and I lost it. Wooly wasn't happy with me when she caught me.”

Needlebloom looked thoughtful. “Wooly, is that your mother's name?” Beth nodded, and Needlebloom continued to question her as Beth began to take a few tiny bites of the vole, feeling more encouraged after Goldenkit and Heatherkit shared a few bites with her to show her the food was safe, if a little tough due to its leaf-bare skinniness. “What does she look like?” Needlebloom asked and Beth answered, “Fluffy with white fur and brown paws and a brown spot right round her face.” Needlebloom nodded. “Was it just you and Wooly living at the barn, or did her mate live with you two as well?” Beth looked like she was concentrating hard on the answer but eventually shook her head. “I'm sorry I don't really remember. I know there were other cats I saw around there from time to time, but they kept to the other part of the barn mostly. I think it was another family, but I don't remember any Tom staying with me and Wooly.

Last I can remember, I left Wooly while she was napping to try and explore the barn and find the other cats when I saw them heading outside somewhere, but it was chilly, and I couldn't see them through the fog. I was about to go back inside when all of a sudden I felt something sharp grab me, and the next thing I knew, everything around me was becoming smaller until I realized I was in the air. I remember trying to wriggle away from whatever grabbed me and crying out for what felt like moons. The bird lost its grip on one leg for a moment but quickly snatched me back tighter as it began flying down through a bunch of trees, and it all happened so fast I felt so dizzy. Then I just remember closing my eyes, and I think I fell asleep or something. I remember hearing a cat meowing around me at one point, and I didn't feel like we were moving anymore until I felt the claws finally let go of me and I was falling, but some cat caught me, and next thing I know, I'm here.”

As Beth finished her story she seemed to be shivering slightly and Goldenkit moved in closer to her. “I can't believe you survived all that! You're strong for a loner, you'd make a good warrior” Goldenkit praised Beth. Heatherkit only scoffed. “Yeah right there's no way shadowclan would make any loner into a warrior.” Beth looked indignant but didn't say anything back, only giving a yawn. “Alright you two that's enough for now, you've been a great help but it's time Beth here got some rest.” Needlebloom began ushering the two older kits out of the den. “Head back to your mothers now. I have to speak with Aurorastar about what our guest has told us.” Goldenkit looked back sadly at the nest “Can we come back later when she wakes up? I want to know more about the barn.” Needlebloom nodded before giving them one last shove toward the nursery.

The next two days came and went as Goldenkit and Heatherkit spent their time outside the nursery with Beth learning all about the twoleg barn she came from. Even trying to show the others how to practice stalking mice like she’d seen Wooly doing. Heatherkit didn't think the warriors would approve of this loner giving clan cats advice on hunting but she wouldn't pass up a chance to learn skills that would give her an edge over her denmates when they became Paws. “Maybe I could even show Aurorastar; he’d be even more impressed with me.” As she pondered she felt a bump from behind her and spun around to glare at Goldenkit ‘Watch where you're stalking mousebrain.” She hissed. Goldenkit looked up “Sorry i was trying to focus so hard on placing my paws in the right spot i wasn't noticing how fast i was going.” she gave a small giggle. “Or where you were going apparently” Heatherkit bit back the retort in her mind.

“Dont worry you guys are looking great to me”. Beth cheered them on from her nest as needlebloom checked over her wound. Heatherkit continued to make her way around the den slowly doing her best to avoid the bits of twig and moss strung about to act as forest litter for the two’s practice. As she moved around the rock shelf where Needlebloom stored her herbs, she spotted the pretty rock Goldenkit had brought to show Beth, and they decided to use it as their decoy prey. Heatherkit did her best to ready herself to pounce on the rock but as she leaped a commotion came from outside the den and it distracted her causing her to trip over the rock. She growled as she quickly looked around to make sure neither cat had saw her stumble but thankfully the two other kits had moved to the entrance to see what was happening. Heatherkit quickly shook herself off before rushing over to join them. The clan was huddling around the returning patrol and Heatherkit was able to make out Darkthorn. “That must be the patrol Aurorastar sent to check the barn” Before Heatherkit could say any more Beth was already rushing out towards the crowd and Heatherkit and Goldenkit quickly followed after.

Aurorastar was already at the front. “Well Darkthorn, what did you find at the barn? When can we return the kit?”. Beth’s high pitched mew cut in over the rest of the chatter of the clan. “DID YOU FIND WOOLY?” The crowd moved to finally let the 3 kits through to meet the patrol and Beth looked around excitedly for her mother but her smile dropped as she couldn't even scent a hair of her mother’s pelt. She looked up at the dark brown tom with her large brown eyes. The prickly warrior looked lost for words for a moment which was a first to see for Heatherkit. He took a deep breath before finally speaking. “We made it to the barn and searched around for any sight of the she cat you described. We even tried asking the few barn cats we could get a hold of but none of them had seen her in the last few days until we were just about ready to head back to camp, when this scrawny little tom came up and told us he'd seen Wooly running off across the Moore and towards the woods after a bird a few days ago. He tried to follow after her but she was too fast to keep sight of. By the time he'd reached the edge of the woods he said he couldn't hear her yowling anymore. Then–” Darkthorn's words were caught in his throat for a moment but he cleared it and continued. “He brought us to the edge of fourtrees territory where he said he'd scented blood. He wanted to keep searching for her but was too afraid of the forest and when he heard the sound of strange cats in the distance he turned back.”

“Coward!” One tom piped up from the crowd and Darkthorn glared at him. “He was practically still a kit himself and he was right to be fearful as a loner in clan territory.” The tom didn't say anymore only giving a satisfied nod. “Now if I can finish” Darkthorn pressed on, “We told the little tom we would protect him if he could just lead us to where Wooly might have gone. He brought us to the edge of fourtress where he had smelled the blood and we were able to take up the search from there and…we could tell the smell was indeed cat blood.” With those last words many of the cats began to look more anxious as they glanced towards Beth who only kept her hopeful gaze on Darkthorn. Heatherkit began to feel as if a knot was turning in her stomach as she saw Goldenkit inching closer to Beth with worried eyes.

“Eventully we found Wolly close to the path we take to Fourtrees for the gathering….she was already dead.” Darkthorn shuddered as he lowered his head for a moment as the crowd gave mixed gasps of horror and fury. “Did another clan cat catch her there? Even if they did they wouldn’t or at least shouldn’t have killed her! Fourtrees is neutral territory.” Aurorastar didn't seem affected by the revelation, only looking on at the patrol where Driptail took up the story, laying a supportive tail on her friend’s shoulder. “We searched the area and we could see scratches in the earth and bits of white and red fur scattered around and fox scent left on her body as well as her blood along with some of the fox's. Given the fact her body was still there she must've given the fox quite the fight and scared it off before she succumbed to her wounds. We gave her a proper burial near the path, it was…all we could still do for the poor thing.” Driptail shook her head and Aurorastar only nodded but before he could say anything Heatherkit heard Beth wail.

“WHY DIDNT YOU BRING HER BACK!!”. The little white and brown kit was trembling and her pelt bushed up as she glared at the warriors. “You should've brought her back here so Needlebloom could help her like she helped me. You could've done that, not just leave her in the freezing ground for the fox to come back for.” She then spun around to face Heatherkit and Goldenkit. “You said Needlebloom could heal any cat. She could fix this still” her voice began to break up in desperation and the two kits didn't know what to say. Goldenkit looked ready to cry herself, but Heatherkit only stood firm and looked down at Beth having no words that would make this awful moment end any faster.

Needlebloom came forward and placed a gentle tail along the kit's back and looked down at her solemnly before speaking. “I'm sorry little one, but a medicine cat can only heal so much and from what the patrol has told us even if they did manage to get Wolly's body back here there wouldn't be any more I could do than they could’ve to save her.” Heatherkit could see the last light of hope fade from Beth’s eyes like a snowflake melting as soon as it landed on the tip of a cat's nose. “Come on back to my den, your wounds aren't healed yet. I can fix your wraps and give you some herbs for the shock.” Beth pulled away from the she-cat’s hold and bared her teeth in a snarl, her chest rising and falling heavily with the weight of her emotions.

“I DONT WANT YOUR HERBS, I DONT WANT YOU TO FIX MY WRAPS!!. YOU CANT HELP ME, NONE OF YOU COULD!. I HOPE MY WOUNDS GET WORSE MAYBE THEY'LL KILL ME TOO AND I CAN SEE WOLLY AGAIN. I JUST WANT WOLLY!!!” Beth yowled to the sky before rushing away to her nest in the medicine den. The crowd quickly moved out of her way, shocked at her outburst and Heatherkit had to cover her ears once more to block out the noise of their chatter. Then she saw Goldenkit, staring towards the medicine den. She could tell she was about to charge after her friend but Needlebloom noticed first and stopped her with a paw. “You two go back to the nursery now. You shouldn't have to hear all this. I'll see to her for now, she's just grieving. Don't let what she said get to you.” Goldenkit looked ready to complain but Heatherkit could see the annoyed and impatient look in Aurorastar’s face that then met her own gaze for a moment and she quickly leaped to her friends side and began ushering Goldenkit toward the nursery. “Yes, Needlebloom we’re going now.” Goldenkit tried to protest but Heatherkit placed her tail to her mouth and whispered. “Just do it” She urged with a small growl before softening her tone "we’ll go see her later alright. I’m sure she's gonna be fine.” As Goldenkit looked from the medicine den back to Heatherkit she just resigned and lowered her head as the two headed back to the den. Heatherkit thanked Starclan that she didn't make more of a scene.

Once in the den, Goldenkit broke off from Heatherkit’s side and rushed into her own den and burrowed deep into her own mother Evergreen’s side. As the queens all looked between the two kits Heatherkit was about to explain what the patrol had reported but Crowpearl just gave her a small shake of her head. “It's alright dear we heard plenty from here.” Crowpearl reassured her daughter which let Heatherkit finally take a deep sigh of relief. As much as she tried to remain calm, the whole ordeal left her mind swirling with emotions and even the thought of having to repeat the horrible story to the others made her feel like the biggest hairball was blocking her throat.

She returned a nod to her mother as she sat in the new nest Crowpearl had made for her. The queen had decided her and Sootkit were big…and rowdy enough to have their own beds now. “Perhaps this will keep you two from squabbling so much and waking the rest of us.” Heatherkit remembered her mothers words when she had shown them the new nests. Heatherkit couldn't have been happier to finally have her own space away from her pest of a littermate but she did wrestle with her own thoughts of snuggling with Crowpearl that first night. The sounds from the forest seemed extra creepy now. The frosty wind blew through the thick pine branches making a sharp whistling as if some dark entity were trying to lure out unsuspecting prey into its trap. The hoots of owls and roars of far off predators were almost impossible to block out from Heatherkit’s spot right near the den entrance. “Dont be such a mouseheart” Heatherkit scolded herself in her mind "You're going to be an apprentice in a few moons act like it. Aurorastar’s never gonna make you deputy if you can't even handle sleeping by yourself. Shadowclan cats don't fear the dark, they don't fear anything. We make the other clans fear us!” She repeated these thoughts over and over in her head till she finally managed to feel sleep's embrace take her. She made it through the long eerie night well enough if not just as tired as ever when she shared a nest with her kin.

