Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Sorrelkit streaked through the fern tunnel, crying more in excitement than alarm “There are strange cats coming from four trees! And they smell awful!”

Horror froze Speckletail’s heart. So Firestar had lost, and they were all that was left of Thunderclan now. Potentially all that was left of any clans. “We have to go.”

“But we can fight them!” Sorrelkit crowed “Sandstorm taught us how! Let’s send them running!”“Sandstorm is dead!” Smallear spat. “Or else those pieces of Bloodclan foxdung wouldn’t be here!”

Sorrelkit stopped, some measure of the horror of what was happening dawning on her.

Speckletail leaped to the high rock and yowled “Cats of Thunderclan! We need to leave for the farm! Sorrelkit, Rainkit, Sootkit, walk as far as you can then Dappletail, Oneeye, and I will take it in turns to carry you.”

Ignoring the protests that they could walk the whole way Speckletail leaped down from the highrock and signaled them all to follow her with a flick of her tail.

Not wanting to pass the invaders on the way out she went to the nursery, finally properly fortified for the first time in any elder’s memory, and tore a new hole in it. Part of her winced at pushing through the fortifications she and her clanmates had worked so hard to rebuild, but this camp was no longer theirs.

The journey to Barley’s farm was long and anxious, but it seemed Bloodclan had better things to do than track them down for the moment. Willowpelt’s kits were getting big, and Speckletail soon realized it was safer to stop and rest than push herself or the other elders to carry them. They huddled by the Windclan border. Sootkit let out a muffled mewl of despair. “Is our mom alive?”

Speckletail leaned down to lick his ear. “I’m sure Willowpelt made it out alright. They can’t have killed all of our warriors.” Willowpelt was most likely dead. But she needed the kits to stay quiet and keep moving. There would be space for grief at the farm.

Chapter Text

“What are you doing?! Play dead!” Brightheart threw herself on top of Cinderpelt, spilling her blood onto the medicine cat’s gray fur. Cinderpelt protested. Her clanmates were dying out there. She had to at least try to fight with them. But a new scent emerged, stronger even than the blood soaking the sacred ground of Fourtrees.

The acrid smell of Yellowfang filled Cinderpelt’s nose as she heard her old mentor growl “Stay alive, mouse-brain.”

Cinderpelt slumped, but kept her eyes on Firestar. He got up again. Two lives left. The swarm of city cats was now hardly the size of any one of the four clans. They backed away from him, awe and fear in their eyes, but their fear of Scourge was stronger and they soon attacked again. Firestar yowled in defiance and despair, the last cat of all the four clans he’d led into battle.

Cinderpelt held onto a wild hope. Fire would save their clan. Surely, as wounded and outnumbered as he was, Firestar could save them again?

He leaped forward and took down another cat while Bloodclan hesitated. Then three more jumped on him and he went down again.

One life left.

As he struggled to his feet the cats were already slashing at him again, manic in their terror.

And Firestar joined Starclan at last.

After waiting a long while to be sure Scourge threw back his head and yowled “The forest is ours! Now we will eat our fill and sleep in peace!”

Bloodclan cheered, but it was a hollow, half-hearted cheer. They were still traumatized by the leaders of the clans coming back again and again, as well as staggered by their own massive losses beyond anything they had expected.

“Search the field. Make sure no one survived,” Scourge ordered.

“Oh no,” Brightheart whispered. “I’d hoped we could sneak off when they left.”

Cinderpelt growled. So now instead of dying by her first mentor’s side she would be slaughtered hiding like a coward.

“Be still,” Yellowfang’s voice hissed. “Unless you can see the future better than I can.”

A lean, black and white she-cat approached, stinking of crowfood and Thunderclan blood. She saw Brightheart glaring at her, and opened her mouth to say something, but then gave Cinderpelt’s leg a searching look.

“That wound healed a long time ago.”

Both Brightheart and Cinderpelt were quiet.

“Can’t be much use in a fight with a leg like that.”

Brightheart growled and bunched up, prepared to fight for even the smallest chance that her sister could escape. But the she-cat only said “Keep quiet. Unless you want another cat to come double-check that you’re really dead.”

And she moved on.

Chapter Text

The Windclan kits and elders were waiting for them when they got to the farm. “Where are Barley and Ravenpaw?” Speckletail asked.

“Didn’t you know?” Heatherwhisker replied. “They went to fight with the clans.”

Speckletail swallowed. Without either of the loners there how could they be sure that the twolegs wouldn’t drive them out? Or worse, capture them? But the cats of Thunderclan were looking to her, so all she said was “May Starclan preserve them.”

The kits and elders settled into a somber quiet, broken by the occasional whimper. Eventually Speckletail roused herself and caught some mice for herself and her clanmates. A few Windclan elders followed suit.

The elders took turns keeping watch for twolegs or Bloodclan cats, and Speckletail was roused from sleep near moonhigh by a cry of surprise and delight “It’s Ravenpaw! And Barley!”

She ran out to meet them, dark shapes against the bare field. Much as her joints hurt she was glad she had. Ravenpaw was limping along with a deep gash in his side and a leg that dragged behind him. Barley was not in much better shape himself. “What happened?” Speckletail couldn’t stop herself from asking.

“Bloodclan won,” Ravenpaw spat. “At least, I assume so. We turned tail and ran the second the battle turned against the clans like the cowards we are.”

Barley flicked his tail in a mix of concern and exasperation. “He’s been like this the whole way here. He wishes I let him die with Firestar and Graystripe, but Firestar has a whole clan of cats to die for him. He specifically asked us to take care of the kits and elders if Lionclan lost.”

Ravenpaw growled but said nothing. Speckletail went to his other side to help Barley support him the last few foxlengths to the barn.

The kits rushed Ravenpaw as soon as he arrived, demanding to know all the details of the battle and the status of their mothers. Speckletail shushed them and ushered them away, not wanting to leave Ravenpaw the burden of sharing harsh truths.

Barley and Ravenpaw settled to rest near the barn door, too exhausted to venture further in. Speckletail hunted for cobwebs to stop the bleeding and sent Willowpelt’s kits to do the same. She was no medicine cat but she at least knew to do that much.

Chapter Text

Tawnypaw streaked through the forest, lungs and pads burning. On the one side she felt like a coward for running, but on the other once she’d seen the last warriors of Shadowclan, Riverclan, and Windclan fall she realized that the elders and kits of Tigerclan would need somewhere safe to go.

And without a former Thunderclan cat to tell them about Barley’s farm who knew if they would be able to find one.

Chapter Text

Once the excitement over Barley and Ravenpaw faded alongside the numb weariness of the previous day Thunderclan and Windclan took a moment to share tongues and introductions.

Fear clawed at Speckletail’s heart as she met Thistlekit. “He can’t be more than two moons old! Where will we find a nursing queen for him?”

“Hey!” Thistlekit’s tiny body bristled with indignation. “I’m nearly three and a half moons! Practically an apprentice!”

His body was cream-colored, but his face and legs were brown with tabby stripes. Heatherwhisker gave him a brisk but affectionate lick. “Don’t be rude, she’s just worried for you. She’s our clanmate now.”

Speckletail hesitated. She’d been avoiding thinking about it, but she supposed if either Windclan or Thunderclan were to survive they would have to join together more permanently.

An excited yowl came from the barn door. “There are more cats coming!” Sootkit hopped in excited circles.

“Is one of them Willowpelt?” Sorrelkit asked hopefully.

Sootkit’s excitement vanished. “I… I couldn’t tell. They’re too far to see and the wind’s not right to smell them.”

Speckletail sprang into action. “Everyone! Hide in the hay! Don’t make a noise! They might be a Bloodclan patrol!”

“They were going pretty slow-” Sootkit protested, but was cut off as Dappletail bundled him and his littermates into a large pile of straw.

A tense silence fell as the cats waited, hoping that Bloodclan would steer clear of their barn.

But as a small body pushed through the door Speckletail recognized Tawnypaw.

She burst from her hay with a delighted cry “Tawnypaw! You survived!”

Tawnypaw winced. She had a light scratch on her shoulder but the blood had already dried. “I didn’t like running from battle, but I couldn’t let those twoleg place rats find the kits and elders of Tigerclan waiting to be slaughtered, so I brought them here.”

A gray tabby poked her side. “Slaughtered indeed! I swear apprentices are growing more rude with every moon!”

“Apprentice, Pebblenose. She’s the only one left in the forest now,” a darker brown tabby, Stoatfeather, stated solemnly. “Unless one from Thunderclan or Windclan survived?”

Speckletail shook her head sadly, the enormity of their loss crashing over her anew. The gray cat started to say more, but was interrupted by a coughing fit.

Speckletail took a step back, but then realized that there was no medicine cat to step forward. “What does he have?”

“Whitecough. I have it too. I don’t suppose anyone here knows what to do for it?”

“Mudfur was giving us coltsfoot,” Pebblenose spoke up weakly. “I don’t know if there is any growing near here though…”

Speckletail raised her tail authoritatively. “Well we all know the best cure for any illness is rest and food. Rainkit, Sootkit, find these elders the warmest, dryest part of the barn to sleep in. And gather extra hay for their nests. Everyone else, don’t get too close unless you’re cleaning them or bringing them food, we don’t want to survive the wrath of Bloodclan only to be wiped out by whitecough.”

Chapter Text

Blood roared in Cinderpelt’s ears as she and her sister limped across the moor together. She felt wrong cutting through Windclan’s territory, but then again the whole forest was Bloodclan’s territory now.

She froze, Brightheart mewed in surprise but managed to keep her feet.

Four will become two. Lion and Tiger will meet in battle, and Blood will rule the forest

Bloodclan was not going away anytime soon. They had defeated Lionclan, and now they ruled the forest. Just as she was about to collapse in despair, though, the first part of the prophecy rang in Cinderpelt’s ears again.

Four will become two.

She lifted her head, new resolve surging through her paws. “Hang on Brightheart, there will be survivors. We just have to get to them.”

“How do you know?”

“Because four will become two. And Bloodclan is only one.”

Chapter Text

Dappletail was scouting the moors for Bloodclan when a familiar scent hit her nose.

Thunderclan.

She bounded to the source and discovered Brightheart and Cinderpelt limping along painfully slowly. For a moment she feared both were hurt, but then she realized all the blood was Brightheart’s and their pace was set by Cinderpelt’s difficulty in supporting the weight of her sister.

As they approached the barn they heard Tawnypaw’s defiant mew “I told Firestar before the battle, and I’ll tell all of you. I joined Shadowclan so that I wouldn’t spend my life making up for the crimes of my father. So that I could be the best warrior I can and fight for my clan without them constantly questioning my loyalty.”

“Oh yes of course, instead you wanted clanmates who would praise you for his strength and cruelty,” Smallear growled hoarsely.

Cinderpelt shifted to carry more of Brightheart’s weight, and Dappletail took the queue to bolt in between the two bristling cats. “Enough! Whatever our past grudges with each other we have to work together now. Or else Bloodclan will destroy all traces of clan life from the forest.”

Cinderpelt, approaching the door, asked Barley “Will we all be able to stay here?”

Barley looked uncomfortable. “I hope so, some barns have this many cats. But never my barn, so I don’t know if these twolegs would allow it or not. And the rats are plenty for me and Ravenpaw and any guests we have, but I don’t know how long they’ll keep twenty or so cats alive. Even if it could support you, there’s not enough territory for your clan to expand.”

Dappletail swished her tail, trying to brighten the mood. “Look, the important thing is one of the medicine cats survived. So we still have our connection to Starclan. And soon we’ll know who our leader should be. Thanks to Barley we have a little time to figure out what we should do next. So, Cinderpelt,” Dappletail turned to the grey she-cat. “If we’re all going to come together as one clan, what should we call ourselves?”

Cats of all clans shouted their own clan name, competing to be the loudest until Cinderpelt silenced them with a twitch of her tail. “We can’t name ourselves after one of the old clans. That wouldn’t be fair to the other three.”

“What about Lionclan?” Sorrelkit mewed.

Shadowclan and Riverclan cats hissed and Cinderpelt shook her head. “I think that’s answer enough to that question. Same goes for the name Tigerclan.” She looked up at the night sky for a long moment, a breathless silence filling the barn as all the cats waited for her next words. “We may have lost the forest. We may lose the barn. We may need to travel far and wide and be driven from many more territories. But no matter how much we lose, Silverpelt will always lie above us. So from now on we will call ourselves Silverclan.”

Chapter Text

After seeing to the sick and injured Cinderpelt walked around the barn to meet her new clanmates. Ashfur saw her bristling as he introduced Brokenkit and hastily said “Listen, the name wasn’t my choice. His mother was one of the Brokenstar’s followers we drove out. She claimed he was only named Brokenkit because of his missing paw, but I could always tell she still thought Brokenstar was right and was delighted knowing that we were too dependent on her and the other rogues to argue with how she named her kits.”

Cinderpelt forced her fur to lay flat and greeted Brokenkit. He was a dark brown, nearly black tabby missing part of his hind leg below the joint. He was large for a kit, and would have looked even larger if he wasn’t sitting next to his littermate, Tanglekit. Tanglekit was mostly black with a few smudges of white on his chest and nose, and at four moons old he already looked the size of an apprentice. Brokenkit lifted his head high and declared “I don’t care what you think of my name. Or my paw. I’m gonna grow up big and strong and I’ll be the fiercest cat in the forest! Like Brokenstar and Tigerstar!”

Ashfur looked even more embarrassed. “I’ve told you Brokenkit, a lot of the other cats really don’t like those two and we need to get along with them.”

If anything this admonishment only seemed to puff Brokenkit up more. “I’ll just be so strong that they have to accept me! And then I’ll go kill Bloodclan!”

Ashfur winced, but Cinderpelt blinked at him reassuringly. Times were uncertain, and it would take the Shadowclan elders more than a night or two to teach their kits how to think and speak honorably. Especially kits formerly raised by the kind of cat who would gladly follow Brokentail.

Chapter Text

Cats of the new clan milled around in the hay, sharing tongues in a warm afternoon for Leafbare. Brightheart watched Tanglekit race across the barn, Brokenkit hobbling after him as fast as his three paws would carry him. Tanglekit paused by the door, waiting for his littermate to catch up. “Again!” Brokenkit gasped.

“Are you sure?” Tanglekit’s large face was worried. “You’re really out of breath.”

“Of course I’m sure! I want to keep going until I can catch you!”

“But Sorrelkit can’t catch me either, and she has all four of her paws.”

“This isn’t about Sorrelkit! It’s about me! And I want to be fast!”

A rat dropped past her field of vision, Speckletail looking down at her with warmth. “I won’t lie, I’m glad you survived the battle. Try to keep your strength up now, okay?”

“Okay, thank you,” Brightheart mewed. Inside she was boiling with rage. She was tired of being injured. Tired of waiting around in the medicine den to heal. Tired of not knowing whether she would ever be well enough to fight again. And most of all, she was tired of having to watch Speckletail come out of such a long-delayed retirement in order to feed her.

With a stab of grief she realized just how much she missed Cloudtail. He would have made this recovery go by so much faster. Just like the last one. Even now she could hardly believe that she would never smell his sweet scent again. With Brackenfur and Thornpaw she at least had the comfort of knowing that they were in Starclan and she would join them eventually, but Cloudtail was always so vocal in his disbelief that she didn’t know if she would ever see him again. In life or death.

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt padded around the farm, her thoughts churning as she surveyed the area for medicinal herbs. They had food, yes, but even the plentiful mice in the barn were struggling to feed so many cats. The elders were taking it in turns to train Tawnypaw when they weren’t too tired from minding the kits, but without a permanent territory for her to learn the lay of and the best ways to hunt in there were not that many things to teach her. Eventually Tawnypaw would need a new mentor dedicated to her training, but more than that she needed to know where she was going to spend her days hunting and defending her clan.

All of these concerns, though, were dwarfed by the most pressing one:

This new clan didn’t have a leader.

Speckletail and Ashfur did a good job of seeing things done, but Cinderpelt didn’t know if either of them could make the trip to the moonstone without getting attacked or exhausted. So many of the cats in this clan Cinderpelt didn’t even know. Brightheart was still recovering from the deep gash in her side, depending on how that went she might be in too much pain to hunt or fight even after fully healing. Cinderpelt sighed, gathering some coltsfoot from the edge of a field. Besides herbs she had also been hoping to find a sign from Starclan on this walk, but it appeared that they were not interested in being so convenient.

Chapter Text

A few more days passed with still no sign from Starclan, but without a clear leader Ashfur and Speckletail were jockeying for authority. Stoatfeather joined in too, when her illness allowed. Ravenpaw was happy to help and have kits around, but he made it clear that his place would remain with Barley and the farm long after this new clan moved on. Cinderpelt took a deep breath and hopped on the tallest bale of hay, which had become their impromptu replacement for the high rock or any other place for leaders to speak. In this case it was used whenever a cat had an important announcement to make or information to share, with “important” sometimes defined mostly by how much one elder or the other wanted to look the most leaderly.

“Let every cat old enough to catch their own prey gather for a meeting!” Cinderpelt cried. She’d avoided saying these words since her arrival, and they felt every bit as wrong in her throat as she had feared. As much as some elders tried to be the decision-making authority all the cats looked to Cinderpelt for leadership. It was overwhelming and exhausting, especially when she had illnesses and injuries and rebuilding a medicine supply from scratch to worry about. Sign or no sign, this had to change.

“I have been thinking long and hard about who our next leader should be-”

“Did you get a sign from Starclan?” Heatherwhisker interrupted.

Cinderpelt bristled. “No, but Starclan gifted me with my own sense of reason and I know we can’t go on like this. More importantly, I can’t go on like this. I can’t keep being both medicine cat and leader to you. So I’ve been spending the last several days considering this, and I think Brightheart would be the best choice for leader.”

Growls emerged from the leader hopefuls, but Smallear yowled above them “But she’s never had an apprentice! You can’t appoint a leader who isn’t even qualified to be a deputy!”

The growls grew into yowls of outrage from all the elders, the kits drawing closer to Ravenpaw in confusion and discomfort. Cinderpelt tried to silence them with a flick of her tail like Firestar, but eventually she had to raise her voice above the rest to get any quiet. “Listen. I know Brightheart hasn’t had an apprentice. And we have many cats here who would be excellent leaders. But-” she raised her voice over another rising tide of murmurs “BUT once she recovers, if she continues to recover well as she has been doing, she will be the only one of us who is fully trained as a warrior and in good condition to fight. More importantly,” she shot a sharp glance at Ashfur “We need a leader who won’t lose a life every night if they fall ill.”

“But that was different!” Ashfur cried “That plague came only from the bad rats in Carrion Place!”

“But how long do you think you could hold on to your nine lives if you had them? How many moons before your body ages beyond Starclan’s power to heal? Even sending a leader to the Moonstone now, while Bloodclan is still recovering like us, is risky. Who knows when the next leader will have a chance to get their lives? If we leave, how long before we find another place to share tongues with our ancestors? Brightheart isn’t fully healed yet, but if we move slowly and stay out of Windclan’s territory we should be able to get her safely to highstones.” Perhaps Cinderpelt should have made up a sign. That would have made this argument unnecessary. But something in her stomach twisted at the thought of it. “Listen. We are a new sapling growing from an old stump. If we do not bend we will break. I’ll take Brightheart to the moonstone tomorrow morning. And if I’m making the wrong choice Starclan just won’t giver her nine lives. Then I’ll know to wait for a sign.”

The clan murmured but ultimately accepted this decision. Cinderpelt only hoped that the journey wouldn’t reopen Brightheart’s wound or worse, cause it to never heal fully.

The next morning the farm was buried in deep snow.

The twolegs carved out paths for themselves, but there would be no paths on the way to the Moonstone. Snow this deep would be difficult for even a healthy cat to travel through, and the cold made Cinderpelt’s leg ache even inside the barn curled up by her sister’s side.

The kits were playing in the snowdrifts, snagging clumps of ice in their claws and tossing them in the air. Tanglekit was swarmed by playmates wrestling with and chasing him. Brokenkit was steadfastly digging in the snow by himself.

“Do you know what’s going on with Brokenkit?” Brightheart mewed. “I’ve been watching the kits play, and Tanglekit is always either playing with Brokenkit or all the other kits, while Brokenkit only plays with Tanglekit or by himself.”

Cinderpelt squinted into the bright morning light. She had been too busy to notice how the kits were interacting. “At a guess I’d say it’s because he admires Brokenstar and Tigerstar. Most cats, even kits, know those two were evil.”

“Isn’t that a problem? That he admires them?”

Cinderpelt shuffled her paws. “I think he doesn’t know what they did. Ashfur seemed to be caring for him so I was going to let him decide when and how to tell the kit.”

Brightheart sighed. “All right, but he could be a strong warrior one day. If he doesn’t learn to value other qualities besides strength soon I fear we’ll just have Tigerstar all over again.”

Cinderpelt murmured agreement. Something had to be done about it. Soon. But she did not have the energy to address it just then.

Chapter Text

It took a week for the snow to mostly go away. The whole time the elders grumbled that it was a sign from Starclan, and clearly Cinderpelt didn’t make the right choice. Cinderpelt even started to doubt it herself.

As she was searching bushes for more cobwebs, though, Cinderpelt peered up at the sky. At first she thought only to check the time, but her attention was arrested by a star.

It was the middle of the afternoon, and no other star was in sight. But this one star blazed brilliantly, nearly bright enough to rival the sun itself. After a moment Cinderpelt’s eyes hurt looking at it and she blinked.

The star was gone.

She returned to the barn at once, nearly forgetting the supplies she had gathered. “Starclan finally gave me a sign!”

The elders looked up in interest. “What was it?” Pebblenose asked.

“I saw a star shining in the afternoon, brighter than any like it.”

“A convenient sign indeed, confirming your choice,” Stoatfeather didn’t quite growl.

Cinderpelt bristled. “Listen. I will never be perfect. I may misinterpret a sign. I may make a poor choice. There will even be cats coming into my care who I fail to save. But I will never make up a sign from Starclan. That much you can be sure of.”

“Are you sure you’re not misinterpreting this sign then?” Ashfur mewed.

Cinderpelt gave him an even stare. “Why do you ask? Can you think of any other interpretation that makes more sense?”

As the disgruntled silence stretched on, punctuated only by the screeching of kits as they played with Ravenpaw, Cinderpelt nodded and said. “All right. Brightheart and I leave for the Moonstone at dawn tomorrow. If we don’t come back…” She swallowed, she hadn’t thought about what they could do if she and her sister didn’t return. “If we don’t come back Dawncloud, Heatherwhisker, Pebblenose and Dappletail will need to agree on the next leader.”

Hopefully by choosing an elder from each clan, and one that was not themselves interested in leadership, she had secured the wisest decision on the subject that would be possible if such a decision was necessary.

Chapter Text

Speckletail hissed in frustration as the rabbit disappeared into its burrow.

“Keep practicing. Not even Windclan cats are born faster than a hare.”

Speckletail whirled around, ready to tear out Heatherwhisker’s tongue for such condescension, but then deflated at the earnest warmth she saw in those eyes. They were only trying to help.

“I know you want to show support, but it only makes me more frustrated if you try to console me. Could you just… Let me seethe for a bit next time?”

Their whiskers twitched in suppressed amusement. “I’ll give it a try, thanks for the advice.”

Speckletail sighed. “You should probably go after the next one. If we see another one. I know it’ll be helpful once more of us know how to hunt like Windclan, but the kits need food now.”

Heatherwhisker nodded, and the two of them continued in silence. As much as Heatherwhisker tried to keep the mood light the constant danger of being spotted by Bloodclan settled over their hunting patrol like a thick fog. The mice were dwindling, when in Leafbare there were normally more than ever taking shelter in the barn. As risky as it was they had to venture onto the edges of the moor to supplement their prey. Most of the elders just searched for small kill hiding in the grass. Speckletail was the only cat other than Tawnypaw ambitious enough to take up Heatherwhisker on their standing offer to teach rabbit chasing.

They didn’t see another rabbit, but on the way back Heatherwhisker was able to sense a mole shifting near the surface and dig it up. As they approached the barn Speckletail saw Brokenkit pacing in front of Thistlekit, the Windclan kit’s eyes wide with shock a little short of horror. As she drew closer she heard Brokenkit’s words, spoken in a tone like he did not notice them being received with anything other than enthusiasm. “-And then they had all the prey they needed and Windclan had the chance to find a new, better home. I mean, the moors never really had enough prey to support a whole clan anyway, they were better as part of a-”

“That’s enough,” Heatherwhisker hissed, dropping her mole. “Thistlekit, you don’t have to listen to this. Why don’t you go play with Sootkit?”

Thistlekit shook his head, eyes still round with alarm. “No that’s okay! I’m having fun with Brokenkit.”

“I don’t care how much fun you’re having,” Speckletail growled. “I got a burr on my back somewhere hunting for you kits. You need to come inside and get it off.”

To her surprise Thistlekit flashed her a look more of annoyance than gratitude, but he did as she said.

As he was searching her pelt for a burr that wasn’t there Speckletail mewed “You don’t have to spend time with Brokenkit, you know.”

“But if I don’t who will?”

“He’s pretty close with Tanglekit. And you don’t need to worry about that.”

“But I do worry!” Thistlekit wailed. “I see how the other kits avoid him, and I hear how he talks, and I’m worried that he’ll grow up and not have any friends!”

Speckletail let out a surprised purr of amusement. “That is very kind of you to care so much about his feelings. But keep in mind his happiness is his own responsibility. And you’re responsible for keeping yourself happy, too.”

She glanced up in surprise as she saw Tawnypaw get up and stalk towards the door. It was unlike the apprentice to leave a nest half-cleaned. The she-cat who had once balked at elder duty now insisted on clearing out all the nests for the elders, and did the job very thoroughly most days.

Chapter Text

Tawnypaw raked the crushed and dirty straw into a pile, hardly hearing the chatter around her. She hated it. Every minute of it. But more than anything else she hated that all of these long-retired cats who had already served their clans as much anyone could ask were now forced to hunt and travel and potentially even fight again. She would rather die than make them clean their own nests as well.

She paused as she heard Thistlekit wail. And her blood boiled within her. Ashfur wanted to wait until Brokenkit was “ready” to know the truth about his idols, and Tawnypaw had been deferring to him. But elder or not he hadn’t experienced everything and didn’t know what was best for everyone. She stood and stalked out to find the kit, memories flashing in her mind of herself and Bramblekit playing in the nursery. Not knowing why the cats around them always seemed less friendly with them than the other kits. The hurt in Bramblekit’s voice as he tried to puzzle out what he was doing wrong to make his own leader look at him with such fear and hatred.

Bramblepaw would never know the trust of the cats around him. Maybe she never would either. But Bloodclan had robbed him of even the chance to one day be rewarded for his undying loyalty to a clan of cats who hated him.

She would not let Brokenkit barrel himself foot-in-mouth into a similar fate.

At the entrance she asked him gently “Can I speak with you Brokenkit? Alone?”

Brokenkit nodded and followed, tail held high.

Once they were away from the other cats he declared “If this is about what I was telling Thistlekit I’m not sorry. He didn’t mind so neither should anyone else. And I don’t care what people say Brokenstar was strong and he made Shadowclan strong.”

Tawnypelt laid a tale on his shoulders. “This is about that. But not in the way you think. As you know I’m Tigerstar’s daughter.”

His eyes shone and she swatted his ear. “That’s not a good thing. And I’m here to tell you why. Ashfur thinks you’re not ready. That it’ll hurt you to know the truth about Brokenstar and Tigerstar when you’re so young. But I’ve been on the other end of that and I know that there’s an even greater pain in not knowing.”

He looked at her in suspicion but didn’t interrupt.

“When Brokenstar drove out Windclan it wasn’t ‘for their own good’. Or for anyone’s good. His attack on their camp was brutal. He killed cats, just to scare the others into abandoning their territory. Windclan didn’t find a better place to live. They kept running as far as they could, and even then the best they could find was a tangle of thunderpaths where the air and water stank, there was no prey, and the only safety was the knowledge that no cat would follow them there. The territory didn’t even benefit Shadowclan that much. They lost kits who had been made warriors when they were too young to be apprentices fighting the senseless battle. The rabbits were too fast for them, so they barely even got any more prey out of the atrocity. And Brokenstar drove out their elders claiming that they still didn’t have enough food for them.”

Brokenkit’s eyes widened. “Why did Ashfur let that happen?”

“He didn’t let it happen. It happened to him. He and Dawncloud were already elders at the time, and they were chased out. It was only with the help of Thunderclan that they were able to reclaim Shadowclan.”

“And what about Tigerstar?” Brokenkit asked fearfully.

Tawnypaw shook her head. “Tigerstar was even worse than Brokenstar. In Thunderclan he murdered Redtail hoping to become deputy. Then, when he eventually did, he plotted with Brokenstar and his rogues against his own clan. He helped them attack Thunderclan and used the confusion to hide his attempt to murder Bluestar. She only survived because Firestar stopped him, and she banished him for his treachery. Once he was leader of Shadowclan, he used his position for ‘revenge’ on his former clanmates. Dogs got loose in the forest, terrible dogs like we’d never seen before. He fed them and used a trail of rabbits to try and lead them to Thunderclan camp. At the camp he murdered a cat just to give them a taste for our blood. He was willing to destroy an entire clan just for the slight of not letting him murder his way to the top.”

Brokenkit was silent. Tawnypaw took a deep breath and continued. “He didn’t even stop there. He wanted to rule the whole forest. So he joined with Riverclan, then came into Windclan and murdered an apprentice, just to make a point. And he’s the one who brought Bloodclan to the forest. He thought to offer Scourge a part of the territory for his help, then betray him once Thunderclan and Windclan were defeated. Scourge killed him, and then destroyed all four clans and drove us out of the forest. So there. That’s why the other cats don’t like the way you were talking about him and Brokenstar.”

Brokenkit stared straight ahead for a long moment. Then said in a very small voice “Does Thistlekit hate me?”

Tawnypaw gave his ear a reassuring lick. “Not at all! He probably likes you a lot if he was willing to sit and listen to you talk like that. You’re still a kit. If you apologize and change the way you talk now there’s plenty of time for those things you said to become a distant memory. But one thing you should be ready for: after you’ve changed, maybe even long after you’ve changed, there may still be cats who treat you like the version of yourself that you were before. Bramblepaw and I were often treated like little versions of our father, even though we never had anything to do with his betrayals. You just have to realize that you can’t control what other cats think of you. You can only control who you become, and make sure that he is a cat that you can be proud of, even if no one else is.”

Brokenkit nodded thoughtfully. “Thanks Tawnypaw.” Then he sprang to his feet, a new light in his eyes. “I’m going to start now! I’ll go apologize to Thistlekit, then I’ll help him be strong like me so no one can ever drive him out of anywhere ever again!”

Tawnypaw barely suppressed an amused purr. “Good idea. Just make sure you’re doing things that he likes with him.”

Chapter Text

“Hey. Let’s stop and rest. The barn’s a lot closer to Highstones than Thunderclan.”

Cinderpelt settled into a dip in the snow, gesturing with her tail for Brightheart to join her. Brightheart pushed in close to share heat, pressing herself against Cinderpelt’s old injury to try and warm it. “I think I know why Starclan waited so long to send a sign,” Cinderpelt mewed.

“Why?”

“Because you’re so much stronger now than you were before the snowstorm. I think if we had left when I wanted to, even without a storm, you might not have made it.”

Brightheart bristled. “I made it to the barn from Fourtrees didn’t I?!”

Cinderpelt licked her ear. “Yes of course. All the more reason why it would have been too reckless to bring you on this trek when your wound was so fresh.”

Brightheart stood. “All right then. Since I’m so strong now let’s get going again. I can’t relax knowing we could be caught by Bloodclan at any moment.”

“Get back down. I said you were stronger, not fully recovered.”

“I feel recovered enough to keep going. Unless you need the rest?”

Cinderpelt swiped at her sister’s leg, still sitting. “That’s not going to work on me this time you know. I’m more stubborn about keeping you alive than nursing my own pride.”

Chapter Text

Tawnypaw had been exploring around Barley’s farm. She found that in the rocks between the thunderpath and highstones there was prey. Scant prey, a few scrawny lizards and mice, but enough for a decent hunt as long as they didn’t visit too often. Clearly there was a reason why Windclan never made it part of their territory, the scant pickings and harsh terrain were hardly worth crossing a thunderpath for, but every meal caught outside the farm was one more meal they could catch inside it later. And it would make them the worst guests in all the clans’ histories if they kept eating Barley’s mice until there were none left to breed. Not to be outdone by a mere apprentice Stoatfeather had explored in the other direction and found a broad, shallow stretch of the forest’s river emerging from under the thunderpath. The air stank of monsters there, but small fish darted about in the shallows and Stoatfeather promised to teach Tawnypaw how to catch them as well as the best cats of Riverclan. Tawnypaw hoped that it would be easier than chasing rabbits, though of course she didn’t say so to Stoatfeather. Implying that anything about Riverclan life was easier than any other clan’s life would insult her pride, and insulting Stoatfeather’s pride carried a heavy price of extra Bloodclan watches and cobweb gathering trips.

Tawnypaw was visiting the river now to see for herself, with Dawncloud as well to offer a more experienced eye. As they reached the edge of the river Dawncloud asked “What kind of prey do you think we will find here?”

Tawnypaw prodded at the half-frozen slush between the reeds. “There’s the fish Stoatfeather already saw. Hopefully we’ll see some bigger ones passing through sometimes. And it looks like there will be standing water in these reeds too, which means frogs in Newleaf and Greenleaf.” Tawnypaw paused, drinking the air to be sure of herself. “I think that should be about it, there’ll probably be mice in the grass because mice are everywhere but that’s all I can think of.”

“I was thinking the same thing myself,” Dawncloud purred. “Of course there will also be crickets, which normally wouldn’t be worth the bother, but-” a hint of worry clouded her face. “Right now we should probably take all the food we can get.”

Tawnypaw nodded. In Shadowclan crickets were an exception to the rule against apprentices eating before hunting for the clan, mainly because they were too small and disgusting to be worth carrying home. However, in her short time as a Shadowclan cat she had never been hungry enough to take advantage of this rule.

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt looked back over her shoulder. "Are you okay?"

Brightheart started. She hadn't even noticed herself slowing to a stop before Mothermouth. This would be her first time entering its inky blackness since before her terrible fight with the dogs. Suddenly a shiver of fear ran through her at the thought of meeting her warrior ancestors. Would Bluestar be proud of her? Would she accept her new name? Brightheart pushed these worries aside. She couldn't deny the will of Starclan over such petty worries. She could bear being called "Lostface" one more time if that was what it took to serve her clan. She just hoped that she wouldn't have to live out nine lives named Loststar...

"Yeah, I'm fine!" She called out, pushing past Cinderpelt into the cave to prove it.

She stumbled upon first entering the dark, still walking briskly to allay her sister's concern. Hearing Cinderpelt let out a worried mew she called back "I'm alright! Just need to watch my step more!" Then she winced, remembering that once inside Mothermouth, even just one step, she was supposed to remain completely silent. Hopefully Starclan would forgive her.

She picked her way more carefully through the tunnel, reassured by the soft noises of her sister breathing behind her. Finally the tunnel opened up, and she waited while Cinderpelt drew level with her. They sat in silence in the dark, until the moonstone lit up with dazzling silver light. Cinderpelt flicked her tail, indicating for Brightheart to take her place first.

As she lay down and touched her nose to the cold stone Brightheart wondered how she could ever fall asleep so full of nerves.

The next thing she felt was a gentle breeze playing through her fur. She opened her eye and realized she was standing in the empty fields of Barley's farm, frozen with an unnatural frost mirroring that of her own world. She was surrounded by mist, filled with vague suggestions of cats. Eventually the forms solidified, forming endless ranks of starry pelts. At the front were all of the cats she had ever known in life, even a few elders who she recognized only by scent as they'd died before she opened her eyes. Behind them more and more cats stretched out, eventually blurring together and forming the mist that she had been seeing with their sheer distance and multitude.

While she was still taking in this sight Bluestar stepped forward, and fear gripped Brightheart as she waited to see which name she would use. But Bluestar smiled gently and said "Greetings, Brightheart. With this life I give you repentance. Use it to realize when you've done wrong and to do your best to make things right." They touched noses, and grief and guilt shot through Brightheart, followed by a steady determination settling over her heart.

Brackenfur padded up next, and Brightheart barely contained a yowl of joy at the sight of her brother. "With this life I give you love. Use it to nurture and protect all of your clanmates." She eagerly leaned forward to touch noses with him, expecting memories of milk scent and nursery games, but instead pain and fury tore through her. She felt as though she were fighting for her life, no, for the lives of all the cats left in the barn. And losing.

Before she could begin to recover Fernpaw advanced, bounding up to rub against Brightheart before touching noses. "With this life I give you judgement. Use it to make wise choices for your clan."

She was hoping that this life would be less intense, but it was only slightly so. She felt knotting worry and doubt pulsating, trying to overwhelm a conviction she felt deep within her core.

Fernpaw pulled away, and Brightheart watched her go to join her brother, hardly noticing when Bramblepaw took her place. "With this life I give you integrity. Use it to do what you know is right, regardless of what anyone around you thinks." Indignation swept over Brightheart, mingled with a contradictory sense of guilt for wrongdoings she hadn't committed. But alongside them she felt a steady surety that she knew what was right and would continue to stand by it.

Bramblepaw ducked his head and rejoined the starry shapes. Frostfur padded towards her, and Brightheart felt like a kit again as the warm scent of her mother surrounded her. "With this life I give you understanding. Use it to ask questions and learn as much as you can before coming to a decision." Brightheart felt voices inside her, other voices, howling in condemnation. But as she pulled her ears back, shutting them out, she felt a sense of calm curiosity. A level of comfort in knowing that she could not yet be certain of her decision even while surrounded by voices shrieking in their own unshakable confidence.

Frostfur gave her a quick lick on the head before drawing back. A tiny body padded forward, and it took Brightheart a few beats before she recognized Snowkit. A white she-cat she didn't know stepped next to him. As Snowkit stared at her with loving and understanding eyes the she-cat said "With this life he gives you joy. Use it to keep hope alive in the darkest times." Snowkit stretched onto his hind legs to touch noses with Brightheart. Brightheart felt a loss of all sound, like her ears had been stuffed full of mud. But at the same time she felt a warm sun on her pelt. Saw visions of golden light dappling on the gorse surrounding Thunderclan camp. Memories of playing with other kits, and pouncing triumphantly on falling leaves. As he padded back to join Starclan Brightheart asked in a choked voice "Will he be a kit forever?"

The she-cat looked at Brightheart with sympathy. "He wants to wait for his mother before he starts growing up." Then she, too, joined the starry mass of cats.

Firestar approached, his pelt blazing like sunlight. Brightheart was filled with warmth, seeing him so strong and relaxed as she remembered all the good that he had done for her. Had done for her clan. From giving her a new name and a new life to staying with Cinderpelt and always being there to support her, even long after he had stopped being her mentor. Touching noses he said "With this life I give you compassion. Use it to help any cat who comes to you in need, not only within your own clan." Brightheart was confused by his knowing smile, but before she could say anything she felt her stomach knot in concern and sympathy. She felt torn between a duty to protect the prosperity of her clan and a desire to secure the safety of cats who she had no obligation to other than the ability to help. She was still gasping as Firestar drew back, replaced by Whitestorm.

"With this life I give you courage. Use it to serve your clan as long as they need you." She expected this life to be painful, but instead she felt a deep weariness. A longing for rest paired with a sense of duty too strong to allow any. But with it came a satisfaction of seeing queens and kits with full bellies, and elders with sleek pelts and no stench of sickness.

As Whitestorm pulled away a sweet smell washed over Brightheart, and with joy and relief she saw that Cloudtail was among her warrior ancestors, his pelt as starry as any. He strolled up and twined his tail with hers. She let out an involuntary purr as she opened her mouth to drink in his scent. "With this life I give you faith. Use it to help all the cats of your clan to reach their full potential, even when it doesn't seem possible." He gently touched his nose to hers, and Brightheart felt defiance flood through her. As he drew back he gave her a shy smile. "Tell our daughter I love her."

Joy filled her at the realization that she was pregnant, but worry as well. Would Cinderpelt regret her choice when she found out? But Cloudtail ran his tail soothingly down her spine. "Don't worry. You are the leader they need. And when the time comes you will be the best mother our daughter could ever ask for."

He took a step back, then threw back his head and howled to the sky "Brightstar!"

As he continued chanting more and more cats joined in, until a thunderous wave of sound filled the field: "Brightstar! Brightstar! Brightstar!"

Chapter Text

Speckletail marched into the barn with her tail held high, her first rabbit clenched firmly in her jaws. Dawncloud rushed to meet her, asking breathlessly “Did you see Thistlekit or Brokenkit on your way in?!”

The rabbit dropped to the ground. “No, why? Are they missing?”

“They said they were going to the roof for water, and after they were gone a little too long I went to check that they were okay. But they were nowhere to be seen! I’ve been looking everywhere for them but I can’t find them.”

Speckletail growled. “Of course. Just what we need. Missing kits.”

“Thistlekit!” Heatherwhisker’s voice rang just outside the door. Speckletail ran back out and saw her angrily licking the small kit, his mewls of protest muffled by the giant wad of holly leaves clenched in his teeth. Brokenkit stood behind him, a similar catch in his own mouth.

“What were you doing scaring us like that?!” Dawncloud rushed forward and began giving Brokenkit a similar treatment. “And how did you sneak off?! And why did you sneak off?!”

Brokenkit dropped his leaves, his face beaming with pride. “We jumped off. The ground’s higher on one side of the barn than the other and at the corner where it’s highest you can jump down and it doesn’t even hurt at all!”

Heatherwhisker looked up. “I don’t like the amount of trial and error that statement implies.”

Brokenkit bristled. “I only tried jumping off other parts once! At the tallest part. And when my paw got better I looked for the shortest fall I could find and tried that.”

“We were getting leaves for Cinderpelt!” Thistlekit mewed. “There weren’t any bushes with leaves next to the barn, and Brokenkit said you wouldn’t let us go further to find some, so we snuck off.”

“We wouldn’t let you go further for good reason,” Speckletail said sternly. “If you go wandering around you might get carried off by a hawk. Or captured by twolegs. Or killed by Bloodclan.”

Brokenkit puffed up his chest. “If we saw any Bloodclan cats I would have killed them.”

Speckletail cuffed him on the ear. “That kind of thinking will have you joining Starclan before you’re even a paw. You can want to be strong. But thinking that you, as a kit, could take on even one fully grown cat, especially one who kills kits without hesitation, is just foolhardy.”

“What’s going on here?”

All the cats turned as one to see Cinderpelt wiggling out from under the fence. Thistlekit snatched up his bundle and bounded forward, dropping it at her feet. “I got you herbs! And Brokenkit did too!”

Cinderpelt’s whiskers twitched in amusement as she sniffed the leaves. “Why thank you. Both of you.”

“What do these herbs do?” Thistlekit asked excitedly.

Cinderpelt’s expression turned hesitant. “Well, these are holly leaves, which don’t really do anything…” As Thistlekit’s tail drooped she added slyly “that I know of. If you want you can try and find out something that they can be used for. In fact, maybe they’re really good for something other than medicine. Just don’t eat them! They may not be deathberries but eating any kind of strange herb is a recipe for bellyaches.”

Thistlekit perked up. “I’ll do my best!” Then he snatched up his leaves, ran over to Brokenkit, and started to go back towards the barn.

“Any luck?” A breathless voice called as Ravenpaw rounded the corner. Then he saw the kits and immediately sprinted to them, bundling them together and alternating furious licks between the two. “You delinquents had us worried sick! What were you thinking?”

Chapter Text

 Worry knotted Brightheart’s stomach. Already the sun had set, but she still had no idea who to appoint deputy. She had been discussing the issue with Cinderpelt all afternoon, but they both had the same problem.

They only really knew the elders from Thunderclan.

Finally she stood up and mewed “Hey, let’s round up the elders. Ask them for advice.”

Cinderpelt flicked her ears, more curious than upset. “Isn’t this supposed to be your decision?”

“Yes. And I’m supposed to have known all of the candidates either my whole life or theirs. I need more information to make this choice, and the best way to do that is to talk to my clanmates.”

Once they had all the elders gathered together in a corner of the barn Brightstar took a deep breath. “All right. I have some ideas about who I’d like to be deputy, but I don’t know most of you well enough to be sure.”

“Who’s your first choice?” Dawncloud asked curiously.

Brightstar looked to her side. “Well, Speckletail did a good job of getting the Thunderclan kits out here, and she’s been a big help with hunting and keeping things in order…”

“So have I,” Ashfur said in almost a growl. “And so has Stoatfeather. Here we have a Thunderclan leader. And a Thunderclan medicine cat. And now you're suggesting a Thunderclan deputy? Is Silverclan really a new clan or is it just a new name for Thunderclan?”

Brightstar winced. Speckletail would make a fine deputy, but she did have to admit that there was some merit to Ashfur’s complaints. “All right, I know that I have a bias towards Thunderclan cats. Because I still don’t know the rest of you all that well. That’s why I wanted to seek all of you out for advice.”

The elders grumbled some, but seemed pleased that this young cat was starting off her time as leader by coming to them for guidance. “So here’s what I want to do, let’s go around in a circle, and each one of you say who you think the best fit for deputy would be. But they have to be someone who doesn’t hail from your old clan.”

There were murmurs, but not as many as she had expected. Though Speckletail, Ashfur, and Stoatfeather were annoyed at being barred from nominating themselves they seemed more relieved that the others could not do so either. Pebblenose stepped forward first. “I think Heatherwhisker would serve the clan well.”

Heatherwhisker bristled. “Oh please no, I have enough on my plate now that Thistlekit is running around causing mischief with Brokenkit.”

Brightstar suppressed a smile. She was glad to hear that Brokenkit was adjusting to life with the other clans better. Deflecting Heatherwhisker replied “I think Speckletail would be a good choice, she has shown an interest in learning new skills to ensure the survival of our clan.”

There were growls, but these words were given more weight when spoken by a non-Thunderclan cat. Smallear strode into the circle. “Stoatfeather would be my choice. She has a firm paw and a fierce determination that would temper our leader well.”

“I second that,” Dawncloud stood. “Stoatfeather has been learning to scent frogs and lizards with me, and she has been a patient teacher showing me how to fish. I think she would do well at sharing her skills and wisdom with Brightstar.”

Dappletail stood in turn. “Dawncloud would be my choice. She and Ashfur are both noble warriors, but she has a little more youth, and will be better able to withstand the rigors demanded of a deputy.”

Oneeye mewed “I think Pebblenose would do well. He has a calm demeanor that would be reassuring to a young leader.”

Stoatfeather lifted her head. “I think Ashfur would be a decent choice. I see how he cares for Brokenkit and Tanglekit, and I think our clan could benefit from his tenderness.”

Ashfur flicked his ears back. Evidently his ‘tenderness’ was not the first quality he wanted to be complimented on, but he did not wish to be so petty as to dispute it.

Speckletail stepped forward, eyes flashing around the circle strategically. “I think Pebblenose would be a good choice. He is calm and caring, which I think Brightstar would benefit from.”

Brightstar noted with amusement that her choice seemed calculated not to give a vote to one of her stronger challengers.

Ashfur stepped forward. Paused for a moment to flick his tail in annoyance. Then said reluctantly “I think Stoatfeather would be a decent choice. She has done well, finding prey where prey is scarce.”

Brightstar nodded, choosing her next words carefully. “All right. So from what it sounds like, everyone here would make a good first deputy for Silverclan. But Stoatfeather has the broadest support.”

There was reluctant agreement from Ashfur and Speckletail. Brightstar nodded and stood. “Very well then. I will prepare to make the announcement. Thank you all for your advice.” She glanced at Ashfur and Speckletail. “I will, of course, continue to seek counsel from all of the sources I have available. And I will certainly need it for the strange and difficult times we still have ahead.”

Chapter Text

Tawnypaw slithered through the dirt behind Heatherwhisker, remembering how excited the elder had been that morning.

“I found an entrance to the tunnels!”

All the other elders had looked up in confusion. Heatherwhisker clarified “Windclan cats don’t just hunt by chasing rabbits over the moore. We also have-well, had- tunnelers who would dig and hunt in tunnels. They’re the perfect place to catch prey without getting caught by Bloodclan!”

“So why didn’t you know where this entrance was?”

Heatherwhisker shifted uncomfortably. “Because I’m a moor runner, not a tunneler. And they stopped up the tunnels when I was a kit.”

Smallear flicked his tail irritably. “Any cat with sense knows not to go in a hole. There’s no telling what you’ll find there or where you’ll come out. And how do you know these tunnels won’t collapse? Especially if your clan already decided they weren’t safe?”

Heatherwhisker bristled. “Because these are well-established tunnels that Windclan cats were reinforcing for generations. And we know where these tunnels go because we made them.”

“But you don’t know where they go. You didn’t make them.”

“As long as I know where one end is I can find my way back out!”

Despite their confidence none of the other elders had wanted to follow Heatherwhisker. Particularly because they did not actually know much more about tunnel-hunting than any other cat.

But Tawnypaw came.

Because Tawnypaw wanted to learn as many ways of hunting and traveling as possible, so that no matter where her clan had to go she would always be able to feed and protect them. Pebblenose was already teaching her how to swim in the broad, shallow length of river they had access to.

The rabbit they were creeping up on caught their scent and bounded away. Heatherwhisker took a few brisk steps after it, then paused and said self-consciously “Sorry, it’s, ah, I never actually was tunnel-trained. The elders said you could tell a turn or a dead end from the feel of the air, but… I haven’t had much chance to test that yet.”

Tawnypaw rumbled in understanding. The close, suffocating quarters of the tunnels were definitely not comfortable for her either.

She sensed Heatherwhisker’s tail flicking by the disturbance in the air. “You know what, right now let’s not worry about hunting. Let’s just get used to being in a tunnel, look for any sections that need reinforcement, and see if we can figure out some of these tunnel skills on our own.”

“Sure,” Tawnypaw mewed, secretly relieved that she was not going to be sprinting through the suffocating dark after any rabbits that day.

Chapter Text

Brightstar was sharing tongues with Cinderpelt, her belly warm and full with fresh rabbit. Heatherwhisker, Speckletail, and Tawnypaw were getting quite good at team hunting. Especially now that they could have the spritely young apprentice do the biggest share of the chasing. Pebblenose snuck in under the door. Hurrying to Brightstar he whispered "There are two strange cats approaching the barn. They smell like Bloodclan, but they have kits with them so I don't know if we should attack them or not."

Brightheart stirred uneasily. "Maybe they want our help?" Barley didn't talk much about his time in Bloodclan, but he had said enough to give her the impression that it was not a good place to raise kits.

Pebblenose looked uncertain. "Maybe. But they don't look like they're asking for help. The leading one is striding across the field like she owns it."

Brightstar hefted herself to her feet. "All right. Lead me to them, let's meet them out in the field so if we do have to fight we can keep our kits out of it. Bring Tawnypaw and Speckletail too, just to be safe."

Pebblenose nodded, and soon the four cats slipped out from behind the barn, just in case these intruders still had any doubts about where they'd made camp, and looped around to meet the cats in the field.

As they approached Brightstar felt her heart stop. She recognized one of the two cats. Still carrying rank traces of twolegplace her scent was now a confusing jumble of Thunderclan, Riverclan, and Shadowclan.

It was the black and white she-cat who had spared her and her sister.

Brightstar indicated for the other cats to let her do the talking, just in case it wasn't assumed. She forced her fur to lie flat, hoping that her followers would take the cue. As they approached she called out in a forced, neutral tone "Hail! What brings you and these kits all the way out here?"

The black and white cat placed her kit, pure white with fluffy hair and blue eyes, on the ground. But for the eyes it looked like a younger clone of the other she-cat, who had long silky fur, one green eye, and one blue eye. She carried another white kit, but this one had short hair like the other cat, and two black front paws. Lifting her head the leading she-cat said confidently "You know me. You know that you owe me. I'm here to collect."

Brightstar's followers murmured at this, but Brightstar flicked them a Look and explained "She's the cat who spotted me and Cinderpelt. And didn't tell the others."

The she-cat nodded briskly. "I'm Brenadine. This is my mate Marge. These are our kits, Boots and Chaos," and she flicked her tail at the black-footed kit and the pure white one in turn. "Whatever is going on with your group, we're here to join it."

Brightstar blinked in shock. "You don't even know what we're called. Let alone the code we follow. And you want to join us just like that?"

"How do we know you're not Bloodclan spies?" Tawnypaw asked.

Brightstar snorted. "I don't think Bloodclan needs spies to destroy us if they already know where we are."

Tawnypaw flicked her tail irritably. "They might not know they don't need them. Or they didn't know until you said that."

"We're not spies!" The white cat cried, having placed her kit down and curled around both of the kits while the other cats stood talking in the cold. "We just want a safe place to raise our kits. To raise Chaos."

Chaos stared, gaze flicking between each unfamiliar cat in turn. Her hackles were raised, but there was something odd about her expression.

Then Pebblenose tried to suppress a cough and Brightstar realized what it was.

Her eyes snapped to him at the motion of his body, but no matter where they looked her ears kept pointing straight forward.

Brenadine followed Brightstar's gaze and said gruffly "We saved you and the cripple-" All the clan cats bristled but she ignored them "Because of her leg injury. If she had been in Bloodclan she would have been left to die as soon as she got injured. As would young One-Eye here."

"Her name is Brightstar," Tawnypaw growled. "She's our leader."

Brenadine's ears pricked up. "Oh? So that makes the debt even greater, doesn't it? Anyway, me and Marge, we have a problem. Chaos is deaf. We've been trying to hide it from Scourge, but eventually she'll be old enough that they'll take her away from us and Boots to learn to kill. And when they find out she's deaf they'll kill her. Assuming she doesn't get herself killed first trying to attack the cats who come for her, she's a wild one for sure. First response to a stranger is usually to bite."

"Sounds like a wonderful addition to our clan," Tawnypaw drawled. Brightstar nudged her, and as she saw Speckletail's withering glare she hastily added "Because of the aggression. Not... anything else."

Brightstar turned back to the Bloodclan cats. "I see. I understand your predicament. And, out of gratitude for the mercy you showed my sister and I, we will let you stay. For a while you won't be allowed to leave the barn except with two other warriors, but only until we are sure that you understand what it means to be a clan cat and you have no loyalty to Bloodclan. We'll keep your mate in the barn and bring her anything she needs."

Brightstar was surprised to see Brenadine sag a little in relief as she nodded her agreement. Speckletail asked pointedly "What about Chaos?"

Marge and Brenadine both tensed up, and Brightstar wished Speckletail had thought a little more about her phrasing. "Assuming that they decide to join our clan, Chaos will always have a place in it. We will take care of her as well as we would any elder, no matter what age they may retire at."

As the mothers relaxed Speckletail hissed "Retire indeed. You're no better than Firestar, or anyone else in Thunderclan. Just because you won't see a way for her to hunt or fight you think she can't. This is no different than when you got attacked by those dogs."

Brightstar inhaled sharply. "That was different. Even then I could still see. And I could still hear. You can train around a blind side. You can't train away a complete loss of one of your senses." Even as she said it, part of her wondered if Speckletail might be right. She thought of Snowkit's soft eyes, and Cloudtail's life for faith he had given her. But Snowkit could never learn to hunt. Or fight. He couldn't even hear the alarm when the hawk attacked camp.

Just as Speckletail was about to retort, Brenadine interjected "We... ah, we don't actually need her to hunt or fight you know. Or even be taken care of by your lot. I'd be happy to hunt for all four of us, we just want a place where we don't have to worry about our own "clanmates" murdering her."

Hackles lowered. Speckletail growled "She's too young to train yet anyway. We'll see how she grows up."

Brightstar dipped her head. As long as they didn't need warriors too desperately when the kit turned six moons there would be no harm in letting Speckletail see the futility in training for herself. "Yes. We'll see."

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt blinked at the small family, huddled in a corner by the barn door, as far as possible from the clan nests. “All right, so you know all of our names. Do you want to learn some about our way of life, or do you want to rest now?”

Boots’s eyes were wide and shining. “I want to know more! Why are your names so weird? And why do so many cats have “kit” in their name?”

Marge cuffed his ear “Boots! It’s rude to call someone’s name weird!”

Cinderpelt purred in amusement. “That’s all right, I appreciate his enthusiasm. When you’re born into a clan, your mother, and sometimes your father, will choose a prefix for you. That part of your name you keep all your life. For your first six moons, your name is that prefix, plus the suffix ‘kit’. Like Thistlekit and Sorrelkit. Then at six moons old you start training to be a warrior or medicine cat, during which time your suffix is ‘paw’. Then, when you become a warrior, or perhaps a medicine cat, you are given a new suffix. This one isn’t the same for everyone, and is meant to say something about who you are as a cat. So for instance, I knew a cat named Fireheart, for his compassion and loyalty to the clan. Sometimes the name is more of a visual descriptor though, like Graystripe or Brackenfur.”

“Or Brightstar?”

“Oh that’s actually a special case, Brightstar has that name because she became leader. She used to be Brightheart. If you are chosen by Starclan to become leader, then your suffix is changed to “Star” and you are given nine lives.”

Brenadine’s gaze sharpened. “Is that what was happening with that awful orange cat? And a few others too, I suppose.”

Cinderpelt forced her fur to lie flat. “His name was Firestar, and yes. He was the leader of Thunderclan. And he had just become leader so he still had all nine of his lives. Be careful how you speak of him please, he was very important to a lot of cats here. He saved Thunderclan many times, and drove an evil leader out of Shadowclan, brought Windclan back from exile, and fed Riverclan kits when they had a famine.”

“So wait, this isn’t Thunderclan?”

Cinderpelt shrugged uncomfortably. “We’re calling ourselves Silverclan. We’re the survivors left from all four of the old clans.”

Brenadine glanced around the barn and huffed. “Guess there aren’t a lot of you left either. Scourge told us we would be picking off half the clan cats, then the other half when those were done. Then he said that surely all or at least half of the cats would have the sense to run away. We were not ready for all of you to come together. Especially not for that dying and coming back horror. I swear that fire-cat alone killed a good third of Bloodclan.”

A shiver ran down Cinderpelt’s back. Seeming to enjoy having her attention Brenadine continued “Honestly if we hadn’t lost so many cats you might not have been so lucky. With so few of us we spent days searching the forest for survivors, and probably didn’t even cover all of it. I never even saw much of that flat place aside from following your scent here after the battle.”

Cinderpelt nodded, her eyes as wide as Boots’.

Fire had saved their clan after all.

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt continued to talk with the new cats as often as her duties allowed, telling them about clan life and the warrior code. She found out that each of them had a special name for Chaos’s use, one that relied on gestures instead of sound. Boots was a brushing of the tail over the front paws. Brenadine a curling of the back followed by a deep stretch. Marge was a quick lick on the left shoulder. And for Chaos they dropped into a play crouch, flattening their ears and lashing their tails wildly.

Brokenkit, being the bravest of the kits, or at least the most determined to appear so, had tried approaching the cats, sniffing Chaos cautiously. She rewarded his curiosity with a swipe on the nose, at which Marge jabbed her in the side and apologized profusely to Cinderpelt.

Chaos glared at her mother as Cinderpelt asked “So what does that mean?”

Marge sighed. “It means stop that. For a while we had to use it all the time when she played too rough with her brother. We can’t just use a signal on our own bodies because she gets too focused on what she’s doing when she’s like that.”

Cinderpelt nodded slowly, unable to think of a good transition but knowing the topic had to be broached eventually. “Right. So… we’ve been talking a lot about the clan. Do you think you’re ready to change your names?”

Marge and Brenadine froze. Marge mewed “We named our kits. We want them to keep their names.”

“Well they certainly can!” Cinderpelt hastily said. “Boot and Chaos would be fine prefixes. It’s just… Brenadine and Marge. They’re a little too… unusual.”

The two queens looked at each other dubiously. Boots leaped up and cried “Bootkit! Bootkit! I wanna be Bootkit! What’s the sign for kit?”

Cinderpelt was caught by surprise. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe this?” And she held out a forepaw, holding it close to the ground and lowering it slightly to indicate smallness.

“That’s perfect!” Bootkit cried. Then he turned to Chaos, flicking his tail across his paws then repeating Cinderpelt’s gesture. Her eyes wide with interest, Chaos stood, performed her play-crouch name, then also repeated the gesture. Hopping excitedly in circles Bootkit called “Chaoskit! Chaoskit!”

“Hang on now,” Brightstar padded up, purring with amusement. “Don’t steal my glory. We’ll have a ceremony to change your names.”

Marge and Brenadine only looked more worried. Boots, however, was tumbling over himself in excitement at this news. His joy was tempered only by the fact that no one could quickly think of a way to translate the concept of “ceremony” into gestures for Chaos.

Brenadine stood. “The kits may change their names if they like, but we’re keeping ours.”

Marge nodded shyly in agreement.

Cinderpelt twitched her ears, trying not to betray her shock. “May I ask why?”

Marge piped up “My housefolk gave me this name. And they were kind to me. Until I met Brenadine my happiest memories were all in their nest.”

Brenadine nodded agreement. “Her twolegs died. Mine tried to take me to a tower of cages full of other cats. I’ll never forgive their betrayal, but… changing my name feels like it would be a betrayal of my own.”

Cinderpelt nodded, tamping down panic. “I see. Mind if I consult with my leader?”

Both cats nodded assent, and she pulled Brightstar well out of earshot.

“What do we do?” Cinderpelt hissed. “We can’t let them keep their kittypet names!”

“Why not?” Brightstar mewed, looking like she had just understood the punchline of a joke told by a friend.

“Because it will keep them tied to their kittypet lives! Divide their loyalties?”

Brightstar tilted her head to the side, infuriatingly unconcerned. “Firestar had ties to his kittypet life. And no one can tell me that he wasn’t loyal to the bitter end.”

Cinderpelt stopped, mouth gaping. “What?”

“He continued to speak with his sister Princess long after joining the clan. Cloudtail actually brought me to meet her while I was still recovering. But he always knew where his loyalties lay.”

Cinderpelt huffed. “But these cats aren’t Firestar. There was no cat like him in all the history of all the clans.”

“That’s true. But who knows? Maybe a few Leafbares from now we’ll be saying that there’s never been a cat like Marge? Or Brenadine?”

When Cinderpelt didn't reply Brightstar flicked her playfully with her tail. "In times like these I like to think back on some wise words I once heard: 'We are a young sapling sprouting from an old stump. If we do not bend we will break.'"

Cinderpelt growled. She had to admit that two healthy, capable cats, especially when one of them had kits, would be an invaluable addition to the clan. Provided they were loyal. But at the same time she supposed that they would not necessarily win these cats’ loyalty by making them change their names against their will. “All right fine. They can join the clan under their current names. But Starclan help us if either of them ever becomes leader…”

Brightstar batted Cinderpelt with a paw, saying with mock sincerity “I think Margestar would be a lovely name.” Then she bounded off to tell their budding clanmates the good news.

Chapter Text

As Thistlekit spent more time following Cinderpelt around and asking constant questions Brokenkit took an avid interest in coming up with sign-names for all of his clanmates. This was a welcome development, since everyone needed a sign-name to be introduced to Chaoskit and the elders did not have time to devise them all. As she grew used to him and he kept his distance Chaoskit no longer tried to attack him. Excited by all the new signs she was learning she started coming up with more and more of her own: signs to represent the barn, the hay, various freshkill, nests, and even the feeling of a chill wind.

She also took an interest in clan life, often trying to follow cats out of the barn on hunting patrols. Thoroughly investigating all the new freshkill that was brought back even though she was still nursing. One by one she started deciding that a kit was trustworthy and furiously play-fighting with them whenever she could. Eventually she even learned to tell when another kit no longer wished to play.

Watching her and Tanglekit wrestle with seemingly endless energy Speckletail was torn between fierce joy and bitter resentment. Yes, she loved to see Chaoskit adjusting to clan life, but she wasn’t her kit. She didn’t even trust Speckletail. And all Speckletail could think of was how easily that could have been Snowkit. If she had just had more time to teach him. If anyone had made the effort to learn how he communicated. If not for that hawk…

The resentment flared within her. Everyone had told her it was a tragic accident. None more emphatically than herself. But in her mind’s eye she kept repeating it, the call of a hawk. The rush into the dens. Snowkit on the other end of the clearing. So many cats had been right next to him. Why did they not think to scoop him up and take him with them? By that point everyone in the clan had known that he was deaf, if not for long. All her time in the elder’s den she had been plagued by the same thought: If it had been Bramblekit. Or Tawnykit. One of the ‘useful’ kits. And they hadn’t heard the warning. Cats would have been tumbling over themselves to get them to safety.

She shook her head, trying to dislodge the idea. It was an awful thing to think of her clanmates. And she didn’t know it was true. She did know that if not for the hawk they would have kept Snowkit fed and taken care of well into his sundown moons. But still…

In a moment of panic, cats will betray their deepest secrets. Sometimes one kit’s life just doesn’t feel as important as another’s. And she knew that her clanmates would fight against this feeling. She knew that everyone else in the clan had been almost as devastated as her by his death. But still…

In an emergency, when a moment’s hesitation separated you from life or death, there was hardly time to fight against your feelings now was there?

Chapter Text

Brokenkit was working with Thistlekit on his sign-name. “What about this?” He crouched down, then sprang forward in a clumsy pounce.

Thistlekit shook his head. “No, you can’t just choose a sign for how fierce it looks! What if her leg is broken? How will she understand that if the sign for broken is a pounce?”

“So then what do you suggest?” Brokenkit asked huffily.

“What about this?” Thistlekit lifted a hind leg, dangling it limply and swinging it slightly.

“What if she breaks her paw? Or her tail? How will that sign work then?” Brokenkit’s tone was pointed, clearly annoyed at the suggestion of such a weak-looking sign.

“Okay then, this?” Thistlekit flopped over on his side, rolling on the ground a bit before returning to his feet.

“The word’s broken not dead,” Brokenkit only seemed even more offended at this suggestion. Standing in excitement he said “I know! How about this?!” Then he made a snapping motion, his teeth clicking softly as he bit down sharply on air.

At Thistlekit’s dubious expression he added “It’s like when you kill prey. Breaking their neck, you know?”

Thistlekit sighed. “All right, I guess that works as good as anything. Can you help me come up with other things to try hollyleaf on now?”

Brightstar purred with amusement as the two kits sat next to each other. With their heads close together and their excited voices rolling over each other they looked just like littermates.

Stoatfeather padded forward. “Heatherwhisker and Tawnypaw have been working out how to reinforce the old tunnels. And clear out more of the entrances. I caught Smallear and Ashfur fighting so I sent them to hunt beyond the Thunderpath together as punishment. Hopefully the roaring of monsters will remind them that we face greater dangers than a clanmate eating one mouse too many.”

Brightstar flicked her tail playfully. She felt sure that Stoatfeather took at least a little satisfaction in being able to give orders to her former rivals. “All right, just so long as you don’t let Ashfur think you’re lording the deputyship over him.”

Stoatfeather purred. “Ashfur may think what he likes. I have no control over that. But I won’t go out of my way to rub his nose in it if that’s what you’re asking of me.”

“I suppose that’s all I can ask of you.” Brightstar turned her gaze back to the two kits before Stoatfeather could see her full mirth. The few trees scattered around the farm were starting to show buds. Newleaf wasn’t far away. “Brokenkit and Tanglekit will be ready for apprenticeship soon. I was thinking… Heatherwhisker might be good for Brokenkit. To show him the strength and value of Windclan.”

Stoatfeather gave her a sharp look. “Heatherwhisker has their paws full, first with the rabbit training and now teaching Tawnypaw how to open and reinforce tunnels based off of nothing but old stories they heard as a kit. Plus it’s not their responsibility to prove their right to exist to anyone, especially not an apprentice. One-Eye could be a good choice, she’d be better used to thinking about ways to train around a weakness rather than trying to push through it and fight like another cat.”

Brightstar rumbled skeptically. “Perhaps. But she’s half deaf, and her good eye is hardly any good these days. I think she has her paws full just keeping watch and going on hunting patrols.”

Stoatfeather lashed her tail but conceded the point. “Maybe Dawncloud then. She’s younger than a lot of us, and you could ask One-Eye to watch their training sessions when she can to offer feedback. You could offer advice as well sometimes.”

Brightstar nodded. “That sounds good. And for Tanglekit… Would you like to train him?”

Stoatfeather balked. “Oh Starclan no! I may not be in my grave yet but I’m not getting any younger. Much as I appreciate being deputy I don’t think I could manage training an apprentice on top of it. Especially not such a lively one as Tanglekit.”

“Understandable. So how about Speckletail?”

Stoatfeather looked thoughtful. “She could be good. Certainly has her head on right. Ashfur might be annoyed but he could do with a little more annoyance.”

Chapter Text

Brightstar returned from a hunting patrol, carrying two lean mice for her clan. She was still stiff, and she hadn’t gone too far from the barn, but it felt like her wound was finally healed.

It was time.

Instead of taking her prey to the freshkill pile she padded up to Marge and Brenadine, dropping the mice at their feet. She had been trying to put off asking them about Bloodclan because if they were anything like Barley it would be painful for them to talk about, but there were some things that she needed to know.

Brenadine glanced up. “Oh no, you don’t need to bother, I was just about to catch us a meal myself.”

Brightstar sat down. They hadn’t held the ceremony to give the kits their clan names yet because Marge and Brenadine were still a little cautious of the clan cats. And they still did not fully understand what clan life entailed. “Whatever your final decision on joining is, as long as you are here we will treat you like members of our clan. Which means we hunt for you, and you hunt for us. And queens and kits eat first.”

Brenadine dipped her head uncomfortably. “...thank you.” Pushing the other mouse towards Brightstar she said “You should take this to some of the other kits then. I’m sure they’re hungry.”

Brightstar shifted. “Consider that one… a gift. I have some questions to ask you.”

Brenadine’s ears pricked. “About Bloodclan?”

Brightstar nodded. Princess needed to know about Firestar and Cloudtail. And now that Brightstar was recovered, she needed to be the one to tell her. Brenadine stood and flicked her tail. “Let’s take this talk somewhere else then.” Once they were out of earshot of Marge and the kits she explained “It’s hard for Marge to talk about Bloodclan. It’s a little hard for me to keep quiet.” Turning to Brightstar she asked “What did you need to know?”

“Primarily what things are like there now. Or were, when you left.”

Brenadine twitched her whiskers in rueful amusement. “Well one thing you’ll be glad to hear, their territory isn’t as large as you think. Scourge said that the whole forest was ours, but then he went back and said we had to stay between the river and the road until Bloodclan regained its strength. He claimed it was to keep us from being vulnerable to enemies, but I think the enemies he’s most scared of are within his own clan. A lot of his best cronies died in that battle, and a lot of cats are upset about the friends and mates they lost. Most likely he wanted to keep everyone within a smaller area, so he could keep a better eye on us. So we’d have fewer places to hide.”

Brightstar nodded with interest. That was good news for the clan, if not for her trip to Princess. While that area included a lot of Windclan territory they could skirt the edge of it and hunt near the sheep south of the river. Even better, the rank smell of those animals would be a good mask for cat scent in case any traces of it drifted into Bloodclan territory. Riverclan was not as viable, since it would be hard to hunt without getting too close to either Bloodclan territory or the twoleg nest. And without access to the river there wouldn’t be that much prey in Riverclan either. They could use the majority of Shadowclan territory so long as this state of affairs stood, since the thunderpath would cover any Silverclan scents drifting over from the marsh.

Only issue was this put Twolegplace right on the other end of Bloodclan territory.

But once Scourge expanded his territory that would only make Twolegplace even more dangerous to visit. “How long do you think he’ll keep things that way?”

Brenadine growled at the memories. “Probably a moon or two at least, a lot of it depends on how many kits they manage to kidnap and how strong those kits are when they join. Scourge told us that to “repay” him for the territory he won us, and to prove our loyalty, every single cat in Bloodclan had to go to Twolegplace and bring back at least two new “recruits” for Scourge. As if all the lives we lost weren’t payment enough.”

A cold shiver ran down Brightstar’s spine. She sincerely hoped that Princess hadn’t grown restless and gone looking in the forest for her kin. That she hadn’t been dragged from her twoleg nest and forced to serve Scourge. “Do you know how successful the cats were in getting these recruits?”

Brenadine shrugged. “I didn’t know much of anything that was going on with the other Bloodclan cats. A few nights before I left I was called on to explain why I hadn’t brought in my fresh blood yet. I was able to delay them by talking about how I was looking but also had to focus on making sure my own kits grew up strong for Scourge. When I went there I saw a bunch of kits, some so young they couldn’t have even been weaned yet, shivering in the cold as Ice, the new deputy, lectured them on how strong they were going to become.”

“How were those kits going to train?! If they aren’t even weaned yet wouldn’t they starve?!”

Brenadine shrugged. “It’s possible they kidnapped some mothers too and I just didn’t see them. But even so indoctrinating a kit that’s still nursing is a new low, even for Scourge.”

Brightstar blinked, not sure she wanted her question answered “When does he usually start training kits?”

“Once they’re fully weaned kits are separated from their mother, and their littermates, and they are told to start hunting and fighting for the clan.”

Brightstar’s blood ran cold. “That can’t be more than two moons old!”

Brenadine narrowed her eyes. “You sound shocked. Cinderpelt mentioned kits here don’t start fighting until six moons.”

Brightstar shook her head. “That’s when they start training. When they start learning to hunt or fight. It’s an important part of the warrior code. But even then, an apprentice will usually train for at least a moon before they’re let anywhere near a battle.”

Brenadine surveyed the barn. The playing kits. The elders sharing tongues. Tawnypaw and Heatherwhisker trying to clean the mud and silt out of each others’ pelts. “I don’t much like having so many cats around. But if you really follow all these rules you have… Doesn’t seem like a bad way to live on balance.”

Chapter Text

The pines towered over Brightstar in the fading light. It had taken her all day to make it this close to Twolegplace. Her belly brushed over fallen needles as she crawled close to the ground, overwhelmed by the sickening feeling of being a fugitive in her own territory.

Finally she approached Twolegplace, and now was overwhelmed with trying to remember which of the identical twoleg nests had belonged to Princess. Hopping up on a fence she called out softly “Princess?”

When there was no response she yowled a little louder “Princess?!”

A soft, black and white cat strolled out of the nest, blinking in surprise at the sight of her. “You’re not Firestar. And what do you want with Princess?”

Brightstar blinked. “You knew Firestar?”

The cat looked concerned. “What do you mean, ‘knew’? Is he alright?”

She swallowed. She had not been prepared to break this news to two cats today. “He died fighting Bloodclan. Were you… close?”

He staggered. “We were kits together. He… I knew it was dangerous, when he went to live in the forest, but I didn’t… I thought he would be out there getting into fights for a long time yet.”

Brightstar dipped her head. “I’m sorry. He died a noble death, defending his clan.”

Smudge did not look very consoled. “Thanks, I guess? Does Princess know?”

“I came here to tell her. Could you show me where she lives?”

“Of course!” He sprang up beside her, and quietly led her to another nest a few fences down.

“Princess!” He called out. “One of the forest cats came to see you!”

Princess bounded out of the nest, her eyes lighting up as she recognized Brightstar. “Hello! You look so much better than last time I saw you! I’m so sorry about that, I was just so surprised, and-”

“It’s all right,” Brightstar interrupted awkwardly. “My name is Brightstar now, by the way.”

