#tiger-roar

"Traitor!" Icefire yowled. He flung himself at Tiger-roar, slashing at his eyes. The deputy reared back, forced to release his grip on Bluestar's throat. Icefire felt his claws rip through the deputy's ear, spraying blood into the air.

Bluestar scrambled to the side of the den, looking half-stunned and her flower necklace was torn and destroyed. Icefire couldn't tell how badly she was hurt. Pain lanced through him as Tiger-roar gashed his side with a blow from his powerful hindpaws. Icefire's paws skidded in the sand and he lost balance, hitting the ground with Tiger-roar on top of him.

He spotted Leopardstorm and Nightshade in a similar situation. Nightshade had Leopardstorm pinned on his back, raking at his belly.

"What in the name of Thunderstar's cry are you doing?" Tiger-roar hissed "Do you have bees in your brain? Help me kill Leopardstorm and Bluestar and I'll forgive this little misunderstanding"

Icefire stopped struggling for a second, staring at Tiger-roar. Leopardstorm had flung Nightshade off and sliced at her back while the black molly fastened her teeth in Leopardstorm's front right foreleg.

A small, evil part of his mind had almost agreed with Tiger-roar's offer, but remembering Goosefeather's words he knew the answer was clear. This wasn't meant to happen, in any shape of fashion.

"No!" Icefire summoned every scrap of skill he possessed. He knew Tiger-roar could kill him, but in spite of that he felt strangely free. No more secrets and no more deceit. There was only the clean danger of battle.

He aimed a blow at Tiger-roar's throat, but the deputy swung his head to one side and Icebelly's claws scraped harmlessly through thick tabby fur. But the blow had loosened Tiger-roar's grip on him. Icefire rolled away, narrowly avoiding a killing bite to the neck.

"Kittypet!" Tiger-roar taunted, flexing his haunches to pounce again. "Come and find out how a real warrior fights" He threw himself at Icefire, but at the last moment Icefire darted aside. As Tiger-roar tried to turn in the narrow den, his paws slipped on a splash of blood and he crashed awkwardly onto one side.

At once Icefire saw his chance. His claws sliced down to open a gash in Tiger-roar's belly. Blood welled up, soaking into the deputy's fur. He let out a high-pitched caterwaul. Icefire pounced on him, raking claws across his belly again, and fastening his teeth into Tiger-roar's neck. The deputy struggled vainly to free himself, his thrashing growing weaker as the blood flowed.

Icefire let go from his neck, planting one paw on Tiger-roar's outstretched foreleg, and the other on his chest. "This isn't your destiny"

"Wha?"

For a moment, Icefire felt like his body wasn't his own "Find the stars in the Shadows" he heard himself say

"What are you?" Icefire struck Tiger-roar over the eye making the tabby hiss in pain "Bluestar!" he called "Help me hold him down!"

Bluestar was crouching behind him in her moss-lined nest. Blood trickled down her forehead, but that did not alarm Icefire as much as the look in her eyes. They were a vague, cloudy blue, and she stared horror-struck in front of her as if she was witnessing the destruction of everything she had ever worked for.

When Icefire spoke, she jumped like a cat woken suddenly from sleep. Moving with dreamlike slowness, she crossed the den and pinned herself across Tiger-roar's hindquarters, trapping him. Even with wounds that would have stunned a lesser cat, Tiger-roar still fought to free himself. His amber eyes burned with hatred as he spat curses at Icefire and Bluestar.

Leopardstorm had Nightshade pinned down, blood dripped from a cut on Nightshade's head and her shoulder looked dislocated.

A shadow fell across the entrance to the den and Icefire heard hoarse, ragged breathing. He turned his head, expecting to see one of the invaders, but it was Raveneye and Graystripe. Dismay flooded over Icefire at the sight of his mates. Graystripe was bleeding heavily from his flank and one foreleg while Raveneye had blood bubbling from his mouth and his chest looked sliced.

Graystripe stammered, "Bluestar, we-" he broke off, staring. "Icefire, what's happening?"

"Tiger-roar and Nightshade attacked Bluestar," Icefire told him quickly. "Raveneye, we were right all along; they are traitors. Tiger-roar brought the rogues to attack us."

Graystripe went on staring, then shook himself as if he had just climbed out of deep water. "We're losing the fight," he mewed. "There are too many of them! Bluestar, we need your help!"

The leader looked at him but did not reply. Icefire could see that her eyes were still dull and unseeing, as if the discovery of the truth about Tiger-roar and Nightshade had bruised her spirit beyond repair.

"I'll come," Icefire offered. "Graystripe, can you help Bluestar hold on to Tiger-roar? Leopardstorm seems to have Nightshade handled. We'll deal with them when the battle's over."

"You can try, kittypet," Tiger-roar sneered through a mouthful of sand.

"This isn't over," Nightshade growled but had her face pushed into the ground by a rage-filled Leopardstorm.

Graystripe limped across the den and took Icebelly's place, planting his claws on Tiger-roar's chest. For a heartbeat Icefire hesitated, uncertain that a wounded Graystripe and Bluestar in a state of shock and betrayal would be a match for Tiger-roar. But the deputy was still losing blood, and his struggles were definitely getting weaker. Swiftly Icefire turned and raced outside again with Raveneye close behind.

At first glance the clearing seemed to be filled with rogues, as all the Thunderclan warriors had been driven out. Then Icefire caught a glimpse of familiar shapes here and there- Fogtail squirming underneath a huge tabby tom; Patchpelt scrabbling just out of reach of a skinny gray rogue, whirling around to rake his nose with outstretched claws before he hurled himself at the rogue's belly. He saw Raveneye dash forward, pouncing on a ginger-and-black molly.

Icebelly tried to collect his strength. The fight with Tiger-roar had exhausted him, and the wounds where the deputy had clawed him burned like fire. He did not know how long he could keep on. He rolled over instinctively as a ginger molly tried to drive her claws into his back. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a lithe, blue-gray body racing across the clearing, yowling a challenge.

Bluestar! he thought in astonishment, and wondered what happened with Tiger-roar. Then he quickly realized that the warrior he had seen was not Bluestar. It was Mistyfoot!

With a massive effort Icefire tore free of the ginger cat and scrambled to his paws. Riverclan warriors were pouring out of the tunnel. Leopardclaw, Stonefur, Lakepaw, Reedtail, Swanlight, Shadepelt, Willowheart… After them came Sandstorm and the rest of her patrol. They were strong and full of energy, and they fell on the invaders with claws outstretched and tails lashing in fury.

Terrified by the sudden appearance of reinforcements, the rogue cats scattered. The ginger molly fled with a shocked howl. Others followed her. Icefire staggered a few paces in pursuit, hissing and spitting to speed them on their way, but there was no need. Surprised when they thought their victory was certain, and leaderless now that Tiger-roar had been caught, the rogues had no fight left in them.

Within a few heartbeats, they were gone.

The Riverclan cats were gathering together again with murmurs of concern as Icefire limped across to them. "Thank you," he mewed. "I've never been so glad to see any cat in my life."

"I recognized some of the old Shadowclan warriors," Leopardclaw told him gravely. "The ones that managed to escape."

"Yes." Icefire didn't want to say anything yet about Tiger-roar's involvement. "How'd you know we needed help?" he asked, puzzled.

"We didn't," Mistyfoot replied. "Silverstream wandered into Thunderclan territory and Graystripe found him. He's too weak from giving birth to go back to Riverclan at the moment."

He saw Silverstream leaning on Willowheart for support, kits in his mouth. He padded over to Silverstream, rubbed against the silver tabby and took a gray tabby kitten in his mouth. He didn't fail to notice that Silverstream's eyes looked glossy. Was he blind?

"We'll take care of him."

"I sure hope so," Leopardfur mewed, eyes narrowing at Icebelly and Silverstream. "We need to go. We'll be back."

Icebelly watched the Riverclan cats leave, then looked around, feeling his shoulders sag with tiredness as Silverstream leaned on him. The clearing was littered with blood and fur. Thymeroot and Yellowfang were beginning to examine the injured cats. Though Icefire hadn't noticed them in the fighting, they both bore the marks of enemy claws.

He saw Goldenflower rush over, checking Silverstream over. "I'll take care of him," Goldenflower assured, a knowing look in her gaze.

He took a deep breath. It was time deal with Tiger-roar, but he did not know if he could summon the strength. His wounds throbbed with pain, and every muscle in body shrieked a protest with each step. As he limped toward Bluestar's den, a voice sounded behind him. "Icefire! What happened?"

He turned to see Sandstorm, newly returned at the head of her hunting patrol, with Cloudpaw panting just behind her. She was staring around clearing as if she couldn't believe what she saw.

Icefire shook his head. "Brokenstar's followers," he grunted.

"Seriously?" Sandstorm spat in disgust. "I hope Bluestar has a plan"

"It's complicated at the moment." Icefire felt unable to explain right then. "Sandstorm, will you do something for me and not ask questions?"

Sandstorm gave him a suspicious look. "Depends on what it is."

"Go to Bluestar's den and deal with what you find there. Better take another warrior too- Seedspots, will you go? Bluestar will tell you what to do."

At least I hope so, Icefire added to himself as Sandstorm, still frowning, jerked her head at Seedspots and headed for the Highrock. Out of everything that had happened, what disturbed Icefire most was how Bluestar seemed to have lost her will to lead her clan.

Turning away, Icefire saw Sandstorm emerging from the den beneath the highrock. She was followed by Tiger-roar, who struggled forward with an odd, lurching gait. His long fur was matted with dust and blood, and one eye was half closed. He stumbled to a halt and collapsed in front of the rock.

Seedspots trailed him closely, alert for any sign that the deputy intended to attack or flee. Behind her came Nightshade, her long black fur covered in dust. She collapsed not too far from her brother while Leopardstorm kept a close eye on her. Bluestar came not long after her nephew, her head drooping and her tail dragging in the dust. Icefire's worst fears flooded back. The strong leader Icefire respected seemed to have vanished, leaving instead this frail, wounded cat.

Last of all, Graystripe limped out of the den and sank down on his side and began to inspect his wounds with an anxious frown.

Bluestar raised her head and looked around. "Come here, all of you," she rasped, beckoning with one flick of her tail. While the rest of the clan was gathering, Icefire padded over to Thymeroot. "Can you give Tiger-roar anything for his wounds?" he asked. "Something to ease the pain?" He didn't want the once-great deputy bleeding to death in the dust, he isn't supposed to die, but Nightshade seemed to be fine for the most part.

Thymeroot looked from her examination of Graystripe. To Icefire's relief, she didn't challenge his request for her to treat the treacherous deputy. "Sure," she mewed. "I'll fetch something for Graystripe as well." She limped away in the direction of the medicine den.

The clan cats had taken their places by the time she returned. Icefire could see some of them looking at one another. Mousefur was looking at the ground. They must all be wondering what all this might mean.

Thymeroot padded over with a wad of herbs in her mouth. She dropped some of them beside Tiger-roar, and gave the rest to Graystripe. The deputy sniffed the leaves suspiciously and then began to chew them, while Nightshade remained silent beside him as Tiger-roar pushed some leaves for her to chew.

Bluestar watched them for a moment, her eyes showing the sadness of a mother, but it seemed to vanish in an instant remembering what they tried to do. She then began to speak "I present you with Tiger-roar and Nightshade, now as prisoners. They-"

A chorus of worried murmurs interrupted her. The clan cats were looking at each other in shock and dismay. Icebelly could see they did not understand what was happening.

"Prisoners?" Darkstripe echoed. "Tiger-roar's your deputy. What have they done?"

"I'll tell you." Bluestar's voice sounded more even now, but Icefire could see the effort it was costing her. "Just now, in my den, Tiger-roar attacked me while Nightshade watched. He would've killed me if Icefire and Leopardstorm hadn't arrived in time."

The sounds of protest and disbelief swelled even louder. From the back of the crowd, Patchpelt let out an eerie wail. Miststrike looked frozen in place, her eyes expressionless. Nettlemist matched his mother's expression. Leopardfoot looked...furious. Darkstripe got to his paws. He was one of Tiger-roar's strongest supporters, Icefire knew that well, but even he was looking uncertain. Icefire also saw that Darkstripe's belly slightly bulged. "There must be some mistake," he blustered.

Bluestar raised her chin. "Do you think I can't tell when a cat tries to murder me?" she inquired dryly.

"But Tiger-roar-"

Icefire sprang up "Tiger-roar and Nightshade are traitors to the clan!" he spat. "They brought the rogue cats here today."

Darkstripe rounded on him. "They'd never done that. Prove it, kittypet!"

Icefire glanced from Raveneye to Bluestar. She nodded and beckoned them forward. "Icefire, Raveneye, tell the clan what you know. Everything."

Raveneye rushed over while Icefire slowly padded to her side. Now that the moment for revealing everything had come, he felt strangely reluctant. It was as though he were pulling down the Highrock, and nothing would ever be the same again. "Cats of Thunderclan," he began. His voice squeaked like a kit's, and he paused to control it. "Cats of Thunderclan, do you remember when Thrushpelt was killed, it was no accident. Nightshade killed him and used sunningrocks as an excuse and let him bleed out"

"Should've killed him on sight" Tiger-roar growled to Nightshade. Thymeroot's herbs were doing their job, the huge two-colored tabby had begun to recover some of his strength.

"Good riddance, in my opinion," Nightshade sneered, licking her paw. "Thrushpelt was weak."

"Excuse me?" Miststrike snarled. "He raised us! Our brother!" Leopardfoot was still silent.

Bluestar yowled for silence. Icefire tried breathing, the crowd of cats became fuzzy and the world began to ring. "Tiger-roar also conspired with Brokenstar with the attack that killed Rosetail," Raveneye added.

Icefire kept his eyes closed as he spoke again. "Tiger-roar and Nightshade were responsible for Redtail's death. I and Raveneye were witnesses. Raveneye, Maplepaw, Cloudpaw and I found out that Nightshade killed Fuzzypelt and did who knows what to Sunnypaw; I'm guessing they found out and knew too much." he glanced at Tiger-roar, the older tom bared his teeth

"Icefire and Raveneye told me about their concerns but I didn't believe them." Bluestar bowed her head and murmured, "I trusted them, but…I was wrong."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Fogtail retorted. "Why didn't either of you say anything?"

"Would some of you believe a once-scared apprentice?" Raveneye asked.

"Or the 'kitty warrior,'" Icefire sneered. "Besides, who would believe Tiger-roar or Nightshade, the loyal noble warriors, to lay a claw on their leader, their mother?" He fell silent. His whole body was quivering and he felt as weak as a newborn kit. He leaned on Raveneye.

"Bluestar," Leopardstorm spoke up, his yellow eyes unreadable as he stared down Tiger-roar. "What will happen to Tiger-roar and Nightshade now?"

His question set off a crescendo of furious yowling from the clan.

"Kill them!"

"Blind them!"

"Drive them from the forest!"

"Bluestar!" Dustpelt called, his amber eyes cold. "Nutwhisker has returned and tried to kill Lightpaw and Amberpaw and Voletail tried to kill Embereyes"

Just as soon as Dustpelt finished, Sandstorm dashed forward with a blood curdling screech. Dustpelt leaned to the side to avoid being shredded as Sandstorm's claws latched onto Nutwhisker's back. To his credit, Nutwhisker fought back well, trying and failing to throw Sandstorm off of him. But the discovery of Nutwhisker's presence and the fact that he had tried killed her sisters in cold blood gave Sandstorm a new drive, allowing her to win the feud this time.

Sandstorm flipped Nutwhisker on his back, ripping at his throat. Nutwhisker gagged on the fountain of blood that gushed from the fresh wound. Icefire thought that would be the end of the fight, but it wasn't enough for Sandstorm. She tore into Nutwhisker's belly, allowing his organs to fall into the large scarlet pool that surrounded them. Nutwhisker gasped and feebly strained to rise to his paws and escape, but the effort was useless. It took only a few moments before he finally fell still. Sandstorm panted heavily, a smirk on her face.

Bluestar sat motionless, her eyes closed. Icefire could feel the pain coming off her in waves, the bitter shock of betrayal as she discovered that the deputy and son she trusted for so long was black at heart. "Tiger-roar? Nightshade?" she mewed at last. "Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Nightshade laughed wickedly. Tiger-roar swung his head around and fixed Bluestar with an amber and blue glare. "Defend us to you, you gutless excuse for a warrior? What sort of leader are you? Trying to keep peace with the other clans. Helping them! You hardly punished Icefire and Graystripe for feeding Riverclan or when they went to find Windclan with no words. I would have never shown such kittypet softness. I would have brought back the days of Tigerclan. I would have made Thunderclan great!"

"And how many cats would've died for it?" Bluestar murmured almost to herself. Icefire felt memories of a gray and white tom with bloody thirsty amber eyes flood into his mind, and the name Thistleclaw appeared. Icefire figured this cat was just like Tiger-roar was at this moment. "He was," Goosefeather whispered in his ear.

"If you have nothing else to say, then I sentence you both to exile," the leader announced, her voice cracking. Every word seemed to be dragged out of her. Icefire couldn't blame her, she raised them and they tried to slaughter her like prey. "You will leave Thunderclan territory now, if any cat sees you here after sunrise tomorrow, they will have my permission to kill you both."

"Kill us?" Nightshade spoke, a chuckle rising in her defiance.

"I'd like to see any of them try," Tiger-roar sneered.

"Icefire and Leopardstorm beat you!" Graystripe called out.

Tiger-roar snarled in Icefire's direction, his amber eyes burning with rage. Icebelly met his amber eyes, unblinking.

Slowly, Tiger-roar and Nightshade got up. Tiger-roar's massive head swiveled back and forth as he scanned the crowd of cats. "Any cat who comes with me will be well cared for. Darkstripe? You should take this offer in your current state."

Icefire craned his neck to see Tiger-roar's chief follower. He waited for Darkstripe to get up and go to Tiger-roar, but the sleek black and gray tabby remained in his place, his shoulders hunched wretchedly and his tail curled around his belly.

"I trusted you, Tiger-roar- and you too, Nightshade," he protested. "I thought you two were the finest warriors in the forest. But then you decided to plot with Brokentail." His voice slightly cracked as he added, "and you said nothing to me about it. And now you expect me to come with you?" He looked away deliberately. Willowpelt rubbed against him.

"Fogtail?"

Icefire saw Fogtail's blue eyes burn with rage. "Join you two?" He hissed. "After what you two have done?" After bringing rouges that nearly killed Swiftpaw? Your own son? Never." He saw Swiftpaw being treated by Thymeroot, his leg being put in a bind.

For the first time, a look of uncertainty flickered across Tiger-roar's face as the few cats he had trusted turned him down. "Dustpelt? Ebonyshade?"

Ebonyshade scoffed. "Not a chance, father." She said the last part like it was bile.

The ginger marked dark brown tabby got up deliberately, picking through the crowd until he stood in front of Tiger-roar. "I looked up to you," he mewed in a clear, level voice. "I wanted to be like you. But Redtail was my mentor, I owe him more than any cat. And you two killed him." Grief and fury seemed to make his limbs shake, but he kept going. "You killed him and betrayed the clan. I'd rather die than follow you." He turned and stalked away.

"Leopardstorm? Miststrike? Goldenflower? Mother?"

"You dare ask me to join you?" Leopardstorm and Goldenflower had spat in unison while Miststrike had just turned her back on her littermates.

The pointed white tom rose to his paws, advancing slowly on Tiger-roar as though he were nothing but a cornered piece of prey. "Join you? After you tried to kill my aunt?" he padded closer, his yellow eyes glinting dangerously. "You killed my loving mate. You worked with the cat that Pouncepaw- then have the gall to ask me to join you?"