Heatherkit’s thoughts snapped back to the present as she saw the crowd beginning to dissipate back to regular life. Aurorastar seemed to be calling Needlebloom as well as the deputy and senior warriors to his den. “They must be discussing what to do about Beth now that there's no cat to return her to.” Heatherkit thought. Poppyscrap suddenly sat across from her looking out into the camp as well and more worriedly at the gray leaf-bare sky as if an owl were to swoop right down into the camp, she kept darting her head around before settling on the medicine den and sighing. “That poor little thing, I can't imagine how scared she must feel right now and that poor loner she tried so hard to get her kit back only to lose her own life without even knowing her kit was saved.” The queen’s words were on the edge of a shudder as she quickly leaped back to her nest where she wrapped tightly around her own Rustkit and gave him a loving nuzzle. The dark ginger tom gave a small groan of annoyance as he tried to wriggle free from his mother's grip. “Poppyscrap let go, I can't breathe and I was playing with Sootkit.”

Normally Heatherkit would roll her eyes at the Queen's dramatic mewlings. She would feel sorry for a twig she stepped on while patrolling. However this time, Heatherkit couldn't help but agree with the sentiment. Heatherkit couldn’t begin to imagine what it must feel like to realise your only kin, your own mother especially…was dead and you were stuck in some strange place surrounded by strange cats who were capable of starclan knows what. At that moment she looked back to Crowpearl who was chatting with the queens. Without saying anything she hopped into the nest and snuggled in beside her mothers pelt. It felt still just as soft and warm as the day she was kitted and first curled into it after feeding. Heatherkit let her mussels relax as she listened into the conversation. “Perhaps Starclan will find her spirit somehow and let her know the kit is safe with us.” Crowpearl spoke reassuringly but Evergreen looked more skeptical as she wrapped her large plumy tail around Goldenkit who still laid buried into her belly in sorrow as she whispered. “For now anyway, what’s Aurorastar going to do with her now? He only agreed to keep her till her wounds healed and the patrol found the cat she belonged to”. The two queens looked back at her,neither having a response.

CHAPTER 6
“Alright…NOW!” Stormclaw ordered the apprentices as Branchpaw and Wildpaw charged at each other in the sandy hollow kicking up bits of damp cold earth. As she got close enough, Wildpaw took a huge leap up and Branchpaw felt her paws land hard onto her back. Branchpaw dropped almost into the ground but held onto just enough strength to arch her spine and launch wildpaw off of her. Wildpaw went rolling back into a small mound of snow the warriors had created when clearing the snow out of the hollow. Wildpaw shook off and gave a frustrated huff. “Hey no fair, I can't use my claws to grip onto her. How am I supposed to practice this move if I can't do the most important part?”

Wildpaw stamped a paw as she looked at her mentor. Beamheart came up to her “It’s ok Wildpaw, right now we're only trying to practice the leap and landing aspect of the move and you did excellent at that part. Once you enter a real battle you’ll only have to focus on keeping your claws fixed onto your opponents pelt. If you already have the rest of the move memorised.” Wildpaw seemed to calm down and nod before looking back at Branchpaw. “Good launch, you really sent me flying there” Branchpaw smiled “Thanks come on lets swap and this time i’ll practice my leap onto you and you can try it. Just remember to keep your paws planted firmly in place as you push your back up.” Branchpaw advised as the two got back into position.

As they rushed each other again Branchpaw focused on the strength in her legs as she got close but she realised too late she was too close and had to scurry to slow herself causing the two to halt awkwardly so as to not crash into each other. Branchpaw panicked and tried to leap anyways and landed heavily onto Wildpaw’s back who she could feel shaking as she tried to hold herself up and push her off with her back but Branchpaw hardly budged. Stormclaw gave a tired sigh “Enough! You two separate” He called as the two mentors padded up to the paws. Branchpaw felt shame rake her as if some cat had lashed her with claws. “Branchpaw, do you want to tell me what went wrong that time?” Stormclaw’s voice was serious but not angry sounding. Branchpaw took a steadying breath before answering. “I was too focused on prepping to jump that I forgot to keep an eye on where my opponent was and I tried to correct.” Stormclaw nodded "You're still too cautious with your moves. In a battle you won't have time to check every step you take so you just have to trust your skills are ready in the moment when you're heading towards your enemy” Branchpaw nodded as Beamheart took up the lecture. “Wildpaw you are quick and have great leaping skills but you need to be better at assessing your opponent. Branchpaw is bigger than you but slower so in close combat you shouldn't try to push as if you have the same strengths. What should you do instead?” Wildpaw didn't seem bothered by her mentor's assessment of her performance, only looking thoughtful before answering. “Go limp so the enemy lowers their guard and wait for the opportunity to slip away from them then leap onto their back to attack!” She started excitedly leaving a small scratch on the ground below her. Beamheart nodded “Very good now lets see that in action”

The two mentors headed back to the wall of the hollow to watch as Branchpaw and Wildpaw repeated their charge at each other. Branchpaw kept her eyes locked on the orange blur approaching her as she crouched then jumped onto Wildpaw landed clean on top of her batting at her with sheathed claws. She felt Wildpaw's body sway a bit before dropping to the floor. She began to step off her, when Wildpaw wriggled free and leaped onto Branchpaw. Wrapping her long slender legs around her sides, as Branchpaw tried to shake her off to no avail. Just then Wildpaw grasped Branchpaw’s scruff and tugged her hard causing Branchpaw to flinch up and Wildpaw leaned heavy to the side dragging her and Branchpaw to the ground. Wildpaw quickly ducked away from her crashing on top of her and hopped onto Branchpaw's now exposed belly and gave it a mock tear with her paws. “This will teach you to invade our territory.” Wildpaw growled mockingly and Branchpaw let out a deep laugh from the tickling sensation on her stomach. “Ok ok i give surrender” She finally spoke and Wildpaw gave a victorious nod as she got off and stood tall as the mentors came back up, their faces both alight with satisfaction this time. “Much better both of you” Beamheart meowed happily. The two apprentices looked at each other with joy.

Stormclaw glanced at the sky. “Thats enough battle practice for today. We should head back to camp and see if the hunting patrols have returned and if we can join the next one.” Stormclaw spoke to Beamheart as the two led the group out of the hollow. Back in camp the mentors allowed the paws to grab something to eat. Thankfully the hunting patrols had returned and had actually found decent prey today. Branchpaw took a shrew and thought of joining Wildpaw to eat to discuss their practice but as she saw her sit by Peachpaw she changed her mind and glanced over to the nursery. “Maybe Quail is hungry?”. The former kittypet had been staying in the camp the last few days after the storm had passed. Grizzlystar had talked more with her and allowed her to stay in Thunderclan till the last stretch of leaf bare was over and it was safer for her and her kit to travel on their own. Branchpaw was happy to hear the announcement and had become fond of the spunky queen and her shy son. Branchpaw grabbed a decent looking squirrel along with her shrew and padded off to the nursery to share with Quail.

“Hungry?” Branchpaw asked and Quail looked up from washing little Devon and purred. “Oh yes thank you sweetie” Branchpaw dropped the squirrel down before settling down with her own shrew. After taking a mouthful she couldn’t contain her urge to share about her spar with Wildpaw earlier. “I did really well in battle training today” Quail looked up from eating and looked confused for a moment before registering what she heard “Oh thats nice dear tell me” Branchpaw explained how she was able to launch Wildpaw and her partner's impressive wrestling move she pulled in their last round. Quail seemed a bit more concerned than impressed. “I hope you two weren't hurt, this sounds intense for such young cats.” Branchpaw shook her head. Of course this kittypet would find warrior life intimidating. “Thats the point! We have to train to be ready to face intense battles in the future. It's the only way we can protect ourselves and our clanmates.”. Quail only shrugged as she took another bite of the prey. “Then i guess im glad we have such strong and clever little fighters looking out for us” Branchpaw smiled at the praise even if she probably was just humoring her.

Then a shrill mocking mew came from behind Branchpaw. “Oh yeah, real great fighters who still have kit fluff behind their ears.” Branchpaw’s joy dropped as she heard the tease. She didn’t need to look back to tell who it was from….”Gracklekit” Branchpaw growled in her mind and the shrew in her mouth felt a little dryer as she swallowed and turned her head to glare at the scruffy black tom in the entrance. Gracklekit was one of her denmates in the nursery. In fact he was the oldest of the bunch but he had always been a trouble maker since he took his first steps out of Beamheart’s nest. He always found ways to scare his denmates and give them nightmares that kept the whole den from getting a good night's sleep. If it wasn't that, he was always trying to sneak himself and the others out of camp which often got them scolded. Branchpaw, then still Branchkit, would often be the one to report them to the warriors or queens which made her even more unpopular with the others. “Sapswirl should've named you Snitchkit instead.” Gracklekit had teased her and Peachkit agreed. Branchpaw did her best to shake off the bitter memory. Her good behavior had paid off, she was an apprentice now and eventually would be a warrior meanwhile all that Gracklekit’s antics had earned him was being held back from getting his apprentice name and mentor.

Branchpaw looked at Gracklekit with no emotion showing in her face. “Here to clean out the nursery?” She asked with a smugness that she could see irked the little tom as he glared and bared his teeth in a snarl. A cranky “yes” was all he answered as he came into the den and began taking apart his and Beamheart’s old nests. Even if he wasn't an official apprentice yet Grizzlystar had decided he could at least start doing tasks for the clan. Branchpaw still remembered the way his smile dropped when Grizzlystar clarified he’d only be allowed to do den cleanings and tick duty for the elders. “Serves him right” Branchpaw thought as she watched him muttering to himself while gathering up his and Beamheart's old nests and pushing them out of the den. He glared back at Branchpaw. “Why don't you get off your lazy but and help me?” Branchpaw only answered in an innocent mew “I would but my MENTOR said I did so great in BATTLE practice that I was free to have a meal.” She savored every bit of envy and annoyance she could see in the scrawny kit's face as he kept pushing the nests out.