Princess’s face shone with excitement “So you’re a leader too now? Oh Brightstar that’s wonderful! Are you and Firestar leading together? And how are he and Cloudtail doing?”

A cold, hard lump settled in Brightstar’s belly. “Princess, I-I don’t know what to tell you. I’m so sorry.”

Princess’s eager expression faded. “Why? Are they hurt?”

“Firestar. And Cloudtail. They’re dead.”

A numbness seemed to settle over her. “Both of them? Was it those blood cats?”

Brightstar nodded, glad that she at least didn’t have to explain that much. “Yeah. He gathered all the clans together to fight them, but it wasn’t enough. Me, Cinderpelt, and an apprentice from Shadowclan were the only cats to escape the battle. We’re living with all the clans’ elders and kits in Barley’s barn until we figure out what to do or where to go next. Firestar… He died defending his clan. It’s the way he would have wanted to go. And it’s because he united the clans and he and Cloudtail fought so ferociously that we were able to escape at all.”

“I see,” she mewed, quietly and with little emotion. Turning to Smudge she stated flatly “Keep an eye on my housefolk. Make sure they aren’t too sad.”

Both he and Brightstar were taken aback. “Why? Where are you going?”

Princess turned to Brightstar, her gaze filled with so much sorrow yet even more determination. “I’m going to this barn. And I’ll help your clans until you’re all safe and Scourge is dealt with.”

Chapter Text

Every one of Brightstar’s nerves screamed as Princess crashed through the forest after her, but the kittypet could not be dissuaded. Every moment she felt sure that a Bloodclan patrol would find them, kill Princess, and that Firestar would haunt her for all nine of her lives.

Despite Princess’s best efforts they made it back to the barn unscathed. By that point Brighstar was starving, not daring to stop and hunt either on the way out or back. Stoatfeather rushed out to greet her, stopping dead in her tracks at the sight of Princess. “What’s that kittypet doing here?” She hissed.

Princess stepped forward confidently. “Hi! I’m Princess! Firestar’s sister. Brightstar told me what happened so I wanted to help. What’s your name?”

Stoatfeather’s eyes glazed, not sure which parts of this introduction to react to. Instead she turned to Brightstar and demanded “You let her come?”

Exhausted and frayed beyond much ability to care Brightstar growled “If you don’t want her here you convince her to leave,” and padded into the barn. The freshkill pile had a few mice in it, so Brightstar took a small one, devoured it in two bites, and curled up to sleep in a hollow Tawnypaw had made at the base of the Tallbale for her leader’s den.

When Brightstar awoke she found Stoatfeather and Princess waiting beside her den, along with Cinderpelt. Stoatfeather raised her nose. “I’ve discussed it with Princess and Cinderpelt. I think we should allow her to stay only if she can prove by Newleaf that she can hunt well enough to provide for herself and our clan.”

“Do you now?” Brightstar asked, amused. “That seems reasonable to me.”
“And mice caught in the barn don’t count,” Stoatfeather added. “Any cat can catch them.”

“That seems unnecessarily stringent.”

“Didn’t Brenadine say that Bloodclan is leaving wide stretches of Windclan, Shadowclan, and Riverclan unpatrolled? She should be able to find plenty of prey in there.”

Brightstar twitched her tail. “Very well. But I want you to make it clear to every cat that we are not hunting in Riverclan. Or in any part of the river below Windclan borders. Since Scourge chose it as the boundary to his territory we’d risk too much by hunting near it.”

Stoatfeather twitched her tail. “Yes of course, we’re not mouse-brained.”

Brightstar nodded. “All right then. Could you fetch Tawnypaw for me?”

A little surprised Stoatfeather nonetheless retrieved the apprentice. As Tawnypaw approached she looked at Princess with no little hostility. “Tawnypaw, this is Princess. She’s Firestar’s sister, and she maintained close ties with him and Cloudtail until their deaths. Because of this, and because of how important the clans were to Firestar, she wants to help us survive. To help the warrior code survive. But she doesn’t know how to hunt and fight for herself-”

“And she needs to prove that she can before we let her stay,” Stoatfeather interjected.

Brightstar quelled her with a look. “Stoatfeather thinks that we should send her back to Twolegplace if she can’t learn to help provide for the clan by Newleaf. I was hoping that you would show her.”

Both cats let out mewls of shock, but Brightstar flicked her tail. “Stoatfeather. It’s reasonable to ask that Princess learn our ways if she truly wants to help us. But it’s not reasonable to expect her to do so with no mentor. Tawnypaw, I think you’re about ready to become a warrior. And it would be an excellent test of your skills, as well as practice for when you have an apprentice of your own, to teach Princess.”

Stoatfeather didn’t protest, though her tail still lashed irritably. Tawnypaw bowed her head, partially mollified by the knowledge that her warrior name wasn’t far off. Turning to Princess she said with coolness which was far enough from hostility that Brightstar let it slide “Come on, Heatherwhisker and I were going to go hunting, then explore and shore up the tunnels some more. It’ll be a perfect place for you to start.”

“Tunnels?!” Princess asked, her eyes round.

Clearly Tawnypaw was not planning to take things easy with the kittypet, but Brightstar saw no reason to interfere. Either Princess would be scared off and Brightstar could escort her back to the safety of her twolegs, or she would prove just as stubborn in deed as in word, in which case she would be a valuable asset to the clan.

Chapter Text

Brightstar dropped her prey on the freshkill pile, relishing the feeling of being a contributing member of her clan again. She wanted to learn rabbit-chasing with Speckletail soon, but Cinderpelt was of the mind that she needed to give herself a good bit more time of recovery and light exertion before she started sprinting across the moore. Preferably waiting until she was finished nursing her future kit at least. Ashfur had been a great help, showing her how to hunt in Shadowclan territory. While under the pines it was similar to hunting in Thunderclan she was still glad of the company during her first patrol in the unfamiliar territory.

Speckletail approached her, looking determined. “Brightstar, may I talk with you?”

Brightstar nodded and led the way to her small den. Awkwardly crouching against the hay Speckletail said “When Chaoskit reaches six moons, I’d like to be her mentor.”

Brightstar blinked in surprise. “I mean… are you sure? We don’t know she’ll be able to train, and I was going to give you Tanglekit.”

Speckletail looked briefly tempted, then shook her head. “No. Thank you, but no. It would mean a lot more for me to train Chaoskit. Even if she can’t finish her apprenticeship. But she isn’t Snowkit, I’ve realized that. Snowkit was never going to become a warrior and I know that now. Not because he was deaf, but because he didn’t want that. Whether it was because he didn’t understand, or we didn’t care to help him understand, or it was just his nature, he was happy being a kit. He would have been happy spending his whole life chasing butterflies and accepting the care of his clanmates. And the reason why I know that is because I’ve seen Chaoskit. I’ve seen how she’s different. If we make an inch of effort she will leap over miles of barriers to participate with us. She’s already worked out most of a language with Brokenkit, and he’s been teaching me as much of it as I can learn. I’ve seen her trying to catch barn mice with no training or encouragement, other than watching us. I think… I think that if I can just find the right ways to teach her she could make a fine warrior.”

Brightstar blinked. Unbidden she felt Cloudtail’s sweet scent surround her. With this life I give you faith. Use it to help all the cats of your clan to reach their full potential, even when it doesn't seem possible.

Looking at Speckletail she understood the meaning of Cloudtail’s life. “Very well. When the time comes you will mentor Chaoskit. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you teach her.”

Surprised Speckletail dipped her head in gratitude. A little perplexed Brightstar mewed “This just leaves the problem of choosing a mentor for Tanglekit… I’ve already chosen Dawncloud for Brokenkit. Do you think Ashfur would be good?”

Speckletail cocked her head. “Ashfur would be a good mentor, but maybe not for Tanglekit. He has a gentle spirit, and an eagerness to please. A stern mentor like Ashfur could break that spirit. And if your goal is to unite us as one clan, it might be best to avoid assigning two of our first Silverclan apprentices to mentors from their old clan. I think Pebblenose would do right by him.”

Brightstar nodded. “Right, thank you. I appreciate your advice. And everything you do for the clan.”

Speckletail backed away and stood, flicking her tail dismissively as she left. “It’s nothing more or less than what any other cat is doing.”

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt and Dawncloud finished reinforcing the new nursery, hay piled into makeshift walls against the least drafty corner of the barn. Brightstar mewed her gratitude, still seeming a little self-conscious about her pregnancy. Cinderpelt touched noses with her. “Rest now, Stoatfeather will do a great job taking care of the clan.”

“Are you sure it’s alright? That everyone’s ok with it?”

Cinderpelt sighed. She had been shocked when she first realized it, sure, but primarily she had been worried about the reactions of her clanmates. However, when the announcement was made everyone accepted it more or less readily. Perhaps partly because it was easier to believe that birthing or nursing kits made a deputy unready for duty than a leader Starclan had already given lives to. Now Cinderpelt just wished that Brightstar could stop worrying about it. She was having her first kit. Silverclan was having its first kit. The first kit born in the new clan. By all rights this should have been a time of excitement and renewed hope for everyone, especially Brightstar.

Dawncloud flicked Brightstar’s good ear with her tail. “Everyone has to be fine with it. You can’t just take your nine lives back to Starclan. Even Brokentail didn’t have his lives revoked, so we can hardly challenge your authority over a few moons in the nursery.”

“But I’m just starting out as a leader!”

“Well then that just means we’re less dependent on you. Rest. We’re in a far better place now than we were before you were named leader. We’ll all be fine.”

Reluctantly Brightstar laid down and closed her eyes. Cinderpelt let out a breath of relief, and once she and Dawncloud were out of the leader’s hearing she said “Thank you for that. I hate how worked up she is about this. How she isn’t even allowing herself to look forward to her first kit.”

Dawncloud twitched her tail dismissively. “It’s nothing. I remember what it’s like to have kits. To fear losing them. But even with Brokenstar I wasn’t expecting while he was in charge. I can’t imagine what it would be like to carry a kit knowing that they might not be safe once born. Especially not in a situation where you feel you aren’t supposed to be having any in the first place.”

“It’ll be good for us to have a new kit around though,” Cinderpelt mused. “I don’t know how long it will take us to have new apprentices after all of our current kits are warriors. There are no toms in the clan who are either young enough to have kits now or old enough to do so anytime soon. It’s never good when a clan is missing a whole generation like that…”

Dawncloud gave her a lick behind the ears. “Hey. There’s a bigger gap between you and the youngest elder here than there is for any of the kits. We’re already practically missing two or three generations. It’s not ideal, but we’re getting by now and we’ll get by in the future. Whatever happens.”

Chapter Text

Brightstar climbed onto the Tallbale, heart hammering in her chest as the straw pricked her rounded belly. Being there at all still felt wrong to her, even though it didn’t carry the gravitas of the High Rock. The fact that she was about to perform a ceremony that was completely new to clan life made things a thousand times worse. Still rehearsing the words she had decided on with Cinderpelt in her head she cried “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

The cats all pulled together. Barley disappeared through a gap in the barn wall, disliking it when all of Silverclan gathered into one large group.

Brightstar looked over her clanmates, making sure that they were all there. Brenadine sat at the outskirts of the group, purring in amusement as Marge anxiously licked their kits.

Brightstar looked at the ceiling, hoping that Starclan could still see them even through the solid roof. Not for the first time she felt a twinge of sadness at the way their camp was cut off from Silverpelt. “Starclan. I present to you these cats, who wish to join our clan. Brenadine, who has hunted and patrolled alongside us. And Marge, who has agreed to raise her kits in knowledge of the warrior code. They plan to keep their names, but we accept them into our clan nonetheless, honoring their courage and resilience.” Looking down at the small family Brightstar called “Boots. Chaos. Step forward.”

Boots bounced up and Chaos darted ahead of him until she realized that she did not know what was going on, then waited for her brother to catch up, attentively following his lead thereafter.

Brightstar leapt down to the floor, struggling against a smile as she saw the kits’ solemn faces. “Boots. As a kit joining Silverclan, wishing to take on a clan name, from this point until you reach the age of six moons you will be known as Bootkit.” Brightstar gestured for the two kits to turn around and face their clanmates. Without hearing it was important that Chaos saw this part. Then she threw back her head and yowled “Bootkit!” And the barn reverberated with all the other cats yowling his name, making the sign for Bootkit as they did so.

As the kits turned back Brightstar mewed “Chaos. As a kit joining Silverclan, wishing to take on a clan name, from this point until you reach the age of six moons you will be known as Chaoskit.” As she said these words Brightstar made the signs that she and Brokenkit had worked out to convey them. The kits turned around again, and the clan yowled and signed “Chaoskit! Chaoskit! Chaoskit!”

At the height of the chant Brightstar suddenly felt the ground vibrating with heavy steps. She silenced the clan with a swish of her tail and hissed “Hide!” Grabbing Chaoskit she darted behind a hay bale.

The barn door flew open with a crash, and a twoleg stomped in, waving around a disembodied monster eye that lit the barn with a harsh glare. After a long, tense moment of searching it growled and closed the door again, then the stomps faded into the distance.

They had to find a different camp.

Chapter Text

Tawnypaw slithered through the tunnel after Heatherwhisker, her tail brushing against Princess’s face as the kittypet followed them in grim determination.

This was their first time taking her with them to explore new tunnels. So far Tawnypaw had been begrudgingly impressed with how readily she followed them into the known tunnels, working on her ability to sense the area around her as Tawnypaw and Heatherwhisker practiced running in the dark. She even ran with Tawnypaw for a few stretches.

Tawnypaw checked the sides of the tunnel walls. Twitching her tail for Princess to stop she mewed “Here. Feel this. This is what it feels like when a wall needs reinforcing.”

“Will the roof fall on us?” There was a terrified squeak in Princess’s mew, though she was trying to sound idly curious.

“There’s not much risk of that,” Heatherwhisker chimed in. “Not right now, at any rate. But if we don’t fix it, and we get heavy rains in Newleaf, then it might collapse.”

Princess shuddered in horror and mewed softly “I suppose we’d better fix it then.”

Tawnypaw touched her shoulder. “Go back to the last entrance we passed. Gather some mud and grass, rolled into a ball like I showed you so it stays damp for the trip out here. Me and Heatherwhisker will go a little further down to see if there’s a nearer hole.”

There was a pause, in which Princess was likely nodding solemnly before remembering that they couldn’t see anything. “Right. I’ll be back.”

Tawnypaw splashed a light marker by the spot so that they wouldn’t forget where it was, and she and Heatherwhisker continued on. They took turns marking weak spots and areas that warranted further examination. Suddenly Heatherwhisker stopped, swishing her tail across Tawnypaw’s muzzle in warning.

Tawnypaw halted. She too heard the vibrations of cats walking overhead. Cats who were not particularly good at moving quietly.

“We were better off in the city,” a voice growled. “At least half-rotted fish bones don’t run away.”

“And we would still have Robin,” the other voice sounded bleak. “If she was here I bet she’d be able to catch a mouse.”

The first voice came out in a panicked hiss “Careful Flint! We’ve barely gone a few dumpster lengths from that beater! You can’t keep talking about Robin like that! Scourge will think you’re not over her!”

One set of paws planted itself in the ground. “Well maybe I’m not over her! Maybe it’d be better for me if Scourge found out and killed me!”

There was a brief scuffling and some growls, likely “Flint” was getting cuffed behind the ears. “Don’t be an idiot. If he found out you cared that much about her. If he even suspected that you and I were a little too close. He’d just kill me to punish you.”

“Sorry Smoke,” the second voice mumbled.

And the two cats tramped off.

Chapter Text

Chaoskit had started devising signs for various colors, which was good because Brokenkit was struggling to think of a way to name Tawnypaw for her. Sootkit and Rainkit had already had their signs devised, so they didn’t have to worry about her accidentally naming them after their colors.

Tawnypaw, Speckletail, and Princess arrived with a large rabbit. While Tawnypaw carried it Princess beamed with the pride of someone who’d just caught ten of them. Her fluffy fur still made her look soft but Brightstar could already see hints of a more athletic build forming underneath.

After dropping her kill off Tawnypaw headed for Brightstar. “Can I speak with you in your den?”

Brightstar nodded, giving Ravenpaw a last, quick lick before she stopped sharing tongues with him.

In the den Tawnypaw mewed “I wanted to tell you about something we heard out in the tunnels. When we first got back to camp you were asleep, and the clan isn’t in immediate danger, so we cleaned up and I took Princess out to practice team hunting.” Brightstar enjoyed seeing the intent, thoughtful look in Tawnypaw’s eyes as she got sidetracked talking about Princess’s training. “She’s been doing well in the tunnels, surprisingly well. I mean I’m counting anything short of sprinting back to Twolegplace in a panic in her favor, but given how wary even our clanmates are about the tunnels I’m impressed a kittypet is able to endure them. So I thought I’d start giving her more complicated training. We worked on her ability to move quietly and keep track of the wind, and I decided team hunting would be a good place to start with her because she doesn’t need skills on top of that in order to help drive a rabbit towards a runner.”

“A wise choice,” Brightstar mewed. “How did she do?”

Tawnypaw abruptly seemed to remember herself. “She did well,” she mewed gruffly. “But that’s not what I came here to tell you. Out in the tunnels we heard Bloodclan cats.”

Brightstar’s fur bristled instinctively. “They didn’t see us! They couldn’t even know we were there, with the dirt between us and them. But we overheard them talking. It sounds like Brenadine and Marge aren’t the only cats unhappy with Scourge lately. These cats were bad at hunting, and on edge worried about Scourge deciding they cared too much about each other. I don’t know what we should do with this information, but there might be something there. Some way we could get more cats to leave Bloodclan and join us, or maybe even undermine Scourge’s rule over Bloodclan. But it’s obviously too dangerous to do anything about soon, I just wanted you to know.”

Brightstar nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, that is interesting. Thanks for telling me.”

Tawnypaw dipped her head. “Of course.” With a playful flick of her tail she added “I will be expecting you to give me an apprentice in the same ceremony as my warrior name though.”

Chapter Text

Stoatfeather was sharing tongues with Brightstar and watching Rainkit, Sootkit, and Sorrelkit play. “They’re ready to be apprentices any day now. Have you thought about who will mentor them?”

Brightstar started. “Already? I thought… well I guess I just didn’t realize how fast they were growing.”

“They’re older than Brokenkit and Tanglekit you know.”

Brighstar blinked. “Yes, that’s true. I guess it’s just easy to forget when those two are so big.”

Stoatfeather dipped her head. “So who do you have in mind?”

Brightstar squinted into the sunlight. “Do you think it would be too hasty to give Sorrelkit to Tawnypaw? I don’t want to overwork her while she’s still training Princess, but she is past due for a warrior name and ready enough for an apprentice.”

Stoatfeather rumbled. “Let’s… go through our other options first. Ashfur should take one of the kits.”

Brightstar nodded. “Right. One-Eye doesn’t need the extra work. And Dawncloud and Pebblenose are already slated for Brokenkit and Tanglekit.”

Stoatfeather pricked her ears. “I thought Speckletail was teaching Tanglekit?”

Brightstar flicked her tail. “She approached me about that. She wants to mentor Chaoskit instead, even if it means waiting longer and not knowing if her apprentice will be able to function as a warrior.”

“Well I suppose that’s her choice to make…” Stoatfeather wracked her brain. She could volunteer herself as a mentor, but she’d been sharing a den with Ashfur and was starting to have suspicions that she was pregnant. Kitting at her age was already risky enough, she didn’t want to have an apprentice to worry about on top of it. “Heatherwhisker could mentor another kit.”

“Right. That’s two accounted for. We could ask Smallear or Dappletail to mentor the third one. But they have so much trouble moving in the cold I’ve been keeping them to the barn since Brenadine started hunting for us. And I don’t want to ask Brenadine to mentor when she hasn’t even had the chance to watch a normal… well, ‘normal’ training session herself yet.”

Stoatfeather glanced up at the two elders sharing tongues across the barn. She called them over with a flick of her tail. “Let’s ask them right now. And if both of them refuse we can give Sorrelkit to Tawnypaw.”

“What about you?”

Stoatfeather glanced at her leader. “I could handle an apprentice. Or a kit. But not both. And I’m not certain that I’m not pregnant right now.”

“Oh.” Brightstar’s eyes were wide with shock, but luckily before she could ask any questions the others arrived.

“What’s this about?” Dappletail mewed.

“Rainkit, Sootkit, and Sorrelkit need mentors soon. We-” Brightstar caught herself, clearly still struggling to muster the undisputed authority a leader was supposed to hold “I wanted to ask if either of you would like to have an apprentice.”

Smallear and Dappletail exchanged looks. With a long-suffering sigh Smallear said “If it’s for the sake of the clan I suppose I could manage it.”

Stoatfeather saw Brightstar’s hackles rise before she forced them down with effort. “I know you both have already served your clanmates as much as any cat can. Tawnypaw is ready to receive her warrior name any day now, so she can train one of the kits if neither of you want to. I just wanted to give you two the option to take an apprentice first before giving one to a junior warrior.”

Smallear curled his lip in distaste. “Aren’t you worried that Tawnypaw will teach them to betray us? She even left us for Shadowclan.”

“Shadowclan is us now Smallear!” Stoatfeather was surprised by Brightstar’s vehemence. “And Tawnypaw wouldn’t have left if you weren’t so awful to her!” Seeming to catch herself Brightstar added “Sorry. I understand your concern. But Tawnypaw has proven herself loyal to the warrior code now, regardless of her past actions. She’s a skilled hunter and a strong fighter. She could have survived much more easily on her own than here with us. The truth of the matter is I trust her. And we need her. And one way or another you’ll have to live with that.”

Rather than offense there was a flicker of new respect in Smallear’s eyes. He dipped his head and replied gruffly “Very well then. I’ll stick to hunting mice in the shelter of the barn. But I’ll be keeping an eye on Tawnypaw and her apprentice, just in case.”

As he padded off Dappletail mouthed “sorry” and followed him. Brightstar sheepishly accepted the silent apology, watching the two elders move to speak with Speckletail. “I shouldn’t have lost my temper.”

Stoatfeather grunted. “Whether it was right or not it did the job of shutting him up. And I think you got more loyalty from him out of that one outburst than you would have with twenty moons of rational discourse.”

Brightstar sighed. “I suppose.” Then she gazed moodily into the distance. “We are quickly running out of mentors.”

Chapter Text

Tawnypaw plodded into the barn, exhausted and not even a scrap of prey to show for it. They’d spent the whole day in the tunnels and one of the old sections they’d been reinforcing had collapsed on them. The three of them barely made it out alive. Princess sat down heavily in the straw, staring blankly ahead and not even trying to clean her fur. As Tawnypaw started furiously licking the mud off of her chest Heatherwhisker was bubbling with forced cheer “You know the whole network was really supposed to have half a clan maintaining it anyway. From now on maybe we should just work on learning the tunnels we’ve already made sure are safe. Practice our dark-running more so that we can eventually catch rabbits down there. After all there’s no use putting all this work into the tunnels if we can’t use them to catch prey now is there?”

“No I suppose there’s not,” Tawnypaw huffed. Just then she was having trouble seeing any point in the tunnels at all.

Thistlekit bounded up to her. “Did the hollyleaf help?”

Tawnypaw was flustered. He had sent some of the stiff, shredded leaves with them to try mixing into their tunnel mud for structural support. She had completely forgotten about it in the mad dash for survival. “Oh, well, see the thing is…”

Princess perked up at the sight of a kit, shaking off her wordless terror. “We didn’t get a chance to see how well it worked in the tunnels. Why don’t you try building with it in the barn? That way it would be much easier to see how it compares with normal mud and grass-mud for strength. Here, you can collect the silt from our pelts to start with and next time we go out I’ll bring back some more mud for you to work with.”

At that he perked up and called Brokenkit over. The young tabby grimaced at the task Thistlekit excitedly related to him, but joined him in cleaning the mud-soaked cats.

Tawnypaw certainly did not mind the extra help, and appreciated Princess taking charge of making sure that Thistlekit was happy and occupied.

Brightstar kept glancing their way, fidgeting as if impatient for some reason. They had just finally finished getting their pelts clean when she clambered onto the Tallbale. What is she…?

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Tallbale!”

Tawnypaw stood, Heatherwhisker and Princess padding curiously behind her as Thistlekit focused on balling up the precious mud he’d collected and Brokenkit fidgeted by his side, clearly wanting to watch the clan meeting.

Thumping down to the barn floor as cats poured together Brightstar scanned her clanmates. Tawnypaw saw Dappletail hastily grooming the Thunderclan kits and realized with a pang of excitement and jealousy that they were being apprenticed. That other cats would be named their mentors. She shook her head. It didn’t make sense to feel that way. She was still an apprentice herself. But Brightstar had admitted that she was ready to be a warrior…

She jolted in surprise as she heard her leader’s gentle voice mew “Tawnypaw. Step forward.”

Cats parted around her as she padded ahead, all her previous exhaustion forgotten. “You have served your clan well. Each one you’ve been in. Without you we might not have survived long enough to become the clan we are now. Because of what you’ve done for Silverclan, and the way that you’ve modeled the resilience through change that we strive for, I want to give you the same namesake as our clan. From this day forward you will be known as Tawnypelt.” The clan shouted Tawnypelt’s name around her, a little less thunderously than they had for the kits out of fear of twolegs. Brightstar touched her nose to Tawnypelt’s head and excitement thrummed through her. Not just at her new name. “Starclan honors your courage, loyalty, and adaptability. May you share it with our clan for many moons to come.”

Tawnypelt dipped her head and returned to the crowd. “That’s not the only business we have tonight,” Brightstar looked to Dappletail. “Sootkit. Step forward.”

Sootkit had to receive a little push from Dappletail before he nervously padded forward. “From this day forward until you receive your warrior name you will be known as Sootpaw.” Brightstar nodded in Tawnypelt’s direction, and her heart lurched for a moment until she heard “Heatherwhisker. Step forward.”

Once the Windclan elder was in place Brightstar mewed “Share your wisdom and speed with Sootpaw, and help him to become a warrior that any clan could be proud of.”

Tawnypelt joined in chanting Sootpaw’s name with the other cats, trying to be one of the loudest voices without alerting the twolegs.

Sootpaw and Heatherwhisker drew aside. Rainkit was given to Ashfur to mentor, and Tawnypelt felt her heart hammering as Sorrelkit was called forward. The last kit of the litter. She couldn’t believe she was still holding onto any-

“Tawnypelt. Step forward.”

Tawnypelt blinked in shock. It took a nudge from Princess before she stumbled out in front of her leader again. She recovered her wits just enough to mouth “I was joking” before the silence ended. Suppressing a purr Brightstar said “Share your strength and knowledge with Sorrelpaw. Help her to serve her clan as well as any cat.”

Tawnypelt touched noses with Sorrelpaw as her clanmates’ cheers echoed around her. In that moment she knew.

She had finally found her true clan.

Chapter Text

Sorrelpaw clung to Princess’s back as best she could with sheathed claws, squealing in delight as the kittypet lumbered about ineffectively. Tawnypelt frowned. This battle training was mostly for Sorrelpaw’s benefit, since she still wanted to focus more on hunting with Princess, but it wouldn’t help the apprentice much in learning how to tire out a larger, more experienced cat if Princess didn’t act like they were in a battle. “Princess! You’re trying to get her off. Not give her a badger ride!”

“But I don’t want to hurt her!” Princess’s eyes were round with worry.

“Bloodclan won’t be that considerate. You can roll on top of her for a moment without breaking her.”

Princess started to roll to the side, but even without Tawnypelt’s verbal instructions Sorrelpaw had ample warning as the she-cat moved deliberately slowly. Tawnypelt sighed. “All right. This isn’t teaching either of you anything. Princess, you go practice your crouch and see if you can catch some mice out in the field. Sorrelpaw, let’s work on some basic battle moves.”

Sorrelpaw watched Princess amble off, her eyes shining. “I like her a lot, even though she’s a kittypet. Promise she can stay?”

Sorrelpaw needed to learn to wait until a cat was out of earshot before she started talking about them. Princess’s fluffy tail perked up at the apprentice’s pleading tone as she disappeared into a dip. Tawnypelt shook her head. “It’s not my decision to make. Brightstar already told us that it depends on how well she can hunt and fight by Newleaf. She’ll be the judge of that. But until then I’ll keep doing my best to train her.”

“I suppose that will do for now,” Sorrelpaw flicked her tail imperiously. Then dropped into a play crouch to show she was joking. “What are you gonna teach me?! Will you show me how to fight like Sandstorm?”

Tawnypelt felt a twinge of grief. The dun warrior had always been kind to her in Thunderclan. She wished that they had gotten the chance to talk before the battle with Bloodclan. There were a lot of cats that she wished she’d been able to speak with before that slaughter. Trying to cover her emotion she said gruffly “By the time I’m through with you you’ll fight with all the power of Starclan.”

Chapter Text

Speckletail was explaining the warrior code to Bootkit and Chaoskit, with Brokenkit doing his best to translate via dramatic pantomime. Stories and abstract ideas were difficult to sign, because the limited vocabulary they had so far restricted their ability to define new terms. They all sat outside the barn, on the sunny side, because Brokenkit was too self-conscious to pantomime in front of the other kits besides Thistlekit and Tanglekit. He barely tolerated Bootkit’s presence because he was Chaoskit’s littermate.

A warm breeze was blowing, one that smelled like Newleaf. “-And, lastly, the leader’s word is the warrior code.”

Brokenkit translated this sentence as a vague suggestion that Brightstar was stern and important. Then he turned his gaze to Speckletail and asked “Why?”

Speckletail blinked. “Because they are chosen by Starclan to lead us. That’s why.”

“But what if they say to do bad things? Like Brokenstar or Tigerstar?”

Speckletail hesitated. She wasn’t really sure what to say to that. Brokenkit took advantage of her silence to catch Chaoskit up on the exchange. At last the elder said “If a leader is evil, like Brokenstar was, their clanmates need to drive them out.”

Brokenkit seemed satisfied with this answer, but Speckletail realized she wasn’t. Finishing up the lesson quickly she went to see Cinderpelt.

“Can I speak with you? And Brightstar?”

“Of course,” Cinderpelt seemed worried by Speckletail’s vague uneasiness.

Once the two of them were in the nursery with Brightstar Speckletail mewed “I was talking to the kits about the warrior code. And Brokenkit asked what should be done if a leader makes bad choices.”

Cinderpelt flicked her tail impatiently. “If they’re evil you drive them out. If not then they are doing their best with the guidance of Starclan to support them.”

“But what about Bluestar?” Speckletail challenged. “She was a good leader for many moons. And even at her worst she wasn’t evil. But if Firestar hadn’t broken that part of the warrior code we would have gone to war with Windclan for no reason.”

Cinderpelt kneaded the straw anxiously. “That’s unfortunate, but what can we really do about it? This is the way things have always been. We shouldn’t change it because one leader had a lapse in judgement.”

“Isn’t that how the code was changed before?” Brightstar piped up. Looking to Speckletail for confirmation she added “Weren’t you saying that they added a new rule even within your lifetime?”

Speckletail purred. “Yes, and funnily enough that was exactly because of one leader’s lapse in judgement. Our leader at the time left Thunderclan to become a kittypet. So the leaders of the four clans made the rule that warriors reject the soft life of a kittypet.”

Cinderpelt growled “But there aren’t four leaders now. Only one.”

“That may be,” Brightstar looked at her paws “But as that one leader I think I would like to amend that rule. I worry about what might happen if someone like Tigerstar takes power after me. Without another clan to ally with how will Silverclan have the strength to drive such a cat out? Especially if they have supporters within the clan? Or what if I become misguided? I don’t want to be capable of leading my clan into destruction just because I won’t listen to reason.”

“The fact that you’re worrying about it at all suggests it’s not likely,” Cinderpelt pointed out. Then she sighed. “But… Two such leaders like Brokenstar and Tigerstar, in one lifetime… Perhaps it would be best to amend the code. How about ‘the leader’s word is the warrior code, except when opposed by the deputy, the medicine cat, and the elders’?”

Brightstar purred. “It’s a bit of a mouthful, but sounds like a good idea. Let’s go to the others for their thoughts?”

Chapter Text

Tawnypelt and Princess were tunneling while Heatherwhisker worked on team hunting with Sorrelpaw and Sootpaw. They were exploring one of the many branches off of a tunnel that had been opened earlier, closer to the barn. This section had evidently been popular among previous generations of Windclan, since Tawnypelt could still smell faint, eerie traces of cats long dead preserved in the stale underground air. She shuddered, feeling as though the spirits of dead Windclan warriors were breathing down her neck. Challenging her. Snarling at the audacity of this Thunderclan cat.

Tawnypelt froze, Princess bumping into her.

There was a fresh scent.

It wasn’t like any cat she’d smelled before. Certainly wasn’t from one of the clans. Probably a rogue, but that scent… It almost didn’t smell like a cat at all.

Tawnypelt nosed around for a bit and soon found a rough-cut outlet to the surface, looking more like a rabbit’s random digging than the reinforced tunneling of Windclan cats. The smell was stronger there, along with a rabbit scent so intense it made her mouth water. Climbing up through it she found herself in a hollow among the rocks and grass tufts of the valley beyond Windclan. As she blinked in the sunlight the smell of rabbit became overwhelming. She froze, hoping that the prey hadn’t seen her emerge. Then, without moving her head, she scanned the area.

A rabbit stared straight at her, sitting under a rocky overhang.

Tawnypelt’s heart pounded, but the creature’s eyes held more curiosity than fear. Slowly Tawnypelt lowered herself into a hunting crouch, hoping that by avoiding sudden movements she could keep the rabbit in this odd state of ease.

Pebbles clattered behind her. A heavy weight landed on her back and thorn-sharp claws dug into her shoulders.

A voice hoarse with disuse hissed in her ear “What do you think you’re doing?!”

Panic shot through Tawnypelt. Bloodclan must have found them. Whatever happened here, whether she lived or died, she had to make sure that they didn’t find the rest of the clan.

A furious yowl sounded from the tunnels and the weight was lifted. Tawnypelt whirled around to see Princess battering the ears of the oddest cat she’d ever seen.

Rather than fur the cat had pink, wrinkled skin like a twoleg elder. With a scrawny frame and giant ears and eyes they were quickly losing ground to Princess.

Tawnypelt quickly scanned the horizon for more Bloodclan cats, but it seemed that this one was alone. Or else the rest of their patrol had abandoned them.

Tawnypelt hurried over and quickly had the strange cat pinned. For all their vigor they were clearly not an experienced fighter.

This cat was the source of the extremely strange smell, and Tawnypelt honestly couldn’t tell if they were a tom or she-cat. The strangeness of their scent must have been playing tricks on her nose, because in a way they smelled like a mix of both.

“Why are you here?! How many others did Scourge send?”

The cat spat. “What’s a scerge and why do you care?! All I know is you were fixin’ to kill Mopsy!”

Tawnypelt backed up. “What? I would never kill another cat!”

“Not cat you idiot! My rabbit!”

Shocked Tawnypelt glanced back to the overhang. The rabbit had backed up into the stone, but its eyes held only placid confusion at the violent spectacle it had witnessed. “I- what- your rabbit? How can it be yours if it’s not dead?”

The cat huffed. “Me and her shared housefolk. They tried to take me somewhere and I weren’t having none of it so I ran back here. And I took Mopsy with me to keep warm. On account of my not having fur ya see.”

“And you… didn’t eat her?”

“I had a friend whose housefolk had a rabbit,” Princess piped up. “She said he was really dumb but they got along well.”

The odd cat shook themselves and mewed “Well now that you’re here we might as well catch something to eat and you can get yourselves acquainted with Mopsy. I’m Nefretiti by the way. Don’t go by no she or him or they, use my name if ya can or neb or nib if you can’t.”

Tawnypelt blinked at the abrupt change. “Weren’t you just trying to kill me?”

“Well now you know better than to go after my rabbit, don’t you?”

Tawnypelt shook her head and backed up. “Oh. Well, thank you for the offer, but I can’t eat right now. I’m on patrol, so I need to catch some food and bring it back to my clan.”

“Clan?” Nefretiti’s eyes sharpened.

“Yeah!” Princess stepped forward excitedly “There are a bunch of forest cats living in this barn! And they don’t actually eat bones, that’s just a myth. They call themselves Silverclan, and Scourge tried to kill them, so now we’re all hiding from him but one day we’ll get him!”

Nefretiti had nibs head to the side. It must have been lonely, living as a rogue with only a rabbit for company. And apparently not even knowing about the clans. Surprising herself Tawnypelt mewed “You could come join us. If you like.”

Nefretiti hesitated. Glancing at the rabbit Nefretiti said “All right, but I’m not bringing Mopsy along until I know it’s safe for her. And I’m not joining your Silverclan unless she can come too.”

Chapter Text

“Okay… Nefretiti.” It was an incredibly ungainly twoleg name. Almost as foreign as Marge. “You have a rabbit. And she’s alive. And you don’t want anyone eating her?”

A shake of the head. “Nope! Her cubs are fair game though, every now and again she’ll birth some and then if things get dicey she’ll eat them.”

The cats all blinked. “Rabbits are even more mouse-brained than I thought,” Sorrelpaw muttered.

Brightstar looked to Cinderpelt. Cinderpelt shrugged. Leaning over to Stoatfeather she whispered “What do you think?”

“It’s weird no doubt, but at least a rogue knows how to feed themselves. And weren’t you just complaining about our lack of mentors?”

Brightstar dipped her head. “All right, you and your… ‘Mopsy’ may join Silverclan. Once you’ve grown accustomed to clan life and understand our ways we will hold your naming ceremony.”

“Naming?!” Nefretiti… it was hard to tell without the fur, but Nefretiti seemed to be bristling. “I already got a name! And there ain’t nothing wrong with it!”

Brightstar sighed. “All right, you don’t have to change it.”

Tawnypelt stepped forward. “Me and Princess could work on bringing Nefretiti up to speed. I’ll have her see where Nefretiti is and teach Nefretiti what she’s learned so far and then I’ll work with them together.”

“Are you sure that’s alright? You won’t be overwhelmed with Sorrelpaw too?”

Tawnypelt flicked her tail mischievously. “I’ll manage. Wouldn’t want to let any more burden fall on our poor, frail elders.”

Heatherwhisker hissed and playfully batted Tawnypelt’s ear. “Careful what you say when you’re in clawing range.”

Chapter Text

Brightstar lay dozing in the hay, listening to the soft murmurs of her clanmates sharing tongues. She opened her eyes as she heard pawsteps approaching, and felt a brief shock as she saw Tawnypelt standing over her.

“Is something wrong?”

Tawnypelt shifted her paws nervously. “No, of course not. I just thought I’d ask if you wanted to share tongues. Seeing as we haven’t done it much since coming to the barn…”

Fear and guilt tore through Brightstar. But it was only natural for her to share tongues with a clanmate. Especially one who she hadn’t intentionally spoken with in a long time. As leader she couldn’t very well go around avoiding a particular clanmate now could she?

“Yes, that sounds like a good idea.”

Tawnypelt visibly relaxed, but there was still a strange air of tension to her. She settled behind the leader and started licking between her shoulders.

Brightstar shivered. Like any cat she always enjoyed sharing tongues, but somehow this felt more… intense. Almost like… but no. Not that. Cloudtail had been there for her in her darkest time. Seen her beauty when all others looked at her with horror and pity. Seen her strength when all the clan thought that she would spend the rest of her days helpless as a newborn kit. There would be no other cat for her. Never.

“Are you alright? You haven’t said anything, is something going on?”

Brightstar shook herself. Forced some cheeriness into her voice. “No, nothing. I must be a lot more tired than I thought, I think I need to go back to the nursery.”

Brightstar’s breath caught as Tawnypelt nuzzled her cheek. “Yes of course, make sure you go easy on yourself. We want Silverclan’s first kitting to go smoothly!”

Unable to speak Brightstar just nodded and hobbled to the nursery as fast as she could. There she curled up tight with her tail over her nose, remembering the sweet scent of Cloudtail so strongly that she could almost taste it.

Chapter Text

When Brightstar opened her eyes she saw Cloudtail laying beside her, his gaze warm with concern. Scrambling up she said "Cloudtail! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to, I just-"

Before she could finish Cloudtail gently headbutted her chest. "Sorry for what? For being alive?"

Brightstar's throat caught.

Cloudtail looked up at her, his gaze filling with sorrow. "I don't care who you like. Or in what way. I just want you to be happy. I died so that you could live, not waste away pining for me when we'll meet again soon enough. So please. Live. Focus on your clanmates who are alive. On the ones who also love you."

Brightstar swallowed. "I don't want to be disloyal to you..."

"You know, I never liked the way that clan cats use the word 'loyalty'. It's loyal to invade a clan for no reason except your leader's insanity? To send kits out to fight for a leader's pride? 'Loyalty' shouldn't be making yourself miserable just for the sake of it. It should be putting the needs of your clanmates above your own comfort. And I'll be honest with you. I'm dead. I don't have any needs now. So there's nothing for you to put above your own wants."

"But... what we had, I don't want to tarnish it..."

Cloudtail brushed alongside her, purring. "It already happened. There's nothing you can do to tarnish it now. We will always be special to each other. But I don't have to be the only cat that's ever special to you. I don't want to be."

Brightstar buried her face in his shoulder, drinking in his sweet scent. "I love you. And... I am interested. To see what happens with Tawnypelt."

"There's the Brightheart we all know and love," Cloudtail purred.

Chapter Text

Sootpaw ran through the grass, his heart tearing at his throat. Why did he have to get stuck with the one Windclan mentor?

That morning Princess had been telling Tawnypelt about her progress assessing Nefretiti when Heatherwhisker suggested that Sootpaw help the rogue and kittypet practice team hunting. Take part in a Windclan tradition.

It was a mouse-brained tradition if you asked Sootpaw.

He stumbled further on, charging blindly as he felt Princess’s heavy pawsteps close behind. He heard someone yelling, but his blood was roaring too loudly for him to make out words. The sound of pawsteps faded, and his chest swelled with triumph. But there was no time to worry about it for now. He was about to chance poking his head above the grass to reorient himself when a gorse wall loomed before him and he crashed through.

Wiggling and struggling to the other side he finally squirmed free. As he sat up and blinked around himself he realized he was in a clearing. A wide divet in the earth, surrounded by gorse, with five strange cats staring at him in shock.

His body went cold. Bloodclan.

A mottled brown and white she-cat stood up. “What are you doing here? Are you one of the new members of Bloodclan?”

Sootpaw swallowed. His throat was too dry to scream, but at the same time he realized that it would be better not to let these cats know he had allies. If they ran back to Scourge and told him about Silverclan he could still easily wipe them out. So Sootpaw sat up tall, head held high in challenge as he waited for them to attack. He was ready to die. To protect his clan. To keep Tanglekit, and Thistlekit, and Bootkit safe.

The she cat took a step forward. “Crow got your tongue?” Her tone was light. Teasing, even. But there was an undercurrent of tension beneath it. The whole clearing was soaked in it, as though every cat there was holding their breath.

Sootpaw looked around. After another moment he processed her question. “Oh! Yeah, I’m Sootp-uh, Soot.”

One of the cats behind her cocked his head to the side. “Haven’t seen you around before, this your first time away from Main Camp?”

“Uh, yeah. Yes it is.” Sootpaw wondered what part of the old clan territories “Main Camp” referred to, but for the moment he was just glad for any amount of cover he was given.

Two of the cats in the back were whispering to each other. A pale ginger tom with a white belly padded up to Sootpaw. Flicking an ear towards the she-cat he said “How about I show you around some, Soot? Gotta be pretty scary exploring the big wide world on your own for the first time.”

Sootpaw backed up. He did not want to be taken deeper into Bloodclan territory. “That’s, I’m fine, thanks. I was actually pretty excited to be on my own!”

Somehow that was the wrong thing to say. The air grew suddenly colder. A black and white cat circled behind Sootpaw. A younger tom mewed “Surely we don’t have to-”

“Yes, we do.” The brown and white she-cat hissed. “This is why I wanted to keep it down to three cats at a time. There’s no way we can explain this many cats talking together to Scourge.”

Sootpaw hissed, spreading his legs apart and bushing his fur to try and look big. He was uncomfortably aware of how much the wind cut through his still-soft pelt.

A growl sounded from off to the side. Five heads shot up in alarm.

Heatherwhisker, Princess, and Nefretiti were padding out from a gap in the gorse. “Don’t you have anything better to do than murder kits?” Heatherwhisker mewed. Sootpaw was too relieved at the sight of them to take offense.

Bristling the leading she-cat growled “Who are you? And what business do you have here?”

Heatherwhisker stuck their chin out. “I am Heatherwhisker. And that’s my apprentice. And I am going to kill you all now."

Chapter Text

The Bloodclan cats all hissed and clumped together. Then one of them said “Hey, that name… You’re one of the forest cats, aren’t you?”

“And what if I am?” Heatherwhisker prowled forward, Princess and Nefretiti coming impressively close to matching their level of menace.

“Well that means you’re not with Scourge! Right?” The speaking cat looked to their leader.

She cocked her head. “If you have no dealings with Scourge… perhaps we do not need to fight today. Soot here told us he was with Bloodclan. If we have no reason to believe that he will tell Scourge about us then there’s no need for us to harm him.”

Heatherwhisker stood nose to nose with the she-cat. “So you were willing to kill this kit-” Their breath was a furious hiss “If there was a chance he’d interfere with your plans?”

The she-cat’s hackles rose in response, but she still shrank back slightly. “Your kit is a lot bigger than some of the ones I’ve seen get murdered for disobedience. We are willing to do whatever it takes to get rid of Scourge.”

“Maybe we can help?” Heatherwhisker and Nefretiti glared at Princess but she kept going. “We don’t like Scourge any more than you do. He destroyed Heatherwhisker’s clan and he killed my brother and son. Even worse, these forest cats can’t live without fear so long as he has Bloodclan behind him.”

Flicking their tail in annoyance Heatherwhisker hastily interjected “Sootpaw stays out of it. But yes, perhaps all three of us could provide you with some help. I could maybe overlook what happened today, if it means destroying Scourge. And if none of you do or attempt anything else awful.”

Princess seemed to get the hint and fall silent. The she-cat tilted her head. “How gracious of you. If you do wish to join us, we won’t say no. Every fighting cat helps here. My name’s Bristle. I’ll be bringing another cat here at midday three days from now. We can talk again then if you’re serious.”

Heatherwhisker dipped their head. “We’ll see you then.”

The Bloodclan cats filed away through a tunnel in the gorse. Heatherwhisker watched them until the last tail disappeared. Finally they murmured “I thought I’d hate nothing more than the smell of Shadowclan in our camp. But even they were at least clan cats…”

Grief filled their eyes. Sootpaw didn’t know how to comfort them. But he did remember that elders liked telling stories. “Could you show me where all the dens were? I’ve never been in Windclan camp before.”

Heatherwhisker blinked and looked down at him. They didn’t look happier, exactly, but there was at least some tenderness in their eyes as well as grief. “Very well, but quickly. We can’t make ourselves at home in Bloodclan.”

Chapter Text

Guilt and terror churned in Heatherwhisker’s belly. They should have kept better control of Sootpaw. They should have had a more experienced cat play the rabbit. They shouldn’t have given a newly-made apprentice the responsibility of staying painfully aware of his surroundings and the Bloodclan border while he was also supposed to be running for his life.

Heatherwhisker knew that they were all one clan now. Silverclan, a blend of the wisdom and traditions from all four territories. But it still worried them that they and Thistlekit were the only two cats left from Windclan. Anytime Thistlekit played too rough, or coughed or sneezed from the dust in the barn, they became a little more terrified that Windclan’s ways would die out. And any time there was a cave in, or a close call running in the tunnels or chasing rabbits, they were filled with fear that Brightstar would decide Windclan’s traditions were too dangerous to be taught in Silverclan.

Brightstar nodded thoughtfully, taking in the patrol’s report. “So it sounds like the unrest in Bloodclan is building.”

“I’m sorry!” Sootpaw burst out. “I didn’t listen when Heatherwhisker told me to stop, and I put everyone in danger! I’ll never go near Bloodclan again!”

Heatherwhisker swallowed and stepped forward. Whatever it meant for the traditions of Windclan, they couldn’t let their apprentice take the blame for their own lack of judgement. “No, Brightstar. The blame is with me. He’s barely been an apprentice a few days, I should have known better than to give him such a task.”

Brightstar flicked her tail. “You’re right, apprentices and young warriors crossing borders by accident is to be expected. Or was. But the stakes are much higher now. Rather than a telling off and a warning swipe young cats could be killed, or forced to reveal our location, if they’re caught now.”

Heatherwhisker’s heart grew heavy, dreading the words that would come next. As Brightstar continued to contemplate their apprehension only grew. Finally the leader said “We need to train a new skill. And we should focus on training it before working on anything else. Stoatfeather,” The deputy stepped forward. “Tell the mentors to work out exercises that train their ‘paws to stay aware of where they are and where they’re going, even in the heat of a chase. Maybe work with them on running and chasing within a restricted area, and at the start at least don’t let them run faster than their mentors. So they can be physically stopped if need be.”

Heatherwhisker let out a breath that they didn’t know they had been holding. “But once the apprentices have mastered this skill, we’ll still teach them to chase rabbits, right?”

Brightstar blinked. “Of course. Aside from mice those are the main source of food for us right now.”

Heatherwhisker dipped their head. “Thank you. I’ll make sure Sootpaw is trained well.”

Brightstar nodded. “Good. Now, as for these Bloodclan cats… Let’s keep them thinking it’s just the four of you. For now, at least. I’ll take Tawnypelt and Smallear and come with you next time you meet them, just in case it’s a trap, but we’ll stay hidden.” Glancing at the fresh kill pile she added “Bring them a mouse, or some other small piece of prey, when you go. To show our goodwill.”

Heatherwhisker nodded, thinking more about Sootpaw’s training than the upcoming meeting. 

Chapter Text

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

Ashfur was grooming Tanglekit and Brokenkit, his eyes gleaming with pride. Brightstar fluffed her fur, wishing for a moment that she had not been so insistent on climbing atop the Tallbale as she looked at the drop below her. As the cats started settling around her, though, she took a deep breath and jumped down, landing heavily on her feet.

“Tanglekit. Step forward.”

The black kit stumbled eagerly up to face Brightstar, trying to sit still even as he vibrated with excitement. “From this day forward until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Tanglepaw.”

Glancing over the crowd she called “Pebblenose. Step forward. Share your kindness and wisdom with Tanglekit as you train him to be a warrior of Silverclan.”

Pebblenose dipped his head, then touched noses with Tanglepaw before both withdrew to the side.

“Brokenkit. Step forward.”

Brokenkit approached more solemnly. “From this day forward until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Brokenpaw. Dawncloud, step forward. Share your honor and patience with Brokenpaw as you train him to be a warrior of Silverclan.”

The two touched noses, and as they joined Tanglepaw and Pebblenose the barn rang and the crowd rippled with the new names.

Chapter Text

Thistlekit stared at the strange cat currently curled around the rabbit. “I dare you to talk to them,” Minnowkit mewed. She and Puddlekit, the Riverclan kits, were crouched behind him.

Thistlekit ruffled his fur. “I have nothing to prove to tiny baby kits.”

“Hey!” Puddlekit fluffed out into a round ball. “We’re barely a moon younger than you! And if you’re too scared to talk to them I will!”

Nefretiti raised nib’s head, eyes sleepily closed in the early Newleaf light. “It’s Nefretiti. Not them. If it’s too clunky for you ya can go somewhere else and complain about it.”

All three kits shrank back. “Sorry,” Thistlekit mumbled. He hadn’t realized Nefretiti could hear them and felt that it was his responsibility as the oldest to apologize.

“No worries!” Nefretiti stretched and padded over. “Did you have something you wanted to ask?”

Thistlekit’s mouth closed up. He’d seen Nefretiti being unusually warm to the other cats already, acting like everyone was a close friend the day after meeting them. But being confronted with this behavior himself was another matter entirely.

“Did you really live in one of the tunnels?!” Minnowkit boldly demanded. “How could you stand it?!”

“Very easily,” Nefretiti purred. “Those tunnels were perfect. Dark through the day and less cold in the night.”

Puddlekit wrinkled his nose. “Why would you want it to be dark?!”

Nefretiti glanced at nib’s shoulder. “You know how the sun gets warm? That’s nice and all but without fur it’s not too long before it burns me.”

Puddlekit’s eyes widened. “Wow! How do you stay alive?! When do you hunt?”

Nefretiti chuckled. “With a lot of effort. I stick to hunting around dawn and dusk, when the sun’s weak but it’s not too cold.”

Chapter Text

Princess shuffled awkwardly, feeling her pelt pricking with anxiety as Brightstar consulted in hushed tones with Stoatfeather. The taciturn deputy had spent all morning evaluating Princess’s hunting, fighting, and tracking skills. Finally Brightstar looked up, and called Princess over with a flick of her tail.

Unable to contain her nervousness any longer Princess burst out “Am I allowed to stay?!”

Brightstar blinked, then let out a soft mrrow of amusement. “Of course, by Stoatfeather’s account we’d be fools to send you away.”

Princess turned to Stoatfeather in shock, to which the elderly she-cat growled “I may not like kittypets but I’d never let that make me dishonest or disloyal to my clan. And whatever my opinions on you may be I have to admit you’re good for the clan.”

Princess dipped her head in gratitude. Brightstar continued “The only question is what should we call you? You said you plan to go back to your housefolk once Scourge is dead, so I’m guessing you don’t want to change your name.”

Princess shook her head slowly. “No… And I don’t think I should be called a warrior. Not when this isn’t my home.”

Brightstar nodded. “We don’t have a title for temporary ally, but we could always make one.”

“But do I need a title? I was thinking I could just keep doing warrior duties without one.”

Brightstar cocked her head. “Are you sure? I thought you would want one, to mark your status with us. I was going to have a ceremony…”

Princess purred in amusement. “I’d still like a ceremony, to announce I’m staying. But I’m still the same cat I was this morning.”

Brightstar dipped her head. “Very well.” Then she pulled herself up the Tallbale, staunchly refusing Stoatfeather’s help. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

As the cats settled down Brightstar thumped back down to the floor and called “Princess. Step forward.”

Princess padded up, her anxiety already returning.

Looking up at the barn ceiling Brightstar mewed “Starclan, look down on this cat who has learned our ways, and wishes to fight alongside us for our right to survive. Today we give thanks and honor to her, for her friendship to us and her aid in overcoming our greatest enemies.” Taking a step back she yowled “Princess!”

A shiver ran down Princess’s spine as the cats around her yowled her name. She had never seen what was so special about their naming ceremonies but there, surrounded by friends calling to her in congratulations, she felt a thrum of excitement unlike any before in her life.

Chapter Text

“Frog dung to that! I want to learn fighting moves!”

Dawncloud regarded her apprentice patiently. “You know what Brightstar said. Apprentices have to practice orienting themselves first. For the safety of all of us.”

“I already know how to do that! And if I see a Bloodclan cat I’ll just claw their ears off!” Brokenpaw balanced precariously on his one hind paw, taking a few swipes at the air to punctuate his statement.

Dawncloud let out a soft mrrow of amusement. “That may be, but it’s not enough to know how. You need to feel in your bones where you are and where you’re going. But sure,” She stood, dropping into a mock fighting crouch. “If you’re so powerful why don’t you try fighting me?”

Brokenpaw hesitated. “I don’t want to hurt you…”

Dawncloud cuffed his ear. “Worry about yourself first! If I can’t hold my own against a barely-pawed apprentice I should renounce my warrior name right now!”

That got him interested. Huffing in injured pride he leaped forward, swinging his paws wildly in front of him like he was playing moss ball. Dawncloud stepped to the side and jabbed his flank as he passed, knocking him onto his side where she immediately pinned him. Putting an almost gentle paw on his neck she mewed “Careful. You almost clawed my ears off there.”

Brokenpaw growled. “That wasn’t fair! You cheated! It was luck!”

Dawncloud let him up, flicking her tail impatiently. “All right. If that’s what you think you can try again after you’ve satisfied me with your ability to keep track of yourself while you’re running.”

Chapter Text

Princess puffed out her chest until it was a strain to breathe, trying to look like a real clan cat. Nefretiti jabbed a paw into her ribs, forcing her to let it all out in one exhale. “Stop that. You look like a robin trying to find a mate.”

Heatherwhisker silenced them with a flick of the tale, ears pricked forward as they watched the gorse tunnel.

The three of them were waiting for the Bloodclan cats to arrive, hiding in the tall grass in case it was a trap. Brightstar, Smallear, and Tawnypelt were up on a nearby ridge, watching in case they needed backup. They were downwind for now, and hopefully far enough away for their scent to fade out even if the wind changed.

The grass rustled, and Bristle stepped out along with a small gray cat. They hesitated a moment, looking around warily until Heatherwhisker stood and asked “Care to introduce us?”

Bristle nodded to the other cat. “This is Poke. She lost most of her kits in the big fight. We’ve met a couple times before, I’m as sure of her loyalty as I am any cat’s.”

With a nod from Heatherwhisker Princess and Nefretiti stood up as well and followed to meet the cats. As they approached Princess was surprised to notice that Poke smelled male, but it was probably just another one of those things that was normal for feral cats.

Heatherwhisker dipped their head. “I’m Heatherwhisker. This is Princess, she was a kittypet but she wanted to help and I didn’t mind the company. My other friend is Nefretiti, Nefretiti prefers no pronouns and lived as a rogue for a while before joining with me.”

Princess nodded emphatically. Brightstar had discussed their plan long into the night with the entire clan, and ultimately they’d decided it was best to stick as close to the truth as possible without suggesting that there were more cats than the four that had already been exposed.

Poke cocked her head to the side. “What stake does a house cat have in this?”

Princess took a deep breath. The more times she repeated her statement the less real it felt. “My brother and son were clan cats. Scourge killed them.”

Poke nodded, her eyes filling with a sympathy that made Princess prickle uncomfortably.

“So do you have any plans of action yet?” Nefretiti asked.

Bristle shrugged uncomfortably. “Right now we’re just trying to get as many cats on board as we can before we get discovered. I lead a lot of meetings, but we have other cats bringing out potential recruits to other secret meeting places. We spend a lot of time arguing about what Bloodclan without Scourge should look like, and in my opinion not nearly enough time thinking about how we get rid of Scourge in the first place.”

Heatherwhisker nodded. “Even our mightiest warriors couldn’t get to him. Any time one attacked him, either he killed them or one of his cats pushed them away.”

Princess shivered. Forcing some cheer into her mew she said “But surely if all of Bloodclan turns against him he doesn’t stand a chance! Especially not with our help!”

Bristle shook her head. “We’re not going to get all of Bloodclan to turn. We’re just hoping for most. There are cats who enjoy the cruelty. And cats who are too scared to go against it. And cats who would fight it, if they knew that they had enough allies. The trouble is you can’t really tell them apart.”

Heatherwhisker rumbled. “A difficult position to be in.”

Bristle paced, lashing her tail. “Sooner or later there’ll be a fight. We don’t know when. Or if Scourge will pick us off one by one before it can come to that. But if it does start, I’ll send Poke out here to get you. She’s the fastest runner I can trust. Keep watch on this area for her approach, and she’ll lead you to the battle.”

With a brisk nod Heatherwhisker said “Understood. Princess and Nefretiti can take turns at watch, and they’ll come fetch us from our camp when they see Poke. Have her wait here for us to come back.”

Princess’s heart pounded, logistical defenses flying through her head in case the cats demanded to be led into their camp in this situation. But Bristle only flicked her ear in assent. “Sounds good. Hopefully it’ll be a while before I see you again.”

“Hopefully.”

Chapter Text

“Look out! There’s one behind you!”

“Oho, try to steal our kits, will you?!”

Bootkit, Puddlekit, and Minnowkit all squealed in delight as Brokenpaw wheeled around to lash at imaginary Bloodclan invaders. Dawncloud looked on with mild concern. “Keep at least two paws on the ground! Straight under you so you don’t sprain anything! I don’t want you getting real injuries from a pretend fight!”

Exhausted from just a short morning of battle practice, Dawncloud had suggested that he give one of the kits a badger ride to tire him out. One. Each of those kits was at least half his size, and all three of them were now dangling from his body as he lumbered around growling and swiping at the air.

Clinging to Brokenpaw’s side with three paws Puddlekit pointed a fourth one past the apprentice’s shoulder. “There’s too many of them! We have to get up there! To the high ground!”

“You’re right!” Brokenpaw growled, shaking his stump menacingly as he staggered over to a hay bale. Chaoskit, who had finally been persuaded to take a bite of her mouse, saw this commotion and rushed over to join in, swiping at Brokenpaw’s heels as he scrambled up the straw.

“Oh no! Scourge is here!” Minnowkit yelled.

“No Scourge! Go away!” all three kits yowled as Chaoskit jumped up ahead of Brokenpaw and started batting at his face and forepaws.

“You can have these kits over my cold. Dead. Body,” Brokenpaw growled as heaved himself over the edge despite Chaoskit’s merciless onslaught. The two cats growled and swiped at each other, Brokenpaw’s passengers squealing with mock fear.

“All right that’s enough!” Dawncloud stood. Brokenpaw had just stood half-tilted on his rear paw and stump, swiping with both forepaws as he twisted. Amidst the chorus of disappointment she growled “Get off my apprentice before he joins me in the elder’s den. Brokenpaw, you can’t carry three kits that big. Especially if you’re going to do mouse-brained moves like that. You’ll break your back and go to Starclan a ‘paw.”

Brokenpaw shuffled his forepaws, looking more sullen than anything. Chaoskit, still working on recognizing when a game was over, continued to batter his side. “They’re just helping me get stronger…”

“That’s not how you get stronger. That’s how you get injured. Now why don’t you go clear out some bedding until I’ve decided you’re ready to get stronger.”

He grumbled but obeyed her orders.

Chapter Text

Stoatfeather gave her leader a disapproving look. “You shouldn’t let the kits bother you so much. You should be resting.”

Brightstar looked up from Minnowkit and Bootkit, currently tussling over the right to catch her tail. “But if I can’t hunt, and I can’t fight, and I can’t even leave the barn, what else is there for me to do but watch the kits? But while you’re here…”

She shooed the kits out of the nursery, calling Stoatfeather in closer with a jerk of her head.

“I do want to talk with you about the kits. I’ve noticed that they spend most of the day playing with each other, or with me, or with Marge. The elders are all too busy with warrior duties to pay them mind. To pass down stories of the four clans to them, and what it means to follow the warrior code.”

Stoatfeather growled. “As regrettable as that is the code can’t live if we all starve to death.”

“I know. And I’ve been amazed by the nobility you and all the other elders of the clan have shown in coming out of retirement to keep us alive. But now… we’ve made additions to Silverclan. Princess and Nefretiti and Brenadine can all hunt and patrol as well. And we have apprentices learning to do the same. I think some of our elders can go back into retirement.”

“All right but which ones? Not me for sure, but all of us are old.”

“I was hoping they could all take turns. Each day one of our elders should spend the day resting in camp, telling the kits stories and teaching them to respect our ancestors. Could you organize that?”

Stoatfeather flicked an ear thoughtfully. “That’s… not a bad idea, actually. I’m sure a lot of us would be better able to keep up with the young cats if we had a day to rest every now and then. And if we need more paws we can always change it again.”

Brightstar nodded. “And also once Sootpaw, Sorrelpaw, and Rainpaw know more of hunting I think it would be best to have two elders resting every day. As part of the routine. If we have to fight and we need more warriors we’ll call on them for backup.”

“All right,” Stoatfeather backed out of the nursery. “I’ll let the other elders know about this. And we’ll work out the rotation from there.”

Chapter Text

Although only Heatherwhisker, Princess, and Nefretiti were supposed to show themselves to Bloodclan soon Smallear, Dappletail, and Oneye were taking most of the shifts watching out for the Bloodclan runner, since it was a light duty compared to hunting and training and the three cats that the resistors knew of were needed for these heavier obligations.

Thistlekit had suggested that they train the rebelling Bloodclan cats to fight like warriors. Brightstar thanked him for the suggestion and told him they couldn’t trust them enough yet. This was partly true, but primarily she didn’t want to take on such an ambitious task when they were only just able to support themselves as a clan.

She was glad that they were able to give the elders each a day off every now and then, Dappletail and Smallear had been looking far more frail and untidy lately, even though they had as much fresh kill as they could eat.

As Brightstar was watching the elders pick at the fresh-kill pile Thistlekit bounded up to her, excitement pricking him from ears to tail tip. “Brightstar! Cinderpelt said I could be her apprentice when I’m six moons! That’s just days away! She said I have to ask you though, please say yes!”

“NO!”

Brightstar started in shock as Heatherwhisker, the normally genial Windclan elder, charged across the barn. Curling a tail protectively around Thistlekit they growled “You can’t! He’s the only surviving Windclan kit! Surely Cinderpelt could train someone else?!”

Tanglepaw stepped forward hesitantly. “Um, I think I could train as a medicine cat instead, if that would fix things?”

Brokenpaw cuffed him behind the head. “Don’t be hare-brained! You love learning to hunt and fight! And Thistlekit shouldn’t live a life he doesn’t want just to make an elder happy!”

Brightstar shot him a pointed look. Heatherwhisker’s alarm was not without cause. Windclan had far fewer survivors than the other three clans. Once Heatherwhisker died Thistlekit would be the last cat alive who had been born to the moorland. It was understandable that they would be upset with his wish to follow a path which prevented his ever having a mate.

“Heatherwhisker. I’m sorry. But this isn’t your choice to make.” Looking at the now confused kit she asked “Is becoming a medicine cat the path you truly want? Even if it means never having kits of your own? Even if it means that Windclan will live on only in the stories we tell and the skills we pass down?”

Thistlekit’s eyes were wide with alarm. “I… I don’t know. I want to heal people. I want to learn what all the herbs do and how to find them and how to use them. But I don’t want Heatherwhisker to be sad! And I don’t want to kill Windclan…” He curled in on himself, his body shaking as he wailed “It’s not fair! Why couldn’t I have a littermate like all the other kits?! Why do I get stuck with this choice?!”

Heatherwhisker’s eyes softened as they saw Thistlekit’s distress. Stroking his back soothingly they said “Sh. It’s all right. Windclan won’t die. You heard what Brightstar said. We will live on in the stories told and the skills passed down, just like all the other warrior ancestors. You can be a medicine cat if you like, I was just… surprised, is all.”

Thistlekit looked at Brightstar. “Is it really alright?”

Brightstar’s face was set with the sober weight of the moment. “It’s your choice to make. Silverclan will be fine whatever you decide, and Heatherwhisker will learn to live with it.”

Thistlekit took a deep breath, glanced to Heatherwhisker one more time for encouragement, and said “I really wanna be a medicine cat.”

Brightstar nodded. “Then you will be. Go tell Cinderpelt.”

He bounded away, almost as excited as when he had first approached his leader. Turning to Heatherwhisker Brightstar let out a long breath. “Thank you, for encouraging him. We’ll all be much safer when we have a medicine cat apprentice.”

Heatherwhisker glanced away, but not before Brightstar could see the pain in their eyes. “Please. Don’t mention it. I’m his elder, I have to make sure he doesn’t feel responsible for my emotions. But that doesn’t make this any easier. I’ll keep putting on a brave face for him, but if you keep thanking me or trying to talk me into accepting an already settled matter it will only make things harder."

Chapter Text

Ravenpaw leaped to where Barley was curled up near the rafters. “There you are! Hiding away again?”

Barley huffed and smiled faintly. “Yeah, I guess. Silverclan is growing.”

Ravenpaw dropped down beside his mate, their tails twining together. “I know, it’s great! The apprentices are learning so well, and soon there will be the new kits, and-”

Ravenpaw cut himself off, beginning to notice that Barley did not share his enthusiasm. “Oh, yeah, it’s a lot isn’t it?”

Barley sighed and pushed his head into Ravenpaw’s shoulder. “It’s fine, I know they all mean well and they need a place to stay. And the mice are still plenty enough. I just… need some space sometimes.”

“Oh, sorry, should I-”

“No, you’re fine. You can always be part of my space,” Barley purred and licked Ravenpaw’s ear.

Chapter Text

Sootpaw padded back to the barn, two moles dangling from his mouth. He’d hated the tunnels before, but now he found the dark, stuffy air almost comforting as he knew that he was hidden from Bloodclan. Heatherwhisker had figured out a technique for tunnel-hunting that was a lot easier to swallow than trying to chase rabbits like on the moor above. They rolled in sand, dirt, and grass to disguise their scent and slowly crept through the tunnels until they found some prey.

While Sootpaw hated the feeling of grit in his pelt he did take some fierce satisfaction in seeing that no cat in their large hunting patrol had come back empty pawed. Alongside himself, Heatherwhisker, Princess, and Nefretiti Tawnypelt and Sorrelpaw had also come. The patrol had split up into groups of two to safely cover more ground, and with the wide stretch of land the tunnels covered they were all sooner or later able to find something.

Maybe the tunnels weren’t so bad after all.

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt was sorting her herbs, slowly as the melancholy air hanging around made her lethargic. They were just a few days away from the second full moon since that fateful battle with Bloodclan, and all the clan cats had difficulty finding enthusiasm for anything at all.

On the first full moon everyone had still been reeling with shock and fully occupied with survival. Now, however, it was starting to sink in that they were the only true clan left. That for this and many more full moons to come they would have no one to make truce and gather with.

Getting up with a huff Cinderpelt made her way to the Brightstar, who was lying with her expansive belly exposed to the warm sunlight filtering in through a crack in the wall. For a moment the fog lifted, and Cinderpelt gave thanks to Starclan. Seeing her sister so relaxed and contented, where once Cinderpelt hadn't been sure that Brightstar would live. Or that she would ever accept a life with the vicious scars she had sustained. It reminded her that as much as they had lost, there was still joy to be had.

Brightstar blinked and glanced up at Cinderpelt, rolling to her feet and shaking hay out of her fur. "Is something wrong?"

"No, not really," Cinderpelt blinked warmly. "I'm glad to see you getting some rest."

Brightstar purred and licked Cinderpelt's ear, and for a moment the two shared tongues in comfortable silence. Cinderpelt leaned into her leader and murmured. "I'm glad you're alive, you know. And that you didn't give up."

Brightstar shoved her. "It's all thanks to you, you know."

"I was only doing what any medicine cat would do."

"No, it's not just that." Brightstar hesitated. "Back when you were hit by the monster. When they said you'd never hunt or fight again... I was so upset. I couldn't picture living without wind in your fur and prey beneath your claws. I... I thought that death might be better, simply because I couldn't imagine what that sort of life would be like. But then you showed me. You kept on living, and I was able to see everything the monster didn't take away. You could still eat, still treat wounds, and still share tongues, and... and still live. So when I was recovering, when I thought that I might have to go to the elders den... I was scared and upset, but I didn't once think that I would be better off dead. Because I could picture a life worth living, even without hunting or fighting."

Uncomfortable with this sincerity Cinderpelt rumbled "Well I'm glad you didn't think that..." Remembering why she had left off sorting herbs she added "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about the clan. I think everyone's mourning the loss of our gathering."

Brightstar flicked her ear. "Yes, it's... definitely difficult to get used to."

"The weather is warming, and prey is starting to run pretty well, so I think it would be a good time to prepare for the Newleaf feast."

"You're sure? Will we be able to catch enough prey?"

"I think spending more time hunting will help keep us busy, and holding a celebration could lift the mood."

Brightstar nodded. "Let's gather the clan."

This time she went to the base of the Tallbale to summon her clanmates, since the last time she'd tried to climb it she ended up causing an avalanche of torn straw instead.

As the cats gathered Brightstar mewed "I've been talking with Cinderpelt, and it's time we prepared for the Newleaf feast."

Brenadine perked up. "What's that? Where's the food for this feast coming from?"

"From extra hunting patrols. We'll spend today and tomorrow gathering prey and herbs, then we'll spend the next day resting and sharing tongues with clanmates. It's a way for the clans to celebrate the end of Leafbare, remember the clanmates we've lost, and reconnect with the ones who survived."

While Brenadine digested this Dawncloud spoke up "I'd like to lead some patrols into Shadowclan territory. No Shadowclan feast would be complete without a few frogs and lizards."

"Ew! That's disgusting! I don't want a frog touching my mouse!" Sorrelpaw exclaimed.

Tawnypelt cuffed her behind the ear. "If you don't like frogs you don't have to eat any. We'll be catching plenty of other fresh kill."

Pebblenose looked around. "I know we can't hunt in Riverclan's part of the river, but tomorrow I'd like to lead a few cats upstream until we find a place where we can fish properly."

"But I want to learn to hunt frogs!" Tanglepaw exclaimed.

Ashfur stepped forward. "I could join Dawncloud's patrol and bring Tanglepaw with me. Who wants to go with Pebblenose and practice fishing?"

"I do!" Minnowkit bounced with excitement.

"Not kits reed-brain!" Puddlekit tackled his littermate.

While they were rolling around Brightstar nodded to her deputy. "Stoatfeather. Could you go with Cinderpelt to collect chives and dill? She'll need the extra paws to carry it all back to camp."

If Stoatfeather noticed Brightstar was giving her a light duty because of her pregnancy, she politely ignored this fact. "Of course! I know a place deep in Riverclan territory where the dill grows wild every Newleaf. Should be far enough away from Bloodclan to stay safe."

Brightstar nodded. Sootpaw mewed "Is there any place we could hunt squirrel? I really miss it..."

Brightstar felt her heart break at his plaintive tone. At the reality that such a simple request as that was so deadly to fulfill.

Heatherwhisker nudged their apprentice's shoulder. "We'll go with Pebblenose, and see if we can't find a good place to catch squirrels along the way. We can even learn together!"

Speckletail let out an exaggerated sigh. "I guess I'd better come along too then, so there's someone to teach you."

Brightstar looked over her clanmates, her fur tingling with pride as they chattered eagerly among themselves, so readily joking and making plans with cats who less than two moons ago would have been their enemies.

Chapter Text

Brightstar felt wind stirring her fur, carrying on it a familiar sweet scent. Jumping to her paws she exclaimed “Cloudtail?”

“Behind you,” his voice purred in amusement.

Brightstar twined her tail with his, relishing the moment of closeness.

The moment ended, however, as she thought to wonder why she was seeing him. “Is there anything you need to tell me? Any warnings?”

“No need to worry, there’s no new danger. I just wanted to tell you… Firestar is trying to do something incredibly ambitious right now. He needs all the strength you can lend him.”

Brighstar felt her ear flatten nervously. “But how? I thought… doesn’t Starclan give us strength? How am I supposed to help Starclan?”

Cloudtail gave her a playful shove. “Listen, I may be in Starclan now but that only gives me more reason to think they’re not as powerful as they’re made out to be. We have our reserves of strength, like living cats, just… in a different way. We use that strength to speak with cats, or give them signs or omens. This can take more or less strength, if we’re closer to the cat or the cat is closer to Starclan. What Firestar is doing… will take a lot of strength. Over a long time. More than any Starclan cat has tried to use. And the only way for him to regain strength is to be remembered. In thoughts and in stories.”

Brightstar blinked. “This is very specific information. Does every leader get to know this?”

“No,” Cloudtail purred. “Just the ones who mated with an unruly young warrior who doesn’t believe in Starclan.”

At Cloudtail’s gesture she settled down, feeling a purr rise deep within her throat as he started rhythmically licking her ear.

That was the last thing she remembered as she woke up, the barn alive with moving and talking cats. A young kit squealed “She’s awake!”

Brightstar looked around and saw four tiny pairs of eyes peering at her from the nursery entrance. Puddlekit shuffled almost apologetically and said “One-Eye was supposed to be resting today, but she’s out hunting with everyone else. And Thistlekit is too busy sorting herbs for Cinderpelt to play, even though he’s not her apprentice yet!”