His voice was full of so much fervent anger that Icefire was sure Leopardstorm would finish Tiger-roar off in the camp, here and now. But to his surprise, Leopardstorm only turned and padded away, his head low. Before he vanished into the warriors' den, he cast one rueful look over his shoulder and added, his voice cracking, "My only regret was loving you."

Icefire saw a flicker of sadness in Tiger-roar's eyes, and it only seemed to increase when Goldenflower hissed and padded into the nursery, refusing to look at Tiger-roar. It seemed Tiger-roar really loved Leopardstorm and Goldenflower.

"Mother!" Nightshade called

"Don't you dare utter that word to me after everything you two have done" Leopardfoot hissed with the same fury that Leopardstorm had, she was bleeding from her chest, leg and ear but she didn't seem to care "You've lied and killed to get your way and you dare ask me to join you two?" she looked away "Your father would've been ashamed of you"

"Tiger-roar, Nightshade," Bluestar broke in. "No more of this. You two, go now."

Tiger-roar drew himself up to his full height, his eyes blazing in cold fury. Nightshade bared her own teeth as she stood up next to him, her green eyes filled with equal rage. Tiger-roar spat, "We're going, but this isn't over; you can be sure of that. I will have my revenge on you all!"

They padded unevenly away from the highrock, glaring defiantly at the crowd of cats as they walked towards their exile. Tiger-roar paused as drew close to Icefire, curling his lips back in a snarl. "And as for you… Keep your eyes open, Icefire. Keep your ears pricked. Keep looking behind you, because I vow that you will be the first cat to suffer my wrath."

Icefire and Tiger-roar shared a single testing glare for a long while. Icefire tried not to shrink beneath the massive tom's glare, but he was determined not to break Tiger-roar's challenge. Finally, Tiger-roar was the first to pull away as he trailed Nightshade to the camp exit. His threat almost seemed empty as the two great warriors tread to their exile on unsteady paws. Their wounds would keep them at bay for a long while, Icefire knew. But he also knew that Tiger-roar was too stubborn to be deterred by a few scrapes and scratches. I know you'll be back when your wounds heal, but we'll be ready for you then, Tiger-roar!

/

Sandstorm felt the blood on her fur start to clot but she didn't care. She looked at Nutwhisker's corpse, the blood had stopped gushing out a while ago. She spat on him.

"You should have your wounds treated," Lightpaw mewed softly, her white fur brushing against her pale ginger one.

"It's not my blood," Sandstorm replied. with a dry laugh "He barely laid a scratch on me."

"Then wash it off before your fur starts to stain," Fernpaw mewed. They tried to sound light-hearted as they added, "You don't want to be like Elderpaw. He lets it sit there all day, rarely washing the blood out. I'm pretty sure that's how he'll get his warrior name, and it wasn't just Brokentail being wicked."

Sandstorm sighed. "Okay."

She slowly rose to her paws, nearly falling completely over from her sudden dizziness. Lightpaw and Fernpaw quickly came to her aid and held her up. "Alright, we're taking you to Yellowfang," Lightpaw mewed.

All around her, talk was beginning to break again as cats mewed urgently to one another about the startling events. "Who'll be deputy now?" Her father Birchstep asked. Sandstorm didn't think too much as she felt her head spin and blacked out.

/

Icefire glanced at Bluestar to see if meant to make an announcement, but she was slipping around the side of the Highrock toward her den. Her head was down and her paws dragged as if she were ill. There would be no announcement yet.

He could start to feel the ache in his wounds more now urging him to rest, but he wanted to find Sunnypaw "I'll go," Raveneye offered, seeming to read his thoughts. "Chesnutclaw, come with me" Chestnutclaw nodded gruffly and followed his brother just as Thymeroot came over and started treating Icefire's wounds.

"I think Icefire should be deputy!" Maplepaw declared, bouncing with excitement. "He'd do a great job!"

"Icefire?" Darkstripe's eyes narrowed. "A kittypet?"

"What wrong with that?" Cloudpaw bristled in front of the much bigger warrior. Leopardstorm pushed between Darkstripe and the young apprentice. "That's enough!" he growled. "Bluestar will tell us who she chooses before moonhigh. That's the tradition."

Icefire let his shoulders relax as Cloudpaw and Maplepaw scampered off to join the other apprentices. He could see that the apprentices didn't realize the seriousness of what had happened. The older warriors, the ones who had known Tiger-roar and Nightshade well, were looking at one another as if their world had just come to an end.

And maybe it has, Icefire thought dejectedly. As long as Tiger-roar and Nightshade prowl these forests, we may never be safe again.

/

Icefire jerked awake a short while later. His wounds still stung, and as he rose to his paws his limbs protested stiffly, but he could feel his strength returning. He had eaten a small vole before he passed out. He looked up and saw the tortie molly sitting in front of him. She had a wound on the back of her neck that was dripping blood, and she had a scar on her left eye.

"I'd suggest you check outside, dear," she mewed, her voice as sweet as honey, yet it didn't soothe Icefire at the same time "It's time"

"Who are you?" he asked. "I've seen you around Bluestar a lot, and I saw you and another tortie during the flood."

"You'll know in time," she replied simply. Before he could say more she faded away.

Icefire realized that the chill he felt was not just because of fear. The den, usually warm from sleeping bodies, was cold and empty. Outside he could hear the murmuring of many cats. When he pushed his way out to join them, he saw that nearly all the clan was already assembled in the clearing, with the pale light of dawn just rising above the trees.

Sandstorm pushed her way through a group of cats. "Icefire!" she mewed urgently. "Moonhigh has come and gone, and Bluestar hasn't named a deputy!"

"What?" Icefire stared at her in false alarm. The warrior code had been broken! "Starclan will be furious," he murmured 'if they're so pissing about their shit'

"Bluestar hasn't named a deputy or an heir. WE don't know if she'll do Royal line either I doubt Mossthorn can do it in their state, and her other kits are way too young," Sandstorm went on, lashing her tail in agitation. "Bluestar won't even come out of her den. Leopardstorm, Goldenflower, and Miststrike tried to talk to her, but she sent them all away."

"She's probably still shocked over Tiger-roar and Nightshade," Icefire pointed out. "She raised them and they betrayed her." Then a concern crossed his mind. "Wait, what about Embereyes?"

Sandstorm lowered her head. "Embereyes is unconscious, and no one is sure that she's going to wake up." She raised her head up, green eyes blazing. "But Bluestar is the leader of the clan, she can't just curl up in her den and forget about the rest of us!"

Icefire pulled Sandstorm close, licking her ears softly. "She won't forget-" he began, and broke off as he spotted Bluestar stumbling around the highrock from her den. It seemed she didn't get a replacement flower necklace after Tiger-roar's attack, which seemed to alarm some cats. She looked old and weary as she sat down in front of the highrock, making no attempt to climb it.

"Cats of ThunderClan," she rasped, barely loud enough to be heard over the crowd's anxious muttering. "I will name my deputy. Listen, and you will all hear."

The clan only looked and listened.

Bluestar opened her mouth for a few moments to continue, but remained silent as something seemed to catch her attention. Icefire followed her gaze and spotted Redtail's spirit gliding across the camp towards her, his bushy red tail streaming out behind him. Icefire wanted to call out to him, but he remained silent as he watched Redtail climb up the highrock and whisper something in Bluestar's ear.

Bluestar murmured something quietly in response, but Icefire was too far away to catch what she was saying. To a normal cat, it would seem she was muttering to herself, but Icefire knew that they were exchanging words that no normal cat should know except Icefire himself. Redtail nodded at whatever she said, and the two stared at each other for a few short moments before Redtail faded away.

Bluestar shook her fur, rose to her full height and announced very hesitantly, "My new deputy, and my heir, will be Icefire."

Icefire began at the point when he had heard the kits wailing and seen them stranded on the mat of debris in the river.

"Since when have Thunderclan cats risked their lives for us?" Blackclaw broke in contemptuously as Icefire how he pushed the kits through the torrent to the riverbank.

Icefire wanted to to bite back but couldn't "That's rich coming from the cat that murdered a queen and started countless fights for no good reason other then stupid clan 'glory'"

Blackclaw hissed and looked ready to pounce but Stormstar stopped him "Quiet, Blackclaw! Let him speak. If he's lying, we'll find out soon enough and he does speak truth on that and don't think I forgot what you've done"

While Blackclaw grumbled, Mistyfoot spoke "He's not lying" They were still nuzzling their kits. "Why should Thunderclan steal kits when everyone is struggling to feed everyone, leaf-bare isn't completely over and prey is still scare they don't need more mouths to feed"

"Icefire's story makes sense" Silverstream observed calmly "We had to abandon the camp and shelter in these bushes when the water started to rise again" he explained to Icefire, his voice never falling "When we came to move Mistyfoot's kits, we could only find Primrosekit. Pikekit and Perchkit were missing. The whole nursery had been washed away. They must've been swept along the river to where you found them"

Stormstar nodded slowly, and Icefire realized that the hostility of the Riverclan cats was fading-all except for Blackclaw, who turned his back on the Thunderclan warriors with a snort of disgust.

"In that case, we're grateful to you" Stormstar mewed though he sounded grudging, as if he could hardly bear to be in debt to a pair of Thunders.

"Yes" Mistyfoot mewed. They looked up again, their eyes glowing softly with gratitude. "Without you, my kits would have died"

Icefire dipped his head in acknowledgment. Impulsively, he asked "Is there anything we can do for you? If you can't go back to your camp, and if prey's scare because of the flood-"

"We need no help from Thunderclan" Stormstar growled "Riverclan can look after itself"

"Don't be such a fool" It was Graypool who spoke, with a glare at her leader. Icefire saw Graystripe crouch down at the sound of her voice. Graypool was Splashsong's mother, the guilt would never fade.

"You're too proud for your own good," the elder rasped "How can we feed ourselves, even with the thaw? there is no good fish to eat. The river's practically poisoned; Echomist, Cedarpelt, and Lakeshine are evidence of that"

"It's true Storm" Voleclaw mewed, Shellkit, Mosskit, and Hailkit sitting in between his legs.

"It's all the Twolegs fault" Condorpaw hissed, his tail lashing

"They dumped their trash into the river and we suffer" Tidepaw added

Icefire rolled his eyes at this problem. He knew all about pride but they we're going to die without help. He looked around the Riverclan cats. Most of them couldn't meet his eyes, as if they were ashamed that a cat of another clan should know about their troubles.

"Thunderclan probably already knows when you allowed the white Thunder-rat into our camp" Suneyes growled "I'm sure Bluestar would love that"

"Bluestar doesn't know shit..er..mouse-dung" Icefire retorted "or do you want her to know, cause with your attitude it's getting really temping"

Suneyes's narrowed but her mouth was covered by Grasswhisker, wrapping her tail around her mother's muzzle. It seemed the Riverclan cats took his words seriously.

"Let us help you" Icefire urged "We'll catch prey for you in our territory and bring it to you, until the floods have gone and the river is clean" Even as he made this offer, he knew that he was breaking the warrior code that demanded loyalty to his own clan alone. Bluestar would snap his neck if she found out he was willing to share Thunderclan prey with Riverclan. There was another little bonus to this though, if he helped them the cats of Riverclan could trust him more.

He always thought about becoming leader, more than he cared to admit. Working to bring down Tiger-roar and Nightshade made that take priority by working themself very well into Tiger-roar's good graces, like Nightshade and Miststrike levels. Making Darkstripe jealous was a highlight. He hoped he got a position of power because if Riverclan could trust him then it could work out in the long run. If he couldn't gain leadership, the role of medicine cat or Silverblood could work.

"Would you really help us?" Stormstar asked slowly, his blue and amber eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"Yes" Icefire mewed

"And I'll help too" Graystripe promised

"Then the clan thanks you" Stormstar grunted "None of my cats will challenge you in our territory until the floods go down and we can return to our camp. But after that, we will fend for overselves again" He turned and led the way back to the bushes, His subdued cats followed him, casting glances back at Icefire and Graystripe as they went. He could feel their doubt in his offer to help.

Last to go was Mistyfoot, nudging their kits to their paws and guiding them up the slope where Leopardclaw and Skyeyes were. "Thank you both" she murmured "I won't forget this"

Icefire and Graystripe were left alone as the Riverclan cats disappeared into the bushes. As they picked their way down the slop again toward the river, Graystripe shook her head in disbelief "Hunting for another clan? We must be mad"

"What else could we do?" Icefire retorted as Graystripe licked his muzzle wound "Let them starve?"

"Of course not! But we'll have to be careful. We'll be crowfood if Bluestar finds out"

"If she finds out" Icefire stated

/

It was a cold morning, gray morning. Icefire dragged themself out reluctantly out of the warm embrace of Raveneye and Graystripe cuddled on top of them and kicked Graystripe out of the nest.

"Why?" Graystripe whined

Icefire lowered their head and butted the broad gray shoulder. "Come on, Graystripe" they whispered into their lover's ear "We've got to hunt for Riverclan Pigeon, don't tell me you forgot"

At that, Graystripe gripped his tom flower crown as he leveled himself upright and parted his jaws in an enormous yawn. Icefire felt just as tired as their lover; supplying Riverclan with fresh-kill as well as keeping up with their duties in Thunderclan was taking up all their time and energy. They had crossed the river with prey several times, and so far their luck had held. No Thunderclan cat had found out what they were doing.

The clan was doing well this moons, Littlepaw, Sleetpaw, and Smokypaw passed their assessments as well as their duels and received their warrior names: Littlebreeze, Sleetpelt, and Smokyclaw. Chivekit, Stagkit, and Hawk-kit were apprenticed, Chivepaw had gotten Goldenflower, Stagpaw got Cranewing, and Hawkpaw was given to Larkwing. Seedspots had moved into the nursery, expecting Lionheart's kits. Only a bitch could love a basturd. Petalpaw's training had been given over to Robinwing. Thornkit and Brightkit were apprenticed to Nightshade and Tiger-roar.

Stretching, Icefire glanced cautiously around the den. Most of the warriors were curled among the loss, too sound asleep to ask awkward questions. Tiger-roar was just a mound of two-colored tabby fur in his nest, with white bush in the form of Leopardstorm.

Icefire slipped out between the branches of the den. At first he thought all the other cats were asleep; then he saw Brindleface appear at the entrance to the nursery and lifted their head to sniff the air. As if they didn't like the raw, damp wind that greeted them, they retreated almost at once.

Icefire looked back at Graystripe, who was shaking scraps of moss off his coat. "Okay" they mewed "We can go now"

The two cats bounded across the clearing toward the gorse tunnel. Just as they reached it, two familiar voices behind them called out, "Dad! Dad!"

Icefire froze and turned around, Sunnykitkit and Shrikekit scampering over, yowling at him.

"Why!" Graystripe whined once more

"Starclan knows" Icefire sighed "Let me deal with my kits"

"Where are you going?" Sunnykit panted excitedly as she skidded to a stop in front of the warriors "Can we come with you?"

"No" Graystripe mewed "Kits don't leave camp, only with warriors"

"I'll be an apprentice soon" Sunnykit whined

"Soon isn't now" Icefire reminded his daughter, struggling to keep calm. If they hung around much longer, the whole clan would be awake and wanting know where they were going.

"What's going on?" Cranewing said with a yawn

"Nothing" Graystripe quickly mewed to his sister "Just going for an busy hunt with Icefire"

Cranewing nodded her head in realization "Got ya, come on kits, you can watch me and Stagpaw train"

"You're never around as much" Sunnykit whined, her amber eyes tearful "We miss you"

"The rouges are still out there and who else knows what so none of you will be going anywhere without warriors with you, now go back to your nests" Icefire looked straight ahead so they couldn't see his kits sad faces "Let's go Graystripe"

Moments later they were racing up the ravine with Graystripe at their side.

"Let's hope they won't tell anyone" Graystripe puffed

"We can worry about that later" Icefire panted "I'm sure Cranewing can keep them busy" 'helps me feel less bad'

The two warriors headed for the stepping-stones. The fallen tree was still there to help them cross the river, and hunting close by meant they had less distance to carry the fresh-kill, and were less likely to be spotted.

By the time they reached the edge of the forest, the daylight had grown stronger, but the sunrise was hidden behind a mass of gray cloud. There was spatter of rain in the wind.

Icefire and Graystripe caught the scent of squirrel. Graystripe spotted it and didn't think and chased after it. Icefire facepawed then went after the gray tom. He saw Icefire saw Graystripe chase the squirrel into a log, Icefire went over to the other side. The squirrel hadn't been ready for that and Icefire killed it quickly.

"That's one" Icefire said through the prey.

"Uh..Icy"

"Yeah?"

"I'm stuck"

Icefire rolled his eyes "Of course"

It took a few moments to pull Graystripe out by the tail then just digging into his hind legs and pulling him out. The two warriors continued their hunt until they had killed a rabbit and a couple of mice. By then, although he gladly couldn't see the sun, Icefire knew it must be near sun-high. "We'd better take this to Riverclan" he mewed "They're bound to miss us back at the camp soon"

His was relived as they pasted the fallen tree, the water was no higher, and the crossing seemed easier now that he had done it several times. All the same, Icefire felt uneasy as he scrambled through the branches, knowing that he was in full view of Thunderclan cat who happened to be patrolling the forest's edge.

He and Graystripe swam the last couple of fox-lengths and pulled themselves out of the river on the Riverclan side. When they had shaken the water out of their fur they slunk quickly toward the bushes where Riverclan had made their temporary camp.

A cat must have been on watch, because as they approached, Leopardclaw emerged from the bushes. "Welcome," she mewed, sounding a lot friendlier than she had when she first came upon them with Pikekit and Perchkit.

Icefire followed her into the shelter of the hawthorn branches. The Riverclan cats had worked hard since the floods forced them out their camp, bringing moss for bedding and scraping out a place beside the roots of a large bush where fresh-kill could be stored. Today this was little more than pitiful collection of a few mice and couple of blackbirds, which made the Thunderclan warrior's contribution all the more necessary. Icefire dropped his prey onto the pile, and Graystripe did the same.

"Is that more fresh-kill?" Stonefur appeared with Silverstream and Minnowpool just behind him. "Great!"

"We have to feed Graypool and the royals first" Leopardclaw reminded the gray warrior

"I know Leopardclaw" Stonefur stated, his voice level

"We'll take something for Graypool" Silverstream mewed, stepping between the two calmly "Graystripe grab that rabbit will ya"

Graystripe grabbed the rabbit hesitantly.

"Graypool wants to talk with you Graystripe, don't worry I'll stay around" Silverstream added with a wink ignoring Leopardclaw's disapproving glare

Graystripe stepped lightly and followed Minnowpool and Silverstream out of the bushes.

"They've got the right idea" Stonefur mewed "Icefire, do you want to the nursing queens? Then they can thank you themselves"

Icefire agreed. Following Stonefur, they got curious about something.

"Is is weird being half-clan?"

"It's less about it being weird and more about loyalty with cats, the fact I look more Thunderclan than Riverclan doesn't help"

"Mistyfoot looks more like Bluestar than you do"

"She has Stormstar's figure, I act more like a Thunder from what others say about me being a stubborn as a bass"

"Sometimes you need to be stubborn for things to get done"

"That's what I say but trying saying that from calm and too relaxed cats of Riverclan"

"Leoaprdclaw and Blackclaw seem more stubborn than you"

Stonefur chuckled at that.

They neared the makeshift nursery, Icefire wondered one more thing though "How's it going with Blackclaw?"