Quail looked at Branchpaw sternly “You shouldn't tease him like that he seems to have enough on his plate” Branchpaw looked back up indignant “Why not? He’s been a pain since the day we met and he deserves his punishment. Maybe it’ll teach him the importance of doing what he’s told. Besides it's only an extra moon till he can be an apprentice” Quail only shook her head as she licked the last of the squirrel off her lips before moving onto grooming her pelt. “I'm sure he will but you're not making it any easier for him to want to be better. You clan cats say you stand up for each other no matter what. If you really wanna be a warrior you should be doing that, especially for your clanmates who need it the most. I've been watching a lot of goings on around camp these last few days and that little tom seems to not have many clanmates standing up for him, not even his own father.” Branchpaw’s pelt twitched as she remembered hearing Wiltgrass, Gracklekit’s father and Thunderclan’s deputy, rebuke Gracklekit many times when he was brought back to the nursery after getting in trouble. His eyes always seemed cold and filled with disappointment when he looked down at his son. Even Cinnomonstripe, despite his distant seeming attitude still looked at Branchpaw with some form of love when he was able to make time to visit her and tell her stories of his warrior life. Branchpaw looked back up at Quail’s deep black eyes and saw a new wisdom in this cat. She was right, if Branchpaw wanted to be a model warrior she had to try and help all her clanmates, not just those she was friendly with.

After finishing her shrew she gave Quail and little Devon one last nod goodbye before padding out of the den to find Gracklekit. Eventually she found him just outside the gorse tunnel leading in and out of camp near a large rock that overhung a patch of moss. “Hey” Branchpaw started awkwardly as she approached him. Gracklekit looked at her in anger and confusion. “What? here to rub it in some more Snitchkit…oh sorry SnitchPAW” he sneered and Branchpaw tried hard to not argue back remembering Quail’s words. “No, I came to say sorry for teasing you and to actually help you finish making the new nests.” Gracklekit’s expression didn't change as he looked back down at the moss trying to rip it up with his claws. Branchpaw rolled her eyes as bits of dirt and plant when flying past. She gave an exasperated huff as she pushed in beside him, pausing him with her tail. “If you don't want another lecture from the elders about bringing soggy, dirty bedding into their den, watch and I can show you how Stormclaw showed me how to collect the moss properly.” Branchpaw unsheathed a single claw and began to carefully tear at the seam between soft moss and cold soil beneath. She placed a wad of clean green moss gently down in front of the tom and lifted her chin proudly as she gestured her tail for him to try now. Gracklekit scoffed as she crouched down and did his best to copy her technique. He placed another wad down beside hers, still a bit sloppy but good enough to use for any nest. “There you go” She responded brightly, no hint of scorn in her words for once. Gracklekit’s scowl ebbed slightly as he and Branchpaw continued to collect till they had just enough for the two to carry back to camp.

Just then another cat chimed in from behind “Gracklekit what do you think you're doing out of camp?” It was Wiltgrass who spoke while glaring down at the two. Before Branchpaw could explain Gracklekit answered “I was just doing my nest duties when Branchpaw came up and told me i needed to replace the nests as well as clear the old ones but Songwing was out of fresh moss in her den so Branchpaw here ordered I come out here to gather more.” Wiltgrass scowled at the two before looking at the pile. “While I'm glad you were able to collect moss for your clan you know you're not allowed out of camp still as a kit” Wiltgrass chided before turning his angry stare at Branchpaw “And you branchpaw you know the rules better than any cat. I'm glad you were taking initiative keeping an eye on this one. I wish you didn't send him out of camp. You’ve only just become an apprentice yourself and have no authority to send him out here on his own. You two go back to camp now I'll get some other cat to help me bring this bedding back then you can finish your duties and get back to the nursery.” He growled at Graklekit who scowled back.

Branchpaws mouth felt too dry to respond back and explain herself. She felt her pelt burning with rage at Gracklekit. “That lying weasel! I never sent him to do anything and i was trying to help him which i did and this is how he repays me? I was right to tease him like that. He's nothing but trouble and now he’s dragging me into it.” Her thoughts were swirling till she saw Wiltgrass look back at her with a softer expression “You should get back to your mentor anyways I saw Stormclaw looking for you and I came out to find you.” Branchpaw wanted to set the record straight but Wiltgrass was already ushering the two back towards camp. Gracklekit only shot a dirty look at his father then a knowing smirk at her “Thanks for your help Snitchpaw” He sneered before facing off down the gorse tunnel. Branchpaw felt her claws dig into the ground as she imagined it was Gracklekit’s ugly grin as she tore him a new one. She suddenly felt Wiltgrass’s tail rest on her back and she looked up to see the senior warrior looking toward the tunnel with a disapproving look. “I know it wasn't really your fault he was out here.” Branchpaw’s anger faded a little and was replaced with relief. “That kit is always making excuses to do what he wants”

Branchpaw wanted to feel vindicated in her shared anger at Gracklekit’s behavior but she couldn't shake the uncomfortable tone Wiltgrass’s attitude toward his own son gave her. “I’ve seen you Branchpaw you're shaping up to be an exceptional asset to this clan. You're strong and smart and understand our ways without question.” Wiltgrass sighed “If only he could be the same.” He nodded toward Gracklekit’s messy paw prints leading abc to camp he left behind before continuing “You have a bright future young one don't ruin it by getting involved with the wrong cats”

Wiltgrass picked up his moss and nodded for her to grab the rest. She only nodded and did as he ordered but as the two made their way back into camp her mind was filled with conflicting thoughts. “Was that really what Wiltgrass believed? That Gracklekit was nothing more than a burden for the clan that would ruin things for her if she tried to be there for him. Maybe he was right, look what he did when she tried to extend an olive branch and help him. He’d lied and made her seem like his accomplice and didn't even seem sorry. At the same time she remembered Quail’s advice to look out for her clanmate especially when no one else will. It was then she gave herself a nod “I will look out for Gracklekit…I’ll do all i can to lead him onto the right path just like mine and then he can finally be accepted by the clan and Wiltgrass. Then we’ll both be assets to Thunderclan!”

CHAPTER 7

 

“Are you sure he’s going to be ok?” Sagekit asked Lichenpelt for the 3rd time that day, as she put away the rest of the herbs she had taken out for bundles for the elders. “Yes, Sagekit, I'm sure; Cobtail’s just dealing with a cough is all. It’s leaf-bare; it always gives the elders some troubles, but it’s nothing you need to fret over.” The medicine cat reassured him once again, her voice beginning to grow a hint of irritation, but Fogkit knew she couldn't be truly upset with the little tom. Lichenpelt sighed as she looked at the 2 kits lounging in the center of her den. “Don’t you two have any kit games you could be off playing?” Fogkit shrugged. “Basskit and the others are all playing moss ball out in the camp, and I didn't want to risk getting pelted by another wad because Sunkit can't aim.” Sagekit chuckled at the reminder, and Fogkit gave him a friendly swipe on the head.

Just then, Sunkit came in with Wavekit at his side. The large yellow tom was covered with little barbed vines. “What happened this time?” Lichenpelt asked with a tight but patient mew as she led Sunkit into a nest. Wavekit answered, “He tried to leap into the bush where he flung the moss ball and got caught on these weird sharp vines. I think he scratched himself on them.” Her voice was gentle and a little squeaky as she explained, and Lichenpelt nodded and looked at the pale yellow she cat “Well since you seem so keen to help your friend here, why don't you fetch me some dock leaves from over there? You can't miss them; they're the big flat ones.” She nodded at the store at the back of her den and Wavekit looked a bit anxious but nodded anyway and padded away before returning after a moment with the leaves in her jaws. Lichenpelt's eyes seemed to glimmer with some kind of curiosity Fogkit couldn't begin to understand. “Did she need some cat to fetch her more herbs?” Fogkit wondered and the medicine cat began to carefully claw away the vines from Sunkit’s fur before chewing the dock leaves and squeezing the juices into his scratch. Fogkit and Sagekit could see he was struggling with the effort to not flinch at the sting of the herb in front of Wavekit. The two gave each other knowing glances but didn't say anything. “Alright rest up here for a bit and don’t lick your wounds, they need time to absorb the dock leaf.”

Wavekit looked at the medicine cat with wide eyes as she went back to organising her store. “How did you already know what he needed as soon as he sat down?” Wavekit asked, sitting nearby. Lichenpelt didn't even look back as she answered “It’s my job as a medicine cat to have as many herbs memorised as possible so I can be quick in my treatment of cats. In an emergency every second counts to save a cat's life. Now scratches are obviously nothing to panic over but still even small injury is important to see to quickly and efficiently so as to make sure infection can't set in and become a bigger issue. Besides, the sooner a cat is healed the sooner they can leave my den and be back to living their lives.” Fogkit, Sagekit, and Wavekit now all sat listening intently to the she cats words. Wavekit especially seemed amazed “Wow i dont think i could handle that pressure”

Lichenpelt finally turned her head to face her and looked kindly at her “Nonsense, with the proper training the right cat can always be a healer. Now when it comes to interpreting messages from Starclan that's another thing entirely. Even the most seasoned medicine cats can find themselves struggling to understand our ancestors' words.” Fogkit piped up “H-have you gotten any new messages from any starclan cats lately?” Fogkit tried to be casual but Lichenpelt’s deep stare bore right into hers and it felt like she was trying to read her deepest thoughts. “Could she tell I was thinking of Claystep? Would he have a message for the clan? Maybe he could tell his clan he shouldn't have died for nothing and tell them to stop fighting”. Lichenpelt only shook her head “Nothing lately, but sometimes that's a good thing. It could mean no deep trouble is coming for the clans for now so they have no need to guide us right now” The 3 kits seemed to smile at that. As Sunkit had fallen asleep in his nest the 3 kits quietly left as Lichenpelt had asked for space.

Later as the kits were settling in for the evening Fogkit saw Wavekit standing in front of her nest seeming to have something she wanted to say. Fogkit felt confused, Wavekit wasn’t annoying but she hadn't really noticed her at all before this. What could the she cat want? Before she could open her mouth to even ask, Wavekit blurted out “Lichenpelt’s asked me to become her apprentice!” The she kit’s green eyes were alight with excitement. Fogkit smiled “That’s great but you're not 6 moons yet?” Wavekit settled back down “Yeah but im not far from it. Lichenpelt stopped me before leaving her den and said I was really keen about what she did and let me stay a little longer to help her sort the last of her store and clean up around the den. She asked if I wanted to become a medicine cat once I was 6 moons and at first I wasn't sure if I should accept because to be honest I thought you were planning to become her’s.” Fogkit looked stunned and Wavekit quickly added “I-I just meant cause you're always hanging out with her when the rest of us are out in camp i figured its cause you were interested in it.” Fogkit gave her a reassuring shake of her head “It’s ok i get where you were coming from, but dont worry i plan to be a warrior still. You should totally be her apprentice if you want to. Lichenpelt’s cool and seems to be the only sane cat in the cat sometimes.” Wavekit smiled and touched her nose to Fogkit’s ear. “Well then…ok i’ll go tell Lichenpelt right now and who knows maybe we can be friends too if you're still hanging around there by the time we're made paws. You seem like you could use some” Wavekit added before padding off quickly out of the den.