Brightstar purred in amusement and beckoned them in with her tail. “That’s all right. Come on in and I’ll tell you a story. Have you heard about the time Firestar fed a rogue in Thunderclan territory?”

Chapter Text

The fish-hunting patrol left shortly after sunhigh. “With fish the most important thing is when you catch them,” Pebblenose mewed as they filed out of the barn. “If we catch these fish in the heat of the day they’ll be rotten before we make it back home. We’ll find a good spot by nightfall if we can, and then we’ll catch our fish in the cool of dusk.”

Sootpaw padded eagerly among the other cats, but as the day wore on his paws grew tired. He’d never traveled so far before. They kept winding up the river, and soon the growl of monsters overwhelmed any sound of prey as they approached the thunderpath. Pebblenose investigated the murky water with a wrinkled nose. “Any fish caught here will be tainted with monster stench. Let’s keep looking upstream.”

They crossed through a tunnel under the thunderpath, where the sound and stench was overwhelming but they at least didn’t have to worry about monsters finding them. As they traveled on Speckletail froze, tapping Sootpaw’s shoulder with her tail. “You see that squirrel?”

Sootpaw squinted in the direction of Speckletail’s ears, pointing at one of the few trees growing next to the thunderpath in a row. Finally he saw a gray shape perched near the roots of a tree.

Her voice lowered Speckletail muttered “Move downwind, that tall grass there will give you some cover, slide forward with your weight low to the ground to stay silent and hidden. Keep creeping forward until you’re close enough to catch it in one leap.”

Sootpaw nodded, his head spinning as he tried to remember all of the directions. He prowled forward as close as he could, but when the time came to pounce he miscalculated and ended up with his claws scraping the bark just a few pawsteps below the now fleeing squirrel.

“Mouse dung!”

Speckletail was beside him. “You did good stalking it. It’s not easy out here, where there’s so little undergrowth to hide in. Keep an eye out for more squirrels as we walk.”

Sootpaw nodded but his tail still lashed in irritation.

They came across another tunnel, under a smaller thunderpath, and pushed through that too. Just when Sootpaw thought he couldn’t take one step further Pebblenose flicked his tail and called them to a halt. “Here’s a nice, broad stretch of river we can fish from. And a shallow bank, too.”

The bank rose sharply on the other side of the river, and all around them were the strange structures twolegs used as borders. Despite Sootpaw’s exhaustion it was only late afternoon. Pebblenose squinted at the sun and said “let’s take a nap, to regain our strength for fishing and carrying our prey back home.”

As Sootpaw settled down gratefully he heard Tanglepaw ask Pebblenose “If I train hard do you think I could finish my apprenticeship by Leafbare? I don’t want to be stuck taking care of the camp when we make the dead branch journey!”

Pebblenose blinked in confusion. “What’s that now?”

“You know! In Leafbare, when the medicine cat brings out the dusk-star caps and all the warriors and elders share them!”

Sootpaw wrinkled his nose. “You eat mushrooms in Shadowclan?”

“They don’t eat them! Just lick the spores off the underside! Don’t you do something like it in Thunderclan?”

As Sootpaw shook his head Pebblenose murmured “We don’t have anything like that in Riverclan either…”

At Tanglepaw’s crestfallen look he added “But come Leafbare I’m sure we could talk to Brightstar about it.”

Tanglepaw shook himself and forced some cheerful curiosity into his voice. “So what do you do instead in Riverclan? Do you even have feasts?”

Pebblenose flicked his ears. “Actually we don’t usually, not the same as the other clans. Fish don’t taste good the day after they’re caught usually so we just catch and eat as much as we want whenever we feel the need. Although I know there are some ways of keeping fish fresh, we used them once or twice when there was a bad drought or the river was freezing over and we didn’t know if there would still be fish in a few days.”

Sootpaw was shocked. “Then what do you even do for fun?”

Pebblenose’s eyes became distant. “A few times a year we’ll decorate the camp with shells, pebbles, and fresh leaves. If they’re in season we’ll cover the camp in thyme, dill, and flowers to make the whole island smell sweet. Then we’ll stay up all night listening to the elders tell our stories and sing our songs.”

Though Sootpaw made Speckletail promise to wake him and Heatherwhisker up for more practice before dusk, when he next opened his eyes the horizon was stained scarlet.

Leaping to his feet and shaking the sleepiness out of his pelt he hissed “You said you’d wake me!”

Speckletail regarded him wryly. “I saw how deeply you were sleeping and I knew you’d just scare all the prey off tripping over your paws with exhaustion if I did wake you.”

Heatherwhisker padded over, proudly carrying a mouse in their jaws. “It’s for the best anyway, the only trees here are next to the thunderpath. Not a lot of squirrels, and it’s more dangerous to chase the ones that are there.”

Sootpaw felt disappointment crushing inside his chest. “But it’s not fair! We’re catching fish for the Riverclan cats, and they don’t even have feasts!”

Speckletail touched his back with her tail. “I hear there’s a wooded area just beyond the far edge of Shadowclan territory. I’ll scout it out after the feast and if there’s no trace of Bloodclan we’ll practice over there?”

“Okay,” Sootpaw tried to sound consoled. If there were trees next to clan territory why didn’t they try there first? And what if Speckletail decided it wasn’t safe? Were all the warriors just trying to delay telling him that he could never eat squirrel again? He was starting to feel silly caring about it so much when there were so many other things he’d lost that were much more important.

He did his best to learn to fish, and managed to catch one, even though his heart wasn’t in it. To his surprise Pebblenose gutted the fish as they caught them, shoving the innards into a loose pile.

“Isn’t that wasting kill?”

“If we were eating this tonight, yes. But leaving the organs in would make these kills rot faster.

Sootpaw watched in a mix of horror and fascination as Pebblenose went on to stuff the emptied bellies with dry grass.

Soon they had as much prey as they could carry back. Pebblenose buried the entrails, said a quiet prayer of thanks to Starclan, and led the way home.

Chapter Text

They buried the fish with the other prey. Tanglepaw and Pebblenose pulled out the dried grass and stuffed the fish with some of the dill that had been harvested, so that they would absorb more of the flavor as they were stored overnight.

As the patrol approached the fresh kill pile, tucked behind hay bales where the twolegs rarely looked, Sootpaw was surprised to see Stoatfeather still up, eyes glittering in the near total darkness.

Pebblenose froze at the front of the patrol, then mewed “Stoatfeather, did you…”

Stoatfeather fluffed her fur. “I figured someone ought to, and you don’t have to chase after rocks. I had the kits help me.”

Sootpaw started to head for his den, but Pebblenose stretched his tail in front of him. “Careful. Skirt around the edge of the clearing. Stoatfeather’s set up pebbles in a pattern around the fresh kill, like we would do in Riverclan.”

“It’s just a simple one,” Stoatfeather growled self-consciously. Then she turned away and stalked towards her den with Ashfur.

When Sootpaw awoke the next day he saw what Pebblenose had meant. Small rocks were set up in concentric circles expanding around the pile, white with gray speckles or dark gray with stripes, along with the occasional orange pebble added for color.

Many other cats were already milling around, sharing tongues and telling stories. As he padded up to sit with Sorrelpaw and Rainpaw Brightstar was finishing a story about the fire that had devastated Thunderclan camp. While kits from the other clans listened with rapt attention he dozed between his siblings. He roused slightly for the exciting climax where Firestar had to choose whether to save Yellowfang or Bramblepaw, back when he was Bramblekit, but overall he felt that he remembered the event well enough from his own kithood.

When Brightstar finished she glanced around. Then she walked over to the bottom of the Tallbale and called “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

The cats all came up to her and she looked over them in turn. Sootpaw noted with amusement that Pebblenose must have slept even later than him, judging by the elder’s rumpled fur.

Warmth filled her gaze as she said “Now that we are all awake, I wanted to tell you just how proud I am to be among you. How happy I am that we are all alive, and here today to be able to remember those of us who now hunt with Starclan.” Fluffing her fur self-consciously she added “But that’s enough from me. I’m sure many of you are past ready to eat, so let’s start the feast!”

Chapter Text

Brightstar and Tawnypelt were sharing tongues, Tawnypelt's tail curling around Brightstar's in a way that made the young leader's heart flutter. Stoatfeather picked her way into the center of the gathering, her gaze sweeping over the cats as she declared "Wrap up your stories and discussions. Soon Pebblenose will tell the tragedy of Mudwillow and Sunflower."

Pebblenose spluttered. "I agreed to no such thing! And certainly no one agreed to listen to me!"

Stoatfeather cast him an even look. "It's a story you tell better than anyone I've known in Riverclan. And I think every cat here deserves the chance to hear it."

Turning her gaze to Brightstar she asked "Does he have our leader's permission?"

Brightstar flicked her ear self-consciously. "Is this a ritual in Riverclan?"

Stoatfeather let out a soft mrrow of laughter. "You could call it that, though it's not formal. Normally how we do it is one elder will call to another to tell a tale, and then ask the leader for their blessing."

"But we're not in Riverclan," Pebblenose mewed anxiously. "This is all the clans together."

Brightstar flicked her tail playfully. "All the clans includes Riverclan. And now Stoatfeather has me curious. I would quite like to hear this tale."

By this point all of the side conversations had died down, and the cats looked curiously at Pebblenose. He took a deep breath and stepped into the innermost circle of pebbles, sitting down beside the fresh kill pile and curling his tail neatly over his paws.

"Very well. This story is one given to me by Snowstep, and she called it 'The Tragedy of Mudwillow and Sunflower.'"

Brightstar settled into Tawnypelt's warmth, ears pricked curiously. This seemed a lot more formalized than the normal stories told by elders to kits and apprentices.

Pebblenose raised his face, voice low and rhythmic. At times even musical.

Mudwillow was strong and loyal. Courage flowed through her paws. Season after season she kept Sunningrocks safe from greed.

Poor, loyal, Mudwillow.

Her lover is lost to time, but his fur shone bright like the sun. His tail was long and silken, his eyes as deep as the flood. They came together, and in a season's time she bore kits. A sick kit, a dead kit, and a kit who shone even brighter than her father.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

The sick kit struggled on for a moon, before Starclan called her to them. The last kit, Sunkit, Mudwillow held close to her heart.

Poor, loyal, Mudwillow.

The seasons passed. Mudwillow rejoined the patrols. Sunpaw became an apprentice. Next Leafbare she caught a sickness, weakening until the medicine cat could do no more for her. But Mudwillow brought her water. She brought her food. And all night and all day she held her daughter in her warmth.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

Pebblenose stood and paced, his tail lashing fiercely as his eyes glinted like an apprentice before their first battle.

The medicine cat told her to patrol.

She did not move.

The deputy told her to hunt.

She did not move.

The leader told her to fight.

And still she did not move.

Poor, loyal, Mudwillow.

For two days the leader said that he felt her grief.

For two days he said that the clan needed her as much as her kit did.

For two days he said that she was being selfish, and needed to let Sunpaw go to Starclan in peace.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

After half a moon he told her that she was betraying the warrior code. And she needed to either leave her kit or leave her clan. Instead she challenged him to fight, for Sunpaw's right to live and her right to care for her daughter until she either recovered or died.

Poor, loyal Mudwillow.

The island was silent. The clearing emptied. All cats watched in worry from their dens.

Mudwillow was much loved. And a fierce warrior. And many of her clanmates did not wish to see her leave for the sake of her kit.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

The leader tore her ears to shreds. She clawed his legs until the river ran red. They fought for a day and a night, neither giving in, until the leader lost a life to blood.

The cats all watched, as the medicine cat tended Mudwillow's wounds and waited for their leader to return.

Poor, loyal Mudwillow.

At last the leader stood. Gazed down at Mudwillow. And said

"I was wrong. Starclan spoke to me. Our clan is strong, and the purpose of that strength is to never lose a cat simply because they cannot care for themselves."

Mudwillow dipped her head, and without a word returned to her daughter's side.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

After one quarter moon Mudwillow healed.

After another quarter moon Sunpaw's fever broke.

After another quarter moon Sunpaw was learning to hunt again.

Mudwillow, strong Mudwillow, changed her path. She chose to become a medicine cat so that if her daughter, or any other kit, fell ill again she would have more knowledge to help them.

Poor, loyal Mudwillow.

Sunpaw loved to hunt, but she hated to fight. Most dearly of all she loved her mother, and spent much time in the medicine den with her, and after the passing of the previous medicine cat she chose to become Mudwillow's apprentice.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

Sunflower loved medicine. And she loved to help cats. But in the lazy moons of Greenleaf, when there is not much sickness or hunger, Mudwillow noticed her daughter was gone from the camp for long stretches of time.

Poor, loyal Mudwillow.

For two days she thought it was only natural. For three days she told herself not to worry. For four days she feared that her daughter was breaking the code with one of their clanmates, until finally one day she followed Sunflower out of camp.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

Sunflower walked down the river. She walked past the reed beds. She crossed over the thunderpath. And disappeared into Twolegplace. When she came back she reeked of kittypet.

Poor, loyal Mudwillow.

Mudwillow confronted her daughter. Demanded to know why she was breaking the warrior code. The medicine cat code. Sunflower refused to see the wrong in her actions.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

Sunflower said that she would break ties come Leaffall. But two weeks later Mudwillow knew she was with kit. In another two weeks it could no longer be hidden from the clan. Sunflower loved her kits long before they were born, and would not prevent their lives for the sake of herself or her clan. Mudwillow found she could not blame her.

Poor, loyal Mudwillow.

When the clan found out, they demanded that Sunflower be banished. Mudwillow offered to fight the leader again, but this time she had the support of no cat. Faced with the combined might of her clanmates, and knowing that if she fought they might attack her daughter, Mudwillow banished herself as well.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

Sunflower birthed her kits in rogue woods, and Mudwillow hunted for them. Riverclan cats would visit. Try to talk Mudwillow into rejoining her clan. The fault was all her daughter's, not her own, and her clanmates needed a medicine cat. But Mudwillow turned them all away without hearing a word.

Poor, loyal Mudwillow.

Leafbare was hard. Mudwillow could scarce get enough prey to keep Sunflower's milk flowing. But they were not the only ones growing desperate.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

As the kits grew larger Sunflower left the den to hunt too, risking cold and exhaustion to keep them fed. But one day she and Mudwillow returned to the awful stench of fox.

Poor, loyal Mudwillow.

A gasp of fear passed through the gathered cats. Pebblenose's voice dropped low and ominous.

The beast was scrabbling at their den, trying to get in and devour the kits cowering in the back. With a shriek Sunflower launched herself at it, Mudwillow by her side. Paw by paw they fought, matching claw for claw. The fox yelped and swiped and bit, its massive jaws breaking through bones. But it did not retreat.

It grabbed Sunflower. Clamped its jaws around her spine. Raised her in the air like so much fresh kill. And Mudwillow heard a sickening snap.

Sad, sorrowful Sunflower.

Rage and grief driving her, Mudwillow fastened her teeth in the fox's neck. She tore at its flesh, clamping on even as it crushed her with paws and bit her with teeth. Before long the fox bled all its life out of its wounds, but by then Mudwillow had died as well.

Poor, loyal Mudwillow.

The next day a clanmate came to beg Mudwillow to return one more time, and discovered the grizzly scene. As well as the three young kits crying out desperately for food. Taking pity she brought the kits back to Riverclan, where they with all their clanmates mourned the loss of two great medicine cats.

The tragic deaths of Sunflower and Mudwillow.

Silence fell as Pebblenose finished, bowing his head and returning to his seat by Dawncloud. Thistlekit stared at the elder, eyes round as an owl's as he digested the story.

Tawnypelt let out a long breath, then softly mewed in Brightstar's ear "They sure have grim stories in Riverclan don't they?"

Brightstar snorted, the heavy moment shattered. Gradually talk began to start back up again, and Stoatfeather called out "Thank you for the telling!"

Several cats self-consciously repeated her words. Bootkit sprang up and ran to the middle of camp. "I have a story!"

"Go on," Brightstar tried and failed to hide her amusement.

"There was a cat! And he was named Bootfang!"

"Bootfang's not a real name!" Puddlekit called from the sidelines.

Brokenpaw cuffed the kit's ear. "It could be once Bootkit's a warrior you hare-brain!"

Bootkit glared at his heckler. "Yes. It will. But also it was! In the time of Bootfang!" Dropping into a play-crouch Bootkit swished his tail and snarled with attempted ferocity. "Bootfang heard about a horrible place called Bloodclan. And their horrible leader Scourge. And he knew he had to defeat them to keep his sister safe. So he walked into Bloodclan, and he fought all the rogues, and then he killed Scourge!"

Brokenpaw did his best to translate for Chaoskit, as he had done during Pebblenose's story. Chaoskit, however, had long since grown bored with everyone sitting around watching a cat talk and was instead trying to play-fight with him.

"Then the forest was free and everyone was happy and every cat had ten kits!" Bootkit sat up, curling his tail over his paws and dipping his head in a bow as he'd seen Pebblenose do.

"Even the toms?" Brokenpaw called out.

Bootkit rounded on him, hissing "It takes a tom to make kits, mouse-brain."

"But the kit's are still the mother's more than the father's, sometimes nobody even knows who the father is."

Bootkit stalked over to Brokenpaw, and for a moment it looked like he was going to claw him, but Chaoskit tackled him and he became engrossed in wrestling with her instead.

Chapter Text

Brightstar sat down heavily next to Tawnypelt, winded by the short circuit around the barn. She had just finished walking through the clan, chatting a bit with each of her clanmates in turn. Though tired, she was profoundly happy in this moment. It lifted her heart to see the whole clan so relaxed, borders between clans and enemies from outside both completely forgotten.

Tawnypelt gave her ear an affectionate lick. “Glad to see you made it back.”

Brightstar batted Tawnypelt away with a play-growl. “I’m pregnant, not dead. I can still move on my own four paws.”

Tawnypelt flopped onto the ground with a mischievous smirk. “You could have fooled me.”

Brightstar held up her nose with a sniff. “Whatever. I have business to attend to.”

She paced in front of the Tallbale and called “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

Once the cats had circled around her, she looked to Thistlekit. Heatherwhisker was giving him some last-minute grooming with an unreadable expression.

“Thistlekit. Step forward. You have not chosen an easy path, but it is a necessary one for our survival and our souls. From this day forward until you receive your medicine cat name, you will be known as Thistlepaw. Listen well to Cinderpelt, and follow all the guidance that she gives you. And may you in time be as good a healer, as good a counselor, and as good a cat as she is.”

Thistlepaw’s entire pelt bushed with excitement. Brightstar called Cinderpelt forward. “Share with Thistlepaw your wisdom and knowledge. Guide him in the pawsteps of our ancestors, so that he too may guide the cats that come after him.”

Cinderpelt and Thistlepaw touched noses, and the cats all yowled and signed “Thistlepaw! Thistlepaw! Thistlepaw!”

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw stumbled after Cinderpelt, Brokenpaw and Rainpaw running ahead. “Wait!” Cinderpelt called. “This isn’t some play-adventure for kits! We may not know if there are any Bloodclan cats in this area but it’s still Bloodclan territory. We all need to be quiet, alert, and turn back at the first scent of strange cats.”

Chastised the apprentices returned to Thistlepaw’s side. Brokenpaw was bristling with excitement. Cinderpelt heard him whisper in Thistlepaw’s ear “I’ll have to show you the fastest way to climb the big tree stump! It was always the best game jumping down on the apprentices and elders from it!”

Cinderpelt gave him a sharp look over her shoulder. “This isn’t a game, Brokenpaw. We are collecting vital herbs for our clan’s survival.”

Brokenpaw twitched his tail but did not look chastened in the least. Cinderpelt gestured for Thistlepaw to join her side and he awkwardly rushed forward.

“This isn’t the first trip I’ve made to Shadowclan camp, and if we’re lucky it won’t be the last. When I first went back the herb stores were all muddled by Bloodclan, but I was able to salvage some of it. I’ve already brought most of the emergency supplies back to our camp, so today we’ll all be working on transporting a medicine that’s more necessary in the long-term.”

“What is it?” Cinderpelt was amused at the reverence in Thistlepaw’s mew.

“It’s our warriors’ mixture. There’s not much that kept well, but we’re going to collect every bit of it that might still work at least a little. Unlike other medicines, this one would take four seasons to replace because it has at least one necessary ingredient that is only available in each season.”

“How do you keep it in stock then?!”

“Luckily every ingredient can keep indefinitely, if you prepare and store it right. So we collect as much as we can of each ingredient in its season, then in Leafbare we mix together a giant batch to last us for the next four seasons.”

“What’s it used for?”

“To keep she-cats out of the nursery and on warrior duty. If they take it at the right time it will reduce their chance of expecting kits. So it’s important to have some in stock at all times for warriors who do not wish to give birth, and it is especially important to have plenty of it in Leaffall or when tensions between clans are high.”

“Oh,” Thistlepaw’s eyes were round. “I thought cats just decided when they wanted to have kits!”

Cinderpelt let out a purr of amusement. “Well that’s why Starclan gave us warrior’s mixture. So that they can decide.”

Once at the camp Cinderpelt grudgingly allowed the apprentices to play around the half-destroyed clearing for a few heartbeats. Brokenpaw eagerly pointed out all the dens to Thistlepaw and managed to nearly flatten Rainpaw jumping off the stump once before Cinderpelt called them back to the task at paw.

She showed Thistlepaw and the other apprentices how to delicately scoop the powdered mixture into acorn caps, the stems of which had been bitten off so that they would sit flat for storage. She grimaced seeing how much dust made it into Brokenpaw’s acorns, but then again things weren’t ideal in any arena at present. She then had each apprentice grab a cap in their mouth, delicately gripping it along the rim with their teeth and holding their heads down to keep it from spilling. Cinderpelt did not carry one herself, mostly so she could keep an eye out for danger but partially because she was starting to find that carrying the caps like that long-distance made her neck stiff.

Walking back to camp she had the novel experience of having to slow down so that the others could keep up. When they made it back to the barn there was still time enough for another trip, but Thistlepaw was by this point exhausted by the unusually long journey he had made on his first day as an apprentice so she let him stay behind to rest while she took a fresh group of apprentices and elders back with her.

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw trailed at the back of the group, his legs still sore from all the walking he had done during the day. “Isn’t Thunderclan camp in Bloodclan territory? I mean, the part they’re actually using?”

Ahead of him walked all of the other apprentices: Sorrelpaw, Rainpaw, Sootpaw, Brokenpaw, and Tanglepaw. Sorrelpaw glanced back at him, her eyes flashing. “That’s what makes it extra courageous! And it’s not as deep in as Snakerocks or Great Sycamore. Besides, we’ve lived in the barn so long that even if anyone does smell that we were there it’ll just seem like a bunch of farm loners came out.”

Brokenpaw froze. “Wait! I have an idea! We should all roll in something to disguise our scent!”

“I remember where we got chives for the feast!” Sootpaw exclaimed. “We left most of them in the ground, let’s go there!”

Rainpaw glanced between his two littermates. He looked almost as anxious as Thistlepaw felt.

As they padded towards the chives Thistlepaw was convincing himself to turn back. Go sleep in his new apprentice nest. Maybe even wake Brightstar and tell her what the other apprentices were doing. But then Brokenpaw fell back to walk beside him.

His eyes glinted in the darkness, his ears pricked with excitement. “Isn’t this great?! We’re all going out together, just the ‘paws with no elders. And we’re gonna see a ghost!”

Thistlepaw couldn’t help it. Looking into Brokenpaw’s eyes, feeling his warm breath on his fur… suddenly this idea seemed just as thrilling as it was terrifying. Trying to hide his trepidation he mewed “I’m gonna be a medicine cat. I’ll be seeing ghosts all the time.”

“Not like these!” Sorrelpaw called. “Ghosts are different from our warrior ancestors. Ghosts are when they get really strong, and they show up in the living forest instead of in Starclan or the Dark Forest!”

“The Dark Forest?” As the other apprentices looked at him Thistlepaw felt heat prickle beneath his pelt.

“It’s where the really bad cats go when they die,” Sorrelpaw explained matter of factly.

“Do you not have that in Windclan?” Brokenpaw sounded more curious than shocked.

“No, not really… I just assumed everyone went to Starclan, and the more people you hurt in life the more amends you have to make in death…”

Thistlepaw jumped at the anger in Brokenpaw’s growl “If I see Brokentail in Starclan they’ll have to rename him No-Tail before I’m through!”

“Hurry up!” Sorrelpaw bounded over. “We have to get to the nursery by moonhigh. Moonhigh on a claw-moon night is when the ghosts will be strongest!”

“I thought ghosts were strongest on no-moon nights?” Sootpaw mewed.

Sorrelpaw flicked her tail dismissively. “I mean, ghosts in general are. These ghosts specifically are strongest now.”

Doubts began to fill Thistlepaw again as they finished disguising their scents and headed for Thunderclan territory. Leaning close to Brokenpaw he asked softly “Are you sure this is a good idea? If we’re caught…”

Brokenpaw flicked an ear. “The Thunderclan apprentices didn’t even get any squirrels to eat at the feast! It’s only fair that we practice their tradition with them.”

Thistlepaw suspected that Brokenpaw was less interested in fairness, more fascinated by the idea of seeing restless spirits.

A chill wind ran through Thistlepaw’s fur. As he shivered and tried to convince himself it was nothing unnatural he asked “And… what if these ghosts do show up? What will they do?”

Sootpaw heard the question and bounded back. “That’s the point! You don’t know what they’ll do! But you have to have the courage to face them anyway!”

Sorrelpaw nodded emphatically, tail held high and commanding as she led them under the trees.

Thistlepaw shivered at the cacophony of cat scents as they walked on, so many more than he’d ever smelled before. At every rustle of a branch or rush of air he jumped as though all of Bloodclan were surrounding them.

At last Sorrelpaw led them down through a gorge into a clearing. She and her littermates halted, their bravado momentarily overtaken by a mournful air.

“I’ve never seen the dens in such bad shape,” Sorrelpaw murmured to herself.

Rainpaw pressed against her side.

After a moment she shook herself and put on her cheerful attitude again. “Right! Okay, so what we have to do is go in the nursery, one at a time. In there you turn your back to the hole in the den wall, close your eyes, and say ‘Mistykit. Stonekit. Mosskit.

Mistykit. Stonekit. Mosskit.

Mistykit. Stonekit. Mosskit.’ And then you pause, and count to ten, and when you feel a chill down your spine you ask ‘How did you die?’”

Thistlepaw blinked at her in shock. “That seems like an insensitive question to ask a kit!”

Sorrelpaw flicked her tail in annoyance. “It’s a tradition! They’re used to it by now! And we’re not even sure if it’s really those kits in person, or something left over from when they died.”

“Can I go first?” Brokenpaw asked eagerly.

Sorrelpaw lifted her head, mimicking the regal bearing of a leader. “Yes, you may. Starclan honors your bravery.”

Brokenpaw padded into the dark, broken-down nursery. Thistlepaw could hardly breath as he waited the long, tense moments for him to reemerge.

At last he came out, a disappointed look on his face. “Nothing happened.”

“You’re not supposed to tell anyone what you saw!” Sorrelpaw hissed.

“Sorry!” Brokenpaw looked more genuinely remorseful than he ever did when reproved by a senior cat. Thistlepaw was secretly glad that he had broken that rule. Brokenpaw’s disappointment helped to reassure him.

One by one the other apprentices went in and came back out, until finally it was Thistlepaw’s turn. For a moment he thought about turning and running all the way back to the barn. But Brokenpaw nudged him teasingly. “You’ll need the respect of your clanmates once you’re a full medicine cat, won’t you?”

Thistlepaw raised his chin and marched in, managing to keep his steps confident despite his shaking belly.

The hole in the den wall looked like a gaping maw in the dark. Thistlepaw could almost see ghostly paws reaching through it to drag him in as he turned his back. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes and tried to ignore the hammering of his heart.

“Mistykit. Stonekit. Mosskit.”

Deathly silence.

“Mistykit. Stonekit. Mosskit.”

A cold draft from the hole.

“Mistykit. Stonekit. Mosskit.”

Thistlepaw’s whole body shuddered as a violent chill ran up his spine. Was he supposed to ask now? Sorrelpaw had said to count to ten, but also to ask after the chill up your spine…

“How did you die?”

Though barely a squeak Thistlepaw’s voice was deafening in the heavy silence. He waited as long as he could, every muscle tensed and every hair on end. His uneasiness kept building, until he felt a puff of air that he swore was the breath of a ghostly fox on his tail.

With a panicked yowl he rushed out of the den, crashing into Brokenpaw’s side and cowering in fear behind him.

Even as he was in the middle of blank panic, one thought overwhelmed his fear:

He hoped Cinderpelt wasn’t upset with him for seeing a spirit before she presented him to Starclan.

Chapter Text

Sootpaw felt something digging into his side, and shifted around in his nest to try and go back to sleep. But the prodding happened again, sharper this time.

“Get up, Sootpaw. It’s nearly Sunhigh!”

He bolted up in alarm to see Heatherwhisker looking down at him. Every part of him was heavy with exhaustion from the previous night’s adventure. But he couldn’t tell his mentor that. “Right! Sorry! I’m awake!”

With a purr of amusement they said “Come on, let’s get you some battle training to get your blood flowing. Then you’re taking your first visit to the moonstone.”

“Already?!” That woke Sootpaw up. “Wait, what do you mean first? Do you think I’ll be the next leader?”

Heatherwhisker blinked. “No, that’s-do Thunderclan warriors only go once? In Windclan you go to share dreams with Starclan at least four times: once as a young apprentice, the second time before you get your warrior name, the third before you retire to the elder’s den, and finally you make the trip with your next of kin after your death.”

Sootpaw stared at them. “That’s a lot of times.”

“And that’s only if you don’t get an apprentice. For every apprentice you train, you go with them for their first visit to the moonstone. You also journey with them before they get their warrior name, but for that visit you wait outside the mothermouth while they go on to the moonstone.”

Sootpaw sprinted to catch up with Heatherwhisker. “So will all of the apprentices make all those trips, or just me?”

They looked uncertain. “I would like for them to, but it would be up to their mentors and Brightstar to decide.” Shaking themself they added more brightly “But I talked to Tawnypelt and Ashfur, and your littermates will be coming with us for this trip.”

Sootpaw did his best, but his movements were sluggish and predictable. Finally Heatherwhisker brought him to meet up with Sorrelpaw and Rainpaw, who looked just as tired as him. All three of them looked longingly at the fresh kill pile before their mentors called them away to visit the moonstone.

“Just be glad we aren’t doing this in Leafbare, so you at least have last night’s meal on your stomach,” Tawnypelt nudged Sorrelpaw teasingly.

The trip to Highstones was uneventful, though Sootpaw and his littermates moved much more slowly than their mentors would have liked.

Mothermouth was bigger and blacker than Sootpaw had imagined. He couldn’t help feeling like it was swallowing him whole as he padded in. He wished that he could call out to his clanmates for reassurance as they all padded along in the complete darkness, but he had to take all of his comfort in the soft sounds of their pawsteps and Heatherwhisker’s tail stretching back to rest on his shoulder.

They came to the Moonstone, glittering with silvery light, and rested beside it. Sootpaw fell asleep immediately, with only enough time to briefly worry that he would sleep too deeply to share dreams with Starclan.

He opened his eyes to the sound of gently running water beside him. He glanced over and saw silver fish leaping out of a stream, the woods beyond calm and peaceful. Suddenly his nose was filled with a cacophony of scents: the sharp tang of herbs, the savory smell of fresh kill. The milk-scent of queens and the tang of cats’ blood. The running water was drowned out by a building roar, battle-screeches of warriors mixed with pained yowls of queens and plaintive mewls of their kits. Quiet coughs cut through the din, as well as the soft rustling of prey through the undergrowth. He closed his eyes and pressed his paws over his ears, trying to block some of it, any of it, out.

You have a busy destiny, Sootpaw.

The scents and noises faded, and with a gasp Sootpaw saw his mother standing across the wind-swept fields of Windclan from him. He got up and ran towards her, but the faster he ran the faster the distance between them grew. With a sad look in her eyes she stood, sweeping her tail towards him as she turned to leave.

Stay here. I’ll be back for you.

Sootpaw woke with a start.

As his siblings slowly roused around him he saw Heatherwhisker looking at him with relief. Once they had all left the cave he asked them “Why were you looking at me like that? Could something bad have happened to me in Starclan?”

Heatherwhisker looked surprised, then licked their shoulder. “Not at all, it’s… In Windclan, it’s important that an apprentice never goes to battle before their first visit to the Moonstone. In case anything were to happen to them. But here, with Bloodclan in our forest… If they decided to attack there’s not much we could do to keep you and the other apprentices out of the fight. So I’m glad that we’ve taken some of our apprentices to the Moonstone now. Especially that I was able to take you.”

Sootpaw purred and rubbed against Heatherwhisker’s side. “I’m glad you could take me too.”

Chapter Text

Tadpole blinked. He thought he must have waked in the middle of the night, but something smelled different. He hadn’t learned how to tell apart all the smells in the forest yet, but this at least he knew:

Bloodclan’s territory didn’t reek of death.

After a few moments he realized he wasn’t in total darkness, but a dim light from some unknown source revealed outlines of molded trees and gnarled roots. The branches knit together so tightly that he couldn’t see the sky, and watery fungus grew in the muddy ground.

“You’ve wandered far, little one.”

Tadpole jumped and whirled around, startled to see a giant, battle-scarred tabby cat looking down at him.

“Who are you? And what are you doing in Bloodclan?!” Tadpole tried to keep the squeak out of his voice. And not to acknowledge the fact that he was probably not in Bloodclan right now. He had to do everything he could to fit in. To gain Scourge’s trust.

To protect his littermates.

The tabby chuckled darkly. “We are in a place of true strength now. Not Bloodclan. I brought you here because I promised your mother I would look out for you.”

Tadpole swallowed, his mouth dry. “You know Sasha?”

The strange cat smirked. “You could say I knew her very well. Tell me, little one, do you want to be strong?”

Tadpole looked into those eyes. He remembered the promise he’d whispered to Sasha when they were first separated, knowing she might never hear it. I’ll protect them. Whatever it takes, whoever I have to become, I’ll find a way to keep Hawk and Moth safe.

“Yes. I want to be the strongest cat alive.”

Chapter Text

“Brightstar, talk some sense into your deputy!”

Brightstar roused from her doze, uncomfortably aware of the squirming in her stomach. She was ready to kit at any moment, and had hardly been able to eat or roll over in her nest for the past day.

Tawnypelt leapt up beside her. “Aren’t you supposed to be the medicine cat?! What are you doing waking her up when she just fell asleep?”

Cinderpelt blinked, looking startled and almost chastened for a moment. Turning to her sister she asked “Are you alright, Brightstar? Do you think the kits will come soon?”

Brightstar grunted. “Sooner or later. What’s wrong?”

Stoatfeather lingered by the nursery entrance. “Cinderpelt wants me to move to the nursery even though I’m barely a moon pregnant.”

Cinderpelt lashed her tail in annoyance. “That means you’ve less than a moon before giving birth! It’s high time you let someone else take the deputyship for a while.”

“But then we would have both the leader and the deputy cooped up in the nursery!”

Cinderpelt cuffed Stoatfeather’s ear. “You got pregnant less than two moons after Brightstar. There’s going to be overlap no matter what we do. Silverclan won’t burn to the ground because a few cats are resting!”

Stoatfeather hissed in annoyance. Brightstar blinked wearily. “Stoatfeather. You may still feel strong now, but we shouldn’t wait to name the temporary deputy until you’re falling over with exhaustion. It would be best if you could start training them today, and retire to the nursery in the next week. Who would you recommend?”

Cinderpelt still looked mutinous, but Stoatfeather at least was turning more thoughtful. She was no doubt pleased that Brightstar was deferring to her judgement, and the leader chose not to disclose the fact that she was simply too tired to think about the decision herself.

“Speckletail is efficient, and since she’s waiting to mentor Chaoskit it will be a while before she has her paws full with an apprentice. I’ll talk to her and have her start helping me to organize patrols.”

“Perfect. Go ahead and do that.” Brightstar dropped her head to rest on Tawnypelt’s once more, and Cinderpelt let out an injured huff before anxiously examining her sister.

Chapter Text

Tawnypelt burst into the makeshift medicine den. “Cinderpelt! The kits are coming!”

Cinderpelt shot to her feet. “Thistlepaw. Go collect some water.”

Thistlepaw jumped up after her. “But I want to help! I’ve never seen a kitting before!”

Cinderpelt turned on him and snapped “This is how you help! She’s the one giving birth, it’s not about you!”

At the crushed look in his eyes she mumbled “Sorry, I’m just worried for her is all. Go get the water.”

Thistlepaw nodded and bounded away. Tawnypelt kneaded the straw anxiously.

As Cinderpelt limped forward she nodded towards the back of her den. “I found a stick for Brightstar yesterday. Grab that and bring it to her.”

Tawnypelt nodded, relieved to have something to do, and charged back to the nursery with the twig in her jaws.

As she skidded to a halt beside the entrance, she saw a ghostly white form behind Brightstar’s head, eyes clouded with sorrow.

Passing the stick to Brightstar she moved behind her growling “Shove off, Cloudtail. Let the living comfort the living.”

She felt the presence fade and knelt down, furiously licking Brightstar’s ears.

Cinderpelt pushed her way in. “All right, go wait outside. You don’t want to crowd her.”

“But-”

Tawnypelt was not normally one to be cowed, but Cinderpelt’s gaze froze her blood. “I’m telling you what I’d tell any mate of a kitting queen. And did you ever clarify what, exactly, you and Brightstar are to each other?”

As Tawnypelt padded out she saw Frostfur sitting to the side, watching her with tail tucked over paws.

“Look, we haven’t had time to talk about it! There’s been a lot going on.” Tawnypelt hissed under her breath, hoping her clanmates wouldn’t hear.

Frostfur regarded her skeptically.

“I didn’t want to push things, I know she’s still grieving Cloudtail and I didn’t want to badger her about moving on when she hasn’t even birthed his kit yet.”

Frostfur gave a small nod, but didn’t seem fully satisfied.

A sharp, pained grunt sounded from the nursery. Tawnypelt glared at Frostfur. “I’m not going to march in there right after she’s kitted and ask her to talk about our relationship! As far as I’m concerned I’m her mate, and I’ll love her kit as my own, and she can decide whether she wants to be mine whenever she wants.”

Frostfur faded from view. Before she vanished entirely Tawnypelt felt an amused purr in her ears.

A wise answer.

Chapter Text

Brightstar looked down at her belly. At the large, healthy, perfect kit nursing there. Her fur was still slick and spiked from having the birthing sack licked off, but already Brightstar could see that it was a thick, pure white coat like her father's.

"Have you thought of a name?" Cinderpelt blinked warmly at her sister.

Brightstar let herself stay silent for a moment, knowing her answer already but wanting to enjoy the stillness and Tawnypelt's rhythmic licks a little longer.

"Her name is Cloudkit."

Chapter Text

Brokenpaw felt a paw nudging him awake. “What is it?”

He heard Tanglepaw’s frantic mew next to his ear. “I don’t remember who our fourth mother back was! What do I do?”

“Go back to sleep and we’ll ask Ashfur in the morning,” Brokenpaw snapped. There was a stunned silence, then Tanglepaw curled back up next to him. Brokenpaw felt bad that his words had come out so annoyed, but he had been trying not to think about their lineage, mainly their mother, for a while. It was one thing to realize Brokenstar was evil; as much as he’d admired the cat growing up they had never met. But his mother, who had nursed and cared for and loved him and Tanglepaw… He didn’t want to remember her as a bad cat. But whenever he let himself think about her there were more things he remembered that seemed to point that way.

She had always encouraged him as a kit, always said that he could become the strongest warrior in Shadowclan with or without his paw. When he became an apprentice he had even hoped that she could see and be proud of him from Starclan. But now he was wondering: Did she really see that strength within him, or was she just too terrified to let him be weak? If he’d had an injury like Cinderpelt’s, one that completely prevented him from hunting or fighting, would she still have believed in him? Did she believe he could be strong purely out of love, or was she afraid of what it meant if he couldn’t become strong? If Shadowclan had stayed together, and as he grew up he never was able to hunt or fight, would he have gone to the elder’s den? Or would his mother and her friends have driven him out of the clan, like they did with the elders under Brokenstar?

He didn’t know if his becoming an invalid would have changed her point of view, but he did know that being driven out of Shadowclan with her leader and living as a rogue never did. Sometimes, when their clanmates were asleep back in Shadowclan, she would whisper to him and Tanglepaw about how much stronger the clan was. Back when they let the weak and elderly feed and groom themselves, instead of wasting energy taking care of them.

These thoughts and more whirled in his mind, keeping him awake long after Tanglepaw’s breaths became deep and even beside him. When they finally did have the chance to talk to Ashfur, Brokenpaw would have a few questions of his own.

Chapter Text

"Your fourth mother back? Let's see, your lineage is... Tangleburr, Swallowtongue, Frogtail and her mate Marshtail, then Swallowpelt, then finally Grasswhisker."

Tanglepaw nodded solemnly and started chanting under his breath "Tangleburr, give me your strength. Swallowtongue, give me your cunning. Frogtail, give me your..."

"What's a lineage?" Puddlekit asked curiously.

Ashfur blinked warmly at the kit. "In Shadowclan, we remember our mother, our mother's mother, and all of our mothers back five generations. As kits and apprentices we learn their names, and throughout our lives we'll ask them each to lend us one of their gifts."

Ashfur hesitated, seeming to see Brokenpaw's discomfort. "Is something wrong?"

Brokenpaw shifted nervously. "It's just, I'm not sure... and..." he took a deep breath. "Was Tangleburr a good cat?"

Ashfur paused. "That's for Starclan to say. She... she always did what she thought was best for the clan. And I know she loved you and Tanglepaw very much."

"But she followed Brokenstar. And she drove you and the other elders out of camp. She might have driven me out of camp if I couldn't be an apprentice."

Ashfur sighed. "Your mother was... complicated. The fact that she loved you doesn't undo the damage she caused. But neither do her actions undo her love for you. Her life is over, her legacy left, and it's up to you to make sense of it."

Brokenpaw nodded cautiously. "Do you know what I can ask my mothers for? I don't really want to ask for all of the things Tangleburr told me to ask for anymore..." Tangleburr had told them to ask for strength, cunning, stealth, speed, and skill. None of those things were bad in themselves, but Brokenpaw had recently noticed that qualities like honor and compassion were conspicuously absent from the list.

Ashfur pulled Brokenpaw in close with his tail, nodding for Tanglepaw to settle on his other side. "Swallowtongue was known for her wit, I remember it got her in quite a bit of trouble when we were kits! But when she grew up there was no cat like her to settle disputes. Frogtail was the warmest, kindest cat in Shadowclan. No kit passed through the nursery without coming to see her as a second mother. I was young when Swallowpelt died, but they say that she had the strongest sense of justice in all the clans. And Grasswhisker would always make sure that the elders were well taken care of. There were no paws like hers for finding fleas and ticks, and she would teach her skills to all the apprentices with as much weight as any hunting or battle training."

Brokenpaw felt himself purring. Ever since learning just how bad Brokenstar had been he'd felt ashamed of his clan and his family. The stories Tangleburr had told him of his mothers purely focused on their strength and intelligence. He felt a little more whole learning more about them, and about other qualities that he could remember them for.

"What about Tangleburr? What should we ask her for?" Tanglepaw put his paw on Ashfur's inquisitively.

Ashfur sighed. "Tangleburr... I know she would not want to be asked for these more peaceful traits. And she is not so good a cat to ask for them as your other mothers. But any warrior ancestor of yours, no matter how evil, can always be asked for their strength. And if they decide to give it to you then it is up to you how you use it."

Chapter Text

Heatherwhisker squeezed back into the barn, their old bones cursing the distant dirtplace. The clan had tried moving it a few different times, and eventually had to locate it far away from the barn because without fail the dogs would always hone in on it and no matter what reassurances Barley and Ravenpaw gave it was still terrifying to smell dogs scrabbling around just outside the wall. At least there was a tree growing on the other side of the farm with large, cupped, sturdy leaves that the apprentices could use to haul Brightstar’s waste away while she was preparing for and recovering from her kitting. It was only slightly worse than checking elders for ticks.

Heatherwhisker bristled in alarm as they saw Sootpaw’s tail twitching in the nursery entrance. Bounding over in a few quick leaps they demanded “Sootpaw?! Why are you disturbing our leader’s rest? And when she just kitted?!”

Sootpaw looked ashamed, but Brightstar flicked her tail dismissively. “He’s not disturbing me. I can still talk and make decisions while I’m nursing. He says Windclan had special traditions around the moonstone?”

Heatherwhisker shuffled awkwardly. “I mean, we just visit-visited it more often. And we didn’t allow apprentices to join battles before they’d visited it for the first time.”

Brightstar nodded. “That’s about what Sootpaw told me. He was asking if we could all perform this tradition, as a clan. If that’s alright with you?”

Heatherwhisker blinked. “Brightstar, it’s… I would like nothing more. If it’s not too inconvenient, that is-”

“Don’t talk of inconvenience. All of us here have lost most of our clanmates. I don’t want any of us to lose their traditions as well if it can be helped. See to it that you tell all of us how we are to observe these moonstone visits.”

Heatherwhisker ducked their head. “I will. Thank you.”

Chapter Text

With Bootkit and Chaoskit fully weaned Marge insisted on participating in hunting patrols. She was, however, not particularly adept at it. Princess and Nefretiti, eager to share their new-found knowledge with a fellow late-learner, descended upon her immediately.

“Puddlekit! Minnowkit! Get off of Brokenpaw this instant!”

Puddlekit mewed defiantly “But he said it was okay! He promised us a badger ride!”

Dawncloud stalked over to the group with a withering glare. “Well Brokenpaw should know better than that. You two are nearly apprentices! Far too big to be clinging to his back like burrs.”

Without Marge in the nursery the remaining kits had become incredibly difficult to manage.

Minnowkit plopped down with a worldly sniff. “I told you we were too old for this now.”

Puddlekit pounced on her, mewing as they wrestled “But that didn’t stop you from climbing on first!”

Pebblenose padded up to the squirming kits. “Minnowkit, would you like to practice weaving straw with me?”

Minnowkit squirmed out from under her brother and stood at attention. “Yes please!”

Puddlekit growled in frustration. “No fair! How can you actually like doing boring den-building stuff?!”

Brokenpaw nudged him playfully. “While she’s doing that how about I help you work on your battle moves? That way you’ll be way ahead of her when you two start training!”

Puddlekit’s eyes lit up, but Dawncloud planted a leg firmly between the two. “No! No battle moves. He’ll have plenty of time to learn that after he’s become an apprentice. You can show him some hunting techniques if you like, or you can help Sootpaw clean out the nests.”

Chapter Text

Tawnypelt dropped a mouse in front of Brightstar. “I caught this for you. Fresh from the straw right outside the nursery!”

As Stoatfeather hauled herself laboriously to her feet Brightstar called anxiously “You don’t need to leave on my account!”

Stoatfeather grunted. “Just because you’re leader don’t mean the sun and moon spin around you. I happen to want to go stretch my legs. It’s getting far too stuffy in here.”

Despite her words Tawnypelt noticed the elder casting a sly, amused glance at the two young she-cats over her shoulder. Trying to ignore it she picked up Cloudkit from where she was climbing on Brightstar’s head and placed her back next to her mother’s belly. For a while she watched over the two, alternating between sharing tongues with Brightstar and moving Cloudkit whenever she tried to climb her mother or toddle out of the nursery. Though her eyes were still closed she mewled quite heartily in protest each time.

“I can already tell she’ll be a strong warrior like her father,” Tawnypelt remarked. “You did a good job making this one.”

Brightstar batted playfully at Tawnypelt’s chin, and the young she-cat felt her breath catch in her chest at her leader’s words. “You can sweet-talk me all you want, but you’re having our next litter.”

“So… does that mean we’re mates then?”

“Weren’t we?”

Tawnypelt snorted and settled down beside her. “Your mother didn’t seem to think it was clear. She came all the way from Starclan to interrogate me about my intentions towards you.”

Brightstar gasped in mock horror. “Don’t tell me Frostfur is finding ways to embarrass me from beyond the grave!”

Chapter Text

“Put some force into it! How are you going to teach invaders a lesson if you can’t even cut up a piece of prey?!”

Tadpole gritted his teeth against Dog’s fierce blows. He felt warm blood starting to well out of his ears. The dust-colored cat was obviously annoyed whenever he got stuck training the new fighters, and took his frustration out on Tadpole and the other kits.

Tadpole hadn’t seen his littermates since they were separated. Scourge had the trainees divided into five groups to make sure that no two littermates were given the chance to talk. The other cats in Tadpole’s group couldn’t be any younger than him, yet they all looked so small that it was hard for him to engage in the ruthless sparring Dog demanded. 

But he did. 

He did anything that was asked.

It was still less than half a moon since they had been separated, but to Tadpole it felt like a lifetime. Already his muscles were hardening under his soft kitten-fluff. Not just from Bloodclan’s fight practice, but training with the dream-cat too.

“Do you need me to show you how to do it myself?!” Dog snarled in Tadpole’s face.

The little kit feigned terror. It wasn’t hard to do with his heart pounding in his ears. “Please, give me one more chance, I swear I’ll get it right this-”

“There are no second chances in Bloodclan!” With a roar Dog leaped on top of him.

Tadpole’s fear was replaced with focus, concentrating on executing the move he’d practiced so many times in his dreams. He ducked under Dog’s outstretched forepaws, using his own strength and the other cat’s momentum both to slice into his belly, creating a jagged red line like the scar on his teacher.

Dog staggered in shock, but then he regained his balance. To Tadpole’s horror the cut was hardly bleeding at all, seeping slowly into the surrounding fur. His young claws were too short to make it a killing blow.

“You’ll pay for that,” Dog snarled. Tadpole braced himself. He didn’t know if he could survive this fight with a fully-grown cat, but he had to try. As Dog stalked towards him, however, a cold voice interjected

“Wait.”

Dog stopped dead in his tracks. Tadpole looked up to see Bone padding over. “Let me see your cut.”

Dog hesitated. Bone effortlessly bowled him onto his back and inspected the gash in his stomach.

“Pretty nasty slice from a little kit,” he remarked. He shoved the cat away and growled. “Go rub some dirt in it to stop the bleeding. And learn how to hold your own against the kits you train.”

Dog was still snarling, but he looked much less fearsome crouching in fear next to Bone. “Not yet! I have to teach this runt a lesson! Let me-”

“This runt is already more ruthless than you’ll ever be. I’d give it a moon at most before he’s more useful to Bloodclan than you are. Now go, before I finish you off to keep you from embarrassing yourself even more.”

Dog growled in frustration but slunk away. Tadpole’s legs felt weak, yet he kept himself standing. Trying to his best not to let his fear and relief show.

Bone jerked his head to the side. “Brick. Pick up where Dog left off. Kit, walk with me.”

As the two padded into the forest Bone asked “Where’d you learn a move like that?”

Tadpole shrugged. “It came naturally.”

“Reminds me of Scourge. Good trick to play if you’re smaller than the other cat. Though you might not need it for long,” the older tom looked approvingly at Tadpole’s wide frame, like he was appraising a juicy piece of fresh kill.

Tadpole swallowed back the urge to ask “am I in trouble?” Only followers get in trouble. Leaders are above question. If you ever want to be a leader you need to start acting like one now. Instead he said “Thank you.”

Bone paused. They were at the edge of the logging camp. “And what about me? You want to fight me? We’re at the edge of Bloodclan turf now, if you beat me you could run away free.”

Tadpole regarded the large cat. He could never be free while his siblings were still in Bloodclan. “No. I know better than that. I can’t take you yet.”

“Yet!” Bone barked with laughter. “But yes, good call. I like you, kit. You’re bold, but not stupid. What’s your name?”

The black kit held his chin up high. “Tadpole.”

Bone blinked. Then he dropped his voice and said “Listen. People don’t know your name here. You can pick whichever one you want. A good name will get you three steps closer to Scourge’s inner circle by itself. A bad one will keep you trapped in the rabble. So I’m gonna ask you one more time: what’s your name?”

Blood roared in Tadpole’s ears. He hadn’t thought this far ahead. His name was the last thing he had of his family. But a cold steadiness seeped into his fur. He had to give it up now if he ever wanted a chance to get his family back. He took a deep breath, thinking for a moment, before he said “My name is Needle.”

Bone nodded. “Good. Not the best name, but a lot of those are already taken. It’ll do. From now on that’s what you’ll say if anyone asks you.”

Chapter Text

“Are you proud of yourself, Needle?”
Tadpole jumped. He whirled around to face his dream-teacher, his heart sinking into his stomach. He had thought, surely, that he could at least continue to go by his old name here.

“I’m still Tadpole, I just go by Needle in Bloodclan.”

The large tabby cuffed him over the head. “Do you now? Needle is the name you chose and you have to stick by it. This is no place for you to show weakness, any more than Bloodclan is.”

Tadpole shrank back. “Right, I’m sorry, I-”

“Get up!” Tadpole was knocked over by a swift kick. “What have I told you about apologizing? About begging for forgiveness?”

Tadpole stood up, trying to hold his head high despite the choking sadness in his throat. He missed his mother. “It’s showing your belly, a weak action done by followers with soft hearts and soft heads.”

“Right. You’re lucky to be alive right now. After failing to finish off that cat with your first blow… It’s only because Bone is easier to impress than me that you didn’t get your pelt clawed off.”

Tadpole took a deep breath. “I know. Show me how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”

Chapter Text

“Rainpaw’s stuck in the dirt-leaf tree!”

Sootpaw jumped to his feet at his sister’s cry, straw flying up in a shower as she skidded to a halt in the middle of the barn.

“What?! Where? How did this happen?”

Sootpaw fell silent as Ashfur padded up to the apprentice, his demeanor calm but for a swishing tail that betrayed his agitation.

“Sorrelpaw. Show me where he is.”

Sootpaw bounded forward. “What was he doing up there?! Is he alright? How do we-”

Ashfur quelled Sootpaw with a look. “You should stay here and do as your mentor tells you.”

Heatherwhisker glanced up from the rabbit they were sharing with Pebblenose. “Let him tag along, so long as he stays out of the way. He’s worried about his littermate.”

Ashfur grunted and jerked his head to the two apprentices. “Fine. Let’s go.”

The young cats struggled to keep up with the experienced elder as he raced towards the tree. Breathlessly Sootpaw asked “What were you two doing at the dirt-leaf tree?!”

Sorrelpaw looked straight ahead. “Our mentors haven’t taught us how to climb trees yet, so we thought we’d teach ourselves. The dirt-leaf tree seemed like a good tree to practice on because it has so many branches.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?!”

Her ears flicked back guiltily. “We knew you’d tell on us and we’d get in trouble.”

“I wouldn’t!”

“Wouldn’t what?” Ashfur looked curiously at the young cats as they scrambled to a halt among the stiff fallen leaves used to haul waste to the dirtplace.

Sootpaw glanced at his sister, a fresh wave of annoyance washing over him. How often had his two littermates gone off on their own adventures and left him behind? “I wouldn’t be so mouse-brained as to climb too high in the first place.”

Ashfur flicked his tail. “I’m Rainpaw’s mentor, let me do the scolding. Sorrelpaw, I’ll make sure that Tawnypelt hears about this.”

Sorrelpaw held her chin up. “You can blame me for this. Rainpaw didn’t even want to go, I made him do this. So he shouldn’t be in trouble.”

“What?!” Rainpaw’s indignant voice squeaked from high up the tree. “Did not! It was my idea!”

Knowing his brother Sorrelpaw’s words probably held more truth. The timid young tom was always one to complain the whole time before and during an adventure about how dangerous it was, then as soon as it was all over claim that he’d been the one most excited for it.

“I don’t know if my apprentice was pressured to do this or not,” Ashfur said loudly enough for all three cats to hear “Nor do I care. A true warrior can decide for themselves whether they should do something or not. Regardless of whatever their clanmates are urging them to do.”

Sorrelpaw rolled her eyes as the elder started to climb the tree.

Sootpaw leaned closer and whispered “But you know I wouldn’t tell! I didn’t when we did the test of courage!”

Sorrelpaw snorted. “That wasn’t really against the rules, all apprentices in Thunderclan do it at some point. What about when we wanted to go in the tunnels?”

Sootpaw felt his pelt bushing just at the thought of it. “But that was too dangerous! You and Rainpaw haven’t been in the tunnels at all, and I don’t know enough to keep you safe yet!”

Sorrelpaw jerked her head to the tree, where Ashfur was slowly descending tail-first with Rainpaw dangling from his mouth. “None of us have been taught to climb trees, isn’t that dangerous?”

Sootpaw scuffed at the ground. He wasn’t sure what he would have said if she had told him about this scheme, but he wasn’t going to admit it now. “Well that’s different. We’re Thunderclan, tree-climbing is in our blood. And if you fall out of a tree you might break your tail, but if a tunnel falls on you you’ll suffocate before anyone can find you.”

Chapter Text

“Look Cloudkit! It’s Princess, your grandmother!”

Cloudkit’s head bobbed unsteadily as Princess sniffed her, then she mewled in annoyance and toddled back towards Brightstar.

As Brightstar started to apologize Princess laughed. “She certainly knows what she wants! Just like her father.” Princess felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. “And maybe her mother too, I suppose…”

It was a strange feeling, such warmth and pride for her granddaughter and her son’s mate. But while she felt some maternal instincts towards Brightstar, she was also uncomfortably aware of a wall that had sprung up between them ever since she arrived in Silverclan. She was Cloudtail’s mate, yes, but she was also the leader. Many of the clan cats seemed to naturally fall into a level of familiarity with her that included some deference, but Princess couldn’t seem to get the hang of this balance. It didn’t help that she had only met Brightstar once before Bloodclan attacked.

Neither Brenadine nor Nefretiti seemed to have this issue as outsiders. But that was because they dispensed with deference entirely, regardless of the cat they were speaking to. Princess was not someone who could so easily pull that off.

She wasn’t sure if Marge shared her feelings of awkwardness, the quiet white cat kept mainly to herself. She played with all the kits, but aside from her mate she barely exchanged any words with the other cats in the barn.

Watching Cloudkit, perfect little Cloudkit, suckle at Brightstar’s belly Princess was suddenly overcome with a wave of emotion. “Hey, once this is all over, and Silverclan has their territory back, will you bring Cloudkit by to visit?”

Brightstar’s eye clouded with sadness. “If we get our territory back. We may be recovering, but from what Bristle’s cats say it sounds like Bloodclan is recovering faster. And Barley talked with me yesterday. Ravenpaw wants to pretend everything’s fine and we can stay in the barn forever, but Barley’s noticed the mice aren’t coming back nearly as much as they normally do in Newleaf. And he’s worried that as more of our young cats get old enough to leave the barn and train we’ll have more trouble hiding from the twolegs. He doesn’t know what they’ll do if they realize just how many of us are here.”

Princess curled up comfortingly around the young she-cat. “That’s a lot to deal with, do you need help thinking about what to do?”

Brightstar sighed. “I don’t… I’m not sure. Maybe I shouldn’t even be telling you all this, but you’re not a regular clanmate. You only agreed to stay until we get rid of Bloodclan. So I think it’s only fair that I give you an honest idea of what the situation is. That it might be a lot longer than you expected before we’re back in our territory. That we may never be back in our territories. I’m worried… I think we might even have to leave the forest.”

“Are you sure? You forest cats aren’t used to living next to housefolk, I’m not sure you’ll be able to feed yourselves on the streets-”

“No, not leave to Twolegplace. If we leave, we’ll have to go far away. Who knows how far. Until we find a new place where we can hunt.”

Princess’s breath caught. She could feel her heart tearing in two. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her housefolk forever. But Cloudtail was the only kit she had been able to see since her litter was weaned. Just as painful was the idea of seeing his daughter head off into the great unknown, where Princess would never find out where she settled or if she was okay.

Brightstar pulled the tiny kit in closer. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t worry you like this…”

“No, it’s fine,” Princess shook her head to clear it. “I appreciate the honesty. And if it comes to that… it’s certainly not the sort of thing I’d want to be blindsided with.”

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw trotted after Cinderpelt, Pebblenose leading Sootpaw and Brokenpaw ahead of them. The Riverclan cat was teaching these apprentices how to fish, while Tanglepaw practiced rabbit hunting with Heatherwind and Nefretiti. Sorrelpaw and Rainpaw would be busy for a few sunrises yet cleaning out all the bedding in the barn.

Brightstar had ordered that a patrol make the nearly half-day journey up to the fishing place and back once every three sunrises. All the cats of Silverclan had to learn to eat fish. Stoatfeather explained that no more than two patrols were to hunt on the farm in a day going forward. They were going to have to get more of their food from other sources while the mouse population recovered.

Cinderpelt was carefully examining the trees around them as they traveled upstream. Because the fishing-spot was so far away from the barn she was bringing Thistlepaw to see if there were any maple trees along the way.

“One more time: How do we tell a maple tree in Newleaf?”

Thistlepaw sighed. “Silver bark, smooth on young trees and ridged on old trees. Dense leaves, dark green and spiky with five big points.”

“Right. Keep a close eye out.”

“Why are we looking for them now though? The seeds don’t drop until Leaf Fall, and we haven’t even used any of the warrior mixture we got from Shadowclan!”

“Because if there are maple trees outside of Thunderclan I want to find them as soon as possible. Otherwise when Leaf Fall does come we’ll have to either wait and hope that some seeds blow all the way out to the barn or risk entering Bloodclan to get them. And we may not have used any mixture yet, but we have a lot of new apprentices now. Within the next few moons I know some of them will start thinking more about each other. We’ll start going through the mixture plenty fast then: if you’re too young having kits can be dangerous.”

They kept padding forward, keeping a wide skirt of the abandoned twoleg nest where Heatherwhisker and Windclan had sheltered on their return to the forest. Since then Ravenpaw said that the rats had multiplied and grown more aggressive, making it unsafe for cats.

Brokenpaw dropped back to join them. “Hey, bet I can catch more fish than Sootpaw?”

“But you hate fish,” Thistlepaw protested.

Brokenpaw sniffed. “Yeah, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for my clan. Besides, even if I catch the fish that doesn’t mean I’ll have to be the one to eat it.”

Cinderpelt flicked her tail in mock sternness. “Remember, we thank Starclan for all of our freshkill. And we eat whatever it is they provide us.”

“Yuck!” Thistlepaw heard Sootpaw exclaiming further ahead. He wrinkled his nose as they approached the thunderpath, seeing what the other apprentice was talking about.

Lying at the edge of the path was a dead raven.

Brokenpaw approached it, sniffing cautiously. Cinderpelt took a step forward. “Hey, stay back. I don’t want you getting any sickness from it.”

Brokenpaw swished his tail in defiance. “I gotta see if it’s really crowfood or not.”

“What do you mean?” Pebblenose spoke up. “Of course it’s crowfood, a monster killed it. Now get away from the path before another one sees you.”

“Just because it’s monster kill doesn’t mean it’s crowfood! Just like fresh kill doesn’t become crowfood if we leave it on the ground a few heartbeats! It’s easy to tell the difference, rotting smell is stronger than monster scent.”

Cinderpelt sighed. “Leave it, Brokenpaw. That may be food in Shadowclan, but we’re not Shadowclan.”

Brokenpaw turned to her, eyes blazing. “Isn’t Silverclan part Shadowclan? What did you just say? We thank Starclan for all our kill, and eat whatever they provide us?”

“We didn’t kill that, a monster did.”

“What if-” Thistlepaw felt his voice falter as all eyes turned on him, but he forced himself to continue. “What if we bury it here, and on our way back, if we don’t have as many fish as we can carry, then we bring it back?”

Cinderpelt looked from one apprentice to the other, then sighed. “All right, let’s pull it away from the road first. No sense letting more monster stink get on it.”

Chapter Text

Stoatfeather stood as she saw the returning hunting patrol. “What in Starclan’s name is that?”

While most of the cats were carrying as many fish as they could hold, Cinderpelt and Brokenpaw were dragging along the battered body of a huge black bird, its feathers all ruffled by some massive impact.

“It’s monster kill!” Brokenpaw half-dropped his wing as the words came out.

“What? You brought crowfood back with you?”

Cinderpelt and Brokenpaw dropped the bird a distance away from the fresh-kill pile. Brokenpaw helpfully clarified “Sootpaw could only catch one small fish.”

“Hey!” Sootpaw’s prey fell out of his mouth as he whirled around. “I didn’t make fun of you when you couldn’t keep up with the rabbits!”

“I’m not making fun,” Brokenpaw replied unfazed. “I’m just saying what happened.”

The rest of the clan gathered around, Minnowkit and Puddlekit making unhelpful gagging noises from the back of the crowd.

Dawncloud stepped forward and sniffed the bird. “Monster kill doesn’t become crowfood until it’s been out at least a day, especially in Newleaf. This raven smells pretty fresh, they must have buried it soon after it died.” Glancing at the disgusted expressions around her she added bleakly “I know not all the clans are used to monster kill, though, so Ashfur and I could-”

“Wait,” Ashfur’s voice was cold with barely-restrained fury. “Stoatfeather. Do you think Shadowclan cats eat monster kill because we like it? No one wants to eat monster kill and frogs and rats more than they do a warm mouse or rabbit. Shadowclan cats eat all that because we have to. Because we can stomach eating whatever it takes to keep us alive and our elders fed. And I think all of us could learn to be a bit more like Shadowclan. Especially if the farm mice keep diminishing.”

Brighstar stepped out of the nursery. Looking her clan over she said “Ashfur has a point. From now on monster kill is considered food same as any fresh kill. But Ashfur and Dawncloud need to teach us all how to tell if it’s safe to eat.”

“What?!” Minnowkit squeaked in disbelief. “You don’t mean I’ll have to eat crowfood, do you?!”

“I bet it can’t be any worse than fish!” Sorrelpaw shot back aggressively.

Brightstar assessed the raven. “It looks like that will feed about three cats. And at least one of them shouldn’t be from Shadowclan.”

Brokenpaw stepped forward, his chin stuck stubbornly out. “I’ll eat it.”

Dawncloud dipped her head. “I can eat some too.”

To Stoatfeather’s surprise Thistlepaw was the third cat to speak up. “I’ll share some too. I don’t mind, it’ll probably be interesting.”

Brighstar nodded. “Great. Now that that’s settled, let’s all eat and get some rest.”

Chapter Text

Barley walked beside Ravenpaw, trying to let his stress evaporate with the dawn mist as they padded along. The companionable silence helped, but he still found it hard to unwind when his barn, once his place of refuge, was now constantly abuzz with the noise of nearly thirty cats. And because they were trying to limit the number of cats who could be seen about the farm at any given time this only meant that more of them had to stay in the barn.

Ravenpaw's ears pricked forward. "Is that... Yes, I think it is! Look Barley, it's Nat and Pop!"

Dread filled Barley's chest. Normally the two wanderers were a welcome break in his routine, but now... now they were just two cats more chaos in his upended life.

Before he could voice his misgivings Ravenpaw waved them over eagerly with his tail, and they put on a burst of speed.

"Are you sure this is the right time, Ravenpaw? The farm's already pretty full with all your clan friends..."

Ravenpaw blinked in surprise. "Why not? We've always welcomed travelers at the barn before!"

"But that was before we had a couple dozen "travelers" settled here. And besides, aren't clan cats territorial? They're probably used to seeing the farm mice as theirs by now, and might not welcome more cats to feed."

Ravenpaw hesitated. "I mean... they know we're hospitable, right? They owe a lot to that fact, surely they wouldn't begrudge a couple more cats that generosity?"

Barley huffed. "It won't be just a couple, now that it's warming up again. Cats are moving around, soon we'll be getting two or three cats stopping by every moon. And that's also more cats that we have to keep hidden from the farmfolk."

Nat and Pop strolled up. Nat took in Barley and Ravenpaw's expressions and asked "Is everything alright?"

Ravenpaw put on some forced cheer. "Oh, yes of course! Barley's just feeling a little worn out, since we've been having more guests than usual lately."

"There are thirty cats living in my barn with me," Barley growled.

Nat blinked in shock. "What-thirty? Where did they all come from?"

Ravenpaw flicked his tail anxiously. "Well there was an upset in the woods, city cats killed most of the clan cats and drove the rest out. They don't have anywhere to go so we were letting them stay with us."

"For who knows how long it seems."

Ravenpaw threw Nat a sheepish glance. "Hey, could you two wait there a minute while me and Barley chat?"

Nat and Pop sat down while Ravenpaw and Barley drew aside.

"Hey," Ravenpaw murmured. "Is everything alright? You can talk with me, you know. We don't have to make Nat watch us bicker."

Barley kneaded the ground uncomfortably. "I didn't want to bother you, since I know you lost a lot of friends in that fight. And I know things haven't been any easier for you than for me."

Ravenpaw stroked his tail along Barley's back. "But something's clearly wrong. I'm sorry I didn't notice before. And if I've been taking your space for granted lately."

Barley buried his face in Ravenpaw's chest. "Whatever's wrong with me, it feels so small compared to what everyone else is going through right now."

"Well why don't you tell me about it, and I can help you decide how small it is?"

"It's... living with so many cats. The barn doesn't feel safe anymore. I know these cats are different from Bloodclan, but it still feels dangerous to have so many around. And I'm worried about them too, about them having enough food or messing up the barn or making the farmfolk angry. And... I know we did the right thing letting them stay here. I don't regret that. But I thought it would be a few weeks. Maybe a moon or two. Maybe I wasn't thinking far enough ahead, but I didn't realize before that they need to stay here indefinitely. And now all I can think about is how long they're gonna be here, how we'll make it work, how... how my farm isn't my farm anymore, and may never be again." Taking a deep breath he added. "And I know that sounds selfish, when everyone else in the barn has lost most of their friends and family..."

"Hey, no," Ravenpaw purred soothingly. "It's not selfish. You've been through a lot too, and you deserve to feel safe. I'm sorry I didn't think about that. What are some ways we could make things easier?"

"I'm not sure. I do think adding more cats would make things worse, much as I'd like to catch up with Nat and Pop."

"We could chat out in the field with them for a while, let them eat some mice before they head on?"

"Ok, that sounds nice. Other than that..."

"Is there a quiet place in the barn you like? We could ask the Silverclan cats to make sure they stay away from that spot, and stay quiet when they're near it."

Barley shook his head vehemently. "No, I think it would make me feel worse if they all knew where I hide away."

Ravenpaw considered a moment. "What if we told them to stay off the roof unless they're getting water? We could say it's because of the twolegs, rather than you hiding up there."

Barley sighed. He feared it wouldn't work when the cats all knew the farmfolk were away in their den, but he couldn't think of any better ideas. "Yeah, that might help a little."

Even so, he couldn't shake the feeling that in the near future something had to change.

Chapter Text

“Speckletail is perfectly capable of organizing patrols, you know.”

Stoatfeather huffed, but stopped craning her neck to overhear the temporary deputy’s assignments. “I know, I just still don’t see why I need to be cooped up in here! My mother kept hunting and patrolling until I dropped out of her by the border!”

“Had your mother also spent eight seasons in the elders’ den when she had you?” Brightstar mewed in amusement. Cloudkit, eyes now open, battled her tail ferociously.

Stoatfeather huffed and flicked her tail. “I don’t care how old I am, I still feel fine.”

“Just take the chance to rest, whether you need it or not. I’m sure your kit wouldn’t thank you for putting your pride above their health.”

Before Stoatfeather could respond Brenadine poked her head in. “You wanted to see me?”

Brightstar nodded. “Yes, come in. I spoke with Princess about this already, but Puddlekit and Minnowkit are going to be apprentices soon. Princess has agreed to mentor Puddlekit, and I was hoping you would take Minnowkit.”

Brenadine snorted. “Running low on clan-cats, are you?”

“Being a mentor is an honor!” Stoatfeather snapped. “Show some respect!”

“Calm down,” Brightstar mewed to Stoatfeather. “Yes, that may be the case, but it’s still important to me that these young cats receive all the appropriate training. That’s why I wanted to ask that until they come of age, you join mentors when they’re training their apprentices as often as possible and watch how they go about it. Princess will be doing the same.”

“So you’re assigning me extra duties? Sounds like a great honor.”

As Stoatfeather bristled Brightstar allowed a hint of sternness to enter her voice. “You joined us because we care for our sick and our elderly. Because of the way we do things. You need to accept that training the next generation is also the way we do things, and realize that we consider being chosen to do so a great honor. Even if you don’t understand why.”

“Do you even believe in Starclan?!” Stoatfeather spat.

Brenadine blinked. “I… believe they exist, of course. It’s the only reason anyone’s given me for why your leaders kept getting back up again. But to stay in your clan, do I have to worship them?”

Stoatfeather opened her mouth but Brightstar talked over her. “Not necessarily. Some might say you do, but I know my mate Cloudtail didn’t believe in them. And he was one of the bravest, noblest warriors I ever knew. What’s essential is that you believe in your clanmates, and in the warrior code. Do you?”

As Brenadine started to smirk, about to deflect discomfort with irreverence, Brightstar added “Answer sincerely. This is a serious question. Do you or do you not believe in the warrior code?”

The black and white she-cat was briefly taken aback. She considered for a moment, then answered levelly. “Yes. I do. I may not know what it’s like to believe in things the way you forest cats do, but this warrior code is more important to me than any other ideas I’ve heard.”

Brightstar nodded. “Good. Dappletail agreed to talk with Puddlekit about Starclan during his apprenticeship, since Princess doesn’t revere them that way either. You could ask Smallear or One-Eye to do the same for Minnowkit.”

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt stood and stretched, padding over to Dappletail. “Did you see Thistlepaw recently? I’d like to give him a bit more training before sundown.”

Dappletail flicked her ears. “I saw him going around the side of the barn with Brokenpaw a little while ago. You could check there.”

“Thanks,” Cinderpelt dipped her head and limped off in the direction indicated.

She found Brokenpaw soon enough, but for a moment she couldn’t see Thistlepaw.

Then she noticed the cream tail twitching out from under Brokenpaw.

“What are you two doing?” Cinderpelt demanded.

A few muffled mews came out from under Brokenpaw, but he was the one who answered “We’re practicing fighting. I was trying to show Thistlepaw what I learned, but Dawncloud hasn’t been teaching me how to hold off a bigger cat. So we’re trying to figure out ways that Thistlepaw can throw me off if I pin him.”

Cinderpelt snorted. “I appreciate the thought, but don’t worry about Thistlepaw’s training. That’s my concern. And you can rest assured I’ll see to it that he does get the necessary battle training for if he needs it. In the meantime why don’t you go make sure Dawncloud is comfortable?”

Brokenpaw rolled his eyes but got up. Thistlepaw stood, gasping for breath and self-consciously licking his rumpled fur.

Chapter Text

 “You grow weary of sharing tongues with your clanmates?”

Thistleclaw growled at the faint outline of Redstar. He didn’t come to this bleak, prey-barren place to seek company. “What do you want? Hasn’t your time ended yet?”

Redstar sighed. “Not yet. I fear what may come of the cats who walk here when I am gone, though I have rarely made a difference so far.”

The hunting grounds of Starclan shone in the distance on one side, the tangled branches of the Dark Forest loomed on the other. Neither would come any closer until drawn to him, no matter how fast or how far he ran towards them. Between them, where Thistleclaw stood now, was an endless plain of flat rocks and a cloudy gray sky. Occasionally he found a scrawny snake or lizard to chew, but by far he preferred hunting in Starclan’s prey-rich forest.