"Tossed him like a fish into the river, literally" He pointed to a nick in his already cut ears "Can't stop me from seeing our kits and it's not like Skyeyes going to stop me, Seaweedpaw is a blessing for her help with them"

"How's she doing by the way, Marigoldpaw's been asking"

"Petalstream says she's doing well, she likes using her name sake to make necklaces and crowns for the other apprentices"

"Spottedleaf would be proud"

Stonefur smiled "Yeah, she would"

Icefire padded in and was pleased to see Mistyfoot again, stretched out to their side while their kits suckled contentedly. Swanlight greeted him with a lick on the head as did Dawnscale and Mallowtail, they let their kits come over to him as well. Sootwhisker and Greenflower nodded to him. Suneyes ignored him though her kits sure didn't. What he did notice was Mosspelt and Flameshell.

"Filou" he said curtly, letting Gullkit, Mink-kit, Garkit play with his tail

Flameshell ducked her head like a turtle "I'm sorry I didn't tell you"

Icefire hummed "Who?"

"Well me and Willowheart wanted kits and I offered to carry them"

Icefire turned to Mosspelt "And you?"

"I thought Silvertide told you"

Stonefur led him to a spot further along the ridge where Graypool was crouched on a bed of heather and bracken, tucking into the fresh-kill. He spotted Graystripe looking much calmer than he had been in a while.

They had left quickly, wanting to get back to camp as soon as possible. Icefire still weighed down with anxiety as they crossed the tree truck and went back into Thunderclan territory, though he tried hard to push the problem out of his mind. He had two ideas to use as an excuse, he did the first already.

"Now I want to sleep" Graystripe yawned, grooming his fur and avoiding sitting on his rump. Only a mousebrain would think Graystripe was the dominant one between the two them.

"I hate and love your stamina" he muttered, "We should hunt, at least-"

An excited mew from the edge of the forest interrupted him. "Papa! Dad!"

Icefire stared in disbelief as he saw Sunnykit, Shrikekit, and Rosekit crashed out of the bracken at the edge of the trees.

"Oh, mouse dung!" Graystripe muttered

Icefire padded across the grass, his heart sinking. "What are you three doing here?" he demanded "I told you to stay back at camp"

"I tracked you" Sunnykit announced proudly "All the way from camp"

As he looked at his nephew's shining blue eyes, Icefire felt sick with apprehension, Their chances of slipping back into camp with a story of early hunting had just vanished. They must have seen them crossing the river.

"Sunnykit followed your scent trail right up to the stepping-stones" Shrikekit mewed "Papa, what were you and Graystripe doing in Riverclan territory?

"Why do you smell weird?" Sunnykit asked

Before Icefire could think of a reply, another voice broke in-a low, menacing growl. "Yes, that's what I would like to know, too"

Icefire tried to stay calm as he looked up to see Tiger-roar shouldering his way through the crisp brown bracken.

"You screwed up this time Icefire"

Shit

/

When they reached the camp, Icefire saw Bluestar standing at the foot of the Highrock, Seedspots laying behind her, her plump white belly exposed. A patrol made up of Leopardstorm, Fogtail, Chestnutclaw, and Mousefur was reporting to Bluestar.

"The stream is flooded as far as the Thunderpath" Icefire heard Leopardstorm say. "If the water doesn't go down, we won't be able to make it to the next gathering"

"There's still time before-" Bluestar broke off when she saw Tiger-roar approach her. "Yes, what is is?"

"I've brought these cats to you" the deputy growled "Three disobedient kits, and two traitors"

"Traitors!" Fogtail echoed, Chestnutclaw smirked. Chestnutclaw's eyes met Icefire's with an unpleasant gleam "Just what I'd expect from a kittypet" the reddish-brown tom sneered, he stared at the kits "What were you three thinking?"

"We wanted to see where Papa was going" Sunnykit said

"I've taught you three better than to follow him around"

"Excuse me?" Icefire hissed

"Enough" Bluestar ordered, more like snarled. She nodded to the cats in the patrol "You may go" she glanced at Seedspots who wore an amused grin "all of you" She turned back to Tiger-roar as the cats moved away. "Tell me what happened"

/

"Well if it isn't our newest apprentices, Icepaw and Graypaw"

Icefire looked up from his vole to see Fogtail swaggering toward him, his long tail waving in the air. "Ready for a training session?"

Bluestar hadn't been as mad as he thought. She punished Shrikekit, Sunnykit, and Rosekit with elder duties while she made Icefire and Graystripe do apprentice duties. Shrikekit seemed to enjoy talking with the elders and taking care of them, especially White-eye. Better than Smallear's favoritism over Rosekit.

Chestnutclaw had tried to contest his custody of their kits, stating that he was a danger and trouble for them. Considering what they and Graystripe had been caught doing, good will wasn't exactly on his side. Icefire was allowed in the nursery when deemed needed or at night any other time the kits were to be watched by Chestnutclaw or another royal. It made his blood boil that he was denied his kits but Bluestar did remind him that he didn't help his case, he was mad he agreed with her. =

Icefire and Graystripe took their time to finish their meals, then they had to follow Fogtail out of camp.

"Now Icepaw-"

"I'mma stop you right there before I slice your other ear" Icefire snapped before Fogtail could even start "Let's get this over with"

The day was cold and gray, just how he liked it especially when rain had began to fall but prey was hard to find. It was hard to pinpoint any movement for him and Fogtail wasn't making it easier, when he sneered in his ringing ears. Even if he lost his sight he could still make a good shot for Fogtail's ear or muzzle.

He ended up smacking Fogtail when he made him lose a dove.

He regretted nothing.

/

Icefire had a bad feeling in his belly. He was already ticked cause his nest in the apprentices den made him uncomfortable. Goosefeather just told him to grin and bear it. The apprentices had stared at him with wide eye, as if they couldn't believe what they were seeing. Swiftpaw sneered at him, probably encouraged by Fogtail.

The good was that Bluestar had thought he and Graystripe learned their lesson. He was glad.

He wasn't glad when he found out he was stuck on a flood patrol with Tiger-roar, Chestnutclaw, and Fogtail. A recipe for disaster, or he thought but they seemed peaceful, it weirded him out.

The sun rose higher, and the sky turned to a deep blue as the four cats journeyed through the forest toward Fourtrees.

As he padded after Tiger-roar, Icefire was distracted by tempting movements in the undergrowth as prey scurried to and fro. After a while the deputy let them stop and hunt for themselves. He wasn't going to let Tiger-roar's good mood go to waste. he quickly caught a vole with a swift pounce.

Then they went on, Icefire's stomach was warm and full from the vole he had eaten. Then they reached the top of a slope and looked down toward the stream that crossed Thunderclan territory, separating them from Fourtrees. Tiger-roar let out a long, soft hiss, Chestnutclaw lashed his tail, and Fogtail yowled in dismay.

Icefire shared their exasperation. Usually the stream was shallow enough for cats to cross easily, keeping their paws dry by leaping from rock to rock. Now the water had spread into a glistening sheet in either side, while the current churned swiftly along the original course of the stream.

"Fancy crossing that?" Fogtail spat "I don't"

Without a word, Tiger-roar began padding upstream, following the edge of the floodwater toward the Thunderpath. The land sloped gently upward, and before long, Icefire could see when he narrowed his eyes the shining surface was broken by tussocks of grass and clumps of bracken poking above the water.

"This isn't as deep as when Leopardstorm last reported" Tiger-roar mewed "We try to cross here"

Icefire had doubts but knew if he said a word, he would be mocked for his kittypet roots. He quietly followed Tiger-roar, who was already wading into the flood. He couldn't help noticing that Fogtail's ears twitched nervously as he splashed in beside him. Chestnutclaw just brought waves as he tried to get to land, Icefire wasn't helping him in the slightest.

In front of him, the current was brown where it stirred up mud from the streambed. It was much too wide for a cat to leap, and the stepping-stones were completely submerged.

"Those damn Rivers were right" Tiger-roar growled

Whiteclaw and Morningriver had come to Thunderclan to warn them about the water levels but the Thunderclan wanted to see it for themselves.

"Come here! Look at this!"

Icefire splashed toward him. The deputy, with Fogtail and Chestnutclaw beside him, was standing at the edge of the stream. A branch was lodged in front of them, swept into place by the current so that it stretched from one bank to the other.

"Just what we need" Tiger-roar grunted in satisfaction

Icefire felt a shove "Icefire, check that it's safe, will you?" Chestnutclaw mewed

Icefire saw Goosefeather floating above the muddy water, the gray speckled tom said nothing. It was foreboding and Icefire knew it.

"Scared, kittypet?" Chestnutclaw taunted him.

"Of drowning, yes" he snapped at the brutish warrior "I don't see you eager to do it, so shut your trap before I do it for you" He turned back to the murky water. Gritting his teeth, he stepped onto the end of the branch. He would not let them, least of them Chestnutclaw taunt him and have the pleasure of reporting him.

Immediately it sagged under his paws, and he dug his claws in hard, fighting for balance. He could see brown water racing a mouse-length below, and for a few heartbeats he thought he would plunge straight into it.

Then he steadied himself. He began to move forward cautiously, pacing his paws in a straight line one after the other. The slender branch bounced under weight with every step. Twigs caught in his fur, threatening his balance, 'We'll never get to the gathering like this', Icefire thought.

Gradually he drew closer to the middle of the stream, where the current was strongest. The branch tapered until it was barley as thick as his tail, making it harder to find a pawhold. Pausing, Icefire measured the distance left; was he close enough to leap safely yet?

Then the branch lurched under him. Instinctively he gripped tighter with his claw. He heard Tiger-roar yowl, "Icefire! Get back!"

-Flashback-

"How do you feel sweetie?" Icefire said softly, keeping his kit nicly wrapped in his warmth

"My chest hurts" Bearkit whimpered

Icefire licked his daughter softly "I know dear, I wish I can take it away and make it better"

Bearkit nuzzled into his fur "I love you"

Icefire felt his heart warm "I love you too my little cub"

"Icefire" Thymeroot mewed "That's enough" the black tom looked just as sad as Icefire did

He gave Bearkit one last lick "Get some rest dear"

Thymeroot brushed herself against his flank as he left, it was a comforting as she could in this situation. Icefire quickly made their way to the nursery but was suprised when he bumped into Graystripe, even more so when he caught the faint scent of Silverstream and Silvertide.

"What did I say about the scent?" Icefire lowly hissed. Only relaxing when he figured Willowpelt was asleep. The Riverclan scent was faint but Icefire was not taking chances.

"Silverstream distracted me" Graystripe replied, lashing her thick tail

"Mouse-brain, even pregnant he has that on the brain" Icefire rolled his eyes "We're having a talk later" he pulled a mewling Flamekit closer to his belly to nurse.

"You're not any better"

"Shut it" he grabbed some lavender from his nest that Nettlemist left "Here, wear it"

Graystripe did just that. She perked up "Uh...Icefire?"

Icefire drew his tongue away from Violetkit "What?"

"I smell Shadowclan"

Icefire shot up, his tail wrapping around his litter.

Nettlemist and Embereyes poked their heads in. "Icefire?" Nettlemist looked hesitant

"Why do I smell Shadowclan?"

"Marshshadow, Blazefang, and Badgerfang are here for you and your...kits" Embereyes replied "They'd like to enter the nursery but would rather you come out to them"

Icefire curled his lip and was about to demand they come here but he glanced at Goldenflower and Frostbite. Goldenflower was protectively hovering over Waspkit and Hornetkit and Frostbite looked ready to kill anyone who'd dare harm her newborns, Snowykit, Whitekit, and Lightkit.

"Fine," he nosed his kits upward "Help me carry them, Goldenflower could you watch Sunnykit, Rosekit, and Shrikekit?"

Goldenflower nodded "Of course"

Icefire picked up Violetkit while Embereyes grabbed Flamekit and Nettlemist grabbed Cloudkit. He spotted the three Shadowclan cats near the leader's den, Bluestar and Redtail close by with Yellowfang not to far off looking like she was making small talk with his daughters and grandson.

He set Violetkit firmly between his paws "Hello Marshshadow" no point in trying to be nice in his opinion

"Marshstar" she corrected "I've gotten my nine lives from Starclan and Blazefang is my deputy, you look well Icebelly"

Icefire nodded "It's Icefire now" he only really moving his tail when Flamekit and Cloudkit were sent down in it.

"They're adorable Icefire" Badgerfang commented

"Isn't one missing?" Blazefang asked "Cubkit was it?"

"Bearkit and she's ill and why does that matter?" Icefire growled, he glanced at Marshshadow's chest "What's with the necklage?"

Marshshadow glanced at Bluestar "Did you not teach him the necklace traditions of the clans? The golden ones? The flower ones?"

"I understand the golden and flower ones" Icefire snapped "What's with the vine with the rock in the middle?"

"It's a piece of the moonstone Icefire, I wear it for two moons after I receive my lives from Starclan" Marshstar's tone was fierce whether she meant to or not

"Whatever, all collars to me" Icefire replied with a roll of his eyes "Why are you here and not dealing with your clan and fixing it back up?"

"I've been doing checks on all of Brokentail's offspring, he's being held away from our camp, blind, and heavily guarded" she lowered her head slightly "they are my kin too Icefire"

"I'm well aware Marshstar, Flamekit looks just like Blazefang" Icefire drawled "Why don't you say what you're really here for and not waste time?"

Marshstar sighed "I worry for the kits sired by Brokentail here in Thunderclan, maybe it would be best if they were raised in Shadowclan with their kin"

"So you want to take my kits from me?" he hissed, pulling his kits closer to his belly "I blind and take one of the basturd's lives and this is the thanks I get" he flashed his golden tooth a bit

"That's not what we're saying Icefire" Badgerfang mewed softly "We're concerned for their well-being"

"We don't think Thunderclan is right for them especially the two kits that take after Brokenstar in appearance from what I'm told are Bearkit and Violetkit" Blazefang said bluntly, her gaze was on the kits

He glanced at Yellowfang who wore an emotionless look. Icefire then glanced at Bluestar and Redtail "And you two agree with this?"

"Until proved otherwise Icefire, this is your call and only yours" Bluestar stated, tail-tip twitching "I'll stand by the whatever choice you make"

"Yellowfang?"

"Make your choice kit, not my say" the older molly said, her voice calm

"Redtail?"

"Laws for half-clan kits state that the dam's clan gets priority especially for cases where rape was involved" Redtail said, his ginger tail lashing "It was designed to protect the victim" Redtail stared down at Marshstar "Is there something you're trying to say about the law Marshstar?"

Marshstar bared her fangs "I approve the law of protecting the victims Redtail" she stated firmly "However, cats can be short-sighted and no kits should suffer because of the sins of the parent" she took a small step "Dewflare had another litter before she left and even for the litter she had before, I'm doing my best to make sure they won't be blamed for what their parents did"

Icefire thought of how Beepaw, Roachpaw, and Flypaw were adjusting to this new life style after having the clan at their paws before. They had Dewflare's love, attention and care, what he never got, what he got was being misgendered, raped and insulted. He knew he shouldn't resent them but at the same time, what did they have they he didn't to even Dewflare's love.

"They are still nursing"

"We have some queens who'll nurse them, Fernshade has offered"

"No" Icefire lashed his tail "They are my kits, they aren't leaving me just because of your pathetic concerns"

"Icefire" Blazefang barked "This isn't about you and what you want, it's about the kits and what they need to live normal lives"

"They are too young, how about you let them decide when they're older" Icefire growled

"How old?" Marshstar questioned

"Four or five moons is the standard" Redtail stated "They'll be sent for a moon and see how they fair there"

"One moon in our camp can compare to the other moons here?" Blazefang countered

"Like the laws say, the dam gets priority" Redtail replied, seemingly bored of the conversation "You act like they kits sire was this great cat that should equal chance and not the monster that raped an apprentice"

Blazefang growled but Badgerfang nudged her "Don't"

"You didn't do the standard" Marshstar mewed, her gaze on Bluestar "You gave them up to Riverclan when they were three moons correct?"

"It was a harsh leaf-bare with little food, Stonefur and Mistyfoot would have died otherwise, this is leaf-bare as well, quite honestly Marshstar they shouldn't leave til there apprentice age"

"Why'd you give them to Riverclan then?"

"I don't have to explain any of my choices to you" Bluestar replied, her voice cool "You're on the way of being chased from my camp with your tails between your legs"

"Marshstar stop" Badgerfang advised "It's better than nothing, take it cause I'm assuming that's all Icefire's offering, right?"

Icefire nodded "Glad to see you know me well Badgerfang"

-Flashback ends-

He had time to calm down, sparing with Bluestar did wonders. It would be at four moons they would go to Shadowclan and at six moons, they would decide.

He's honestly just fine knowing Brokentail was overthrown and wouldn't hurt anyone ever again. He felt more free than he'd ever been. His name change fit him honestly. It helped the fierce feeling he held since taking down Brokentail and Clawface. It the moment he requested for a golden tooth and was granted.

Larkpaw and Seedpaw received their warrior names the day after the battle: Larkwing and Seedspots. Lichenpaw and Smokepaw had showed enough skill to earn their warrior names: Lichenstrike and Smokefur. It was honestly amusing watching Lichenstrike try to beat Sandstorm, she managed after a while. He's pretty sure Chestnutclaw only went easy because Bluestar was watching.

Marigoldpaw's training was given over to Sandstorm since Nettlemist expressed that with more warriors, he wasn't needed and Marigoldpaw deserved better training, Sandstorm was all too happy to gain another apprentice especially her little cousin.

Icefire carried his rabbit over to the fresh-kill pile, Lichenstrike carrying her shrew.

"How's Cinderpaw?" the golden molly asked as she dropped her catch

"Doing well the last I heard from Deadfoot" Icefire replied "They're improving well, should be back soon but it'll take time"

Lichenstrike smiled "I'm glad"

"As am I" the voice was of a cat he'd been avoiding since Cinderpaw's accident, Mossthorn. He didn't want to face their wrath, using any excuse to not be in camp.

Icefire kept his eyes on the ground, his nerves growing knowing Mossthorn's stare was on him.

"Lichenstrike, why don't you go find Sandstorm or Smokefur?"

Lichenstrike sounded nervous but obeyed "Okay"

Icefire refused to lift their head, Mossthorn did it for him "I'm not mad at you Icefire"

he snorted plainly "You should be"

"Did you push Cinderpaw on the Thunderpath?" they asked

"Of course not!"

"Then I have no right to be mad at you"

Icefire finally met Mossthorn's gaze, there was nothing but calmness and concern.

"They've been doing alright, it could've been alot worse"

"I know" Icefire mewed

"How's Bearkit?"

Icefire sighed "Not any better, Tulipkit's joined her, they need food"

Mossthorn rested their tail on his back in comfort

"I'm scared" he admitted "What if she..."

"Do you trust your healers?"

"With my life, I just don't want to lose her, I'm trying so hard to be better than Dewflare and here I am dumping them on Brindleface cause I just couldn't sit still"

"They love you Icefire" Mossthorn mewed "They've said so proudly, Brindleface doesn't mind from what I've seen"

Icefire flicked his tail "Don't know why they're proud of me"

"You're doing great and I'm sure Goldenflower or Frostbite would've told you if you did something wrong in parenting"

"Like what Robinwing does?"

"Especially that" Willowpelt hissed "I had to nurse Ravenkit when Rosetail couldn't"

Icefire snorted "Thanks Willowpelt"

"Anytime" the pale gray queen replied "You're doing fine Icefire, better than I did when I had Darkstripe"

"Is he a kit of Leopardstorm or Tiger-roar?"