Fogkit looked on, feeling a bit self conscious after her last few words “Was that how she saw me? Some sad lonely kit who could only make friends with the one cat in camp who didn't fight.” Was that how all her clan saw her? Some sad cranky kit who could only be friends with the one cat whose job it was to be kind with the whole clan. She quickly shook her head. “Well it's not true” She growled to herself. “Sagekit is my friend and now..Wavekit too i suppose.

The next day Fogkit sat close by as Lichenpelt explained the various herbs and their uses to Wavekit. “Now catmint is best for greencough but it's hard to come by in the territories aside from Thunderclan but even they admit it's mainly only found in Twoleg gardens. In a pinch you can use Chick weed or similar weeds as a substitute.” She sighed as she glanced toward her shelf of herbs. “We’re running low on all of them. I'm heading out today to see if any early shoots might be coming up. New leaf can’t be far away now.” As the 3 cats left the den, Rainspike, Riverclan’s deputy, turned to Lichenpelt. “Off to fetch herbs?” Lichenpelt nodded but as she reached the camp entrance the border patrol returned and they looked serious.

They followed them to the center of camp where Scarletstar was already sitting, grooming her bright yellow pelt. She sat up quickly and looked around at the patrol. “Kingfisher, what news?” As she spoke Fogkit saw the rest of the cats already outside huddled close to her as Kingfisher spoke “We were patrolling near our path to fourtrees when we saw a large owl flying close overhead with something in its claws. Before we could make out what it was we heard the yowling of a strange cat coming up from behind. It sounded like a she cat. The owl had already crossed over toward Shadowclan so we decided to investigate the cat. By the time we made it where the sound had come from, it had changed to one of vicious fighting and we heard a fox barking. We could also just make out that same cat’s voice screeching in pain and anger. We tried to reach them but the fox met us first. We all prepared to try and lead it away from camp but there was no need. It didn't even try to fight us. As soon as we hissed and swiped at it, the scrawny thing turned and bolted away right out of clan territory. Whoever it had attacked first must've given it a good fright.” The clan muttered as the patrol described the scene. “Bet that mangy thing won't show its face around here again” Cobtail jeered and the cats cheered an agreement. After a moment the crowd settled back to silence and Kingfisher continued on. “We went closer to the edge of fourtrees and only heard a quick rustle from the undergrowth. We think it must’ve been a loner since we couldn’t catch any clan scents, maybe they were the one who fought the fox. If it was, hopefully they learned their lesson about coming into clan territory. After that we came straight back to camp to report.”

Scarletstar nodded “Good work all of you, but leaf bare makes threats like foxes hungrier and therefore unpredictable so every cat be on alert if you go out of camp these next few days” She looked out at every cat in the clearing as she spoke before glancing down at Fogkit and the others who came to listen as well. “Queens, keep extra close eyes on your kits. No kit is to leave camp for ANY reason without at least 2 Warriors with them!” Fogkit twitched her tail as Scarletstar made eye contact with her during that last warning. She knew Ivystripe had kept her word and reported her escape the other day but did she have to be so obvious about it. She felt like all her clanmates' gazes were searing into her pelt and she quickly moved away to the shelter of the medicine den. Fogkit sent a silent thank you to starclan that Sunkit had left last night when his scratches healed so the den was empty for now. She took a moment to try and steady her breathing. After she relaxed she slunk down to the cold floor of the den near the wall. Her ears perked after a bit when she heard two small familiar voices approaching as Sagekit poked his head in glancing around till he spotted her. He sighed as he and Wavekit padded in and sat with her. “What do you two want? Trying to make sure I don't run off again?” Fogkit snapped at them but immediately regretted it when she saw the hurt look on Sagekit’s face. She shook her head “I'm sorry I'm just angry at Scarletstar. I shouldn't take it out on you two”

Wavekit shrugged “hey dont worry about it. We just wondered where you went so quickly after the meeting ended. The whole clan is swimming with thoughts about the patrol’s story. Who was the strange cat? Why was she chasing an owl? Did she really fight a fox alone? Basskit’s already organising a new game where one of us is the owl and the others have to chase them down.” Fogkit rolled her eyes, “That frogbrain can’t take anything serious. I can’t wait till im a warrior and i can get away from that fleabag whenever i want” Wavekit shrugged “His games are pretty fun though. I hope you'll join us again. Foamwhisker says we need to enjoy our kithood as much as possible cause we’ll be all grown up and busy before we know it and we’ll wish we got to play silly games all day. I don’t want you to have that regret. I never see you play with us.” Fogkit gave a low growl “Maybe when Basskit and his stupid brothers stop trying to turn the rest of them against me than I could.” Wavekit and Sagekit looked down at their paws till Sagekit shook his head and looked more determined. “Well in the meantime we don’t need Basskit’s stupid games, we can come up with our own games to play now.” Fogkit gave a reluctant nod before following the 2 back to the nursery.

As they played Fogkit saw Wavekit glance back toward the camp entrance more than twice distracting her. “Hey you alright? We can't catch this carp if we don't keep our eyes right on it.” Fogkit gestured to sagekit who was wriggling around on the floor pretending to be a carp. Wavekit looked back embarrassed “Sorry I'm just worried about Lichenpelt now. She insisted on going out anyway to get herbs even after Scarletstar’s warning.” Sagekit chimed in ‘Don’t worry she took Mossmuzzle and Panthersplash with her she’ll be fine”.

Wavekit shook off and nodded “You’re right, sorry, come on Fogkit let’s catch this carp” She gave a playful bump to Fogkit as they chased Sagekit, who crawled quickly around the floor mimicking the swaying motion of fish. Fogkit pointed her ears toward one side of the den and Wavekit nodded as she split off into that direction managing to get ahead of Sagekit and cut off his escape route. He tried to double back but Fogkit was already poised to pounce as she yowled “Now!”. With that her and Wavekit leaped onto the tom and began lightly nipping and tugging at his pelt before he gave a surrendering plop onto the floor. “Euuuhh i’ve been caught. Will this be the last of the sun I'll ever see?” Sagekit bemoaned as he reached out to the sky. Fogkit rolled her eyes and laughed “Cut that out, fish don't speak, especially not dead ones”.

As she began to bite into his soft gray belly she noticed Wavekit was standing still, her face looking strange. “Come on dig in we worked hard to catch him and Starclan doesn't like us to waste prey.” Wavekit didn't budge. “W-we should bring him back for the clan.” She didn't give Fogkit a chance to respond as she grabbed Sagekit's scruff and dragged him out and called over Lillykit and Tulipkit who were grooming each other in the clearing. ‘Hey, we caught this weird looking carp. Wanna help us finish it?” The two striped kits looked confused for a moment before catching on to the game. They rushed over giggling excitedly until they saw Fogkit come out from the medicine den behind Wavekit. Fogkit looked away. Wavekit noticed the change and scowled “Hey she did the most to catch him, now don’t be rude and tuck in.” She demanded and the two quickly bent down and buried their muscles into their friends' belly. Sagekit laughed “Hey not so hard it tickles.". Lillykit spoke “Quiet fish you're dead you can't complain”. Wavekit smiled ‘That’s what Fogkit just said” She nodded to the blue gray kit as she had begun to take more fake bites. She froze and looked awkwardly at the others. They just laughed “Maybe next time you should catch a quieter one”. The fur on her shoulders bristled a little. “Were they making fun of her?” These two seemed to laugh at anything the other said it was hard to ever tell.

Before she could linger in the thought too long, Tulipkit piped up “Wavekit is it true your’e gonna be Lichenpelt’s apprentice” Wavekit seemed to be the one now who grew shy as she shrugged “Not until im 6 moons but she already started showing some of her herbs. It’s a lot but I'm so excited to start.” Just then Lichenpelt reappeared in the camp entrance with only a few measly sprigs in her jaws. Fogkit and Wavekit padded up trying to give her future mentor an encouraging smile. “No luck?” Lichenpelt shook her head as she went back into her den. The two kits followed along after waving a good bye to Lillykit, Tulipkit, and Sagekit who left to go speak with Cobtail.

“All I could find was some thyme leaves and Rosemery”. Fogkit’s tail drooped as she sniffed the rosemary; its scents brought her back once again to that awful night in camp when the camp sat vigil for Claystep. She could remember Lichenpelt and one of the queens rubbing the herbs across his body to hide the smell of death. No amount of herbs could cover the pain and anger that day put in Fogkit's mind. 6 moons couldn't come soon enough. The sooner she could train, the sooner she would be a warrior, and the sooner she could finally show the clans the error of their ways.

CHAPTER 8

“All cats old enough to catch their own fresh-kill, gather to hear my words” Heatherkit and the rest of her den mates gathered at the nursery entrance after their mothers had left to join the clan gathering in the clearing. “Sootkit get your filthy paws off my back and get your own spot to hear the meeting” Heatherkit hissed to her brother as he tried to stand on her back to get a better view. He moved around the group trying to squeeze into any spot left. “Here come sit by me” Rustkit whispered as he scooted closer to Golden kit giving just enough room for the little tom to sit. “Thanks,” Sootkit whispered back. “Shhhh Aurorastar’s about to start” Heatherkit whispered as she glared at the two toms. Sootkit glared back before turning to look out at the meeting.

“Cats of Shadowclan im sure all of you are aware by now of the young kit one of our patrols rescued the other day and plenty of you know now the tragic fate of her mother Wooly.” The crowd's faces grew serious and some glanced toward the medicine den where Beth was still residing. Heatherkit could make out Needlebloom at the very front of the crowd staring straight at the clan leader. “What’s she gonna say if Aurorastar decides Beth still has to go now that her wounds are mostly healed?” Heatherkit whispered to Goldenkit. The yellow she kit looked terrified as her claws went in and out scratching at the floor of the den as she turned to look at Heatherkit “Oh Starclan I hope he doesn't send her away. She can't survive out in the woods all alone”. Heatherkit placed a tail on her back as she responded cooly “Relax even if she can’t stay i doubt even Aurorastar would just dump her in the woods to die. He’ll probably have a patrol take her back to the barn. She mentioned that other cats lived there. She can just live with them. Kittypets are always soft and friendly. She'll be fine.” Goldenkit seemed to settle a bit at her words and she nodded as the two looked back to the meeting.