If only the company there weren’t so odious.

“It’s much more difficult to make the journey one way than the other,” Redstar continued.

Thistleclaw rolled his eyes. “I know. You’ve told me a thousand times. Who will you talk about now? Adderstep? Oakstar? You know it’s been a while since I’ve heard about Red Claw, maybe even five heartbeats?”

Redstar was no more amused than Thistleclaw by the conversation. “Perhaps it is time I told you of the one cat who did make this journey the other way. Crossing from the dark forest into Starclan. Do you know of Skystar?”

Thistleclaw’s ear twitched. He’d been as shocked as any cat to learn about the existence of Skyclan when he died, but since then he’d avoided talking about it as most Starclan cats did.

“He had been here for many lives when I died. I, and the other leaders who drove out Skyclan, found ourselves here upon our deaths rather than in the hunting grounds we were promised.”

Thistleclaw tried to interrupt Redstar, having more or less heard this part before, but even fading away the leader was still able to silence him.

“We thought it justice at first, that we who had made the decision to abandon Skyclan in their hour of need would in turn be left with no shelter of our own. All we could hope for was to bear the guilt of our clanmates, so that they would not suffer a similar fate. But sometimes, rarely, we drifted into more welcoming lands. I am lucky to have visited Starclan as often as I have, for what wrong I have done. But it was here that I met the legendary founder of Skyclan.”

Skystar hissed as the watery light touched his eyes, blinding after the endless night of the Dark Forest. Blinking his eyes clear, he saw to his dismay an endless expanse of flat, stony ground. As frustrating as it was to never be able to grip the slimy bark of the Dark Forest trees, at least he still had the familiar shape of branches over his head.

“I haven’t seen you here before,”

Skystar whirled around to face the voice, the first one he had heard since his death. “Who are you? And what is this place? Where are all the spirit-cats who guided us before?”

The dark ginger tom, fur glowing bright against his gray surroundings, dipped his head. “I am Redstar. I was leader of Thunderclan some three generations back. I was cruel and ungenerous to Skyclan in their hour of need, and because of that I am unable to share tongues with my ancestors.”

Skystar’s eyes narrowed. “Skyclan? My clan?! What did you do?!”

Redstar took a step back, shock in his yellow eyes. “Were you a leader of Skyclan? But I was able to visit Starclan once, and they said that all of Skyclan’s ancestors left these hunting grounds to follow their descendants!”

Skystar drew himself up to his full height, towering over the other leader. “I am Skystar. The First leader of Skyclan. Why would they be following my clan? Where else would my clan be but where I led them?”

Redstar shifted uncomfortably. “Twolegs destroyed Skyclan’s territory. They came to a gathering and asked the other four clans for help, but I and the other leaders refused to give them any territory. Instead we drove them from the forest.”

A growl sounded in Skystar’s throat. He swiped his claws against Redstar’s muzzle. The other leader flinched, but didn’t retaliate. Ears pricking with curiosity he asked “If you have been dead far longer than I, why are we only now meeting here? Have you been here the whole time?”

Skystar shook his head. “Before now I was in a dark forest that stank of death. Where there was no prey, no light, and no purchase on the tree bark. Where I was always hungry but could never die.”

Redstar’s gaze flicked to the side. Skystar followed it and saw a distant line of trees that looked like the place he had just come from.

“I see. What happened in your life, that you found yourself out there?”

Skystar sat down with a grunt. "Catch me some prey and maybe I'll tell you."

Chapter Text

Redstar blinked. “I believe I see now why you were in the place of no stars for so long.”

“What do you mean?! I knew I did wrong. I regretted everything I did! I did everything I could make it right!”

“But that’s the problem. You did not do that. Regretting your actions is not the same thing as atoning for them. Neither is it the same as allowing yourself to become a better cat because of them. The cats around you gave you every chance to start over and earn the respect you claimed. No punishment, many of them barely even held a grudge for all the death you caused. The strongest feelings that were held against you was a suspicion that you hadn’t changed. One, it turns out, which was correct.”

“How can you say that?!” Skystar spat. “You weren’t there! You don’t know me!”

“I know only what you have told me. But that in and of itself is rather damning. Micah’s death. It sounds like that happened because you wouldn’t let him take medicine from your territory and share it with another clan.”

Skystar lashed his tail. “It happened because the lark-brain tried to climb the tree and get between two fighting cats. And that was our medicine, not Windclan’s!”

“Just like the prey belonged to your group, not Tall Shadow’s? No matter how many cats had to die because of it?”

“That was different. I didn’t kill Rocky. Or Micah.”

“But one might think, after the death you had seen yourself cause, and the mercy you had received, you might be a little more generous to the other clans. That you might see no issue with letting your medicine cat take a resource that isn’t scarce and share it with a cat who would die without it.”

“It was ours!” Skystar got up and started stalking away. “I don’t have time for this! I need to find the cats I actually wronged and apologize to them!”

“Like Thunderstar? From what you said it sounded like he wasn’t much interested in your apologies in life. Are you sure things will be different in death?”

Skystar growled. “It’s been lifetimes! Surely he’s ready to forgive me by now!”

“What will you do if he doesn’t?”

Skystar was suddenly inches from Redstar’s muzzle. “What did you say?”

Redstar blinked, trying to seem calm despite Skystar’s formidable presence. “Are you planning to apologize for his sake? To show him that you’ve come to realize how wrong you were? Or-”

“Yes! Of course, that’s what apologies are for! I have to tell him I know I did wrong so that he can forgive me!”

Redstar shook his head. “There is a difference between the two kinds of apologies we’re talking about. An apology that is spoken with the expectation of forgiveness is of no help to the one receiving it. You must have already grown a lot since death, if your spirit is now more in tune with this place than the one you left, but understanding this difference is one of the things that you must now do if you wish to see Starclan.”

“And what do you know of anything?! You’re lifetimes younger than me! You’re not even from my clan!”

Redstar licked his chest. “I know because I had to learn the difference. For a few seasons I felt like I did only what was necessary for my clan. Then for several more I knew that I had been unjust, and that I needed to apologize to Cloudstar and Birdflight and all the cats I had wronged. I only found myself in Starclan some while after I realized that I had no right to the forgiveness of those I had wronged. No right, even, to apologize to them.”

Thistleclaw growled. “And? What does this have to do with me? I have no cats I’ve wronged to apologize to. And you haven’t even told me how Skystar got into Starclan!”

Redstar sighed. “Skystar’s life was deep in the past when I died. And he did not make it out of the Dark Forest until many seasons later. For many seasons after he drifted between here and the place of no stars, and it wasn’t until your grandmother’s mother was born that he was able to see Starclan at all. On his second trip, he was able to stay in the hunting grounds of our ancestors until he faded away. Nearly one moon later.”

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt followed Dawncloud through the marshes, every bit of fur sticking on end. In Bristle’s last message she had told them that Scourge would probably lift the restriction on where Bloodclan cats lived and hunted within his territory soon. While most of the warriors focused on catching enough rabbits to feed the clan for a few days and searching for other hunting grounds, Dawncloud was showing Cinderpelt where to look for an important Shadowclan medicine.

“Alright, I don’t really know where they grow the most or what they look like in Newleaf, but usually you’ll find them at the base of pine trees.”

Cinderpelt nodded, scanning the trees around them.

“In Leaf Fall, when you would harvest them, they can get really big. The biggest ones are flat. But they all have dusk-red caps. And they have white or yellowish warts all over the caps. I’m… pretty sure there aren’t any other mushrooms that look too much like it. I’m not sure, I just helped to harvest and dry them one Leaf Fall when I was young and there wasn’t a medicine cat apprentice.”

The two cats searched the forest, finding several pine trees with promising little mushrooms of a few different colors growing at their roots. Cinderpelt did her best to memorize as many as she could, and figure out the most efficient route to check them all again in Leaf Fall. While it wouldn’t be safe to return to Shadowclan territory then, Cinderpelt wanted to be prepared for if it was at all possible. Dawncloud had explained the Shadowclan tradition of the Dead Branch Journey to her, Shadowclan’s most significant feast, and she wanted to make sure that Silverclan was able to honor it.

...And maybe she was also curious to try these dusk-star caps for herself.

Chapter Text

As they returned to the barn Cinderpelt noticed a pronounced tension in the air. The fresh-kill pile also looked significantly smaller than she would have hoped after a full day focused on hunting. Seeing Speckletail grooming herself Cinderpelt asked “Hey, is something wrong? Why is the air so heavy?”

Speckletail started. “That’s right, you left before dawn. When Ravenpaw woke up, Barley was missing. He was absolutely frantic. I don’t know who told Chaoskit what was going on, but she was able to pick up his scent where he left the barn so I sent a patrol with Ravenpaw to follow the trail. No one but the apprentices have been able to focus on hunting all day, we’re all too worried.”

Cinderpelt glanced around. Bloodclan taking control of the full territory, and now their host was missing too?

Suddenly Nefretiti burst into the barn and everyone jumped to their feet. “What news?!” Speckletail demanded.

Nefretiti paused to breathe before answering. “We tracked him up to the road, but couldn’t find his scent on the other side. Ravenpaw and them are going to keep looking for it down one way, I came running back to get more cats to search the other way.”

Speckletail lashed her tail. “How far are they planning to go, that they think it would be faster to send for more cats than double back themselves?”

Brightstar padded out of the nursery and glanced around. “I don’t think any of us are getting much done while he’s missing. Send out Brenadine and Princess, and tell them to look for prey on the way back.”

Speckletail stared at Brightstar. “That only leaves elders and kits in the barn! What if Bloodclan attacks?”

Brightstar twitched her whiskers. “If they do find us our only option is to hide or run away, regardless of how many cats we hold back here.”

Chapter Text

“Thanks for listening, I know it’s a lot when we just met…”

Bustifer Jones paused mid-swipe in washing his face. “Not at all! I feel like we’ve known each other for months, with everything George tells me about you.”

Barley sighed. “I appreciate it. I just… I need a few days to think.”

Bustifer Jones nodded sagely. “Of course, every cat needs time to themselves. It’s why I go on these little adventures. Though I certainly don’t range as far as cats like George! I prefer to experience that sort of adventure second-paw if you know what I mean!”

Barley settled down as the elderly cat prattled on. He thought he’d feel better once he got away from the barn, but now his stomach was weighed down with guilt. He should have told Ravenpaw where he was going, he knew that much, he just… didn’t want to be talked out of it.

He hoped they weren’t too worried about him at the farm.

Chapter Text

Sorrelpaw’s fur pricked. She saw a figure emerging from the mist. She leaped to her feet excitedly as she saw the glitter of starlight in its pelt, and then…

“Ashpaw!”

She forced some cheer into her mew, swallowing her disappointment that it wasn’t Willowpelt or Sandstorm. Ashpaw had been her clanmate too, and she was also happy to see him.

Ashpaw purred. “You’re doing so great, Sorrelpaw! I know Willowpelt would be so proud of you.”

Sorrelpaw nodded. “How is she doing? And Sandstorm and everyone else?”

He swished his tail awkwardly. “Oh, they’re good you know. Willowpelt misses you but she’s glad you’re safe.”

Sorrelpaw’s disappointment evaporated as she remembered what dreams of former clanmates entailed. “Do you have a message from Starclan for me?!”

Ashpaw hesitated. “Uh, yeah, let me think… Yeah they say don’t worry about it.”

“About what?”

“About… Barley, you know? He’s fine, he’ll be back soon.”

“Oh…” It was helpful to know, sure, but it didn’t seem quite as… grand as what she’d expect a dream from Starclan to be about. Especially since Barley wasn’t even a clanmate.

Brushing past her he said “Now that you know… Is there a place you wanna see? I can take you anywhere in Starclan!”

Sorrelpaw cocked her head. “Won’t I see Starclan when I die?”

“Yeah, but hopefully it’ll be many moons before that happens! Aren’t you curious now?”

Sorrelpaw considered it. Now that it was offered to her, she supposed the idea of seeing Starclan early was interesting…

“Yeah okay. Show me someplace cool.”

Chapter Text

“Mama! Up!”

Brightstar groaned as Cloudkit rammed her side. She felt a flash of guilt that she’d been able to sleep with everything going on, But as Cloudkit got more energetic she had to take her rest where she could.

“Alright, alright. I’m up.”

Brightstar rolled over.

Cloudkit didn’t attack her again, and she started to fall asleep. Until she noticed the tiny pawsteps fading out of the nursery.

She jumped to her feet and followed her kit. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Esplore!”

“Alright, we can explore the barn. But don’t try to leave the nursery without me!”

As Cloudkit clambered over the scattered straw Brightstar glanced around. The barn still felt uncomfortably empty. She did notice Brenadine curled up with Bootkit and Chaoskit, as well as Princess in her own nest. As she was trying to see if Nefretiti was back as well more cats started padding into the barn.

She bounded up to meet them. “Any luck?”

Ravenpaw was conspicuously absent.

Tawnypelt shook her head. “We couldn’t find any more trace of him. Nefretiti met up with us a little before moonhigh and told us Brenadine and Princess went home. So I decided, since Barley didn’t have any fear-scent when he left, and he tried so hard to make sure we couldn’t track him, it was time for us to go back and wait for him to return in his own time.” Although Tawnypelt’s voice was gruff a twitch of her tail betrayed her anxiety.

“We tried to explain this to Ravenpaw,” Heatherwhisker added. “But he wouldn’t hear it. He’s still out there looking. Nefretiti decided to stay and help him, but I’m pretty sure that’s because Nefretiti doesn’t need sleep like a normal cat.”

Marge made a vague noise acknowledging Heatherwhisker’s half-hearted attempt at a joke before padding over to join her mate.

Brightstar sighed. Sunrise wasn’t far off, and most of her clan was exhausted both physically and emotionally. “Alright, get what sleep you can. Let’s wait until sunhigh before we start sending out hunting patrols tomorrow.”

Cloudkit was eagerly sniffing Tawnypelt’s paws, utterly absorbed by all the new smells.

Tawnypelt nodded. “At least our apprentices aren’t worried,” she mewed ruefully.

Brighstar glanced at the makeshift den where they were sleeping, worry worming in her belly. “I’m not sure if it’s because they think cats are immortal the way we did at that age, or if they’ve just been numbed to death…”

Chapter Text

“Cinderpelt.”

The gray medicine cat looked up from her herbs, which she had been sorting to avoid trying to sleep.

“Just thought I’d pop in to let you know I’ve started kitting,” Stoatfeather mewed. “So you have a few hours to get all your herbs and a stick or two ready before things really get going.”

“What?! Why didn’t you send someone else to tell me this? Get back to your nest!”

“Alright I’m going back, keep your fur on. I just knew it’d be faster to tell you myself.”

“Wait,” Cinderpelt shook out a few seeds and rolled them to Stoatfeather. “Take this back with you and eat a poppy seed when you feel the pain coming. Then wait a while and take another seed if it still hurts more than a little.”

Stoatfeather grunted and picked the tiny seeds up delicately with her teeth before leaving.

Sorrelpaw barreled past the elderly queen. “Cinderpelt! I had a dream from Starclan!”

“Oh?” Cinderpelt’s ears pricked.

“Yeah, they said Barely is ok and he’ll be back soon.”

Cinderpelt considered this. It was an odd thing for Starclan to send a dream about, but certainly not strange enough to be worth accusing a young cat of lying about. “That’s good to know. Thank you.”

“Is Ravenpaw back yet? I wanna tell him!”

Cinderpelt hesitated. If the dream wasn’t from Starclan she would hate to raise Ravenpaw’s hopes only to have them dashed later. But at the same time, this would be the most reassuring thing he could hear at the moment. “He’s still out. Why don’t you get Tawnypelt and you two find him to let him know?”

“Okay!” Sorrelpaw dashed off in excitement.

Thistlepaw blinked sleepily. “Do you think I’ll ever get a dream from Starclan?”

Cinderpelt shrugged uncomfortably. “These dreams are rare, and they don’t only happen to medicine cats. Let’s get everything ready for Stoatfeather’s kitting.”

Chapter Text

Stoatfeather pulled her new kit into her belly. She was a tabby like her, but more of a light, sand-colored brown. Once satisfied that the kit was healthy Cinderpelt stepped out to let Ashfur in. Trying not to show how much effort it took to lift her head, Stoatfeather asked “Could you tell Heatherwhisker to get in here too?”

Surprised, Cinderpelt nodded and padded away. Ashfur bent down, licking Stoatfeather’s ears. “She’s perfect. What are you naming her?”

Stoatfeather purred, closing her eyes for a moment before she responded. “Let’s wait a bit.”

A few moments passed. Heatherwhisker brushed into the nursery, their eyes glowing. “What a beautiful kit! Thank you for letting me see her so soon. What’s her name?”

Stoatfeather licked her chest in satisfaction. “What can I say, I’ve never birthed a sickly kit before and I wasn’t planning to start now.” Though her words were confident it was no accident that she waited until the kit was born and suckling enthusiastically to say them. Looking up at Heatherwhisker she said “I was actually hoping you would help me with that.”

Heatherwhisker gasped. “I can’t! She’s not my kit, it’s not my place to say-”

Stoatfeather flicked her tail impatiently. “I’ve birthed many kits already. And seen most of them grow to be fine warriors. And I know that Riverclan blood will keep running in Silverclan through Minnowkit and Puddlekit. The mother’s wishes are most important in a kit’s name. And my wish is for you to name my kit.”

Their breath caught in their throat. “But… What could I name her?”

“Give her a name like you’d give any other strong, healthy, perfect Windclan kit.”

Heatherwhisker knelt down, breathing deeply of the kitten's scent. "I would like to-I will name her Gorsekit."

Chapter Text

As the sun was starting to fall Tawnypelt and Sorrelpaw returned with Ravenpaw and Nefretiti. Ravenpaw nodded silently to the clan cats before curling up in his empty nest. Nefretiti padded up to Dawncloud, dropping the mangled corpse of a squirrel in front of her. “I found this by the road, is it still fresh?”

Dawncloud sniffed it cautiously. “Yes, I think so. Fresh enough.”

Brightstar glanced at the unappetizing meat. She shouldn’t make her clanmates get used to something she wasn’t doing herself… “I’ll share it with another cat. Anyone willing?”

Dawncloud recoiled in horror. “What?! No! Kits and queens never eat monster kill! It may not be crowfood but that doesn’t mean it’s good for a tender stomach.”

“Oh, right,” Brightstar mewed in embarrassment. Sometimes she felt so lost, so foolish, trying to lead Silverclan in the traditions of three clans that she had very little understanding of.

Speckletail flicked her tail. “Since I’m the deputy right now I could eat some of it. Sorrelpaw, would you like to share with me?”

Sorrelpaw looked exhausted, and like she was about to cry at the thought. Thistlepaw mewed anxiously “I could do it!”

“You already tried monster kill. I need a new apprentice brave enough to try.”

“I’m brave!” Rainpaw crowed. “Let me eat it!”

“Great! Let’s take this to the side.”

Rainpaw hesitated, seeming to realize that this was not a prize to be excited about receiving. But he followed Speckletail and swallowed down the prey with just a few grimaces.

Chapter Text

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the tall bale for a clan meeting!”

“Meep!”

Cloudkit squeaked imperiously from between her mother's paws. It was certainly unusual for a kit to stand on the leader’s spot with them, but Cloudkit was very insistent on being included and Brightstar had trouble minding. Puddlenose gave Minnowkit one last, decisive lick between the ears before standing at attention.

“Minnowkit. Step forward.”

The young she-cat bounded eagerly to the center of the barn. “From this day forward until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Minnowpaw.” Brightstar nodded to the side. “Brenadine, pass down your courage and conviction to Minnowpaw as you show her the ways of our clan.”

Brenadine and Minnowpaw touched noses as the cats quietly yowled her new name.

“Puddlekit. Step forward.”

Puddlekit approached a little more nervously, his blue eyes wide with uncertainty. “From this day forward until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Puddlepaw.”

“Princess, pass down your determination and your readiness to help to Puddlepaw as you show him the ways of our clan.”

Puddlepaw relaxed slightly, whether from relief or disappointment Brightstar couldn’t tell.

Chapter Text

"But Bloodclan is all over the old forest now! And the great sycamore is even further away than Thunderclan camp!"

Sorrelpaw flicked her tail, glaring at Brokenpaw. "I told you he'd just tell on us."

"Wait! I didn't say that!" Sootpaw bushed, fear of death and dismemberment outweighed by fear of proving his sister right. "I just mean... We should be careful, is all. Especially with Minnowpaw and Puddlepaw. Since they're so little."

Minnowpaw squeaked in offense, but Puddlepaw's eyes still shone with awe at being included with all the bigger apprentices.

"Is Thistlepaw coming?" Rainpaw asked nervously.

"I invited him, but he didn't seem excited about it so I just told him to let Cinderpelt know where we went if we're not back by morning."

"Brokenpaw!"

Brokenpaw flattened his ears. "What? He came with us last time, he won't tell on us now. And also he promised not to tell on us. Unless we don't make it back..."

"We'll make it back," Sorrelpaw declared imperiously, sweeping her gaze over the anxious Puddlepaw and Rainpaw.

As they rolled in wild onion Sorrelpaw told them about the ghost of the great sycamore. "Adderstep was a brave Thunderclan warrior. But he was also mean! And a bully! One time he found three Shadowclan apprentices trespassing in Thunderclan, hunting our food. But instead of chasing them over the border, he chased them further into our territory. To the great sycamore. And then up the great sycamore. And then he kept following them out on the branches until all three of them slipped and fell to their deaths! So now on no-moon nights he haunts the site of his crime."

"But what he did wasn't really against the warrior code..." Minnowpaw mewed.

"It was still wrong," Brokenpaw growled. "It'd be one thing if they refused to leave, he didn't let them leave. And then at the gathering he just acted like nothing was wrong and it was a normal fight over borders."

Sorrelpaw's ears pricked. "Did they still talk about it in Shadowclan?"

Brokenpaw huffed. "Grasswhisker's mother nursed Lizardpaw, one of the apprentices he killed. They were like sisters."

"Oh. Sorry," Sootpaw's mew was subdued.

Brokenpaw shrugged. "It's okay. I'm glad Starclan punished him at least, even if the clans didn't then."

"Yeah," Sorrelpaw brightened. "At the time our leader was too scared to punish him, because he didn't break the code and a lot of the warriors wanted him to be deputy. Plus it was after a moon of bad mice killed half the clan so he wanted to keep all of his warriors in action. But now that he's dead he's doomed to haunt that tree."

"When he's not in the dark forest," Rainpaw added helpfully.

"Yeah of course when he's not in the dark forest," Sorrelpaw rolled her eyes.

The apprentices bounded onward, Brokenpaw eagerly recounting how terrified Thistlepaw had been by the ghosts in Thunderclan camp to scare Minnowpaw and Puddlepaw.

"And those were just the ghosts of kits! Imagine what might happen with the ghost of a murderer!"

They managed to make it to the great sycamore without being spotted. Though it wasn't a no-moon night there was a brisk wind in the forest, which Sorrelpaw said was the more important factor to have in Adderstep's test. Puddlepaw and Minnowpaw were sent first, since they hadn't done a test of courage before. Climbing up and out until they reached a place where the branch swayed under them, before clinging on and taunting Adderstep until they felt a push. When Minnowpaw and Puddlepaw returned to the ground their fur was spiked all over, though Minnowpaw's eyes shone with excitement.

As Brokenpaw was climbing back down they heard a voice hiss "What are you all doing together?"

The apprentices froze. A massive, battle-scarred tom stood a short distance away, his eyes glinting with suspicion.

Sootpaw couldn't move, his mouth dry. Somehow he'd managed to get spotted by Bloodclan twice in as many moons.

The tom sniffed, and started to mew "Why do you smell like-"

Then Brokenpaw barreled into him.

Sootpaw blinked. Sorrelpaw launched herself to Brokenpaw's aid. Though initially startled the large cat was soon able to regain his footing, and batted first Brokenpaw then Sorrelpaw off with ease.

"What are you waiting for?! We can't let him kill them!"

Rainpaw's hiss jolted Sootpaw into action. The two of them joined the fight, and they started to beat the tom into submission.

Somewhere in the fray his body went limp. Sootpaw stepped back, expecting the cat to get up and run away. But he stayed still. Horror settled in.

"We killed him!"

"Keep it down! We had to!" Brokenpaw hissed, his mouth drenched in blood. "What if he told Scourge about us? Or followed us home? Or got Scourge to send out search parties for where our home is?!"

"A warrior doesn't need to kill to win a battle," Rainpaw mewed numbly.

"Except when it's necessary for self-defense. Or they're outside the warrior code. Do you want to risk Cloudkit's life for the sake of a Bloodclan rogue who drove us out?! Who killed our clanmates?!"

"I-I don't know! We're supposed to be better than Bloodclan! Shouldn't we at least bury him?!"

"There's no time!" Sorrelpaw wailed quietly, eyes wide with fear. "We have to get out of here now. Come on! Hurry!"

Without another word the apprentices ran, scurrying through the underbrush together. Sootpaw noticed Brokenpaw falling back to make sure Minnowpaw and Puddlepaw stayed with the group, and numbly followed suit.

Chapter Text

“So, let me get this straight. You went into Bloodclan. Deep into Bloodclan. And you got caught. So you immediately decided you had to kill a cat and run away?”

Sootpaw hung his head miserably. Once back on the moor the apprentices had felt a little safer, even though Bloodclan cats regularly hunted there too now, and spent the rest of the journey home arguing about whether to tell anyone about that night and who to tell. Eventually Brokenpaw convinced them to tell Cinderpelt, since she didn’t have the authority to punish them like Brightstar did and didn’t necessarily have to pass the news on to Brightstar like Stoatfeather or Speckletail would. And primarily because they would have to tell Cinderpelt something anyway, since all of them had at least minor scratches that would need her attention.

“Brokenpaw attacked first,” Rainpaw mewed unhelpfully. “So then we all had to jump in and help him.”

Cinderpelt closed her eyes. “Starclan give me strength.”

“We had to kill him!” Brokenpaw protested. “Otherwise he’d tell Scourge about us! And then Scourge would send cats out to find us! And then he’d find the barn and attack Silverclan!”

Sootpaw found himself thinking over the strange tom’s words again, his mind looping back as it had been doing all night. “I don’t think he knew we weren’t from Bloodclan…”

He flinched as he felt everyone’s eyes on him. “He didn’t ask why we were there, he asked why we were together. From what Bristle’s cats say, it sounds like Scourge doesn’t allow any more than two or three cats to be together at any one time, unless they’re in his inner circle or under the watch of them.”

“But he was starting to ask about our smell…” Brokenpaw sounded significantly less sure of himself.

“We were all covered in onion smell,” Sootpaw mewed. “That probably seemed weird to him. Bloodclan isn’t like Silverclan, the cats don’t all know each other. I mean, when I first met Bristle she and her cats all assumed I was in Bloodclan.”

Cinderpelt sighed. “Either way that cat is still dead. And you all are still in major trouble.”

“But it was a test of courage!” Sorrelpaw yowled. “It’s tradition! Hardly even against the rules!”

“It’s not against the rules if you don’t get caught,” Cinderpelt snapped. “And we’re not in Thunderclan anymore! The forest isn’t safe anymore! We can’t just keep waltzing in like nothing happened!”

She looked over the young cats’ shocked faces and seemed to soften. “Look, I know Brightstar talks a lot about preserving our traditions. And that is important. But we have to realize that there are some things we have truly lost, just as much as we lost our clanmates and our homes. Traditions are a big part of clan life, but they are not worth the lives of our clanmates. So as long as Scourge lives I do not want any of you sneaking into his territory again. Understand?”

The apprentices mumbled in assent.

“Good. Now I have to go tell Brightstar what you’ve been up to so she can decide what to do with you.”

Chapter Text

Dusk looked over the corpse. He was covered in scratches all over, but most noticeable was the gaping wound torn into his throat, a thick puddle of blood formed around it. From the trampling around him there must have been at least three cats fighting him, but with the wind-blasted battle scene it was hard to guess an exact number, and only the scents of blood and wild onions remained unscattered. Clearly they had not wanted to be found out.

“Did he have any enemies you know?”

Willie shrugged. “Anyone who makes a name for themselves in Bloodclan gets enemies along the way. But Retch killed most of his already.”

Dusk huffed. They couldn’t rule out revenge as a reason for the killing, but she was worried that the cats who did it had been more… organized than that.

That this was an assassination.

Most worryingly, if it was an assassination, that meant that it was likely the first of several to come. And her position near Scourge’s inner circle made her a possible target for a similar attack. “Get Minty. See if her nose recognizes any of this blood.”

Chapter Text

“What?!”

Brightstar shrugged. “It’s only natural. So long as we can’t trust you to stay out of danger we can’t let you leave the barn without a warrior. Or Cinderpelt.”

“But two moons?! That’s forever!” Puddlepaw wailed.

“Two moons, or until I’ve decided you all seem more responsible. So it could be less time... or more.”

The apprentices yowled in protest at this.

“Also, while you ‘paws are learning to be more responsible clan members, I think it would be good for you to take as many opportunities as you can to get used to those parts of our new clan life you aren’t as familiar with.”

“You’re gonna make us eat crowfood?!” Minnowpaw squeaked.

“Not crowfood, no. But I do know who will be first in line to try the next piece of monster-kill that gets brought back,” by this point there was a mischievous gleam in Brightstar’s eye.

“I look forward to sharing a nice, seasoned piece of prey with you Sorrelpaw,” Brokenpaw taunted. “I'm glad that back in Shadowclan we learned not to be silly about anything like that.”

“Speaking of,” Brightstar mewed. “Heatherwhisker had some ideas about our future, and after discussing it with them I’ve asked them to share with the clan.”

Brokenpaw looked uneasy as Heatherwhisker stepped forward. “We’ve been using the tunnels for hunting sometimes, but I think we’ll actually have better use for their primary utility than Windclan ever did: stealth.”

“Isn’t that more of a Shadowclan thing?” Tanglepaw mewed.

“In general, yes, but I’m talking about the tunnels. We have an opening close enough to the farm that it’s not too dangerous to access, and we could use it to keep tabs on Bloodclan’s movements in the moorland. Maybe, if we can reinforce some of the other sections without getting caught, we could even hear a bit into Thunderclan and Shadowclan territory.”

Intrigued murmurs sounded in the camp.

“Tell them the most exciting part,” Brightstar’s tail twitched eagerly.

Heatherwhisker took a deep breath. “I think I found where we could shelter next.”

The clan broke into questions and speculations, and it was only with difficulty that Brightstar could get them to quiet down.

“I’ve been checking around Mothermouth nearly every day, to see if there is any risk of encountering Bloodclan if we go to the moonstone. And not only is the path from the tunnels to Mothermouth clear, I’ve also found that there’s no scent of Bloodclan in the rocks around it either.”

“But we can’t live in rocks,” Smallear growled. “We’re not snakes.”

“I know it won’t be as warm as the barn,” Heatherwhisker mewed. “But to the south-east of Mothermouth there are large rocks we could shelter under. And, most importantly, we would be camping under the cliff, which would block Bloodclan from seeing our camp out on the moor.”

“Not just not as warm! Come leafbare we’ll freeze!” Dappletail yowled.

“This is the part where we come in,” Brightstar stepped forward. “We won’t just move into the stone-pit overnight. We’re going to spend the coming moons getting it ready to move into. There are reasons why none of the clans could shelter in a place like it before, but the biggest one is bedding. There isn’t enough bracken in the forest to keep everyone warm and cut out all the wind. But we have one thing now that we didn’t before.”

Smallear snorted. “What, straw?”

“Yes, Smallear, exactly. We have straw. As much as we could ever use, and the twolegs replace half of it every few days. With this we can make nest bases that will keep dry, and protect us from the cold stone, and it would also be easier to weave into barriers than brambles. Heatherwihisker will start leading patrols out there to find and clean out hollows where we could make nests, make sure there are no snakes-”

“There could be snakes?” Marge squeaked in alarm.

“Could be, yes. There could be snakes anywhere they haven’t been checked for. There probably aren’t a lot of them, or Windclan would be more careful around Mothermouth. But it’s better to check before we move our kits there. Once the camp is cleared out, and some other cats know the way well enough to lead patrols of their own, we’ll start carrying clumps of straw in to make nests.”

The clan considered this a long moment. Smallear mewed testily “That’s all well and good but what if it doesn’t work?”

Brightstar sighed. “This is what we’ll try to make work now. And if it doesn’t… then we’ll just be back where we were a few days ago.”

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt limped up to the roofwater, cursing under her breath. She’d looked everywhere for Thistlepaw, and was now back to checking the roof again. This time, wondering why she hadn’t thought to try it before, she climbed to the crest of the barn and surveyed the whole roof at once. There, on a corner hidden from the view of any cats coming up for water, sat Thistelpaw.

Curled up next to Brokenpaw.

Half stalking, half slipping down towards them Cinderpelt barked “Thistlepaw! What are you doing back here?”

Thistelpaw started and looked guilty, but Brokenpaw stood and stretched like he was the most innocent cat in the world. Locking eyes with Cinderpelt he said “What’s wrong with some clanmates sharing tongues? Neither of us has anything we need to be doing.”

Cinderpelt bristled. There wasn’t anything wrong with sharing tongues. Or even splitting off from the rest of the clan to do it in private. But something about Thistlepaw’s guilty silence combined with Brokenpaw’s unruffled self-assurance told her something more was going on. Flicking her tail impatiently she said “Apprentices aren’t supposed to go off on their own. Especially not you, Brokenpaw. Up here in the open a hawk could’ve gotten you. And you’re supposed to stay where your mentors can find you. In case we do need you for anything.” Turning to Thistlepaw she jerked her head in a terse command. “Come. After you left I noticed that we need more herbs for treating infections. I wanted to show you where some horsetail grows and I’ve already wasted enough daylight looking for you.”

Thistlepaw followed her, his head and tail drooping in such strong dejection that her belly twinged with guilt. She knew better than to speak so sternly with him. He had a heart as tender as Tanglepaw, but without the other apprentice’s ability to quickly recover his good cheer.

Still, she couldn’t help feeling that his friendship with Brokenpaw was starting to develop into something more dangerous.

Chapter Text

“You can go on ahead and get some rest, I want to see if Ravenpaw needs any company.”

Tanglepaw started to shoot off, then turned, came back, breathlessly mewed “Thank you!” and charged back towards the barn.

Pebblenose shook his head in amusement, padding up to where Ravenpaw was keeping watch on a fencepost.

“Have you eaten yet today?”

Ravenpaw fluffed his fur. “I caught a mouse before coming out here.”

So before dawn.

Pebblenose followed Ravenpaw’s gaze, staring out at the horizon where Barley had gone. Despite Sorrelpaw’s dream Ravenpaw still sat watch every day, anxious to see the first glimpse of his mate possible upon his return.

“Well I’m going to the barn, and I’m gonna fetch something from the fresh-kill pile for you. No sense in Barley coming back home to find you half-starved in Newleaf!”

Ravenpaw’s eyes were round with worry. “Oh no don’t bother! I know I haven’t been helping out for the last few days, and I don’t want to take any prey from the clan.”

“No trouble at all,” Pebblenose mewed firmly. “It’s your barn we’re living in after all. And clans exist so that cats can stay alive even when they can’t hunt or fight for themselves.”

As Pebblenose’s eyes adjusted to the dim light in the barn he heard Brenadine call out “Hey Pebblenose! Marge caught a mouse!”

He blinked warmly at the couple, though Marge was hiding her face in embarrassment. “It’s a barn mouse, the forest cats hardly even count that as hunting. And it’s the first thing I caught in a quarter-moon…”

“Well it tastes delicious just the same,” Brenadine retorted unfazed.

Movement caught Pebblenose’s eye, and he saw Tanglepaw trotting towards the door with a mouthful of dirty straw and moss. “What are you doing?” Pebblenose asked in amusement. “Didn’t I tell you to get some rest?”

Tanglepaw opened his mouth, dropping the bedding. “But Sorrelpaw and Sootpaw were told to clean the nursery! All by themselves! So I had to help them!”

“The nursery has two nests,” Pebblenose purred. “I’m sure they can manage by themselves.”

Tanglepaw glanced guiltily over his shoulder “Yeah, but… I want to help them.”

Pebblenose touched his nose to Tanglepaw’s head. “That’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’re a good clanmate, Tanglepaw.”

As Tanglepaw brightened Ravenpaw burst into the barn. “Barley! He’s here!”

“Where?!” Minnowpaw looked around excitedly.

Ravenpaw shuffled his forepaws. “Well, not here here. I saw him on the horizon and ran to meet him. And then we were heading back but I wanted to run ahead and tell everyone. I’m going to go catch up with him for the last bit now.”

As Ravenpaw dashed away again Tawnypelt mrrowed in amusement. “He’s got the energy of a full nursery of kits now.”

Chapter Text

When Barley stepped into the barn at last he looked positively miserable. His ears were pinned back in shame, no matter how furiously Ravenpaw licked them.

“I’m sorry I left like that, I didn’t mean to cause such a fuss.”

“We’re just glad you’re safe,” Brightstar mewed evenly. That was partly true, she was relieved that no harm had come to the old loner. But now that she knew he was safe she found herself prickling with annoyance at all the sleep her clanmates had lost and prey they hadn’t caught. “Could you tell us why you left?”

He shrank further within himself. “I just… I just needed… space…”

Ravenpaw glared at Brightstar. “I know it caused us a lot of worry that he took off without warning, but you don’t know how much he’s been sacrificing, letting Silverclan stay in the barn. He may know that clan cats are different from Bloodclan, but that doesn’t change the fact that being surrounded by other cats all the time puts his mind back in those days. He doesn’t feel safe at the barn anymore. Hasn’t for the last few moons.”

Brightstar dipped her head, softening slightly. “I understand. I’m sorry we’ve been such an imposition Barley-” Barley started to protest but Brightstar flicked her tail. “No, I know it puts you out of sorts to have us all here, even if we’re all on our best behavior.” Casting a withering glance over a certain group of apprentices she added dryly “if.” She turned back to Barley. “Rather than apologizing, let me say: Thank you for helping us, even though it puts stress on you. Hopefully we have an end in sight now: we’ve found some rocks at the base of a cliff, and we’re working right now to see if we can turn them into a proper camp. Within a half or quarter moon we should know better if this plan will work, and if it does I hope to have us settled in the new camp within two moons.”

“Two moons?!” Smallear yowled. “That’ll hardly be enough time to scratch some nests together! Let alone build any defenses, or make any of the dens watertight!”

Brightstar sighed. “Heatherwhisker and One-Eye assessed the work that would need to be done, and they think that one to two moons is a reasonable guess.”

Barley blinked at Brighstar in surprise. “Oh, that’s… I was getting to thinking that you all would be settled here forever, or at least until next Winter. If you’re working on a new home, and you have an idea when it’ll be ready… That alone is a huge load off my mind.”

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt dozed outside the medicine den while Thistlepaw sorted herbs. Her apprentice had been silent all morning. She hoped he wasn’t still feeling guilty about the previous day, although she had snapped at him she didn’t think he’d done anything seriously wrong.

“Cinderpelt?” He mewed uncertainly.

“Yes?” Cinderpelt lifted her head, blinking reassuringly at him.

He took a deep breath. “I knew about Brokenpaw and the other apprentices.” The words all came out in a tumble.

“What?”

“When they went out, to do the test of courage, and they were caught by Bloodclan… Brokenpaw told me where they were going before they left. And he said to tell you what happened if they didn’t come back.”

Cinderpelt sat up with interest. “Did he now?” That was certainly more foresight than she expected from the young tabby, who usually seemed to consider himself both immortal and infallible.

“I’m sorry,” Thistlepaw stared at her with guilt-soaked eyes. “I know I should have told you right away, I shouldn’t have let them go out in the first place, it’s just…”

“I’m not so sure that’s true,” Cinderpelt mewed.

Thistlepaw blinked. “What do you mean?”

Cinderpelt mrrowed with amusement. “I remember what it’s like to be young. More importantly to be headstrong like Brokenpaw, never willing to listen to my elders. There’s a reason I hunt horsetail instead of squirrels, after all. It sounds like he put you in a difficult position, and you didn’t trust yourself or me to be able to talk them out of going. So you prioritized keeping his trust and doing what you could to keep them all safe in spite of their mouse-brained decisions over doing what you were “supposed” to do. And you can’t convince me that was a bad call.”

Thistlepaw stared at her, hardly daring to hope. “So… am I not in trouble?”

Cinderpelt got up and sat next to him, winding her tail around him as he sank against her. “No, you’re not. You used your brain and you made the best decision you could in a hard situation. As a medicine cat there are going to be many more times you’re put in a difficult position like that. And you have to realize that sometimes… sometimes the rules don’t cover the situation you’re in. Sometimes you have to ignore the rules, even the leader, in order to do what’s right. Remember that above all your job is to treat the ill and keep the trust of your clanmates. You can’t control other cats. You can’t stop them from being mouse-brains. But you can make sure that they won’t be too scared to come to you when their decisions get them hurt.”

Thistlepaw buried his face in her shoulder. “Thank you, I felt… I felt so bad, keeping it a secret from you…”

“Hey now,” Cinderpelt flicked his ear playfully. “You honestly did me a favor. I’m relying on you to be someone that the young cats can come to even when they’re being rascals. With you by my side, I have the liberty to act as an authority figure who’ll help them when needed, but also isn’t afraid to put them in their place when they play stupid games.”

Chapter Text

“Aw, don’t worry Brokenpaw! You’re doing so good! Just keep it up!”

“Shut up Sorrelpaw,” Brokenpaw growled from up ahead.

“I’m so glad I have such a strong, sensible Shadowclan cat with me, who is never silly about anything!”

“Shut up Sorrelpaw.”

Sorrelpaw mrrowed in amusement. She didn’t like the damp, enclosed space of the tunnels, but knowing that smug little Brokenpaw was absolutely terrified was worth seven moons of eating monster-kill.

“Quiet,” Heatherwhisker mewed. “We’re near the end, and I want to make sure there’s no Bloodclan out there.”

Sorrelpaw rolled her eyes. What even was the big deal with Bloodclan? She and most of the other apprentices had been able to take one of them just fine, and Heatherwhisker had already checked dozens of times to make sure they didn’t come to the tunnel mouth. Now that some time had passed since their test of courage had gone awry and Bloodclan hadn’t invaded the barn Sorrelpaw had trouble seeing them as much of a threat.

Eventually Heatherwhisker gave the signal and the rest of the patrol padded out after them. Brokenpaw’s bushed fur smoothed a little as Thistlepaw pressed against him.

“Alright, first we’re going to find some long sticks. Then, we’ll go to each cranny. First you sniff around it to make sure you can’t smell any snake, and if you don’t then you poke a stick into the crevice first before you get your paws in there. Make sure you have a warrior with you when you do this! If you don’t hear or see anything moving around in there, then it’s safe and you can scrape out dust and leaf-mold.”

“What if a snake comes out?” Brokenpaw mewed

“Then you jump back and let the warrior kill it,” Heatherwhisker replied.

Brenadine and Nefretiti, the other two warriors on the patrol, looked at each other uneasily.

The cats paired off, warriors with apprentices, and got to work. It was boring work, especially when sunfall came with no sign of any snakes for all their caution. They managed to clear out hollows and crevices in maybe a third of the area before Heatherwhisker decided it was time to head back.

As Brokenpaw’s fur began to rise preemptively Sorrelpaw looked around the cliffs one last time. “Are we sure this will make a good camp? There aren’t a lot of spaces for dens here.”

“We’ll have to build the dens ourselves more than usual,” Heatherwhisker mewed. “But here, between these two large rocks: That can be the leader’s den. And maybe we can prop some large sticks up against it to build the nursery roof from, and there are some smaller rocks on this other side, we could build a medicine den roof on that…”

“This sounds like a lot of work,” Brenadine mewed skeptically. “What, exactly, is wrong with the barn?”

“The barn can’t hold us forever,” Heatherwhisker hissed in annoyance. “And it’s living way too close to Twolegs for anyone’s comfort.”

“I mean the farm folk keep mostly to themselves,” Brenadine mewed skeptically. “The barn is much better than the streets and city-folk.”

“Clan cats don’t live in Twolegplace, though,” Heatherwhisker replied patiently. “We live in the wilds.”

Chapter Text

“Striker! Get on its side! Flank it! Bug, keep holding its attention!”

Dusk jumped back as a tom was flung to the ground just inches away from her, pelt spiking. She’d never seen anything like this beast before.

The large, black and white creature wasn’t much bigger than a small dog. But it was ten times as ferocious.

Dusk had heard the reports of cats getting attacked in the area, and collected a large band of six fighting cats to deal with the issue. Three of them now lay still in the dust, while another limped painfully with one leg dragging.

She watched the battle with narrowed eyes for a few heartbeats more. It wasn’t going in their favor anytime soon.

“Scatter! Get on out of here, and tell everyone: this place belongs to that thing now!”

The two cats still standing bolted before she even finished talking. None of them spared a thought for the injured tom trying to hobble away. Without a backward glance Dusk ran into the woods, followed by his agonized scream and a sickening crunch.

If they were going to get rid of this beast it would take a lot more planning.

Chapter Text

“Move, Brokenpaw! You’re not fighting one on one here!”

Brokenpaw growled as another apprentice slammed into his side. He could see the pine cone just a few pawsteps ahead.

Until Sorrelpaw leaped to block his view.

As more apprentices pressed in around him he started to panic, flailing more wildly until he was utterly pinned down.

As soon as his chin was forced into the ground Dawncloud yowled “Stop! That’s it, Brokenpaw and Minnowpaw lose!”

Minnowpaw, who had been overpowered first, growled in frustration.

Dawncloud stepped up and regarded her apprentice. Although his fur itched with dust he knew better than to groom himself in the middle of her training.

“Do you know what you did wrong?”

“Yeah,” Brokenpaw snorted. “I got teamed up with Minnowpaw. She was just made an apprentice, she doesn’t even have normal battle training!”

“Wrong!” Dawncloud batted his ear. “If I’d walked up while you were fighting I would have guessed you were competing with her, not her teammate. Minnowpaw didn’t do anything wrong, she used her instinct and her hunting training to guide her as best she could. She went down because you abandoned her. And then you went down because the other team was free to focus on you.”

“I didn’t abandon her,” Brokenpaw growled. “I was just focusing on-”

“Keeping your teammate safe is the only thing you should be focused on. It’s not ‘last cat standing wins’ it’s about both of you staying up long enough to bring me the pine cone.”

“Why are we fighting like this, anyway?” Minnowpaw mewed contrarily. “It’s not fair! There’s six of them and only two of us!”

“Because I’m training you to fight when you’re outnumbered.” Dawncloud mewed, adopting a gentler tone than she used with Brokenpaw. “To stay quick on your feet, and focus on keeping each other alive long enough to get out of there.” She sat back and nodded briskly. “Try that again, see if you two can work together this time. Then we’ll switch teams around so some of the others can get practice.”

Chapter Text

Brightstar gritted her teeth as Cloudkit’s needle-sharp claws dug into her tail. “Gentle!”

Cloudkit continued battering the poor thing with her hind paws.

Brightstar sighed, glancing back towards the nursery. Gorsekit would be a great playmate for her daughter soon, but at present the tiny scrap of fur was only a few days old. Far too small to play any games. And Bootkit and Chaoskit were closer to the size of fully-grown cats than Cloudkit now.

“Brightstar,” Speckletail’s voice was serious.

Brightstar flicked her tail free and tucked it under her. “Cloudkit, go see if Dawncloud needs help.” The elder had moments before returned with all of the apprentices, and Brightstar felt a little bad sending a kit to her when she’d been wrangling so many young cats all afternoon, but the other warriors and elders were still taking advantage of Dawncloud’s offer to train their apprentices for the day while they worked on the new camp. Cloudkit was getting big enough to understand some of what was said around her, and Brightstar didn’t want her to worry about Speckletail's news. The white ball of fur eagerly shot off to accost the unlucky elder.

Speckletail settled with a grunt beside her leader, nodding Barley over to join them. “Today was the day for a farm patrol.”

Brightstar took in the glum expressions around her. “The news isn’t good?”

“We searched the whole place, and between all of us we only caught two mice.”

Brightstar felt her claws sliding out in frustration. “But we’re being careful! How are we still overhunting?”

“It could be someone’s sneaking off and hunting for themselves…” Speckletail mewed hesitantly.

Barley shook his head. “Maybe you just can’t be careful enough to feed a whole clan off this one farm.”

Brightstar looked helplessly to Speckletail. “Have we found any new places to hunt?”

“Not since the last time we went looking.”

“There is one option.”

All three cats looked up at Dawncloud. Cloudkit was pummeling Brokenpaw with tiny paws in the distance. “Today I was training the apprentices with moves and awareness that they’ll need to fight rats.”

Brightstar gasped “You don’t mean-”

“The old twoleg nest has a dangerous number of rats, but even if it fights back that’s still a lot of food. If we shift the focus of our training to these Shadowclan techniques for half a moon or so, then we would be well prepared for a raid.”

Speckletail bristled. “But that’s mouse-brained! You’re going to risk all our young cats’ pelts getting infected? Or the whole clan falling sick from eating rats?!”

Dawncloud glared at Speckletail. “It isn’t all rats that carry illness in their blood. It’s just the rats from Carrionplace. This old twoleg nest isn’t nearly as rancid.”

“But even you won’t deny what happens when someone gets a rat bite!”

“Cinderpelt would need to stock up on plenty of herbs to fight infection,” Dawncloud kept an even tone. “But the decision isn’t up to me. It’s Brightstar’s choice.”

Brightstar took a deep breath, head spinning at the image of cats who had just last Leafbare been kits swarmed by little brown bodies. “Let’s not jump to that just yet. We’ll stop hunting on the farm for a quarter-moon, make do without full bellies for a few days, and see if that helps the prey come back.”

She avoided Dawncloud’s skeptical gaze. She knew it wasn’t likely.

But she wasn’t ready for the alternative.

Chapter Text

Morningflower dashed under the pelt-trap as she heard the twoleg enter. Staring out with fearful eyes, she felt a wave of relief as the cage was put down.

And Gorsepaw was let out.

She shuddered in sympathetic terror as Gorsepaw headbutted the twoleg’s paw before slipping into her hiding place with her. Once he was safely out of that clumsy reach she covered him in licks, purring so hard her voice hitched.

“Hey. You know I always come back, right?”

“I just don’t like that place. I’d say I hate it, but it’s why I have you here now.”

Gorsepaw purred and pressed against her, hiding the raw scar along his side where Tigerstar had struck to kill.

Morningflower shivered as she remembered that cold Leafbare night. She couldn’t believe it, couldn’t believe her son, the only surviving kit of her last litter, was dead.

She asked to be allowed to bury him by herself. The clan was in too much shock to object. But secretly, she abandoned her clan.

Abandoned the warrior code.

And I would do it all over again, to keep him safe, Morningflower thought as she rubbed her cheek against her son’s.

“A warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet.” She’d still been young when that addition was made. Yet she knew, even then, that the cutter could do things no medicine cat could. She had hoped that they could bring the dead back to life.

It was a long, exhausting, painful night. Dragging the bleeding body of her son, taller than her at that point, on her back across the moorland. To the thunderpath.

She stood, yowling pitifully, next to the path where the monsters’ glowing eyes could see her. And one of them stopped. Brought her and her son into its belly.

And the cutter certainly did their work on her, but most importantly Gorsepaw survived.

“Imagine how shocked Onewhisker will be when we get back!” Gorsepaw interrupted her thoughts.

“Yes, I know. He’ll be delighted to see you.” Sometimes, seeing Gorsepaw happily snuggled up on a twoleg lap, Morningflower worried that he didn’t want to go back. But he often reminded her that wasn’t the case by talking excitedly about seeing their clanmates again. And he was healed enough to travel now. The only thing stopping them from leaving was the twoleg den, their salvation and their prison both.

“Do you think Tallstar will make me a warrior right away?” Gorsepaw dropped into a clumsy hunting crouch, wiggling his tail enthusiastically. “I still remember all my hunting and fighting moves!”

Morningflower purred in amusement. “They may still want to give you a bit of a refresher first.” She pushed away the thought that their clan might not be there when they got back. It had to be.

They had to have won the fight against Tigerclan.

Chapter Text

Dusk nodded curtly to Bone as she passed, betraying none of the dread churning in her stomach.

“Dusk, you should meet Needle.” Bone’s friendly tone belied the consequences of failing to humor him.

“Hello.” She stopped and looked down. It was all she could do not to claw the ground in frustration. She didn’t care about some random kit Bone had decided to show around. She wanted to get the suspense over with, and find out what her punishment was.

She’d been the one to hear about the monster in the forest, and her attempt to handle the situation failed. This meant that Scourge had to know about it now. And if Scourge had to know about a problem then whoever had failed to quietly settle the matter without his ever hearing of it would suffer.

“This is Dusk,” Bone mewed genially to the large black kit. “She’s got a good set of claws on her but she’s always in a hurry. Doesn’t realize the importance of rest.”

Dusk snorted. “You can ask Scourge how important my rest is.”

She brushed past Bone, knowing that if she cut him off now it would strike the right balance. Rude enough to amuse him, but not dismissive enough to insult him. Scourge was grooming himself as a few inner-circle cats lounged nearby. This was as good as she’d get, there was a bit of an audience but at least all of Bloodclan wasn't about to watch.

“Scourge. I have news.”

Scourge looked up from his paw, twisting it slightly to let the sunlight catch his lengthened claws. “I suppose good news is too much to hope for.”

Bone could banter with Scourge. Dusk didn’t know him well enough to risk playing that game. “There’s a monster in the forest, near the logging camp. It’s about the size of a small dog but we can’t scare it away like one. I took six cats out to bring it down today, and only two of them survived the fight.”

Scourge hissed in annoyance. “That’s disappointing to hear. You so rarely have any need to speak with me. I was starting to have high hopes for you.”

He jerked his head to the side. “Brick, I want you to get together an attack on this thing. Take the number of cats you think this situation needs.” His eyes flicked, slyly, back to Dusk for a moment. “And make sure Dusk leads the charge. Since she’s the expert in dealing with this creature.”

Chapter Text

"Why don't you see if Brightstar needs help with Cloudkit?"

Thistlepaw winced. He must really be getting under Cinderpelt's paws if she was telling him to entertain kits.

He couldn't help feeling antsy, it was the half moon after all. He remembered his mother telling him she was proud when Cinderpelt brought him there for his apprentice ceremony, but what would Starclan have to say this time? Unbidden he remembered Brokenpaw's warm breath on his ear. The rumble of his purr from last night. They'd only been sharing tongues, surely there was nothing wrong with that?

But then why did they sneak around and do it at night?

Thistlepaw shook his head. It wasn't wrong, Cinderpelt just didn't like it for some reason. That was the only reason to keep it a secret, so that they wouldn't upset her.

He stopped abruptly as he realized Brightstar was lying right in front of him.

"Thistlepaw? Do you need something?"

"Cinderpelt said I should play with Cloudkit," Thistlepaw blurted.

Brightstar purred in amusement. "I appreciate Cinderpelt's offer, but Cloudkit is actually asleep right now." A look of worry clouded her eye. "Just two days ago I would have leaped at any break I could get. But yesterday, and today, she's... Well she's like a different kit, she sleeps half the morning and just cuddles with me the rest of the day. Like she's already used up all that boundless energy she usually has."

Thistlepaw's ears pricked with worry. "Do you think she's sick? I should probably check."

"Yes, that might be best. Although it's not like she's sick, she doesn't seem upset or anything and I don't smell any fever. It's more like... more like she plays while I sleep and then rests through the day. But I don't know how that could work! She's definitely been staying in the nursery all night, so it would have waked me if she was tearing around in there."

"I'd better check just in case."

From what Thistlepaw could tell, and Cinderpelt after him, Cloudkit was perfectly healthy. They just had to wait and see what happened for the time being.

Thistlepaw shivered in awe as he stepped after his mentor into the inky blackness of Mothermouth, vividly remembering how brightly the Moonstone had glittered previously. He thought for a moment how much he'd love to show it to Brokenpaw, but shook his head to dispel the thought. He was supposed to be thinking about Starclan. Not another apprentice. And besides, when Brokenpaw did go Dawncloud would be the one to take him.

He settled onto the cold stone, feeling it seep into his fur as he waited what felt like ages to fall asleep.

When he did dream, it was an aimless wandering through sunny fields and familiar faces. Although he woke comforted, the memories of his dream slipped away with the ghostly light of the moonstone.

He tried to suppress a disappointed sigh. Sorrelpaw had already gotten a prophecy, and she wasn't even a medicine cat! Yet he'd been to the moonstone multiple times now and still not heard anything important from Starclan.

Was he really on the right path after all?

Chapter Text

“Sandstorm! I didn’t think you would come out here!”

Firestar purred and twined around the she-cat as she bushed uncomfortably under Spottedleaf’s hostile glare.

Trying to ignore it Sandstorm mewed “Well I just thought I’d make sure you hadn’t done anything mouse-brained yet. Maybe offer some help, too, if you need it.”

“Sandstorm I would love your help!” Firestar’s eyes shone with joy.

Spottedleaf pushed forward. “Thank you so much, Sandstorm,” she purred with just enough cloying sweetness that Firestar wouldn’t catch her sarcasm. “I’m so glad that the fate of Skyclan matters to you as much as it does to us.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Sandstorm mewed gruffly. “I just want to make sure this fuzz-brain doesn’t use up all his afterlife herding rabbits.”

Sandstorm had been resigned to the fact that Firestar would only ever be hers while he was alive. But the more she thought about it, and the less she saw of him, the more his relationship with Spottedleaf didn’t sit right with her. Even Cloudtail hardly ever saw his once outgoing uncle.

“Firestar, have you figured out how Sky will impress those brash young cats?” Spottedleaf mewed to Firestar.

The orange tabby jumped. “Of course! There’s so much more he needs to learn, so many other exercises for him to try! I’d better-” with a quick worried glance at Sandstorm he asked “Will you be alright? It won’t be too awkward if I leave you two alone for a bit, will it?”

“Not at all!” Spottedleaf purred as she nuzzled his shoulder. “I would love to hear how our clanmates are doing without us.”

Once Firestar was out of earshot she mewed coldly. “Why did you come here? Don’t you trust me to watch over him?”

Sandstorm flicked an ear irritably. “You mean like you always have?”

“Yes. I do. Firestar and I were always special to each other, from the first time he came to the forest. Can you say the same for yourself?”

“You mean when he was an apprentice. Not even old enough to see the cutter yet.”

“We were never mates until he died,” Spottedleaf snapped. “Surely if he’s old enough to lead a clan he’s old enough to choose a mate?!”

“But he didn’t choose you after he died, he started padding after you the moment he became an apprentice. You saw how he felt about you. And yet you didn’t start talking to him until after you died. After you could speak to him alone, without any of your clanmates seeing what was going on.”

“What are you accusing me of?” Spottedleaf thrust her nose into Sandstorm’s face, hissing in fury.

Sandstorm narrowed her eyes. “I’m just telling you the things I’ve noticed.”

“You’re just jealous that you’re his second choice!” Spottedleaf lashed her tail in anger. “Trying to convince me our love is wrong so I’ll leave him and he’ll come crying back to you. Well it won’t work!”

“I’m not worried about that,” Sandstorm growled. “He can blame me for driving you away. Hate me for all eternity for all I care. I just want him to be happy. Can you say the same?” Her back started to arch as she continued “Ever since he died, he started seeing his clanmates less and less. His friends. His kin. And now the leader of Skyclan, who no one has heard from since the exile, suddenly shows up and wants his help? And it just so happens to be a special little mission for just the two of you, far away from all of Starclan?”

Spottedleaf stifled a yowl of outrage. “How dare you! Like I’m out here in strange skies, where the prey runs scarce, ticking seasons off my afterlife just to keep Firestar from seeing you?! I have ancestors in Skyclan! I care what happens to them!”

“Two things can be true at once,” Sandstorm started circling the medicine cat. “And I’d understand if you just wanted to keep him from me. But from everyone else he loves too?”

“You make this sound like some grand scheme on my part,” Spottedleaf spat. “Has it ever occurred to you he just likes spending time with me?”

“When I was mates with him he seemed to have plenty enough time for his friends,” Sandstorm mewed dryly.

“Well maybe he just didn’t love you as much.”

Sandstorm flinched. “That may be true,” she choked the words out past a wall of grief “But I’ve seen plenty of mates in my day. And none of them shut the rest of the world out the way you two do. I just don’t think it’s healthy.”

“You may think what you like,” Spottedleaf sniffed and turned away. “But it’s not your choice to make.”

Sandstorm was about to jump in front of her, tell her this talk wasn’t over, but Firestar came bounding over the rocks. “Spottedleaf! I think I’ve got it! What if next time the kittypets come out, they find Sky teaching Echo a hunting lesson?”

Spottedleaf brightened. “That’s a brilliant idea! I’ll tell her about it. But what if it’s a fighting lesson instead?”

Firestar hesitated. “Sky isn’t well enough to fight.”

“Well no, obviously not. But he can still learn some moves and teach them to others. I think the kittypets may find that more impressive.”

Firestar leaned over Spottedleaf’s shoulder. “We’ve been visiting Echo in dreams, and talking to Sky through her. Oh! Sky’s the last living cat who remembers Skyclan! And Echo will be the medicine cat-”

“She is the medicine cat,” Spottedleaf interjected evenly.

“Right, she’s the medicine cat. So Sky’s really old, but I’ve been showing Echo some exercises and training to help him get well again and he’s really doing great! Those kittypets will have to respect him once they see how much stronger he is!”

“Uh, that’s nice, Firestar,” Sandstorm took a step back. This cause sounded even more hopeless than she had thought.

“You should come with me to train Echo tonight!” Firestar wiggled with excitement. “You were always so good at battle training!”

As Spottedleaf shot Sandstorm a Look she muttered. “Oh, I’m not… I never had as strong a connection as you, between Starclan and the living world. I think I’d rather get some rest for now, but I’ll be hoping it goes well!”

Chapter Text

“Hah! I win again!”

“How are you so fast Sorrelpaw?” Ashpaw puffed up the slope.

“I’m not fast,” Sorrelpaw batted his nose as he approached. “You’re just slow!”

“Say that to my face why don’t you?!” Ashpaw play-growled as he tackled her.

The cats rolled tail-over-tail all the way down the hill, sliding to a stop at the bottom and bursting into laughter.

“I could go on like this for the rest of my life,” Ashpaw mewed with sudden intensity.

Sorrelpaw stood, feeling awkward that she couldn’t match his energy. “Well I can only go on until I wake up!” She tried to mew jokingly.

Ashpaw laughed nervously. “Yeah! I’ll just have to hold on until you fall asleep again!”

“Oh don’t worry, you’re in Starclan. I’m sure you’ve got lots of friends to play with.” Sorrelpaw flicked his ear with her tail.

“None of them could ever make me as happy as you do.”

Sorrelpaw avoided his gaze as he tried to meet hers. She always had fun with Ashpaw, but when he got like this it made her feel guilty. Like she might hurt him just by feeling the wrong things.

He said something else, but the words faded into mist. With relief Sorrelpaw recognized the feeling that she was waking up.

She blinked in the morning light, then jumped to her feet. Whatever the downsides, her dreams with Ashpaw always left her fizzing with energy when she woke.

She wanted to see if Tawnypelt had any new battle training for her.

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw paused on his way to Cinderpelt, the fresh horsetail tickling his nose.

The barn was already feeling stuffy and a little too warm with the mid-newleaf heat. Ravenpaw and Mopsy were playing with the kits. She was still understandably wary around most of the clan, but had warmed up to the kits and those who spent more time sharing tongues in the barn. Out of respect for Nefretiti the clan cats chose to eat their prey far away from her. Cloudkit was already holding her own against the nearly-grown Bootkit and Chaoskit, and Gorsekit toddled unsteadily after the group.

Cloudkit caught sight of him and broke away from the others. Charging forward she yowled “Thistlepaw! I gotta tell you something!”

Suprised and amused Thistlepaw cocked his head curiously, encouraging her to continue.

Skidding to a halt she mewed solemnly. “Mosskit said it was the cold.”

Thistlepaw’s blood froze. For a moment he was in that cold, dark nursery again. Brambles closing him in and the yawning hole reaching out to devour him. What did this mean? Was Starclan going to punish him for that test of courage? Or was this a warning, to be on better behavior going forward?

Cloudkit paid him no mind. Having delivered her message she promptly ran back, tackling Bootkit as he staggered dramatically and fell.

Thistlepaw tried to shake himself out of it, but dread still clung to his fur. The last few pawsteps to the medicine den felt longer than the journey to the moonstone. The warm barn was suddenly chilly, and his legs felt like he was trying to walk through mud.

Cinderpelt could tell that something was wrong, but when he didn’t answer her questions she chose not to pry further. Instead she ordered Thistlepaw to sort the herbs, and the familiar activity helped soothe his nerves.

Eventually, when he was no longer terrified, it occurred to Thistlepaw to feel indignant. Now a kit was getting visits from Starclan too?!

Who was supposed to be the medicine cat in this clan?

Chapter Text

Brokenpaw leaped to his feet, eyes shining as Dawncloud and Speckletail approached. “Are we gonna do more battle training?!”

“No,” Dawncloud mewed firmly. “You’re not doing any battle training today. Or hunting either.”

“But what else is there to do?!” Brokenpaw yowled indignantly “Everyone’s-”

“Hush.”

The apprentice snapped his jaws shut. An impressive feat, as anyone else who knew the headstrong young tom would know.

“Ashfur and I will take the other apprentices out for more rat-fighting training. And you’re staying here, serving your clan in a more important way.”

“But what’s more important than fighting?!”

“’A true warrior defends their clan, even at the cost of their life’. How many times have you needed to risk your life for Silverclan so far?”

Speckletail could see the poor apprentice vibrating with outrage. “None.”

“Not once. Yet how many times have you needed to change bedding, or pick ticks, or carry water?”

He glared at her in silence for many heartbeats.

“You can’t count.”

“Give me a moment!” He burst out.

“It’s a lot of times, that’s all that matters,” Dawncloud swished her tail “Saying you’ll give your life for your clan is all well and good, and may be necessary one day, but it’s the everyday helping of your clanmates that really makes a clan safe and happy. What separates us from rogues.”

Brokenpaw growled, but quietly.

Finally Dawncloud glanced at Speckletail. “Chaoskit will be an apprentice in little more than a moon. Speckletail’s worried that she isn’t learning to sign fast or well enough to train her. So you’re going to spend today, and several days over the next moon, practicing with her.”

Brokenpaw’s pelt smoothed, a little, but his voice was still thick with frustration when he mewed “Yes, Dawncloud.”

Dawncloud nodded. “Good. I’ll see you after sunhigh.”

As she left Brokenpaw growled to Speckletail “If she’d started by telling me we were doing this I would’ve been fine.”

Speckletail shrugged. She understood his anger, but didn't want to criticize another cat's mentoring. “I guess she had a point she wanted to make first.”

Chapter Text

Speckletail approached Brightstar, sharing tongues with Stoatfeather while Marge watched their kits.

“You wanted to talk?”

Brightstar nodded. “As temporary deputy I wanted to hear your input. I’m trying to figure out who should mentor Bootkit.”

“Nefretiti’s free.”

“We talked about Nefretiti,” Stoatfeather responded. “Brightstar wants him to have a clanborn mentor.”

Brightstar flinched as Speckletail looked at her curiously. “But Princess and Brenadine are mentors, you don’t have a problem with that?”

“I want to make sure we’re a clan, not just a loose collection of friends. Our first few seasons together are important for cementing our bonds, and Silverclan is already so fractured with cats from the four clans coming together before you even start thinking about the former rogues living with us.”

Stoatfeather and Speckletail nodded speculatively. Brightstar continued “I want Bootkit and Chaoskit to know they’re part of the clan, not just outsiders allowed to mimic us. Minnowkit and Puddlekit are clanborn, they already know their identities as warriors, and if anything Minnowkit is stabilizing Brenadine’s position by being her apprentice. I want a mentor who will do something similar for Bootkit, give him a strong, nurturing relationship that ties him to the clan as a whole.”

“Dappletail, Smallear, and One-eye don’t have apprentices,” Stoatfeather mewed “But I don’t know if any of them could keep up with one.”

Brightstar murmured, almost to herself, “What about a joint mentorship?”

The two elders stared at her in shock. She lifted her chin, gaining confidence in the idea. “Two elders could work together to mentor him, one covering for the other whenever they are tired.”

“That’s never been done before….” Stoatfeather mewed uncertainly.

“It has been done out of necessity,” Brighstar shot back. “Just never planned ahead. When Graystripe was sick Firestar mentored my brother, and really he continued to mentor Brackenpaw more than Graystripe after Cinderpelt was injured.”

Speckletail nodded thoughtfully. “Haven’t you had mentors die or need to retire after a fight in Riverclan? I know I’ve seen it happen a time or two in Thunderclan.”

“It’s crazy,” Stoatfeather growled reluctantly “But nothing about Silverclan is really sane now is it?”

Chapter Text

“My my my, sneaking off with your littermate? That’s quite the infraction now, isn’t it?”

The brown she-cat trembled before Scourge and his inner circle. It was hard for Tadpole to keep his expression blank.

“He’s sick! Too sick to hunt for himself! We’re not living together, and I was gonna stop as soon as he-”

“If he’s sick, then he’ll either be strong enough to recover on his own,” Scourge mewed icily “Or Bloodclan is better off without him.”

The cat flinched.

Scourge settled into a more comfortable position. “I’m feeling generous, and a little bored, so I’m willing to give you one chance to redeem yourself. Bone, who do you think she should fight?”

Tadpole felt Bone’s tail rest paternally on his back. “I think you should let Needle give it a try.”

Scourge squinted for a moment, and Tadpole shivered as he felt the tom’s gaze drill into him. Then he leaned back with a lazy smile. “Ah, a fair fight then? We really are feeling generous today. Good idea, that will be far more entertaining than the usual.” His gaze flicked again to the she-cat. “If you can kill Needle, I’ll let you off with a warning this time.”

Tadpole’s blood froze. He chanted in his head you are not weak. Show them you’re strong. It took everything within him to calmly pad into the open circle surrounded by spectators.

The wiry brown cat was hardly any older than him, and looked starved and exhausted. He hesitated at the determination in her eyes. The way he saw his own resolve reflected in them.

She was dumb enough to get caught. Tigerstar’s voice echoed in Tadpole’s mind. I bet you can name two cats who need you more than this weakling.

“You two may start whenever-”

Scourge’s sardonic remark was interrupted by a shriek as the cat leaped towards Tadpole, catching him off guard. He tried to dodge, but she still managed to land a glancing blow on him.

Scourge burst into laughter. “Oh she’s an eager one!”

Tadpole gritted his teeth. No matter how much sympathy he had for her, only one of them was going to leave this clearing alive.

And he still had a promise to keep.

They fought and scrabbled. Dust choked the air. Tadpole paused to blink blood out of his eye and felt the air driven out of him as she slammed into his side and pushed him to the ground. Before she could dig her claws in he threw her off, pouncing on the dazed cat and slicing his claws through her throat.

“Well done!” Bone mewed. Tadpole felt his pelt warm with the praise.

Then he looked at his paws. At the cat laying there, still opening and closing her mouth like a fish hooked out of the water as blood spread under her. For a moment he was surprised no one else was deafened by the roaring noise it made, until he realized he was hearing his own blood rushing in his ears.

He sat down to hide the trembling in his legs, and looked up to meet Scourge’s gaze.

Scourge was leaning languidly on his paws. He mewed in mock concern “Oh dear, it seems her brother wasn’t that important to her after all.”

Tadpole stood up, his growing sickness evaporating in a new feeling. A hot, indignant rage. Rage at the cat who could sit there making jokes while a corpse was still dying in front of him. Who had ordered her death, or Tadpole’s, not caring which it was.

Who made sure that the last words she heard were driving home her failure.

As he stared at Scourge, words seared into his mind, bright enough that he had to fight not to say them aloud:

You’re next.

Chapter Text

Tadpole was still licking the blood and dust from his pelt when more cats arrived. Brick and Dusk padded into the clearing, the former roughly nudging the latter forward. It seemed that the second fight with that strange black and white beast hadn't worked out better than the first.

"We almost had it," Brick hissed in annoyance "But Dusk ran off, and half the other cats with her."

"Oh?" Scourge perked an ear in interest.

"Yeah, I laid out the plan, told Dusk to lead the charge, but she ran off instead and the cats who didn't run away got trampled."

"And what do you have to say for yourself?" Scourge turned curiously to Dusk, radiating pure impartiality.

Dusk sighed, not seeming to trust much in Scourge's neutral affect. "We fought the beast. Word had gotten around what happened to the last group, and everyone was nervous. When the first cat died half the group ran off. We tried to fight it off a little longer, but then Brick called a retreat."

"But did you run off?"

"Not until Brick gave the order."

"Oh dear," Scourge rested his chin on his paw in mock distress. "I simply don't know who to believe. I trust you both so much, and it pains me so to think that either of you would ever lie to me." His gaze flicked down to Tadpole. "Needle. You're the cat of the hour. Why don't you tell me who's being honest?"

Tadpole froze mid-lick, then righted himself. Swallowing down his initial panic he looked the two cats over critically. "Neither of them is too dusty... but Brick's fur looks clean and even, while Dusk's is all clumped up like she was trying to clean it up too fast." He noticed Dusk's posture, reflecting his own weariness after his fight. "And Dusk looks tired, while Brick doesn't. Even though she isn't hurt she does look like she was in a fight, so I don't think she's lying about that."

"Exactly," Scourge's eyes narrowed for a moment in terrifying anger. Then he rounded them innocently in betrayal. "Brick. I know we've been through a lot together. You're one of my closest friends. But I simply can't let anyone think I'm unfair. That I would let someone get away with lying to me, just because I like them."

Brick looked like the ground had crumbled under him.

Scourge sighed. "I simply can't bear to think what I should do with you. I'll have to leave that... for another time."

Brick did not look relieved by this delay.

"In the meantime," Scourge mewed briskly "Dusk, go round up the cats who ran away. I think it's best we remind everyone that they should fear me more than some forest dog."

Chapter Text

Cloudkit stretched, as high as she could, wheeling around to try and catch a butterfly. The colors of it enchanted her, nothing like the dull moths she saw fluttering around the barn. She chased it through the trees, thicker and mossier than any she’d seen awake, trying not to lose sight of it. Until finally it fluttered up and away into the canopy.

As she paused to watch, hoping it would dip down again, she heard a familiar voice “I was so sure you’d catch it this time.”

“Mosskit!” Cloudkit whirled around to greet her friend. The sleek gray and white tom dipped his head. She started attacking his forepaws, but unlike his usual self he didn’t immediately drop into a play crouch.

“Cloudkit, I have to tell you something.”

Cloudkit paused, not liking the serious tone in Mosskit’s voice.

“I’ll have to stop visiting you as often now.”

“What?! Why?”

“Because I’m dead. I love playing with you, but now Gorsekit is a little older and can play too. I need to step back so you can focus on making friends with your living clanmates.”

“But I like being friends with you!” Cloudkit wailed.

Mosskit touched his nose to her head. “I know, and we’ll always stay friends. And I’ll still come to visit sometimes. But it’s important you spend your time alive with the living. We’ll have so much time to hunt and play together when you come to Starclan. For now you need to be closest to cats who aren’t only able to visit you in dreams.”

Cloudkit sat back, subdued. Then she jumped up and cried “Oh yeah! I gave Thistlepaw your message! Did you see?!”