Willowpelt shook her head "Archeye of Shadowclan, not the first time the clan disapporved of me, if it wasn't my blood it was my choice of mate"

"Blood?"

"I'm not clanborn, raised alongside Redtail and Spottedleaf by Ambershine and Torndust, blood means nothing"

"Ain't that the truth" Icefire smirked

A sudden yowl made Icefire, Willowpelt, and Mossthorn jump. The yowl came from the nursery, Brindleface's yowl.

Icefire rushed over to the nursery entrance "Brindleface, what's wrong?"

"Ashkit, Fernkit, and Cloudkit are missing!" they said franticly

Icefire's heart dropped "What?" he looked around "Where did they go?"

"I don't know" Brindleface replied "I had them all down for a nap and closed my eyes for a bit then they were gone"

Icefire looked around the den, he spotted a kit sized hole near his nest "They left through here" he called "We have to find them"

"What's going on?" Brackenpaw mewed

"I heard yelling" Lynxpaw added

"Cloudkit, Fernkit, and Ashkit are missing, can you two help me find them?"

Brackenpaw and Lynxpaw nodded

He and the apprentices quickly headed for the entrance to camp, knocking past Robinwing and Larkwing.

"Icefire!" Sandstorm called "Wait up, I want to find them too"

"Keep up slug" they snapped "It's snowing"

The snow was getting thicker and thicker as they trud through it. Icefire ignored the snow pushing into his face, he had to find the kits.

"Why would they leave in the first place?" Brackenpaw asked

"I don't know" Sandstorm said "Why did they have to chose now to go missing"

"And Cloudkit's white so it'll be even harder to find him" Lynxpaw realized "I can barely see you Icefire"

"Focus on any moment" he said "Anything"

He felt his pads scarp rocks, he ignored the inevitable blood. He had to stop for a moment to get his barings. He spotted movement near a tree, a vole. A sudden ball of white pounced on it.

"Cloudkit!" he called rushing over to his son

"Icefire, badger!" He ignored Sandstorm's yowl, his kit was the only thought in his mind. The badger, large for one appeared out of no where and rush at Cloudkit. He slammed into the badger head on, taking the bite meant for his son.

"Lynxpaw!" he hissed as he tried to free himself from the badger's hold

"I got him" she replied

He saw Sandstorm leap on the badger's back, biting with enough force that the badger opened its jaws. Icefire struck the badger across the muzzle as soon as he was free, Brackenpaw rush forward and bit into the badger's neck. The badger roared with pain from all sides, the black and white creature bucked up suddenly throwing Sandstorm off and threw a swing at Brackenpaw earning a painful yowl from the golden brown tom.

The badger seems to have enough and ran for it, shoving past a bleeding Brackenpaw.

Icefire rushed over to the injured apprentice "Brackenpaw? Are okay? Can you walk?"

"My paw hurts" he replied, he slowly go to his paws "I think I can walk?"

"Lynxpaw?" Sandstorm called

"I'm with the kits" The golden and black apprentice replied, the three kits safely under her, Cloudkit had the vole in his mouth

"Good" Icefire mewed as he padded over "Are you three injured?"

The kits shook their heads.

"Let's get you three back to camp" he glanced at Sandstorm "Sandstorm, help me carry them. Lynxpaw, help Brackenpaw"

Lynxpaw nodded and padded over and help her fellow peer stand up.

"Cloudkit, cling to my pelt" Icefire mewed

His son nodded, his jaws shut to keep his vole from falling. Icefire picked up Ashkit while Sandstorm picked up Fernkit. The group quietly made their way back to camp.

"Ashkit! Fernkit!" Brindleface cried as they ran over "I was so worried"

"Papa!" Icefire heard his other kits mew

He placed Ashkit down and let Cloudkit climb down to his sisters.

Bluestar padded forward, a stern expression on her face "Why did you three leave camp? Did you know how worried you drove your parnets?"

"We wanted to help Bearkit and Tulipkit" Fernkit mewed

"They needed food" Cloudkit added, holding up his vole "We got it"

Bluestar sighed "You three had good intentions but you worried the clan when you disappeared and you could have frozen to death" she glanced at the vole "You did well catching this and I'll allow you to give it to Bearkit and Tulipkit however you three will take care of the elders for a while"

"Okay" they said

"Brackenpaw!" Lionheart rushed over to nuzzle his son "What happened to your paw?"

"It's fine dad" the apprentice growled "The badger got me while I was helping Icefire and Sandstorm"

Lionheart rounded on Icefire "Badger?"

"Lionheart" Bluestar warned

Icefire fought not to flinch with that intense stare "We found the kits, turns out we got there just i time"

"Who's idea was it to go out in the first place?" Lionheart asked

"Mine" Cloudkit mewed proudly "Papa taught us to follow our gut when helping others"

"How fitting" Lionheart sneered, he whipped back at Icefire "So this all your fault"

Icefire gaped "How is this my fault?"

"Who taught this roach that 'follow your gut' was a good idea? Certainly not Brindleface"

"Don't call my son a roach" Icefire hissed "and I never told him to go out of camp"

"Might as well have and you just had to take my son and niece with you"

"I never forced them to go with me" Icefire hissed

"It's true, me and Lynxpaw wanted to help" Brackenpaw added

"Don't defend this curse Brackenpaw, this cat should've never been allowed in the clan to begin with"

"Lionheart" Bluestar growled

"I'm right Bluestar" Lionheart retorted "Ever since he came here, we've lost Thrushpelt, Featherwhisker, Sweetheart, Rosetail, Spottedleaf, Cricketsong, Dappletail, Adderkit, Leapkit, and why did Palepaw die?" he hissed "Because Brokenstar wanted the kits Icefire bore-"

"I didn't-"

"Quiet" Lionheart hissed

"Lionheart" Leoaprdstorm growled "Stop talking"

"No and I'm not the only one who thinks this. He's nothing but a curse with the death he brings and the brood his kitted"

"Lionheart" Bluestar hissed even louder than before

"No, he's an awful cursed little worm who attacked Graystripe the night before he entered the clan and his a horrible father, pawning his kits on poor Brindleface, news flash Icepaw if you didn't want to care for them you should've gave them to Marshstar"

"Give kits to the clan of the sire who raped him?" Mossthorn snapped

"Spottedleaf was killed because of him, in my opinion he deserved-" Lionheart was cut off when Tiger-roar hit him across the face

"Take a walk you heartless mouse-heart"

/

"Are we taking it back or just passing by?" Icefire asked Redtail. This was the frist patrol he had been on in the last three days. He gave Brindleface a break despite their protests. He only really left camp because Tiger-roar convinced him, the older tom had been one of the only cats to keep him sane.

"Leaf-bare is almost over but it isn't gone, we need as much prey as possible" Redtail replied "No more skin and bones"

"Those fish-faces don't deserve it if they are just going to lay on it all day" Amberpaw added

"They just waste it honestly" Ebonypaw mewed

"Let's make this quick and simple" Tiger-roar advised, tail-tip twitching "We don't want more death"

"Or look like cowards" Nightshade growled "Not like Thrushpelt, at least Rosetail could get things done" She spat out Thushpelt's name like bile.

"Of course not" Amberpaw mewed, rolling her eyes "Redtail knows what he's doing"

Redtail raised his ginger tail for silence. Icefire saw a Riverclan patrol coming over. Oakjaw was leading it, he saw Suneyes, Leopardclaw, Mudbelly, Condorpaw, Lakepaw, Vixentail,Grasswhisker, and Frogleap.

Redtail padded to the edge of the slope they were standing on. "These lands belong to Thunderclan" he spoke loud and proud, no sign of fear.

"That's a laugh" Suneyes cackled

"R..Redtail we're outnumbered" Smokypaw stuttered

Redtail seemed to ignore all replies "Stand down it will not end well for you"

Oakjaw's ears were pinned to his head "Never" he hissed

"Death is their wish" Amberpaw drawled

Redtail walked to the patrol, they made way for him. The tortie stopped and turned back and hissed "Thunderclan attack!"

They all obeyed.

Icefire bit into Grasswhisker's shoulder and dug his claws into the tabby's shoulder. He tossed the fish-dung like bones. Sending the tom tumbling to the side, sliding with the mud. Amberpaw pounced, Grasswhisker bit the tortioseshell molly's ear and began another brawl.

While his sense of hearing went through the sky with horrid ringing sounds, his sense of feel didn't change. He stepped to the side, Condorpaw hit the ground face first, his upper half skidding with the mud with his lower half in the air.

Icefire smirked as he pinned the fellow albino down. "Not bad" Icefire chuckled "But you'll have to do better than that Condorpaw"

Condorpaw coughed "Not my fault my eyes were acting up" the younger tom was slashing his back legs with his lower claws. He didn't really hurt.

"Excuses Excuses" he purred, he'll admit he likes to toy with his opponents, Condorpaw was no different. He got off him "Go"

Condorpaw nodded and dashed away into the fray. Vixentail was fighting Ebonypawpaw. Leopardclaw and Nightshade were locked. Tiger-roar was in a brawl with Lakepaw Suneyes, and Mudbelly.

Icebelly spotted Redtail and Oakjaw dooking it out. Oakjaw had Redtail pinned down at one point "Give up Redtail"

"Never" the tortie tom spat

"Just as stubborn as your leader" Oakjaw growled

As Icefire struck Frogleap across the nose, he noticed a large rock start to fall towards the deputies. He rushed as fast as he could to warn them but it seemed Oakjaw noticed as well. The gray tom's throat had been slashed open but with the last of his energy she shoved Redtail out of the way. The loud screech of pain and crack of bones rang through the clearing.

Icefire went to Redtail's side, the tortie's wounds looked deep. "Redtail?"

Redtail stared at the rocks that had Oakjaw buried underneath. "I cut through his throat and yet he-". Redtail stood up with a jolt "We're ending this now"

Icefire followed Redtail as the deputy leaped up on a smooth but long rock. "Oakjaw is dead!"

The Riverclan cats froze at the news. "Retreat!" Leopardclaw called

The patrol cheered as they watched Riverclan retreat.

"Everyone head back to camp" Redtail mewed, he was still on the rocks, close to the water. His paw looked broken

"I'll help him to camp" Tiger-roar sighed

"You'll need the help with that stuborn cat" Nightshade added

"We should have a feast" Amberpaw purred

"I get the squirrels" Ebonypaw laughed racing the tortie back to camp. Most of the patrol following. He followed close behind the apprentices eager to return to his kits but Icefire had a feeling, Raveneye wasn't with them and seeing Goosefeather gazing to the direction of Sunningrocks definitely added to that. He doubled back to Sunningrocks, well as fast as he could with a limp leg.

He saw Redtail but he also saw Tiger-roar and Nightshade, they said they were going to help him. It remined him all too well of Thrushpelt's death, he wouldn't put it past Suneyes to have been the one to kill him.

He spotted Raveneye close by but said nothing.

"That was awesome, didn't need help either" Redtail purred

"Only because you had me,Icefire, and Tiger-roar to back ya'll up" Nightshade hissed, she wasn't exactly wrong. Tiger-roar and Nightshade were Thunderclan's best warriors beside their sister, Chestnutclaw, and Icefire apparently. Some cats could argue he was giving Tiger-roar a run for his name.

"That was reckless Redtail how could you even agree that was a good idea when we were outnumbered and the apprentices could have died" Tiger-roar's lip curled in a snarl.

"We won but at the cost of death" Redtail replied "Oakjaw, he saved my life"

Nightshade unsheathed her claws, her green eyes narrowed "What a waste"

"Tiger-roar? Nightshade? what is this?" Redtail growled

"Just as the stars told" Goosefeather mewed in his ear

"You plague this clan, too soft" Nightshade spat the last part like a hairball

"I'm the true leader of this clan, I won't make it soft" Tiger-roar added, his long front claws out "You get a choice, leave or fight"

Icefire's felt his heart drop, another cat with lies, how could he have been so stupid?

"Leave?" Redtail said like these two cats were crazy

"I'll get Pouncepaw, Amberpaw, and Lightpaw for you Redtail, just leave and don't come back" Nightshade mewed, she was closer to the tortie.

"Make your move Redtail" Tiger-roar said simply "I will become deputy of this clan, by any means nessasary"

Redtail seemed to be realizing something when his amber eyes widen in shock and horror "You two planned Thrushpelt and Rosetail's deaths didn't you?"

"Smart"

Redtail's eyes narrowed "He was your brother! He helped raise you as did Rosetail"

"Prices have to be made for greatness" Tiger-roar said, he started circling the tortie tom "Come on Redtail, you know you won't win"

"What will happen?"

"The deputy spot in free and I or Nightshade will be picked"

"And if Bluestar chooses someone else?"

"They will be 'dealt' with" Nightshade sneered "Tick tock Redtail, wouldn't want to end up like Thushpelt or Featherwhisker"

"What do you mean by that he killed himse... you two killed him with a snake?!"

Tiger-roar laughed "I applaud you Redatail"

Redtail noticed Icefire and Raveneye for a moment but said nothing about it. "Starclan may take me but you will never win" Icefire knew Redtail was telling him and Raveneye to avenge his death. Redtail launched himself at Tiger-roar. Leaping onto the great tabby's back, going for the neck. Nightshade bit into the tortie's leg and threw Redtail off. The dark brown tabby grabbed the tortie with one powerful arm, dragging Redtail across the rocks. He slashed Redtail's throat with ease.

Redtail wheezed as blood gushed out but then something more rotten happened.

Nightshade shoved Redtail off the rocks causing Redtail to fall into the river. He heard Redtail's low screech as he was being washed away. He hoped Redtail died from his throat wound before he hit any rocks. He knew why Nightshade did that, no blame could be placed if Redtail fell into the river.

Icefire had flicked a bush with his tail in his panic. Tiger-roar raised his head, Raveneye slammed Icefire down. The two crouched low and began moving, as soon as they could they ran as fast as they could back to camp.

Blackfoot saw the rise and fall of Russetfur's pelt as she breathed. He slowly padded into the nursery, it looking clean and soothing than it had in the past moons under Brokentail's rule, it took him back of his own kithood. He saw Dawncloud curled up with Ratkit and Snowkit resting near her head and Cloudykit and Hemlock-kit asleep in her tail.

His eldest, Foggyclaw was already dozing off. Her belly plump with one of the last litters Brokenstar would sire. Aside from her, Goldenmint, Marshstar, Blossomhaze, were the last cats to bare any of Brokenstar's kits, the clan only really knew that because Blossomhaze had been keeping track. Dewflare's new litter: Adderkit and Fangkit were being nursed by Fernshade with her own kit, Ravenkit.

He knew Blazefang would rather forget that her own brother had no problem mating with her but she had the evidence forever with the birth of her son, Timberkit. The tom was small for a kit, he was missing a front leg and was sickly. Not like Marshstar could forget either, still expecting and dreading the birth.

He didn't think he'd have kits again since bringing Elderpaw to the clan but things happen. He had a new litter to worry about. His and Russetfur's. He slowly rested a dark paw on her side "How are you?"

"Sore from being on rat duty" She replied, her nicked ear twitched "Your daughter and son have been causing a ruckus, glad I had Darkflower and Dawncloud to help"

He looked and saw two kits who looked just like their mother, Rowankit and Cedarkit, two moons old and causing chaos for all. "Little monsters they are" she mewed, licking his cheek, he flinched slightly which Russetfur noticed.

"My bad"

Blackfoot sighed "It's fine, it's just.." he trailed off

"That's the tamest reaction I've seen when someone likes the Broken scar"

This thing on his left cheek, it would forever follow him and make him remember the lowest point in Shadowclan's history.

"Whitethroat still feels bad for hissing at Crowcloud and the chicks"

"She already forgave him" Russetfur replied "Should've saw it, she refused to let him sleep by himself had to drag Littlecloud over"

He curled up with Russetfur, grooming her ears softly. "A new era for us all" she mewed sleepily

"It will be good" he replied letting sleep take him

/

Blackfoot yawned as he woke. He crept out so he wouldn't wake anyone. His eyes stung as they felt the sun's rays. He gazed at the fresh-kill pile that looked more full that than it had in seasons. Blackfoot grabbed a toad and sat near the warrior's den. He felt at peace and less destructive than he had ever been.

Things in Shadowclan had been somewhat peaceful.

The clan was somewhat smaller since the clan was mostly made up of Brokenstar's elite. Pineshadow and Crowcloud had a choice to leave the clan but they chose to stay. Crowcloud had her litter of three: Garlickit, Sloekit, and Twilightkit and Pineshadow also had her litter of two: Foxkit and Larchkit.

Clawface's body wasn't taken to the grave yard. Marshstar had the body run over by monsters then they buried the remains. In Shadowclan burying the dead was deemed a big dishonor but when it was a vile cat it was the rule to do so, he was dishonorable in life so he will be dishonored in death.

Cats wanted to be renamed: Marigoldcloud took on the name Goldenmint in honor of her brother Mintkit and Hollowheart took the name Darkhollow.

He felt a tail rest on his shoulder, he turned his head to see his sister.

"You're up early" Fernshade's tired mew called. He heard a yawn from Whisperleaf, Lizardstripe had gotten her good in the right eye.

"Yeah, my body thought I should be awake" He nudged his toad at the two mollies. Whisperleaf snatched it and began to eat.

"Shadowclan honestly seems better" Fernshade muttered leaning against him

"Let's hope it sticks" Blackfoot replied

He spotted Slatepaw, Sootpaw, Copperpelt, and Elderpaw padding out of the warriors den. His son, Slatepaw, and Sootpaw were usually a night owls like the rest of the clan but they had their moments like everyone else. Copperpelt honestly preferred to do stuff in the day time. He wasn't the only one: Littlecloud and Goldendusk preferred to do things in the day time.

Speaking of Goldendusk, he felt the golden tom rubbing himself against him.

"Missed you last night" Goldendusk purred softly

Blackfoot rubbed his check against the golden tom's "I was with Russetfur and the kits"

"How are they?" Fernshade asked, licking her paws

"Great" he replied

"More kits for our smaller clan" Goldendusk added

Marshstar was changing Shadowclan for the better but there was one thing she wasn't going to get rid of, which was understandable. Marshstar had her own elite, it wasn't necessary but Shadowclan had founded this rank and it was rare that a Shadowclan leader didn't have one.

Raggedstar didn't have an elite, thought it was unnecessary and looked how that worked out.

Marshstar's elite was small but the clan had gone down since the exile of Brokenstar's followers, she had: Tangleburr, Russetfur, Fernshade, Badgerfang, and Blackfoot. He was a little surprised that she chose him but didn't decline the offer.

He felt Goldendusk nip his ear gently, he smirked at the golden tom. He looked to the right and saw Blazefang padding over. They bowed to their deputy.

Blazefang flicked her thick tail to the camp entrance, she made the signal for five cats, she then made a straight line on the ground. She wanted a patrol near the Thunderpath.

Blackfoot nodded, he signed [I'll join]

Goldendusk and Fernshade did the same thing. Whisperleaf shook her head, the torbie yawned.

Blazefang let out a low hiss at Cinderfur and Sootmask, they padded over. Today would be good.

The night of the gathering was as chilly as always, the cooler it was the more calming it was for Icefire as strange as it was considering what had happened. Tiger-roar had said that Redtail had fallen into the stream and they've been looking for the body but needed help. They did find Redtail's body, the tortie had been caught between some rocks.

Sandstorm, and the rest of Redtail's family had been understandably heartbroken.

-Flashback-

Icefire flicked the last of the mud from his paws. He watched Tiger-roar drag the tortie's body as they made their way back to camp. He and Raveneye joined the search party so they wouldn't look suspicious. He did notice Nightshade wasn't around.