“After discussing with my senior warriors we’ve decided…Beth shall stay in shadowclan and be raised as a Shadowclan cat.” The crowd erupted into yowls of protest. “We can't support another kit. Those barn cats are practically kittypets. How can she be raised in this clan?!!” How will we explain her to the other clans?”. Heatherkit saw Goldenkit’s face light up with excitement but Heatherkit only waited to see what Aurorastar would say next as he lifted his tail to signal for silence. “I know you all have your concerns but we felt this was the best course of action for everyone. The kit has no known kin left back at the barn and Shadowclan can always use more warriors to train. Windclan has been caught sniffing around our borders far too often these past moons and I for one am not about to let them get away with it for much longer.” The crowds began to growl with anger at the reminder of Windclan’s arrogance.

“Shadowclan has always been feared for our strength in numbers and stealth. We have always done what we must to keep our clanmates safe and thriving to grow stronger everyday. From what the patrols described of Wooly it sounded as that loner was a fighter taking on and beating off that fox till the end and given how fast Beth has recovered from her wounds I can see she is just as much of a fighter as her mother.” Heatherkit could see Beth now poking her small white head out of the den to watch the meeting. Her eyes were dull with grief but seemed to widen at the clan leader's praise of her mother. Aurorastar seemed to notice her as well as he briefly looked toward her and nodded and she smiled a little. He turned back to look down at his clan and his voice grew louder and more commanding as he paced the rock.

“If we care for this young kit and bring her up with proper training to love shadowclan just as we all do she will give that strength back to us and we shall grow ever more powerful in the forest. WHAT SAYS YOU SHADOWCLAN?!” Aurorastar’s challenge rang out and the crowd yowled their agreement. Goldenkit stood and cheered loud enough that Heatherkit could swear the other clans would hear it. As the crowd settled, Poppyscrap spoke up “Aurorastar, i can take the kit.” The crowd in both the clearing and the nursery now looked at the queen. “I lost my first litter shortly after their kitting back in a new leaf and I'm blessed starclan gave me Rustkit now but I still have extra milk to spare and I'd never forgive myself if i didnt do all i could to help that poor dear have the best chance to survive.” Poppyscrap’s mate Fadingflame looked disapprovingly at her but she met his stare with a strong defiant look back and he backed off. Aurorastar nodded as he beckoned Beth to come out from hiding. The kit looked like a tuft of feathers floating along the ground from Heatherkit’s spot all the way on the other side of camp, as she trotted quickly with her head ducked and settled between Poppyscrap and Needlebloom “Thank you Poppyscrap. Then from this day forward till she’s made an apprentice she will be known as Cowkit. The meeting is at an end”

With that he leaped off the great rock and Heatherkit heard Goldenkit’s excited mew. “Come on let’s go see her” The two rushed through the separating crowd to meet with Beth as she headed towards the nursery with Poppyscrap and Needlebloom. Goldenkit gave her friend a happy nuzzle which Cowkit tried to reciprocate but still seemed out of it. “You’ll sleep back here with me and rustkit dear.” Poppyscrap nodded to the back of the nursery where her nest lay. Rustkit came up and sniffed curiously at his new littermate. “Welcome to the nursery! It's so cool to have a littermate now.” The little tom leaped back and forth trying to get Beth to play but she seemed a bit overwhelmed. Poppyscrap grabbed him and placed him into bed. “That's enough out of you, little one give her some time, she's been through a lot and we don't want to overwhelm her. Maybe you two can play later but for now she needs a meal and to rest and so do you.”

Just as she said that Fadingflame came into the den with a pigeon in his mouth which he dropped at his mate’s paws. “If you insist on taking this on you’ll need your strength.Perhaps you can use the feathers to warm the nest.”. Rustkit and Cowkit batted around the feathers playfully as their mother tore them off the bird before tearing into the plump flesh of the prey. One particularly large feather got caught behind Cowkit’s ear. Before she could pluck it out, Goldenkit looked over “Wait, leave it, it looks cute. It's white and brown just like you. Cowkit smiled and nodded “If you say so”. As the two began to pad the rest of the feathers into the nest Heatherkit stretched and climbed into her own.

Fadingflame seemed to be chatting quietly to Poppyscrap. Eventually she gave him a warm smile as the two briefly pressed their heads together before he left, giving the other queens passing nods of greeting. As he left Heatherkit saw Sootkit looking at him longingly. “What’s with you?” Heatherkit asked as he stood at the entrance watching the older tom leaving. Sootkit sighed “Even Fadingflame has been to see his kit, or kits now and one of them isn't even his. So why can’t ours?!” He growled and Heatherkit rolled her eyes “Don’t tell me you're still hung up on that?” He looked back at her annoyed, “Aren’t you even a little curious who he is?” Heatherkit scoffed “Who cares? We have Crowpearl. Isn’t that enough parent for you? Sootkit looked down at his paws guiltily “Of course she is, im just curious is all”. Just then Crowpearl suddenly called to him. “Sootkit get back in here, the winds are picking up out there you’ll catch a cough if you sit there all day”.

As he settled back into his nest Crowpearl stood and stretched. “That smell of pigeon has got my own stomach going now Poppyscrap. I think I'm going to do a little hunting of my own today. Stretch my legs a bit.” Heatherkit and Sootkit looked up worriedly at their mother then more questioning at each other. They’d never seen her leave camp, especially to hunt. She’d always grabbed something off the pile if not shared with one of the other queens. The other queens simply nodded “Alright but be careful out there. Aurorastar’s warning about Windclan has me on edge” Evergreen advised but Crowpearl shook her head. “Nonsense, I was a warrior only a few moons ago. I can still take care of myself besides I can deal with a stupid windclan trespasser easily”. Heatherkit admired her mother’s resolve as she walked proudly out of camp.

After she’d gone Sootkit slinked over to his sister's nest and whispered. “Come on, let's follow her”. Heatherkit looked at her brother like he’d suddenly grown a rat's tail. “Are you completely featherbrained? Crowpearl would be furious if she found out we snuck out and that we followed her. Not to mention Auorurastar” Heatherkit thought that last part worriedly to herself. Would he hold her back from becoming an apprentice? Sootkit growled as he glanced back to the rest of the den to see Evergreen and Poppyscrap now curled up asleep with their kits before turning back to his sister. “Look, they're asleep, we can sneak out easily. I just wanna talk to Crowpearl and get a real answer about who dad is. Maybe she was too embarrassed to admit it in front of the others because of how little he shows up. You and I both know how much she likes to hide her flaws from the clan. If we talk to her in the privacy of the forest she’ll be more likely to open up about it.” Heatherkit considered his plan for a moment before shaking her head. “Don’t be ridiculous, all she’ll tell us is we’re fluff brains for going out there alone”.

Sootkit scowled as he began to slip out of the den and sneak toward the small dip in the camp wall. Heatherkit hesitated before following. She kept trying to dissuade her brother but he wasn’t hearing a word of her objections. “If you’re too scared to leave then fine but im not afraid of the truth. I'll go on my own and just don’t say anything to the clan.” Heatherkit’s nose flared at the accusation as she climbed the dip after him and joined him at the top. “How dare you! I'm not scared of anything.” She growled at Sootkit before realising where her paws had led her. She glanced around at the vast dark world that lay before the two. It was then Heatherkit thought of all the dangers that might be waiting inside for them. Foxes, badgers, maybe even another owl to scoop them away like it did Cowkit. As she pondered she heard paws steps and saw Sootkit already heading away into the woods towards the direction of the camp entrance. Heatherkit rushed to stop him,grabbing his little tail and yanking him back. “Where are you even going?”. Sootkit huffed as he pulled his tail away. “To the camp entrance to find Crowpearl’s tracks…duh?”. Heatherkit couldn’t believe she shared blood with this utter mousebrain. “If you go that way you’ll just run into the other warriors who are leaving on patrols.”. Sookit's eyes widened in realization and humiliation for a moment before glaring back at his sister. “Well since you’re sooo smart where would you go?” Heatherkit sniffed “Walk around the other way till you catch her tracks”. Sootkit quickly dashed the way she suggested and she considered heading back into the camp to get out of this cold which was already seeping under her fur. “He’s going to get himself killed or at least lost if he goes by himself.” Heatherkit argued in her head before rushing to catch up with him. It wasn’t hard given his shorter legs didn't get him far by that point.

“Hold on slugkit, there’s no way I'm staying in camp to listen to every cat freak out when they see you’re missing. Besides, if I take the lead I can get us back in time so maybe no cat even notices we're missing.” Sootkit didn't argue for once actually looking pleased as he gave her a bump “Great let's go”. As the two began padding around the rim of the camp hollow heatherkit used her long tail to cover their tracks the best she could with snow. As they eventually made it around the bend she could pick up their mothers familiar scent. She nodded her brother toward the direction. They skirted pines, rocks, and thicker foliage that manage to stick out among the snow. She was grateful she’d agreed to practice Beth’s stalking tips before as it helped her avoid making too much noise on the snowy ground. Heatherkit began to pant with the effort it took to keep a decent pace with the trail. Heatherkit found it strange their mother had come so far from camp just to stretch her legs. Eventually Sootkit spoke up “ How much further I feel like my paws are about to fall off” he gave an annoying moan and Heatherkit quickly pressed her. Tail to his mouth. “Shut up, this whole thing was your idea. Besides, I can see Crowpearl just over there”. The two poked their heads just around the large boulder they were stopped by. Crowpearl was seen stalking around a spot where the pine trees seemed to fade away into an open area that was fully blanketed with white. “That must be the border where shadowclan meets windclan territory” Heatherkit’s tail twitched and she tried her best to stretch her senses to check the area for strange cats but everything here looked and smelled strange to her. The snow melted in some parts into stinking marsh mud.

“Come on, let's go talk to her now, we're as alone as we can get with her.” Sootkit tried to move but Heatherkit dragged him back by his scruff. “Stay put, i’m scanning the area like a real warrior would” Sootkit scoffed before his eyes widened a little “look i think Crowpearls found something to catch” Sootkit nodded his head toward their mother who stood looking out at something in the far distance. She gave a tiny nod of her head one way and after another moment she quickly headed that way. Heatherkit and Sootkit did their best to follow a distance behind ducking under fallen logs and snow drifts till they saw her sit tall near what must be the burnt sycamore tree the elders had told them about. In this new spot Heatherkit could see a group of cats on the flat stretch of snow in the distance.

“Windclan” She whispered to her brother as she dug her claws into the bark of the log they sheltered under. “One of them is heading toward Crowpearl” Sootkit pointed out more anxiously “Evergreen was right she shouldn't have come alone. What if a fight breaks out? We won't make it back to camp in time to get help.” Heatherkit looked down at him with impatience “She’ll be fine, she's a warrior. Like she said she can handle a scrawny Windclan cat. Sootkit gave a small nod as he looked back at their mother who seemed to notice the cat as well but she didn't move from the spot she sat at. Heatherkit was confused. Wasn’t she even going to challenge this cat? She growled as he crossed into the woods. “Aurorastar was right, they are tresspassing!” She thought furiously. She’d always heard windclan were arrogant but she didn't realize how true it was till now. This cat didn't even flinch as they padded toward their mother who still hadn't moved a whisker. “Come on, say something,” Heatherkit urged her mother in her head. Finally she heard Crowpearl speak in a soft but serious tone.