Mosskit purred. “I did! It was just as funny as I thought it would be.”

Chapter Text

“Brightstar?”

Brighstar looked up from grooming Tawnypelt. “Yes?”

Princess took a deep breath. “I want your permission to go on a mission to town.”

“Town?” Brighstar frowned in confusion.

“Twolegplace,” Princess corrected herself self-consciously.

“I don’t want you traveling through Bloodclan’s territory.”

“I won’t, I’ll skirt all the way around it there and back.”

“If you do that you’ll be gone two or three days, who will train Puddlepaw?”

“Four days. And I talked with Brenadine about that,” Princess lifted her chin defiantly. “She agreed to train Puddlepaw alongside Minnowpaw while I’m gone. If you let me go.”

Brightstar sighed. “Princess. You’ve been very helpful, and I know giving you an apprentice was a big responsibility. If it’s too much you can always go back to your twolegs, you don’t need to lie to me.”

“That’s not what I’m asking! Just listen!” Princess bristled. “I don’t want to leave Silverclan! Not when the forest still isn’t safe for Cloudkit! I had an idea about the food problem. I’m going to ask my friends to come out.”

Tawnypelt snorted. “Adding a bunch of kittypets to the mix isn’t going to help things.”

Princess glared at her. “I’ll tell them to eat plenty before they come over, and it’s not forever. It’s just long enough to train them. Show them some moves they can practice on their own for a while. And then they can help with the rat raid.”

Brighstar flattened her ear. “Has Dawncloud decided behind my back that we’re doing it?”

“No, nothing like that. She and Ashfur have only been training the apprentices to fight rats, just in case. And I was thinking, it would be less risk to all of us if we had more cats. Then we could go in, kill more rats, and the kittypets could go home to be fed and have any wounds treated by their twolegs.”

Brightstar grunted thoughtfully.

“It even sounds like if we kill enough rats, then there won’t be so many there going forward. And we could maybe even have regular hunting patrols, or at least slightly larger ones, go there for food.”

“I don’t really know… it could work, but is it practical?”

“No. It’s not.” Princess growled in annoyance as Tawnypelt stood up. “Not for you to round up all those kittypets a day and a half away, then bring them a day and a half here, then send them a day and a half back home.”

To Princess’s surprise, however, Tawnypelt turned around and stood beside her. “I’ll go with Princess, and take however many cats you think is best with us. And we’ll train the kittypets in Twolegplace.”

Chapter Text

Echo’s ears pricked as she heard a muffled squeal of delight from the bushes.

“It’s not like that!” A young tom’s voice protested “I just think maybe Moonie isn’t that crazy if she’s taking him seriously. We should at least check it out!”

Cherry bounded out into the open with her tail high, Boris scrambling after her in a panic. She padded up to Echo and chirped “Boris likes you!”

“Cherry!” Boris was clearly mortified.

“Is that so?” Echo’s whiskers twitched in amusement. “Isn’t Boris a little young for me?”

Boris drew himself up indignantly. “I am nearly seven months old thank you very much!”

Sky chuckled. “My goodness, he’s practically an elder already!”

“I’m very flattered, Boris,” Echo tried to suppress her mirth. “But age aside I’m a medicine cat. Which means my duty is to my clan, not to any mate or kits.”

“Wow! You sound just like Moonie!” Cherry mewed.

“Shut up! She’s nothing like that crazy old cat!” Boris pounced on his sister and the two started wrestling.

“Hey.” Echo jabbed the mass of fur with her paw. “You two cut it out, and apologize to Sky right now.”

Boris detached himself, then he and Cherry blinked at Echo in confusion. “Sky? Who’s Sky?”

“It’s fine,” Sky sighed in resignation. “I’m used to it.”

“No. It’s not fine.” Echo insisted. She turned to the kittypets. “This is Sky. The cat you call ‘Moonie’. I’ve heard about how much you two harass him, and that’s not an acceptable way to treat any cat. Much less an old one.”

They shifted their paws uncomfortably. Boris muttered “Sorry miss.”

“Don’t say it to me. Say it to Sky.”

“Oh come on!” Cherry protested. “We were just having fun!”

Echo turned to Sky and asked performatively “Sky, is it fun for you when these cats make fun of you and kick sand and pebbles at you?”

“No, Echo,” While Sky’s tone was serious his eyes sparkled with amusement. “It is not fun.”

“Alright fine! We’re sorry we were mean to you Moonie! Is that what you wanted?!” Cherry burst out in frustration.

“It’s Sky.” Echo mewed.

“Sky! Fine!”

Sky purred in amusement. “All is forgiven if you’ll sit and listen awhile.”

It wasn’t long, however, before Echo saw the young cats’ eyes glazing over, and Cherry fidgeting as Sky explained the warrior code and gathering protocols. She padded up to him and whispered “Mind if I try explaining?”

He blinked, then nodded, mewing ruefully “It’s not like I’ve had much success at this in the past.”

Echo dipped her head and sat before the two cats. Leaning in she said “Somewhere far away, a young housecat sat on his fence, looking out into the woods…”

Chapter Text

“Don’t stop there!” Cherry bounced in outrage. “What’s Tigerclaw hiding?! Why’s Longtail so mean? Who’s Riverclan?!”

Echo looked at the sky. “It’s getting late, shouldn’t you return to your housefolk before they worry?” At the young cats’ crestfallen expressions she added “If you come back to the gorge tomorrow and help me gather herbs, I can tell you more then.”

“Ok!” Cherry shot off. “Come on, Boris! We gotta go!”

Boris scrambled after his sister, hastily thanking Echo for the story before he left.

The next morning Echo was hardly out of her den before the young cats were back, vibrating in excitement. And with them were three more cats besides.

“I told my friends about the story!” Cherry paused, looking suddenly unsure. “I hope that was alright…”

“It’s great,” Echo purred. “I’m happy to tell this story to any who want to listen. But I only need one or two cats to help me carry herbs.” She scanned the soft faces around her. “Does anyone want to go with Sky and learn to hunt?”

“Oh! Me! I do!” Cherry jumped up in excitement, completely forgetting yesterday’s contempt for the elder.

“Isn’t he too old though?” Boris asked skeptically.

“I’ve been hunting for myself this whole time,” Sky grunted. “And I remember how well enough to teach it.”

They spent the afternoon resting and listening as Echo continued her tale. Cherry and Boris hadn’t caught anything, but Sky reassured them that it was normal for a first day of training and let them taste his squirrel.

When the cats left for the night, they agreed to come back the following day. And Cherry volunteered to invite all the loners she knew as well.

Echo sat watching the sunset with Sky. “This is going better than I expected.”

Sky nudged her playfully. “You’ll be great as an elder when the time comes, you’re already so good at telling stories.”

Echo snorted. “I just know that most young cats are more interested in hearing about fights and adventures than laws and traditions.”

Chapter Text

“Sorrelpaw!”

Sorrelpaw bounded eagerly to her mentor’s side.

Tawnypelt’s whiskers twitched in satisfaction. “I convinced Brighstar to send you with us to Twolegplace.”

Sorrelpaw felt her pelt spiking with anticipation. Brightstar had just announced the journey yesterday, and all the apprentices could talk about since was how exciting it would be to go. “Thanks! Can Tanglepaw come?”

Tawnypelt frowned. “One apprentice complicates things enough. Brightstar agreed to let you come because it would save me having to find someone to train you while I’m gone, and because I promised her that you’d help us instead of getting in the way. Tanglepaw’s mentor isn’t on the patrol, it’s just Ashfur coming with us and Princess. With all that, and the fact that we do still need paws back here hunting for the clan, it makes no sense to take him.”

Sorrelpaw nodded, embarrassed. “I understand.”

“Hey. Don’t forget your excitement,” Tawnypelt leaned down and mewed encouragingly. “It’s not just any apprentices we’re taking with us, you’re special enough to be the only one helping us train kittypets!”

Sorrelpaw’s claws slid into the straw. “I know!” She squeaked excitedly. “I can’t wait to show them everything Dawncloud’s been teaching us!”

“That’s the spirit,” Tawnypelt flicked her ear with her tail. “Come on, Brighstar’s about to make the announcement.”

Sorrelpaw felt herself bursting with joy and pride as she sat next to her mentor. She was going to be the best apprentice ever on this trip! Make sure that Ashfur told Brightstar how good she was, and how good Tawnypelt was at mentoring her! And it would also be fun to spend more time with Princess, she really liked her.

It would have been even better if Tanglepaw could have come too, but she’d just have to tell the handsome apprentice all about it when she got back.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!” Sorrelpaw sat up straighter at her leader’s words.

Once all the cats were together Brighstar jumped down. Stoatfeather was working frantically to keep Cloudkit from bounding up to join her. Brighstar took a deep breath, seeming much less excited and much more nervous about the announcement than Sorrelpaw was. “As you all know, Dawncloud talked to me recently about the rats in the abandoned twoleg nest nearby.”

Impatient murmurs rippled through the clan.

“She suggested we organize an attack on these rats. Train up for it. Kill what we can carry. And use that to fill us up for a bit.”

“Bloodclan’s still breathing down our necks!” Smallear yowled. “We can’t risk our pelts for some prey!”

Brighstar only allowed her annoyance to show in a flick of her ear. “I know it’s dangerous. Which is why I’ve been reluctant to do it, even as we all grow hungry. In Newleaf. But Princess suggested we train kittypets to fight alongside us, and I think if we can get enough it could be worth the risk.”

She nodded over to Tawnypelt. “I’m sending Princess to Twolegplace, and with her Tawnypelt, Sorrelpaw, and Ashfur. Together they will spend a quarter-moon recruiting and training kittypets to fight.” As the named cats stepped forward Brighstar regarded Princess solemnly. “Princess. Bring these kittypets out here only if they will actually be of help. If you can’t get more than four to help, or Tawnypelt and Ashfur don’t trust that they are practiced enough to be of help, I want the patrol to return alone. We’ll figure something else out.”

Princess dipped her head. “I understand. Thank you for putting this trust in me.”

With a flick of her tail Brightstar dismissed the clan. Tanglepaw rushed up to Sorrelpaw, eyes shining with excitement. “Sorrelpaw! You’re going! With the warriors!”

Sorrelpaw licked her chest nervously. “You’re not jealous?”

“Of course not!” Sorrelpaw could feel Tanglepaw’s fierce purr in her chest without even touching him. “This is great! You’re great!” He paused, swiping his ear in embarrassment. “I mean, I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, Tanglepaw.” The last of Sorrelpaw’s tension flowed away at his warmth. “That means a lot to me.”

Chapter Text

Tadpole struggled to keep up with Dusk’s long strides. “We’re going through all of Bloodclan today?”

“No.” Dusk replied brusquely. “This’ll take us multiple days to do.”

Tadpole nodded and focused on where he put his paws. He tried to remember how proud Bone had been when telling him he was chosen for counting duty, but it was difficult not to feel incredibly young and awkward next to Dusk’s cold silence.

After a while of walking she said “We’re going to the corner of the territory before we start. So we can make sure we’re thorough about this.”

“Will people know we’re coming and hide?” Tadpole asked nervously.

Dusk snorted. “There’ll always be a few cats who don’t get counted, that can’t be avoided. But yes, to keep the numbers of that down is why we go out on Scourge’s whim, not any regular schedule.”

Tadpole nodded thoughtfully.

“What we do here is we walk over the whole territory, and each cat we see we ask their name. We each keep a count, a separate count, of all the cats we’ve seen in our heads. We never talk about the number. Or the names. You have to remember that on your own, because the way that Scourge makes sure we aren’t hiding anything is we’re each asked alone what the number is.”

Tadpole swallowed. How many cats were in Bloodclan? Tens? Dozens? He wasn’t ready to remember that many. “What happens if the numbers don’t match?”

“That’s why we remember the names,” Dusk growled, but without much feeling. “If you can’t give a name, and possibly more details, for every cat in your count then Scourge decides you’re the one who’s lying and kills you.”

Tadpole tried and failed to suppress a squeak of alarm.

“Of course,” Was that amusement in Dusk’s eye? Was she enjoying this?! “That’s if he’s feeling proactive. If he’s feeling lazy he’ll just kill us both and send out another count.”

“Why would anyone do this?”

“Well, first off, because if Scourge asks you to do something you don’t say no. Second, if you want to climb ranks you’re gonna risk your life at each step.”

Dusk paused to watch Tadpole scramble over a fallen tree she’d easily cleared.

“That you’re so young and already on counting duty is a good sign for you. If you don’t die here, you’re already pretty well set up in Bloodclan.”

“How do you figure?” Tadpole panted in annoyance as he wriggled through some brambles.

“There’s a few more layers to Bloodclan than the inner circle and everyone else. Nobody in the inner circle does counting, since it’s beneath them. But Scourge needs to choose cats he trusts for it. More than the rabble, at any rate.”

Tadpole shook out his fur and regarded Dusk suspiciously. “You’re being very helpful for someone who doesn’t seem to like me much.”

Dusk tossed her head. “No one in Bloodclan likes each other. Not unless they have that luxury or are about to find out they don’t.”

Tadpole saw the that cat he’d killed just a few days prior, soaking in her own blood.

“But since Bone does like you it’s in my best interest that you like me.”

“Is Bone that important?”

Dusk let out a sharp laugh. “Bone is Scourge’s left paw and Brick his right. Short of Scourge there’s nobody more important. If he stops liking you, or something happens to you, I don’t lose anything by being helpful. If you make good use of the start you’ve been given, though, it could only benefit me to be your ally.”

“After all,” her tail twitched with suppressed annoyance. “You’re practically still a suckling and you’re more or less level with me now.”

Chapter Text

Sorrelpaw was surprised by how many kittypets there were.

The group had set up in a cluster of what Princess called “gardens”, walled off bits of brush, herbs, and strange plants in a grid. Some of them had small twoleg dens, but Princess reassured them that nobody lived in them. Or anywhere in the strange structure. It wasn’t exactly free of twolegs, but the ones who did come only did so once a day at most, and didn’t stay for long except for on one or two special days every quarter-moon. Princess had picked a place that she said was abandoned, but Sorrelpaw wasn’t so sure. It didn’t seem much different from all the other squares, if anything it was far more lush with plant growth, but Princess was the expert.

“We should tell Cinderpelt where this place is when we get back,” Tawnypelt mewed as she squeezed under the wall to rejoin them. “I’ve looked through most of the gardens, a lot of them smell like the medicine den. It would be good for her to know what herbs are growing here in case there’s an emergency.”

“Is Cinderpelt the strongest warrior cat?!” One young kittypet squeaked excitedly.

Sorrelpaw’s whiskers twitched in amusement. “No, silly! She’s the medicine cat! She collects healing herbs and takes care of us when we’re sick.”

“Oh, like the cold folk?”

Sorrelpaw stared blankly at the kittypet. Princess helpfully mewed “I think you call the cold folk the cutter. It’s where our housefolk take us if we’re sick or get hurt, and also sometimes when we’re perfectly fine. And sometimes when cats are around the age of apprentices they come back more relaxed and friendly.”

“Ohhhh” Sorrelpaw nodded in understanding. When the clan cats talked about the cutter, which wasn’t very often, it sounded like some horrifying twoleg cat-torturer. The way Princess described it they sounded more like a normal fact of life.

Tawnypelt flicked her tail impatiently. “I don’t know why we said to meet at sunhigh, we don’t have enough time to wait around for hours while kittypets sleep. Everyone seems to be here, why don’t we start?”

Princess blinked in surprise. “Tawnypelt… this isn’t even half of everyone.”

Sorrelpaw stood there, shocked. Between the patrol and the six kittypets, the garden was already getting crowded. How many cats did Princess invite?!

“We all want to help Princess,” a cream tabby stepped forward. “Seeing her is the highlight of our day! And Smudge made sure everyone knew where she disappeared to, but a lot of us have still been worried about her.”

“Aw, thank you!” Princess curled her tail in happiness. Glancing at Tawnypelt she mewed “You told me to go talk to all the kittypets I knew while you made camp last night. Even I was surprised by the response, though! Everyone wished us luck, and only a few said they definitely couldn’t help. Today we’re getting a lot, because most of them said they’d at least come hear more before they decide. A lot of those said they may come today, and some said they’d definitely come but “definitely” from them means “maybe”,”

A ripple of amusement went through the kittypets.

“So I figured out about how many I’d expect to actually make it, and we should get fifteen to twenty cats today.”

The rest of the patrol stared at her in astonishment.

Seeming self-conscious over the silence Princess added "Most housecats can’t leave the house until their ‘folk are ready. That’s why we need to wait until sunhigh to make sure everyone has a chance to get here.”

“Princess…” Ashfur choked “I don’t know if we can train twenty cats!”

“Maybe,” Sorrelpaw flinched as all the grown-up cats turned to look at her, but swallowed and continued “Maybe we could start showing these cats some basic moves? And then they could help us when the newer cats show up, or at least be okay to practice on their own?”

Tawnypelt nodded. “That sounds like a good idea. At any rate, I like it much better than sitting on my paws waiting.”

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw started as he felt a paw prodding him, blinking in the bright sunlight.

“We overslept. You gotta get moving.” Brokenpaw’s urgent mew sounded in his ear.

Thistlepaw burst to his feet, panic surging through him as he took in his surroundings. They were on the other side of the farm, where they’d snuck off to share tongues in the night. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but he’d felt so relaxed by Brokenpaw’s side…

“Give yourself a wash and head back, I’ll follow later.” Brokenpaw nudged Thistlepaw forward. “They’re going to be more worried about where you are, and-” he purred in amusement “I’m more used to being in trouble.”

Thistlepaw nodded, mouth dry, and bounded away. Ducking under a bush he rolled in the leaf mulch before quickly licking himself over. Then he raced back to the barn, slowing as he approached the door and trying to slip quietly along the wall.

“There you are!” Cinderpelt’s annoyed hiss made him jump. “Get in the medicine den.”

Thistlepaw sat down, and Cinderpelt regarded him sternly. Finally she growled “What were you doing out with Brokenpaw all night?”

Thistlepaw choked. Had he been too hasty? Did he still smell like the other tom?

Cinderpelt rolled her eyes. “Don’t look so shocked. Both of your nests were empty at dawn, it’s not hard to guess you were together.”

“I’m sorry,” Thistlepaw hung his head miserably. “I didn’t mean to be out all night, but I was tired and-”

“I’m not angry with you,” Cinderpelt’s twitching tail made her words hard to believe. “Just frustrated. I feel like you aren’t taking being a medicine cat seriously. You know you’re not supposed to have a mate or kits.”

Thistlepaw bristled indignantly. “He’s not my mate! We’re just really good friends!”

“Then why all the sneaking around and secrecy?”

“Because you don’t like us being friends!” Thistlepaw’s pelt burned at the unfairness of it all. “You kept acting like I needed to stop talking to him, even though the medicine cat code says nothing about not having friends, and…” He barely managed to keep his voice from raising to a wail “I don’t know what you want!”

Cinderpelt sighed. “I haven’t been clear, I’m sorry. It’s not your friendship I’m worried about, it’s the fact that I see it becoming more than just friendship. If it isn’t already. And it only makes me more worried when you try to keep your time with Brokenpaw secret from me. Do you… Would you like to be a warrior, instead of a medicine cat?”

Thistlepaw stared at her in shock and dismay. “Do you think I shouldn’t be a medicine cat?!”

“It’s not what I think you should do, I want to find out what you want to do. I know you were excited to become my apprentice, but you were also only six moons old when you made that choice. You’re still fairly early in your training, if you wanted… I mean, as a warrior there wouldn’t be any need to worry about what your relationship with Brokenpaw is or is not.”

Thistlepaw stared at his paws, feeling miserable. He knew he wanted to be a medicine cat, more than anything else, but was it his destiny? As much as he loved learning herbs and helping his clanmates, there were so many other cats in Silverclan with a stronger connection to Starclan.

“Do you think Sorrelpaw should be medicine cat instead?” Thistlepaw mewed in a small voice.

His misery only increased when he saw Cinderpelt start guiltily. “It is true that she had that dream from Starclan, but that doesn’t mean she has to be a medicine cat. Sometimes cats have a strong connection to our ancestors, without having the other skills necessary or the desire to be medicine cats. Firestar, for one thing. And ultimately no matter how many visions Starclan gives Sorrelpaw, what she wants is the most important thing when it comes to her destiny.” She touched his shoulder with her tail. “So unless Sorrelpaw asks me to take her as my apprentice, I won’t push for it.”

Thistlepaw was silent. Cinderpelt nudged him. “I’ll ask the other mentors to take you out for battle training. You’d need to know a little anyway, so you’re not completely helpless if caught by yourself, and once you’ve seen how you like it that might help with your decision.”

Chapter Text

Brokenpaw looked up at the commotion by the door. He was trying to lean around and see what was happening, but as she passed Dawncloud growled “You’re collecting ticks for Smallear. Not gossip.”

He turned back to the elder’s pelt, barely suppressing a growl. He didn’t want Thistlepaw to see how angry he was and feel guilty. It was his decision to sneak out with the tom while he was still being punished for that disastrous test of courage, and Dawncloud’s choice that this clearly meant Brokenpaw had too much time on his paws and needed to spend every waking moment working. But Thistlepaw would've blamed himself for Bloodclan’s attack if he had so much as talked to Scourge one time before it happened.

“Clear room! At least let them make it to the fresh kill pile before you smother them!” Brightstar’s voice rang out. Brokenpaw pricked his ears. If they came to the fresh kill pile to talk, he could actually see what was happening!

Tawnypelt padded around the hay bales, followed by an extremely round black and white kittypet. Brokenpaw prickled with unease. The quarter moon was up, wasn’t the whole patrol supposed to come back?

Both of them had several pieces of prey in their jaws. As they set it down Tawnypelt was about to speak, when the kittypet burst out “I caught the mole by myself! I can get them pretty often in my garden, but my housefolk never seem to eat what I catch for them, so I thought I’d bring it here instead!”

Tawnypelt twitched her whiskers, hovering between annoyance and amusement. “There’s more important things to tell them first.” She turned to Brighstar “Everyone’s fine, training’s going better than I thought. This is Biscuit, one of the kittypets. She came along to help carry prey, since we were able to catch a good bit to bring back.”

“Do you think they’ll be able to help?” Brightstar asked anxiously.

“Yes, but we’ll need more time to train them first. We have a lot of volunteers, and some of them are actually pretty fast learners, but I am not willing to send them out into a horde of rats just yet. Another quarter-moon would be ideal, but do you think you can spare us for that long?”

Brightstar’s tail twitched thoughtfully. “It’s not ideal, I hate to keep Rainpaw and Puddlepaw separated from their mentors for so long, especially so early in their training…” Glancing around at the waiting cats she added “But I also don’t want to put any cat’s life in needless danger. Let’s say another quarter moon, and you can bring them back sooner if you think they’re ready.”

Chapter Text

“Do you think you’d want to be a medicine cat?”

Cloudkit pounced on the feather Ravenpaw had brought in. “I dunno. Why?”

Thistlepaw sighed. “I was just… I guess I’m curious what you want to do when you’re older.”

Cloudkit tilted her head to the side. “Maybe? Do you think being a medicine cat is fun?”

“It’s very nice,” Thistlepaw tried to keep the wistfulness out of his voice. “The crisp scent of herbs, finding a new patch of growth, learning what all these plants do… Most of all knowing that when the time comes I’ll be able to help my clanmates, maybe even save their lives.”

“I do like helping cats…” Cloudkit’s eyes lit up as she spotted Thistlepaw’s tail. She pounced on it, then started furiously bunny-kicking it.

“Another important part,” Thistlepaw tried to swallow, his throat suddenly dry. “It’s also important that a medicine cat be able to share tongues with Starclan, and guide their clanmates.”

“Is it hard?” Most of Cloudkit’s attention was still focused on his tail.

“No, not so much hard, it’s… You don’t really have control over it, Starclan just visits cats they’ve chosen in dreams.”

“Oh!” Cloudkit sat back up “Like when Mosskit visits me!”

The lump in Thistlepaw’s chest tightened. So it wasn’t just that one time, Starclan was regularly visiting Cloudkit. And she hadn’t even left the barn yet, let alone traveled to Mothermouth!

“Do you think I’d be a good medicine cat?” Cloudkit’s eyes shone as she looked at Thistlepaw.

Thistlepaw forced a smile. “I’m sure you’d be a great one.”

Cloudkit beamed back at him. “All right then! I’ll be a medicine cat when I’m older! And then we can train together!”

“That’s sounds great,” Thistlepaw somehow managed to purr despite the yawning pit opening under him. “I’ll be sure to talk with Cinderpelt about this.”

He got up and hastily padded away. If Cloudkit had the dreams of Starclan, and the willingness to learn medicine, surely it would be best if she was the next medicine cat, not him?

He hated to admit it, but maybe this destiny that he’d been so sure of, had chosen over continuing Windclan’s bloodline…

Wasn’t meant for him.

Chapter Text

“You want to be a warrior apprentice, or you think you should be?” Cinderpelt regarded Thistlepaw skeptically.

Thistlepaw shifted his paws. “Cloudkit seems like she’d be a great medicine cat, and she said she’d like to be one…”

“Was this unprompted? Or did she happen to say this while you were lecturing her on how great being a medicine cat is?”

“I don’t see how that’s relevant.”

Cinderpelt sighed. “Thistlepaw. Kits are very suggestible. There’s a reason you never heard me coming into the nursery, chatting up how much I loved medicine. If you’re going to take this path, it’s important that you want it very much. And you’re clear on why you want it too.”

“But Cloudkit has dreams from Starclan!” Thistlepaw burst out.

“How would you know this?” Cinderpelt became more interested.

Thistlepaw took a deep breath. “Well, you know, when the apprentices got caught in that test of courage, that wasn’t… actually… the first one.”

Cinderpelt sighed in exasperation. “Somehow I suspected it wasn’t.”

“I went with them on the first one,” He flinched but she didn’t seem angry so he continued. “To Thunderclan’s old camp, we went to the nursery, and we had to stand there alone and-”

“And ask how Bluestar’s litter died. I remember.” Cinderpelt mewed impatiently.

Thistlepaw’s fur spiked in anxiety. “Did somebody else already tell you?!”

She snorted. “I was an apprentice once too, you know. A Thunderclan apprentice. I did that test myself, before my accident.”

“Ohhhh, right…” He licked his chest in embarrassment. “Anyway, recently Cloudkit said she had to tell me something. And she said “Mosskit said it was the cold.””

Cinderpelt’s ear twitched. “But wasn’t it a fox that got her kits?”

“That’s what Sorrelpaw said,” He winced as he said the name, hoping he wasn’t getting her in more trouble. “But I never talked to Cloudkit about that test of courage. I don’t think anyone did, unless one of the other apprentices really didn’t think about what that story might encourage her to do.”

As Cinderpelt nodded thoughtfully he continued “And just now I told her about sharing dreams with Starclan, and from what she said it sounds like Mosskit visits her regularly.”

“So it wasn’t unprompted.”

“Maybe not, but please pay attention!” Thistlepaw’s heart hurt. What he was planning to do already felt so hard, without having to constantly get Cinderpelt back on track. “I… I’ve never had real dreams from Starclan. Not important ones, anyway. No prophecies like Sorrelpaw, and Starclan has never visited me away from the moonstone like they did with Cloudkit. I think…” He took a deep breath “I think it would be for the best. If I became a warrior.”

Cinderpelt looked at him with such sad tenderness that he had to look away. At last she mewed softly “All right, if that’s what you want. I’ll talk to Brightstar about reassigning you, but I’ll be sad to lose you. You’ve been a fine apprentice.”

“I know,” Thistlepaw whispered. “And I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.”

Chapter Text

“Brightstar,” Brighstar looked up at her sister’s solemn expression. “I need to speak with you and Heatherwhisker.”

Brighstar stood, nodding to her kit. “Cloudkit, you stay here with Tawnypelt for a while.”

“What?” Cloudkit stopped pouncing on Tawnypelt’s tail to glare at her mother indignantly. “But I want you here! You’re always going off doing clan stuff!”

Brightstar licked her daughter’s head. “I’m sorry, it’s something I have to do. Besides, you were already playing with just Tawnypelt.”
“But I wanted you watching!” Cloudkit wailed piteously.

“Your mother can’t stay with you all day and night,” Tawnypelt gently cuffed the kit’s ear. “That’s why she lives in a clan, not off on her own. Now come on,” Tawnypelt rocked back slightly and then onto her stomach dramatically, growling playfully “I’m a sleepy badger. Better climb on before I get up!”

Forgetting her distress entirely Cloudkit squeaked in delight and clambered onto Tawnypelt’s back. Brightstar watched them a moment, purring, before she turned to follow Cinderpelt.

Once they were alone with Heatherwhisker Cinderpelt grunted “Thistlepaw says he wants to be a warrior apprentice.”

Heatherwhisker squinted at Cinderpelt suspiciously. “But?”

“But I doubt his heart’s in it,” Cinderpelt heaved a sigh. “He seems less dissatisfied with being a medicine cat, more anxious about whether or not he should be a medicine cat.”

“Ah.”

“I brought it up because I was worried about him and Brokenpaw. He seems to think they’re friends, and maybe that’s all it is for now, but I see the way they look at each other and it doesn’t look that friendly to me.”

Heatherwhisker snorted wryly, albeit with affection. “Of course he’d still pick a tom for his mate, even if he didn’t choose the medicine den.”

“He says his bond with Starclan isn’t strong enough, that with all these other cats getting dreams he should’ve had some prophecy of his own if he was truly meant for this.”

“Isn’t ‘all these other cats’ just Sorrelpaw?” Brightstar mewed skeptically.

“And your daughter too,” Cinderpelt paused while Brightstar and Heatherwhisker hissed in surprise. “Apparently Mosskit has visited her. Either way,” Cinderpelt’s tail thumped decisively. “I don’t think destiny is sufficient reason to abandon a path you wanted. But I do think Thistlepaw needs to take some time away to make sure he knows this path is what he wants. His feelings for Brokenpaw are strong, and I want him to figure out what those feelings are, and if he’s willing to give them up for a life of healing, before he fully commits.”

Brightstar nodded thoughtfully. Heatherwhisker mewed “I appreciate you telling me, but why? This seems like more of a conversation between you and your leader.”

“I wanted to warn you, before the change was made official. So you know that even if he’s training as a warrior now, that doesn’t necessarily mean Thistlepaw will have kits after all.”

Heatherwhisker seemed to squirm under Cinderpelt’s sympathetic gaze. “Thanks.”

Chapter Text

Heatherwhisker watched the appprentices training. Brightstar had decided to wait until after the rat raid to reassign Thistlepaw, since Cinderpelt would need his help caring for the wounded and it was too dangerous to send him into battle with just a few days of fighting practice. They didn’t feel too prepared themself, but Dawncloud assured them that the most important thing was to act fast and see when it was time to get out. Brokenpaw was crouched low so that he could plant his hind stump on the ground and swipe with both forepaws, Minnowpaw at his back.

As they returned to the barn Heatherwhisker saw strange cats approaching. They were about to yowl an alarm, until they saw that Tawnypelt and Princess were at the head of the group. Barley paused rolling in the grass to glance up in surprise as one she-cat shot ahead of the group. “Barley! I didn’t know you were friends with Princess!”

Barley climbed to his feet, eyes shining with emotion as the cat stopped in front of him and started headbutting his chest. “Violet. It’s good to see you again. How are things with your housefolk?”

Assuming they were kin Heatherwhisker left the two cats to catch up and followed the rest of the group inside.

It looked like the patrol had brought back eight kittypets. As they rushed to introduce themselves to everyone Brightstar climbed onto the Tallbale. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

Tawnypelt and Princess nudged the kittypets into place, managing to get them to quiet down without too much effort. Brightstar looked over her clanmates. “Tawnypelt, are these cats ready to fight? Will they be able to join us without bringing more danger to themselves or to others?”

Tawnypelt raised her chin. “Yes.”

“And do they know what they risk by helping us?”

“Yes.”

Brightstar dipped her head. “In that case, I thank you, cats of Twolegplace, for coming to our aid.”

Heatherwhisker held back a purr of amusement as all the kittypets chorused a response, taking Brightstar by surprise.

The leader raised her voice to address the whole clan “Cats of Silverclan! We have prepared long for this action, and it is only out of dire necessity that we do it. The risk is great, but if we are careful we will have food to fill every belly!”

A cheer broke out, none more enthusiastic than the kittypets, who seemed very excited by the novelty of clan life.

“Stoatfeather and Marge will stay here to protect the kits,” Heatherwhisker saw relief flicker across the white queen’s face. She’d done her best in battle training, but had much more trouble than most. “Smallear and Dappletail will stay too, I want them to save their strength for hunting and building our new camp,” Smallear snorted, clearly aware that Brightstar was trying to avoid saying she thought he was too frail to risk the battle. “I’ll lead everyone else into battle. I’ll assign everyone pairs before, and you’ll be responsible for making sure that your partner makes it back out safely.”

“What?!” Stoatfeather yowled in outrage “You hardly kitted more than half a moon before I did! If you’re fighting I am too!”

Brightstar flicked her tail in annoyance. “No. You aren’t. If I die in this battle Cloudkit won’t be an orphan. If you die Gorsekit will. My decision is final.”

Stoatfeather growled but didn’t protest further.

“We’ll attack while the most rats are asleep, tomorrow at sunhigh. We-”

“Whew! That’s a relief! I was worried we’d have to get up at dawn!” Biscuit declared a good bit too loudly.

Smallear growled something indistinctly. Brightstar took a deep breath and resumed “We’ll approach in groups through each entrance. I’ll assign a leader to each group who will call a retreat if things turn worse or too many cats are pushed back out. Make sure you stay by the wall, by your entrance if possible, and whatever you do don’t let the rats cut off your escape.”

Chapter Text

The barn fizzled with energy on the morning of the rat raid. Ravenpaw had wanted to join them, but Brighstar emphatically rejected this on the grounds that he hadn’t spent the last half-moon training with everyone else. As a compromise he and Barley agreed to wait outside the den with Cinderpelt and Thistlepaw to help carry prey or support injured cats.

Thistlepaw’s belly squirmed as he followed his mentor behind the battle party, which looked larger than all of Silverclan combined. Cinderpelt glared at Brokenpaw in annoyance as he dropped back to chat with Thistlepaw.

“Isn’t this exciting? It’s our first real chance to prove ourselves!”

Thistlepaw grunted, his mouth stuffed with herbs.

“Oh but I guess helping with a kitting would be more like proving yourself as a medicine cat?”

Thistlepaw tilted his head uncertainly. He’d never thought about how he’d prove himself as a medicine cat. Except maybe for considering his lack of omens as proof against him. Now that he’d made the choice to switch paths he didn’t much want to think about it.

“We’re gonna kill so many rats! With this big a group they don’t stand a chance!”

Contrary to Brokenpaw’s optimism the size of their patrol only worried Thistlepaw more. It lent weight to the undertaking, made him worry about how many of these cats might not make it back. He kept trying to measure in his head how many injuries it would take before their herbs ran out. He didn’t like the results.

Sensing some part of Thistlepaw’s unease Brokenpaw headbutted his shoulder. “Hey, it’ll be good. The fact that everyone’s so serious about it just means we’re not gonna be reckless.”

They might not be reckless, Thistlepaw felt his stomach knot tighter. I don’t know about you. It increased his worries tenfold to imagine what risks the cocky, silly, and yes, handsome apprentice beside him might take. He could admit Brokenpaw was handsome without seeing him as anything other than a friend. And as a pure friend, he was the closest one Thistlepaw had, as well as the most reckless one. It made sense for him to be so upset at the idea of anything happening to Brokenpaw.

The abandoned nest loomed before them. Thistlepaw and Cinderpelt set down their herbs a safe distance away and watched as the cats split into three groups, approaching the large square holes in the walls and a more jagged opening in the side.

Silence. Then the piercing shrieks of who knew how many rats. Thistlepaw shuddered at the horrible skittering noise of countless tiny paws in the enclosed space. For a time that seemed far too long, he couldn’t have any idea of how the battle was going. He heard cats shrieking, but he couldn’t tell whether in pain or triumph.

“Moorland! Retreat!” Brightstar’s group trickled out of one door, clumping together and swiping away the rats who followed them out. Thistlepaw was glad to see that they were all on their paws at least, and every mouth held two or three rats.

“Barn! Retreat!”

“Town! Retreat!” Dawncloud’s group pulled out, followed closely by Ashfur’s, the group with the most kittypets. Thistlepaw’s heart lurched as he saw Sootpaw and Sorrelpaw supporting Heatherwhisker as they staggered out. As Ravenpaw rushed to help Brighstar called out “Everyone here?”

“He’s gone!” Thistlepaw jerked his head up as he heard Biscuit yowl in distress. Who was-he searched the crowd wildly for a familiar brown pelt. Before he could spot Brokenpaw Biscuit disappeared back into the nest, where Dawncloud’s group had gone, despite yowls for her to stay with everyone else.

Cinderpelt nudged Thistlepaw and he roused himself, hoping desperately that he’d just missed Brokenpaw in the short moment he’d been looking as he turned his attention to Heatherwhisker.

“I told him… to come with us…” Heatherwhisker gasped painfully. They had several deep rat bites, and both theirs and Dawncloud’s eyes were wide with panic.

“I saw you go down, and called the retreat,” Dawncloud shredded the grass. “I told him he doesn’t have nine lives! I thought I made it clear that he had to follow orders!”

Thistlepaw paused licking Heatherwhisker’s wounds, the ground spinning beneath him. Brokenpaw was dying in there. And now Heatherwhisker, the only Windclan cat he had, would die from infection. And then Biscuit would-

“Thistlepaw. Focus.” Cinderpelt mewed evenly. “Is that bite cleaned up? Where’s the next one you need to get?”

Thistlepaw worked to steady his breathing as Cinderpelt guided him step by step through treating Heatherwhisker like it was his first day of training. The constant, clear instructions soothed him and helped him to focus on what he could do. What they needed him to do.

“Biscuit! Brokenpaw!”

Thistlepaw jumped to his feet, seeing the two cats streak out of the twoleg nest, rats hard on their heels. Dawncloud and half the cats there rushed forward, scaring the pursuing rats back into the nest. Brokenpaw’s head was held high, four rats trailing the ground as biscuit carried another three.

Dawncloud intercepted him, bristling with fury. “What were you thinking?! I called the retreat!”

Brokenpaw dropped his catch to protest “But I only had one-”

“One rat? You risked your life, you risked Biscuit’s life, because your ego couldn’t handle bringing back one rat?!”

Brokenpaw glared defiantly at his mentor “But the clan-”

“You think the rest of the clan was sitting on our haunches? Is that it? Look around you!” Dawncloud’s tail swept over the gathered cats with their catches. “We’re swimming in rats! So many rats we can’t even eat them all!”

“I’ve finished applying poultices to Heatherwhisker,” Cinderpelt interjected mildly. “If no one else is badly hurt we can take our prey back and I’ll examine everyone more thoroughly at the barn.”

Dawncloud huffed and grabbed Brokenpaw’s scruff, yanking him along the ground despite the fact that he was taller and even broader than she was.

“Hey, what?! I’m not a kit!”

“If you’re gonna play stupid games like a kit you should be carried like one.” Dawncloud vibrated with anger, but Thistlepaw realized she was trembling with relief as well.

In that moment he shared her feelings perfectly.

Chapter Text

Moth’s nose twitched, her muscles tensing as she prepared to pounce, tail twitching in anticipation.

The mouse lifted its head, somehow alerted. She sprang at it, but too late and from too far away as it darted out from under her paws.

A gray and white shape leaped on it, swiftly killing the creature.

Moth’s fur fluffed up in embarrassment, and she turned away to find something else when a soft voice mewed “Want to share?”

She froze with shock, hardly daring to hope she’d heard right she asked “What did you say?”

“I was just thinking, you drove this mouse right into my paws. It’d only be fair to share it.”

From Moth’s experience whoever made the kill, or whoever was bigger and stronger, got to eat it. “Are you sure? You really don’t have to-”

“I want to.” The cat mewed firmly. “You look like you need it.”

Moth couldn’t argue with that. Since being forced away from Sasha and her littermates she’d only been able to catch something one day out of three. Some way or another her prey always seemed to figure out where she was before she was ready. As much as everyone said taking over the forest was so good for Bloodclan, she found that most of her food came from trash at the edge of town. “Thanks.”

She settled down beside the strange cat, mouth watering at the scent of mouse blood. They took turns taking bites, and far too quickly the animal was all eaten up. Though her stomach still howled Moth realized she was feeling more alert than she had in weeks.

“I’m Moth, what’s your name?”
The stranger laughed. “Oh, sorry, we aren’t supposed to share names. Not unless someone’s doing a count or two cats are planning to have kits.”

“Oh. Sorry.” A fresh wave of embarrassment washed over Moth. There were so many rules in Bloodclan! And it seemed like every time you didn’t know one you got your pelt clawed off.

The other cat nudged her playfully. “Hey, it’s nothing to worry about. If you can keep a secret we could hunt again sometime, would you like that?”

Her stomach gave a vehement yes, but Moth paused to consider. “Are you sure that’s safe?”

“Well, safe enough if you don’t tell anyone. Meeting the same cat twice is just a coincidence if you don’t admit to anything. And that’s even if someone catches you. But you should make your own choice about what you’re comfortable doing. If you decide you want to, I’ll come back here in three days. If not, you know how to avoid me.”

With a conspiratorial wink the cat got up, stretched, and padded away.

Three days later Moth came back. And together they were able to catch a squirrel. Though she still didn’t share any names the stranger did explain that she was a she-cat, even if her body was male.

Moth licked her belly contentedly, she and the stranger grooming themselves side by side in companionable silence. “Thanks,” she paused to mew. “I think that’s the best I’ve eaten since I joined Bloodclan!”

The other cat paused. “I’m sorry to hear it. Hope it’ll help you find more food later, I know hunting when your belly is too empty only makes it harder.”

Moth nodded. After a moment she asked hesitantly “I know… I know it’s not allowed, but is there any way we could be friends?” Her fur prickled at the danger in what she was asking, but this cat seemed kind, and her heart ached with the constant loneliness enforced by Scourge.

The other cat paused mid-lick. “We can, if you can keep a secret. With what you do and what you say. Can you do that?”

Moth nodded, aching with hope.

“Alright, you can call me Purple-orange. It’s my pretend name I use with friends, so it’s harder for the counters to find out. Do you want to make one?”

Moth’s tail lashed eagerly as she pondered the question. After a moment she mewed “Tawny-gold?”

Purple-orange shook her head. “It’s better if you don’t use a color in your pelt, that makes it too easy to guess.”

After another moment Moth said “What about Rose-gray?”

“Perfect!” Purple-orange purred in satisfaction. “Ok, you know the tree where we caught this squirrel? Could you find it again later, without having to visit too often?”

Moth nodded.

“Good. Let’s see each other there after sunset in eight days.”

“Eight days?!” Moth cried in disappointment.

“If we want to stay friends we can’t see each other often. Or in the same place every time. And try not to come to the spot more than once between now and then. Can you do all that?”

Moth hesitated. Seven lonely days and nights loomed ahead of her. But it was still better than an uncountable number of them. “Yeah. I can do that.”

Chapter Text

“All right, Brightstar. Every single clanmate has been looked after. Now will you let me check you?”

Brightstar padded stiffly into the medicine den. As Thistlepaw leaned down to chew up more poultice she mewed “Wait. How much of those herbs do you have left?”

“Enough to treat you,” Cinderpelt growled. “Everyone else has been looked at already.”

“But do you have enough to reapply the poultice as much as you need?” Brightstar had a stubborn set to her jaw that filled Thistlepaw with foreboding.

“If we run out I can get more.” Cinderpelt snapped.

“I wasn’t deaf when I was in the medicine den, Cinderpelt,” Brightstar glared. “And I saw how hard you and Thistlepaw worked gathering herbs for this fight. I know you’ve already harvested as much as you should, and if you take any more the plants won’t grow back as strong.”

“That’s hardly a reason to risk your life, mouse-brain.”

Brightstar let out a breath. “But that’s just what I’ve been thinking about. You saw what happened the first time we fought Bloodclan. Scourge was able kill Tigerstar nine times with a single blow. So forgive my recklessness, but it seems to me that if having more lives at once doesn’t actually give me a better chance of living through a fight with Scourge, then there’s no point in not spending them to save resources like food and herbs in times of need.”

“You can’t just kill yourself to save a few herbs!” Cinderpelt hissed in fury.

“I’m not killing myself. Rogues and loners recover from wounds without herbs all the time. I’ll keep washing the wounds, and it might be fine.”

“Sometimes rogues and loners recover,” Cinderpelt growled. “More often they just die, and we don’t hear about it because we don’t know them.”

“You can’t change my mind.”

Thistlepaw shrank back, almost convinced that Cinderpelt was about to attack their leader herself. Finally with a frustrated sigh she said “Thistlepaw, go get some oak leaves. We’ll dry them out to try and fight infection, and in the meantime I’ll wash the wounds and put cobwebs on them.”

Relieved to get away from the confrontation he rushed to obey Cinderpelt. He worried that oak leaves would be too little too late, though. They were more of a last resort for treating infection during Leaffall and Leafbare, and even so it would take these fresh Newleaf leaves at least a few days to dry out before they could use them.

Chapter Text

Morningflower crouched beneath the pelt-trap, watching the twoleg suspiciously as it held Gorsepaw on its legs.

Gorsepaw, of course, was perfectly happy to be there. She could hear him purring as the brute’s heavy paw stroked his fur. Opening one eye he mewed “Come on, mom! Try just sniffing his hind paw, I’m sure even that would make him happy.”

Morningflower hissed. “No, I don’t trust it. We can’t trust it. Twolegs may help sometimes, when they feel like it, but you can’t rely on them. We don’t know how they work.”

“But Morningflower…” Gorsepaw looked at her sadly. “The twolegs saved my life. Maybe saved your life too. Shouldn’t we be grateful?”

“It’s not ‘saving’ my life to take me away from my clanmates when they need me most!” Morningflower’s tail lashed in frustration. “That I abandoned my clan before the battle with Tigerclan is the price I paid to save you, not something to be celebrated!”

“If you say so,” her son mewed bleakly and turned away, facing the twoleg instead of her.

It was the next day that it happened. When she came out to eat the twoleg closed off her access to any hiding places, then threw a pelt around her, bundled her legs together, and held her so tightly she couldn’t escape. “Gorsepaw!” Morningflower yowled. But she didn’t know what to tell him. Help me? Stay here? I’ll find you?

Gorsepaw mewed from behind the twoleg’s swinging wall “It’s okay! He’s probably just taking you to the cutter again!”

Morningflower wasn’t so sure. There was a dread, deep in her stomach, as the twoleg shoved her into a trap. It carried her out into its monster, and pulled away from the den.

Morningflower had practiced counting the giant eye-stalks along the thunderpath when the twoleg took her to the cutter. Every time it happened she feared they were taking her away from Gorsepaw forever. By counting the eye-stalks, and remembering at how many stalks the monster turned, she hoped she would be able to find her way back even if she was taken away.

Barely one turn in the monster went a different way from before. Her dread increased as she counted eye-stalks in a completely new route. After a much longer journey than before, the monster slowed to a halt. The twoleg carried her out, towards a much bigger nest. As it opened the door, a wall of smells hit her. The stink of countless dogs and cats, all terrified, mixed with a sharper smell like twolegs wiped around their dens that made her nose sting. She was set on the ground, as Gorsepaw’s twoleg yowled with another one.

Then it left.

Morningflower watched in horror as it climbed into its monster, without her, and pulled away.

Taking with it her hopes of seeing Gorsepaw again.

Chapter Text

The clan cats washed the kittypets’ wounds and offered to share a meal with them before they returned, but all except Biscuit politely turned them down. Biscuit was extremely excited about trying fresh kill, even if after two bites of rat she changed her mind.

Brokenpaw limped out of the medicine den to find that all of the kittypets had already left. Glancing at Princess he reluctantly asked “Do you think we’ll see them again?”

“Maybe, but probably not for a while. I don’t think their housefolk will let them out again any time soon, especially not the ones with several bites like Biscuit.”

“Oh.” Brokenpaw tried to hide his disappointment. It wasn’t that he missed the noisy, lazy, smelly kittypets. He just felt that things had been too chaotic after the battle for him to thank Biscuit properly for saving his life. In fact his memory was rather fuzzy, he wasn’t even sure if he’d thanked her at all.

“I can take you to visit sometime if you like,” Princess’s whiskers twitched in amusement. “Even if they’re kept inside we could still talk to them through a window.”

“No thanks, I’m fine.” Brokenpaw sidled uncomfortably away, not wanting the other apprentices to think he was some kittypet-lover. He started to duck back inside the medicine den, but paused when he heard Cinderpelt’s firm voice.

“-And if we find any burdock root in there, promise me we can use some of it on you.”

“But what if-”

“No more ifs, we have enough of those already.”

“Alright, fine. But only if you find burdock root.”

“And if we find a weaker herb to fight infection I’ll still use that.”

“Cinderpelt!”

The texture of Cinderpelt’s voice changed slightly as she turned her head. “Thistlepaw, you should come with me. It’ll be good pract-oh, right.” A brief but intensely awkward pause followed. “Well anyway I could use the extra help carrying everything.”

“Thanks, I’d like that.”

Brokenpaw’s tail twitched. Why did Thistlepaw’s voice sound so tight? Was he scared about where they were going? But also it seemed like he and Cinderpelt were dancing around some large, unsaid issue that was making them both upset.

He heard more movement in the den and hurriedly backed up, trying not to look like he was listening in. As Brightstar padded out she regarded him with a snort of amusement. “You don’t have to look so guilty, it’s alright. I know the medicine den isn’t a private place to talk with so many injured clanmates.”

Feeling a little bolder he asked “Where are Cinderpelt and Thistlepaw going?”

“Tawnypelt reported a lot of herbs growing in the shared Twoleg garden. They’re going to see which ones are there and harvest some if they have herbs we need.”

Chapter Text

“Bootpaw! Chaospaw! Bootpaw! Chaospaw!”

Bootpaw sat proudly between his two mentors, seeming to assume that more mentors was a status symbol. Thistlepaw supposed that was for the best. He squinted at Brightstar. Up on the tallbale she still looked as strong and proud as ever, but he knew from washing her bites earlier that infection was setting in.

“There is one more matter to settle, before we finish.” Thistlepaw felt his blood roaring in his ears.

“Thistlepaw. Step forward.”

A ripple of confusion went through the clan. He was already apprenticed, and nowhere near ready for his medicine cat name. He was worried that his paws wouldn’t move, but somehow he found himself looking up at his leader.

“Thistlepaw. Do you wish to leave the life of a medicine cat, and train as a warrior instead?”

The confusion increased. Thistlepaw managed to raise his head and mew “I do.”

Over the roar of surprise behind him he heard “Nefretiti. Step forward.”

Nefretiti’s head lifted, wrinkled face clearly showing shock. Slowly Nefretiti got up from where nib was lying with Mopsy, who although somewhat used to the cats still found clan meetings stressful.

“Will you pass down to Thistlepaw your strength and resourcefulness, and teach him the ways of our clan?”

“I mean I’ll try,” Nefretiti mewed skeptically. “But wasn’t he Cinderpelt’s kit?”

“He has decided that it would be better for the clan if he trained as a warrior,” Brightstar mewed flatly. “Would you help him with this?”

Nefretiti dipped nib’s head. “I’ll do my best.”

As Thistlepaw touched noses with Nefretiti a ragged, unsure chorus started up around him. “Thistlepaw! ...Thistlepaw? Thistlepaw!”

As he sat by his new mentor he noticed that Brokenpaw was staring at him. As soon as Brightstar dismissed the meeting the other apprentice rushed over. “Thistlepaw! What do you think you’re doing?!”

Thistlepaw reeled. If anything he’d expected Brokenpaw to be excited that he was joining him in the apprentice den. “I think Starclan wants me to be a warrior.”

“Who cares what Starclan thinks?! It’s your life!”

Thistlepaw gasped “Brokenpaw! Surely you don’t mean that! Starclan has always guided our pawsteps!”

Brokenpaw snorted. “I mean it as much as I’ve meant anything in my life. I know we’re supposed to listen to Starclan, but I don’t wanna listen to a Starclan that’d make you be a warrior! You won’t shut up about how great it is in the medicine den, and I don’t want you taking yourself away from that just because Starclan told you to.”

“Don’t oversell me as a mentor now,” Nefrititi mewed dryly.

Thistlepaw shuffled his paws shyly. He hadn’t wanted to bring this up with Brokenpaw, but the tom left him no choice. “Cinderpelt also thinks… I mean, I don’t know if I agree with her but Cinderpelt thinks I’m too close to you. That maybe I’d want to be together with you in a way I can’t as a medicine cat.”

Brokenpaw blinked in shock. “I didn’t know you felt… well, I guess maybe you don’t feel…” he shook his pelt, seeming to recover himself as he nodded firmly “Well anyway, whatever you feel if being a warrior is what you want then I’ll make sure you’re the best warrior ever.”

“Again,” Nefrititi’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Don’t get too fixated on my being his mentor.”

Chapter Text

"Are you really still listening to those kitten-stories?” A dark ginger tom glanced mockingly down at the gathered cats.

“Go away Scratch!” Cherry bristled with annoyance. “Nobody asked you!”

Leaf flicked her tail in amusement. “It’s ok, Scratch. You can listen from out there if you like, I won’t make you admit you want to hear what happens.”

“We should make our own clan!” Boris sprang up and started swiping at the air. “That’d show him how cool they are!”

Echo shared a shocked and hopeful glance with Sky.

Before Scratch could respond a shriek split the air from further down the canyon. All the cats jumped to their paws and rushed towards it. Echo felt horror wash over her as she saw a fox looming over a mother and her kits.

Scratch, Leaf, and Patch leaped at it without hesitation. Cherry and a few of the other kittypets looked about to join the fight, but Sky stepped in front of them. “Wait, they have practice fighting. They’ll be fine. You only have stories and a few sparring sessions to go off of.”

Eventually the three rogues were able to chase the fox off, and the she-cat stared at them with round, grateful eyes. “Thank you. Thank you so much. Without you me and my kits would have been fox food!”

“Come back up the gorge with us,” Echo padded forward. “These cats went out hunting earlier and there’s plenty of food to share. You and your kits can eat while I check everyone over for injuries.”

The she-cat dipped her head. “I’d like that, thanks. I’m Clover, and these are Rock, Bounce, and Tiny.”

At the camp Scratch tried to refuse Echo’s attentions but she was determined to make use of this test of her knowledge. Once everyone was settled Cherry tried to get Echo to resume her story. Glancing over at Clover and the kits Echo summarized “I’ve been telling them about a great cat off in a distant forest, who joined a clan. So far he’s-”

“What’s a clan?” Clover asked in interest.

“It’s a group of cats who live together, hunt together, and fight together.” Sky mewed. “The strong look after the weak, and kits, queens, and elders especially are honored and cared for.”

“Cared for? Like protected?” Clover’s ears pricked.

“Yes, like when Leaf, Scratch, and Patch fought off that fox.” Echo mewed. “If they were warriors, which are fighters and hunters, in your clan then they would watch out for any danger that threatened you.”

Scratch snorted. “You’d never catch me calling myself something as silly as a “warrior”, or joining a group calling themselves something ridiculous like Thunderclan.”

“Is that what this is?” Clover asked hopefully. “Thunderclan? Can I join?”

Echo and Sky glanced at each other. “No…” Echo said at last. “Thunderclan is far away. But Sky remembers a time when another clan, Skyclan, lived right here in this gorge. Our hope is that one day Skyclan might live again.”

“Might?!” Clover squeaked indignantly. “But my kits and I need protection now!”

Leaf glanced at the rogues and kittypets around her. “I don’t know about anyone else here, but I don’t have much to do with myself or anywhere to be. I could stay here and look out for danger, especially if Cherry and her friends keep helping with the hunting when they visit.”

Echo could hardly believe her ears. Patch stood as well, shaking out his coat. “I’d hate to put in all that work driving off a fox only for it to come back later when Clover’s out alone. I’ll stay too.”

Boris stared around, eyes shining as his mouth dropped open. “Is this it? Is this Skyclan?!”

“Not quite,” Sky sighed. “Two warriors doesn’t a clan make. We’d still need a leader, for one thing. Some cat with nine lives to guide and protect us.”

“But two warriors is a great start,” Echo mewed quickly, trying to shut down Sky’s pessimism. Just when cats were starting to get excited wasn’t the time to talk about how difficult building a clan would really be.

“Nine lives?” Echo started as Scratch mewed skeptically. “Isn’t that impossible?”

“Our warrior ancestors give us strength,” Sky sniffed. “They’ve visited Echo in dreams, taught her herbs and told her stories of the past. When a cat is named leader, they go to a place where Starclan’s presence is felt the strongest and are given nine lives.”

Scratch narrowed his eyes, gaze darting calculatedly around the gathered cats. “Well I don’t really believe it,” he settled his haunches and tucked his paws under his tail. “But if all you lunatics are planning to live together I might as well stay and make sure you don’t get yourselves killed.”

Chapter Text

Brokenpaw bounded up to Nefretiti. “Can me and Thistlepaw train together today?”

Nefretiti looked favorable to the idea, but Speckletail interjected “We were going to take him with Chaospaw and Bootpaw, since they’re just starting out warrior training too.”

Thistlepaw liked to think of himself as Very Mature for his age, but he still smarted at the humiliation of being trained alongside two cats who he was used to thinking of as tiny baby kittens.

They went on a tour of their “territory”, if it could really be called theirs. Visiting all the important locations on the farm, then sneaking through the tunnels to see the new camp.

That, at least, had come a long way since Thistlepaw first saw it. Teams of cats had managed to drag two massive branches from upstream, and leaned them up against boulder and cliff wall to build a nursery and a future warriors’ den off of. At the same time, the planned apprentice den, nests of straw bundled together under a shallow overhang, didn’t look appealing to Thistlepaw.

“Now for what’s currently the biggest part of our territory,” Nefretiti mewed. “We’re going to tour the tunnels.”

Bootpaw and Chaospaw bounced with excitement. Smallear looked mutinous. “I’m not going in those tunnels and you can’t make me!”

“Come on, Smallear,” Speckletail jabbed the ornery elder. “You can’t avoid them forever. Especially not now that we can’t hunt on the moorland either. Do you want Bootpaw to fall behind his sister?”

Smallear growled, but Speckletail’s reasoning seemed to persuade him.

Speckletail directed Chaospaw to stay quiet and rested her tail on the apprentice’s shoulder as they entered the hole. Thistlepaw felt his hackles rise as darkness enveloped him. Without Brokenpaw nearby needing comfort he realized he didn’t like the tunnels much either. “We can talk some, but only softly, and not too much.” Nefretiti murmured. “And if I flick the cat behind me with my tail, everyone pass it down. That means to stop and be as quiet as possible.”

They padded along for what seemed like ages, Nefretiti giving them details about what part of the land they were under, how they could tell from the feel of the air where there were branches and when an entrance was nearby. As they neared Shadowclan Speckletail said “The Shadowclan tunnels could be good for us to use since there wouldn’t be as many Bloodclan cats hunting in such poor territory, but Heatherwhisker’s told me they flood and collapse a lot. So maybe we should save that challenge for after we’ve reinvented tunneling from scratch.”

They took a sharp turn and followed it through the formerly neutral territory surrounding fourtrees. Suddenly Nefretiti halted and flicked a tail over Thistlepaw’s mouth. As the cats waited in silence he strained to listen. Eventually, lower than the shallow breaths of the cats around him, he heard voices from above ground. They were far too muffled for him to make out any words, though. Finally Nefretiti took the tail away and whispered “Alright, we’ve almost covered all the tunnels. Let’s finish up and report back to Brightstar.”

As they reemerged in the future camp it was late afternoon. Sootpaw and Heatherwhisker were working on the nursery.

“How was your first day of warrior training?” Sootpaw asked encouragingly. “I hope the tunnels weren’t too scary!”

Thistlepaw shook the grit out of his fur. “I was pretty nervous, but they weren’t awful.”

Nefretiti lifted a tail in greeting to Heatherwhisker. “Hey, you talk more with the friendly Bloodclanners, maybe you’d know what to make of this? We heard some cats while we were out near fourtrees: an angry-sounding one was grilling some scared-sounding cat about someone called Yellow-teal?”

Thistlepaw blinked in astonishment. Nefretiti was able to hear all of that?

Heatherwhisker looked thoughtful. “That’s probably one of ours, it fits the pattern of secret names they’ve started using. Bristle, who we’re calling Green-blue now, said it was for everyone’s safety. Whoever Yellow-teal is I hope they’re okay.”

Nefretiti shrugged. “I’d be more worried about the cat being asked about ‘em. They kept giving these vague, nonsense descriptions of what Yellow-teal looks like and the angry one sounded like they were really losing patience.”

Chapter Text

In the recent past…

Nightpelt stumbled to his feet, gazing in wonder at all of the Starclan cats before him. One stepped out, ahead of the rest. “Raggedstar!” Nightpelt leaped forward, purring as he touched noses with his old leader.

“Nightpelt. You have served Shadowclan well, even in times when Shadowclan didn’t serve you,” The frail warrior felt his pelt warm under his leader’s honorable gaze. The warmth evaporated, however, when he saw Raggedstar’s expression turn sorrowful. “That is why it pains me so much to tell you this. But we cannot grant you nine lives.”

The ground reeled under Nightpelt, so much so that he didn’t even notice the shocked glances other Starclan cats were shooting Raggedstar.

“You are an honorable warrior, and a wise councilor, but you are not the right cat to lead Shadowclan.”

“But… Runningnose chose me, that’s how it works when the leader and deputy are both gone. If I’m not supposed to lead, what can I do? What can Shadowclan do?”

Raggedstar shook his head sadly. “That is something you and Runningnose must work out yourselves, for the sake of our clan. I’m sure in another life you could have lead Shadowclan most nobly.”

Nightpelt dipped his head, trembling with grief. “I understand.”

Raggedstar touched his nose to the black tom’s head. “Leader or not, Starclan honors you. And you will have a special place among us when you pass.”

Once Nightpelt faded from view the other cats rounded on Raggedstar. “What fresh mouse-dung was that?!” Brightflower hissed.

“Sagewhisker told me what she saw,” Raggedstar raised his chin stubbornly. “Sickness, terrible sickness, tearing through the clan. If we gave Nightpelt his lives he’d just lose them all to it.”

“He’ll die a lot faster with one life than nine,” Sagewhisker’s tail twitched in annoyance. “If you wanted to convince us that this was a good idea you should have done it before the ceremony.”

“It doesn’t matter now anyway, we have to stand by the decision. Keep a unified front. It’s the Old Rule.”

“That rule is meant to make sure the clans don’t lose their faith in us, not let arrogant mouse-brains make decisions for all of Starclan!” Brightflower growled.

“It’s for the best. Shadowclan could be destroyed by this illness. They need a strong, healthy leader.” Raggedstar spat back.

Badgerfang backed away, uncomfortable at the confrontation between his older clanmates.

“Yes of course,” Sagewhisker drawled. “Because the last strong, healthy leader did such a great job of things.”

“Last two,” Brightflower hissed, glaring at Raggedstar. “I had high hopes for you and Yellowfang, you know. Before I found out what a self-righteous foxheart you are.”

Raggedstar flinched. “I only ever do what’s best for Shadowclan.”

“What you think is best for Shadowclan,” Brightflower lashed her tail. “You don’t care what anyone else wants for the clan, unless it fits in with your plans.”

“Say what you like,” Raggedstar whirled around and stalked away. “I’ll rest easier now, knowing that at least Runningnose has an idea of how urgent it is to find a new leader.”

Chapter Text

Moth stumbled through the undergrowth, still feeling sick from what happened. She spotted Purple-orange waiting for her and collapsed, shivering, by her paws.

“What’s wrong?” the older she-cat mewed in concern.

“Today… I think… I think I helped kill one of your friends.”

Moth felt Purple-orange stiffen. “What happened?”

Moth swallowed several times, her throat too tight to make a sound. Purple-orange saw her struggling and added gently “Don’t worry, I don’t blame you. I know Scourge or one of his lackeys made you do it.”

Moth nodded, finally finding the strength to speak. “They gathered me, and all the other young cats nearby, and brought out this cat to us. Said he’d betrayed Scourge, and that to show him what real loyalty was, they… they brought in us. They said we all had to fight him. At once. No mercy. He… well, he lost.”

Purple-orange laid her tail on Moth’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. That is the kind of thing Scourge does to people, but you’re very young to have seen it.”

“And I think he was one of your friends,” Moth added “Because they said his name was Brown-red. And that sounds like one of your secret names.”

Purple-orange dipped her head a moment in grief. “I only met him a few times. I mean, that I remember well. We were littermates, once.”

Moth’s fur rose. “I’m… I’m so sorry.” Purple-orange hardly remembered her own littermates? Would Moth forget Hawk and Tadpole as she grew older? Worse, had she started forgetting them already?

The two cats sat in mournful silence for a long time before hunting. Eventually Purple-orange mewed “There is something I wanted to ask you tonight, but now I’m not so sure. I should at least start by telling you this: Scourge may be cruel to anyone he finds making friends, but he is especially merciless with anyone who he suspects of being in a friend group like mine. You saw that today.”

Moth stayed where she was. Scourge was so powerful, so evil. Even if she had a secret friend now, what hope of joy or safety could she ever have? Not just for herself, but for her littermates? For anyone?

“I was going to offer you the chance to meet another of my friends. But only if you’re willing to take the risk.”

“Why bother?” Moth sighed bleakly. “I don’t want to get you or your friend killed. I don’t… I don’t see how anyone can live in Bloodclan. It’s like the most you can ever hope for is to not be sick or hungry all the time. If having friends brings death, and being with your family brings death, and trying to fight Scourge brings death, why not just die and get it over with?”

Moth regretted the words as she saw Purple-orange’s worried face. Then the she cat leaned in close to her ear. “Do you want to know why they killed Brown-red? And are you willing to risk death, to deny ever meeting me, if they find out you know?”

Moth was about to snort and say “why not? I don’t have much to live for anyway”, but she paused. Purple-orange clearly cared about her safety, and wanted a more thoughtful answer than that. “If this is such dangerous information, why are you offering it?”
“My hope was to tell you eventually, and knowing this might give you something to keep going for.”

Moth nodded thoughtfully. “All right. I want to know then.”

“Me, and Brown-red, and my other friends, we aren’t just friends. We’re planning to change Bloodclan forever.”

Chapter Text

“Thistlepaw!”

Thistlepaw’s head lifted at Brokenpaw’s voice.

“Come over here! I caught a rabbit on the farm last night and I’ve been saving it to share with you!”

As Thistlepaw padded over he mewed “Is that allowed? I don’t think apprentices are supposed to have first pick…”

“I asked Brightstar if it was okay and she said it was fine.”

“Was this before or after Cinderpelt shooed you out?” Thistlepaw tried to hide his worry with amusement. Sootpaw had told him that Cinderpelt frog-marched Brightstar into the medicine den soon after Thistlepaw and the new apprentices left. He hoped her fever wasn’t getting worse, but he doubted she was doing well. He felt something in his chest pulling him towards the den, wanting to assess her condition and help Cinderpelt force her to rest. He shook his head to clear it. That wasn’t his concern anymore. He’d given it up. Now his duty was to learn how to feed and protect his clan.

“Of course, don’t tell Dawncloud,” Brokenpaw winked at him. “She wouldn’t like me asking Brightstar for permission instead of her, but I know what she’d say if I asked. ‘Kits, queens, and elders get first choice,’” Brokenpaw put on a mocking pretend-stern voice. “Warriors eat what they need. Apprentices get what’s left.’”

Thistlepaw let out a mrrow of laughter. “Don’t let her catch you at that. Somehow I don’t think she’d let you off easy.”

Brokenpaw flicked Thistlepaw with his tail. “Oh don’t worry, I’ve already resigned myself to having my warrior name held back until Chaospaw’s an elder.”

Thistlepaw choked. “Mentors can’t do that! ...Can they?”

Brokenpaw blinked in surprise. “In Windclan, would the leader make new warriors even if their mentors say they aren’t ready?”

“Well, no, but ‘not ready’ means they don’t know enough about hunting and fighting yet. Not that they make fun of their mentors.”

Brokenpaw took a bite before he answered, staring ahead thoughtfully as he chewed. “It’s not like she’d hold me back ‘cause she was mad at me. It’s like… Hunting and fighting is part of being a Shadowclan warrior, yes, but more important than that is respect. Respecting your leader, your elders, your mothers, and yeah, respecting your mentor. So if they don’t think you’re ready to listen, to be quiet, and to defer to your seniors, then you aren’t ready to be a warrior.”

Thistlepaw nodded. ‘Respecting’ cats with authority wasn’t really hard for him. Certainly not as hard as it was for Brokenpaw. But it still seemed a little unfair to him for that to be weighted so much that it could hold an otherwise capable warrior back in the apprentice den.

Regaining a playful look Brokenpaw nudged him. “Wait ‘till you get ready to sleep! I made you a great nest, right next to mine! Oh, I mean,” Brokenpaw looked away, seeming uncharacteristically nervous. “If you want to, that is. I know you’re figuring out-”

“I’d love to be next to you,” Thistlepaw purred. “Thanks.”

Chapter Text

“Come on, Gorsekit! It tastes great! Once you try it you’ll never want milk again!”

“I’ve already tried mouse!” Gorsekit mewled. “And I don’t like it!”

Tawnypelt huffed in exasperation. “Gorsekit. I’ve pulled you off a piece. I’ve chewed it up. I even made sure it didn’t have any hair in it. Can you please just eat it?”

Tawnypelt’s fur burned with anxiety over Brightstar. Cinderpelt and Thistlepaw had returned with a bundle of some useful herbs, but none were for infection. Other than thyme it seemed like most twolegs didn’t grow any medicine at all, which Tawnypelt found extremely impractical. But as much as she wanted to hover over Brightstar until the moment her fever broke, the leader herself had made it clear that the best way for Tawnypelt to help her was by caring for her kit. Now she was watching Gorsekit as well, and trying to get the stubborn lump of fur to eat fresh kill, while Stoatfeather rested. From the angry voices outside the nursery, however, it sounded like she was micro-managing Speckletail instead.

“I don’t need your help! I have everything under control!”

“But you forgot the dusk patrol.”

“I didn’t forget it, there’s no point in patrolling our ‘borders’ twice a day when we don’t even have any!”

“But what if Bloodclan is invading? Shouldn’t we know?”

“That’s what we’ve been assigning lookouts for. For Starclan’s sake don’t you need to eat or something?”

“I’m just trying to help,” Tawnypelt snorted as Stoatfeather tried and failed to take a placating tone. “I know that being a deputy and a mentor at the same time can be difficult, especially when you’re old and don’t have as much energy anymore.”

“So can being a queen and a deputy,” Speckletail responded dryly. “Which is why I took over your duties in the first place.”

Chapter Text

Ashfur heard scuffling behind him and glanced over his shoulder.

Brokenpaw and Rainpaw had dropped their prey and instead of following him they were wrestling, growling at each other as they kicked and swiped.

“Hey,” Ashfur jabbed Rainpaw, since he was easier to reach. “What are you two doing? I took you out to hunt, not play like kits.”

They broke apart, gasping for breath, and Rainpaw hissed “Brokenpaw made fun of me for not catching enough!”

“He called me frog-breath first. I was just pointing out maybe his breath wouldn’t be so fresh if he’d actually done anything useful today.”

Ashfur sighed. This was always his least favorite part of having an apprentice: being forced to get involved with their petty squabbles. “Rainpaw, it’s fine that you didn’t catch anything today. Your technique improved and it’s not realistic to expect you’ll get something every time you hunt. But don’t go calling your clanmates names. It’s unhelpful and immature. Now I don’t want to catch you two sending each other to the medicine den, alright? We have enough trouble already without using herbs on some hot-headed apprentices.”

“Violet?” Ashfur started as he heard Princess’s voice coming from the barn. He turned to see the kittypet stepping out from behind a farm building.

“Princess! You have to help! Bloodclan took Fritz!”

“Fritz? Who’s that?” Ashfur mewed. He didn’t recognize the name from the kittypets they had trained to fight rats.

“Mitzi’s kit, she left him with her folk when we did the raid, but when she came back he was gone!”

“How do you know it was Bloodclan?” Princess asked in concern.

“Hang on,” Ashfur mewed. “Let’s bring her to see Brightstar and she can give us the details there. Rainpaw, Brokenpaw, take our prey to the fresh kill pile, and try not to roll over on it along the way.”

The apprentices cast curious glances at Violet, but did as they were told. Ashfur led the group to the medicine den, where Cinderpelt tried to bar their way.

“You can’t disturb Brightstar’s rest!” Cinderpelt’s mew was unusually desperate. “She needs all her strength to recover!”

“This is urgent,” Princess responded firmly. “A kit’s missing.”

“Let them through,” Ashfur started at how weak his leader’s voice sounded, but took the opportunity to push past Cinderpelt nonetheless.

He barely managed not to stare. Brightstar had changed so much in just a few short days. Her pelt was dull, her bones sticking out, and a reek of fever wafted from all over her body.

“Who’s missing?” She croaked, still determined despite her condition.

“Mitzi’s kit, Fritz.” Violet mewed undeterred. “When Mitzi got back-”

“Mitzi…” Brightstar’s forehead creased with puzzlement. “Wait, give me a moment. I know I remember her, I wouldn’t forget a clanmate…”

“She’s not a clanmate,” Princess mewed gently. “She’s one of my friends. She helped us with the rats.”

“The… oh, right. The rats.” Brightstar shook her head. “Is Mitzi okay?”

“No, that’s why we’re here,” Violet mewed patiently. “Her kit, Fritz, is missing.”

Brightstar’s eye widened in terror and grief. “A hawk! No! He should have-”

“We don’t think it was a hawk,” Violet tried to correct her. “He must be still alive, there wasn’t any blood in the garden. Mitzi-”

Brightstar spasmed violently. Her voice took on a guttural snarl as she cried “Pack. Pack. Kill. Kill!”

“That’s enough,” Cinderpelt snapped. “This isn’t helping Mitzi and it certainly isn’t helping Brightstar. Everyone out!”

Ashfur was shaken. He’d never heard Brightstar speak like that. And the words seemed to carry the weight of some prophecy. Was there a new danger, never before seen, awaiting Silverclan? He took one last glance behind him and saw Cinderpelt curled around her trembling sister, licking her head as tenderly as a mother.

Chapter Text

“When I got back after the raid, my folk kept me in the house for a while. Not as long as the other cats since I didn’t have any bites, but I think some of our folk must’ve talked to each other about what happened because it was still several days before I could sneak out. I went around checking up on the others, but when I got to Mitzi’s window she was frantic. Told me that Fritz was gone, and her folk wouldn’t let her out to look for him. She didn’t get the chance to investigate because she assumed Fritz was safe at home, and once she was inside she couldn’t get back out again.”

Stoatfeather and Speckletail looked at each other gravely. “And what makes you think it was Bloodclan?” Stoatfeather mewed.

“I…” Violet’s hackles rose nervously and she took a few heartbeats to calm down. “I looked around as best I could. Found a faint scent sheltered under one of the bushes. And… I recognized one of Scourge’s cats.”

The cats all hissed in sympathy.

After a long pause Stoatfeather mewed “That’s… unfortunate, but I’m afraid there isn’t anything Silverclan can do about it.”