He ducked his head as they walked through the gorse tunnel. The rain was just now starting to clear up but the mud was still there of course. The clan turned their attention to the arriving cats.

Raveneye was glued to his side, he'd been more silent than ever.

Tiger-roar tossed Redtail's body close to where the highrock was.

Sandstorm, Birchstep, Brindleface, Lightpaw, Amberpaw, Leopardstorm, and Pouncepaw dashed to Redtail's body. Lightpaw, Amberpaw, and Pouncepaw were sobbing in Redtail's fur. Sandstorm was crying a paw-step away, Birchstep holding her close. White-eye and Willowpelt walked over to her.

"A..auntie...Gr..grandma" Sandstorm murmured

White-eye pulled Sandstorm and Birchstep close. Willowpelt hugged Lightpaw and Pouncepaw. Redtail had appeared beside Icefire, not speaking but just gazing at his family mourning him.

He felt Raveneye gripping his tail, the black tom's own tail was flicking back and forth. He didn't glance over to Tiger-roar, worried the older warrior would suspect him or Raveneye.

He noticed that unlike the others, Redtail's wounds weren't healed.

"Bluestar" Robinwing called "Who'll be deputy now?"

"His body isn't even cold yet" Sandstorm hissed. Featherears got in-between the two mollies.

"A deputy needs to be named" Smallear said

Bluestar didn't look up from Redtail's body "Tiger-roar will be the new deputy of Thunderclan"

Icefire shared Redtail's outrage but felt more awful knowing he was the only one hearing Redtail's screeching.

-Flashback ends-

Riverclan and Shadowclan hadn't arrived yet, but Windclan was already there. Duskstar gave Bluestar a respectable nod, Deadfoot seemed to engage in conversation with Bluestar like old friends.

Tiger-roar took his place on the deputy rock, proud and regal.

Icefire spotted Weaselwhisker and bounded over to meet him. "Hey Weaselwhisker" he mewed, he yearned to nuzzle the brown tabby but he remembered that this was a gathering. Raveneye almost didn't want him to leave and was sticking to the medicine den.

"Hey Icefire" Weaselwhisker replied "How are you? How's your family?"

"I'm alright, Violetkit, Flamekit, Sunnykit, Rosekit, Shrikekit are okay, Cloudkit gave me a scare and Bearkit...has greencough"

"Oh I'm so sorry to hear that" Weaselwhisker seemed to want to show affected too.

"How's Cinderpaw doing in Windclan? Your family okay?" Icefire asked, changing the subject

Weaselwhisker chuckled "They're a easy learner that's for sure, Deadfoot kinda has his paws full though, Stagleap and Wrenflight are fine, Wrenflight's new litter are doing well"

Icefire smiled "How's being a big brother treatin ya?"

"They bite my tail if they can't find Wrenflight's" Weaselwhisker replied "Harekit is kinda glued to Cinderpaw and Poppykit had to be removed from my leg so I could come to the gathering, Dandelionkit's kinda shy"

"Cinderpaw has plenty to tell me when their back, anyway how's Morningflower and the kits?"

Weaselwhisker chuckled "Morningflower's alright, the kits are getting hectic"

Icefire chuckled "Really now?"

The brown tabby sighed "Brairkit's the ring leader of their antics"

Icefire purred with amusement

Rabbitwhisker toke a risk, he lifted the white tom's chin with his paw "She said she wants to see you though, after the gathering"

Icefire smiled "I will, it's been awhile"

"Also Juniperleaf brought some kits to camp"

"He did what?"

"Yeah"

Icefire was trying to calm the shock when two different smells hit his nose, Shadowclan and Riverclan.

"Finally" Weaselwhisker growled "I thought I was gonna freeze"

Icefire did his best to calm and shrugged "I prefer the cold"

"That's because you have fluffy long fur" Wetfoot called "Not like us short-furred cats"

"Though that fur must be a pain in green-leaf" Appletooth added

"It would, feeling hot all the time" Badgerfang finished

The three Shadowclan cats were as snappy as ever but looked happier and more fed than they did in Brokenstar's time.

"How have you three been?"

"Great" Appletooth smiled, her longer canines made it hard for her to show emotion but she managed to make it work "Taking care of Snakekit is work but I love him"

"How do you Shadowclan cats mange to eat and talk with those teeth?" Weaselwhisker asked in pure curiosity

Wetfoot chuckled, he traced his own fangs with a claw "Make sure they don't get too long to the point where you can't eat or talk, some have longer fangs than others though like Apple and Badger here"

"Runs good in my family" Badgerfang shrugged "How are you Icefire?"

"I'm fine Badgerfang, it's fine" he said stiffly 'soon they'll leave'

Icefire felt a pelt brush past him "Hello, Frogtail right?, Darkflower's brother?"

The black tom nodded, he then signed [Badgerfang is right, your eyes are beautiful]

Icefire smirked [Why thank you kind cat of the night]

"He's just like Blossomhaze" a black molly with ginger markings added "Looks just as attractive as a snowy crow"

"Excuse me?" he said baffled, out of all the insults he's been called, a crow has never been one.

"Oh right sorry need to explain in Thunderclan: crows and ravens are viewed as very beautiful birds in Shadowclan, I was complimenting you not insulting you"

"Flirting more like Turtleshell" Appletooth mewed gruffly "Stick to basics"

Marshstar let out a yowl for attention, the moonstone necklace still around her neck. The gathering had started.

"Duskstar you wanted to speak first" Marshstar mewed, stepping back and letting the older leader speak.

"Thank you Duskstar, Windclan has been alright these past moons, leaf-bare is fading and new-leaf begins which I'm sure we're all thankful for" Duskstar mewed

The cats mewed in agreement. No more hunger, greencough, or shivering pelts.

"Windclan has been blessed with kits: Marigoldwing has given birth to Bristleclaw's kits: Graykit, Grasskit, and Rock-kit , Appledawn has given birth to two kits: Dawnkit and Sunkit. Rabbit-tail and Sorrelflight has also given birth to: Birdkit, Windykit, and Hollykit. Also five kits were brought to Windclan and have been named Flowerkit, Softkit, Pinekit, Crystalkit, and Blossomkit"

"Those five are the kits Juniperleaf brought" Weaselwhisker mewed

"I have more siblings" Icefire sighed 'Better from him than Dewflare, at least I know he won't fuck them up, we are certainly having a talk next time I catch him'

The cats of Windclan cheered the new kits.

"Stormstar" Duskstar backed away "You may go"

The gray tabby tom padded forward, he looked tired but tried to wave it off. Icebelly hadn't been to Riverclan in a while and honestly it was for the better considering what happened recently and Riverclan's fish problem, he doubted he'd be safe around the camp with cats like Blackclaw and Suneyes around.

"The fish is flowing well in Riverclan" Stormstar began "Our nursery has new additions: Flameshell, Greenflower, and Sliverstream are expecting, Mistyfoot has recently that their litter of three: Primrosekit, Pikekit, and Perchkit, as well as having a new warrior in Shadepelt"

Icefire's jaw dropped 'Why wasn't I told? What is it with my sisters not not telling me shit'

Stormstar bowed his head "We also mourn the deaths of Cedarpelt, Lakeshine, Echomist, and Oakjaw, may Starclan welcome them"

A brief silence went through the clearing in mourning.

"Marshstar" Stormstar backed up

Marshstar padded forward, her head high showing her scared right side which revealed more teeth and her scared eye that left her half-blind. "Shadowclan has been well these moons, we have new warriors in Prickleback, Batwhisker, Copperpelt, Lizardswipe, and Muddyclaw"

Shadowclan cheered the new warriors.

"We have nothing else to report other than we sighted a fox on our territory and chased it off, from what I'm told it went into your territory Bluestar"

Bluestar understandably didn't look pleased with this news "Perfect" his leader said through gritted teeth. Bluestar padded forward, her blue eyes showing nothing.

"Redtail has died, Tiger-roar has taken his place as deputy" Bluestar mewed, Stormstar looked ready to spit something but Bluestar beat him to it "Riverclan had nothing to do with it, Redtail had lost too much blood and fell into the river"

That shut Stormstar up.

"My patrols have been picking up the scents of Brokentail's followers, I shouldn't have to tell you all to be cautious"

Marshstar's ears were pulled back "Bluestar, if you'll allow me I could send some of my warriors to help track them down"

Brokenstar had been quiet throughout Bluestar's hissing match with Leopardclaw. The golden molly demanded blood but Willowpelt nearly tore her throat for demanded her son's death. "The only thing you'll get from Thunderclan is fox dung" Willowpelt had snarled "This death is your fault not Graypaw's"

He had to corner Whiteclaw to tell him what happened to Silverpaw and Silverstream. Silverpaw has recovering, his eye will heal, not the best but he'll be able to use it.

When Windclan showed up, Brokenstar looked like he was going to rip Duskstar's throat out. When Brokenstar asked what they were doing back here Bluestar cut in and said.

"Starclan sent an omen and said Windclan would return right?"

Duskstar and Stormstar agreed with her words, it was a wise choice. Brokenstar was furious but Palecloud said that he had the omen but didn't say anything. Brokenstar basically called the gathering over and left in a huff.

He heard from Weaselwhisker that Shadowclan tried scaring off Windclan again but Duskstar wasn't going be driven out again and they won the fight. Luna wasn't fully convinced with clan life but she said she would stay til her kits, Marblekit and Thornkit become warriors, she held the name Moonclaw for the time being.

Piling on with Riverclan and Shadowclan biting at Thunderclan's heels, winter had arrived already and there was a greencough outbreak in the camp. Adderkit and Leapkit currently had it as did Birchstep.

Swiftpaw and Lynxpaw had been apprenticed a few days after Cinderpaw, Smokepaw, Lichenpaw, and Brackenpaw were. Swiftpaw to Fogtail and Lynxpaw to Willowpelt respectively.

Brindleface's litter was certainly interesting. The rest of the clan thought they only had three kits when they had four. Brindleface had snuck out of camp the night of the birth,the clan lead them but Bluestar asked Icebelly and Embereyes to watch them, they agreed. Blackfoot was the sire of the kits and took the only kit that would give them away, Elderkit. Icebelly couldn't have been to sure whether Brindleface saw him but it felt confirmed when the pale gray cat made sure to stay out of his way at all times.

Though with the filling nursery came with the decrease in food for the warriors and apprentices.

The nursery in general was packed with: Frostbite expecting kits sired by Tiger-roar for her and Mossthorn, Yellowkit was growing big for her age, Willowpelt's litter was also growing well, Miststrike's kits: Yewkit was getting bigger by the day but Leapkit was still so small and wouldn't be ready, Doekit, Adderkit, and Volekit were close to apprenticeship. Robinwing's litter was growing well and should make lovely apprentices. Bluestar had also given birth to her litter: Maplekit, Snowkit, Mistlekit, and Aspenkit, one had been born still and Bluestar named the kit Starkit. Icebelly had been all over the four kits from the get go.

His own apprentice, Cinderpaw was definitely a pawful but he was determined to train them well like Tiger-roar trained him. He was glad he got to have Tiger-roar and Nightshade to lean on for advice as well as Miststrike and Leopardstorm. Cinderpaw worked well in a group setting rather by themself so being around Sleetpaw and Smokypaw helped alot.

Ravenpaw decided he wanted to be a Silverblood. His help certainly lighten Thymeroot and Yellowfang's workload. The tom seemed more at peace in the medicine den than he did in the apprentice's den.

Though things could've been better:

-Flashback-

His belly had been aching all day, he just thought he ate something bad but apparently not. He definitely didn't let Cinderpaw fight him with the chance to kick his belly.

Chestnutclaw looked ready to claw his ears off "Go be weak in the herb den with herb cats" he hissed "I don't want Smokepaw's training falling"

He had went to see them, feeling like he was being kicked all over. Thymeroot examined him and her tail curled up in surprise "Well, you're not sick Icebelly?"

"Then.." Icebelly trailed off, knowing the answer.

"Congrats" the seer purred, her green eyes shining "I know you've wanted to have kits for a while"

'Not with his kits' he hadn't mated with Chestnutclaw as planned, he had been busy training Cinderpaw and had pushed the plans til Cinderpaw had finished her training. He wanted to forget what had happened to him but Brokenstar seemed determined to make sure he never forgot like the scar on the side of his throat.

"If I may be so bold to ask, who's the sire?"

Icebelly looked away "I...he's..."

"Not of Thunderclan?"

Icebelly couldn't bring himself to really answer with words but Thymeroot took his silence.

Thymeroot licked his ear "It's alright, you'll be fine"

"I hope so"

-Flashback ends-

"I never realized how it must suck having short fur during leaf-bare, how do Sandstorm and Ravenpaw deal with it" Cherrycloud mewed, nudging into his chest breaking his thoughts

Icebelly hummed "Find a fluffy cat to huddle and snuggle with"

"Oh is that what I am" she rubbed her head along his neck "A cat to snuggle with"

"Or course not, I'm fluffy as well if not more than you though we've been doing a lot more than 'snuggling' lately" He smirked 'It take my mind off the fact I'm carrying Brokenstar's kits, please let some of them be Chestnutclaw's' he shouted in his mind

Cherrycloud purred with amusement

"Icebelly Cherrycloud" Redtail's voice sounded rough and tired. Icebelly could see the deputy looked exhausted he couldn't blame him. Him and Bluestar must have a hard time dealing with their clanmates concerns about the Shadowclan attacks, Riverclan's new hostility and now the greencough outbreak.

"Can you two take your apprentices out?"

"Sure" Cherrycloud mewed getting up

"Any place in particular?" Icebelly asked shaking his fur

"We need prey try going near twolegplace or the owl tree"

Thymeroot popped her head from the medicine den, some feverfew and tansy were stuck on her pelt. "If you find catmint get as much as you can"

"Gotcha sir deputy sir" Cherrycloud purred "And you miss medicine"

A smile appeared on Redtail's face and a chuckle escaped from his throat. "You are a blessing in this time Cherrycloud"

They woke Cinderpaw and Brackenpaw up and headed for twolegplace. The experience could do them good.

Cinderpaw pounced on a squirrel, a swift bite to its neck. "Got it!" they called

Brackenpaw looked down, while Cinderpaw had managed to catch four kills now all he caught was a "lousy shrew" in his own words.

Cherrycloud noticed and bumped against her apprentice "Hey cheer up, everyone has off days, I'm sure Mossthorn or Frostbite will love it"

"Maybe you're a better fighter than Cinderpaw, you got Lionheart's large build while Cinderpaw got Mossthorn's lean one" Icebelly added, though he wondered if that was true. When he first took Cinderpaw out he taught her some basic fighting moves and increased the harshness since. Cinderpaw complained of sore pads the first day but was ready for it the next day. The eagerness of this young cat made it worth while.

"We'll try to battle train soon though" Cherrycloud mewed "For now let's make make Redtail proud that we all caught at least something"

That seemed to cheer Brackenpaw up. The all had caught some good and worthy kills. Cinderpaw found catmint and couldn't wait to see the look on Yellowfang's face when she brought it.

"Look!" Cinderpaw pointed with her nose at a molly padding along across the forest floor. It was a fluffy white molly with blue eyes. 'Princess!' Icebelly thought with shock. Her belly was swollen, heavy with unborn kits. "Kittypet!" Cinderpaw sneered, their fur fluffed out "Let's chase her out"

"No" he mewed pulling the gray apprentice back by their tail "She's a kittypet afterall she's no threat, stay here"

Princess may have a collar but it had many teeth and fangs it it to protect her throat and he knew his sister was far from helpless, Bone taught her well.

He padded slowly over to her "Princess!" he called

Princess's back fur spiked up and she bared her teeth but she got a closer look at him. "Splinter?"

He nodded and nuzzled her.

"What on earth are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing, far from the city"

"I got picked up, Snake found me" Princess mewed

"We''ll talk tomorrow" he mewed "Stay around here, my other clanmates would shred you trust me on that"

"I'd kill them when they stood if they tried" Princess drawled "But I have kits to think about, be around here tomorrow by dawn, I have to get back to Bloodclan soon" She heaved herself over one of the fences.

"Problem solved" he said heading back "Let's get back to camp shall we?"

/

Icebelly woke at dawn with the image of his sister still clear in his mind. He pushed his way out of the den, hoping to get out of camp as soon as he could. It was another cold, frosty morning. Though his fur seemed to get fluffier where it was more tolerable. Leopardstorm and Fogtail were waiting near the camp entrance, preparing to leave on patrol. Mousefur padded past on her way to join them and greeted Icebelly with a cherry mew. Fogtail called for Swiftpaw, who came racing out of the camp.

He padded across the clearing, wondering if Cinderpaw was awake yet. Brindleface was just squeezing out of the narrow nursery entrance. Ashkit followed her, Tulipkit close to his dam, then Fernkit followed tumbling out and falling onto the ground. Brindleface picked Fernkit up by her scruff and placed her gently back on her paws.

"Are they well?" he asked

"So far yes" Brindleface replied, green eyes avoiding his "We've had no other cases in the nursery so far and we hope to keep it that way"

"How's Embereyes?"

Brindleface sighed "She's keeping it together for Volekit and Doekit but she's worried for Adderkit, Nettlemist has been helping her relax"

Icebelly nodded as he heard Cherrycloud's pawsteps behind him. He turned to greet his friend, stretching his head to touch Cherrycloud's nose, and asked, "Could you take Cinderpaw for the day?"

Cherrycloud looked curiously at Icebelly "Why?"

"Oh, nothing important" Icebelly replied "Just wanted to check something and plus they'll need the battle training I can't really do in my state"

"Alright" Cherrycloud mewed, whiskers twitching with amusement, he knew she didn't believe anything he said but was going along with it.

"Thanks, Cherrycloud!" Icebelly bounded away toward the camp entrance.

As the houses came into view through the trees, Icebelly dropped into a crouch. He opened his mouth and breathed in the cold morning air. No sign of a Thunderclan patrol, and no human scents either. He relaxed a little.

Slowly he approached the fence where he had seen the molly disappear. He hesitated at the bottom and looked around, sniffing the air once more. Then he leaped, landing on a fence post in one easy jump. No huamns to be seen-just an empty garden with its strongly scented plants. Icebelly felt exposed on the post but he didn't have to climb when he heard the cheery voice of his sister.

"Splinter!"

Icebelly jumped from the fence landing flat on his paws right infront of his littermate. "It's Icebelly now, how are you doing?"

"As well as you could expect with me expecting" Princess mewed, her collar had more teeth than the last time he saw her

"Who'd you kill?" he asked

"I forget as time goes by" Princess replied, she sat down firmly resting her budging belly "Seven now, got three claws from that one"

"Is this your first litter?" He eyed her belly

"Yes, finally decided I wanted to help Bloodclan's legacy with my kits"

"Smudge?"

"Yep, I'm due very soon"

Icebelly sighed, rubbing his face with his paw "At least I'm not alone in parenthood"

Princess looked confused and cocked her head to the side "What?"

"Luna's had kits and joined Duskstar and Jake in Windclan for the time being, I'm also...expecting"

Princess's eyes widen "Seriously? You having kits?"

"Yeah"

"Well we know we'll do better than our birth giver" Princess stated

"Also Filou is part of Riverclan she's named Flamepaw, Nutmeg's in Shadowclan under the name of Dewflare with our new siblings. Also we have an older brother, Gingerblaze"

"What?"

"Yeah. Nutmeg was a clan cat, she lived in Thunderclan before she had us"

"I'd like to meet him"

"I'll work something out"

Princess moved closer to him, pressing her fur against his flank. This is what he missed, the feeling of someone who related to him.