“Saltsprig, thanks for meeting me. How’s the prey running on the moore?” She gave the pale tabby tom a nod and he returned it, his expression unreadable. Something about this cat looked strangely familiar the more she examined him. He was skinny like all windclan cats were described but well muscled in his front legs and streaks of silver stripes across his pelt. He spoke bluntly “It’s been moons since our last conversation, let’s cut the small talk Crowpearl. How are they?” Crowpearl looked disappointed but answered "They're wonderful, beautiful and growing stronger everyday.” Saltsprig seemed to smile a little at her words “That’s excellent to hear, the others are doing well in Windclan too, despite the little prey. They’re always playing together and getting into trouble like all kits.” He gave a soft chuckle and Crowpearl joined in. “So are my pair, but not for the same reasons. Those two seem to but heads over anything but Heatherkit still cares for him in her own ways. I had to make them their own nests already so we could all get some sleep in the nursery. Heatherkit is always ready to order her denmates around but they don’t seem to mind aside from Sootkit. She’s definitely going to be a leader one day.” Heatherkit’s heart skipped a beat at her mother’s praise. Leader? Did she also see the greatness in her like Aurorastar?

She shook her thoughts away. Now wasn't the time she had to focus as Crowpearl continued “And Sootkit is a little ball of energy so ready to explore and so curious” She sighed as her voice grew worried “Perhaps too curious for his own good” Saltspring raised an eyebrow. “He’s been asking about who their father is? I've been able to dodge the question for now but he’s only getting more curious every time one of the other queen’s mates comes to visit. I fear it's only a matter of time before I have to tell them the truth.” Saltspring objected “YOU CAN”T!! We both made a vow that night to never speak of what we did to anyone else, especially not the kits. They’re all adjusting well; it sounds like there is no need. Besides, they'll be apprentices soon enough and I'm sure he’ll forget all about it. You just have to stand firm and speak nothing to either of them and I'll do the same. It’s what we decided. What’s done is done” Crowpearl squeezed her eyes in pain at his last words.”

Heatherkit and Sootkit looked dumbfounded. What in Starclan were they talking about? Why was Crowpearl sharing news of her kits to this Windclan cat and he doing the same of his. What agreement could they never speak of? As she ran through questions she saw Sootkit staring at the tom with the same confused look. As the little light peered into their spying hole it showed on his pelt and Heatherkit looked closer between his and the older toms.

The resemblance struck her harder than any attack and she felt sick. “It’s him” was all she could croak out and Sootkit looked back at her lost “He’s what?”. Heatherkit’s shock quickly boiled into pure rage as she spat quietly at sootkit forcing his head to look closer at the tom. “HE’S OUR FATHER YOU IDIOT!” As the two looked back out they saw Saltsprig try to comfort Crowpearl by pressing into her but stopped a moment before instead opting to just press his muzzle to her shoulder before speaking “I should go, the patrol will be wondering where I am.” Crowpearl gave a tiny nod in return “So will MY kits” Her mew was holding barely restrained grief by the sound of it and Heatherkit had to squash any sense of pity that tried to seep into her heart. Saltsprig then turned and rushed back out toward the moor. Heatherkit saw Crowpearl begin to pad deeper back into Shadowclan’s forest. This time she seemed to actually be hunting. Heatherkit quickly turned to her brother who still sat frozen watching the spot where their father had left from. Heatherkit gave him a shove and said “Come on we need to get back to camp RIGHT NOW” She growled and he didn't object, only following dully behind her.

The two managed to make their way back to the top of the dip where Sootkit finally stopped and spoke, trying his best to catch his breath. “What-what does all this mean? Our father can’t be a Windclan cat that would make us half-clan cats. What are we gonna tell the clan?” Heatherkit’s mind suddenly cleared from the swirling chaos that plagued it the whole rush back home. She snapped her head around to stare at her brother as she spoke a cold “Nothing”. Sootkit stared bewildered “What?”. Heatherkit turned fully and began to back her brother into the outer wall of camp. He shrunk under her intense glare as she hissed. “I did what you begged to, just like always and helped you follow Crowpearl and find the truth about our father and now you owe me BIG TIME” Sootkit was trembling now as he asked “What do you want?”. Heatherkit once again felt the same swell of pity for her kin trying to tug at her to calm down, but she swatted it away like a troublesome fly as she continued, her tone now cold as the snow that was freezing her paws. “You will never speak a word of what we’ve learned to any cat, especially not Crowpearl. Whatever happened with our mother and that Windclan tom is not our problem and I wont allow you and your big mouth to make it one for us. This secret is Crowpearl’s burden to deal with”

Heatherkit remembered Crowpearl’s words about her: she was going to become this clan’s leader one day and there was no way that could happen if they knew she wasn't completely shadowclan. “Saltsprig was right about one thing. What’s been done is done and there's no going back. So promise that you won’t ever speak of this and I'll do the same. AGREED?” Sootkit gave a nod “Ok i-i promise”. Heatherkit backed off and helped her brother up and groomed his pelt of the forest smells before sending him down into the camp. After doing her own pelt she stood for a moment looking down into the hollow, seeing all the cats swarming around looking like bugs from that height Heatherkit felt a surge of a new sensation that tingled her from ears to tailtip…Power. She loved it and she knew if she became a leader she could feel it every moment. She would do whatever necessary to make it happen. “And starclan as my witness…nothing and no cat is going to get in my way.”

CHAPTER 9

Heatherkit sat in her nest washing the last of the forest smell and debris out from under her pelt as Crowpearl finally reappeared in the den holding a skinny mouse. Evergreen sniffed “Was that all you were able to find? I know it's still leaf bare but you were out for quite a while” Heatherkit could see her brother’s eyes widen a bit as he glanced at her. She shot him a look that warned him to keep his mouth shut as Crowpearl just shrugged “There wasn’t much out today, even the best hunter can only work with what starclan provides” she began to tear into the mouse as Evergreen shook her head and went back to washing Goldenkit who was still fast asleep. After she finished Crowpearl gestured for her kits to come feed as well. Heatherkit didn't object and Sootkit rushed over keeping his gaze fixed on his paws as the two settled into their mothers side to eat.

Two moons later Heatherpaw sat tall, chin high beside her mentor Foxnose as Aurorastar called Goldenkit up next to receive her name. “Goldenkit you’ve reached the age of 6 moons and therefore it’s time you be made an apprentice. Sagecurl it’s also time you receive your first apprentice to mentor. You’re a smart and quick working member of this clan and I know you will do well to pass your skills onto this apprentice.” Goldenkit seemed to lower her ears as she looked from Sagecurl, to her father Strawtooth, then to Heatherkit. Heatherpaw shrugged and mouthed a small “Sorry I tried” to her friend. Heatherpaw could relate to her disappointment when she didn't receive Aurorastar himself as her mentor. However, Goldenkit didn't stay sad for long giving her friend an understanding nod before looking up excitedly to her mentor as Sagecurl bent to touch noses with her. “From this day on, till she earns her warrior name Goldenkit you will now be known as Goldenpaw.” The clan cheered her new name as she bounced over to nuzzle Heatherkit. “We’re finally paws together!” She squealed with delight but Sagecurl was quick to quiet her as she nodded to the clearing where the rest of the ceremony was still going.

Heatherpaw sat and watched as Sootkit was made Sootpaw and given Darkthorn as his mentor. She had to hide her amusement at her brother's distraught face at getting the grouchy senior warrior as his mentor. Rustpaw, who had already received his mentor Driptail a month before greeted his new denmate with a playful swipe which Sootpaw easily dodged but the two stopped quickly as they saw their mentors' serious glares aim at them and they shuffled to sit.

Heatherpaw gave them a disapproving sniff but was distracted as the crowd went almost completely quiet as the last kit was called up. Cowkit approached the rock slowly but as she passed she stole a quick glance at Heatherpaw and Goldenpaw and brightened up as she sat trying to appear as confident as she could. Aurorastar spoke again “Cowkit i know you have had a rough start to your life and are still finding your paws but you are 6 moons and i believe you of all our new apprentices will benefit from the wisdom and training your mentor will provide to make you into a strong shadowclan warrior. Wolfstalk you are one of our most experienced cats and I know you will do just that as cowkit’s mentor.” Heatherkit looked over to the thick pelted tom who sat on the other side of the crowd. His face didn't seem to show any excitement or discomfort. He padded up to the mottled kit and bent to touch her nose and Cowkit met it. “Then with that Cowkit from this day until you earn your warrior name I name you Cowpaw.”

The crowd called the name but Heatherkit could hear the hesitance in some of their voices especially from the older cats. Cowpaw seemed to notice as she rushed to the side not waiting for Wolfstalk as she sat toward the back of the crowd as Aurorastar called the meeting to an end. “They still don't see her as a real clanmate. She wants them to” Heatherpaw thought, thinking back to the past 2 moons since Aurorastar made his decision to keep her. Cowkit had done her best to try and talk to the other cats, and while most spoke kind words to her, their eyes barely met hers and the way they would quickly find excuses to leave the conversation told the truth. Cowkit’s place in the clan was vulnerable and she knew it but lucky for Heatherpaw so did she.

Heatherpaw’s thoughts were cut off for a moment as she and the others were swarmed by their parents and clanmates with cheers of their new names and praise which Heatherkit soaked in, but kept her attention on Cowpaw who looked out at them from a distance until Needlebloom and Poppyscrap went to sit with her. Heatherpaw looked to Foxnose “Before we start training can i go say congrats to Cowpaw” The tortoiseshell she cat glanced over to where Cowpaw was standing then nodded back to Heatherpaw “Sure but don't be long I’ll be taking you to tour the territory”. Heatherpaw nodded before heading through the throng of cats.

“Sorry to interrupt but could i get a word with my friend alone real quick” Heatherpaw batted her eyes sweetly and Needlebloom gave her an approving nod “Oh- of course go on ahead you two”. Once they left, Heatherpaw led Cowpaw to a sheltered spot in the camp. “So CowPAW, how's it feel to be a real apprentice now. Exciting isn’t it?” Cowpaw seemed surprised Heatherpaw was seeking her out to talk privately like this. She usually didn't talk much to her unless spurred on by Goldenpaw. “It’s great I'm super happy, the clan’s really…accepted me” Cowpaw’s ability to hide her true feelings was abysmal, Heatherpaw thought. “Something wrong?” She tilted her head and Cowpaw seemed to deflate as she spoke again “Do they really accept me though? You’re a smart cat Heatherpaw you heard how they all sounded calling my new name. They all still think I'm just a useless loner who shouldn't even still be living here.”