“What do you mean?” Princess bristled. “Wasn’t it just recently that Mitzi helped us with the rat raid? And Fritz wouldn’t have been left alone so long if she wasn’t out with us!”

Speckletail shook her head. “It’s a different scale though. We appreciate the risk she took fighting alongside us, yes, but that’s different than if we went waltzing into Bloodclan looking for her kit. We’d reveal to Scourge that clan cats still live, and it wouldn’t be long before he found us and wiped us out for good.”

“Brightstar would want to help our allies,” Princess growled.

“Not at the cost of Silverclan’s very existence she wouldn’t,” Stoatfeather snapped. “Besides, we can all sit here talking about what Brightstar would or wouldn’t do until the next snowfall. That doesn’t change the fact that she isn’t able to do anything. Not until she recovers.”

“Is there anything Silverclan can do?” Violet asked bleakly. “I can’t bear to think of Fritz trapped in Bloodclan, alone and afraid.”

“We could at least send someone to find a meeting between some of Green-blue’s cats? Ask them to look out for Fritz and pass the word along?” Princess’s tail twitched in agitation.

Speckletail nodded, looking to Stoatfeather for confirmation. “Let’s talk to Heatherwhisker about it. Other Bloodclan cats would be in a better position than us to look out for him.”

Stoatfeather sighed. “Alright, we’ll give it a try. You can tell Mitzi we’re asking some of our friends to look for him.”

Violet dipped her head in gratitude. Once she was out of earshot Stoatfeather muttered “But I don’t know how much they’ll want to stick out their necks for the kit of their ally’s ally.”

Chapter Text

Fritz followed after Brick, tail held high as they toured the forest. Brick led them in a wide path around one section of trees. "There's some dog-like creature who lives there, we're avoiding the area until Scourge figures out how to kill it."

Fritz glanced uneasily between the trunks. "Are there a lot of dangers in the forest?"

"Oh yes, of course," Brick mewed breezily. "But such is the price of true freedom. You're always welcome to go back to your safe little nest with your 'folk, if you don't feel up to this."

"No of course not!" Fritz said hastily. "I'm glad for this chance! Just want to make sure I know everything going in."

"Of course. A wise cat goes into all decisions with eyes open." Fritz couldn't tell if Brick was complimenting or mocking him. He shook his head. He couldn't turn back now, he wanted to prove himself to Scourge.

They stepped out into a large clearing, framed by four great oaks with a giant rock in the middle. Brick gestured around them. "This is main camp, where Scourge and all his best cats hang out. Come here and ask for me if you have any questions, and show up bright and early tomorrow for your first fighting session."

Fritz looked around uncertainly. "Is that it?"

"That's it!" Brick beamed. "The rest of the day, the rest of your life, is all yours."

Chapter Text

“Speckletail? Can we talk a moment?”

Speckletail slowed down to join Ashfur, letting the apprentices bound ahead into the Moonstone camp. It was nearing completion now, but before they moved kits and the frailest elders in they needed to make sure there was enough cat-scent to discourage predators from visiting. So for tonight, and potentially more nights in the near future, two stronger fighters and all of the apprentices were going to spend the night in the new dens.

“What is it?”

Ashfur glanced around to make sure no one else was listening. He didn’t want to alarm any of the young cats. “I heard Brightstar say something that worried me, when we took Violet to speak with her. I wanted to bring it up with you or Stoatfeather, just in case. It sounded like it might have to do with a prophecy, or some great danger.”

“Oh?” Speckletail pricked her ears with concern.

“Do you know if there’s any significance to the words “Pack pack. Kill kill?””

The tension in her shoulders eased as Speckletail’s mood became more somber. “Oh, that. That was… You know there was a pack of dogs on Thunderclan territory, right? And Tigerstar tried to destroy Thunderclan with them?”

Ashfur nodded. “Brightstar was injured by them, right?”

“Not just injured. Mauled. For a while we didn’t even think she’d survive. Then, for another stretch of her recovery, she couldn’t or wouldn’t say anything but those words.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“The important thing is we don’t have to worry about some new danger. Not yet. But if Brightstar is reliving that…” Speckletail sighed. “I worry about her. She’s so young to have all this, the survival of all clan life, put on her.”

“Do you think you should have been leader instead?” Ashfur managed to keep his tone teasing rather than accusatory.

Speckletail shook her head. “No, I am proud of her. She’s been doing as good a job as anyone could. We helped each other through some dark times, that’s all.”

Ashfur flinched as he heard yowls of excitement from the camp. Sorrelpaw and Tanglepaw were chasing each other over and around the two large boulders in the hollow. “Hey!” Ashfur snapped, bounding forward to intercept them. “You want Bloodclan to hear you all the way in fourtrees?!”

Chapter Text

“Well, Whitestorm? Aren’t you coming?”

Whitestorm and Snowfur exchanged a glance. Thistleclaw felt his hackles rise. Did they think he couldn’t see them questioning his intelligence?

“We already trained this morning. I thought I would spend the afternoon basking with Snowfur.”

Thistleclaw scoffed. “Have they gotten to you, too, Whitestorm? Don’t you realize how important it is for a warrior to be ready to defend what’s theirs at a moment’s notice?”

“We’ve gone over this, Thistleclaw,” Snowfur sighed. “So many times. We’re in Starclan. There’s nothing to defend. Everyone has enough. No one is ever sick or hungry. There’s no reason to keep working yourself to the bone training to fight an enemy that doesn’t exist.”

“What about Riverclan? Their warriors are all over the place, living in the middle of Thunderclan cats, splitting our forces apart! What if one of them attacked you?”

“Why would they attack me, Thistleclaw? No one has attacked anyone in Starclan for seasons. And even if they did, all my wounds would heal in an instant.”

Frustrated Thistleclaw growled “Well even so that’s no excuse to go soft. Don’t you agree, Whitestorm?”

Whitestorm, the little brat, was regarding Thistleclaw with pity. “There’ s more to life than fighting and patrolling, father. I’m willing to train with you sometimes, because it’s how you like to spend time with me, but my priorities aren’t the same as yours.”

Unable to believe his ears, Thistleclaw scoffed and stormed away. He and Snowfur had agreed about everything in life, how had they drifted so far apart in death? It was almost like the moment she died she forgot any concept of borders or standing up for yourself. And now Whitestorm had more in common with soft-hearted Bluestar than with him. He flexed his claws into the soft earth. He knew Tigerstar had earned a place far from Starclan, but at times like these he missed his proud, battle-hungry apprentice.

He missed having someone around who knew what was important.

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw felt the breath rush out of him as he was thrown to the ground.

“Great job!” Speckletail called from the side, thumping the ground enthusiastically. Chaospaw let Thistlepaw up, feeling the vibrations and turning to see Speckletail’s proud expression.

“You… uh,” Nefretiti struggled to find encouraging words. “You remembered what I said about keeping your balance! That’s good!”

Thistlepaw groaned. Yes, he and Chaospaw had started warrior training at the same time. But she was still barely out of the nursery, still building up the stamina for hunting and patrolling. Not only that, but he’d actually had more fighting training than her, if you included the defensive moves he'd learned as a medicine cat.

And yet she’d pinned him as easily as a sleeping mouse.

“Hey, come on,” Nefretiti nudged him. “Cats learn at different speeds, it’s okay. Just focus on yourself and your own improvement.”

That was a lot easier to do when he was the only apprentice training in his field.

After the training, when they returned to the barn, Thistlepaw was surprised to see it bustling with activity. Cats rushing back and forth between it and the nearest tunnel, carrying mouths full of straw, prey, and herbs. Most importantly, weaving in and out of the chaos,

Was Brightstar.

She saw their return and gave them a brisk nod, eyes clear and her pelt smooth. Although a little skinnier than before, she seemed to be back to her old self.

Speckletail approached Brightstar and mewed in concern “Feeling better?”

“Much better,” Brightstar replied firmly. “I spoke with Stoatfeather about the new camp’s progress and decided it was time for us to move the clan over.”

“Stoatfeather’s been back here taking care of her kit and yours,” Speckletail’s tail twitched in annoyance. “I’m the one who has been overseeing camp work.”

Brightstar blinked apologetically “Right, I’m sorry. I should have consulted you first. I was just so excited to finally do something and I didn’t want to disrupt Chaospaw’s training. Would you advise me to stop the move?”

Speckletail sighed. “No, the camp’s just about ready and we’ve stayed in the barn long enough. I don’t want the kits to grow up thinking clan cats belong in twoleg structures.”

As she and Brightstar started discussing the logistics in more detail, Chaospaw grew bored and wandered off to greet Bootpaw. Thistlepaw, at a loss for what else to do, decided to see if Cinderpelt needed help moving herbs.

As he approached the den he felt a wave of nostalgia so strong it nearly choked him. This medicine den, settled on dry earth with straw piled high around it, scraped away so precious herbs wouldn’t get lost among the strands, would never be used again. He missed it, and with surprise he realized he was already missing the barn as well. The way it felt so sheltered and secure, like no cats from Bloodclan or Shadowclan or any other group could ever get in. He knew the safety of the barn was mostly an illusion, that wherever the clan cats lived they would be in danger the moment Bloodclan found out they’d survived, but thinking about living by Mothermouth, looking out every day over the moorlands he used to call home… Suddenly the danger that surrounded Silverclan felt more real than it ever had since the day of that terrible battle.

“Thistlepaw? Did you need something?”

Thistlepaw started at Cinderpelt’s voice. “I just wanted to check if you needed help carrying anything.”

“That’s kind of you to offer, but Ashfur’s got all the other apprentices working to make sure these herbs are carried safely. You can go get a little rest.”

“Oh, thanks,” Thistlepaw didn’t know why he felt disappointed. Why it made him so sad to realize that Cinderpelt didn’t need him. He started to move away, but hesitated. “Actually, I was wondering about Brightstar. Did she… recover?”

Cinderpelt regarded him with something between irritation and amusement. “If you’re asking whether she lost a life, that’s not something for a warrior apprentice to know. If she did, and she didn’t want it kept secret, she would tell the whole clan.”

Chapter Text

Green eyes flashed in the darkness.

As Moth watched an entirely black cat slinked out from the shadows. They glanced at Purple-orange. “Is this the cat you vouched for?”

Purple-orange nodded. “Yes, this is Rose-gray. Rose-gray, this is Yellow-white.”

Moth dipped her head. Unsure of what to say she nervously mewed “Pleased to meet you.”

“Likewise.” The tom dipped his head in return.

A long silence followed. Moth watched in confusion as Purple-orange and Yellow-white sat, relaxed, simply looking at each other.

Finally Yellow-white said “Well as far as I can tell nobody followed her.”

Purple-orange nodded in agreement. “Seems about as safe as it’s gonna be.” Turning to Moth she added “We have tests to put new people through, before we start telling them what we’re doing.”

“Tests?” Moth began to panic.

“Don’t worry,” Purple-orange purred in amusement. “You’ve already been going through these tests just by visiting with me. I befriended you, and after meeting with you by myself a few times to make sure you wouldn’t betray me, personally, to Scourge, now taking you to meet one other friend is the next test. Once we trust you to meet safely with the two of us, eventually we can bring you to a group meeting.”

“How many cats are in a group meeting?” Moth’s ears pricked with curiosity.

“Usually four or five. Those are the meetings where we talk about what’s going on, what ideas people have had recently, whether any new people are in the process of joining us…”

Yellow-white nodded. “That reminds me, I was at the most recent meeting. They said our friends on the moore are looking for a missing cat, Fritz. Reddish-brown and white. If you see him, try to assess whether he’s here by choice or not, and if it looks safe tell him his mother is worried about him.”

Purple-orange glanced at Moth. “If you see a cat like that, you should let me or Yellow-white know instead of talking to him yourself. I don’t want you taking any extra risks.”

Moth nodded.

“And one more thing,” Purple-orange brushed aside leaf mulch to reveal a small hollow under a tree root. “This here is a secret food-stashing spot we use. When you’re having trouble hunting or scavenging you can check here to see if any of our friends hid prey. You’re free to take what you need, just whenever you get lucky think about leaving something behind to help someone else in trouble.”

“Really? That’s it?” It seemed too good to be true.

“Well try not to visit too often,” Yellow-white cautioned. “And make sure you’re not being followed when you do visit. It won’t work as a stashing spot anymore if one of Scourge’s brutes gets curious about it.”

“Oh yeah, of course.” The last thing Moth wanted was for her new friends to think she was careless. “I was just thinking, what’s in it for… the friend group?”

“Cats like you are the friend group,” Purple-orange purred. “The reason we come together at all is to try and find another way of doing things, besides how Scourge runs us.”

“And if our cats are better-fed than most of Bloodclan that gives us a better chance against them in battle.” Yellow-white added gruffly. “Although on that point we really need more food-stashing spots and more cats stocking them up to really get anywhere.”

“We’re working on it.” Purple-orange’s words were clipped, like this was a brief window into a very long and tiresome ongoing discussion.

“How many cats are in this… friend group, anyway?” Moth mewed.

Purple-orange looked thoughtful. “Let’s see, there’s… I think there’s about twelve, that I know of.”

“Oh.” Moth deflated slightly. That seemed like rather a small number to go against Scourge and his inner circle, not to mention the rest of Bloodclan.

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw crept slowly toward the raven, trying to focus all of his attention on it.

But his mind kept tugging back towards the medicine den.

Sorrelpaw had been throwing up when he left, a few hours after sharing some monster kill with Sootpaw. Both of them were now in the medicine den where Cinderpelt was watching Sorrelpaw’s progress, and making sure that Sootpaw didn’t start feeling sick as well.

His paw slipped on a loose twig he hadn’t seen, and the faint rustle he made regaining his balance was enough to scare off the watchful bird.

“Rabbit dung!” Thistlepaw spat.

Nefretiti put a comforting tail over his shoulder. “It’s alright, you can’t catch everything. And birds are really hard.”

“If you or Heatherwhisker had gone after it you probably would have caught it. And then it could’ve fed three or four cats.”

Heatherwhisker, who had joined them for a hunting patrol, mewed sagely “Even if that’s the case, the skills an apprentice learns from hunting are worth far more than one juicy piece of prey.”

Thistlepaw growled in frustration. He had trouble seeing their point when Silverclan needed every mouthful they could get. And when Chaospaw and Bootpaw were both already better at hunting than him.

“Can you tell me what you did wrong?” Heatherwhisker said, shooting a quick glance to Nefretiti to make sure they weren’t overstepping any boundaries.

Nefretiti seemed relieved more than anything to sit back and watch how clan cats taught apprentices.

“I wasn’t paying attention.” Thistlepaw huffed in frustration.

“To…?” Heatherwhisker prompted gently.

“To my paws. To the ground. To the bird. To anything.” Thistlepaw lashed his tail. “All I could think about was Sorrelpaw and if we-if Cinderpelt will need more watermint after treating her. I’m useless.”

“Don’t say that,” Nefretiti mewed plaintively. Thistlepaw felt worse for upsetting Nefretiti than losing the prey. “You just need to give yourself time. I bet feeling frustrated at it all only slows you down more.”

Thistlepaw shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’m okay. Maybe… Maybe it would be better, though, if I just watched for the rest of the patrol. I’d rather not waste any more prey on my learning.” He missed being good at something. Feeling like he was making progress.

Feeling like he wasn’t completely useless.

Nefretiti sighed. “If that’s what you want then I suppose that’s ok.”

Heatherwhisker looked skeptical of Nefretiti’s decision, but didn’t say anything.

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw dragged his tail along the ground, sneaking shamefully into the new camp with one tiny shrew in his mouth.

He felt hopelessly exposed in the cliffside camp, and the fact that as a Windclan cat he was supposed to relish wide-open spaces only made him feel worse. It was difficult to enjoy the sight of the moor’s rolling hills knowing every divot could be hiding a Bloodclan cat.

That every pawstep of land which had once fed his clan was now too dangerous to even go near.

Nefretiti had taken him out to train alone, hoping that it would be easier for him without an audience. He’d stalked a squirrel, a robin, and a fat mouse.

He’d caught a shrew.

Seeing Brokenpaw wave his tail eagerly Thistlepaw dropped his prey on the fresh kill pile and padded over to join him. As he settled down with a weary sigh Brokenpaw mewed wryly “Rough day?”

“Brokenpaw…” Thistlepaw kneaded the stone nervously. “Do you think I can be a warrior?”

Brokenpaw shrugged. “I think anyone can be anything if they try hard enough and spend the time on it. I guess the question is do you want to try hard enough?”

“I want to be useful to my clan.”

“Ok, but do you even like doing warrior stuff? Like hunting and fighting?”

“Maybe I’ll like fighting more when I’m better at it. And hunting, too. I guess it’s satisfying when I catch something, but stalking prey and trying to pounce on it is so stressful.”

Brokenpaw purred in amusement. “I would’ve said exciting, but I guess that’s the difference between us.”

“I want to be a warrior. I think…”

“Well, think of it this way.” Brokenpaw laid his tail over Thistlepaw. “Do you want to be a warrior bad enough that you’d keep at it even if you had to be an apprentice for ten or twelve moons to get it all worked out?”

Thistlepaw felt sick at the thought.

“What about a medicine cat? If you could be a medicine cat, but only by studying herbs for several extra moons, would that be worth it?”

“Well yeah, of course, but Starclan has to choose you to be a medicine cat.”

“I dunno,” Brokenpaw shrugged. “Cinderpelt wasn’t marked out to be a medicine cat from kithood, right? If I remember right she used to be a warrior apprentice before hurting her leg. And if Starclan didn’t like you being a medicine cat, wouldn’t they have told you the first time you went to see them?”

“Well, ok, maybe, but…” Thistlepaw sighed. “There is one other thing… I don’t really have my feelings about you fully worked out, but I think it would be nice, one day,” He stared at his paws, too embarrassed to look at Brokenpaw as he finished quietly “If we were mates.”

He felt Brokenpaw’s tongue rasping over his ear. “I’d like that too. But I don’t want you to give up everything else that could make you happy just to be with me. Especially since there’s nothing stopping us from being friends either way. After all, what if you keep digging your face in the mud, trying to be a warrior, and then I die? Or change my mind about us? I don’t want that kind of pressure on me.”

“Yeah.” Thistlepaw leaned into Brokenpaw. “But still… I don’t know.”

“Well, just between you and me,” Thistlepaw felt his fur tingle as Brokenpaw whispered in his ear “I wouldn’t mind breaking that ‘no mate rule’ if you were interested. After all, it’s not like we can have kits together, is it?”

Thistlepaw drew away. “I don’t really want to do that. It already stressed Cinderpelt enough when we hid being friends.”

“That’s ok too,” Brokenpaw gave Thistlepaw’s side a reassuring lick. “I’m perfectly fine with either breaking the rules with you or admiring you from afar, whichever works best.”

Chapter Text

“Absolutely not. Do you have no honor? Were you lying when you said you’d follow the warrior code?!”

“I’m not suggesting we break the code, if you’d just-”

“Oh fancy that, the Bloodclan cat is just asking questions about-”

“LISTEN!”

“Hey, what’s going on here?” Brightstar poked her head out of the nursery, blinking the sleep out of her eyes.

Brenadine and Stoatfeather stood, glaring at each other and both bushed to twice their size. Stoatfeather let out a little tension with a long hiss. “Brenadine had some mouse-hearted idea she wanted to tell you.”

Brightstar glanced around at the gathered cats. It looked like the entire clan had drawn together to listen to the two she-cats fighting. “Why don’t you come with me and we can discuss this in private?”

“I can talk about it here as fine as anywhere else, so long as cats don’t keep interrupting me.” Brenadine shook out her pelt. “If everyone feels as strongly about this as Stoatfeather I’d rather know.”

“Fine, whatever,” Brightstar sighed as she pulled herself out of the nursery. She wasn’t going to fight Brenadine if she wanted an audience. Especially when it looked like she would need to save all her energy for handling whatever crazy idea the former rogue was suggesting.

Brenadine quickly groomed herself while she regained her composure, then mewed cautiously “I’m not suggesting we stop hunting or anything, but I’ve noticed that the hunting hasn’t been doing well for a while. We started out with poor territory, and things keep happening to make it smaller. Cats are losing weight when they’re supposed to be getting it back after winter. And I hear the hunting gets worse as the days get colder, but there’s a place where the amount of food doesn’t change with the seasons.”

“Are you suggesting we go to the twolegs for kittypet food?” Brightstar asked wearily.

In the same moment Brenadine said “No of course not!” and Stoatfeather “She might as well be!”

The two of them glared at each other again for a moment, before Brenadine continued.

“When I was in Bloodclan, sometimes I’d hunt rats, but mostly I ate scraps. Bits of twoleg food that they set aside in tall boxes to feed their biggest monsters. If you come at the right time, get the fresh stuff, then it’s actually pretty good.”

“Warriors don’t depend on twolegs,” Brightstar mewed gently. “If we start down that road it’s difficult, if not impossible, to turn back.”

“But what about monster kill? When you eat that, a twoleg killed it, so does that count as ‘depending’ on twolegs? Or is it just saving energy and putting less pressure on the living prey of your territory?”

“Eating monster kill is also a betrayal of our honor,” Smallear grumbled. “Even if I’m the only cat here who knows it.”

Brightstar glared at him. “Smallear. We do not accuse our clanmates of lacking honor. I’ll have to talk to you about this once we’re done with Brenadine.”

Smallear grunted and started grooming himself.

“From what I understand, if you hunt too much prey from one spot that means there’s less next year, right? Isn’t that something you forest cats work on balancing?” Brenadine leaned forward. “I’m just saying, there’s a twolegplace beyond Barley’s farm. If we sent gathering patrols out there, warriors and apprentices could eat the scraps and leave more prey for kits and elders. From what I’ve been hearing, it’s clear to everyone that the amount of territory we have will never keep the clan fed through winter. Or if a drought or sickness kills off Greenleaf prey we’ll starve before fall.”

Brenadine paused to take a deep breath before speaking out over the rumbles of discontent around her. “It looks to me like you all have to make a choice, between one compromise in your way of life or another: Either accept food from places you’d normally consider ‘beneath’ you around here, or give up on getting your forest back and find a new territory somewhere else.”

The ground reeled under Brightstar. She couldn’t believe the choice Silverclan faced was so bleak. Yet at the same time, she couldn’t refute what Brenadine was saying…

Finally she recovered herself and flicked a tail for silence. She glanced towards her sister. “Cinderpelt. The half moon’s just a few days off. Ask Starclan if we should consider Brenadine’s proposal.”

Brenadine looked incredulous, but Cinderpelt dipped her head. “I will.”

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw stretched, then looked around the apprentice den.

He’d only slept here a few nights, and the whole time he’d hated the constant drafts, yet he found himself feeling a preemptive nostalgia for the quiet snoring of his peers all around him.

“Well? Are you gonna talk to her?” Brokenpaw’s voice rumbled from nearby.

Thistlepaw started. “Just give me a moment!” He hissed under his breath.

“You said you’d bring it up in the morning. Well it’s morning now.”

“I know,” Thistlepaw sighed. He’d been unsure whether it was best to approach Brightstar or Cinderpelt first about changing his apprenticeship – again. After a long discussion with Brokenpaw they decided that much as Cinderpelt was scarier than Brightstar, she might be annoyed if Thistlepaw went to the leader first.

Gingerly Thistlepaw stepped around his sleeping denmates out of the shallow overhang. Heatherwhisker had started sleeping in the open per Windclan tradition, and Mopsy lay bunched up on top of Nefrititi beside them. Nefretiti seemed to have noticed Heatherwhisker sleeping by themself a night or two into living at the new camp, and worried about the Windclan elder feeling lonely. Thistlepaw shook scraps of moss from his pelt, padding across the stony ground to Cinderpelt’s new den.

“Cinderpelt?” He hissed into the darkness.

Silence.

“Cinderpelt?” He mewed a little louder.

“I heard you the first time, can’t you let a cat rest?!”

Thistlepaw winced. This was not a good start to the conversation. “I’m sorry, should I come back later?”

“No, no. I’m up, you might as well talk about it now.” Cinderpelt padded to the opening of the den, scraps of moss clinging to her fur.

Thistlepaw took a deep breath. “Is it too late?”

“Too late for what?”

“To change my mind? Again, I mean? If I wanted to be a medicine cat after all?”

Cinderpelt didn’t even have the decency to pretend to be surprised. “No, of course not. If you’ve tried training as a warrior, and you know what it is that you’re giving up, then I’d be happy to have you as my apprentice again.”

Thistlepaw felt vaguely dissatisfied. This didn’t seem like something that was supposed to be so easy. “But don’t I need to prove my dedication? Or didn’t I already fail to prove it, by leaving the medicine den?”

Cinderpelt flicked him playfully with her tail. “I’d rather you left the den for a bit and came back than if you stayed in it your whole life and grew to resent me for it. After all, there’s few dangers to a clan greater than a medicine cat who doesn’t want to be there.”

“What about Nefretiti?”

“I don’t know how Nefretiti will react, but that doesn’t change anything. We can break the news together if you like.”

Nefretiti, surprisingly enough, was actually relieved by the revelation. “Not that it’s anything against you,” the bald cat added self-consciously after the initial celebration. “You’re a sweet kit, I just don’t know enough about clan life and fighting and all that to be teaching someone else how to do it.”

Chapter Text

Mothermouth loomed at Thistlepaw in the gathering dusk.

It was hard for him to believe that after just a few short steps out of camp he’d be swallowed by its darkness.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather by the rock pile for a clan meeting!”

Thistlepaw felt his anxiety growing as his clanmates gathered around in confusion. “Shouldn’t she wait until after Cinderpelt visits the Moonstone?” Dappletail mewed. “What else could she have to talk about?”

Thistlepaw felt himself shrink into his pelt as Brightstar’s gaze rested on him, the rest of the clan following it.

She at least didn’t call him forward, though. “Thistlepaw has shown perseverance and willingness to learn in his time as a warrior apprentice. This has, however, revealed to him that the true pull on his heart is the medicine den. Cinderpelt and Nefretiti have found this agreeable, and so when she goes to share tongues with Starclan Cinderpelt will once again present Thistlepaw as her apprentice.”

Thistlepaw shrank further under the silence that followed, feeling absolutely scorched by the mild annoyance he saw on his clanmates’ faces.

“Thistlepaw! Thistle-”

“What kind of fox-dung is this?!” Brokenpaw’s determined cheering was interrupted by an outraged yowl from Smallear. “Once you decide to be a medicine cat that’s it! There’s no “changing your mind” and becoming a warrior, much less changing it back again!”

Smallear was right. If Starclan didn’t disapprove of Thistlepaw before there was no way they’d approve of him now.

“Silverclan has no use for a medicine cat who can’t make up his mind whether to be one or not!”

“I’ll decide what Silverclan has a use for,” Brightstar hissed. “Forced conviction is worse than none at all. And-”

“Yeah! And if you’re so worried about the quality of your medicine cats why don’t you become one?!” Brokenpaw was now standing in front of Smallear, bristling with unconstrained rage. “In fact, why don’t you-”

“Brokenpaw.” Brightstar’s calm mew cut through the crowd, even getting Brokenpaw’s attention.

The tabby tom turned reluctantly to face their leader. Her face grave she mewed “It is admirable that you are so quick to defend your friends. But it is not always the appropriate time to do so. Unless you’re reporting an emergency, it is not acceptable to interrupt your leader in the middle of a clan meeting.”

Brokenpaw looked uncharacteristically embarrassed.

“For the next three days you will be solely in charge of cleaning the elders’ bedding. Other apprentices may help you as needed, but all of your training time will be dedicated to this task. Understood?”

Brokenpaw’s fur rippled along his spine, but he dipped his head and mewed meekly “Yes, Brightstar.”

Chapter Text

Sorrelpaw lay groggily in the apprentice’s den, desperately trying to muster enough urgency to get up.

“Sorrelpaw! I’ve been looking for you! We’re supposed to be on dawn patrol, they’ve already left!” Irritation pricked in Tawnypelt’s voice.

“Sorry!” Sorrelpaw flinched, rolling to her feet and scrambling out of the den.

“’Sorry’ doesn’t catch prey,” Tawnypelt growled. “Get yourself groomed and ready for training before I decide to send you out looking for monster kill.”

“Hang on, now,” Sorrelpaw felt a spark of anxiety as Stoatfeather padded over from the nursery and started sniffing her fur intently. After what felt like an eternity the deputy rounded on Sorrelpaw’s mentor. “Tawnypelt! You can’t talk like that to a queen!”

“What?!” Tawnypelt’s and Sorrelpaw’s shocked voices rose in unison.

“She might not be showing yet but I know that smell anywhere.” Stoatfeather was too pleased with her own observation skills to take any notice of Sorrelpaw dying with shame.

Sorrelpaw shrank back as Tawnypelt also began sniffing her. “I can’t tell anything different, how did you know?”

Stoatfeather licked her chest in satisfaction. “It’s a subtle difference, hard to tell unless you have seasons of experience like me. Come here, Dawncloud! Doesn’t Sorrelpaw smell with kit to you?”

Dawncloud looked up from grooming One-Eye, seeming to register Sorrelpaw’s misery as she awkwardly mewed “Uh, I wouldn’t know Stoatfeather. But I trust your judgement, you’ve shown me often enough that you have a keen nose.”

Tawnypelt draped her tail over Sorrelpaw, pushing between the humiliated apprentice and the deputy. “If that’s so, or even if it’s something else, Cinderpelt will probably want to look at Sorrelpaw once she’s done talking to Brightstar. I’ll take her to the medicine den.”

Chapter Text

“You’re sure they didn’t say anything?” Brightstar mewed.

“Not about Brenadine’s idea, no. I tried bringing it up but they just kind of ignored the question. Didn’t even bother to dodge it.”

Cinderpelt could see Thistlepaw growing impatient, but she knew that reassuring the leader when Starclan hadn’t spoken was just as important as discussing their ancestors’ will when they had.

“Why would that be, are they upset?” Brightstar kneaded the straw anxiously.

“No, I don’t think so,” Cinderpelt soothed. “They still shared tongues with me, after all. I think they don’t want to influence your decision.”

“Don’t want to- but what else does Starclan do but influence our decisions?”

“Some decisions are too important for Starclan to make for us,” Cinderpelt laid a paw on Brightstar’s. “I think this is an instance where whatever we choose our way of life will drastically change, but neither choice is evil strictly speaking. So if Starclan were to weigh in on this it could cross over into living our lives for us, rather than simply guiding us.”

As Cinderpelt left the nursery she was looking forward to curling up for a nap.

Only to see Tawnypelt and an extremely uncomfortable Sorrelpaw waiting in her den for her.

“What’s wrong?” Cinderpelt banished the weariness from her voice.

“Stoatfeather said something smelled off with Sorrelpaw, so I thought I’d bring her here for you to check.”

Cinderpelt sniffed the young apprentice. “I can’t tell anything, have you been having any problems, Sorrelpaw?”

Sorrelpaw shrugged uncomfortably. “I dunno, I guess I’ve been more tired lately.”

Cinderpelt’s gaze flicked to Tawnypelt. “Would you rather your mentor stayed here with you, or left us to talk alone?”

As Sorrelpaw hesitated Tawnypelt mewed “It’s ok, I understand if you don’t want an audience.”

Sorrelpaw nodded mutely, and Tawnypelt padded out of the den.

“Thistlepaw, go check on that watermint patch upstream. Make sure it’s growing back alright.”

Thistlepaw looked like he was about to protest, then glanced at Sorrelpaw and followed Cinderpelt’s orders.

After a while Sorrelpaw quietly mewed “Stoatfeather said I’m pregnant.”

Cinderpelt blinked, trying to tamp down the worm of fear in her stomach. “Is that possible? Have you mated with any toms recently?”

Sorrelpaw shuffled her paws. “Well, I mean, me and Tanglepaw…”

As she trailed off into silence Cinderpelt sighed. “Starclan help us. Why didn’t you tell me sooner? You should have asked for warrior’s mixture before doing anything.”

“I didn’t want to bother you, and I was worried we’d run out…” Sorrelpaw’s voice sounded very small.

“You let me worry about running out, and don’t you ever worry about bothering me with a problem again. One cat “not bothering” me with a tickle in the throat leads to a whole camp sick with greencough.”

Cinderpelt inspected her stock. “We have parsley, but enough to end a pregnancy?”

Sorrelpaw shifted nervously. “Should I end it?”

Cinderpelt sighed. “I would advise it, if possible. You’re so young, having kits at your age is dangerous. Not to mention how difficult it would be for you to raise them. But ultimately the choice is yours.”

“...You said if possible?”

Cinderpelt’s tail twitched involuntarily, betraying her anxiety. “Parsley is the safest way to end a pregnancy, but for it to work you need to eat several leaves multiple days in a row, and we only have a few stems for emergencies. I haven’t been able to find any clumps of it growing outside Bloodclan, but I’ll go with Thistlepaw to check more twoleg gardens, maybe we’ll find some there.”

“Is there any other way?”

“Holly berries, technically, but I didn’t collect any from Shadowclan or Windclan camp when I had the chance. It just wasn’t a priority at the time, since they can’t really be used for anything else, and even for ending pregnancies they’re dangerous…” Cinderpelt’s whiskers twitched in consternation. “Far less dangerous than giving birth, of course. At least for young or sickly mothers. Early in the pregnancy you can eat one fresh berry, or two dried ones, and while it will stop things it’ll also give you intense nausea and mild vomiting.”

Sorrelpaw digested this information for a while. At last she looked up, suddenly decisive. “I’m keeping the kits.”

Chapter Text

“Will you be alright?” Tanglepaw’s mew was anxious. “I’m so sorry, I should’ve talked to Cinderpelt for you, I just-”

“I’ll be fine.” Sorrelpaw mewed decisively. “’Cause I’ve decided to be. I don’t want Cinderpelt to run out of parsley, and besides having kits might be fun. I like helping out with Gorsekit and Cloudkit, after all.”

“Are you sure?” Tanglepaw’s whiskers twitched tentatively. “What about your training?”

Sorrelpaw swallowed. That part was a little harder to stomach. “I guess it’ll have to wait a bit. But after I kit, I can probably still get some practice in between nursings, right? And once they’re weaned I could take them with me and train while I watch them, so I won’t fall too far behind.”

“It would still take you at least a moon or two more than your brothers to become a warrior.” Sorrelpaw felt her heart beat faster as Tanglepaw nuzzled her. “I promise you I’ll stay an apprentice too, however long it takes for you to get your warrior name.”

“Are you sure?” Sorrelpaw felt fluttering in her stomach, selfishly hoping he was. “You don’t have to, I mean-”

“But I should.” Tanglepaw said firmly. “It took both of us to make the kits, after all. In fact, I’ll help you with them as much as I can. I’ll watch them whenever you’re not nursing them, and then we could take turns with them while the other trains!”

“That sounds wonderful,” Sorrelpaw purred. With Tanglepaw to help her, becoming a mother was sounding more and more appealing. “You can name half of the kits, too, since they’re both of ours.”

“Really? You would let me name one of the kits? More than one even?” Sorrelpaw was confused why Tanglepaw seemed so surprised.

“Why not? You are their father.”

“Do… Do fathers name half the kits in Thunderclan?” Tanglepaw asked bashfully.

Sorrelpaw considered it. “I mean, the mother has final say over kits’ names, but usually she’ll let her mate name at least one. And if there’s only one in the litter the two of them might agree on a name. Does it not work like that in Shadowclan?”

Tanglepaw purred. “No, in Shadowclan if you’re a tom you understand that you’ll never get to name a kit. Usually the mother names all of them, and she’ll only let someone else name one if something really extreme happened, like they saved her life while she was pregnant.”

“That sounds kinda sad,” Sorrelpaw licked Tanglepaw’s ears in sympathy.

Tanglepaw let out a soft mrrow of amusement. “I mean, maybe yeah. But I’ll gladly take it over being the one to birth the kits.”

Chapter Text

“I wish we could see Mapleshade.”

Frecklewish sighed and looked away. “I do too, Patchkit. But she’s in the Dark Forest. She’s not… She’s not the cat we thought we knew.”

Patchkit nuzzled against the warrior’s side. She’d found him and his littermates after she died. Apologized for what she said. Asked to watch over them. He was glad she had, it had made him upset to think that the cat who'd been his second mother didn’t like him. His littermates had grown up a while ago, accepted Frecklewish, her brother, and Appledusk as their new parents. Despite the fact that Frecklewish and her brother still didn’t get along with Appledusk. Patchkit, however, still held out hope that he would see Mapleshade in Starclan.

And if she did make it to Starclan, he didn’t want her to find all of her kits grown up without her.

Chapter Text

“Tanglepaw!”

Tanglepaw started guiltily at the shock in his littermate’s voice as Brokenpaw rushed over. “Did you really get Sorrelpaw pregnant?”

“Yeah,” Tanglepaw mewed. “But I’m gonna do my best to make up for it, we’re gonna raise the kits together, and-”

“And you’re not gonna become a warrior until she can?”

Tanglepaw nodded.

Brokenpaw sat down with a huff of annoyance. “Great. Now I have to put off being a warrior for who knows how many moons!”

“No you don’t,” Tanglepaw mewed in confusion. “Nobody’s asking you to.”

Brokenpaw regarded Tanglepaw seriously. “But if I can’t have my littermate getting his warrior name alongside me, then I don’t want to become a warrior at all.”

Chapter Text

Fritz looked up, water dripping from his chin, to see another cat standing across the river from him.

“Lovely day, isn’t it?” The stranger mewed in a friendly tone. Their black fur was smooth and their posture relaxed.

“Yeah, it is,” Fritz responded happily. He’d been enjoying the freedom to explore the woods and hunt on his own, but he was also glad to talk with someone else. “How has your hunting been?” Fritz reveled in how wild and capable he sounded, talking so casually about hunting.

“Good enough, and yours?”

“Great!” Fritz responded enthusiastically. “The whole forest is so beautiful, and mice are delicious! Joining Bloodclan was the best decision I ever made!”

The cat’s expression became more hesitant for a moment, green eyes flashing with caution, and Fritz cursed his stupidity. He probably sounded like some wide-eyed newcomer who didn’t know a fern from a fiddle leaf fig. But they continued to chat for a while longer before the cat left, wishing him good hunting as they slipped away into the undergrowth.

Chapter Text

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

Sorrelpaw stretched slowly before padding to the base of the rock pile. She was still able to sleep in the apprentice den, for now at least, and do some light training in the late morning. She dreaded moving to the nursery. The idea of sharing a nest with her leader and deputy when she was still a ‘paw was extremely intimidating.

Once everyone had gathered Brightstar mewed “I’ve thought things over, and discussed with Cinderpelt and Stoatfeather. I’ve decided that Brenadine will lead a trial patrol in the twoleplace beyond Barley's farm, and if that is successful I will consider making it part of our routine. Brenadine, what is the best time to check twoleg rubbish?”

Brenadine sat up attentively. “Early in the morning, right before dawn. Some houses keep their bins hidden and only take them out once every seven days, but others will have them next to the house on the other six days.”

Brightstar nodded. “Alright, take a patrol out before sunrise tomorrow.”

“I’ll go!” Sorrelpaw mewed eagerly. Exploring a new place sounded exciting, and it wouldn’t be long before she couldn’t even go outside of camp.

“No,” Brightstar mewed gently. “The harsh smells of twolegplace would be too hard on your stomach.” Turning back to the clan at large she added “One-Eye, Dawncloud, and Pebblenose will go with Brenadine. I don’t want any young cats on these patrols, as they might not exhibit enough caution around the twolegs.”

A chorus of protest rose from the apprentices, but Brightstar dismissed it with a flick of her tail. “I don’t want anyone getting hit by a monster trying to get food.”

“Or tempted into becoming a kittypet!” Smallear yowled.

Brightstar glared at him. “I know that everyone here is a noble, honorable cat who knows better than to abandon their clanmates.”

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw crept guiltily across the camp, hugging the shadows along the cliff. Nearing the apprentice den he was able to make out Brokenpaw’s tabby form at the edge of the nests. He knew that what he was doing was wrong, that at this point he’d had plenty of time to learn not to do it.

Yet he was doing it anyway.

Reaching Brokenpaw’s side he buried his nose into the apprentice’s shoulder. Brokenpaw started slightly, then seemed to recognize Thistlepaw’s scent and rolled over to nuzzle him. Thistlepaw scooched in closer and the two lay side by side for a while, purring softly as they pressed against each other. All too soon, though, Brokenpaw shifted away. “You’d better get back to your nest,” he whispered. “Before anyone wakes up.”

“I know,” Thistlepaw sighed. “I’m sorry, I told you that we had to stay friends, and now I’m just confusing everything up…”

“Hey, don’t worry,” Brokenpaw headbutted him playfully. “I’m not confused.”

“This can’t happen again, ok?” Thistlepaw choked painfully on the words.

“Of course,” Brokenpaw smirked mischievously. “Unless you decide later that you want it to, that’s fine by me.”

“Brokenpaw!” Thistlepaw’s whisper grew shrill. “Stop joking around, this is serious! I broke the code just now!”

“By lying down too close to a clanmate?” Brokenpaw’s whiskers twitched in amusement. “I’ll have to let Cinderpelt know she’s a codebreaker next time she takes a nap with Brightstar.”

“You know what I mean! Just because we haven’t mated doesn’t change the fact that I acted with Romantic Intent.”

“Alright then, little heartthrob,” Brokenpaw nudged Thistlepaw to his feet. “I’ll take your sins against Starclan as seriously as you like so long as you get out of here before we wake someone up.”

Chapter Text

Echo scrambled to her paws as she saw a brilliant orange pelt in the distance.

“Firestar!” She mewed eagerly as the leader approached.

Firestar curled his tail happily. “Echo! You’ve been doing wonderfully, Spottedleaf and I couldn’t be more proud of you!”

“Thank you,” Echo purred. “It’s all thanks to the guidance of Starclan.”

“Starclan may be helping,” Firestar responded “But it was you who convinced those other cats to listen. In fact, I think some of them might be ready for the next step.”

“What’s that?” Echo leaned forward.

“The full moon is just a few days away,” Firestar looked to the sky. “Traditionally a night of peaceful meeting between clans. I think it would be a good time for you to gather everyone interested in Skyclan together.”

“It’ll be hard for Boris and Cherry to get away from their twolegs at night…” Echo mewed uncertainly.

Firestar sighed. “I’d like for them to try, but if they really can’t then I suppose you could hold the meeting at sunset. What I want you to do, since Skyclan doesn’t have a leader yet, is act in that role. Call the meeting, and give the cats ready to officially join Skyclan names.”

“Me? Name cats? Are you sure?” Echosong felt paralyzed by the prospect.

“Don’t worry,” Firestar touched his nose to her forehead. “I’ll supply you with the names when the time comes.”

“Boris and Cherry will be very excited by this,” Echo purred in amusement. “They’ve been begging to start Skyclan since the day they heard of it.”

“They can’t join officially. Not yet.” Firestar mewed solemnly. “Before they can be given apprentice names they must choose: Skyclan, or twolegs.”

Echo swallowed. “But what if they choose twolegs? Skyclan needs cats as enthusiastic as them.”

“What Skyclan doesn’t need is divided loyalty. There have to be enough cats permanently living in the gorge to defend your elders and nursery.”

“As Starclan sees fit,” Echo dipped her head.

Chapter Text

Dawncloud padded into the medicine den, where Heatherwhisker was working with Cinderpelt on some stretches.

“How’s the healing coming?”

Heatherwhisker laughed ruefully. “I’m learning that there’s a reason I retired before. I just don’t bounce back as fast as I used to.”

“They’re doing well,” Cinderpelt mewed warmly. “Unlike some cats I’ve treated they don’t try to keep running their paws off no matter how injured they are.”

“That’s good to hear,” Dawncloud’s whiskers twitched in amusement.

“How are your scratches?” Cinderpelt’s gaze sharpened as she scanned Dawncloud’s pelt. “None of them reopened or got infected, did they?”

“No, nothing like that. I talked with Brightstar and Stoatfeather about taking a smaller hunting party back to the rat’s nest, just a few strong, healthy cats to kill one or two rats and get out fast.”

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Cinderpelt’s tail swished uneasily. “We still have several cats recovering from the last raid.”

“That’s… more or less what Stoatfeather said. Brightstar said I should get your opinion, if you have enough herbs to treat more injuries, and if we have enough fully recovered cats to risk two or three getting injured.”

Cinderpelt growled uncertainly. “Wasn’t Brenadine’s patrol successful? Between risking more lives attacking those pests and relying on twolegs for food I would honestly prefer our clan did the latter.”

Dawncloud struggled to keep her hackles down. “I know it’s not totally safe, but trust me. Shadowclan cats are used to hunting rats, and the sooner we hit them again the safer it’ll be. If we wait moons on moons to try hunting there again then there will only be more rats than at our first raid.”

“Dawncloud. Can you look me in the eye and promise me that no one will die if you do this?”

Dawncloud sighed. “Cinderpelt, you know I can’t guarantee that. Even on routine patrols chasing rabbits or squirrels warriors have died before. What I can promise is that this will be safer than hunting on Bloodclan territory. Or even gathering kill from a twolegplace. After all, you should know better than anyone how dangerous thunderpaths are.”

Cinderpelt winced. “That’s a low blow,” She growled. “But I guess you have a point. You can tell Brightstar that I won’t put a stop to you.”

Dawncloud dipped her head in gratitude. As she was backing out, Heatherwhisker mewed “I know Sootpaw isn’t hurt, but if it’s not too much to ask… Could you leave him out of this? At least this time,” They added self-consciously. “I’d rather see for myself that it’s not too dangerous before he gets involved.”

“I can do that,” Dawncloud responded. “I wasn’t planning on bringing any apprentices this time around anyway.”

Dawncloud stepped out into the cliffside camp, scanning the cats that were at hand. “Tawnypelt. Speckletail. Ashfur. Come with me, we’re going to catch a few rats.”

Brokenpaw perked up. “Can I come too?”

“No,” Dawncloud mewed firmly. “I’m not letting you anywhere near a rat until you’ve shown me that you won’t get yourself, and half your clanmates with you, killed.”

Chapter Text

“Alright, I’ll say ‘Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather for a clan meeting,’ then you all will form in a circle below the ledge. Sound good?”

Cherry and Boris nodded eagerly, eyes shining. Patch and Leaf were more reserved, while Scratch snorted in derision.

Scrambling up the canyon wall Echo took position on the ledge, wavering a bit as she saw how high up she was. “Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather for a clan meeting!”

Clover hesitated with her kits at the back of the crowd, and Echo nodded to her. “Why don’t you come closer where your kits can see what’s going on?”

Relaxing slightly the queen led her kits to join the other cats, trying her best to reign in their excitement.

Looking at the gathered cats Echo felt a wave of intimidation wash over her, before she decided to start with the least complicated task. “Rock. Bounce. Tiny. Step forward.”

Vibrating with excitement the kits moved to the center of the clearing, their mother watching anxiously from the side.

Firestar hadn’t given her words for this part of the ceremony, and after a moment of deliberation she mewed “Is it your wish to join Skyclan?”

“Yes!” The kits all chorused excitedly.

“In that case I call upon Starclan to see and approve of these kits. From this day forward until you get your apprentice names, you shall be known as Rockkit, Bouncekit, and Tinykit.”

Looking towards the rest of the cats Echo mewed “Now you all cheer their new names.”

While Scratch remained silent, the rest of the cats obediently cried “Rockkit! Bouncekit! Tinykit!”

“Now you return to your mother,” Echo purred.

As the kits scurried back Echo looked over the cats, feeling a surge of fear as she realized she had no idea who to call on next.

As the small crowd of cats swam before her view, her eyes landed on Leaf.

Leaf held her gaze for a moment, before giving her a slow, reassuring blink.

Echo took a deep breath, feeling somewhat encouraged. “Leaf. Step forward.”

As the she-cat stood beneath Echo’s ledge Echo mewed “Is it your desire to become a warrior of Skyclan?”

“Yes, it is.” Leaf responded solemnly.

“Do you swear to uphold the warrior code and defend your clanmates, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do.”

“Then I call upon Starclan, that they might see and approve of this new warrior. Leaf, from here on out you will be known as…” To her surprise, Echo felt a name rolling off her tongue, as easily as if she had been rehearsing it her whole life. “Leafdapple.”

“Leafdapple! Leafdapple!” The other cats were quick to chant her name, and Leafdapple dipped her head self-consciously before ducking back into the crowd.

Echo continued to rename the cats: Sky to Skywatcher, Patch to Patchfoot, Scratch to Sharpclaw, and Clover to Clovertail.

At last she declared “As part of the warrior code, the newly named warriors will now sit vigil for the night.”

“Won’t that be dangerous?” Sharpclaw mewed acerbically. “If we’re all awake tonight, then we’ll all be exhausted tomorrow, and vulnerable to attack.”

As Echo hesitated, Leafdapple mewed “Then what if two of us keep vigil tonight, and the next two tomorrow night? Would that fulfill the warrior code Echo?”

Echo shook her pelt in relief. “Yes, that sounds good, thank you! Leafdapple and Scr-Sharpclaw, sit vigil tonight. Then Patchfoot and Clovertail can watch tomorrow night.”

“Who will watch my kits while I’m at vigil?” Clovertail cried anxiously.

“I’ll keep an eye on them,” Skywatcher laid his tail over her shoulder. “I believe that’s part of the job of elders anyway.”

“Alright,” Echo mewed briskly, melting with relief. “That’s all that settled. If no one else has any business, clan dismissed.”

As she hopped back down to the ground Boris and Cherry ran up to her. “What about us?” Cherry demanded “Aren’t we getting warrior names?”

“You two will get apprentice names,” Echo responded. “And mentors to train you. But first, we need to know that you’re committed to Skyclan. So long as you go back to your twolegs every night, we have no guarantee that they won’t trap you in their dens. Or that you won’t choose to stay there for the warmth rather than coming out here to hunt for your clanmates in Leafbare.” Echo took a deep breath, hoping she wasn’t about to scare away Skyclan’s most enthusiastic prospects. “If you two really want to join Skyclan, you’ll have to leave your twolegs and live with us.”

Chapter Text

Fritz padded through the forest, tail held high as he carried two mice. He was looking forward to another delicious, filling meal under the shade of an ancient tree. The wind changed, however, and he paused. Somewhere nearby he could smell a faint cat scent, almost overwhelmed by the stench of illness.

Padding cautiously towards the smell, he came across a frail, shivering tom curled up in a filthy nest. Putting his mice down he asked “What’s wrong?”

“What do you mean, what’s wrong? Isn’t it obvious?” The tom snarled. “I’m sick, too weak to hunt, and I haven’t seen my sister in weeks. I’m stuck waiting to see if hunger, illness, or Scourge kills me first.”

“Oh,” Fritz mewed uncertainly. This stranger had a lot of problems, and he did not feel equipped to handle them all. Glancing at his prey, though, he did realize he could at least help a little. “Here,” He mewed, pushing one of his mice towards the stranger. “I don’t really need two mice right now. I hope this helps.”

The tom looked taken aback. After a moment he growled “Thanks,” and scooped the mouse towards himself, devouring it quickly in famished bites.

“I hope you get better,” Fritz mewed weakly, picking up his other mouse and scurrying away.

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt shifted, finding sleep difficult. The rat hunting patrol had returned without any bites, but she couldn’t shake her feelings of foreboding.

Her ear twitched as she heard the entrance rustle, followed by Thistlepaw creeping past her and settling down in his nest.

She curled in a little tighter on herself, only needing one guess to know where Thistlepaw had been. Now her mind whirled with new thoughts: How to confront her apprentice, if to confront him, how long could he keep breaking the medicine cat code before she had to end his apprenticeship? She didn’t want to think of that. He was so diligent when it came to healing, so great at talking to cats while he helped them with snagged claws and reapplying poultices. With practice he would probably have a level head in emergencies as well. And besides all that, she enjoyed his company. He was sweet, and caring, and how she wished he wouldn’t put her in a position of having to scold him.

Cinderpelt sighed. Once the morning came, she would find a good moment and have a talk with him. No scolding, no punishing, just explaining to him why he couldn’t keep seeing Brokenpaw in secret.

Her chance came while they were sorting herbs. As they worked in thoughtful silence Cinderpelt mewed “Thistlepaw, is there anything you need me to help you with?”

Thistlepaw started guiltily, already on edge despite Cinderpelt’s best efforts. “No, I don’t think so. Why?”

Cinderpelt sighed. “Thistlepaw. I’m not angry with you. Just worried.”

Thistlepaw mewed “About what?” But from the way he shrank and pinned back his ears she could tell he knew exactly what.

“I heard you sneaking back to your nest last night.”

Thistlepaw flinched, then responded defiantly “Maybe I was just making dirt.”

“Were you?” Cinderpelt gave him an even look.

Thistlepaw held her gaze for a moment, then deflated and looked away. “No, I wasn’t.”

Cinderpelt let the silence grow for a long moment before Thistlepaw whispered “I was going to see Brokenpaw.”

“I know.”

After another long silence Thistlepaw asked in a tiny voice “Am I banished from Silverclan?”

“What? No, never!” Cinderpelt hurried to press against him. “That is not on the fresh-kill pile. You’d have to do something like trying to kill your clanmates for anyone to even suggest that.” Cinderpelt thought carefully about her next words. “At the very worst, you would be removed from medicine cat training, and have to train as a warrior instead. But I would rather not even go that far, since I like training you and you’re a good apprentice. I just-” Cinderpelt sighed. “If you can’t focus on your clan as a whole, I don’t know how you’d be able to serve them as a medicine cat.”

“I know, I’m sorry,” Thistlepaw hung his head in shame. “I know it’s wrong for me to see Brokenpaw, I just… I don’t even have any excuse, I-”

“I made him do it!”

Cinderpelt’s head whipped around to see Brokenpaw standing, wide-stanced, at the entrance of the medicine den, glaring at her.

“I kept pressuring him and pushing him to spend time with me, even though he said he didn’t want to break the code, until he had to give in and-”

“No, Brokenpaw,” Thistlepaw sighed. “You didn’t pressure me to do anything.” Turning to Cinderpelt he mewed “I can’t let him take responsibility for my choices. This whole time he’s always told me how happy he is to abide by whatever I choose to do. It’s my fault we were meeting up.”

“Ok, maybe,” Brokenpaw forced his way between Cinderpelt and Thistlepaw, standing protectively in front of her apprentice. “But what’s the problem if we were meeting anyway? We’re both toms, it’s not like we can have kits or anything!”

“That’s not the point, it’s about-” Cinderpelt huffed in exasperation. “Brokenpaw. What are you doing here anyway?”

“Oh,” Brokenpaw held up one of his forepaws delicately. “I got a thorn in my pad. I needed Thistlepaw to get it out.”

“I can treat a thorn as easily as my apprentice,” Cinderpelt growled. “Give it here.”

Without waiting for his response she pulled his paw over, inspecting it carefully. The thorn had been driven in pretty deep, probably because Brokenpaw ignored it and kept tramping around like normal. She fixed her teeth around what little was still sticking out and yanked it away, ignoring Brokenpaw’s sharp yelp of pain.

“There,” Cinderpelt spat the thorn out and swept it away from the nests. “Clean out the wound and try not to put any more weight on it today.”

Chapter Text

Fritz was vibrating with barely-suppressed excitement as he followed Brick. He was going to meet Scourge himself! Brick hadn’t told him why he was being summoned, but Fritz hoped it was for some special secret mission.

As they arrived in main camp, Fritz was surprised to see the sick cat he had met a few days ago. He was hastily devouring a rabbit haunch, and Fritz felt some relief that he’d managed to find more food.

“Do you know why you’ve been called here?” Fritz started, glancing up to see a tiny cat leaning over the edge of the giant rock in the middle of the clearing. He had expected Scourge to be much larger, but he guessed that if this cat wasn’t Scourge Brick wouldn’t have let him sit up there.

“No, but it’s an honor to meet you, Scourge!”

The small black cat laughed. “I guess you really do have no idea!”

Abruptly he became serious. “I believe Brick told you when you joined how important it is that everyone in Bloodclan stand on their own four paws.”

“Yeah, I guess maybe he mentioned it but we didn’t really talk about it a lot…” Fritz was feeling a little less excited and a lot more confused.

“Of course. Because you know, if we catch food for one cat every time they don’t feel like hunting that’d be unfair to all the other cats who work hard to take care of themselves.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

“So it’s in the interest of fairness, and of Bloodclan’s strength as a whole, that I ensure nobody takes away the opportunity to be self-sufficient from anyone else.”

“Of course,” Fritz nodded along eagerly. Partly because what Scourge was saying made sense, but mostly because he wanted to start off on the right paw with Bloodclan’s leader.

“If you agree with me, could you please explain why-” Scourge’s voice suddenly went icy. “It was that you gave your prey to another cat?”

Fritz was too floored to answer at first. “I mean, he’s right here, you can see how sick he is! And didn’t someone here give him prey too?”

“I always pay cats when they give me helpful information,” Scourge purred.

Frtiz, shocked, turned to look at the cat he’d fed just days before. He avoided Fritz’s gaze and continued gnawing on his rabbit leg’s bones.

“I know it’s hard,” Scourge mewed sympathetically. “You see someone in trouble and you want to help. But if you abandon your beliefs as soon as keeping them gets hard then they never really mattered in the first place.”

“But…” Fritz felt that there was some disconnect between the ‘self-sufficiency’ Scourge had described and leaving a sick, starving cat to die, but he couldn’t even begin to articulate the thought.

“Needle,” Scourge nodded to one of the cats sitting at the base of his rock. “Please give our new friend a quick lesson in the consequences of his actions.”

A black cat padded forward, stalking towards Fritz like he was prey. At first Fritz thought he was an adult, but with a shock he noticed a certain lankiness about the cat’s proportions, realizing that ‘Needle’ was between five and six months old.

While he was noticing these details, however, the young cat leaped, pinning Fritz down and swiping claws across his face with blazing agony. Fritz yowled, half from pain and half from shock, then felt the weight lift off of him.

He hurriedly backed away, and saw Needle looking up towards Scourge for further instructions. Scourge stood and gave a long, luxurious stretch before he said “I suppose that’s enough for him. I do hate to see cats get killed for a one-time infraction.”

Fritz stared up at Scourge, frozen in shock despite the adrenaline roaring through him. Brick padded up and gave him a nudge, all his friendliness from when he recruited the young housecat gone. “You heard him. You’re free to go.”

Blinking at the crowd all around him for a moment, Fritz clumsily turned and stumbled away, blundering aimlessly through the underbrush as he tried to put distance between himself and those fearsome cats.

He paused as his nerves faded and he abruptly realized:

Half his field of vision was gone.

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw picked up a mouse from the fresh kill pile and hesitated, looking across the hollow to where Brokenpaw was sharing tongues with Tanglepaw. The tabby apprentice looked up, giving Thistlepaw a slow, inviting blink. Thistlepaw shook himself and padded back to the medicine den entrance to eat. After a long discussion with Cinderpelt he’d committed to ending things with Brokenpaw and focusing only on medicine. He knew technically they were still allowed to be friends, but with how nebulous the space between friendship and romance was it seemed safer to avoid interacting at all.

Thistlepaw’s ear twitched as he heard Smallear let out a dry, wheezing cough. The second one since the elder had started eating.

After hastily finishing his mouse Thistlepaw padded over. “Are you alright, Smallear?”

“Yes I’m perfectly fine,” the elder growled in annoyance. “It’s just all the dust in this dratted camp.”

“Even so, I’d like to check your breathing to make sure.”

Smallear growled but Thistlepaw pressed his ear to the elder’s side anyway. The breathing was raspy and slightly labored.

“Come on,” Thistlepaw nudged the elder gently to his feet. “I want you to stay in the medicine den tonight where me and Cinderpelt can watch you.”

Smallear planted himself where he was. “At least let me finish my mouse! When did kits learn to disrespect their elders so much, I don’t need any watching! I know when I’m sick and I’ll tell you about it if I am!”

Thistlepaw kept trying to get the elder to cooperate, until Cinderpelt came to see what they were arguing about.

“Listen to Smallear’s breathing,” Thistlepaw mewed. “Doesn’t it sound labored to you?”

Cinderpelt leaned down, and after a moment nodded. “Yes, it does. Good catch, Thistlepaw. Smallear, once you finish your mouse let’s get you settled in the medicine den. If you are sick I don’t want it spreading around.”

Smallear kept grumbling, but with Cinderpelt’s firm paw they were able to eventually get him in the den.

That night Thistlepaw couldn’t sleep. He wanted to blame it on Smallear’s soft, intermittent wheezing but Cinderpelt didn’t seem bothered at all by it. Besides that, it was actually his second night of anxious, fitful slumber. He felt restless in his nest, thinking about Brokenpaw asleep with the other apprentices, but he didn’t dare get up and try to clear his head lest he automatically walk to his friend’s side.

When the morning came Thistlepaw felt frayed and exhausted, and so did Smallear it seemed. His labored breathing had turned into a proper cough, a worrying development in Greenleaf and with a camp so full of elders. Cinderpelt gave Smallear some coltsfoot, which seemed to help. But all the coltsfoot patches they knew of were in Bloodclan, and they would need a healthy stock of it going into Leaffall and Leafbare.

Cinderpelt took Thistlepaw to meet with Brightstar. “Smallear is sick,” she mewed. “I want you to send Thistlepaw with the next scavenging patrol in twolegplace, so he can look for helpful herbs. We’ll be keeping an eye on all the elders to make sure none of them caught the illness too.”

Brightstar nodded. “I’ll tell Speckletail to organize another patrol for tomorrow, he can go then.”

Once that was done, Cinderpelt walked him through the herb store, reminding him of every herb that could potentially help with breathing so that he could look for them. “Juniper bushes won’t hurt to know about if you find any,” she mewed as they reached the end of their list. “But I’m not too worried about them, since we have a few bushes around these cliffs and the berries won’t be ripe until Leaffall anyway.”

Chapter Text

Moth padded slowly back towards her den, head buzzing with all the new information. She’d been given her first “real” meeting, with two other cats, where they actually discussed news and strategies. Both of the cats were strangers, but said that Purple-orange and Yellow-white had vouched for her. They had given her codenames for what felt like every pawstep of the territory, and told her that the code for when to fight would be “Garbage day”, followed by the name of where she was supposed to fight. Apparently more senior rebel members were planning out the tactics of when, where, and with who to strike, but she was told to pass along any potentially useful information that she picked up.

Moth settled with a sigh in her den, checking to make sure the moss and leaves she’d gathered were still there. She knew that with fights came injuries, and felt sure that there was something cats could do for the hurt other than waiting for them to either die or get better. She’d started asking the few cats she knew about any useful treatments they might have, and gathering anything they told her about. Or that she remembered Sasha mentioning back when she was nursing.

So far she had moss to stop bleeding, dried tree leaves to prevent infection, and catnip. She didn’t know if catnip was good for treating anything, but from how her mother described it the leaves would at least distract patients from their pain.

Or let them go out peacefully, if Moth couldn’t save them.

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw awoke with a start to Cinderpelt jabbing his side. “The patrol’s about to leave, you’d better get something to eat.”

Thistlepaw groaned, rolling over onto his feet. Another night where he didn’t seem to fall asleep until nearly dawn.

“Want me to go instead?” Surprised Thistlepaw saw Cinderpelt looking at him sympathetically.

It was tempting to consider, for a moment. But he could already see Cinderpelt’s hackles rising nervously at the thought of all those monsters, thunderpaths, and twolegs.

“No thanks, I’ll be okay.” Thistlepaw shook out his pelt and hurried to the fresh kill pile before his mentor could question him.

His paws already felt leaden by the time they reached the first row of twoleg dens. He followed the cats over the fence and checked the garden for herbs while the others looked for a scrap bin. He tried to be fast but thorough, however he’d barely searched half the area before his clanmates were calling for him from the next den over.

After a few dens he figured out that he could have a quick sniff around the edge of the gardens to detect potentially helpful herbs by smell much faster than trying to find them by sight. As they progressed further through the rows of dens he found the occasional clump of marigold or thyme, but nothing to help breathing.

They finished the first row, and buried the scraps they’d picked up outside one of the fences. Every nose in the patrol wrinkled at the greasy stench clinging to their pelts. Edging up next to the thunderpath, Brenadine looked carefully in either direction. The road was empty for long stretches of time, as it seemed most of the monsters were still asleep. Thistlepaw’s weary gaze fixed on a stubborn dandelion growing out of a crack in the stone, fascinated by the jagged shapes of its leaves. When he looked up again, the rest of the patrol was halfway across the thunderpath.

Panic spiked his pelt at the idea of being left behind, lost in a maze of twoleg stench. Thistlepaw bounded forward, hurrying to catch up with the others. He’d just reached the bright yellow spine down the middle of the path when he became aware of a growing roar.

Turning his head, he saw a monster bearing down on him, its eyes blinding him with a malicious light. His paws turned to stone and he watched the approach helplessly, crouching down in fear as it reached him.

He scrunched into a ball, expecting pain to overwhelm him.

But after a deafening roar and stinking blast of wind, the noise subsided.

“Thistlepaw!”

He looked up to see Brenadine standing over him, shock and terror in her face. A moment later she was dragging him, not forward to join the rest of the patrol, but back to the side he'd started on.

Thistlepaw scrabbled along on the stone, trying not slow Brenadine down. Once they were back on the grass she turned to the rest of the patrol on the other side of the path.

“Tawnypelt, you’re in charge now,” Brenadine called out. “Get some more scraps, I’m taking Thistlepaw back to camp.”

“What? No!” Thistlepaw was horrified. Not only had he failed to find the right herbs, but now Brenadine had to leave the patrol to drag him home like some over-adventurous kit?

Brenadine flicked him with her tail, irritation edging her voice. “If you can’t even cross a quiet home-road safely you’re in no shape to be out here. I am not going to tell Cinderpelt that I let her young apprentice get killed on a patrol for “easy” food.”

Thistlepaw shrank back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t…” He took a shaky breath. “I didn’t want to get left behind.”

Brenadine softened slightly. “I guess I should’ve called out my signal, or at least checked to make sure everyone was watching before I gave it. But either way you’re clearly too exhausted to be doing this, and I’d want to give you a lot of road safety training before taking you here again.”

Thistlepaw hung his head in shame, and quietly followed Brenadine back home. The salty, slimy twoleg food he carried back simultaneously made his mouth water and his stomach churn. His focus narrowed to the effort it took putting one paw in front of the other, and as the walk home seemed to stretch forever he felt a selfish relief that his journey had been cut short.

Cinderpelt raced out to greet them, a panicked look in her eyes as she saw Thistlepaw. “What’s wrong? Did someone get hit?”

Brenadine dropped her scraps and growled “Thistlepaw nearly did. He ran out right in front of a monster. He’s only alive because he made it to the middle of the ‘path before noticing it.”

Cinderpelt looked horrified. Thistlepaw scuffed the ground and muttered “Sorry.”

Suddenly his mentor was covering his ears in licks. “You’re never going back to twolegplace! If you can’t even-I mean-” Thistlepaw heard her breath quicken into panic as she let out a distressed wail. “I can’t lose you like that!”

He nosed self-consciously past her. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have scared everyone like that. Here, let’s get you some thyme.”

Cinderpelt shook her pelt out in embarrassment at his suggestion. “You should have some too. I’m sure having a close call was much more rattling than hearing about it.”

At the entrance to the medicine den Thistlepaw paused. “Why are One-Eye and Pebblenose here too?”

Cinderpelt nodded a greeting to the elders. “I checked over everyone’s breathing while you were out, and these two were having some trouble.”

Thistlepaw swallowed. “Will there be a whole outbreak? How will we get by in Leafbare, if we go into it just recovering from a big illness?”

Cinderpelt flicked Thistlepaw playfully with her tail. “Slow down there, we have a good few moons left before then. Although,” She looked thoughtfully around the den, built off the side of one large boulder and using a few smaller rocks for the wall. “In the meantime, it may be best to think about how we’ll quarantine a large number of cats if needed. There’s hardly even room for three patients in here.”

Chapter Text

Echo looked up as she heard rapid pawsteps approach.

Cherry slid excitedly down into the gorge, a tiny, emaciated kit swinging from her jaws. Once on even ground she set the kit down and started hopping in circles around it. “That was amazing! We were so fast, like woosh,” Cherry crouched and swiped the air “-and then swoosh!” She batted upwards, nearly unbalancing as she stretched towards the sky.

Other cats appeared at the edge of the gorge, Sharpclaw nudging his way to the front and climbing down.

“I take it the patrol was successful then?” Echo mewed.

“It was,” Sharpclaw dipped his head. “Me and Patchfoot pretended to fight until the twoleg opened his door to throw stuff at us, then Cherry helped Rainfur carry the kits while Boris supported Petal.”

Rainfur padded slowly up to Echo, head hanging in embarrassment. “Thank you, my mate and kits owe this… “Skyclan” their lives. I understand if you don’t want to see me around, given how skeptical I was before, but Patch...foot said Petal and the kits could stay here while I hunt for them, and I wanted to ask if that was okay with you.”

“Hang on now,” Patchfoot stepped forward to stand next to Rainfur. “I didn’t say they could just wait here while you hunted for them, they’re all clearly starving! I said you all can take a meal from the fresh kill pile.”

Rainfur winced. “I know, but I couldn’t dream of-”

“That’s perfectly fine,” Echo blinked warmly at Rainfur. “A core rule of the warrior code is helping kits in any distress or danger. Your mate can eat however much she likes, and you may as well.”

Rainfur blinked in disbelief. “But don’t you want anything in return? You all risked so much to help us, aren’t you at the very least going to demand we join your Skyclan?”

Echo purred in amusement. “You may join, if you wish. But we will feed you nonetheless. If you and Petal wish to remain loners still, all we ask is that you leave our camp once you’ve eaten and rested, and don’t try to attack us in the future.”

Petal lowered herself gingerly to the ground as Cherry rushed to get her a squirrel. Boris stood to face Echo.

“I’ve made my choice,” He held his head up proudly. “I’m joining Skyclan.”

“Hey no fair!” Cherry darted over, dropping the squirrel at Petal’s feet. “We were gonna tell her together!”

Echo held back a chuckle. This was a serious decision, and she needed the young cats to see it as such. “Are you two ready to renounce your twolegs, live in the wild, and never eat twoleg food again?”

“Yes, we’re ready!” Boris mewed.

“Fresh prey tastes so much better anyway,” Cherry added.

“In that case,” Echo mewed. “Tonight we’ll set up an apprentice den, and make you nests there. Tomorrow we will hold a ceremony to give you apprentice names.”

Boris and Cherry cheered. Rainfur looked skeptical while Petal seemed interested.

As the cats settled down into friendly chatter Echo examined Petal and her kits. The three of them were dangerously starved.

Echo nodded to Leaf and Sharpclaw. “Could you two grab Boris and Cherry to gather bedding? We’ll also need nests for our guests.”

Rainfur stumbled to his feet. “No need for that, I can make our nests.”

Echo flicked a tail at him. “If you want to help you can join the patrol. Making a nest for four is too big a job for one cat, but an extra set of paws helping to make all the nests wouldn’t hurt.”

Rainfur didn’t seem fully comfortable with the idea, but went to stand by Sharpclaw anyway. Glancing at the kits Echo added “Petal, I don’t think you’re well enough to travel any time soon. You and your family are welcome to stay here for three days, or as long as it takes you to recover. Once You’re well enough to travel you may decide whether to join Skyclan or not.”

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw padded heavily after Cinderpelt. One-Eye, thankfully, had gotten better and Pebblenose was on the mend, but Smallear’s cough had only gotten worse. They’d run out of herbs to help his breathing, and it wouldn’t be long before they were out of honey to soothe his throat as well. The two medicine cats were walking north along the thunderpath, hoping that there was some clump of herbs they’d missed the first time or two they had gone that way.

Thistlepaw’s fur burned at the unfairness of it all. He knew exactly where several patches of good herbs were growing in Windclan, his home, and yet because of Scourge's ruthlessness going anywhere near them was risking death.

His paw caught, briefly, on a tuft of grass. But he didn’t notice until he was falling on top of it with a sharp pain in his ankle.

Cinderpelt glanced back at his hiss of pain, then hurried to inspect the injury. After a careful sniff she mewed “It seems like only a mild sprain, at least.”

Thistlepaw licked the aching limb as his mentor continued. “I’m worried about you, though. It’s like you’ve been sleepwalking the last several days you’re so tired. You’re not…” She trailed off, but Thistlepaw knew exactly what she was about to say.

“Sneaking off with Brokenpaw?” Thistlepaw snarled. “You know I haven’t! I haven’t even been talking to him I’m so worried about breaking the code! Ever since you scolded me I can’t sleep, I’m just so stressed about… about… I don’t even know what I’ve been stressed about!”

“I didn’t-” Cinderpelt started, but stopped herself with a sigh. “I’m sorry, Thistlepaw. I shouldn’t assume the worst of you. I am still worried about you, though. I think we should go back to camp and you should try to get some rest.”

“I can get back to camp on my own,” Thistlepaw responded stiffly. “You should keep looking for herbs, we need them.”

“Alright,” Cinderpelt dipped her head in resignation. “Just promise me you’ll be careful not to hurt yourself, ok? And don’t put any weight on your injured paw.”

“I know-” Thistlepaw swallowed back his rising annoyance. He’d just sprained his paw on perfectly even ground, Cinderpelt did have some reason for concern. “I’ll be careful.”

Thistlepaw limped slowly back, fuming. He felt like he’d given up everything to be a medicine cat. Well, everything that hadn’t already been taken by… And why did Cinderpelt have to be so suspicious all the time? Didn’t she see how hard he was trying? How much trying hurt?

“Thistlepaw!”

Thistlepaw’s head whipped around. Brokenpaw was charging up from behind him.

“Are you okay?” The other apprentice panted. “Cinderpelt was so unfair! And your paw-”

“Brokenpaw,” Thistlepaw sighed. “Why are you out here? Aren’t our clanmates going to be worried?”

Brokenpaw puffed out his chest. “Dawncloud sent me on a solo hunting mission! And I caught a really big pigeon right after sunrise, so I thought I’d follow you to make sure you were safe.” He shuffled his forepaws bashfully. “And… maybe see if you got a little time to yourself. I’m worried about you. You seem really tired, and you don’t talk to me anymore…” Thistlepaw felt his heart crack as Brokenpaw looked up at him, eyes glistening with unexpected sorrow. “Did Cinderpelt tell you to stop talking to me? Or do I… Did I say something wrong? Are you mad at me?”

“No! No, Brokenpaw,” Thistlepaw leaned against the other apprentice, guilt washing over him. In all this time he’d been so wrapped up in Cinderpelt’s opinion, the medicine cat code, his own frustration, he hadn’t for even a moment stopped to worry about Brokenpaw’s feelings. It wasn’t just the medicine cat code that kept them from getting together, clearly Thistlepaw would have been a horrible mate anyway. “I’m sorry, I should have told you. I didn’t… I was worried that if I talked to you, I’d slide back into doing… you know, mate things with you.”

Brokenpaw let out a brief purr of amusement. “That’s ok, I wasn’t too worried I think. I just thought maybe Cinderpelt-”

“No, it’s not ok.” Thistlepaw pulled back and glared at Brokenpaw. “You’re supposed to be-you are the most important cat in Silverclan to me. And I didn’t even think about how you’d feel if I suddenly stopped talking to you. You deserve better than me. Better than this. You deserve a mate who isn’t too worked up over what the code says about your relationship to think about what you need.”

Brokenpaw blinked, then started to purr, but his breath hitched partway through. “That’s ok, you don’t have to worry about me. I know being a medicine cat is stressful, and maybe I “deserve” better than you, but what I want is you. I mean, if you want me. In whatever way works for you.”