"You've mentioned these clans"

Icebelly nodded

"I've heard things from dad already before but what's it like? Is it different than Bloodclan or the other groups round here?"

"In the clans, we take care of each other, Younger cats hunt for elders; warriors protect the hunting grounds from the other clans. I trained all spring and summer to become a warrior from training under Tiger-roar. I have an apprentice of my own now Cinderpaw"

"Was that the pointed dark gray cat I saw yesterday?"

Icebelly nodded "They're great, full of energy but knows the skill well so far" he looked around "where've you been staying?"

"This house doesn't have humans you know, I relax here and go inside if needed which I'm doing right now"

Icebelly looked back at the forest "I have to get back to my clan and you'll have your paws full soon enough as will I. I'll come back to see you in two days, I'll see if Gingerblaze will come"

"Great" Princess called over her shoulder. She was already trotting back to the house "See ya Icebelly?"

"See you soon" Icebelly called. His sister disappeared from view, and he heard the swinging flap slap shut behind her.

Once the garden was silent, Icebelly crept through the bushes to the fence. He jumped over it and ran into the forest.

/

When he finally returned to camp, he carried a vole and a wood pigeon in his mouth. He missed a few pigeons along the way when his vision started to blurry. The sun was setting, thank Starclan, and the clan were gathering for their evening meal. Graypaw sat alone beside the nettle clump, a fat chaffinch at her paws. She looked like she wasn't sleeping he was about to go over when Nettlemist laid his tail on his back "I got this" he whispered and Icebelly nodded to him as he padded across the clearing to the pile of fresh-kill that had already been collected.

Tiger-roar, Lionheart, and Leopardstorm was sitting near by, the dual colored tabby's amber and blue eyes narrowed. "I noticed that Cinderpaw spent the day with Cherrycloud" he mewed as Icebelly dropped his catch onto the pile. "Where were you?"

Icebelly returned Tiger-roar's gaze, he was good at not flinching at the gaze after being around Tiger-roar for so long. "It seemed like a good day for hunting-too good to waste" he replied

"Considering your vision's acting up and that you were alone" Icebelly could tell that Tiger-roar's voice contained a great amount of amount of concern which which didn't surprise him. Tiger-roar had been his mentor so he knew when he had any of his problems. "I'm guessing you missed a few catches on your way back"

"Why did Bluestar let him be a mentor" Lionheart muttered to which Leopardstorm nudged him in the shoulder harshly

Icebelly forced his fur flat and tried not to curse the golden tom "Bluestar trusts my abilities, have a problem take it up with her" Icebelly tried but couldn't resist " Or maybe you're a little bitter that Frostbit seems to have dumped you for Mossthorn, or that she's pregnant with Tiger-roar's kits rather than yours"

Lionheart's eyes narrowed at him

"But hey you're not mateless, you have Leopardstorm and Tiger-roar it seems. The great two-colored tom he is allows you to worship his great di-"

"Icebelly" Tiger-roar warned

He regretted nothing and he knew Tiger-roar knew that as well. "The clan needs all the fresh-kill it can get at the moment, I may have missed but I got something at least" Icebelly replied calmly

Tiger-roar nodded, suspicion darkening his eyes "Yes, but we also need warriors if we're going to put Shadowclan back in their place and send Riverclan back into their rivers. Cinderpaw's training is your responsibility not Cherrycloud's, she already has Brackenpaw to worry about. Redtail wants apprentices in as top shape as possible"

Icebelly nodded "I understand, Tiger-roar" he dipped his head respectfully "I'll take them out tomorrow near the Riverclan border"

"Good" Tiger-roar said seeming satisfied

"Make sure they doesn't get into any trouble with Riverclan, we already have enough of it as is already" Leopardstorm added

"Of course Leopardstorm"

/

Three of Morningflower's claws snapped off when she met rock and clay. She didn't even flinch she was used to her claws snapping off when tunneling, it still felt good to be back down here after moons in a rotten twoleg tunnel. She still swiped the dirt with her left paw, standing firmly on her hind legs.

"Morningflower, take a break I got this" Deadfoot called, his twisted paw covered in mud

"You should go see Barkface for that paw" Mudclaw added "We don't need infections right now"

'Like I'll leave our kits without their mother' Morningflower dropped down to all fours, shaking her fluffy coat. "I'm fine, just a broken claw"

"Now's not a time to be stubborn, rest, go the nursery with your kits" Deadfoot stated

"Yes deputy sir" Morningflower mewed rolling her eyes. She padded past the tom, head held high as she made her way up the tunnel.

Things in Windclan haven't been the best since they've been back. Prey was scarce as it is in leaf-bare and Shadowclan thought that was the best time to attack them. Duskstar was firm and saying Windclan won't be driven off again. Let's hope they'll survive to newleaf.

Morningflower padded out of the tunnel, eyes shut from the blinding sunlight. As a tunneler, her eyes were more sensitive to sun than a moor-runners.

She quickly headed to the nursery where Barkface was waiting. Ashfoot and Rabbit-tail were asleep in the corner of the den while Moonclaw was in a nest close to her with Marblekit and Thornkit. Whitetail was quiet and at peace, her new born kits suckling gently.

She laid down in her nest, her kits latching on as she did. She let Barkface treat her bleeding paw as she watched her kits nurse. They were growing well thank goodness, Briarkit gave her a scare but she hung on.

She didn't expect Runningpaw to start mushing her belly. She was about ask but Runningbrook beat her too it.

"It's to stimulate milk" the gray tabby mewed "Frogleap told me he tired it with Fallowtail and it worked well"

Morningflower sighed just letting them do their work, it wasn't too bad. It felt nice to be honest

"Have you thought of names yet?" Thrushwing padded into the den, her plump belly showing brightly as she sat close to Whitetail, placing more wool in the nest "It's been a moon" Morningflower wasn't surprised to see her sister already back into the ways of the clan. She wore the jewels a high ranking moor-runner as well as a star-keeper in training.

'Important to the clan' Morningflower thought 'That's what mother wanted for us, for you most of all Thrushwing' she was aware their mother wasn't pleased when she became a tunneler, even more so when Stoneclaw became one was well. She wanted them all to be proud moor-runnners like her and their late father Grasstail.

"Icekit" Whitetail replied, softly licking her son's head "For the cat that helped me when I needed it and the cat who helped bring back Windclan when he didn't have to"

Morningflower could see her sister's annoyance at their nephew being named after a Thunder cat rather than his late father but thankfully her sister seemed to know she wouldn't win.

"Lovely" she said, Morningflower could tell it was forced "And the other tom? He reminds me of the sun with his golden fur"

"More like a Lion" Runningpaw commented "Fluffy like one too."

"Fluffy isn't a term used for Windclanners" Thrushwing retorted.

Morningflower wondered if her sister would talk about Runningbrook being half-clan. The clan already had a time when they found about Ryestalk's code breaking with Marshcloud, she fought hard to make sure Runningpaw didn't face anything.

Runningpaw cocked their head to the side "Is thick-furred better?"

Before Thrushwing could reply Whitetail interrupted "Lionkit it is" she purred "My little lion"

"Maybe he'll have the strength of Lionclan" Runningpaw mewed

Thrushwing narrowed her eyes at the gray tabby "Lionclan is Thunderclan's circle we have Leopardclan as ours Runningpaw"

"That you have to share with Riverclan" Moonclaw sneered "Shadowclan gets Tigerclan all to themselves"

"Don't mention them here" Thrushwing shushed "It could bring bad fortune for the kits, Tawnykit's future as a seer could go bad"

"What?" Tawnykit whimpered "I can't be Barkface's apprentice?"

"Wait no no you'll still be my apprentice" Barkface quickly soothed the kitten "You'll be a great seer Tawnykit"

"That she will" Rabbit-tail purred.

Rushkit, Ryekit, and Robinkit looked out of place the attention was once again returned to their sister/cousin.

It was peaceful for a few moments, but of course it couldn't last forever because nice things can't happen.

"Shadowclan is coming up near the east badger den" she heard Sorrelflight cry "I see Dewflare leading them"

"Oh it's on, a score needs to be settled" Moonclaw rushed out before anyone could stop her.

"Why can't they leave us alone, it's leaf-bare" Runningpaw whined

"That's their goal" Whitetail answered

"Moonclaw!" Thrushwing called

"Don't" Rabbit-tail hissed "I'll watch Moonclaw's kits" she drawled "Who else will I be watching?"

"Mine" Ashfoot mewed "Eaglekit's easy to watch"

"Mine too" Morningflower replied "I need to stretch my legs"

"I'll get my marigold" Barkface signed as they rushed out.

Morningflower and Ashfoot were on their paws and racing out of camp leaving Rabbit-tail in charge of their kits. "Send them back in their marshes" Deadfoot yowled leading them on.

Morningflower smirked at the command.

"I..Icepaw?" he whipped his head to see Gingerpaw laying on his side, blood seeping from his shoulder and belly. He saw Chestnutpaw was beside him and not in any better condition. Icepaw raced over to the older toms, he cared about Gingerpaw and while he and Chestnutpaw didn't get along but he wouldn't wish death on him.

"What happened?" he asked, even though he could piece it together himself he wanted to hear it from someone else

"Shadow Colony attacked as a little while after you guys left for the gathering" Gingerpaw rasped "It was out of nowhere since we didn't think it would happen during a gathering night, We've been waiting for Spottedleaf and Featherwhisker to return"

"It came out of no where" Rootpaw exclaimed from the side, both his ears bleeding

Icepaw was silent trying to process all of this before he returned to the reason he raced back here in the first place. "I'll be right back you two" he didn't wait for their response as he dashed to where Yellowfang was kept.

"Yellowfang" he hissed urgently "Yellowfang wake up It's important and your life may be on the line"

Yellowfang's two yellow eyes opened "I wasn't sleeping after the ambush that happened earlier" they stood up slowly "So he's kept his promise"

Icepaw was confused "What promise?"

"Brokenmoon promised me when he banished me that he would drive me out of every clan territory" Yellowfang said dryly "What did he say about me Icepaw?"

"He warned us that our kits were in danger as long as we sheltered the Shadow Colony rouge some cats suspect it's you, you need to leave now before the rest of the clans comes"

"They actually believed Brokenmoon!" Yellowfang hissed, their tail swishing urgently

"Yes, Darkstripe says your dangerous, others say your dangerous and with Tiger-roar and Nightshade on your tail..I don't know what'll happen but I fear the worse"

Icepaw could hear furious yowls of cats but he could tell it was silence by what the camp looked like currently.

"Do you think I would harm kits Icepaw?" Yellowfang asked

"No never" Icepaw said without hesitation he could hear hisses and growls get louder "Go!" Icepaw urged

Yellowfang remained where they were and stared at him "Icepaw, you believe I'm innocent, and I'm grateful for that. If you believe me, then others might as well. I know Bluestar she'll be fair, I can't run anymore Icepaw I'm old, I will face whatever Thunderclan has for me"

"But Tiger-roar and Nightshade-"

"They're headstrong but even they will obey Bluestar" Yellowfang sighed and sat down on theyr bony haunches "Go away Icepaw now, don't get yourself in trouble for my sake"

Icepaw hoped Yellowfang was right. He has gotten way to attached to Yellowfang to watch them be killed for something that wasn't true. He touched his nose toy heir patchy fur, then crept silently away back to where he found Gingerpaw and Chestnutpaw.

"Stay awake will you?"

Chestnutpaw growled as a response

Though the gorse, Bluestar with Thrushpelt at her side with Frostbite and Goldenflower behind them. Goldenflower and Frostbite raced away from the troop immediately and ran towards the nursery. Tiger-roar and Nightshade strode into the clearing, shoulder to shoulder looking grim. Miststrike and Nettlepaw limped over to them.

Icepaw spotted Ravenpaw and Cherrypaw trot over to him, he didn't look at them and stared at Gingerpaw and Chestnutpaw making sure they were still alive and awake.

"You went to warn Yellowfang, didn't you?" Ravenpaw whispered sitting next to Icepaw while Cherrypaw crouched near their littermate.

"Yes, I did" Icepaw admitted "But they wouldn't leave. They trust Bluestar to treat them fairly. Did anyone notice I was gone?"

"Only us" Ravenpaw watching Gingerpaw's breathing while Cherrypaw groomed Chestnutpaw.

"Thank the stars" Spurcepaw appeared at his left side "If Nightshade or Burrclaw saw you..."

"Don't remind me" he cut in

Around the camp, Spottedleaf and Featherwhisker were seeing to everyone as much as they could. "What happened at the gathering?" Birchstep called

"Anything worse?" Cranepaw whimpered, her left back paw looked broken

"Brokenmoon has demanded hunting rights for Shadow Colony in our territory that's what happened" Fogtail snarled loudly

"And he warned us about a rouge cat who will harm our kits, it must be Yellowfang" Mousefur added

Meows of fury and distress rose from the crowd

"Silence!" Bluestar ordered as she leaped onto the highrock

"Cricket's dead' Featherstone screeched, tears running down his face

Cats stared as he dragged the fallen deputy's body, stained with her own blood.

"Bluestar-" his leader cut Leopardfoot off

"The new deputy will be Rosetail" her blue eyes cold as ice

A loud screech made every cat turn their heads toward the fallen tree where the elders slept. Tiger-roar and Darkstripe dragged Yellowfang roughly from their nest. They shrieked with fury as they hauled them into the clearing and dumped them in front of the highrock.

This made Icepaw want to run over to defend the old molly he grew fond of but Spurcepaw seemed to sense his intentions and pulled him into her chest fur with her paw. "Don't you dare" she hissed in his ear "Let Bluestar handle it" Icepaw whimpered for Yellowfang's sake but said nothing and watched.

"Bluestar is fair most of the time, don't you dare" Spurcepaw whispered

"What is this?" Bluestar demanded "I gave no word to attack our prisoner"

Goldenflower appeared from the nursery "We got back in time the kits are safe"

"Of course they are" Bluestar snapped, rolling her blue eyes

"But you are going to kick Yellowfang out, right?" Mousefur mewed, her amber eyes wide

"Kick her out, we should rid ourselves of them right now" Darkstripe spat, unsheathing his claws

Bluestar's cold blue gaze rested on Darkstripe and the tabby seemed to shiver lightly under the leader's gaze "And what have they done to deserve such a sentence?" her tone icy calm that made many cats crouch lowly.

"You were there Bluestar, you heard what Brokenmoon-" Darkstripe tried but Bluestar cut right into him with no difficulty.

"Taking Brokenmoon's words seriously means you have bees in your brain especially after he attacked our camp during the night of the gathering and killed Cricket-throat, we heed his words with a mouthful of feathers, if it was Yellowfang he would have said so by their name and skip being vague since he didn't mention them by name they will not be harmed in any way, if anyone so much as lays a claw on them a temporary banishment will ensue, am I understood?" she was addressing the whole clan not just Darkstripe.

Icepaw could see how she was made leader with her confident and no nonsense attitude.

Bluestar took their silence as a response, Icepaw sighed in relief relaxing in Spurcepaw's grip as the bigger apprentice chuckled softly in his fur "Soft"

Yellowfang looked up at Bluestar and their eyes narrowed respectfully "I'll leave now if you wish Bluestar"

"There will be no need" Bluestar mewed "You have done nothing wrong Yellowfang, you will be safe here" she lifted her gaze to the crowd "It's time we addressed the real threat to our clan: Brokenmoon" she began "Shadow Colony has attacked us and has threaten for more bloodshed, Wind Colony is gone. River Colony has become spineless. Thunder Colony stands alone against Shadow Colony"

A murmur of defiance rippled through the cats.

"Colonies have never shared hunting rights before and we won't start now, we will rebuild the camp and keep our eyes and ears open for any future attacks, we need to be at our peak of strength if we are to attack Shadow Colony on their own land, we need to ready Cricket-throat for her burial. colony dismissed, Rosetail meet me in my den" Bluestar declared and without another word, she turned and strode into her den with Rosetail in tow.

/

Icepaw blinked slowly as he woke. Ravenpaw sleeping soundly into his chest fur, looking much calmer than him being awake. The den was peaceful for the moment.

Sandpaw was curled up with Dustpaw and Chestnutpaw, Cherrypaw was by herself, Cranepaw and Graypaw were huddled together, Sprucepaw, Rootpaw, and Gingerpaw were suprisingly closer to him and Ravenpaw and Nettlepaw and Emberpaw was no where in sight.

"They're in the nursery" Rootpaw answered his unspoken question "Always loved being there even after they were apprenticed" he yawned and his earring flicked back and forth

"I can see why" Icepaw replied "The nursery is lovely"

"Since when?" Spurcepaw shot up "Frostbite and Mossthorn are harsh tongued cat and don't get me started on Speckletail's dirt"

"Frostbite and Mossthorn love Icepaw" Sprucepaw purred "I heard Frostbite groomed him"

"Seriously?" Gingerpaw said

Icepaw chuckled "She fixed my head hair for me"

"Why does she like you first thing and hiss at me?" Gingerpaw whined

"You did step on her tail" Sprucepaw explained

"It was an accident" Gingerpaw retorted "I thought Mossthorn holds grudges"

"Can't I get a moment of sleep?" Ravenpaw snapped

"Woah, Raven has claws" Gingerpaw purred to which Ravenpaw swiped at Gingerpaw's muzzle

"Or he's just cranky" Emberpaw said as she padded "I would be"

Icepaw lazily groomed Ravenpaw's ears "Relax Raven" he whispered in his ear

Ravenpaw grumbled something but laid back in his nest.

"Hey Icepaw, what to join me in the nursery?" Emberpaw asked

He glanced at Ravenpaw who waved him off "Sure, I told Dot I'll teach her some River songs anyway"

He quickly followed Emberpaw out of the apprentice den and across camp to the nursery. He could hear soft mews as he entered the calming den.

"Icey" Dot quickly rushed over to him "You came!"

"Of course, I promised" he purred

"Come on, you and Swanlight tell bout the songs" Dot nudged over to where Aspenbreeze, Swanlight, and Frostbite lay. Honey and Branch were sitting there eagerly along with Lichen and Bracken.

Swanlight chuckled "Alright Alright, this one is the one my father taught me and Splashsong as kits"

She started with a few lyrics and the kits followed along well, it turned into giggles and cheerful mews as it progressed.

"Shame" Speckletail sighed "Cricket-throat was a good deputy no matter how short"

"True but it's better someone like Rosetail is deputy" Goldenflower replied, grooming a squirming Claw "We don't need more close-minded cats"

Speckletail glanced at her daughter "Close-minded?"

"Cats that don't glare at Ice every five seconds" Frostbite answered, pulling Icepaw close making Dot move closer as well.

Speckletail scoffed at Frostbite's words

"She's not wrong" Willowpelt said "Rosetail is a better choice than Cricket-throat"

"Elaborate"

"What's going on?" Dot whispered

"Clan politics" Icepaw replied in the same tone, he started grooming Dot's ears

"Is that bad?" Branch asked

"Depends"

"I believe you're just saying that because Rosetail was your mentor" Speckletail stated

"I'm not so biased Speckletail" Willowpelt retorted "Unlike Cricket-throat, Rosetail isn't against the idea of outsiders and the idea of peace between the colonies"

"That's only because you're a filth blood Ambershine and Torndust took pity on and you decided to muddy your blood more when you mated with Archeye" Speckletail snapped "Rosetail as well when Poppydawn and Windflight took pity on her"

"That's enough" Brindleface hissed

"Don't start with me kit" Speckletail warned "You're no better when Lighthawk took pity to raise you and Robinwing took pity on Frostbite when she didn't ditch her right away"

"So I was supposed to die?" Frostbite hissed "Fuzzypelt love me, that shrew ditched me anyway"

"Enough!" Goldenflower snarled "Talk about something else" she turned her head to Speckletail "Mother, me you outside, now"

/

"Faster Graypaw" Lionheart growled, his golden tail lashing.