Heatherpaw stood up now “Who cares what they think!!” Cowpaw eyes widened at her sharp tone towards their clanmates but Heatherpaw could tell she’d gotten her attention. “Listen in this clan only the strong are going to make it in the end but not every cat can be strong” Cowpaw seemed to look scared again but Heatherpaw quickly continued “But thats ok cause if you cant protect yourself it’s better and easier to follow a strong cat who can look out for you isn’t it?” Cowpaw hesitated before nodding and Heatherpaw went on. “Exactly! Now given you were a loner you are already at a disadvantage against us clan born cats but if you had a strong clan cat by your side who was destined for greatness looking out for you, you’d have nothing to worry about.” Cowpaw seemed curious “What cat? You mean my mentor? Wolfstalk is pretty well respected but I don't know if he even likes me yet.”.

Heatherpaw rolled her eyes “No mousebrain i ment Me. You said it yourself, I'm one of the smartest cats and I know how to make cats respect me. I'm gonna be the clan leader one day and then all the clans will respect me.” Cowpaw’s eyes sparkled with amazement as she sat up taller looking at Heatherpaw with admiration “Really how do you know? Did Needlebloom have a vision about it?” Heatherkit scoffed “I don’t need some silly prophecy from Starclan to tell me I'm going to lead Shadowclan one day. I know, because I know what I'm capable of.” She stamped a paw down.

“Trust me Cowpaw, stick by me and I’ll make sure you have a place here in Shadowclan.” Cowpaw smiled but still seemed hesitant “Why do you want to help me so much?”. Heatherpaw twitched her tail a little in impatience but kept her voice warm and sweet. “I care, you're so alone here in the clan and it breaks my heart. I'm just trying to be a good warrior and help my clanmates. So, what do you say?” Heatherpaw stuck her paw out and after a moment Cowpaw placed hers atop and shook “Alright, thanks a bunch Heatherpaw i owe you” Cowpaw purred as she suddenly wrapped excitedly around Heatherpaw. Heatherpaw let her show her gratitude as she thought “Oh yes Cowpaw, you’ll owe me Big”.

After a moment she shook Cowpaw off “Alright alright now run along and go find Wolfstalk. If you want your mentor to like you it’s best you don't keep him waiting.” Cowpaw rushed off and Heatherpaw was about to follow but suddenly a voice called out “Well spoken Heatherpaw, an effective leader knows how to convince their clan to feel however they decide they should.” Heatherpaw looked around to see Aurorastar padding up and sitting by her, his face as relaxed and amused as that first time they met. “I told you I'd be keeping an eye on you to see how you operated in the clan and so far I've been pleased with what I see. Heatherpaw lifted her chin and smiled “Thanks, I just thought she could use some advice”. She licked her chest a bit self-consciously. Could he tell what she was trying to achieve with Cowpaw? Aurorastar chuckled “Don’t worry I'm not here to judge. Inspiring loyalty to each other is how we ensure loyalty to the clan.”

Heatherpaw let herself relax a little as she spoke more honestly “If that’s true then why didn’t you become my mentor? You could teach me best.” She looked deep into the leader's eyes and his face grew more serious as he shook his head “I can’t make things too easy for you now can I? Where’s the fun in that? Besides it’s like you said, you’re a smart cat you don't need me hovering over your every move to make your way in this clan.” Heatherpaw scowled a little but nodded “I guess that’s fair”. Aurorastar flicked her chin playfully with his tail “Chin up little warrior i’m still keeping my eye on you but for now you better join your mentor, Foxnose won’t wait forever for you.” Heatherpaw almost forgot the patrol as she dipped her head to her leader before rushing off to join Foxnose.

As they walked through the chilly forest Heatherpaw was thrilled to be able to see the full beauty of the woods now that Leafbare was easing out and the sun was staying out longer illuminating the once terrifying seeming pines. “Don’t be upset if it's a bit too much to take in on your first day. There's lots to get familiar with in our territory.” Foxnose spoke but Heatherpaw kept her head high “That’s what you think”. They traveled around, Foxnose giving Heatherpaw a chance to try real stalking in some undergrowth which she did well enough in despite the annoying snow melt soaking up her pelt. Eventually they made it to a strange area heaped with large broken items Heatherpaw never saw. “Uggghh what is that stink” Foxnose nodded to the large black masses huddled near the thunderpath that signaled the end of shadowclan territory nearby. “This is Carrionplace where twolegs toss their junk. Don’t worry we only come here in times of dire hunger to catch the rats that live around it.”. Heatherpaw shook her pelt “Starclan never let it get that bad that i’ll have to hunt in that” Heatherpaw cringed inwardly at the thought.

Suddenly the two turned towards the sound of familiar mews behind them. “You won’t be fighting any rats today and if you run off again to try I'll send you back to camp and have you pick ticks off the elders alone for a moon Sootpaw.” Heatherpaw recognised the deep mew of Darkthorn as he scolded her brother. As the group got closer she saw Goldenpaw and Cowpaw following behind with their mentors as well. Foxnose greeted them “Funny, seems you all chose to walk the long route from camp”. Darkthorn gave a half smile as he nodded at her. Goldenpaw rushed forward to Heatherpaw with Cowpaw tailing behind closely. “Is that carrion place?” Cowpaw asked turning to look at Wolfstalk who gave the same spiel Foxnose gave Heatherpaw. Foxnose looked up to the sky moving closer toward the horizon. “Nearaly sundown, best we do the last stretch of the tour together so we can get all our Paws home before dark.

Sootkit puffed his chest out “I'm not scared of the dark, we’re shadowclan, we thrive in darkness!” Heatherpaw could hear the slight shake in his mew as if it was taking all his strength to say the words confidently. Was he trying to convince the warriors…or himself? Darkthorn gave him a gentle swipe over his head with his tail “keep your fur on you look like a hedgehog all puffed out like that anyway. We’ll save night stalking for another lesson. Today is just getting you familiar with the territory in the day so you can have it as reference for when we do get to that point in your training. Sootkit licked his chest in embarrassment as Goldenpaw and Heatherpaw giggled at Darkthorn’s observation.

“All that should be left if we both ended up here, is the windclan border.” Sagecurl assessed. As the group explored the clearing outlooking the moor Heatherkit kept one eye on her brother as he paced from spot to spot trying to keep his attention away from the sycamore where they watched their mother meet with Saltsprig. As she saw the mentors answering Goldenpaw’s millionth question she moved close to Sootpaw’s side and whispered “Will you get it together?! No cat knows anything and isn’t going to unless you keep acting like a frightened bird.” She growled into his ears and Sootkit did his best to take a breath. “I'm sorry I'm trying but I can't stop thinking about that day, about Saltsprig. I feel like I only have more questions now that we know about him.” Heatherkit kept her gaze hard on him as she spoke slowly “Well. keep. Them. To. Yourself!” She placed her paw onto his, lightly pressing her claws in. “Just try to focus on your training to keep your mind off it. All that matters now is us becoming the best warriors Shadowclan will ever know.” Heatherkit tried to encourage him more and he gave a nod of agreement.

“Sootkit, Heatherkit, everything ok over there?” Foxnose asked. Heatherpaw gave a happy smile back “Yup Sootpaw just stepped on a thorn but i got it out for him” the pale tabby tom shot her an angry look as he lifted his paw up a bit to shake off the sting of her claws poking him. Foxnose looked concerned for a moment but shrugged “Alright well it’s time we head back to camp, Sootpaw if your paw is still giving you trouble see Needlebloom once we get there.” Sootpaw just gave a small nod as the patrol set off.

CHAPTER 10

“What do you mean you’re not coming?” Fogpaw tried to keep the disappointment from her voice as she faced Sagepaw who hesitated for a moment before meeting her eyes. “I’m sorry but Cobtail’s cough has been bothering him lately and I have to stay to make sure he’s ok.” Fogpaw felt sympathy for her friend's concern but pressed on “But it’s our very first gathering, you can’t miss that”. The two cats had been made apprentices less than a moon ago but Scarletstar had decided they could go to, as she says “prove Riverclan’s endurance through leaf bare” like every clan isn't going to be doing that.” Fogpaw thought wryly. “Come on you can’t leave me to sit through a whole night of Lilypaw and Tulippaw chattering to each other alone.” Sagepaw smiled but seemed to be standing firm until another voice spoke up “She’s right this is an important milestone in a young clan cat's life”. The two paws looked to see Lichenpelt padding over with Wavekit now Wavepaw. “You two should be able to share the experience together. Fourtrees can be daunting your first time. Lots of new faces and names and smells to take in as well as information the leaders share. It’s all easier to process if you have some familiar faces mixed in.”. Sagepaw looked more thoughtful. “She’ll have Wavepaw to talk to or Lillypaw or Tulippaw I'm sure would be happy to talk to.” He added semi mockingly but lichenpelt just shook her head. “I’ll be introducing Wavepaw to the other medicine cats and I'm sure Lilypaw and Tulipaw will be more eager to rush off to talk with the other apprentices from the other clans. You and I know Fogpaw isn’t like that.” Fogpaw looked a little embarrassed at the medicine cat's judgement but she couldn't exactly argue against it especially if it helped her case for Sagepaw to come.

Sagepaw seemed to look more concerned at her words though. “W-wait you’re going to Lichenpelt? But Cobtail’s cough-” The medicine cat cut him off gently. “Has eased up and he’s already resting in his den. I just saw him before I came out here.”. Before Sagepaw could object more, Scarletstar called the patrol to gather at the camp entrance. Fogpaw stood and looked at sagepaw pleadingly “Come on there about to leave. What do you say?” Sagepaw couldn’t deny her when her deep green and blue eyes were big and shimmering like that. He gave a final defeated sigh as he nodded “Alright you win let’s go”. He began to race ahead after the leaving patrol and Fogpaw was quick on his heels.

The glow of the moon was bright and clear of any clouds so far that night as Scarletstar led her cats down into the clearing. Fogpaw and Sagepaw glanced mouths agape at the towering oaks that gave Fourtrees its name. “Imagine how far you could see from the top of those things” Sagepaw bumped Fogpaw. “Imagine getting down from them” She joked back nodding toward Basspaw who looked on edge at the suggestion. The boastful tom had always been afraid of heights even when they played, he insisted on making their fake clan rock barely a mouselength high.

Riverclan was the second to appear that night after Thunderclan. Fogpaw was hit with the strange woody scents of mice and various plants that must make up their thick undergrowth. “Where do we even start? So many cats and the other two clans aren’t even here yet” Sagepaw asked. Fogpaw scanned the area till a path cleared and she saw two cats seemingly their age closer to what must be the high rock where the leaders spoke. One a scrawny black tom with pale yellow legs and reddish tinged paws. The other a rich brown tabby who seemed to be scolding him as the two got close enough to hear them. “Can’t you go a day without messing up your pelt, we’re at a gathering for Starclan’s sake”. The she cat licked a paw and tried to wide the top of her clanmate’s head but he quickly drew back hissing.