Thistlepaw stared at Brokenpaw. The one cat he wanted more than anything else to be happy. Probably the one cat he’d hurt the most in his short life so far. “I know the rule against having a mate or kits is there for a reason,” Thistlepaw mewed at last. “And maybe it’s a good enough reason for me to deny myself. But there is no code I would accept as good enough reason to hurt you.”

Brokenpaw tried to smile, but it faltered slightly. “It doesn’t hurt me to stay friends, I just want to know you’re ok. And, y’know, maybe be friends with you.”

Thistlepaw shook his head. “From now on we’ll be however close we like. And if that breaks the medicine cat code, then the code is less important than making sure I don’t hurt you.”

Brokenpaw butted his head against Thistlepaw’s shoulder. “Alright then. For now, let’s find somewhere to settle down for a while. You need a nap.”

They scraped a hasty nest together under a bush, screened from view if anyone passed by. Thistlepaw buried his face into Brokenpaw’s shoulder, the other apprentice curled around him. He savored the scent and the feeling of Brokenpaw’s chest rising and falling.

The next thing he knew Brokenpaw was shaking him awake.

“We’d better get going, Dawncloud and Cinderpelt will be wondering where we were all day.”

Thistlepaw blinked groggily, thoroughly disoriented by the golden sunset light spilling on him. He didn’t remember ever sleeping so deeply in his entire life.

“What will you tell Dawncloud?” Thistlepaw mewed groggily, mostly to put off standing up.

Brokenpaw flicked an ear nonchalantly. “I’ll just say I stayed out late trying to catch more prey after the pigeon.”

“And stalking your fellow apprentices instead of prey,” Dawncloud’s dry voice sounded from outside the bush.

Brokenpaw jumped, hissing as his fur got tangled in the branches above them. Dawncloud peered in at them.

“Relax, I’m not going to tell anyone. If this is what it takes for our medicine cat apprentice to get some sleep far be it from me to put a stop to it.”

Thistlepaw’s head whirled in confusion. How could Dawncloud be so casual about this? Wasn’t she an elder, one of the cats who should care most about enforcing the rules? “But, the code…”

Dawncloud regarded him wryly. “I’ve lived a long time, and I know as much as anyone how important the code is. But I also know it’s up to every cat to figure out their relationship to it for themselves, and no amount of lecturing will do it for them.”

“Oh,” Brokenpaw visibly relaxed. “Yeah, of course.”

Dawncloud reached a paw in to cuff his ear. “Don’t you rest easy, though. I don’t care who you sneak off with, but you better believe I won’t let you do it without asking me first. You’ll be cleaning out our bedding for a long while.”

Chapter Text

“Oof!” Gorsekit slammed into Cinderpelt’s rear, Cloudkit scrabbling to a halt behind her.

“Kits!” Brightstar called anxiously. “Come out here to play, give Cinderpelt and Sorrelpaw some room.”

Once the kits were gone, Cinderpelt mewed “How are you adjusting to the nursery?”
Sorrelpaw sighed. “It’s a lot, to be honest. It feels weird, sharing a den with my leader and deputy while I’m still a ‘paw. And I love Gorsekit and Cloudkit, but it’s difficult to get any sleep while they’re around.”

Cinderpelt touched her nose to Sorrelpaw’s forehead. “I understand, these things are difficult for young cats. I know it’s later than anyone would like to end a pregnancy, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed I could-”

“No, that’s fine,” Sorrelpaw mewed hastily. “I still want these kits, and I’m sure with Tanglepaw helping I won’t be too overwhelmed.”

“Not just Tanglepaw,” Cinderpelt licked the young she-cat’s ear affectionately. “Remember, everyone in Silverclan will be here for you and your kits. Anything you need, we will do our best to help with.”

Sorrelpaw sighed and settled back, seeming reassured. “Thanks.”

After finishing up her examination Cinderpelt returned to the medicine den. She expected to see Thistlepaw cleaning out space to store more herbs, but he was gone. A quick search around the camp confirmed that he, and Brokenpaw, weren’t anywhere nearby.

Cinderpelt huffed. So that’s how it was. Thistlepaw had progressed to the point of actively avoiding his duties in order to spend more time with his “friend”.

She commenced work on the cleaning herself, growling in frustration as Smallear coughed pitifully behind her. This was exactly why the medicine cat code forbade mates and kits. It was too easy for young cats to get distracted chasing each other around, completely ignoring the needs of their clan.

By the end of the day, when Brokenpaw and Thistlepaw were still nowhere to be found, Cinderpelt had become convinced that they had left Silverclan altogether. She’d worked herself up into a fury, stalking around the den until it was late enough in the day for her to settle in her nest.

She held onto the anger there, tail twitching as her thoughts raced in circles. Part of her felt she shouldn’t be so harsh, maybe they just lost track of time or Thistlepaw fell asleep outside of camp again. Maybe she’d been too harsh with Thistlepaw, or too distrusting, and that had made him feel unwelcome in Silverclan. But she banished those thoughts, focusing on her anger as much as she could to avoid feeling anything else.

To avoid feeling grief at the loss of her apprentice.

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt opened her eyes to find herself in a forest. At first she thought she was in tall pines, but her fur bristled as she realized that this pine forest was less familiar. Cautiously she paced forward, until the trees thinned and she found herself walking in a marsh. A voice sounded behind her and she jumped.

“Welcome to Shadowclan territory.”

Turning around she saw a white, wiry cat wreathed in the sharp scent of herbs. Swallowing her fear Cinderpelt asked “Why am I here?”

“Because a Shadowclan medicine cat wants to talk to you.”

“Who?” Feeling like a young apprentice again Cinderpelt looked around curiously.

“Me, you frog-brain!”

Cinderpelt jumped, then dipped her head. “Right, sorry. What wisdom do you have to share… uh…”

“I’m Sagewhisker. I was Yellowfang’s mentor.”

Excitement thrilled through Cinderpelt. “Really?! It’s an honor!”

Sagewhisker gave a flick of her tail. “I didn’t come here to be admired. I came to talk about your apprentice.”

Cinderpelt’s stomach plummeted. “Thistlepaw, he… I don’t know what to do with him. I don’t even know if he’s my apprentice anymore. He’s always been so deferential, anxious even, but now… all of a sudden it’s like he can’t hear me. He’ll listen to what I say. Apologize more than he needs to. And then keep doing what he was already anyway.”

“He’s acting differently now because you’re asking different things of him. He’s rejecting your authority for the first time because this is the first time you’ve asked him to give up something he finds important.”

Cinderpelt bristled. “Is Brokenpaw more important to him than the code?!”

Sagewhisker shrugged. “Maybe he is. I don’t understand it, but then I didn’t really understand it when Yellowfang did it either.”

Cinderpelt froze. “She would never-”

“Brokenstar was Yellowfang’s son. She was a warrior before she was a medicine cat, and while she was my apprentice she continued to see Raggedstar. Her ultimate wish was to heal, though, so she gave him up to another queen to nurse.”

The world spun around Cinderpelt. “But… Yellowfang… Brokenstar? How could…”

“That’s all in the past. I’m just here to help you learn from it.” Sagewhisker sat down with a sigh, suddenly looking very old and defeated. “What Yellowfang did was against the code. But my solution was… perhaps not the best. Brokenstar’s mother was a cruel and ambitious queen, who didn’t even want her own kits. He grew up scorned for any weakness by his mother, and praised for any strength by his father. When Yellowfang tried to counter this, to be a positive influence for him, eventually he scorned her and disregarded her opinion. Perhaps he would have given her word more weight if he knew she was his mother. Perhaps she would have had more opportunity to bond with him. Then again, perhaps the scandal of being a medicine cat’s kit would have been worse than that of being motherless, and it would have driven him to evil even sooner.”

“Then what am I supposed to take from all of this?” Cinderpelt lashed her tail in frustration. “If we keep changing the code again and again every time it’s inconvenient, what’s the point of even having one in the first place?!”

Sagewhisker looked at her solemnly. “You face a difficult choice. It’s hard to know for sure what to do in these situations. But the code’s greatest strength, as well as its greatest weakness, is that it is made by cats doing their best to respond to the challenges they face. In a time of such greatly changing circumstances, it is only reasonable that the code should change greatly as well.”

“But how-” Before Cinderpelt could finish forming her question a thick fog enfolded her, until Sagewhisker’s starry white pelt faded into the mist.

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt was still pondering her dream as she left her den. What was she supposed to do with it? And did it even matter anymore, if Thistlepaw was off with-

Brokenpaw bounded into camp, followed by Dawncloud. And not Thistlepaw.

Cinderpelt felt her blood turn to ice as Brokenpaw approached her, proudly dropping a mouthful of leaves at her feet. “We found coltsfoot!”

“What?”

Dawncloud dropped a pair of half-squirrels next to the fresh kill pile and padded over. “Brokenpaw said that Thistlepaw had told him how to identify coltsfoot. So I talked with Speckletail, and she agreed to let us travel along the thunderpath past Shadowclan for a day to look for herbs and monster kill.”

“Where’s Thistlepaw?” Cinderpelt blurted out.

Brokenpaw looked confused, then alarmed. “You mean he’s missing?! We have to look for him! Who’s been sent out yet, I need to-”

Cinderpelt drew in an uncomfortable breath. “I… hadn’t told anyone he was gone yet. I thought he was off with you.”

“What?!” Brokenpaw’s hackles rose in outrage.

Dawncloud laid a tail over his shoulder. “We should report this to Brightstar, and discuss with her and the deputies what to do.”

Brokenpaw started to follow them to the nursery, but Dawncloud held her tail in front of him. “Brokenpaw, you’ve been very helpful. I think you should go get some rest now that we’re back at camp.”

“But I can’t rest now, Thistlepaw is missing!” Brokenpaw wailed. “I need to come with you, to-”

“No. You don’t.” Dawncloud mewed firmly. “You don’t have to rest if you don’t want to, but you aren’t coming to this meeting. This is something that you need to let more experienced cats handle.”

Cinderpelt blinked at the young tom, trying to reassure herself as much as him. “Don’t worry, Thistlepaw is a cautious cat. I’m sure wherever he is right now he’s safe.”

Chapter Text

Dusk’s whiskers twitched. She heard soft noises of tearing plants.

A meal.

She stalked across the bank, belly low to the ground as she used the long grass for cover. She made sure that she was downwind from the noise, since she would have difficulty smelling her prey.

As she crept closer, though, she realized it was not a rabbit. Rather a cat grazing like one. A cat that she did not recognize as one of Bloodclan.

Interesting.

The intruder had a small pile of green shoots next to him, and was nibbling off more stems at their bases to add to it.

Bunching her muscles she pounced, flattening the young cat under her and pinning him with only the slightest difficulty.

Leaning close to his ear she hissed “And just what do you think you’re doing on Scourge’s turf?”

Fear scent radiated from him, overwhelming her congestion. “I-uh, please! I’m just a rogue passing through. I was only looking for herbs, and then I’ll be back on my way. I’ll be gone by moonrise I promise.”

Dusk growled, choking back a cough as the action tickled her throat. “And what does a cat need with plants? Are you trying to poison someone?”

“I-what?” The cream-colored tom twisted round to look at her in confusion. “They’re healing herbs, in case-in case I get sick. Because I won’t be strong enough to search for what I need while I’m ill, you know?”

Dusk cuffed him on the ear. With her stuffed nose it was difficult to scent the difference between cat blood and the blood of prey. “You expect me to believe you risked your life coming here for that? Clearly you’re a spy. The only question I have is should I kill you now? Or bring you to Scourge and let you wish I’d killed you?”

The tom yelped as she let her claws dig into his shoulders. His muscles certainly weren’t those of a seasoned fighter, but they weren’t as soft as a housecat’s either. “Wait,” He gasped in pain. “You’re breathing’s labored. And your voice sounds hoarse. One of the herbs I was gathering was coltsfoot, that should clear up your chest and ease your throat.”

Dusk narrowed her eyes. What is he trying to do? Did he think he could trick her into eating poison? Surely he’d know that would take hours if not days to actually work? He must be acting out of spite, knowing he didn’t have a way to survive the encounter.

“So what, you give me some of your poison and die knowing you at least took me with you? Is that your game?”

“No! Not at all!” He started to squirm towards his leaves, but let out a squeak as Dusk dug her claws in further. “Look, I’ll pick out two leaves and you can see-no, even better, there’s coltsfoot right here. I’ll nip two leaves from the same plant, and eat one, and then you’ll know it’s safe.”

“Why would you fear poison when you know you’re about to be gutted?”

“Uhhh… Listen, you don’t want to stay sick, do you? How long have you had your cough? I can help, I want to help. You could keep me alive for a day, or as long as it takes you to trust the leaves, and once you’re satisfied I haven’t been poisoned you could eat some yourself. Deal?”

“I see. You want me to keep you prisoner long enough for my guard to drop so you can escape.”

She felt him heave a sigh under her paws. “Are all of Scourge’s cats so focused on killing and fighting? Can you really think of no other reason to do anything?”

Dusk growled deep in her throat, letting out a wheeze as she desperately tried not to have a coughing fit. She had eaten the previous day, and hungry as she was it would be a lot easier to hunt if she could shake this illness she’d had for over a month. “How much of this… ‘coltsfoot’ were you planning on telling me to eat?”

The tom’s tone became calm and assured as he replied “One leaf each morning, chew it up and swallow the juices. If your cough comes back later in the day have a second or third leaf.”

“All right then,” Dusk purred. “Eat five leaves now. I’ll watch you until next sunrise, and if you’re still well I’ll let you go free with three of your paws.”

“Three?!”

“I still have to teach you not to spy on Scourge. Or else I’ll be losing a lot more than one paw. You should be grateful I’m feeling so generous.”

Dusk shifted her weight off of him, standing so that she blocked his way to the open moorlands. He got up and hesitantly sniffed his bundle. “I… you’re not supposed to swallow the leaf too. It can give you a belly ache. And five leaves is far more than I’d give any cat.”

“How will I know you’ve eaten the juice if you don’t eat the leaf too?”

“Fair point…” The young cat looked unhappily down at the green shoots. Then licked them up in quick succession, chewing briefly and swallowing them with a grimace.

Dusk forced his mouth open to be sure he had not stowed them away somewhere, then grunted and led him to a cleft in some rocks where she could keep him cornered. He looked regretfully back at the greens he was leaving behind, but Dusk prodded him onwards.

After they sat a while in silence he mewed “I probably will throw up. Not because the medicine’s bad, but because I ate too much and I took it the wrong way.”

“As long as you’re alive and more or less well,” Dusk grunted.

This was going to be a long night.

Chapter Text

“All right, what prey am I thinking of now?”

“…”

“Come on! You have three questions, then you have to guess what it is. See if you can get it!”

“…”

“All right, I’ll give you a hint, it’s not furry. That narrows things down a lot!”

“…”

“I mean, for some cats it’s narrowed more than others, but for this game we’re assuming any animal you can eat counts as prey.”

The young tom sighed. “Are you just gonna spend the whole time staring at me in silence?”

Dusk flicked an ear. “Why should I go to the effort of entertaining a spy?”

“Fair. Kinda. If you look at it a certain way. Except I’m not a spy, much as I don’t expect you to believe that. But surely you get bored too?”

“I’m used to silence. Unlike some cats I don’t need to chatter constantly to keep myself awake.”

The tom huffed. Then a mischievous light entered his eyes. “So you would prefer if I kept quiet?”

“Yes.”

He settled down into a comfortable sitting position, tucking his tail over his paws. “Welllll I don’t believe we ever introduced ourselves. My name’s Thistle, though I don’t expect you’ll be telling me your name and that’s fine. I’m sure it’s a rough life out in Bloodclan, you probably aren’t used to having friends. But let me tell you about this scrape my friend got into the other day-”

Dusk pricked her ears, feigning polite interest. If this cat had allies it would be good to find them and chase them away. “You have friends?”

He hesitated. “Yeah, sorta. I know a lot of the kittypets in Twolegplace and we chat time to time. I call them my friends.”

He was a terrible liar.

And he called the city “Twolegplace”. Clearly this was no ordinary rogue.

Dusk was poised to either gain a lot of favor or be in grave danger, depending on if she was able to find the location of these cats. She chose to let the intruder keep rambling on, telling very vague and halting stories that were quite clearly made up on the spot. She didn’t press him further to learn more about his “friends”.

That she could learn by following him.

Finally, as the morning approached, and he showed no ill-effects other than some vomiting early in the evening, she ate one of his leaves. While the sky lightened she was surprised to feel her chest opening up for the first time in weeks.

She played up her astonishment for his benefit, and pretended to hold gratitude for his help.

At this he brightened. “You know, if you like I could show you how to identify coltsfoot. Or we could have a meeting place and I could bring you a batch every few days.”

“Really?” Dusk allowed some of her delight to leak into her voice. He didn’t need to know the true cause of it. “If you would be willing…”

“Well, I mean,” his pelt rose slightly in fear “I would be glad to, but it’d be really hard, you know, getting around if I’m missing a paw…”

Dusk chuckled. “Then this whole business can be our little secret.”

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw skirted around Barley’s farm, his fur pricking uneasily. He knew his clanmates would be frantic about where he’d been all day and night, but it was more important to make sure he wasn’t being followed before he went home.

His heart plummeted as he saw Ravenpaw sprinting out to meet him. “Thistlepaw! How have things been at the new camp!”
“Just great,” Thistlepaw mewed tightly. “I’m heading back to my new camp right now, I’m very tired but I’ll be sure to talk to you later.”

Ravenpaw looked confused. “But isn’t it…”

Thistlepaw stared at him, pleading with his eyes for the loner to understand.

“Are you in trouble?” Ravenpaw leaned in closer to whisper. “If someone’s threatening you in Silverclan…”

“No,” Thistlepaw breathed. If that cat was following him close enough to hear whispers hopefully he would have noticed her. “I think I’m being followed. By someone from Bloodclan.”

“Ohhhh…” Ravenpaw gave Thistlepaw’s cheek a quick lick. “Well I was pretty great at stalking prey in my apprentice days, you keep on with what you were doing and I’ll sweep behind you. Let you know if I find anyone.”

“Thanks,” Thistlepaw felt some tension ease from his chest. He hadn’t wanted to get Ravenpaw or Barley involved, planning to spend the night in the twolegplace beyond their farm, but it was reassuring to know that he wasn’t dealing with such a formidable cat alone.

“Well, it’s been great catching up,” Ravenpaw drew back and spoke more openly. “But I’d better get back to the barn, there’s a sunbeam on my nest and I’d hate to keep it waiting!” With a friendly wave of his tail the black cat bounded away.

Thistlepaw picked up his herbs and continued on his way, since after all that he certainly wasn’t going home empty-pawed. The strange cat had decided to let him have them, but made him agree to meet her in three sunrises with more coltsfoot.

He didn’t know how he was going to deal with her then.

Chapter Text

Dusk narrowed her eyes as the tom paused to talk with a barn cat. They exchanged a whispered conversation, and she started to draw back. Clearly the two knew each other, and potentially Thistle was alerting this new cat to Dusk’s presence. She wouldn’t get much information watching or following cats who knew she was there, better to withdraw for the present.

She snuck back towards the forest, making note of a few trees dotted near the farm that would give her good vantage points. If Thistle was on friendly terms with that cat, he would likely come to visit them again. After today she would start watching the farm, waiting for the cats to get comfortable again, until she could follow Thistle home to whatever, or whoever, he was hiding.

Chapter Text

Brokenpaw ran, flying over the ground faster than he ever had before.

Thistlepaw was gone. And no one even seemed to care.

Okay maybe Cinderpelt had seemed distressed, and his senior clanmates were going to do something once they were done talking about it, but in his present state of mind it felt like the clan had abandoned his friend and was asking him to do the same.

He slowed to a trot as he approached Barley’s farm, breathing heavily. He didn’t know if Barley and Ravenpaw would be able to help, but it was the first place he could think to look.

He’d put off sneaking into Bloodclan until he’d eliminated all other places Thistlepaw might be.

He entered the barn to see Barley pacing nervously. Still a little out of breath and far too out of sorts to form full sentences Brokenpaw gasped “Thistlepaw?”

Barley stopped, turning to face Brokenpaw. “He came by this morning. I mean, I gathered as much from Ravenpaw. He’s the one who actually spoke to Thistlepaw. Said there was maybe someone following the young cat, and so he needed to follow him into town to make sure he was safe.”

Brokenpaw didn’t know whether he was more terrified that Thistlepaw was in danger, or relieved that he was still alive.

At least, he was that morning.

“Do you know where they went?”

Barley’s ears flicked back anxiously. “Not really, aside from into town. I needed to stay here in case someone came looking for Thistlepaw, to let them know what’s going on.”

“Right,” Brokenpaw turned to leave, then remembered some of the manners Dawncloud had drilled into him and hastily mewed “Thank you!”

Brokenpaw searched the edge of the farm nearest twolegplace, but it took far too long for his frayed nerves to pick up Thistlepaw’s scent. He followed the trail up to twolegplace, past one row of dens, but then lost it at the side of a thunderpath.

He circled around anxiously, trying to figure out if Thistlepaw had crossed over or simply walked alongside the black stone. Suddenly a voice broke him out of his spiraling panic.

“Brokenpaw? What are you doing here?”

Ravenpaw was looking at him with concern. Brokenpaw felt his chest crack for a moment as he wondered if what had the loaner worried was news of some horrible accident that had befallen Thistlepaw.

“I’m tracking Thistlepaw, but I lost his scent!”

Ravenpaw laid a comforting tail over Brokenpaw’s shoulders. “Here, I’m just going home after making sure he’s settled somewhere safe for the night. I can show you where.”

Brokenpaw nodded mutely, overwhelmed with all the emotions of the day.

He followed Ravenpaw as they walked along the road, up to a fenced-off field that looked more like the wild moorlands than a twoleg garden. They squeezed through a gap and Ravenpaw brought him over to a hollow under clumps of underbrush.

“Brokenpaw!” Thistlepaw turned around, eyes wide in astonishment.

“Thistlepaw!” Brokenpaw dropped to his belly at once, burying his nose in his friend’s shoulder. “Where were you? I went away with Dawncloud yesterday and when I came back you were gone!”

He drew back, noticing strands of cobwebs on Thistlepaw’s shoulder. “Who hurt you?”

Thistlepaw tucked his paws under himself uncomfortably. “It’s nothing serious, just some claw-pricks. Ravenpaw cleaned them for me and found some cobweb, they should be better in a day or two.”

Ravenpaw touched his nose to Brokenpaw’s shoulder. “You probably shouldn’t have gone looking for him by yourself, but I am glad someone will be spending the night here with Thistlepaw. I’ll let Barley and Silverclan know where you two are.”

Brokenpaw flicked an ear, confused. “Spending the night? Why isn’t Thistlepaw just coming home?” Turning to Thistlepaw he added “Why didn’t you come straight home?”

Thistlepaw sighed. “I… Went to Bloodclan. And got caught by someone.”

Brokenpaw felt his breath catch.

“She promised not to tell anyone,” Thistlepaw hastily added “But I didn’t want to risk leading her back to camp, just in case.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re safe,” Brokenpaw wrapped himself around Thistlepaw, licking his ears fiercely. “And if I ever meet this cat I’ll claw her ears off.”

Chapter Text

Moth crashed through the undergrowth, chasing after a squirrel, when she came into a clearing. She slowed to a halt, looking at the cat who lay there pawing at a wound on his face. He was red and white, like the missing cat she’d been told to look out for. She’d also been told not to approach him, in case he was a loyalist, but the scratches over his eye looked inflamed.

“Hey,” Moth mewed as she padded up. “Let me clean that for you.”

The cat flinched away. “But Scourge said… I don’t think he’d like that.”

Moth tasted the air, pacing around the perimeter of the clearing to make sure no other cats were nearby. Then she looked over at the strange cat. It could be dangerous for her to help him, but even knowing that she still wanted to. “If I did clean you up, would you tell anyone?”

The young tom hesitated. “No,” He said at last. “Even if you weren’t gonna help me, I wouldn’t want something like this to happen to you.”

“Alright then,” Moth padded over. Slowly, gently, she licked the wound clean. Then gathered some of the nearby oak and maple leaves, chewing them into a pulp she could place over the cuts.

“Are leaves… edible?” Her patient mewed in confusion.

“I’ve heard they can keep cuts from getting infected,” Moth replied. “Hopefully they can help get rid of infections as well.”

Chapter Text

Morningflower cowered in her cage, grateful that she was at least hidden from the twoleg’s view as it carried her around. She felt the cage settle down on a solid surface, wincing as a muffled bang sounded right outside.

Then, she heard monster growls all around her.

With a spike of panic she realized she was in the belly of another monster, only this time she couldn’t even see the eyestalks to count them as she was dragged away.

She paced around the cage frantically, clawing at the bars. If she couldn’t find her way back here, how would she find the den with Gorsepaw?

Morningflower forced herself to stop, taking a moment to breathe and analyze her situation. The giant covering over her cage was loose and baggy, in several places caught under the cold grid. She picked one side where there wasn’t any covering trapped, then went to the other and tried to catch her claws in the soft twoleg stuff. She was able to grip it through the bars, but couldn’t meaningfully pull it down with how small the holes were. She kept trying until her claws ached, though. She had just managed to pull the covering up one claw-length off the cage on the other side when the roaring noise all around her dwindled back to a low grumble, then abruptly stopped. She heard a click, and her cage was swinging in the air again for a short while, before being set down.

Then opened.

She stepped cautiously out into loose straw. The air around her was warm and dusty, and smelled strongly of both mice and several types of animals she didn’t quite recognize.

She darted for a corner and sat there, trembling.

Wondering how she was going to find Gorsepaw.

Chapter Text

“How are you doing?”

Sorrelpaw purred as Tanglepaw settled down beside her. “Pretty well. Even better, now you’re here.”

After a moment of silence Tanglepaw mewed “I hope Brokenpaw is alright…”

Sorrelpaw licked his ears reassuringly. “Well, as much trouble as he gets in at least we know he’s got plenty of experience dealing with it.”

Sorrelpaw looked up at the commotion near camp’s wide entrance, surprised to see Barley.

“Thistlepaw’s alright,” The old loner was saying. “But he met a cat from Bloodclan, so he’s spending the night in town to avoid leading her back here. Brokenpaw’s with him, and they’ll both make their way back tomorrow.”

The tension melted out of everyone but Cinderpelt. She, however, still looked anxious about something else.

Sorrelpaw was there with the rest of the clan to greet the missing apprentices when they returned. She’d made Tanglepaw promise to wake her up when they came back. Cinderpelt covered Thistlepaw’s head in licks, furiously scolding him for being so careless. As she stooped to help him pick up his herbs, he mewed “I… do need advice on something.”

As the cats fell silent, Thistlepaw glanced to Brokenpaw, who blinked reassuringly. Taking a deep breath the medicine cat apprentice said “I promised the Bloodclan cat I’d meet her again with more coltsfoot two sunrises from now.”

Cinderpelt blinked in confusion. “Ok. So… don’t.”

Thistlepaw pinned his ears back anxiously. “But I gave her my word! Although I also don’t know how to keep that word safely…”

Brightstar flicked her ear. “Cinderpelt has a point. The word of a warrior is important, but certainly not moreso than the lives of their clanmates.”

“But what if by not showing up, I anger her? And she tells Scourge she saw me?”

Brightstar exchanged a look with Cinderpelt. “You and Cinderpelt can put away those herbs you collected, then I’ll want you two to meet with me, Stoatfeather, and Speckletail. I think it would be best if you told us exactly what happened with this rogue, and what it was you said to her.”

Chapter Text

Brokenpaw burst into camp. “Everyone come with me! Dawncloud found a deer to hunt!”

Brightstar looked up in confusion. “What? Aren’t deer too big to hunt?”

Brokenpaw managed to stop himself from rolling his eyes, remembering that authority figures didn’t like him doing that. “This one got hit by a monster, and from the tracks it looks like it was hit hard. If we follow it we can take it down while it’s weak, or it might even be dying already by the time we get there!”

Ashfur padded forward. “There is precedent, in Shadowclan we’d gang up on injured deer when we had the chance. Wouldn’t you have done something similar in Thunderclan? I’d assumed there were even more deer there.”

Brightstar shrugged uncomfortably. “Generally we had enough to eat in small prey so there was no point trying to take on something so dangerous. Either that or we were too weak from hunger anyway.”

“How many cats need to go after this deer?” Stoatfeather growled. “I don’t want to leave camp undefended.”

“I can go,” Ashfur mewed “Along with the apprentices and one other mentor.”

Brightstar nodded. “Alright. Take Princess with you.”

Speckletail started forward. “But Chaospaw-”

“I know you’re worried about Chaospaw,” Brightstar mewed “But I think it would be good to make sure she can work with other clan members as well, not just her mothers and mentor. And it would be good for us to get more practice working with her. Everyone knows the basic and emergency signs, and Brokenpaw will be there in case anyone needs to speak with her more in-depth.”

“Alright,” Speckletail dipped her head. Then touched her nose to Chaospaw’s ear, relaying the information to the now very excited apprentice. Chaospaw ran up to Brokenpaw as everyone else was still rallying.

A deer! I’ve never seen a deer before, can’t wait to kill it!

Brokenpaw purred in amusement. Yeah, but we gotta be careful ‘cause they’re real big. Even when they’re hurt it takes a lot of cats to bring one down!

“Go on ahead,” Sorrelpaw’s acrid voice cut through Brokenpaw’s thoughts. “Don’t worry about me, just make sure you have fun killing that deer with Chaospaw.”

Brokenpaw glanced curiously at Tanglepaw as he slunk away from the nursery.

What is it? Chaospaw nudged Brokenpaw, curious about what he’d heard.

Sorrelpaw is mad at Tanglepaw… As Brokenpaw signed Tanglepaw reached them.

I didn’t know we were supposed to be each others’ only mates. Tanglepaw signed sheepishly.

Chaospaw huffed loudly. Tanglepaw! You said she was ok with it, how would you have known that if you didn’t talk to her about it first?

Tanglepaw shrunk back. I assumed she would be! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if she wanted to see other cats…

Chaospaw flicked her tail dismissively and turned away, running to the head of the group as they moved out.

“What do you think?” Tanglepaw turned to Brokenpaw earnestly as they padded along in the rear.

“I dunno,” Brokenpaw glanced at Ashfur leading the patrol, wondering if he needed directions to Dawncloud. He would know generally where the two had gone that day, and the impact site would be easy to spot…

“What would you do? If something like this happened with you and Thistlepaw?”

“Something like this couldn’t happen with Thistlepaw,” Brokenpaw sighed. “Cause I wouldn’t want another mate.”

“I don’t want Sorrelpaw to be mad at me…”

“Well, Tanglepaw, she is.” Brokenpaw flicked his littermate with his tail. “And it is your fault, for not asking her about it before collecting she-cats. Best you can do is apologize, and hope she’ll want to be friends again someday.”

Chapter Text

Dawncloud glanced behind herself at the sound of pawsteps, flicking her tail in acknowledgment of the upcoming patrol. “It must be slowing down,” She mewed as they circled around her. “The scent is getting fresher.”

“Good,” Ashfur said, directing the other cats to fan out behind Dawncloud as she resumed tracking.

It was a little past sunhigh when they caught up to the deer, nibbling at grass and looking deceptively healthy.

“You’re sure we can take that?” Princess hissed, eyes wide. “It’s huge! It got hit by a car, and it looks fine!”

“The damage will all be inside,” Dawncloud mewed grimly. “Apprentices, spread out between it and the forest, we don’t want to chase it into Bloodclan and lose the catch. Princess, Ashfur, go a little further and be ready to drive it from that side. Tanglepaw, you come with me and flank it over here. Clear?”

“What about me?” Brokenpaw mewed.

“You’re right,” Dawncloud regarded her apprentice wryly. “Rainpaw, you’re in charge of making sure Brokenpaw doesn’t take any stupid risks.”

“What?” Dawncloud struggled not to let her amusement show at Brokenpaw’s indignant squeak. She could tell how much he wanted to look strong and fearless in front of his peers, it was a driving force for his recklessness. But hopefully that same motivation could be used to keep him safe, if she could attach enough embarrassment to engaging in ambitious stunts.

“Come on,” Rainpaw cooed in self-satisfaction. “You’d better make sure you keep up, with time and discipline you might be as good an apprentice as me.”

“Shut up, you’re barely a moon older than me,” Brokenpaw’s soft grumbles receded as the apprentices moved into position.

Dawncloud saw Ashfur’s tail, signaling that everyone was ready. She raised hers in turn, and as one the massive patrol burst out of the undergrowth.

The deer let out a surprised grunt and started sprinting away. Dawncloud and Ashfur angled in towards it, driving it towards tall rocks that it would hopefully not be able to climb.

The deer turned to face them, breathing heavily, but more from pain than exertion. The ground shook as the cats closed in and it tried to stamp on them.

“Tanglepaw, Ashfur, up! Everyone else stay out, don’t let it jump over you!”

The two cats darted forward, leaping up to catch themselves on the deer’s flanks. It bellowed in rage and pain, charging forward without regard for the cats in its way.

“Anyone hurt?” Dawncloud hurried to check on the apprentices.

“It got away…” Bootpaw mewed in disappointment.

“What about Ashfur and Tanglepaw?” Sootpaw asked anxiously.

“Come on,” Dawncloud ushered the cats forward with her tail. “The hunt isn’t over until that deer dies or crosses into Bloodclan.”

It took them a while to catch up with the deer again. When they did they saw Ashfur worrying the beast’s ankles, trying to distract it from bucking Tanglepaw off of its side.

“Sootpaw and Princess, up! Everyone else keep it occupied.”

The sun was setting by the time the beast finally collapsed. It certainly wasn’t a merciful death, even the killbite was an ordeal with the creature’s thick, tough throat. But one deer could easily feed an entire clan for days.

“Alright,” Dawncloud looked everyone over briskly. They were all exhausted, but thankfully no one had been hurt. “We’ll eat our fill here. Normally kits and elders eat first, but there’s more meat on this thing than we could ever carry back. And if we get our strength up we’ll be able to transport more.”

Chapter Text

Stoatfeather looked up as the patrol returned, looking dead on their paws and laden down with large strips of meat. “I see the hunt went well,” She mewed.

Dawncloud dropped her meat on the fresh-kill pile, blinking up at Silverpelt. “It’s not a short walk to the deer, but I think we should make at least one more trip out. We worked hard to bring it down, and should eat as much of it as we can.”

The apprentices all groaned loudly and Dawncloud’s whiskers twitched in amusement. “You all can get some rest, you’ve certainly earned it. I was going to ask some of the cats around camp to help me.”

Stoatfeather flicked her tail. “I can come, as long as someone’s watching Gorsekit for me.”

Princess padded towards the nursery. “I can do that. And watch Cloudkit, too, if Brightstar wants to go.”

Leaving her to do that, Stoatfeather stepped into the warriors den and woke the cats sleeping there. Marge, Brenadine, Heatherwhisker, One-Eye, and Nefretiti all readily agreed to go. Smallear was eventually persuaded. And Speckletail was left to keep watch over the camp.

As Dawncloud led the way forward Stoatfeather murmured “You look just as exhausted as the rest of your patrol.”

“Yeah, but I’m the patrol lead. And someone has to show you where the deer is.” Despite her weariness a fierce pride gleamed in Dawncloud’s eyes.

“Alright, but you aren’t carrying any food back with you. Once we know where the deer is, I’m sending you home, with another cat to protect you, and you’re going to sleep.”

Dawncloud put up a token protest, but went home with Nefretiti quietly enough once the time came.

Once as many strips of meat as the patrol could carry had been torn off, Stoatfeather noticed with surprise that over half of the deer was still left. She’d always known they were big, but she’d never really seen just how big up close before.

Chapter Text

Dusk settled on the branch, not really into a comfortable position, but a stable one at least.

Thistle hadn’t met her with more “coltsfoot” as agreed, but she’d expected that. She couldn’t really do anything to make him keep his promises once he was out of her sight. For now she’d keep watching the farm, and following any new cats who approached it.

From what she could tell, the black cat and the cow-patterned cat lived there. She’d seen a gray tabby approach and speak to them, but they’d spent the night instead of continuing to some hidden location and so far hadn’t left.

Of course, without anyone else helping her keep watch it was entirely possible that cats had slipped by while she was getting food or dozing off. She would much rather tolerate that risk, however, than take the risk of bringing in someone else and having them steal the credit for her discovery.

Chapter Text

Cinderpelt stepped out of her den, shocked to see a shambling group of cats padding into camp, laying several strips of meat on a massive pile of similar strips where fresh-kill usually went.

“What in Starclan’s name happened? Is that all from Dawncloud’s deer?”

“Yup,” Stoatfeather looked the pile over in satisfaction. “Me and Brightstar figured we could all work through the night to bring this back to camp, and then we wouldn’t need to send out any hunting patrols today or tomorrow.”

“Yeah, there’s still plenty flesh left close to the bones, and we didn’t even touch the organs, but dawn was coming and everyone seemed at their limit.” Brightstar mewed.

Dawncloud yawned, padding out of the warriors den, then stopped abruptly as she saw the pile. “Oh. Wow, you all were really thorough.”

Brightstar’s ear pricked. “Should we… not have been?”

Dawncloud shrugged uncomfortably. “I thought you all knew, but I guess I should have told you. Without the pelt, this deer meat will spoil a little faster than fresh-kill. In three days it won’t be safe to eat anymore. Probably closer to two, since this is Greenleaf.”

All of the exhausted cats stared at Dawncloud in horror.

“But for two days we have plenty to eat!” Dawncloud hastily added. “And maybe we could share some with Ravenpaw and Barley?”

Brightstar straightened up. “Actually, we had Heatherwhisker go back to sleep early, since they’re meeting with Green-blue after sunhigh. We could set aside anything we won’t be able to eat and have them and Sootpaw bring it out for Green-blue to share with the other Bloodclan rebels.”

“That could be good,” Speckletail mewed. “I know they said getting food, and keeping it long enough to eat it, was a major issue for everyone other than Scourge's goons.”

“You’d better tell them you found a dead deer by the thunderpath, though,” Dawncloud mewed thoughtfully. “If you hint that we brought it down, they might suspect there’s more of us than the four they know about.”

Cinderpelt left them to sort out the details of their plans, picking up a slice of meat and carrying it to the nursery. Princess and Sorrelpaw shared it while she examined the queen, as well as Gorsekit and Cloudkit. Sorrelpaw seemed to be fuming about something, but she didn’t respond to gentle probing and Cinderpelt wasn’t worried enough about it to push further. Most likely one of the other young cats had done or said some mouse-brained thing to make her angry.

On her way back to her den she caught Chaospaw.

No issues with the warrior’s mixture? It was best to check while she had the apprentice there, since even at her young age Chaospaw was already remarkably stubborn about avoiding the medicine den.

No, Chaospaw flicked her tail in disdain. And I don’t think I’ll be needing another dose anytime soon.

Before Cinderpelt could ask for clarification the apprentice stalked away. The medicine cat growled and hurried to her den. There was no way she was letting two apprentices get pregnant this season.

“Thistlepaw,” She mewed briskly. “Talk to Chaospaw, she said she won’t need any warrior mixture. I don’t want her going off of it and-”

“Oh, that’s probably cause she’s not with Tanglepaw anymore.”

Cinderpelt blinked. “What? I thought Tanglepaw was with Sorrelpaw?”

“Yeah, Broken-well, someone was talking about it last night. Apparently Tanglepaw was with both of them. He thought it’d be alright with Sorrelpaw, Chaospaw thought he’d already checked with Sorrelpaw, and Sorrelpaw just found out about it so she and Chaospaw are both mad at him now.”

“Oh.” Cinderpelt sat back down. “Well… let’s make sure that if Chaospaw gets together with any other toms she takes another dose then.”

Chapter Text

“You get anything to eat?”

Sorrelpaw blinked at Rainpaw. “Yeah, Cinderpelt brought me some meat earlier. Thanks.”

“Alright then,” Rainpaw flicked her with his tail. “Enjoy another day lazing in the sun!”

Sorrelpaw sighed as he bounded away. She appreciated her brothers’ concern, but didn’t want to let them see how devastated she really was. After all, the only thing worse than Rainpaw’s constant ribbing would be if he started walking on eggshells around her.

Sootpaw padded up to her cautiously. “I heard they’re planning to make today the Greenleaf feast, since we aren’t likely to have this much food around again any time soon.”

“That makes sense, although it’s disappointing there’s so much less buildup than usual.”

“Yeah,” Sootpaw sat down. “I wonder if me and Rainpaw will-oh, nevermind.”

“Get your warrior names?” Sorrelpaw finished for him.

Sootpaw shrugged uncomfortably. “I mean, we probably wouldn’t today anyway, we haven’t been assessed yet. Much as Rainpaw thinks he should be a warrior already.”

Sorrelpaw chuckled. “He was so mad when Ashfur kept him on bedding-cleaning and tick picking for almost a half moon with no explanation.”

“If it does come up, should we… wait? For you to finish your training?”

Sorrelpaw shifted uncomfortably. Tanglepaw had agreed to wait, but she doubted he would still do that now that she’d broken things off with him. It would hurt for her to see her littermates become warriors without her, but if they waited for her to give birth, nurse, and finish training…

Tanglepaw would become a warrior first.

That thought filled her with rage. “No. You two should become warriors as soon as you can. I don’t want Tanglepaw getting his name before all of us.”

Sootpaw relaxed. “Yeah, ok. Will do.”

Aside from the prominent relief he seemed to have some lingering concern, most likely at the venom in Sorrelpaw’s voice. But if Tanglepaw could go off frolicking with another she-cat while Sorrelpaw was stuck in the nursery with his kits she could be angry at him about it.

Chapter Text

Pebblenose glanced up from washing himself to see Brokenpaw marching towards him, young face set in determination.

“Is something wrong?”

“You! You aren’t giving Tanglepaw proper training!”

Pebblenose blinked. “What do you mean?”

“It’s very important that as a Shadowclan apprentice, Tanglepaw have respect for the clan drilled into him. It’s tradition for apprentices to have time late in their apprenticeship where they have to do camp duties only. Without complaining!”

“...Why?”

“Because it teaches them respect for their mentors! And the elders! And it’s part of Shadowclan culture!”

Dawncloud padded up, mewing in wry amusement. “Brokenpaw. If respect for senior cats is so important, why are you telling a mentor what to do with his apprentice?”

Brokenpaw’s face went blank as he evidently tried to think of an explanation. “Now don’t be hard on him,” Pebblenose mewed gently. “Maybe he has a point, I didn’t know about this Shadowclan tradition but I’m willing to discuss with you and Ashfur to see if it’s right for Tanglepaw.”

“Yeah, you better!” Brokenpaw snorted. Then glanced warily at Dawncloud and scurried away before she could scold him.

Pebblenose and Dawncloud collected Ashfur, who also summoned Heatherwhisker, and they padded up to the nursery to request a meeting with Brightstar.

“Alright,” Brightstar said, bemused. “But we certainly can’t meet in the nursery or leader’s den. Let’s go by Mothermouth to talk.”

Once there Dawncloud glanced to Ashfur, then began. “So in Shadowclan respect for authority is a core tenet we teach our apprentices. You could argue it’s too much respect, given Shadowclan’s recent past. But one of the ways we teach this value is by making apprentices spend a few days restricted to camp duties. Not just as punishments the way other clans use it, but also as part of their training. The idea is to make sure they can do what’s asked of them without complaining, and that they learn to value the well-being of the clan over their own ideas of what they should do. So this period will last anywhere from a quarter moon to a full moon, usually less than half a moon. But the more an apprentice complains about how long it’s been since they did battle training, or asks how much longer they must do camp duties, then the longer this period lasts.”

“Oh,” A light of understanding entered Brightstar’s eye. “Is that what you’ve been doing with Brokenpaw?”

Dawncloud snorted. “No, his camp duties have all been punishments for running off and talking back. But at this point I figure he’s done enough tick-picking for three apprenticeships, so I’m just counting those punishments as fulfilling this requirement.”

“He certainly seems like a pawful,” Ashfur shook his head in amusement. “I don’t envy you, Dawncloud.”

“But he’s a good apprentice,” Dawncloud bristled indignantly. “He’s a strong fighter and skillful hunter. And he never complains about grooming us or cleaning our nests.”

“So are you asking Silverclan to adopt this tradition? In some form, at least?” Brightstar mewed.

The mentors looked at her in confusion. “I was just wondering if I should do it for Tanglepaw…” Pebblenose mewed. “You know, since he was born in Shadowclan.”

“Then why am I here?” Heatherwhisker twitched an ear. “Not that I mind, it’s always interesting learning about other clans.”

“That’s another tradition, related to this one.” Ashfur mewed. “I know Rainpaw and Sootpaw have their assessments coming up soon. In Shadowclan, after an apprentice is assessed, they must wait between one and three days to hear whether they passed or not. I was thinking about doing that with Rainpaw, but I know it’ll be a lot harder on him if his sibling knows he passed right away.”

Heatherwhisker frowned. “I… don’t really see the value in tormenting young cats that way. Just the fact that they don’t know when these waits will end is enough to give me pause, much less the fact that with non-Shadowclan apprentices they wouldn’t even know to anticipate this sort of thing, whatever the duration.”

Brightstar flicked an ear. “We have at least one cat from each clan here now, we might as well figure out if and how we will do something like this for all apprentices going forward.”

“What if we explained the tradition and the reasoning for it to the ‘paws before they go through it?” Dawncloud looked to Heatherwhisker. “And we settled on giving these trials on consistent length, instead of keeping the duration secret from them?”

“That defeats the purpose!” Ashfur bristled. “How is it truly a test of their discipline if they know every single detail going in? We didn’t water down Heatherwhisker’s constant Moonstone visits from Windclan before adopting it!”

“It’s not,” Pebblenose flinched as the other cats looked at him, then took a breath and continued “It’s not quite the same. No one really has an objection to cats visiting the Moonstone more often, unless they’re worried about how long it takes to get there and back to camp. Which really isn’t a concern for us right now. But Heatherwhisker has a real moral concern when it comes to this tradition, and after hearing their thoughts I’m not sure I disagree with them. So some sort of compromise makes more sense here.”

What followed was an in-depth, heated debate. After a while Stoatfeather came to see what had tied Brightstar up so long and she got involved as well. Eventually they decided to describe the camp duty tradition to all the cats of Silverclan, and allow individual mentors to choose whether or not to use it with their apprentices. But given Stoatfeather’s concerns about taking away too much time from training, they shortened the range to be no fewer than three days and no more than a quarter moon. As for assessments, they would announce that going forward after each assessment the apprentices in question would have to continue with their normal duties for one full day before finding out whether they passed or not.

No one was really pleased with this arrangement, but they all agreed that they could live with it.

Chapter Text

“-And now I’m stuck in the nursery, about to have the kits of a tom who’s already chasing someone else, and I’m gonna be the oldest apprentice ever when I get my warrior name!”

“That’s really bad,” Ashpaw mewed sympathetically, curling around Sorrelpaw to offer comfort. “You know I’d never do something like that to you.”

“Of course not,” Sorrelpaw huffed. “You’re dead. You couldn’t get me pregnant if you wanted to.”

She felt a little bad when Ashpaw flinched, but he had really bad timing when it came to flirting with her. Probably because he was flirting all the time. With how many she-cats there were in Starclan surely there was at least one who was prettier than Sorrelpaw and actually interested in Ashpaw?

“I’m sorry,” Sorrelpaw sighed. “I shouldn’t have said that, it’s unfair that you died in the battle with Bloodclan.”

“I was glad to die a warrior’s death,” Ashpaw said stiffly. Then a little more warmly he mewed “And to make sure you were safe.”

“Well hopefully you wanted to make sure my brothers were safe too!” Sorrelpaw batted him playfully. Sure, Ashpaw was awkward, but he was a good friend too. Most importantly a good listener.

She had a lot to get off her chest tonight.

Chapter Text

Chaospaw watched as Tanglepaw padded past the fresh-kill pile, anxiety rippling off his pelt as he headed straight for the nursery with a squirrel.

Tanglepaw mewed at the entrance tentatively, likely telling Sorrelpaw the squirrel was for her. Chaospaw remembered him talking about how much Sorrelpaw and her brothers missed squirrels.

Stoatfeather emerged from the nursery, looking at Tanglepaw sternly but without anger. She said something to Tanglepaw, and Tanglepaw’s tail drooped in disappointment. Then dragged in the dust as he picked the squirrel back up and walked away.

Chaospaw flicked her tail and stood to her feet, banishing whatever momentary pity she’d held for Tanglepaw. Right now she was more interested in making sure Sorrelpaw was ok.

She walked up to the nursery and pushed her way in, Stoatfeather looking up with surprise and Sorrelpaw glaring at her.

We should be friends.

What?! Sorrelpaw wasn’t as fluent as Brokenpaw and Tanglepaw, but she was able to pack a lot of indignation into one sign.

We’re both mad at Tanglepaw. That’s why we should be friends.

Sorrelpaw snorted. I think you happy, now Tanglepaw yours.

Chaospaw shook her head. No, he’s not mine. He’s nobody’s now. It was stupid of him to assume you wouldn’t mind sharing your mate

Really? Sorrelpaw seemed incredulous, and maybe a little hopeful. He’s your mate, I think you choose him? Not me?

Chaospaw flicked her tail. I ‘choose’ whoever is right. I don’t need a mate, and I’m not gonna make myself stupid just to keep a stupid mate.

Sorrelpaw hesitated for a moment. Then signed Get us dead-food to share?

Chaospaw nodded and stepped out, surprised when Stoatfeather followed her.

That went surprisingly smoothly, the elderly queen signed wryly.

Why surprisingly? She should have friends, and I should be friends with her ‘cause she stopped mating Tanglepaw over me.

Stoatfeather shook her head fondly. You have a very practical way of looking at things kit. Just know that cats can be rather impractical when strong feelings are involved.

Chapter Text

Sootpaw groomed himself anxiously, waiting for Heatherwhisker to finish talking with Ashfur. He wasn’t sure if it made him more or less stressed, knowing now that they were planning to wait a day before telling him and his brother the results of their assessment.

Rainpaw padded up and nudged him playfully. “Ready to prove yourself the second-best warrior in Silverclan?”

“Oh, yeah, sure.” Sootpaw mewed distractedly. He hoped the Bloodclan rebels had been able to distribute the deer meat among themselves before it spoiled. Even now, a couple days after the last of it had been eaten up in Silverclan, his hunger felt much less sharp than it usually did in the morning.

“Aren’t you gonna ask me who the best warrior in Silverclan will be?” Rainpaw leaned against Sootpaw.

Sootpaw blinked and turned to his brother. “Who will be the best warrior in Silverclan?” He asked obediently.

“Me!” Rainpaw exclaimed, twitching his whiskers in excitement.

Sootpaw huffed in amusement. “You would say that. But do you have the skills to back it up?”

“You know I do.” Rainpaw drew back and dropped into a playful crouch.

“Well why don’t I put that to the test!” Sootpaw leaped at him, and the two littermates wrestled and play-fought across the clearing, for just a moment forgetting not only their responsibilities, but all the danger and tragedy of the last six moons as well.

“You won’t do well if you’re both tired out before your assessment even starts,” Ashfur’s wry voice interrupted them.

Sootpaw broke away, pelt burning with shame at being discovered playing like a kit.

“Bold of you to assume either of them would ever run out of energy,” Heatherwhisker’s whiskers twitched in amusement. Sootpaw felt his shame abate at their teasing words.

“Yeah,” Rainpaw drew a paw over his ear. “You’re just jealous you have to count your steps to the fresh-kill pile to avoid collapsing!”

The light, teasing mood continued as they stepped out of the camp into a flat area nearby. “You two can spar here.” Heatherwhisker mewed.

“Spar?” Sootpaw looked to Rainpaw in confusion. “When I was little, I never heard the apprentices talk about sparring in their assessments. It seemed like it was mostly just hunting.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll be doing plenty of hunting today,” Ashfur’s eyes twinkled in amusement. “Heatherwhisker, Tawnypelt, and I discussed what all to do for your assessment. In Shadowclan battle ability is an important part of the assessment, as well as hunting well even when tired or hungry. So you’re sparring first, then hunting, and as evening approaches we’ll close the assessment by sitting together in silence and watching the world around us, as mentors and apprentices do together in Windclan.”

Heatherwhisker nodded. “The watching time is an important part of Windclan training sessions, allowing the apprentice to settle down and for any questions they have about training to surface. After an assessment we use the time to think about your apprenticeship as a whole, our relationship with each other, and just to enjoy each other’s company one last time as mentor and apprentice before you become a warrior.”

Chapter Text

“Alright Thistlepaw, we need to talk.”

Thistlepaw winced. He knew he’d decided to prioritize Brokenpaw over observing the full medicine cat code, but he still wasn’t prepared to tell Cinderpelt that.

“Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble,” the medicine cat glanced over her shoulder as she led him away from camp.

“You always say that,” Thistlepaw grumbled under his breath.

Once they sat down Cinderpelt was silent for a while. Thistlepaw twitched. Why was she tormenting him? Couldn’t she just say what her problem was and end the suspense?!

“I… had a dream. From Starclan.”

Thistlepaw started at the hesitance in her voice. Was her silence a way to punish him, or was she actually nervous too?

“I heard, from Yellowfang’s mentor, that maybe… well, that there have been medicine cats in the past who have struggled with the rule about no mate and no kits. Some, even, have broken that rule. And still managed to serve their clans well for seasons afterwards, even if either the breaking of the rule, or the covering it up, or both, brought great misery down on them and their kits.”

Thistlepaw sighed. “So you’re saying I should give up Brokenpaw not for the clan’s sake, but for my own?”

Cinderpelt fluffed out her coat. “Well… no. Not exactly. I think I’m asking you for advice, as much as I am telling you about my dream.”

“Advice?” Thistlepaw cocked his head, confused but interested. “But I’m your apprentice, and still young too! What advice could I have for you?”

“From my dream, it seems that Starclan is suggesting we change the medicine cat code. But I’m not really sure how we should change it, or how we can change it without disregarding everything it stands for. And… Normally, if the warrior code is to be changed, leaders of all four clans must meet and agree upon the change. I’ve never heard of the medicine code changing, but I’d imagine that if cats were to change it in the past it would have been agreed upon by the medicine cats of all the clans. But we don’t have medicine cats from all the clans, only me.”

Thistlepaw saw a look of intense grief flash across Cinderpelt’s face. She normally held such a cheerful demeanor, and laughed when she told stories of the other medicine cats in the old days. Her outlook was very much one of remembering the dead with joy more than sorrow, yet for the first time it struck him how upsetting it must have been for her, seeing the other medicine cats die. Everyone in Silverclan had been devastated by Bloodclan’s attack, but while the others had lost their own clans, Cinderpelt was in the unique position of having had a paw in every clan. Not only that, but the elders had all been warriors before retirement, leaving Cinderpelt as the only cat in Silverclan without any peers.

And all this was not too long after the death of her own mentor too, right? He’d heard Brightstar’s story about the fire in Thunderclan, and that was within Sorrelpaw and her brothers’ lifetime.

“And you,” Thistlepaw started at the sound of Cinderpelt’s voice. She nudged him playfully, forcing some of her usual cheer back into her voice. “You may be a bit biased in this conversation, but I still shouldn’t forget you’re here.”

“What do you want me to say?” Thistlepaw mewed in genuine confusion. “Sure, I’d like it if I could just… have a mate and be a medicine cat. If there was a world where I could have kits, I-” Thistlepaw was surprised to feel himself choke. He’d never considered the possibility before, but was overwhelmed by the flash of longing in his heart at the mere mention of it. “I might like that, too. But I’m young, I don’t know anything about it, or why the rule exists in the first place, so there’s no way I’d be able to say whether we can get rid of it or not.”

Cinderpelt’s tail thumped thoughtfully. “If we’re being honest… I’m pretty young too, in the grand scheme of things. Sure, I’m a full medicine cat and have been for a while, but in a normal world I’d still be turning to cats like Barkface for advice for seasons to come.”

A prick of grief hit Thistlepaw, turning into a hollow ache as he realized he could barely remember anything about Windclan’s old medicine cat. The cat who would have been his mentor, if Windclan still existed.

“You might actually understand the consequences of this rule better than me, if we’re being honest.”

Thistlepaw’s eyes snapped to Cinderpelt’s face in shock.

“I’ve never known what it is to love someone I can’t, or at least shouldn’t, have. Sure, I’ve met a handsome cat or two in my day, but never anyone I would cross borders for if I were a warrior. Much less anyone I would consider breaking my medicine cat oath over. That’s one area in which you have more experience than me.”

Thistlepaw looked down, hoping Cinderpelt couldn’t feel the embarrassed heat scorching through his pelt. Did she already know what he’d decided with Brokenpaw?

“Maybe what we need to do right now isn’t make a decision. Maybe we need more information.”

“What do you suggest?”

Cinderpelt shifted uncomfortably. “If… Say we did let you be mates with Brokenpaw, for a time. If we did that, and it did interfere with your ability to perform your duties, would you be able to break things off with him?”

Thistlepaw thought for a long while. “I don’t think it would make things any harder, than it is for me to keep trying not to start anything with him. If anything it might be… not easier, necessarily, but more bearable. If I knew that we couldn’t make it work, because we tried and failed. And, it would be nice, if we at least got to try…”

Cinderpelt seemed to digest this information. “What if… Maybe let’s see how you fare through Leafbare? You can be mates with Brokenpaw if you like, and if it causes problems during Leafbare we can discuss whether you should end things with him or not, or else we can talk next Newleaf about whether or not to adjust the code, once we have more experience of what it could be like without that rule.”

Thistlepaw hardly dared to breathe. He could be with Brokenpaw openly? Until Newleaf? It seemed far too good to be true. “Are you sure?”

“I’m not sure about anything right now,” Cinderpelt huffed in amusement. “But with some curiosity, and faith in each other… Maybe we can figure something out together.”

Chapter Text

“Sagewhisker!”

Sagewhisker managed not to flinch, turning calmly around to face the Shadowclan leader charging towards her. She’d been expecting a reaction like this, once the others found out about her visit.

“Did you tell Cinderpelt to disregard the wisdom of all medicine cats who came before?!” Raggedstar growled. Leopardstar was at his side, glaring at Sagewhisker.

“Quite the opposite,” Sagewhisker mewed. “I gave her more information about their experiences, so that she could better learn from them.”

“You implied that the medicine cat code is flawed,” Leopardstar thrust her muzzle forward. “That Starclan is flawed.”

“You make generous assumptions of me.” Sagewhisker replied dryly. “I simply told her that the code is made by living cats trying their best. Surely you, of all cats, wouldn’t argue that the clans should see their ancestors as perfect in life as well as death?”

Leopardstar shifted uncomfortably. Raggedstar narrowed his eyes.

“You’ve started the clans down a slippery slope. If they start questioning the rules we set before them in life, how much longer before they question our council in death? Before they give up faith in Starclan completely, and turn on each other, becoming no better than a bunch of rogues?”

“Change has come to Silverclan,” Sagewhisker mewed darkly. “It exists because of change. Is defined by change. Will continue do face change for moons to come. Surely not all of that change has to be strictly dire? Can’t some changes be made to increase the happiness of surviving clanmates, rather than only when necessary to prevent everyone’s death?”

“Where’s the Sagewhisker who made Yellowfang disown her own son?” Raggedstar snarled.

“I am the cat who remembers what came of that decision. That rule in the medicine cat code didn’t stop Yellowfang from seeing you, much as I may question her judgement. What it did prevent, was properly addressing what to do with her kit when he was born. It stopped us from having some procedure in place, to ensure that her kit and the clan as a whole could both be cared for.”

“So what? The sacrifices of all medicine cats past mean nothing?” Leopardstar lashed her tail. “If that rule needed to go away it wouldn’t have been made in the first place!”

“As a medicine cat, I think I would know better than either of you that we aren’t infallible.” Sagewhisker stared, challenging, at the two leaders. “The sacrifices of the past exist to inform present cats. And with what I’ve seen since my death, I don’t think the lesson to take away from medicine cats’ sacrifices is “We suffered so our descendants should too”.”

Chapter Text

“Sootpaw. Step forward.”

Sorrelpaw watched as her brother padded reverently up to the tumble of rocks, tail sticking up in excitement.

“Do you swear to uphold the warrior code, protecting your clanmates, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do.”

“From this day forward you will be known as Sootfur. Starclan honors your patience and compassion.”

Sorrelpaw managed not to snort. If any cat deserved to be called patient at their warrior ceremony it would be her, if she ever did become a warrior.

“Rainpaw. Step forward.”

Rainpaw strutted up as Sootfur slipped back into the crowd.

“Do you swear to uphold the warrior code, protecting your clanmates, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do.”

“From this day forward you will be known as Rainwhisker. Starclan honors your wit and courage.”

Rainwhisker puffed out his chest, lingering in the center of camp for a moment before going to join his brother.

“Sootfur! Rainwhisker! Sootfur! Rainwhisker!”

Sorrelpaw yowled louder than anyone else, trying to make herself feel some of the enthusiasm in her voice. She was happy that her brothers were warriors now, wasn’t she? She felt guilty about how strong the feelings of bitterness were within her. With a pang she realized she was lucky that her littermates had even lived long enough to become warriors. Tawnypelt wasn’t so lucky. Somehow, rather than making her feel grateful, that thought just caused her to spiral further into guilt and anger. Why did Bloodclan have to destroy the clans? Why did it have to happen when she was a kit?

Why did she have to put off her warrior name to raise a bunch of kits?

Sorrelpaw was looking around her, trying to tell herself to be grateful for every living clanmate she saw. In an awkward moment she met Thistlepaw’s gaze, where he had already been watching her in concern. She looked down, not wanting to face his pity.

A dull but powerful pain rippled through her belly. She’d been ignoring waves of discomfort like it all morning, not wanting to cause a panic on her brothers’ big day, but this one took her breath away.

As she curled in on herself in pain she heard Thistlepaw calling to Cinderpelt. Cats pressed in around her, suffocating her as they tried to check what was wrong. Then Cinderpelt pushed through, waving them away with her tail. “I swear, every time anyone has kits the whole clan acts like they’ve never seen it before!”

When the wave passed Sorrelpaw allowed Thistlepaw to guide her back to the nursery, settling into a nest and just starting to think maybe it was a false alarm when another ripple tore through her.

Cinderpelt gave her poppy seeds and a stick to bite into, then took turns with Thistlepaw keeping Sorrelpaw company as she labored into the night.

Chapter Text

Sorrelpaw stared numbly at her kits.

She knew she was supposed to feel happy. Glowing with joy. Marveling at those tiny scraps of fur tugging at her belly.

She was supposed to feel love.

But all she could feel was a hollow exhaustion.

Cinderpelt glanced at her nervously. “Do you want me to let in Tanglepaw?”

A flash of irritation overwhelmed her numbness. Tanglepaw. The tom who put her here. Who had delayed her warrior name for who knew how many moons more.

Who couldn’t even wait for her kits to be born before falling over his tail at the sight of Chaospaw.

“No, he has nothing to say to me. Or my kits.”

Cinderpelt looked concerned, but nodded. “Alright. I’ll let you get some rest.”

Sorrelpaw shifted. She was so tired, but with the kits gnawing on her she couldn’t get comfortable. A fresh wave of anger washed over her as she remembered how excited Tanglepaw had been about the kits. About naming them together with her. Even after he started seeing Chaospaw he still wouldn’t leave her alone, constantly trying to bring her food or apologize, as if he could just bounce back and forth between she-cats, taking whichever one would have him.

In a fit of passion she tapped each little head decisively.

“Willowkit. Sandkit. Brindlekit.”

Chapter Text

Brokenpaw padded over to Tanglepaw, who was staring blankly at an untouched mouse.

“Are you gonna eat, or are you waiting for a sign from Starclan?” Brokenpaw mewed jokingly.

Tanglepaw started. “Sorry, I just… Sorrelpaw named the kits.”

“Oh,” Brokenpaw glanced at his paws awkwardly. “That’s… nice. What did she name them?”

“She named them without me.”

“Uh… yeah? That’s how naming kits works?”

Tanglepaw shook his head. “No, in Thunderclan the mother chooses the names together with her mate. Sorrelpaw said she would let me name some of them.”

“Yeah, that was before you got together with Chaospaw.”

Tanglepaw flinched, and Brokenpaw suddenly noticed how miserable he looked. “I know, I don’t blame her. It’s more like I’m just now realizing how badly I messed up. It was already bad enough that Sorrelpaw was mad at me, but she’s also not letting me see the kits. I didn’t even think about the fact that by losing my relationship with her I was also losing the chance to have one with my kits.”

“I’m sorry,” Bokenpaw sat down next to his littermate, pressing against him to offer comfort. He couldn’t think of anything to say to make things better, so they simply sat in silence.

Brightstar called a meeting, but when Tanglepaw didn’t make any move to join the crowd Brokenpaw stayed with him at the edge of the hollow.

“We know that the Bloodclan cat might have followed Thistlepaw to Barley’s farm,” Brightstar’s voice carried across camp. “But it’s been many days since then. And with new mouths we need more food. So I’m sending a hunting patrol to the farm, but I want them to stay low, be quiet, and get in and out as quickly as possible. Understood?”

Brokenpaw saw the gathering ripple as the cats all nodded in agreement.

“Alright. Any volunteers?”

Brokenpaw’s paws itched to go on such an exciting mission, but Tanglepaw was still staring forlornly at the ground. He couldn’t leave his brother alone like this.

“Can I lead the patrol?” Brokenpaw growled as he heard Rainwhisker’s voice. The gray cat had only just been made a warrior and already he thought he could lead a patrol?

“Unfortunately no,” Brightstar mewed with far more patience than Brokenpaw would’ve shown. “You’re a new warrior, and for your first time leading a patrol I’d rather it was a less dangerous one. Tawnypelt, would you lead?”

Tawnypelt assented, and within moments had some four or five cats all clamoring to go. She only picked two, since a larger patrol would more likely be spotted, and the clan meeting was dismissed.

As the cats filed away Thistlepaw bounded up, tail stiff with excitement. “Brokenpaw! I didn’t get to tell you earlier, great news!”

Brokenpaw glanced at his miserable littermate. “Thistlepaw, I think maybe now isn’t the time to talk about it.”

Chapter Text

Dusk circled the bush one more time. She was sure the cats had passed through here, but she wasn’t picking up any scent.

She’d caught sight of the three cats leaving the farm, slinking low to the ground and carrying away mice. She watched their progress until they passed out of sight before following, to make sure they didn’t hear or smell her, but now she couldn’t pick up their trail.

Dusk paused, thinking about the attack a few months prior. Was Retch killed not by rebels, but by these outsiders? At that scene, too, she hadn’t been able to pick up any cat scent. Instead there was a strong smell of wild onion.

She couldn’t detect any wild onion out here, but she started sniffing more exploratively. Looking not for any particular scent, but drinking in all the scents over the ground. After a while, and more walking in circles, she picked up a sharp plant smell that seemed to be following the same path that those cats had taken. Triumph flaring in her chest, she followed it.

Chapter Text

Moth hopped down from the bank and stared at the cat in the hollow underneath.

Easily twice as big as any normal cat, with long brown and white fur, she looked incredibly cramped hiding under the tree roots with Purple-orange.

“Rose-gray, this is Cranberry-Gold. She’s another friend I made recently.”

“Oh,” Moth mewed in shock. “Nice to meet you Cranberry-Gold.”

Cranberry-Gold dipped her head. “It’s good to meet you too. Really, to meet anyone who isn’t immediately afraid of me or trying to use me as a weapon.”

Moth glanced at Purple-orange. Would Cranberry-Gold feel betrayed when she found out what the real purpose of this “friend group” was?

Purple-orange flicked her ear. “Cranberry-Gold… may already know about what we do as friends. She actually sought me out. We weren’t planning to even try recruiting her, since she’s been doing pretty well for herself the way things are.”

Cranberry-Gold snorted. “Only as well as I’d do in any group of cats apparently. I’m left in peace to find food and explore the forest because Scourge's lackeys are too scared to attack me. But I would be intimidating no matter what society I landed in. And I don’t like being surrounded by starving, terrified cats.”

Purple-orange nodded. “She caught me meeting with someone else and asked to join. Apparently she’d heard rumors of a rebelling group, and wants to join us in making Bloodclan a lot less… horrible.”

“’Rumors’”, Cranberry-Gold’s whiskers twitched with amusement. “Brick and Bone cornered me and flat-out begged me to help Scourge kill a bunch of “pesky” rebels. I told them what I’ve said every other time someone tried to convince me to join Scourge’s inner circle: I’d rather keep to myself than torment strangers for no reason.”

“Wait, they asked you to join the inner circle?” Purple-orange’s gaze sharpened with interest.

“Yeah, and I refused. Because I’m not evil.”

“But what if you agreed? And you told us what Scourge was up to?”

Cranberry-Gold hesitated. “I hadn’t thought of that…”

“What if she’s found out?” Moth mewed in concern.

“True, it would be risky if you did this,” Purple-orange dipped her head. “But it could also be very helpful to the resistance.”

Cranberry-Gold thought for a moment.

But only a moment.

“Yeah, I’ll do it.”

Chapter Text

“Ashfur, Dawncloud, could you meet me in the Leader’s den?”

Looking at each other uncertainly the two elders followed Brightstar. Once everyone was settled the leader mewed hopefully “Cloudkit is ready to be apprenticed any day now. I know it’s only been a few days, but would either of you?”

“No,” Dawncloud mewed.

“Starclan no,” Ashfur mewed.

Brightstar deflated. “I understand, it’s just…”

“I am honored to be one of your first choices,” Dawncloud mewed gently. “But I’m old. Ashfur’s old. We can still mentor if it’s really necessary, but this time around there are younger cats available for the job.”

“What about Tawnypelt?” Ashfur mewed. “It could be six moons before Sorrelpaw is out of the nursery.”

Brightstar shook her head wryly. “Tawnypelt preemptively told me that she’s Sorrelpaw’s mentor, and will be only Sorrelpaw’s mentor until the day her apprentice becomes a warrior.”

“I don’t think Marge would be a good choice,” Dawncloud mewed thoughtfully. “She works hard, but needs more time to hone her own hunting and fighting skills.”

“Yeah, she’s terrible at both,” Ashfur snorted.

Dawncloud shoved him in a mix of annoyance and amusement. “I’m sure you’d love it if I went around talking about how slow you are nowadays.”

“Maybe Sootfur? Or Rainwhisker?” Brightstar said uncertainly.

Ashfur regarded her skeptically. “Neither of them has even led a patrol yet. Give them a heartbeat to get used to the responsibilities of being warriors before you shove an apprentice at them!”

“Nefretiti could be good,” Dawncloud licked her paw. “Nefretiti was very patient with Thistlepaw, while he was training as a warrior. And Nib’s been spending a lot of time since watching training sessions, studying the ways in which clan cats mentor our apprentices.”

Ashfur nodded. “I’ve heard Nefretiti talking about wanting to be prepared, if Silverclan needs Neb to mentor again.”

Brightstar shifted uncomfortably. “I know, but Nefretiti is… Well, not a clan cat.”

“I wouldn’t think Cloudtail’s mate would worry about cat’s being clanborn,” Ashfur mewed.

“It’s not that,” Brightstar hastily said. “It’s that Nefretiti’s been in a clan for such a short time. Nib never even saw what the clans were like before the Battle.”

“But you could say the same for Brenadine and Princess,” Dawncloud tilted her head. “And you gave them Minnowpaw and Puddlepaw to mentor.”

“Yes, but Cloudkit, she’s… I mean…”

“She’s your daughter.” Ashfur finished for Brightstar.

Brightstar winced. She hated to admit it, but she did feel more strongly about Cloudkit’s mentor than the previous Silverclan kits. She felt like as leader she should view all cats equally, but she couldn’t help being especially concerned for the wellbeing of her daughter.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting what’s best for your kit,” Dawncloud mewed gently. “But we need to think clearly about what is best, given what we can actually do. Sure it would be great for her to be trained by an experienced, skilled warrior who has a long-standing familiarity with clan life and values. But all of those warriors are dead. What we have is Silverclan: Elders, kits, rogues and kittypets. All working together to do our best. Your choices are to order an unwilling elder to mentor her, which we would resent you for. Or give her to a sunrise-fresh warrior who only just finished being an apprentice himself. Or to a cat who can barely handle warrior duties without training an apprentice. Or to Nefretiti, who has some mentoring experience, however little, and is actively seeking ways to better prepare for a future apprentice.”

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw bounded up to Brokenpaw. “How’d the assessment go?”

Brokenpaw sighed. “We didn’t do it. Tanglepaw asked if it was our final assessment and when they said it was, he told them he couldn’t go through with it ‘cause he needs to wait until Sorrelpaw gets her warrior name. So I gotta wait till she gets it too.”

“Oh. I mean, it’s not too late to change your mind about waiting on Tanglepaw.”

“Yeah, but I’d still rather stay an apprentice than be a warrior without him. And it is the right thing for him to do, I guess.”

“Well… anyway,” Thistlepaw shuffled his forepaws in the dust. “Do you want to hear my good news now?”

“Yeah, sure!” Brokenpaw brightened slightly.

Thistlepaw led him to the side, where they could talk somewhat privately. “Cinderpelt wanted to talk with me about a dream she got from Starclan, and we might change the medicine cat code!”

“Really?” Brokenpaw leaned forward in interest. “Which part will you change?”

“She’s gonna let me be with you through Leafbare, and if I can make it through harsh times with a mate and not mess up my medicine cat duties we’ll change the code to let medicine cats have mates!”

Brokenpaw leaned in close and whispered “Didn’t we already decide we were gonna be together anyway?”

“Yeah,” Thistlepaw playfully headbutted Brokenpaw. “But now we can be together without sneaking around! Until Newleaf!”

Chapter Text

“Minnowpaw! What are you doing?”

Minnowpaw flinched. “These twigs are really straight and flexible, they’d be great for patching up dens.”

“Our dens don’t need patching right now,” Brenadine mewed in exasperation. “Our clanmates need feeding. Come on, this is a hunting patrol.”

“But there are damp spots in the warrior’s den, which means leaks!”

“There aren’t a lot of warriors in Silverclan, Minnowpaw. We can just sleep in the parts of the den that aren’t leaking right now.”

Minnowpaw looked at the ground, rolling the twigs with her paw. “But… it’s still good to have the supplies, in case we need them… can we come back for these?”

Brenadine gave a hefty sigh. “No, I want you focused on hunting prey. Not remembering where you left some bendy sticks.”

“I don’t have to focus on it,” Minnowpaw protested. “I could set up a marker. Look, there are pebbles around, I could stack them and-”

“Come on, Minnowpaw,” Brenadine’s tail lashed. “I appreciate how eager you were to help with setting up the dens and nests in the new camp, but we don’t need them to be perfect! Just good enough to keep everyone from getting sick. There’s a reason they describe warrior duties as hunting and fighting, not homemaking!”

Minnowpaw’s tail drooped, but she stopped arguing and followed her mentor. She appreciated Brenadine, and had learned a lot from her, but she was never more excited than when she was working with twigs, bracken, and straw, trying to build stable roofs or warm nests. It hurt that her mentor saw that as busywork at best, and a distraction from her real responsibilities at worst.

Her heart wasn’t really in the hunting, but she did manage to help Brenadine catch a squirrel.