"Icepaw stop with the full offense" Tiger-roar snapped, his dual-colored eyes focused.

Another day of intense training, it felt good to know how to easily beat someone. Lionheart seemed in a bind of wanting Graypaw away from him and wanting him stronger than him which good luck with that. Graypaw would grow into his size more but Scourge taught him something very important: size means nothing.

The clan was still distrustful of Yellowfang and it seemed to bounce to him. The harassment from the others had gotten worse and the older cats didn't say it but he knew they were thinking it.

Sandpaw, Dustpaw, and Chestnutpaw in particular were little shits.

Sandpaw was the favorite apprentice it was very obvious, her mentor was the leader of the clan and her ego seemed large it was shocking her head didn't explode. She liked to pull these fucks with his mind. He thought he knew all the tricks from dealing with his sisters but nope.

Dustpaw was just as annoying with his stupid and obvious crush on Sandpaw. How he treated Ravenpaw and basically ignored his existence. It was shocking that someone as kind as Redtail was his mentor well was til Redtail became pregnant and unfortunately ran his time out of staying out of the nursery with how plump he was. Darkstripe is Dustpaw's mentor and honestly seemed very in sync which wasn't surprising.

Chestnutpaw was a whole other level of big ego and little shit. Thought strength meant everything and can't see why someone would want any less. It was clear Nettlepaw and Ravenpaw were punching bags in his view. His mentor had been resigned to Spottedwing.

Cranepaw seemed to be following their lead. Bitch tried putting a thorn in his nest on Chestnutpaw's dare. He spat it at her and laughed when it got stuck in her nose. He wasn't sorry at all. Miststrike did apologize to him and made Cranepaw apologize as well.

Graypaw was terrified of him, as he should. Lionheart doesn't help with that matter.

Cherrypaw was an interesting case, she was so chill it was frighting. Her mentor was not at all neither was her family aside from Rosetail. He could talk shit and she'll just add her own bit.

Nettlepaw was a respectable and kind-hearted soul. It was shocking he didn't crack by now from the torment. He's mentored had been resigned to Dappletail, good choice on Bluestar's part.

Gingerpaw was a wild card, a whole spitfire package. Rosetail and him blended very well. He wondered who'd take over since Rosetail's expecting.

Spurcepaw was rude and harsh but she seemed different towards him and he was not about to get on her bad side with Burrclaw as her mentor.

Emberpaw was one was well and Mousefur was just the cat to encourage and tame it at the same time.

Ravenpaw was nervous and scared of alot of things but he was greater than cats gave him credit for. At least Leopardstorm has been trying to giving him confidence.

He was fighting with Graypaw and winning. He slammed the gray kitten into the ground, trapping him.

"Icepaw wins" Tiger-roar mewed, he licked his paw "3 out 5 dear Lion?" he opened expecting a reaction

Leopardstorm stopped Lionheart from going off. "How about all the apprentices spilt in pairs"

"Hunting dear nephew?" Rosetail asked, steading herself as her belly swayed

"Yep, the prey pile needs to be filled" Leopardstorm was not so subtly shoving Lionheart away from Icepaw "All of you go around the territory and hunt, when you hear my yowl come back"

"How'll we hear you?" Dustpaw asked, ears twitching

"You'll hear me don't worry"

"Better drink some water before that" Nightshade hummed

"The pairs are: Gingerpaw and Ravenpaw, Nettlepaw and Cranepaw, Graypaw and Dustpaw, Emberpaw and Chestnutpaw, and Icepaw and Sandpaw"

Cherrypaw flicked her tail "Can I go hunting by myself? Nightshade ma'am, I love ya but you're a better fighter than hunter for a reason"

Nightshade narrowed her eyes, her golden tooth flashed "Whatever brat"

"Same here" Spurcepaw said

"I agree" Burrclaw replied

"Get to it" Dappletail mewed

Sandpaw headed to snakerocks and Icepaw followed. They were even in fighting at the moment but Sandpaw was the better hunter at least in this weather.

He finally managed to nick a vole when Sandpaw asked "You're actually friends with them?"

Icepaw nearly dropped his vole "Who do you mean by them Sandpaw?"

Sandpaw snorted "Scaredlypaw for starters"

"He's name is Ravenpaw"

"Doubtful, Robinwing made a terrible choice but then again she chose Fuzzypelt as a mate so..."

Icepaw didn't know whether he should fight Sandpaw or just hiss "Robinwing is a cold-hearted shrew who only cares about herself"

"At least she's useful to the clan, unlike Ravenpaw"

Icepaw unsheathed his claws "I'd think you'd make fun of Nettlepaw with those words"

"The nursery is important" Sandpaw shrugged "At least he can fight somewhat well, he didn't get his parents body types for nothing, I suppose I could say the same for you"

"Wha?"

"You're close with Dot and Cinder" Sandpaw stated "Listen kitty" she mewed "Thunder Colony is about strength and skill Emberpaw told you that did she not?"

"She did, her and Redtail explained"

"Ravenpaw doesn't fit that, he's a bumbling mouse-brain is what he is, he was scared of his own shadow as a kit. Honestly it's surprising he made it this long"

"Same way you do it: by living"

"Only the strong survive in this clan and only they make it to the top like Bluestar" White's words rang in his head, he still didn't like it.

"The strongest are the ones that aren't afraid to be weak and don't have an ego like you"

"They aren't twoleg pets like you" she snapped back

Icepaw had no regrets when he flung himself at her.

/

"It was a disaster waiting to happen"

"Oh I knew that before you came here when Leopardstorm decided it was a good idea to pair you and my niece together" Spottedleaf mewed finishing his wrap. She pulled her kits close with her tail. Healthy as can be, a two mollies named Flower and Deer. "I hope Redtail's new litter can get along with you"

"Not my fault Sandpaw's got an ego the size of the camp"

"It's bigger than that Icy boy" Thymepaw purred "I know my sister"

"How are you two related to her?" he mewed "I'm so sorry for you"

"All cats old enough gather around for a clan meeting" Bluestar yowled

"Oh the older kits finally being apprenticed?" Icepaw mewed

"I sure hope so, the nursery's very crowed with Patchpelt's kits getting bigger and bigger" The black and white kitten had been named Littlekit after Littlestep and the black kitten with white spotting had been named Sleetkit. Featherstone and Spottedwing's new kit had been named Smokykit.

"My dear granddaughter you've currently caused Mousefur some grief" Bluestar mewed making Emberpaw duck her head and Mousefur chuckle "Mousefur, do you believe your apprentice is ready for her warrior name?"

'Warrior name?' Icepaw was shocked 'well she deserves it more than Sandpaw that's for sure'

"I do" Mousefur mewed proudly "Fought me with skill and never backed down"

"Emberpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend your clan even at the cost of your own life?"

"I do Bluestar" Emberpaw mewed

"Then by the power of Starclan I give your warrior name, from this moment on your shall be known as Embereyes, your colony thanks you for your keen sight and kind nature"

"Embereyes Embereyes" The crowd of cats cheered

'Wonder if the colony will cheer like this for my warrior name' Icepaw thought 'No if anything Bluestar will force them to cheer'

"Lark, Pale, and Seed, you've reached your six moon and are ready to be apprenticed. Lark until you receive your warrior name you shall be called Larkpaw, Robinwing, you will mentor Larkpaw. Pale until you receive your warrior name you shall be called Palepaw, Mossthorn you will mentor Palepaw. Seedkit until you receive your warrior name you shall be called Seedpaw, Goldenflower you will mentor Seedpaw"

The new apprentices ran over to their new mentors, touching noses in an instant. "Larkpaw Palepaw Seedpaw"

"Honey, Branch, and Dot" Bluestar mewed "You're also ready for your apprentice ceremony. Honey until you receive your warrior name you shall be called Honeypaw, Speckletail, you will mentor Honeypaw. Branch until you receive your warrior name you shall be called Branchpaw, Tawnywhisker you will mentor Branchpaw. Dot until you receive your warrior name you shall be called Dotpaw, Flowerdusk you will mentor Dotpaw

"Meeting dismissed" Bluestar finished

"Icepaw come" Tiger-roar mewed, padding over, the tabby looked tired and not really with it.

"Why?"

"We're going to patrol around Sunningrocks" the tabby added

Icepaw sighed "Who with?"

"Speckletail, Honeypaw, Miststrike, Darkstripe, Cranepaw, Dustpaw, Sweetheart, and Rosetail's leading the patrol" Tiger-roar answered

Icepaw nodded and followed his mentor and the patrol out of camp. He didn't know how to feel about going near Sunningrocks, River Colony hasn't really been hostile since Swanlight has been with them but with Shadow Colony hunting in the river, who knows.

They walked along the path, when they reached the riverbank Sweetheart and Cranepaw stopped for a quick drink. As the walked along Rosetail and Tiger-roar were marking the border. When they got to Sunningrocks, no River Colony cats were there, even their scent was faint.

"Did Shadow Colony drive them from here?" Cranepaw asked, sniffing around.

"Robinwing's patrol didn't scent them and it's too far for Shadow Colony to be here" Rosetail replied

"Well if the fish-faces isn't going to use it might as well take it" Dustpaw sneered leaping onto one of the rocks.

"He has good sense" Darkstripe purred as he started marking the rocks

"Sister?" Sweetheart asked

Rosetail looked displeased "Just because River Colony hasn't marked doesn't mean they won't be around soon to mark it now"

"But we could take it back" Darkstripe mewed

"Bluestar told me not to do anything yet, when we need it she'll say so, everything has its time and place and besides" Rosetail replied "Good things happen to those who wait"

"You sound like Bluestar" Cranepaw called

"All cold and serious like" Honeypaw added

"I need to, she may be harsh but her decisions have sense in their own crazy way."

"Reminds me of that attack she lead on Shadow Colony when they tried to attack us during leaf-bare" Sweetheart mewed

"And she was still deputy" Miststrike added "Gave Foxheart a good beat down"

"Sunstar wasn't foolish it seems" Speckletail muttered

"We'll drink water, no marking the rocks" Sweetheart stated

They all began drinking, it was cooling.

"Can we start hunting?" Cranepaw asked, tail flicking in excitement.

"Of course" Sweetheart agreed

"Nic-" Cranepaw was cut off when a cat tackled her. It was Otterpaw, he had her in a tight grip with his paws and teeth.

"Hey, what are you doing!" Dustpaw hissed

"Thunder Colony" Icepaw turned his head to see a River patrol, lead by Blackclaw. He recognized everyone on the patrol: Mosspaw, Minnowpaw, Beetlestrike, Frogleap. "How dare you come here" he hissed

"We are only drinking water" Sweetheart mewed

"In our river" Beetlestrike sneered

"You don't own the river" Tiger-roar growled "We are allowed to drink when we damn well please"

"Excuse me?" Beetlestrike hissed

"Sister, should we fight you are expecting after all" Sweetheart asked

Rosetail only lashed her ginger tail and her claws flexed, clearly in thought.

"You guys are just sour that Shadow Colony is fishing in your precious river and just spitting at us for compensation" Icepaw sneered being quite annoyed at this rate

That seemed to be the line of Blackclaw's apparently fragile ego because he yowled "Attack!"

The patrol was shocked, they weren't expecting a fight over a few words. Rosetail snapped out of it "Don't hold back Thunder Colony"

Icepaw and Dustpaw went for Otterpaw. Icepaw leaped onto his back and Dustpaw went for the heavy tom's face. "Cranepaw, go now!" he hissed

The pale gray molly got free from Otterpaw's hold and kicked him in the jaw as she did so. Icepaw wondered if this battle would last as long as the Shadow Colony attack, he didn't have to wait long for his answer. He turned his head to see Blackclaw and Sweetheart wresting near the edge, Blackclaw slipped and dragged Sweetheart down with him. The sound of cracking bone rang though the area.

Rosetail got away from Beetlestrike and rushed over to where Sweetheart had dropped into "Sweetheart no!" she yowled

Icepw rushed over and saw what she meant. Sweetheart was dead, her head had been bashed against the rocks. Icepaw narrowed his eyes to see blood dripping from her head and he even saw some brain matter.

Rosetail glared at Blackclaw as he got up, she slashed the black tom's cheek "You attacked us for no reason and killed my sister, a queen you won't get away with this, you can be damn sure of that"

That didn't seem to make Blackclaw worry "Sure" he turned away "Let's go"

Icepaw walked over and began helping Rosetail carrying Sweetheart's body.

"Shouldn't we bury her here?" he asked

"Why would we do such a thing pet" Darkstripe hissed, his right ear bleeding.

"Her head is bashed in, blood dripping and you can see her brain, I don't know if some of the clan is prepared to see that" he retorted

"You speak sense Icepaw" Tiger-roar mewed making Darkstripe's jaw drop "Rosetail stay and some of the others go ahead and tell the clan what happen, me, Icepaw and Dustpaw will stay and begin burying her"

Rosetail nodded "Sweetheart would want that"

"Bluestar isn't going to be happy with this mom" Dustpaw mewed "She knows how to hold a grudge"

Icebelly chuckled "Listen to your mother kits, she means well"

"Want to see a fish pond?" Violet asked, her purple eyes gleamed

The kits bounded over with excitement "Yes yes" they chanted

"Kits are a blessing yet an earful" Icebelly muttered to himself

"Indeed" he heard Morningflower mew, rubbing against his side "I love them regardless"

Icebelly gazed at the three kits at their mother's belly, twitching silently in there sleep. A smile appeared on his face and a desire to protect them was nestling inside him. He could admit he longed for own young but he didn't know who he could ask to sire them.

He wanted to be a father and soon. As much as he tried not to let the words get to him, they did. If he had kits, the clan would see him as useful.

Most of the older toms already had mates or just weren't into toms, so that was out, Fuzzypelt maybe but he could see how that would be weird, he didn't really know if Nettlemist would, Fogtail very much would not, and Chestnutclaw...wouldn't be that bad honestly. He doubted the tom would care to be a father, he'd always cared about himself and no one else. He could raise them alone and he'd be fine with that.

'Okay' he thought to himself 'Plan set, just have to ask and if that fails there's always some cats in the city, Scourge could find someone for me probably, she would'

"Earth to Icebelly" Silverpaw called

Icebelly shook himself back to reality "Wha?"

"I'm asking if you can hunt with me?" the tabby asked

"Absolutely not" Barkface stated, padding over to freshen the bind on his leg "Icebelly needs to rest his leg if he wants it to heal right" he looked around "Do you have any cobwebs?"

"Plenty" Barley mewed "In the corners"

"Need any herbs?" Graypaw asked

Barkface listed off the supplies he needed, it was mostly herbs to dull the pain.

Silverpaw padded over with cobwebs around one paw.

Morningflower helped rest him on a bed of hay, she groomed his ears softly "How do you feel?"

"Honestly? Like I got hit by a monster" he replied dryly

Barkface set about straightening Icebelly's leg and wrapping it in cobwebs. "You're lucky, Icebelly," Barkface said. "This is the cleanest break I've ever seen"

Icebelly hummed in acknowledgement.

"I'll help hunt" Silverpaw mewed

"Make sure you catch at least three pieces" He heard Deadfoot call, the tabby nodded to the deputy as he padded on.

He looked around the clan of cats. Everyone was either still sleeping or waking up. They saw Mudclaw grooming Morningflower and whispering in her ear.

He hummed at the display, he hoped Mudclaw would at least be there for his kits.

////////////////////////////////////////////

"We can stay here til you recover" Silverstream mewed "It'll be fine"

"No" he protested "You have to take Windclan home, it's what Starclan wants"

"What do we tell Bluestar?" Graypaw asked

"Yes" Fogtail drawled "What do we tell the fearsome molly that is our leader?"

"Just say it was my idea and tell what happened to me, I'll deal with the rest just keep you traps shut til I get back"

"Lovely" Fogtail replied, annoyance dripped so heavily in his voice

The others and Windclan began to get ready to leave, making sure everyone was doing okay.

Duskstar, Juniperleaf, and Luna padded over.

"Thank you Icebelly for bringing us back, we thank you all so much"

Icebelly smiled "Just doing what was right"

Juniperleaf licked his ears

"Barkface says he'll be back to check on you" Luna mewed

"What about you and Jake?" He asked

"I'm joining Windclan permanently and so is Luna"

"Really?"

Luna shrugged "Might as well, Marble and Saw like it in Windclan"

////////////////////////////////////////////

It had been two days since his stay in the barn and he can say with the utmost certainty: he wants to be a dad and soon.

Jacky, Joey, and Rosy were joys to have. So eager and full of life. They'd make great clan cats but he knew they'd grow up to be amazing cats.

Barley went out to go get Barkface, he hoped his leg was healing well.

Silverstream and Silverpaw had been visiting him since, how they managed he didn't know. Silverstream offered to take him home when he was better and Icebelly accepted.

He hadn't expected however was for Ravenpaw to show up at the barn. The black tom nuzzled the life out of him.

"I missed you furball" he mewed "I was worried sick"

"Missed you too Raven" he replied "What's been happening since I left?"

"Frostbite's relationship with Lionheart is on the rocks and she's been raising her kits with Mossthorn for a while. I think they're mates now honestly."

Icebelly's eyes widen, he fought not to smile at that "Why?"

"Lionheart's been blaming you when Graypaw went missing so..."

Icebelly groaned "Of course, everything that happens has to be my fault" he lashed his tail "Fogtail said anything?

"Fogtail said it was your idea and that you'd explain when you came back and he told us about your injury"

"Worried?" he teased

Ravenpaw shoved him lightly "Of course I was mouse-brain"

"How'd you get that scar?" he saw the claw mark across Ravenpaw's shoulder.

"Shadowclan" Ravenpaw sighed "Got attacked on a patrol"

"Who was on the patrol?"

"Bluestar, Redtail, Leopardstorm, Cherrycloud, Dustpaw, Darkstripe, Smokypaw, and myself of course"

"How's everyone?"

"Everyone's okay, Dustpaw has a nasty bite mark though it would've been worse had I not pulled Mossclaw away from him."

"I'm guessing Dustpaw wasn't happy with the help"

Ravenpaw shook his head "He kinda made my wound worse"

"What!?" he nearly screeched but he didn't want to scare the kittens nearby

"It's fine, he didn't mean it"

Icebelly's gaze hardened "Ravenpaw, unlike you me and my littermates despite ourselves generally love each other in our own fucked way. I can see myself fighting for them and being there for them and that's why no matter what they'll always have my loyalty"

He looked into the black tom's purple and yellow eyes "I won't pretend to understand but from my view I can't really see why you put in the effort for a cat that clearly doesn't care for it, if this relationship between you and Dustpaw and even Chestnutclaw is too ever improve, they have to be the ones to make the effort not you"

Ravenpaw looked down "It...wasn't always like this, we weren't so bad off when we were kits"

"That was then Raven" Icebelly mewed "Cats change, better or worse. Tell me did you really want to wait to be a warrior? Did you want to be a warrior at all?"

Ravenpaw shook his head "I...I wanted to be a..s..seer, I had signs that I told Featherwhisker about but..."

"Wanted to please Robinwing?"

Ravenpaw nodded, tears at the corner of his eyes. He buried his head in Icebelly's chest fur "I...j..j..just..w..wa..wanted..."