“Hey paws off! I think it looks cool” The tom glanced at a small puddle near the base of the rock and smiled at his strange look. He’s slicked up the fur along his head with what seemed to be moss taken from the rock. It colored the fur almost bright green. “What are you doing? Trying to make yourself look like a bush or something?” Fogpaw joked as the two came to sit beside the Thunderclan cats. The brown she cat’s eyes widened in surprise and embarrassment as she sat tall and smiled “Oh sorry didnt see you two coming up, Branchpaw of Thunderclan nice to meet you”. Fogpaw was weirded out by her formal tone for a cat so young. “Um-hey i’m Fogpaw and this here is Sagepaw” Sagepaw just nodded his head.

“So who’s greenie over here” He nodded at the black tom who gave a small growl and tried to square his shoulders but before he could do any more Branchpaw stood in front. “That’s just my clanmate Gracklepaw. He’s also happy to meet you…aren’t you Gracklepaw?” Branchpaw gave a rigid smile to her clanmate who wrinkled his nose before backing off and only giving a sniff before sitting with the rest of them. “Hi. And for your information im trying a new look and i think it looks awesome” Gracklepaw asserted to Sagepaw. Branchpaw gave a sigh before continuing “So is this your guy’s first gathering too?”. Fogpaw nodded “We were just made apprentices this moon”. Branchpaw’s eyes widened “Wow and you’re leader already let you come! Lucky, I've been a paw for almost 3 moons. Who’s your leader anyway?”. Fogpaw nodded to Scarletstar who seemed to be attempting a greeting with the massive tom who sat rigid below the rock. “Scarletstar, the bright yellow tabby over there and I'm guessing that's your leader with her. Grizzlystar right?”.

Branchpaw nodded “I wonder why he seems so uninterested in talking to any cat? The gatherings meant for us to share tongues.” Fogpaw shrugged as Gracklepaw piped up “He’s probably holding his breath to not gag from her fish stench". Branchpaw swiped a paw hard behind his head “Don’t be so rude”. Fogpaw chuckled as Gracklepaw rubbed his head. “Thanks, glad to see one cat outside our clan thinks those petty nicknames are stupid. We live in the wild, of course we're all gonna smell”. Branchpaw gave an awkward laugh in agreement and Fogpaw thought she would give herself whiplash with how hard she was nodding.

The interaction was thankfully interrupted by the sounds of cats rushing down from the top of both paths as Shadowclan and Windclan finally arrived. The influx of more faces and scents flooded Fogpaw’s nose like she was drowning. “Lichenpelt was right, this was a lot to take in” In her panic she did her best to stick to Sagepaw’s side. Eventually spotting a small opening she led him away to the side of the clearing where some breathing room remained. “Man, I thought I was gonna get stepped on back there for a second. Kingfisher nearly tripped over me backing up.” He laughed but it quickly stopped as he saw Fogpaw’s eyes lock onto the shadowclan party.

Fogpaw felt her pelt instinctively begin to rise along her spine but Sagepaw brushed his tail down. Was the cat who killed Claystep here tonight? Fogpaw thought about seeking out Umberback and asking him if they recognised them in the crowd but she shook her head. That would just cause another pointless argument and maybe even a fight. She didn't want to hear them hurl accusations again at each other. She’d heard enough of that the other day when she’d first patrolled with Deerkick, her mentor. She’d watched her mentor break up a near scuffle between the border patrols as Drizzlespots was muzzle to muzzle with a Shadowclan cat. She was Claystep’s sister and was furious at the news of his death. At the same time Fogpaw also didn’t trust a hair on the shadowclan cat's pelts. The patrol all had grins of some kind or another as Drizzlespots spit promises of revenge against them. Not one of them looked even remotely sorry for the life they had taken only citing his trespassing as good enough cause for his death. Fogpaw tore her claws through the damp soil.

Sagepaw whispered calmly “It’s ok it's a gathering, even they wouldn’t try to attack now”. Fogpaw wanted to believe her friend's words but it was like pulling prickles out her pelt to look away. Eventually the two settled by their mentors as the leaders finally leaped onto the great rock and called out to the throng of cats. “Welcome everyone to the gathering” Fogpaw recognised the slick furred lean tom as Aurorastar remembering her mentor's description of him from earlier. His voice was captivating as the whole crowd had their eyes now focused on him. “Shadowclan brings good news as this Newleaf as we’ve named 4 new apprentices. Heatherpaw, Goldenpaw, Sootpaw” Fogpaw lifted her head just enough to glance at the named cats. One a shiny yellow she cat similar to her own leader’s pelt. “They sure don’t call her that for nothing” Sagepaw noted and Fogpaw just gave a small snicker as she kept looking. The other was a shorter pale tan tabby with swirls of brown mixed in and a tuft of fur slicked back on his head.

Sootpaw she assumed but the one who stood out the most was the Tall dark she cat Aurorastar had named first, Heatherpaw. She stood chin lifted proudly as the clans cheered their names. Her long dark coat caught the moonlight like the black depths of the river at night. Her gaze was just as intimidating as it met Fogpaw’s for a split second. “Now that's a shadowclan cat if i’ve ever seen one” She gave a low growl but her thoughts were cut off by a call from another cat in the crowd. “Who's that last one hiding back there? You said there were 4?”.

Aurorastar nodded as he spoke again “This last one I announce with a warning to the rest of you. A few moons ago my patrol reported an owl in the territory that had snatched a young kit from the barn near Windclan. Thankfully my warriors were able to save her from meeting a grizzly fate at its claws but sadly the same could not be said for her mother Wooly.” His voice grew saddened as he dipped his head and the crowd murmured in concern. Fogpaw saw the warriors of her clan grow distraught at the tale of Wolly chasing down the owl that had taken her kit to the woods and fighting off a fox before dying from the wounds. “That’s what the patrol must've heard that day they reported the fox” Fogpaw realized with a shiver. Scarletstar finally spoke up “My patrols had run into that fox briefly after hearing a disturbing yowl near this hollow. I’d warned all my warriors to be alert for it coming back.”.

Aurorastar only acknowledged her words with a flick of his tail before pressing on “I made the decision to welcome the kit as a member of Shadowclan as we found no remaining kin of hers at the barn. So I ask you to welcome Cowpaw.” The crowd shared suspicious if not downright hostile looks at the white and brown apprentice who seemed to sink down for a moment before Goldenpaw pressed comfortably to one side of her and Heatherpaw stood defensively at her other, giving a challenging glare at the crowd as if daring them to object. “At least she’s got some cats looking out for her. This can’t be easy for the poor thing” Sagepaw spoke sympathetically and Fogpaw couldn’t agree more. She felt a sort of connection with this cat despite not even speaking to her before. They were both grieving a cat taken from them far too soon and completely unfairly. “Maybe I can speak to her after the leaders finish.” She whispered to Sagepaw.

Aurorastar eventually stepped back and allowed Scarletstar to come forward and share, giving her a look that seemed to make her pelt twitch. “What’s up with them?” She whispered to Sagepaw. He only shrugged as their leader began, announcing them and their fellow denmates as apprentices. “As you can see Riverclan continues to flourish despite all the struggles and loss…leafbare brings us” She gave an icy glare back at Aurorastar and she saw the pelts of her clanmates begin to rise as well as the all glared at shadowclan. “Starclan please no.” She looked up to the sky as wisps of clouds seemed to be now floating by as if they were even warning her leader to not push another argument between the two clans.

Aurorastar sat perfectly relaxed, not giving a hint of remorse or care at Scarletstar's thinly veiled accusation. “Of course, you have the river and all its fish keeping you all fed throughout all seasons. So what else could you ever need?” His words made her clanmates growl low with fury. “Was he mocking us for Claystep's death? Is he saying it’s his own fault for dying cause he thinks we had enough food to keep him from searching for it near his territory? The river was frozen, he must know we would have to search for land prey in the meantime. Why did they have to rub this in our noses?” She felt herself beginning to tremble with mixed anger and frustration. She remembered Lichenpelt's breathing technique she’d shown Cobtail and tried it herself and she felt herself relaxed enough to keep listening as Scarletstar ignored Aurorastar's goading and finished her report before backing off to allow Moundstar, Windclan’s leader, to speak.

The rest of the Gathering felt like an exhausting blur aside from cheering Branchpaw and Gracklepaws names when Grizzlystar announced them. She felt proud of herself for making sort of connections with new cats but was relieved to have Sagepaw by her side through all of this. She couldn’t ask for a better, more patient and understanding friend. As the leaders left the great rock the crowd began to pair for brief sharing of tongues. Fogpaw was tempted to find Cowpaw from Shadowclan but as she spotted her she also spotted Heatherpaw sitting right by her side casting a shadow over the little modelled cat. She looked like she was guarding a precious piece of fresh kill as she glanced up at Fogpaw for a moment, her face icy as she slitted her eyes at her. Fogpaw shook off and turned away from the group. “Whatever, I can talk to her at the next gathering maybe. Hopefully she won’t have mother goose over her then.” She joked to herself.

As Riverclan marched home the warriors all seemed to be muttering either about Aurorastar's taunt or the news about Cowpaw. She tried to speak to Sagepaw but he seemed locked looking forward towards camp like he was trying to locate prey. He lightly bumped him “Hey what’s up?”. Sagepaw suddenly noticed her shaking his head “Oh sorry just wanna get home to check on Cobtail . Hopefully he’s not still asleep so maybe I can tell him about the gathering. I promised I'd tell him about it this morning before his cough started acting up, kinda glad you talked me into coming. Now I can keep my promise.” Fogpaw smiled “I'm glad too”.

As the patrol began filing into camp Fogpaw suddenly heard their conversations fade into stunned silence. She and Sagepaw shared confused looks, until they saw Ivystripe, who had stayed behind in camp, approach the patrol. Scarletstar looked at her concern, painting her face. “What’s happened?”. Ivystripe just shook her head low and spoke in a low dull tone Fogpaw had never heard from the strict she cat. “Where’s Sagepaw?” the tom rushed up in a flash through the crowd and looked up at his mother, eyes wide, “Ivystripe?” was all he said. He glanced to the elders den and Fogpaw followed his line of sight to see the rest of the warriors in camp huddled outside their faces distraught. Sagepaw shook his head frantically examining her face before he ran past his mother into the den and Fogpaw padded after a moment along with Lichenpelt and as she gasped into the entrance what she saw only confirmed was she never wanted to in a hundred moons. Laying curled in their bed still as the nest itself was the kind elder Fogpaw had known her whole life…Cobtail….dead.