"Shhhh" Icebelly soothed "It's not to late Raven, ask Yellowfang and she'll take you under, I'm sure of it"

"That I would" Icebelly and Ravenpaw lifted their heads to see the dark gray molly at the entrance, Barkface and Barley in tow.

"Great to see you again Yellowfang Barkface" Icebelly greeted warmly

"It's good to see you again, Icebelly," Barkface mewed when he set the herbs down. He immediately went to inspect Icebelly's leg. "It needs more cobwebs," he declared after a few minutes of sniffing.

"Will it ever heal?" Icebelly asked. 'Could I still be a warrior?' he thought

Everyone waited anxiously for Barkface's answer.

Barkface's whiskers twitched in amusement. "You'll heal from this. Maybe you'll have a limp, but I doubt it. When you get older, your leg will definitely give you pain. But you're a long way from an elder."

Icebelly let out a sigh of relief. "When can I go home?"

"Could go now if you want" Yellowfang replied gruffly

"Have you been walking around?" Barkface asked

"I've been watching three rowdy kits" Icebelly mewed "What kind of question is that?"

"Rate the pain from a thorn in the paw to an attack by a wolf" Barkface mewed

"I'd say a stinging rat bite that I just ignore"

"There's some physical therapy ahead for you" Yellowfang stated "And it seems me and Thymeroot will have Ravenpaw in the den"

"Thymepaw got her name!" Icebelly mewed in surprise

"Yep, she's more than earned it"

"You should stay here for a half-moon" Barkface mewed "We'll send-"

"I already have someone who'll take me home don't worry" Icebelly mewed "It'll be fine"

Yellowfang raised an eyebrow "You say so kit"

/

By the half-moon, the pain had mostly faded from his leg. Barkface had made it over for a once over and gave him an all clear.

The seers and medicine cats had passed by the barn on their way to the half-moon meeting and he had been 'attacked' by Beekit:

-Flashback-

"Beekit?"

"Hey big sister!" he mewed

Icebelly did his best to hide his annoyance "brother Beekit" he corrected gently, silently cursing Dewflare "What are you doing here?"

"I'm training to be seer since Blossompaw isn't allowed. Mollies can't do anything"

Icebelly's eyes widen "I'm sorry what?"

"Beepaw" Palecloud called "Where'd you..." he trailed off when he saw Icebelly.

They stood like that for a few moments, neither had really seen the other since the night of Icebelly's escape.

"Finally got an apprentice" Icebelly mewed breaking the silence

"Brokenstar insisted" Palecloud mewed lowly "Beepaw come one, I need to present you to Starclan"

-Flashback ends-

He padded away and gazed outside. It was past dawn. The gray clouds had begun to drift away. Tinged by the rosy glow of rising sun they looked like blossoms floating across a pond.

Barkface had come over to do a final check, bringing Deadfoot and Weaselwhisker with him. Silverstream and Silverpaw arrived as well along with Graypaw. Fogtail clearly wanted no part in this.

Barkface joined Icebelly and gazed up at the clouds, Silverstream sat near them. Icebelly slightly jumped when a curious yowl escaped from the brown tom's throat.

"What is it Barkface?" Icebelly asked "Has Starclan spoken to you?"

"An omen?" Silverstream added

Icebelly saw Silverpaw tense at the sight of Barkface's bristling fur.

"The clouds are stained with blood!" Barkface rasped, his eyes wide and glazed like he was dead. "It is a sign from our ancestors. There is trouble ahead. This day will bring an unnecessary death"

For a moment, no cat moved or spoke. Then Deadfoot growled "Any of the Clans could see those clouds. We can't be sure that the message is for us"

"Maybe is is and maybe it isn't" Icebelly heard Goosefeather mutter in his ear "Death will come"

Deadfoot spoke again "There may be hostile hunting parties around, Weaselwhisker and I will escort you to fourtrees"

"Are you sure Deadfoot?" Silverstream asked "I'm sure we'll be fine with me and Silverpaw around"

The black nodded.

"Thank you" Icebelly mewed

"Duskstar told me that if you ever feel unsafe in Thunderclan, Windclan will take you in"

Icebelly was shocked but nodded

Deadfoot padded away in the direction of fourtrees. They all stayed close together as they followed a narrow path through a solid mass of gorse that provided good shelter against the rain.

Suddenly Weaselwhisker stopped and sniffed the air. "Rabbit!" he called out joyfully before charging away into the gorse. Deadfoot stopped and waited. Icebelly could see a glint in the deputy's tired eyes. There was a rush of pawsteps on the distance and the rustle of gorse, then silence.

A moment later Weaselwhisker returned with large rabbit dangling from his jaws.

Weaselwhisker dropped the fresh-kill on the ground "Anyone hungry?"

Graypaw, Weaselwhisker, Silverstream, Deadfoot and Silverpaw ate the rabbit gratefully. Icebelly had their mind elsewhere.

"Is the shortcut through your territory alright?" they asked Silverstream

"As long as your with me and Silverpaw I think so, it's better than the long way" the tabby replied

"Let's just make it quick through" Deadfoot added

They all agreed and when the others were done eating they told them the plan. Deadfoot changed direction and led the cats along an old badger trail that took them away from the barren uplands. Soon they were in Riverclan territory. Even through the wind and the rain, Icebelly could hear the roaring of the river as it crashed and thundered somewhere up ahead.

Silverstream joined Deadfoot at the lead as they followed the trail toward the noise. The path shrank until it was little more than a narrow strip of grass on the very edge of a deep gorge. On one side the land stretched upward, steep and rocky; on the other it plunged straight down. Icebelly could see the far side of gorge only a few fox-lengths away. The space looked tantalizingly narrow, and Icebelly wondered if he could jump the gap. Perhaps if he weren't so tired and hungry...His paws prickled with fear at the thought of falling, but he couldn't resist peering over the side.

Beneath his paws, the ground dropped away in a sheer cliff. Ferns clung to tiny ledges, their leaves glistening, not from rain, but from the spray of swollen torrent that foamed at the bottom of the gorge.

He felt Silverstream pull him back slightly. He nodded in thanks to the tabby. They would have to follow this path until they could cut away from it, through the small strip of forest that stood between them and Thunderclan territory.

Icebelly stumbled as he hurried to catch up. Deadfoot's ears were prickled and his tail flattened so that it almost dragged along the ground. Weaselwhisker was clearly nervous too; he kept looking sharply up the slope beside them as if he could hear something. Icebelly could hear nothing but the roaring of the river. He glanced over his shoulder, his eyes darting from side to side. The Windclan cats' wariness was making him uneasy.

The steep slope began to flatten out until they could move farther away from the cliff edge. The rain was still driving into their faces, and the darkening sky told Icebelly that the sun was setting, but it would not be long now before they reached the forest. There would be more shelter there. The thought of food and dry nest cheered Icebelly.

But Icebelly caught the scent of a Riverclan patrol, Deadfoot's warning yowl told him he caught the scent too. A screech sounded from behind them, and the cats spun around to see six Riverclan warriors charging toward them. Icebelly's fur stood on end in horror. The deep gorge with its raging waters was still dangerously close.

"Stop" Silverpaw tried but a black tom only pulled him away as a ginger and white molly grabbed Silverstream. Leopardclaw, the leader of the patrol ignored them as well.

He recognized Otterstrike, who landed on top of him. Icebelly tried to toss him off but the heavyset tom's weight was crushing him. He felt teeth sink into his belly fur. He started to kick furiously with his back legs, nicking Otterstrike in the face. He scrabbled desperately on the sodden ground, trying to free himself. The Riverclan warrior raked his his side with his claws. Icebelly bit into Otterstrike's shoulder. He clamped his jaws tight and heard the warrior yowl, but the other tom's claws only raked him more fiercely. "This will be the last time you set foot in Riverclan territory kittypet" Otterstrike hissed.

Around him Icebelly was aware of his companions struggling fiercely. He knew they were as exhausted as he was from the long trek. He could hear Graypaw yowling violently. Weaselwhisker hissed with pain and rage. Then, from the forest behind them, another sound Icebelly's ears. It was loud,powerful and full of fury-yet it filled Icebelly with a surge of hope. Tiger-roar's signature war cry! Icebelly smelled the fast-approaching battle-scent of a Thunderclan patrol Tiger-roar, Willowpelt, Leopardstorm, Cherrycloud, Miststrike,Cranepaw Darkstripe,Smokypaw, and Embereyes.

Yowling and spitting, the Thunderclan cats leaped into the fray, Otterstrike released Icebelly, he realized Embereyes had smashed Otterstrike off him and pinned him down, slashing the Riverclan warrior's muzzle. He watched Tiger-roar pinned Reedtail to the ground, giving a warning bite to the tom's hind leg. The tom screeching away into the bushes.

He didn't like seeing a father figure of his in pain but now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

Tiger-roar whipped around and fixed his amber eyes on Leopardclaw. The Riverclan molly was wrestling with Deadfoot. Deadfoot met the fierce molly head on and they were evenly matched even with the black tom's lame paw.

"Help the others!" he heard Tiger-roar hiss to him as he rushed to help Deadfoot.

Icebelly rushed to find his clanmates in the chaos.

He saw Smokypaw fighting with Whiteclaw. If it weren't for the tom's size he could past for Scourge. He knocked the tom away with all his might by slashing at his face and pulled Smokypaw away.

"Thanks Icebelly"

He would have nodded if not for the fact what Whiteclaw seemed to skid away, towards the drop. He lunged forward and grabbed him by his scruff with his teeth. The tom squealed with rage but it was cut quickly as he dragged him away from the edge. The tom jumped to his paws, he stared at Icebelly "Why?"

"This fight is unjust and you don't need to die for it"

The tom seemed to consider this and nodded "You're right, I need to find Leopardclaw" He quickly dashed away to find the spotted molly.

Icebelly only hoped he found Leopardfur in time but right now he needed to help his clanmates.

He saw Embereyes struggle with Suneyes and Mudbelly. He reared up and struck his claws through the skin of Suneyes's back. He drove quickly under the Riverclan warrior, clawing through the warrior's belly as he did so. The warrior yowled and tried to strike is face but he blocked the blow and bit into the enemy warrior's muzzle. Suneyes seemed to have enough and flung him of and dashed away into the bushes.

"Thanks" Embereyes mewed, blood dripping from her cheek and ears, it also looked like she was limping.

Icebelly nodded and he was about to help her up when he heard a terrible howl, it made them both turn their heads, Graypaw was leaning perilously over the side of the gorge, her hind legs straining. Beside her, Icebelly glimpsed a black paw clutching at the edge. Graypaw leaned down with her mouth open, trying to get a grip on the paw, but it disappeared out of sight in a terrifying rush. Graypaw cried after it, her wail echoing along the gorge.

All the cats stopped fighting at the sound of Graypaw's agonized call. Icebelly froze, panting with shock and exhaustion, The Riverclan cats scrambled to the edge of the gorge. Slowly Icebelly followed them and looked over the side. Far below, through the deafening spray, he saw the dark head of a Riverclan warrior sink beneath the foaming water.

With a cold feeling of horror, Icebelly recalled the words of Barkface: "this day shall bring an unnecessary death"

Leopardclaw lifted her head and yowled into the wind "Splashsong! No!"

Graypaw scrambled backward until all four paws were on safe ground. Her wet fur was bristling and her eyes were wide with shock. "I tried to grab him...he just lost his footing...I didn't mean to..." The words tumbled out breathlessly. Icebelly bounded across to his friend and pressed his nose into his flank for comfort, but Graypaw backed blindly away.

One by one, the other cats turned away from the edge and looked Graypaw. The Riverclan cats' eyes narrowed with fury, their shoulders tense.

Willowpelt and Darkstripe moved instinctively toward Graypaw, taking up defensive positions on either side of her.

Leopardclaw growled deep in her throat, but it was a warning to her own cats. They were to stay back. "This has gone beyond a border fight" she murmured "We shall return to our clan. It has become a matter to settle at another time and in a different way"

"Why should it?" Silverpaw growled, he took a mock swipe at the large golden molly "You attacked out of no where Leopardclaw, me and Silverstream told you we were bringing Icebelly home, you caused this fight and Splashsong's death, you have no one to blame but yourself"

Leopardclaw turned her gaze to Silverpaw, glaring daggers at him but the apprentice held strong. The golden spotted molly looked ready to rip him apart.

"You can't say frog-dung because you know I'm right you bloodthirsty fish-brain" Silverpaw continued

"Silverpaw don't speak like that to an older warrior" Mudbelly called

"You know I'm right Mudbelly" Silverpaw hissed "You all know I'm right but I'm the only one brave enough to say it to this dry-pawed fox-" he was cut off when Leopardclaw pinned him down "Get off me you overgrown toad" he hissed

Leopardclaw roared "Someone otta teach you some respect"

Silverpaw screeched as Leopardclaw struck him across the face. The golden spotted molly got off of him, licking her paw.

"Silverpaw!" Icebelly saw Mallowtail and Frogleap rushed over.

"What is wrong with you?!" Mallowtail hissed

Leopardclaw hissed at the molly and flicked the tip of her tail, then turned and padded away. The Riverclan cats followed her, and the whole patrol disappeared into the bushes. Silverstream glanced back at him, eyes blazing with fury "I'll do something" before he padded after the patrol.

"We should leave" Deadfoot mewed, limping forward. "You warriors served us well, and my clan thanks you" But the formal words of gratitude sounded hollow after the tragedy they had just witnessed. Tiger-roar nodded, and the two warriors began to head back toward their territory. Icebelly mewed a quiet farewell to Weaselwhisker as he passed. Weaselwhisker glanced briefly at him, and walked on.

"Follow me" Tiger-roar called

The tabby warrior charged away through the trees, and the rest of his patrol followed after him, but Icebelly hesitated beside Graypaw. "Come on" they urged "We'll this out when we get back to camp" Graypaw shrugged, her eyes dull and clouded with pain, and began to pad after the others, dragging her paws as if they were made of stone.

Soon the cats ahead of them were out of sight, but Icebelly was able to track them by scent. Tiger-roar was leading them back toward Thunderclan territory, straight through Riverclan's stripe of forest. Icebelly knew there was no need to worry about Riverclan patrols right now. The damage been done. It would be pointless to take the long way around by Fourtrees.

Tiger-roar had halted the patrol and was waiting for Icebelly and Graypaw at the border of Thunderclan's territory.

"I thought I told you to follow me" the tabby growled

"Graypaw was-" Icebelly began

"The sooner Graypaw gets back to camp, the better" Tiger-roar interrupted "Riverclan might come back for a quick vengeance"

Graypaw said nothing, but Icebelly was annoyed. "Splashsong's death wasn't her fault. She's only an apprentice Tiger-roar, don't tell me you'll punish her like Leopardclaw did to Silverpaw"

"Of course not" Tiger-roar turned away "and I know" he mewed "But it's done Come on, this time keep up!" He leaped away, crossing the scent markers that bounded Thunderclan territory.

Willowpelt, Cranepaw, and surprisingly Darkstripe came over to Graypaw.

"We'll watch her" Willowpelt whispered

"We'll make sure she doesn't hurt herself" Darkstripe added with a smirk

Good thing to because Tiger-roar pulled him close by biting his ear. "You wanna explain to be what just happened?" he growled in his ear "I thought you would've came back to camp earlier"

"We didn't know a patrol would attack us" they replied "Bluestar's not going to be pleased"

"Oh really I didn't notice" Tiger-roar laughed harshly "Already dealing with another Shadowclan attack and now this!"

"What happened, the Shadowclan attack I mean?"

"Lionheart was leading a patrol and they got attacked when they were hunting at fourtrees, they're all alive if you were going to ask"

"I'm guessing someone's stuck in the medicine den" Icebelly mewed

"Birchstep and Bluestar has a large claw mark over her face from the previous fight"

Icebelly's eyes widen "Really?"

"Yep you'll see" the two-colored tabby replied

The rain eased as they followed the familiar trail to the camp. When the patrol emerged from the gorse tunnel, some of his clanmates bounded out of their dens, their tails held high on greeting.

"Did you find Windclan? Are they safe?" Mousefur called. Icebelly nodded absently, but felt too hollow to reply. Mousefur's tail dropped. The other cats hung back at the edge of the clearing. The expressions on the face of the returning cats told them that something serious had happened.

"You're back" it was Bluestar, she padded over to them and Icebelly saw what Tiger-roar meant. Bluestar bore a nick in her right ear, a lip scar and as said before the large claw mark over her left eye. "Did you find Windclan?"

"Yes, Bluestar" Icebelly replied quietly "They're safe in their camp. Duskstar told me to thank you"

"Good Good" Bluestar mewed, her blue eyes darkened as she noticed Tiger-roar's grim expression "What has happened?"

"Seems that Icebelly and Graypaw decided to return home through Riverclan territory"

They all looked down, the two-toned tabby was right. Their clanmates had backed off but they were all listening in.

"They were found by a Riverclan patrol. If my patrol hadn't heard their yelps in time, they wouldn't have made it home at all"

"Glad you rescued them" Bluestar mewed, but she hadn't relaxed "but I'm guessing something else happened by that look on your face Tiger"

Tiger-roar flicked his name at the nickname "Indeed, they were fighting beside the gorge. A Riverclan warrior who battling Graypaw fell over the edge" Icebelly noticed Graypaw flinch at Tiger-roar's words.

Bluestar's ear twitched "Dead?" she asked

"It was an accident! Graypaw of all cats would never kill a cat over a border fight" he mewed quickly

"I doubt Leopardclaw will see it that way" Bluestar mewed "Splashsong wasn't just any warrior to her, she was her brother"

"What were you thinking? Going through Riverclan's territory?" Tiger-roar growled

"Silverstream and Silverpaw agreed to it" Icebelly mewed "We all thought it would be fine with them around, they tried to stop it"

"Look how that turned out" Tiger-roar hissed

"They attacked when they're clanmates told to stop them?" Bluestar mewed "We may have some thing to fire back with" she circled them waving Tiger-roar off "We need to prepare for any attacks Riverclan tries to make. We need new warriors" she turned towards Frostbite and Mossthorn "Get Brackenkit, Lichenkit, Smokekit, and Cinderkit, it's time they become apprentices I've been putting it of for too long"

The two parents nodded. Bluestar padded and leaped onto the highrock. "All cats gather round, we have a ceremony long overdue"

Frostbite brought Brackenkit and Lichenkit forward freshly groomed, Smokekit and Cinderkit close behind.

"Cinderkit step forward" Bluestar mewed "Pronouns?"

Cinderkit stepped, holding her head high "Use they/them pronouns please" Icebelly heard many cats come out during their apprentice or warrior ceremony.

Bluestar nodded "Until they have earned their warrior name they shall be called Cinderpaw, Icebelly you are ready for you first apprentice, you have had Tiger-roar as a mentor, I expect you to pass on all your gained skills to this young apprentice"

Cinderpaw rushed over and touched noses with him. "I'm glad I got you, you're amazing" they purred making him chuckle.

"Brackenkit step forward"

Brackenkit did so with some coaxing from Frostbite.

"Until he has earned his warrior name he shall be called Brackenpaw, Cherrycloud you are also ready for your first apprentice, you were trained well by Nightshade and you have chosen to train as an over-seer, I expect you to pass on all you gained skills to this young apprentice"

Cherrycloud purred and padded up to Brackenpaw and touched noses with him.

"Smokepaw step forward" The dark gray molly padded forward, head high

"Chestnutclaw, you are ready for your first apprentice. You received great training from Cricketsong and I expect you to pass on all your skills to Smokepaw"

Icebelly watched the apprentice eagerly pad over to her less than pleased mentor.

"Lichenpaw step forward"