Back at camp she was going to vent about her patrol to Puddlepaw, until she saw Sorrelpaw, Bootpaw, and Chaospaw chatting by the nursery, heads close together. Sorrelpaw had always seemed too worldly and mature for Minnowpaw, hanging out mostly with the older apprentices, but if she was spending time with apprentices even younger than Minnowpaw surely the young Riverclan cat could join in?

Padding over to the group she mewed softly “What’re you talking about?”

Sorrelpaw glanced at her, tail twitching in excitement. “I found our next test of courage!”

Minnowpaw felt like prey was lodged in her throat. “Didn’t Cinderpelt tell us we couldn’t do that anymore? Like, it’s not just against the rules but dangerous?”

“Yeah,” Sorrelpaw swiped a paw over her ear. “But clearly she meant tests of courage in Bloodclan. And yeah, it was mouse-brained of us to go there. But this test would be far away from Scourge’s territory.”

“Where?”

“In the twolegplace out past Barley's farm. You know the greenleaf fire-rain night?”

“I… think so? Like when it’s really loud and we see bright lights over twolegplace?”

Sorrelpaw nodded. “When it happened last moon, I heard the same noises coming from the direction of Barley's farm, which means the twolegplace past there also gets fire-rain.”

“Is fire-rain part of this test of courage?”

“Exactly! The test is you climb up a tree super close to twolegplace, and you have to hang onto a branch near the big loud noises watching the fire. It’s actually the most fun test, the fire-rain can be really pretty if you’re looking.”

Minnowpaw licked her chest, not wanting Sorrelpaw to think she was boring but still feeling a little worried. “You’re sure it’s safe?”

“Well, much safer than the test you went on,” Sorrelpaw mewed wryly. “And Bootpaw and Chaospaw haven’t gotten to do a test! So this is perfect!”

Minnowpaw heard plaintive mews start up in the nursery. Sorrelpaw let out a heavy sigh. “My kits are up, probably hungry again. Just… don’t tell Brighstar, please.”

Minnowpaw started. “Oh no, of course not!”

Sorrelpaw seemed relieved, but her excitement was gone as she padded back into the nursery.

Chapter Text

“Echo! Help!”

Echo sprinted out of her den, running to meet Sharpclaw and Cherrypaw at the base of the canyon as they supported Patchfoot between them.

“What happened?” She mewed anxiously.

“We were out hunting like normal,” Cherrypaw gasped. “And then-”

“Rats.” Sharpclaw interrupted her. Cherrypaw looked annoyed. “There were at least five of them, but they moved as one. Surrounded us and jumped Patchfoot before we could do anything. It was all we could do to get them off him and get away.”

“Do you remember where this is?” Leafdapple padded forward, regarding Patchfoot with worry. “We should mark the area, and steer clear of it to be safe.”

“Of course, I was just about to say that.” Sharpclaw’s voice was smooth but his hackles rose slightly. He had a habit of interpreting suggestions as commands. And he hated commands. “But we should wait until the rats are asleep to do it.”

“Good idea,” Leafdapple nodded. Turning to Echo she mewed “Do you need anything from me?”

Echo shook herself. “Burdock root. We need… Wait, you wouldn’t know what it looks like. Clean Patchfoot’s wounds. Cherrypaw, get some moss and soak it for him.”

Leafdapple nodded and Cherrypaw darted off, clearly relieved to have something to do. Echo sprinted back to her den, gathering up cobwebs and burdock root. Burdock is best, when it comes to rat bites. If only she’d paid more attention! She knew where some was growing, but because she hadn’t seen any rats around she’d only harvested a few tiny shoots. She should’ve known from the emphasis Spottedleaf put on the herb that they would need it.

She mixed a poultice and applied what little root she had to the deepest rat bite, nearest Patchfoot’s neck. Then after binding his wounds in cobweb she hared off up the gorge.

“Wait!” Sharpclaw called after her. Bounding up to her side he puffed “You don’t know where the rats are. And there might be more of them. You can’t go off on your own.”
“Fine,” Echo flicked her tail dismissively. “Come with me then. You can help carry the roots.”

By nightfall Patchfoot’s wounds were adequately treated, and he was settled in Echo’s nest. Cherrypaw took initiative and roped Sparrowpaw into helping her scrape together a second nest for the medicine den. Just as Echo was trying to calm her nerves and fall asleep, a silhouette appeared in the entrance.

“Yes, Rainfur?”

Rainfur stepped sheepishly in, ducking his head sympathetically. “I heard what happened to Patchfoot. Will he be alright?”

“I think so, with proper care.” Echo tried to sound more calm than she felt. This was her first time treating such serious wounds. It scared her how much blood the warrior had lost.

“Without him… without Skyclan… My mate and our kits would be dead right now.”

“Like I said, it was our pleasure to help. Saving kits in need is an important part of clan values.”

Rainfur drew himself up. “I talked it over with Petal today. We’re joining Skyclan.”

Chapter Text

Cloudkit squirmed under her mother’s tongue. “Can’t you just call the meeting already? I wanna know who my mentor is!”

Brightstar purred. “I’ve seen enough apprenticing ceremonies, complete with mothers rushing to clean their kits as the meeting starts. I’m not calling the meeting until I know you’re presentable.”

“I mean, isn’t it sort of a tradition though?” Stoatfeather’s whiskers twitched in amusement as she paused grooming her own daughter. “For kits to be embarrassingly disheveled when they become apprentices?”

Cloudkit and Gorsekit shared a moment of rolling their eyes. Cloudkit felt a surge of warmth for her denmate, glad that she’d insisted on waiting half a moon so that they could be apprenticed together. It would be a lot more fun having such a big day if there was someone to share her excitement.

Finally Brightstar had determined that every single one of Cloudkit’s hairs was in place, and bounded to the top of the rock pile. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

As a crowd flowed into the space in front of Cloudkit, she caught Gorsekit’s eye. Feeling a surge of mischief she scuffed her paw in the dust, then vigorously rubbed her head, mussing the fur and coating it in dust.

Gorsekit gasped in shock, then after glancing around did the same.

“Cloudkit. Step forward.”

Cloudkit felt a flash of guilt as Brightstar’s eye widened in deep dismay. She hadn’t realized it was that important to her mother that she look nice. She just thought it would be funny…

“Nefretiti,” Cloudkit’s ears pricked with interest. She hadn’t expected to get the most unique cat in Silverclan as her mentor!

“Will you pass down your skills to Cloudkit, and instruct her in the ways of our warrior ancestors?”

Nefretiti dipped the head. “I will.”

“Cloudkit. From this day forward until your warrior name, you will be known as Cloudpaw. Touch noses with your mentor.”

Cloudpaw bounded up, accidentally slamming her nose into Nefretiti’s. But the bald cat seemed more amused than injured as the two moved to the side.

“Gorsekit. Step forward.”

To Cloudpaw’s surprise, Brightstar herself jumped down to stand in front of Gorsekit. “I will do my best to teach you the skills of a warrior, and the ways of our warrior ancestors.”

The two touched noses, and all around her cats yowled “Cloudpaw! Gorsepaw! Cloudpaw! Gorsepaw!”

Gorsepaw ran over to Cloudpaw as Brightstar jumped back up to dismiss the clan.

“No fair,” Cloudpaw hissed as she nudged Gorsepaw. “You got the leader as your mentor?”

“You got the leader as your mother.” Gorsepaw tackled Cloudpaw. “Learn to share the spotlight why don’t you?”

“Fighting training doesn’t start for a few more days,” Cloudpaw wriggled out from under Gorsepaw at the sound of her mother’s voice.

“Unless,” A teasing light entered Brightstar’s eye. “You two were already playing?”

“No! Never!” Cloudpaw exclaimed, horrified.

“That’s kit stuff!” Gorsepaw added fervently. “Our playing days are done!”

Chapter Text

“Need any help?”

Sorrelpaw blinked, trying and failing to dislodge the weariness clouding her thoughts. “No, I’m fine. I don’t need anything.”

Usually that worked to get clanmates to leave her alone, but to her surprise Marge only pushed further into the nursery. “I don’t think that’s true,” She said softly.

“Well it is!” Sorrelpaw snapped. She already had enough to deal with, without also placating her clanmates.

Marge curled up around Sorrelpaw, licking her head gently. Sorrelpaw wanted to squirm away, but felt herself melting into the older cat’s fur, like she hadn’t been able to since her kithood.

Since Bloodclan attacked.

“I was a few months younger than you. When I had my first litter.”

Sorrelpaw started in surprise. “How?”

“In Bloodclan, the only relationship you’re allowed to have is with a mate. And only then so long as it takes you to have and wean a litter of kits.”

“That’s awful!”

Marge’s voice was mournful. “It’s… not great. When I had my litter, my mate at the time left as soon as I gave birth. And… I was too young. Far too young. I couldn’t love my kits the way they deserved, and I thought it would be pointless to try. Since they would be taken away at two months anyway. I kept alive the ones I could, and told myself that was enough. But now I realize the love that they missed when they were little must have only made it harder for them to endure the loneliness of Bloodclan.”

Sorrelpaw sighed. “I know, my kits are a gift from Starclan, and I should appreciate them for that, no matter how-”

“That’s not my point.”

Sorrelpaw turned her head to look at Marge curiously.

“They are a gift from Starclan, yes, and they deserve all the love in the world. But what I’m saying is it’s not your fault if you can’t give it to them. It just means you need help. And… I wanted to tell you. I’m happy to help. Loving kits, looking after them… it’s the only thing I seem to really do well here. And it’s important to me, both that your kits get the love they deserve and that you have your needs met.”

Sorrelpaw looked at the ground, ears burning with shame. She didn’t deserve this level of gentle understanding. What kind of monster was she, if she couldn’t love her own kits?

“Go take a nap in the apprentice den,” Marge gave Sorrelpaw’s ear a final lick. “I’ll stay here to keep your kits warm, and fetch you when they get hungry.”

Chapter Text

“Rainfur! Petalnose! Mintkit! Sagekit!”

Before Echo could dismiss the clan Rockkit, Bouncekit, and Tinykit rushed to congratulate their now official denmates. Clovertail’s kits had been ecstatic to find out that Mintkit and Sagekit were staying, already very attached to the younger kits even though they were still a little too stunted to play. Echo purred, filling with warmth at the site of their innocent joy. “Clan dismissed.”

It wasn't long, however, before her joy was replaced with anxiety. She’d scoured the territory to make sure she knew the locations of as many burdock plants as possible, and harvest a moderate amount of root from each like Spottedleaf had taught her, to encourage regrowth without weakening the plant and killing it. But she had a horrible feeling that the rat attack was only the start of something much worse. Something that could tear Skyclan apart before it had a chance to come together.

If only they had a leader. Spottedleaf had assured her that Starclan would send her a sign when the time was right, but if that sign didn’t come soon how could Skyclan hope to face the challenges ahead? Already with only one injured cat Echo hadn’t been able to pay any attention at all to the daily running of the clan. Duties that would normally fall on the leader or deputy.

She settled into her nest with a sigh, Patchfoot sleeping peacefully nearby. Maybe she should just use her own judgement, name a leader and get it over with? Sharpclaw had been a lot of help recently, he was very good at making sure everyone had something to do. It seemed whenever Echo stepped out of her den he was organizing another patrol. But something about him made her uneasy, he seemed rather quick to anger, was that a quality Skyclan could handle in its first leader?

With a weary sigh Echo slipped into a troubled sleep.

Chapter Text

Stoatfeather glanced up at Marge’s approach. She sighed inwardly, guessing that the white she-cat was going to ask why she hadn’t been assigned to a patrol. She really didn’t interact with Marge much, but for a while now she’d been holding back the former rogue in camp most days. She’d send her on patrols to check for Bloodclan scent near their territory, or to watch for the rebels’ messenger, but it seemed easier for everyone if she wasn’t put on anyone’s hunting patrol. Stoatfeather may not have known Marge well, but she did know that if she were in Marge’s paws she would be very offended.

“Stoatfeather. We need to talk.”

Stoatfeather blinked. This stern, matter-of-fact air was very different from the way Marge usually held herself, especially around her deputy and leader.

She must really be angry.

Stoatfeather nodded and led her to a spot where they could speak privately. “Before you say anything, you should know I’m just looking out for what’s best for the clan, as is-”

“I won’t be going out on patrol. Not for the next moon at least.”

Stoatfeather stared. “What?”

Marge blinked, stumbling over herself as some of her usual nervousness returned. “I mean, it’s not that I want to stop working! I… I noticed you stopped sending me on hunting patrols. And I understand, I’m more trouble than I’m worth out there. But I think… I know I’ve found a way to actually be of use here.”

Stoatfeather flicked her tail in irritation. “You know, it’s supposed to be my job to find your use.”

Marge straightened up, clearly trying her best to look confident rather than terrified. “Maybe so. But Sorrelpaw’s too young for kits. We all know this, yet no one cat has the space to actually help her. Her kits deserve as much attention as any other litter, and she doesn’t deserve to have all of the responsibility for that at her age. So instead of trying to hunt or fight, for right now I’m going to focus only on helping her.”

Stoatfeather blinked. She was offended that Marge was so confidently telling her what she was going to do. But part of her was also impressed by the she-cat’s uncharacteristic conviction.

“We’d better run it by Brightstar,” She growled begrudgingly.

Chapter Text

Tadpole wrinkled his nose, then shoved his head through the collar.

He should have felt some connection to his mother, since she used to be a housecat, but this was different. A twisted inversion of what it meant to have a home.

Pushed through two holes on either side of the buckle were some fish bones. Bone had said that the ratio was important to get right: You wanted some bits of bone or tooth to show your status, but as a fresh addition to Scourge's inner circle you didn’t want to come off as thinking you were a big deal. Tadpole had gathered five bones, one of which was probably too fragile to go in the collar anyway, but after gnawing two holes in it his jaw ached too much to keep going. Hopefully he was pretty much done growing. The collar was loose now but if he got much bigger he wouldn’t be able to pull it off and add more bones.

Or else he might slowly choke to death, but he preferred not to think about that.

He tried to ignore Tigerstar’s annoyed growls in his ear, telling him to finish the job. The ghost’s training had been of immeasurable help in the past, but if Tadpole was really going to find his place in Bloodclan he needed to make some decisions for himself.

He pushed back into main camp and paused, pelt spiking with worry as he saw a large crowd gathered. Pushing near the front, though, he saw with relief that the cat in the middle wasn’t Hawk or Moth. Instead she was a large, larger than Tadpole had ever seen, gray-brown and white cat with odd markings.

“Oh, Frida,” Scourge sighed dramatically. “And here I thought you’d finally come to your senses.”

“Who’s to say I haven’t?” Frida’s voice was casual, but her fur rippled uneasily along her spine.

“Well, Bone for starters,” Scourge nodded to the large white cat. “Why don’t you share with everyone where you’ve been?”

Bone stepped forward, narrowing his eyes at the giant she-cat. “Scourge sent me to keep an eye on you, just in case. I didn’t want to think bad of you, but it was an awful fast change of heart you had. And I saw you meet with another cat. Tell him everything you’d heard at main camp that day.”

Scourge rounded his eyes innocently. “You see, Frida, I want to give you the benefit of the doubt, but this does look very bad, doesn’t it?”

Frida shifted uncomfortably.

“As a gesture of goodwill, why don’t you tell us who you were speaking to? Where we can find him? If I could just speak with him, clear this whole thing up, I’m sure we’d all know it was one big misunderstanding.”

Frida flicked an ear. “Sorry, I don’t remember. You know how bad I am with names.”

Scourge sighed. “I really didn’t want to do this, but you leave me no choice.” Nodding to the side he mewed briskly “Brick. Now’s your chance to make up for past… disappointments.”

Brick took one step forward, eyeing the massive cat in front of him nervously.

Scourge clicked his tongue. “I understand, she would’ve been quite the asset if she had any sense. A few other cats may help you, if they like.”

Tadpole felt tension ripple through him. As Brick looked around the circle all the other cats looked away, none of them wanted to fight such a fearsome cat. But for Tadpole…

This could be another chance to prove himself.

“I’ll help,” He stepped forward. He had a small hope that others would be galvanized by his action to volunteer as well, but as he suspected no one else spoke up.

“How very kind of you,” Scourge’s eyes glittered with amusement. “All right, I have the greatest faith in both of you.”

“Kill her.”

Tadpole’s blood froze. He tried to tell himself it was no big deal, he’d already killed before. It’d be just like last time.

But then he remembered last time.

He was shaken out of his thoughts by shrieks splitting the air, as Frida battled Brick. A lot of good volunteering would do him if he didn’t actually do anything.

Tadpole leaped on Frida’s back, but was soon dislodged. She cuffed powerful blows over his ears, stunning him. He tried to swipe at her while still dazed, and she dodged it easily. Brick fastened his teeth in her hind leg, but she kicked him aside. As Tadpole tried to move into a flanking position, she bunched up her legs, then leaped high over his head.

He whirled around, expecting her to pummel him from behind, but instead she was fleeing.

“Stop her!” Scourge yowled in outrage. But the watching cats were already parting like water before her. One of them took a half-hearted swipe at her shoulder as she passed.

Tadpole raced after her, blood pounding in his ears. If he tried to impress Scourge and failed, it would be far worse than never trying at all. Yet no matter how fast he ran, Frida kept drawing further ahead. Her longer legs gave her more and more ground, until they reached a road. She darted across it ahead of a long line of cars, one of which honked as it barely missed her. Tadpole skidded to a stop, waiting for an opening to safely cross.

But by the time the cars cleared, Frida was nowhere to be found.

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw looked up as the hunting patrol returned, carrying a few mice with them. As he bounded forward to greet Brokenpaw Rainwhisker stalked by, shoving Thistlepaw with his shoulder as he passed. Thistlepaw glanced at Brokenpaw curiously. “What’s up with him?”

Brokenpaw rolled his eyes. “The Great Warrior Rainwhisker is mad that his first time leading a patrol didn’t go perfectly.”

Thistlepaw glanced at the fresh-kill pile behind him. “But you brought back prey. Maybe not a lot of it, but it’s enough to help.”

“Yeah, but he wanted to bring back the most fresh kill out of any patrol. Shame on us for failing because of some little thing like how much prey is actually out there.”

Thistlepaw shook his head in amusement. “Of course if you were a warrior you’d be much more mature.”

Brokenpaw sniffed. “At least I’d know not to take it out on my clanmates.”

Suddenly Ravenpaw burst into camp, breathing heavily. “We have a hurt cat at the farm! She seems to be with the rebels!”

Cats swarmed out of the dens, murmuring in confusion and excitement. Cinderpelt limped over, regarding Thistlepaw carefully. “One of us has to go treat her. You can run faster, and Bloodclan probably already knows about your connection to the farm.”

“Ok,” Thistlepaw nodded briskly. “I’ll grab cobweb and marigold, and you can follow behind to-”

“No,” Cinderpelt shook her head. “I’m saying you should treat her by yourself.”

Thistlepaw’s head spun. “Myself? But, I’ve never treated anyone without you around, I don’t know-”

Cinderpelt laid her tail across his shoulders. “I know you can do this. You’ve been my apprentice for nearly six moons now.” With a more stern tone she added “The most important thing is speed. So get your herbs and get moving!”

Thistlepaw nodded, darting into the medicine den and pulling out bundles of herbs. Glancing at Ravenpaw he mewed “How much is she bleeding?”

“She’s got some moderate scratches, and a really deep bite on her leg.”

Thistlepaw’s fur prickled uneasily. “Rat bite?”
Ravenpaw shook his head. “I think it’s from a cat.”

“Better bring some burdock root, just in case.”

With Ravenpaw’s help Thistlepaw soon had an ample clump of herbs, and the two toms streaked back across the moor. As Thistlepaw’s paws raced, so did his mind. He couldn’t help remembering the last time he had to treat injuries – real injuries, not something like a snagged claw. Heatherwhisker’s blood pooling around them, how he froze in panic when they needed him most. Without Cinderpelt, they probably would have died.

And Cinderpelt wouldn’t be there this time.

Once he got to the farm, Ravenpaw led him to where the injured cat lay in the barn. Barley had piled straw around her, and brought her water-soaked moss while Ravenpaw was gone. To Thistlepaw's surprise, he didn’t feel the world spinning out of control as it had during the rat raid.

He just saw a cat that needed help.

Setting down his herbs he started licking her wounds clean. She tried to talk to him, but he was focusing too hard to hear her at first.

“Sorry,” He mewed, remembering that nest-side manner was also important. “Do I need to be more gentle?”

The other, strangely large, cat purred. “Oh, no, I was just making small talk. Don’t mind me.”

Thistlepaw nodded and resumed work.

He did have a few moments of indecision, trying to determine if the bite marks were definitely too big to be from rat teeth or not. Before realizing he could just ask his patient.

“How did you get injured?”

“Oh, I thought I could spy on Scourge by joining his inner circle, but he saw through it and told some of his cats to kill me.” Cracking a silly grin she added “You should see the other guy.”

Thistlepaw snorted. “Right. So all your injuries are from cats?”

She nodded.

“You should still be careful with the claw scratches,” Barley called from across the barn, where he was huddled in the corner. “It really varies from cat to cat how clean someone’s paws are in Bloodclan.”

Thistlepaw nodded, carefully disinfecting the injuries before binding them with cobweb. He maybe could have rationed his herbs more strictly, but they were still on the edge between Greenleaf and Leaffall, and luckily these herbs at least could be found in the valley around Mothermouth or alongside the thunderpath.

Finally, Cranberry-Gold was treated, and Thistlepaw left Ravenpaw with some herbs to change her dressing with alongside a promise to check back on her in a few days. As he made his way back to camp, he felt his paws dragging with exhaustion. Now that the ordeal was over, he felt the toll of all his anxiety leading up to it. And he started second-guessing his every decision. But at the same time, he had successfully treated an injured cat. Without any help from Cinderpelt.

Chapter Text

Ravenpaw climbed up to the rafters, where Barley was hiding.

“Hey. It’s ok. She’s gonna recover.”

Barley shook his head. “Maybe she will. Maybe she won’t. Maybe, before she has a chance to, Scourge will follow her here and kill her. And you. And me.”

“Oh Barley,” Ravenpaw curled around his mate, licking his ear in the vain hope of reassuring him. “If he tries anything like that, we’ll flee to Silverclan. And they’ll help us sort him out.”

Barley shook his head. “No. Four clans together couldn’t beat him. What chance does one have? I told Firestar that his greatest strength is also his greatest weakness: He doesn’t believe in Starclan. That means he only has one life. But by this point I’m starting to think he’s damn near immortal.”

“Ravenpaw.” Barley’s sudden gravity shook the former clan cat. “If Scourge finds us. If he finds Silverclan… Promise you’ll run away with me. Please. I’ll keep running the rest of my life if I have to, if that’s what it takes to keep you safe.”

Ravenpaw swallowed. “You know I can’t promise that. I may not be a clan cat anymore, but I could never turn my back on them. Not after my closest friends died to keep them alive.”

Barley sighed. “I know, it’s just… I wish you could. I wish we could run away now, and keep running until our paws fell off and we reached that endless expanse of water my friends have told me about. Just keep running, and hoping that Scourge doesn’t catch up.”

Ravenpaw pushed his chin down on Barley’s head, curling up tighter around him. He wished that he could say the right words to banish the loner’s fear. That he could hunt well enough or fight hard enough and make Scourge and any other threats to Barley disappear. But for now, all he could do was try his best to squeeze the terror out of his mate.

Chapter Text

Dusk watched the cats moving around the harsh stone clearing, small shapes in the distance. She counted somewhere between thirty and forty of them, not as large as Bloodclan but certainly big enough that they didn’t want to attack them blind.

They’d learned their lesson about that.

As far as she could tell the dark, red-brown tabby was in charge. She was often found summoning small groups of the cats and directing them to the entrance. But while the skinny shapes followed her orders briskly, their posture betrayed no fear. And once or twice Dusk had even seen her chatting easily with her subordinates while laying out in the sun.

Dusk shifted. She’d have to leave off watching them for the day soon. She tried to avoid spending too much time in any one hiding spot to keep her scent from building up. Her ears pricked, however, as she saw one of the groups padding wearily back into camp. The three cats had a few different pieces of prey among them.

Dusk’s gaze flicked to the leader. Surely she was going to come claim her share before the general rush? She stiffened as she saw a trio of young, tiny cats bounding forward to meet the returning hunters, lunging eagerly at the patrol. They were going to get their pelts clawed off, jumping between so many hungry cats and their prey! Speak nothing of their leader!

She felt her haunches coiling, almost about to leap into the fight herself, but to her shock the hunters only seemed to relax at the sight of this impudence. Although no doubt hungry themselves, they dropped the prey in the middle of the clearing, and Dusk saw several other cats, previously hidden, emerging from dens to claim food. By the time it was all gone only the frailest, smallest, and most pitiful cats had eaten anything.

Dusk huffed. These strange cats had no sense! They were clearly starving, yet apparently none of the hunters had any desire for food. Instead they were feeding only the cats who couldn’t hunt at all. No wonder they’re all so weak, Dusk’s lip curled as she silently padded away.

Chapter Text

Echo marched through the forest, scanning the ground for any yet-unknown patches of herbs. She was going to check the regrowth on some burdock plants, then look for more cobwebs, and then…

She stopped dead, gaze fixed on a leaf. No, on the light dappling across that leaf. Somehow, for a moment, it felt like the most important thing in the world. The only real thing in the world.

Then reality snapped back into focus, and she blinked to clear her head. She continued, mulling over the moment and wondering if she’d just been admiring the beauty of light playing on a surface. She often did that sort of thing.

As she was sniffing some tiny new leaves sprouting out of the mulch it hit her.

Leafdapple.

Joy flooded her from ears to tail-tip as she rushed back to camp, all errands forgotten. Skittering down the path to the ravine she called out eagerly “Clan meeting!”

The cats in camp turned hollow eyes on her, looking nothing like the cheerful band of friends she’d left that morning.

“Did you see them too?” Sharpclaw mewed.

Echo blinked. “Who?”

“Rats,” Rainfur heaved himself to his feet. “I don’t know how many. They flowed into the gorge like water. Drove us to the entrance of the medicine den, and then…”

Leafdapple shook her head, as though she hardly believed her own words. “One of them spoke. It said to leave. Or we’d all die.”

“Or they’d kill us,” Sharpclaw growled, some of his horror fading into anger.

Echo took a shaky breath. Her news suddenly seemed much less important. After all, how much use was a leader to a dead clan?

But she still had to make the announcement.

“Alright, I’ve got one order of business to share first and then we can talk about what to do.”

As cats gathered around Echo declared “This is troubling news we have, but there’s good news as well. Starclan has shown me our leader.”

Some of the cats leaned forward eagerly. Sharpclaw’s eyes gleamed with hunger.

“Leafdapple.”

Leafdapple stared in shock. “Me?! Why?”

Echo hesitated. She hadn’t thought about that. “Because Starclan chose you, that’s why.”

Sharpclaw growled in frustration, but Rainfur cheerfully started to chant “Leafstar! Leafstar!”

“Wait,” Echo mewed hastily. “She has to receive her nine lives first, then she’ll be Leafstar.”

“What about deputy?” Sharpclaw demanded. “Doesn’t she have to choose that before nightfall?”

“Moonhigh,” Echo corrected.

Leafdapple glanced around herself, looking overwhelmed. “Sharpclaw, you’ve been doing a good job so far keeping us all on task. Would you be my deputy?”

“It would be my honor,” Sharpclaw dipped his head.

Echo provided them the correct words to make it official, and then the topic turned to rats.

“Why don’t we just go back to being rogues and housecats?” Sparrowpaw mewed. “Being a clan is great, don’t get me wrong, but they never really had a problem with us before we started living together.”

Clovertail shuddered. “I joined this clan to protect my kits! If staying means they get eaten by rats, maybe it would be best for me to take them and get as far away from here as I can.”

“Don’t do that!” Echo pleaded. But she didn’t have a good argument for why they should stay.

“But if we do split up,” Petalnose mused “How would we know that’s enough for them? Sure, they didn’t attack us before, but now that they’ve noticed us, and know what each of us smells like, who’s to say they wouldn’t hunt us down even after we disbanded?”

Clovertail cried in horror.

“True,” Rainfur conceded. “With how much hate I heard in that lead rat’s voice, it’s possible they have no intention of letting any of us live. They’re only telling us to leave the gorge to divide us up. Make us easier prey.”

Everyone winced at the word “prey”. But prey was what they were.

The debate went long into the night, before Echo sent everyone to bed so that Leafdapple could start her nine lives ceremony. In that time they agreed on very little, barely even consenting to stay together.

Chapter Text

Leafdapple opened her eyes, no longer in the cave of shining moss, but standing in a dense forest. Far denser than the woods around the gorge. Star-studded mist pooled around the trunks, gradually solidifying into the forms of cats. With a start she recognized one.

“Mother?”

Leafdapple’s mother bounded forward, purring as she rubbed against her. “You have no idea how proud I am of you.”

“We are all proud. And grateful.” Leafdapple glanced up at the sound of a new voice.

A mottled gray and white tom was looking at her, head held high as he spoke with authority. “With your patience and compassion, and the gifts that we give you, Skyclan will live once more.”

Leafdapple swallowed back a burst of anxiety. At least until the rats kill us.

“Cloudstar!” The tom stiffened as a voice called. Four powerful cats streaked between the trees, stopping before him.

“We were wrong,” One of them, a red tom, spoke. “To deny you aid in your time of need. There should always have been five clans in the forest.”

“We wish to apologize, and to offer to give the new leader lives. If we may.”

Cloudstar bristled. “We already have cats to give her lives. Skyclan cats. And worthy allies.” A bright orange tom dipped his head respectfully. Softening slightly Cloudstar continued “You may stay to witness the ceremony. And I appreciate your remorse. But it still doesn’t undo the generations of destruction Skyclan suffered.”

“Those four were the other clan leaders, when Skyclan’s first territory was destroyed.” A tortoiseshell she-cat whispered to Leafstar. “They refused to share territory with Skyclan, and drove them out from the forest.”

Leafstar was grateful for the context. Some of the leaders looked like they wanted to protest Cloudstar’s decision, but the red tom dipped his head and mewed “Understood.”

As they padded into the mass of starry cats, Cloudstar stepped forward to meet Leafdapple.

“Do you believe in what’s about to happen?”

Leafdapple hesitated. “I believe Echo, when she says Starclan teaches her through dreams. And this certainly feels like more than a dream.”

“That will have to be enough.” The ancient tom dipped his head, touching his nose to Leafdapple’s forehead.

“I, Cloudstar, was leader to Skyclan in their darkest days. When twolegs destroyed our home, allies turned away, and we were forced to make the hard journey to a new territory. With this life I give you endurance. Use it to strengthen your clan in times of trouble.”

Leafdapple felt a raging storm buffeting her on all sides, threatening to knock her off her paws. Cloudstar stepped back, and as suddenly as it had started the storm stopped.

By the time Leafdapple recovered, her mother was standing in front of her once more.

“With this life I give you love. Use it to nurture and protect your clanmates as you would your own kits.”

Leafdapple leaned forward eagerly, expecting this life to be more pleasant. But instead she felt pain ripping through her, claws on the inside and out, as though she fought with her last breath to protect young lives.

The tortoiseshell cat who’d told her about the other leaders was next. “I, Spottedleaf, lived and died as a Thunderclan cat. But my ancestors were Skyclan, Cloudstar’s young kits who he was forced to leave behind when his clan was banished. With this life I give you healing, use it to bind all wounds caused by words and rivalry in your clan.”

Leafdapple stretched her nose forward cautiously. Would all nine lives be so traumatic? Yet at Spottedleaf’s touch, she felt only peace. Peace that spread outwards from her, calming a storm of angry chattering in her ears.

A light brown tabby took Spottedleaf’s place. “I, Birdflight, was a warrior of Skyclan and mate to Cloudstar when we were driven from the forest. I could not go with my clan, for I had young kits too small to make the journey. Instead I was forced to part with my mate and join Thunderclan. With this life I give you faithfulness. Use it well to hold fast to Clan and kin.”

With her touch longing and determination filled Leafdapple, until she felt her heart crack under the weight. Then Birdflight withdrew.

The orange cat Leafdapple saw earlier stepped up, radiating power yet seeming more tired than the other Starclan cats.

“I, Firestar-” Leafdapple felt a jolt of excitement, recognizing the name of that legendary leader Echo had told them so many tales of. “Was born a kittypet, but given the chance to prove myself as a warrior of Thunderclan. I became leader, and led the four clans in battle against Bloodclan. With this life I give you conviction. Use it to do what you know is right, no matter how hopeless taking action might seem.”

As Firestar touched her forehead Leafdapple felt herself fighting for her life, side by side with clanmates as they were swarmed by teeth and fangs. Felt clanmates falling beside her, and her own strength failing, until Firestar drew away and she snapped back to the present with a gasp.

A dark gray tabby stepped forward. “I, Lowbranch, was Skywatcher’s mother. Though I never lived as a Skyclan cat, my mother passed down knowledge of the warrior code to me, and I to my sons. With this life I give you faith. To trust that even the greatest tragedies can be recovered from.”

Exhausted, Leafdapple expected to be pummeled by yet another grueling experience. But instead she felt a steady warmth filling her, renewing her energy and bringing her hope.

Hope that these rats wouldn’t be the end of their new clan.

Quickly Lowbranch whispered "And tell Skywatcher I couldn't be prouder," before drawing away.

A lighter gray tom, who looked more like Skywatcher, took her place. “I, Twig, was Skywatcher’s brother. With this life I give you strength. Use it to defend your clanmates from all enemies.”

At his touch she felt energy pulsing through her muscles. Energy that lingered even after he drew away.

A light-brown, brindled she-cat took Twig’s place. “I, Pricklenose, was a friend of Lowbranch. I trained Sky and Twig in the skills of a warrior. With this life I give you wisdom, to know when to exert discipline and when to let a cat find things out for themself.”

Grief and uncertainty filled Leafdapple, as though she were watching helplessly as clanmates destroyed themselves from the inside out. She was still blinking away the heartache as Pricklenose stepped back.

A sand-colored tabby now stood before Leafdapple. She glanced to the other cats for encouragement before addressing Leafdapple. “I’m Sandstorm. I was a warrior of Thunderclan. Firestar was my mate. I died in the battle for our forest.” She took a steadying breath, then added “With this life I give you acceptance. Use it to understand that, ultimately, you cannot control any cat. And to be there for your clanmates when they need you, no matter what mouse-brained decisions might have led them there.”

The formidable she-cat was gazing sadly past Leafdapple. Somehow Leafdapple suspected she was saying these words as much for her own benefit as for the new leader’s.

Then she touched Leafdapple’s head with her nose, and all thoughts left her head. Grief and worry filled her, until all she could do was let the waves of it wash over her. But between the waves she felt a fragile, comforting sense of calm.

Sandstorm lifted her nose and hastily backed away, ducking into the crowd. Cloudstar stood in front of Leafdapple once more. “Take these lives we have given you, and use them to serve your clan. No longer are you Leafdapple, but Leafstar. Leader of Skyclan.”

“Leafstar!” Cloudstar threw back his head and yowled.

“Leafstar!” The cats who had given her lives cried.

“Leafstar! Leafstar! Leafstar!” The forest rang with the yowls of countless Starclan cats.

Chapter Text

Fear and excitement pulsed through Dusk as she bounded through Bloodclan, glancing behind her to make sure that the beast was still following.

It was risky, but if she pulled this off she’d be solving the forest dog problem and destroying Scourge’s enemies at the same time.

It was a long way to those cliffs, and as they left the beast’s territory it kept starting to give up the chase. But Dusk would dart back and slash its haunches, enraging it anew.

Finally she was pelting down the slope towards the hidden camp, charging in recklessly before scrabbling up the branch leaning against the cliff. At the top of the branch she was close enough to leap up and haul herself over the edge of the cliff. She turned around eagerly to make sure that the badger had refocused on the startled cats in the clearing. It would have been delightful to watch these interlopers deal with the creature that had killed so many in Bloodclan, but she needed to make sure she was far away by the time any survivors were ready to pursue her. She loped off, trying to put on the speed she’d sustained for so much of her long run across Bloodclan. But already her adrenaline was dissipating, her legs growing heavy and slow.

Pushing through the weariness, she stumble-ran down the moor, the welcome sight of trees gradually approaching.

Then, with a shattering pain, she fell.

Hissing in frustration she saw that she’d fully plunged her foreleg into a small hole without even noticing. What was this, a rabbit hole? It barely even fit around her paw. She hadn’t seen rabbits up close before, no one in Bloodclan had caught one yet, but she was pretty sure they were bigger than that.

She didn’t have time for this. Not if she wanted to get back to Scourge alive. She tugged her leg, but gasped in pain as her paw pulled against the earth. Starting to panic she pulled in a couple different directions, but was always stopped by pangs telling her she was about to make it worse. How could her paw possibly fit going in but not coming out?!

Surprised she heard thundering pawsteps approaching, and started to struggle more fiercely. Come on, tear your paw off if that’s what it takes to get away!

But she couldn’t do it. Even when she told herself she would, the overwhelming pain and a wave of nausea stopped her.

Whatever. I’d probably bleed to death if I tore it off anyway. They’re soft, maybe they’ll just put me out of my misery.

Her blood burned at the thought of simply giving up. Just letting herself die after she’d done so many awful things to stay alive. But before she could think of an alternative her enemies caught up.

There was the scarred orange and white tabby, their leader the red-brown tabby, a few other cats who didn’t stand out as much...

And Thistle.

He stared at her. Eyes hollow, like he’d just suffered a devastating loss. Dusk glanced away, feeling guilty that she’d led death to his friends. He’d seemed kind.

Too kind. Too stupid. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

The cats regarded Dusk grimly. She needed to say something, anything, to end their scornful silence.

“Alright, great news. I was a damn idiot and broke my own leg. Congratulations! You can kill me however you like now. Me, personally, I’m a fan of quick and clean but you’re also free to make me suffer a while first.”

The scarred cat sighed. “Tell me. How many others have you told about us? Does Scourge know?”

“If you answer honestly and helpfully,” The red-brown tabby added acerbically “We’ll grant your wish and make it clean.”

The scarred cat glared at her companion. “We’re not going to torture her either way. We aren’t Bloodclan.”

To Dusk’s surprise, instead of punishing this audacity the red-brown tabby dipped her head respectfully. Albeit with an annoyed grumble. Did that mean Dusk was wrong, and the scarred cat was leader?

Dusk sighed. They probably wouldn’t believe her either way, but no point in lying to cover Scourge’s tail now. She’d die whatever she said, and she didn’t have any kin for him to punish once she was gone. And she certainly didn’t like him.

“I didn’t tell anyone. They’d have stolen the credit, and I was gonna tell Scourge after getting the forest dog to kill you.”

“You mean… the badger?” the scarred cat mewed skeptically.

Dusk stared. That thing was just a badger? She’d heard a kit-tale or two about badgers, and sure they sounded scary, but she never expected them to be so dangerous.

“Alright,” The leader nodded to herself. “That’s good, if it’s true. We should get ready to flee anyway, I think.”

“Flee?!” The red-brown cat spat. “You’ll let that piece of fox-dung drive us out of our home twice?”

The leader gazed at her levelly. “Making a final stand didn’t exactly go so well for us last time, did it? My concern is our survival, above all else.”

“Brightstar,” Thistle spoke up, timidly at first but building confidence as he talked. “Don’t kill her. She’s hurt. We should take her prisoner and treat her wound.”

To Dusk’s shock Brightstar looked thoughtful, rather than offended, at this command.

Thistle was the leader now?!

“It’s… true, that the warrior code forbids us from killing. But if we let her live, if we treat her, then she’ll run to Scourge and he’ll have us wiped out or driven away before we can blink.”

“The code says we don’t need to kill,” The red-brown tabby hissed. “Unless it’s self defense, or our opponent is outside the warrior code. There’s no one more outside of it than a Bloodclan cat!”

‘Brightstar’ wavered. Dusk stared in open disbelief. Were they actually considering sparing her? Even more than that, helping her? After what she did?

These cats were doomed.

Thistle took a deep breath, seeming to vibrate with hard-won determination. “Brightstar. I don’t know what’s best for the clan, or our honor. All I know is that I’m a medicine cat. And this cat is injured. So I’m going to treat her.”

Chapter Text

To Dusk’s absolute bafflement the others actually allowed it. They worked together to carefully dig her paw out of the hole, then surrounded her as she limped shamefully back to their camp.

Shamed.

But alive.

Obviously some of the strange cats had survived, at least the ones who’d caught her had. Dusk inferred from context that they were leftovers from the “clans” that so many Bloodclan cats had died fighting. But from the furious glares Dusk was getting, and Thistle’s downtrodden look, she guessed that the casualties of the fight with the badger had been severe.

It was with great shock, therefore, that upon reaching their camp she saw exactly one body spread out in the middle.

A gray cat with a limp was padding back and forth, checking over various scratched and bruised patients. She looked up as the group arrived, then bristled at the sight of Dusk.

“You spared her?” A pale golden tabby hissed raggedly. “After what she did?”

“Thistlepaw persuaded me,” Brightstar mewed evenly.

Thistlepaw?

Wait. On balance, that was probably the least interesting revelation Dusk had gotten that day.

Dusk glanced at the cream tom with gray markings. He was staring at the body like a lost kit.

A dark brown tabby padded up to him, licking his ear. “They’re in Starclan now,” he rumbled.

Thistlepaw leaned into his side, mewling plaintively “They were all I had left of Windclan.”

Brighstar laid a tail on Thistlepaw’s shoulder. “We’ll hold the vigil tonight. They lived a good life. No one could have served their clan better, or died more nobly.”

The limping gray cat approached Thistlepaw more briskly. “For now, you wanted to treat the murderer. Best get to it before she bleeds out, I’m certainly not helping her.”

Brighstar glanced at the gray cat in surprise. “Didn’t you once go against direct orders from your leader to treat members of an enemy clan?”

The gray cat snorted. “They were sick, and only wanted help. They didn’t lead a badger straight to our kits!”

A few other murmured conversations took place, but Dusk didn’t pay attention. Even as Thistlepaw set her bones and bound her leg, her focus didn’t waver from that one corpse.

Surely they were foolish, to feed the frail first and the strong last? To spare their enemies, and treat a killer’s wounds? The whole reason Scourge ran Bloodclan the way he did was for the strength of the group. If the strong weren’t distracted helping cats who would likely die anyway, they would be better prepared to handle their own survival.

Yet these frail, foolish, “weak” cats had done what no one in Bloodclan could manage: They defeated a badger.

And with only one death, to Bloodclan’s ten and counting.

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw stared blankly at Heatherwhisker’s unmoving body. It was his first time seeing a cat die. Sure, everyone else in his clan had left one day and never came back, but that somehow felt less real.

Less devastating.

Brokenpaw padded up to his side, and Thistlepaw buried his nose in the tom’s shoulder. Sorrelpaw and her kits were safe, that was the most important thing. Heatherwhisker had intercepted the badger on its way to the nursery. Brokenpaw, Ashfur, and Rainwhisker had chased it far enough that it wouldn’t come back any time soon while Brightstar took another group to track down the cat who led it there. But now, with the badger gone, their clanmates treated, and even the Bloodclan cat settled behind a guard of two cats…

There was nothing left to do but grieve.

He heard Brighstar’s voice carry through the hollow, low and solemn. “We will now begin the vigil for Heatherwhisker.”

A heavy silence followed. Then Sootfur spoke.

“They were the best mentor a cat could ask for. Kind and patient, but always pushing me to be the best warrior I could.”

Speckletail’s voice was thick with emotion as she talked. “They were always so cheerful, happy to share knowledge and constantly doing their best to raise our spirits.”

Thistlepaw took a deep breath. Lifted his head from Brokenpaw’s pelt. And stepped forward.

“They-” His throat closed, and he had to swallow before he could continue. “They were always there for me. Even before Bloodclan, they would tell me stories of Windclan’s history. They took care of me when my mother died in the battle, encouraged me when I felt hopeless, and even supported me when I wanted to become a medicine cat. No matter how much it hurt to see Windclan’s last bloodline end.”

Gorsepaw looked at her mother, eyes wide with disbelief. “They’re really gone?”

“No cat is truly gone so long as we follow Starclan,” Stoatfeather licked her daughter’s ear. “But yes, Heatherwhisker is dead.”

Gorsepaw took a shaky breath. “Heatherwhisker visited me a lot in the nursery. They showed us fun games. I wish I could have known them better.” Choking back a sob she added “They said we were gonna do a Windclan training session, like a right of passage, once I got my orienting training down.”

“I know what they were talking about,” Stoatfeather murmured. “I’ll make sure you still get to do it. It’ll please Heatherwhisker to see us keeping up Windclan’s traditions.”

Lifting her head Stoatfeather added “I always respected Heatherwhisker as a warrior. They were resilient, and determined to keep the ways of their clan alive. They were the one who named Gorsepaw, and it comforts me now to know that in my daughter we have one more piece of Windclan alive with us.”

Gorsepaw ducked her head in embarrassment. Thistlepaw understood the feeling. He loved Windclan, but it was often intimidating to be so outnumbered within Silverclan.

To be looked to as an authority on his clan.

With a start he realized that now Heatherwhisker was gone, he would be looked to as the voice for Windclan’s interests. The last cat alive who had any memory of his former clan.

It was terrifying.

“Heatherwhisker was a good friend,” Nefretiti’s voice broke Thistlepaw from his panic. “They welcomed me when I came to Silverclan, and were really good with Mopsy.” Nefretiti glanced around nervously, checking that Nib was saying the right thing, then continued “I think… Heatherwhisker liked to sleep in the open. Said it was a Windclan thing. So me and Mopsy will keep our nest out. At least when it’s not raining. In their memory.”

Sootfur dipped his head. “I’ll join you,” He mewed quietly.

A long silence followed. Finally Cinderpelt padded over to Thistlepaw, licking his ear comfortingly. “I think it’s time to say farewell. Would you like to say the words, or should I do it?”

“I’ll do it,” Thistlepaw mewed thickly.

He wanted to do this last thing for Heatherwhisker.

As he approached the body Brightstar walked up to him, murmuring in his ear “I was thinking, since Heatherwhisker doesn’t have any living kin, maybe you, Sootfur, and Gorsepaw could take their spirit to the Moonstone tomorrow night? If you think that would be appropriate.”

Thistlepaw swallowed. Already the responsibility of speaking for Windclan was setting in.

“I think… I’m pretty sure they’d like that. I’d like it, anyway.”

“Alright,” Brighstar licked his ear. “Let me know if you need anything. I know this is hard for you.”

Thistlepaw dipped his head, feeling awkward being the focus of so much sympathy.

Finally he stood over Heatherwhisker’s body. Their fur was cleaned of blood, smelling now of lavender and rosemary. Yet the warm scent of life was gone. Touching his nose to their ear he mewed softly “Farewell, Heatherwhisker. Starclan light your path. May you find swift running, good hunting, and shelter where you sleep.”

Some cats returned to their dens. Others joined Thistlepaw by Heatherwhisker’s body as he settled in for vigil. Brokenpaw padded up to him, silently laying down by his side.

Chapter Text

Dusk settled onto her hind legs, raising her good forepaw to wash her face.

And was firmly swatted across the nose by one of her guards.

“Brokenpaw,” The black and white guard sighed. “What is it this time?”

“She was raising her paw,” Brokenpaw protested. “Clearly about to attack!”

“She was going to wash her face.”

“Or. She was making you think she was washing her face. As a ploy to catch you off guard with an attack!”

The black and white cat shook her head. “Look. I have my own reasons to dislike Dusk. But if we’re going to keep her prisoner instead of killing her there’s no point finding excuses to antagonize her.”

Brokenpaw sighed. Turning to address Dusk he mewed “Did you know Thistlepaw told me you were the Bloodclan cat he met?”

Dusk dipped her head. “I have met him before, yes.”

Brokenpaw gazed at her with cold, undisguised hatred. “I will kill you one day. I want you to know that.”

Dusk felt a prickle of discomfort. In Bloodclan she was always aware that any cat she talked to would kill her if it benefited them. But this level intentionality against her life was something new.

The black and white she-cat broke the tension. “Hey, I didn’t grow up with the warrior code but I don’t think you’re supposed to plan on killing someone.”

Brokenpaw’s fur rippled in annoyance. He narrowed his eyes at Dusk, but suddenly he looked less like a cold-blooded killer and more like a young tom trying to throw his weight around. “I’d make an exception for her.”

Chapter Text

Thistlepaw padded wearily back into the medicine den. Brightstar had debated at length with Barley and Ravenpaw whether to take Cranberry-Gold to Silverclan to finish recovering, since Barley was clearly uncomfortable having her at the barn. But he insisted the damage was already done the moment she arrived, and there was no point in endangering Silverclan as well at that point. So until she was better Thistlepaw had to keep traveling between the farm and camp to check on her.

And now he had even more chores, he remembered with a groan. Pulling out some comfrey he padded to where the prisoner was being guarded, pressed up against the wall next to the apprentice den. Brenadine had told them her name was Dusk, and she often counted the cats in Bloodclan for Scourge.

At least Brokenpaw wasn’t there. He would have only made things more difficult, constantly growling at her over Thistlepaw’s shoulder.

As he was unwrapping the old poultice she mewed curiously “How did you cats do it? Kill the badger?”

Thistlepaw sighed. “The warriors would know better than me.”

She snorted in amusement. “Maybe. But none of them want to talk to me.”

Thistlepaw lifted his gaze to meet hers. “I don’t want to talk to you either.”

Brenadine and Marge had showed him that not all Bloodclan cats were evil, many were simply trapped under Scourge's claws. He would have been willing to make friends with Dusk, back when they met, if she had allowed it.

But that was before she killed Heatherwhisker.

The gray she-cat shifted awkwardly and looked away. For a few moments she was silent as Thistlepaw worked. Then she asked “Why are you helping me? If you’re as angry with me as everyone else here?”

Thistlepaw shook his head. He wasn’t sure he could even explain that to himself. “I think it’s important to help cats when they need it, whether or not they deserve it. And… Heatherwhisker’s dead. Because of you. And there’s nothing any of us can do to make it better. Even killing you, it might stop you from hurting more cats, but it won’t do anything to fix what you’ve already done.”

She flicked an ear. “Isn’t stopping me good enough reason by itself?”

“Maybe. There’s an argument for it, at least. And I understand why my clanmates think so. But in Windclan… it’s a bit different from the other clans. We see a lot of value in giving cats time and space to do better, if at all possible. To help the cats they hurt, rather than simply accepting punishment from them. I mean, sure, if we kill you it’d stop you from hurting anyone else. But it would also stop you from ever helping anyone.”

She huffed in disbelief. “What, you think the chance of me helping your clan is greater than the chance I’ll just get more of you killed?”

“Not really,” Thistlepaw bound her leg carefully. Just because his paws were trembling with rage was no reason to hurt a patient. “The risk I’m putting us in by keeping you alive might be too great to justify. But Heatherwhisker was the last Windclan cat alive, other than me. So maybe… Maybe their values are a little more important to me right now.”

Chapter Text

Brindlekit chased Willowkit, squealing with delight. Suddenly Marge was blocking their path, and Willowkit crashed into her long fur with a soft “oof”.

“Why don’t you kits play on the other side of camp?” Marge mewed warmly. But her body was tense, like she was scared of something. Brindlekit tried to peer around her, but all she saw behind Marge was a fluffy blue-gray cat sitting behind two others, all of them looking uneasy. She half-recognized two of the three cats, though she didn’t remember their names. She didn’t remember seeing the gray cat before, but also she hadn’t been out of the nursery more than a couple times. She probably hadn’t met all of her clanmates yet.

“My eyes are gonna be amber, like mom’s!” Sandkit called.

Willowkit charged at him. “No way! Mine will be amber!”

“Okay then, I’ll have green eyes like Marge,” Sandkit mewed.

Forgetting the gray cat Brindlekit ran to join them. “Marge’s eyes are green and blue mouse-brain!”

“Well then you can keep your blue eyes, and we’ll have her eyes together.” Sandkit stuck his tongue out.

“No way! I’m not keeping my baby eyes!” Brindlekit tackled him.

They played and wrestled, until Brindlekit got tired and sat down. Looking around the clearing she caught a fuzzy black shape in the distance. She couldn’t see far yet, but she knew he was a stranger. The only black cat she’d met so far was Sootfur, and this one looked much bigger than him. Figuring it was better to meet her clanmates sooner rather than later, she started marching towards him. After all, it looked like he was watching her and her littermates. Maybe he wanted to say hi?

Sorrelpaw got up from where she was eating with Minnowpaw and Chaospaw, dashing over to pick up Brindlekit. “Why don’t you stay with your littermates?”

Brindlekit huffed. Swinging from Sorrelpaw’s jaws she saw the black cat droop dejectedly, turning away. Sorrelpaw kept telling them how important their clanmates were, how the clan was their family, but how was Brindlekit supposed to treat these cats like family if her mother wouldn’t let her talk to them?

Chapter Text

Sorrelpaw was sharing tongues with Sootfur, Rainwhisker watching the kits so Marge could spend time with Brenadine.

To her surprise, Marge padded up to her. “Hey, Sorrelpaw. Can we talk?”

“What about?”

Marge glanced at Sootfur, who sheepishly left.

Marge settled down with a sigh. “I was thinking I might spend tomorrow night with Brenadine. Would you be able to manage without me?”

“Yeah of course!” Sorrelpaw headbutted Marge playfully. “Don’t worry about me! I can handle my own kits for one night, you spend time with your mate!”

“Thanks,” Marge licked Sorrelpaw’s ear.

Sorrelpaw shook her head in amusement. “Don’t thank me, you’re the one who’s been taking care of my kits more than me for half a moon.”

Marge looked uncomfortable. “There is… one more thing I wanted to talk to you about?”

“Sure.”

“How long were you planning to wait, before letting Tanglepaw meet the kits?”

Sorrelpaw stared. “They’re my kits. Not his. If he wanted to meet them he should’ve thought about that before padding after Chaospaw.”

Marge sighed. “I know, I don’t blame you for being angry with him. And as their mother you can say who does or doesn’t see the kits. But at the same time, he clearly wants to be involved in their lives. I think they would benefit from having another cat to love them, and you might benefit from having more cats to help you take care of them.”

Sorrelpaw bristled. “So you’re saying I’m being selfish?”

Marge shrugged. “I’m just saying you’re in a hard situation. Tanglepaw doesn’t necessarily deserve to see the kits, and you don’t necessarily need him to. But he’s still your clanmate, and your kits will get to know him eventually, whether that’s tomorrow, or in five moons when they leave the nursery, or sometime in between. You’re within your rights to keep your kits from knowing him as long as you can. Just like you’re within your rights to resent him as much as you like. But your kits will also be in their rights to resent you, if when they eventually do get to know him they wish he could’ve been there for them growing up.”

Sorrelpaw huffed. Even if what Marge was saying did make sense, she wasn’t in a place to hear it. “Whatever. Maybe they can meet him one day. But not yet.”

“I understand,” Marge mewed softly.

That night, faint pops sounded from the twolegplace beyond Barley’s farm. Sorrelpaw stepped out of the nursery, careful not to wake Marge or her kits. She climbed to the top of the cliff, and stared out towards the twolegplace.

There, just barely in the distance, she could see flashes of light against the night sky.

The fire-rain had begun.

Chapter Text

Sorrelpaw’s tail twitched in agitation. She’d told Minnowpaw, Bootpaw, and Chaospaw about the fire-rain. They’d have to do the challenge tonight. It was usually the strongest on the second night, and sometimes it lasted for three or four nights but not always.

And tonight Marge was in the warrior’s den with Brenadine.

Sorrelpaw had told the other apprentices to go on without her. She wasn’t going to ask Marge to cancel her first night off since volunteering to help Sorrelpaw. And besides, she couldn’t think of a good lie for why she would need help with her kits that night specifically.

Tanglepaw’s large head shoved into the nursery. “Sorrelpaw, can we talk? It’s urgent.”

Sorrelpaw growled. The last cat she wanted to see at that moment was Tanglepaw.

“I wanna help you do the test of courage.”

Sorrelpaw stared at him. “How did you know about that?!”

He started to wriggle further in, but she swatted his nose. Backing away he mewed “I remember how excited you were about the fire-rain in Greenleaf, and I saw some of the younger apprentices sneaking out. They’re going on that test of courage, aren’t they?”

Sorrelpaw looked away, letting out a defeated sigh. “Yeah.”

“But tests of courage are your thing! You should go with them!”

“I gotta watch my kits,” Sorrelpaw curled her tail protectively around the sleeping bundles of fur.

“I’ll watch them for you,” Tanglepaw burst out. “I mean, if you’ll let me. I promise I’ll be super careful!”

Sorrelpaw was torn. She didn’t want Tanglepaw to think what he’d done didn’t matter anymore. She was still hurt and angry. But was she angry enough to turn down this chance? Purely out of spite for Tanglepaw?

“Alright,” She mewed at last. “But don’t think I’m taking you back as my mate or anything! I’m still mad at you!”

“Of course,” Tanglepaw nodded eagerly as he slipped into the nursery. His whiskers twitched in excitement as Sorrelpaw stood and he shifted into her place, curled around her kits.

Sorrelpaw paused at the entry to the nursery, glancing reluctantly back. “And… thanks.”

“Thank you,” Tanglepaw breathed, staring in awe at the kits.

Chapter Text

Brindlekit stirred. She was warm, but surrounded by the scent of a cat she’d never smelled before. His scent wasn’t completely foreign though, like the blue-gray cat she’d briefly scented from across the clearing. Something about it felt partly familiar.

His tongue lapped at her head. “Who’re you?” She asked sleepily.

“My name’s Tanglepaw,” his mew was taught with barely-contained excitement. “I’m…” Suddenly his voice was unsure, and trailed off into silence.

“You’ve got a paw name, so I guess you’re one of my clanmates,” Brindlekit murmured. “But where’s mom?”

“She needed to go for a walk,” Tanglepaw resumed licking her affectionately. “She’ll be back by dawn, and until then I’m here if you need anything.”

“Mmmkay,” Brindlekit buried her nose back in his soft underbelly, satisfied that no cat was actively dying.

Chapter Text

Dusk twitched uncomfortably as she saw Brightstar approaching. The ginger and white tabby nodded to her two guards, Princess and Pebblenose.

“Would you two bring Dusk to my den?”

Pebblenose and Princess looked at each other in confusion, then nudged Dusk to her feet. Dusk tried not to bristle as she was marched to the middle of the clearing, feeling hostile eyes from all over the camp trained on her.

She thought it would be a relief when she was hidden between the boulders, but now she had the leader of her captors’ undivided attention.

“So,” Brightstar mewed evenly. “What do you think of Silverclan?”

Dusk stared at her. “What do I… think?”

Brightstar dipped her head. “I am curious how an outsider sees of our way of life.”

Dusk sized Brightstar up. “It seems… nice.” She cautiously mewed.

Brightstar flicked an ear. “You sound unsure.”

Dusk glanced back at her guards. She heard Brightstar mrrow in amusement. “Don’t worry about them. Or me. They won’t attack you without my permission and I’m not about to claw your ears off just for saying the wrong thing.”

Dusk wavered for a moment. Then decided to test Brightstar on that. After all, she’d proven soft enough in the past. “Well. For one thing, you don’t seem to have much control over the cats here.”

Brightstar tilted her head. “Why do you say that?”

“They can disagree with you. Do as they please, for the most part. Most of the time it’s not even you giving orders, but Stoatfeather. Aren’t you worried about her taking over?”

Dusk didn’t appreciate the amusement in Brightstar’s gaze. “Ah. I see. By that standard I don’t have much control over Silverclan. But I don’t see why I’d want that sort of control. What my clanmates say, who they love, how they love them, all this I have no interest in dictating. There are some things we must make sure get done, to keep everyone fed and safe, but outside of that I see no reason to quarrel with my warriors over how they spend their time.”

Dusk narrowed her eyes. With such a paws-off approach she’d give it a few days at most before Silverclan was plunged into chaos by wars over leadership. “And Stoatfeather?”

“Stoatfeather serves a vital role in this clan. She keeps the camp running well, advises me on difficult decisions, and if I die suddenly she will assume leadership, ensuring that the clan doesn’t dissolve.”

Dusk stared at Brightstar. “So not only is she mostly running things, but she’s explicitly the next leader if she kills you?”

Brightstar shook her head. “Not if she kills me, no. Killing your own leader is strongly discouraged. That isn’t to say deputies haven’t done it, or tried to, in the past. But I doubt Stoatfeather would. She is old, and would still be resting with the elders if we had that luxury. I’m sure she has no desire to take on more responsibility than she already has.”

Dusk was silent for a while. Trying to figure out the best way to phrase her impression. “It seems… like a naive way to live.”

Brightstar narrowed her eye. “Don’t mistake mercy for naivete. We aren’t like Bloodclan, that’s true, but our way of life has survived for countless generations. Still survives, despite Bloodclan wiping out all of our leadership and most of our cats. Our way of life keeps our warriors honorable. Keeps our group stable. Tell me: Without Scourge, would Bloodclan still exist?”

Dusk scoffed. “Scourge isn’t going away any time soon.”

“But he is a cat. He will die eventually. What will happen then?”

Dusk’s fur prickled at the idea of speaking so openly about Bloodclan, but then again she couldn’t ever go back there anyway. “He has his inner circle. There might be some fights between them, but one of them would probably prove strongest and take control.”

“Probably.”

Dusk shifted uncomfortably. “Leaving a clear line of succession. Preparing for his own death. That wouldn’t exactly help Scourge stay in control, would it?”

“I see,” Brightstar mewed thoughtfully. “Bloodclan isn’t built to last. It’s built to keep Scourge in control.”

“It’s built to give everyone the best chance of survival. Let the strong focus their strength on keeping themselves alive.” Even as Dusk said the words they sounded less true than before.

“Hm,” Brightstar flicked her tail. “I suppose you might know better than me.”

Chapter Text

Brenadine slipped into the leader’s den. Marge would’ve balked at being asked to meet with both her deputy and the leader at the same time, but Brenadine liked to think it was a sign of her importance in Silverclan.

Either that or Stoatfeather wanted to reopen the debate about eating twoleg scraps.

Brightstar gestured for Brenadine to sit down, huddled close with her and Stoatfeather. Glancing between the two of them Brightstar mewed “I’ve called you here because I have an idea forming. And I thought I’d talk it out with the two cats who would oppose it the most.”

Brenadine barely contained an amused twitch of her whiskers. She was always happy to see Stoatfeather put on the defensive. Sure, she respected the deputy, but unlike Marge she didn’t see the need to try and be friends with every single member of Silverclan.

Brightstar took a deep breath. “I’m thinking about making Dusk an ally.”

The ground fell out from under Brenadine.

“An ally, right?” Stoatfeather narrowed her eyes “Not a clanmate?”

Brightstar dipped her head. “It’s far too early to think about that. Even allying with her would be conditional on how she acts going forward. I see some seeds of doubt planted in her, but I can’t really trust her until she at least expresses remorse for what she’s done and tries to make amends.”

“You can’t!” Brenadine cried hoarsely. The other two cats looked at her in confusion. She braced herself. “You don’t know her. Heatherwhisker isn’t the first cat she’s killed, and probably won’t be the last. She’s… In Bloodclan you have two kinds of cats. Cats who, under different circumstances, might’ve been decent. And cats like Dusk, who actively go along with or even encourage Scourge’s ruthlessness.”

Brightstar’s eye held worry. “Has she done something to you? If that’s the case I’d never ask you to be clanmates with her of course.”

Brenadine sighed. “Not personally, no. But she counts cats for Scourge. I’ve heard about her killing cats who went against him, some of whom were very young. She’s not-” Brenadine twitched her tail in frustration. “I don’t see her ever allying with us.”

To her annoyance Stoatfeather actually seemed intrigued by the idea. “But her knowledge of Bloodclan, of Scourge, could be valuable. Maybe she could even spy for us, if…”

“More likely she’d rat us out to Scourge!” Brenadine spat. “And I know about Bloodclan too!”

“Your knowledge isn’t as recent.”

Before Brenadine could attack Stoatfeather outright Brightstar put herself between them. “I’m sorry, this was too early to it bring up. We’ll have to keep watching Dusk, and if she does seem interested in making amends then we can have this discussion.”

Brenadine growled. She could tell Brightstar had her heart set on recruiting Dusk already. With just third-paw knowledge of the rogue’s history she was seeing only the advantages of having Dusk on their side, none of the risks.

Nor how little that murderer deserved any allies.

Chapter Text

“Minnowpaw. Step forward.”

Minnowpaw was trembling in excitement as she looked up at Brightstar.

“Brenadine. Has your apprentice learned the ways of a warrior? Our skills, values, and the lessons of our ancestors?”

“She has.”

“Minnowpaw. Do you swear to uphold the warrior code at all times? To defend your clan? To care for the young, the sick, and the elderly, even at the cost of your own life?”

“I do.”

Brightstar hopped down. Minnowpaw felt overwhelmed with awe at being face to face with her leader, even though she saw Brightstar sharing tongues with clanmates every day.

“From this day forward you will be known as Minnowbark. Starclan honors your curiosity and resilience.”

Brighstar’s nose touched her head, and Minnowbark barely remembered to lick the leader's shoulder before she drew back.

“Puddlewhisker! Minnowbark! Puddlewhisker! Minnowbark!” The clan cheered their names.

The clan was dismissed, and Minnowbark felt giddy with joy as clanmate after clanmate came to share their congratulations. When everyone had gotten their say in, and things were settling back to normal, Minnowbark realized with flash of hurt that one clanmate hadn’t spoken to her at all:

Sorrelpaw.

She searched around the camp for the older apprentice, but didn’t see any sign of her. Minnowbark had been spending more time with Sorrelpaw recently, and had started to think they were friends. Had Sorrelpaw actually only been tolerating her?

Oh, of course. Maybe she was nursing. Minnowbark headed for the nursery to check in on Sorrelpaw.

The kits were all tucked into Marge’s belly asleep. Sorrelpaw lay on the other side of the nursery, staring moodily at the wall.

“Sorrelpaw?” Minnowbark mewed tentatively. “Are you alright?”

Sorrelpaw huffed in irritation. “Yeah. Fine. You’re a warrior now, you have bigger things to worry about than some irritable apprentice.”

Minnowbark felt like a thorn had pierced her heart. “Oh. Sorry to bother you.”

She started to back out, but Marge stopped her with her tail. “Sorrelpaw. Don’t just leave it at that, tell Minnowbark why you’re upset. Unless you want every cat in the clan to think you hate them.”

Sorrelpaw tensed, ears flattening against her head. For a moment Minnowbark thought she’d snap at Marge too. Then she sighed.

“You were apprenticed after me, and you’re almost a whole season younger than me. But you got your warrior name and I haven’t even finished nursing yet. It’s not-” Sorrelpaw kneaded scraps of moss between her claws. “I don’t blame you, not really. I can’t ask the entire world to go on pause for me while I take care of my kits. It’s just… it still stings, that I feel stuck in place while everyone else moves on without me.”

“Oh.” Minnowbark sat down. “I’m sorry.” That felt inadequate, and she cast about for something more to say. “I may be a warrior now, but I still admire you. In my head, you’re someone to look up to. Pretty close to my age, so you feel… I guess more “real” to me than the elders or warriors. But you’re also older enough that I can look to you for guidance.” Sorrelpaw licked her chest in embarrassment, but seemed gratified at the same time. “I don’t think that’s ever gonna change. At least, not just from us getting older. I could become clan leader before you finish your apprenticeship and I’d still admire you.”

Sorrelpaw was silent for a long time. When she did speak her voice was quiet. “Thanks. And… Sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten too tangled in myself to be there for you today.”

Chapter Text

“But when are we gonna fight Scourge?” One of the younger cats, a skinny gray one, flexed his claws impatiently. “I wanna avenge Willowpelt already! Did Teal-blue say when they’re planning to attack?”

The black cat talking to him, similarly young, similarly built, shook his head. “It sounded like they aren’t even planning an attack yet. I mean, I guess they managed to ambush and kill a pair of counting cats, but apparently they don’t have anywhere near enough cats for the kind of final attack we’d join.”

Dusk’s ear twitched. The young cats weren’t being anywhere near as quiet as they thought. They spoke in loud whispers which, with a little straining, Dusk could hear from her position halfway across the hollow.

Her paw still ached intensely where she’d broken it, strong enough to make her head spin. Thistle(paw) had offered her one of his weird plants he was obsessed with “for the pain”. She refused it, obviously. It was bad enough letting him mess around with her injured paw, she wasn’t about to eat something without knowing it wasn’t poison.

“Sootfur! Rainwhisker!” One of Dusk’s guards snapped. “Either stop talking or do it somewhere else. They can hear you all the way to Fourtrees!”

The two cats cast guilty looks their way and slinked further off. Dusk’s mind churned over the new information with interest.

The forest cats were working with Bloodclan’s rebels.

That would be very interesting information to Scourge, but Scourge wasn’t here. And if she went back to Bloodclan (if she could get back to Bloodclan) it was 50/50 whether he’d be curious about what happened to her or if he’d simply kill her for disappearing without his permission. Even if he did ask where she'd been it wasn’t guaranteed that he’d spare her life. He might, on the principle that she’d given him valuable information. Or he might not, on the principle that she should have worked with others to take down the forest cats, even if they did steal all the credit.

No, the cats who were here, who had power over her,

were the forest cats.

“If the rebels are short on cats, I know a few they could talk to. I have met most of the cats in Bloodclan, after all.”

Her guards looked at her suspiciously. But if she could convince these cats that she was helpful, if in a few months’ time they might slacken their guard, then she would have a chance to escape. At this point her best chance at survival was to cut her losses, run as far as she could, and hope Bloodclan’s shadow didn’t catch up with her.

Chapter Text

Morningflower cowered in the rafters of the barn. She didn’t think of it as her barn, refused to think of it as her barn.

Even though she’d been there for over two moons.

In part, it was a relief. She could walk outside. Look up at Silverpelt. Track the changes of the moon. Hunt for herself again. But every bite of fresh kill was ash in her mouth.

Because Gorsepaw wasn’t there.

The twoleg was in there at the moment, letting the large, strange animals out of their dens. She shivered as they all thundered out into the grassy field, waited for the twoleg to follow them. Then, allowing herself just a few breaths to calm down, she climbed back to the ground. Slipped out of the barn.

Padded towards the rising sun.

There was one thunderpath leading away from the farm, and she’d already tried walking to where it met with another path, then following that one in both directions. Separate journeys, each lasting two days before she turned back.

She didn’t want to go too far away until she had an idea of which direction she wanted to go in.

She’d struck out another five times, each in a slightly different direction from the farm. Walking through fields and forests to see if she could find any other thunderpaths to follow. So far she’d found one, when she walked with the sun setting on her left, but it was at the end of her planned two days so she turned back. If she paused to rest a few days after each trip, to fill her belly with mice before setting out again, she could spend nearly the entire two days out just walking. Rest a little and hunt a little only during her defeated return.

By this point she wasn’t even hoping to find her last, crowded prison on her walks. She’d settle for even meeting a cat who could point her in the right direction. Who even understood the kind of twoleg nest she was talking about.

As she was skirting a field, crossing behind another barn besides her own, a gray cat rushed out towards her. Their fur was bushed out, eyes blazing with anger.

“What are you doing on my farm?”

Morningflower winced. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know this was your territory. I can pass around it if you’d prefer.” She backed away to show she meant her words.

The other cat’s hackles dropped slightly. “Why are you here at all, if not to hunt my mice?”

Morningflower flicked her tail in annoyance, but tried to keep her tone respectful. “I have mice at my own- at that farm over there. I’m looking for my son.”

Abruptly all hostility vanished from the other cat. “Your- you know where your son is? How?”

Morningflower stared. “No, not anymore. The twolegs took me away from him.”

“Twolegs, like-” A blink. “Are you the new cat Choco was talking about?”

Morningflower dipped her head. She recognized the name, Choco was a loner she’d encountered last moon. Eager to help but entirely unhelpful.

The other cat dipped her head. “I’m Sofie. I’ve… I’ve had two litters, but both of them disappeared once they were weaned. None of them came back. One of your kits was allowed to stay with you? Until recently?”

Morningflower’s blood ran cold. “Allowed? I- no leader would dare to separate a queen from her kits.”

“Is leader what you’d call your housefolks? Where you lived before?”

Morningflower shook her head. “It’s… a long story. And I want to walk as far as I can before nightfall. If you’re curious we can talk while you escort me to the edge of your territory.”

Sofie fell into step beside her, eyes shining with hope. Morningflower told her about Windclan. About what a clan even was. About the horrible events of the last few seasons.

About her desertion.

When they got to the present, Sophie shook her head in wonder. “That’s… wow. Once you’ve covered everywhere within two days of your farm, what will you do next?”

Morningflower winced. “It’s not my farm. But after that, I’ll start circling three days out, I guess.”

Sofie paused. Morningflower slowed beside her. “The nearest city, the only one I’ve ever met cats coming from, is four days south from here. I bet the farmers took you from the shelter over there, that’s where any cat who wasn’t born on one of these farms comes from.”

Hope flared in Morningflower. “You know where it is?!”

“No. But I know where to start looking. Come on,” Sofie veered sharply to Morningflower’s right. “With the two of us, we can take turns hunting while the other rests.”

Morningflower sprinted to catch up. “You’re helping me? Why?”

Sofie flicked her tail. “I’ll never find any of my kits. But if I can help another mother find hers… that’s a much better use of my time than anything else I could do.”

They cut across a Sofie’s territory, a black and white cat running up to them as they passed. “Hey Sofie, who’s your new friend?”

Sofie paused. Looking at the other cat gravely. “This is Morningflower. I’m going to help her look for her son. And I probably won’t come back.”

Morningflower stared. “What do you mean?”

Sofie huffed softly. “I don’t think we’ll find your kit in anything less than two, maybe three, months. Then we’ll need to find your clan. Then… If there’s a place for cats where they keep their kits, for their whole lives… I want to live there.” She paused, dipping her head sheepishly. “If Windclan will have me, that is.”

“I’m sure they will,” Even if her clan wasn’t decimated, probably desperate for any new members they could get, even if they weren’t already less rigid in their thinking than Shadowclan or Thunderclan, Morningflower would make them accept Sofie.

Any cat who would help her find her kit deserved to be her clanmate.

While she was thinking, the other cat fetched three more. They all exchanged an emotional farewell with Sofie, Morningflower standing awkwardly to the side. She was anxious to get moving again, but hardly wanted to rush Sofie through saying goodbye to everything she’d ever known. The closest thing she had to a clan.

“Take care of the folk for me,” Sofie told a calico she-cat gravely. “I know you were always the best with their kits, but…”

“I will,” The calico cat insisted, rubbing her cheek against Sofie. “They’ll miss you, no matter how skittish you are around them, but they’ll be okay. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Thank you,” Sofie’s voice was choked. Then she steeled herself, turning to Morningflower. “Let’s go.”

Chapter Text

Marge watched the kits play moss ball, unable to stop purring as they clumsily tumbled into each other.

“Hey,” Sorrelpaw’s mew was soft. “I’ve been thinking about what you said. With Tanglepaw.”

“Yeah?” Marge kept her tone neutral. Didn’t want to sound too excited and make Sorrelpaw shut down.

Sorrelpaw took in a deep breath. Let it out in a gusty sigh. “I think, now that I’m cleared to train, and I don’t need to nurse as often, I’d like to have more time for practicing. And Tanglepaw won’t let me forget how much he wants to visit with the kits.” She looked to Marge nervously. “Would it be too much, or weird, if you planned times he can watch the kits while I train?”

Marge nuzzled her ear. “Of course not. I’d be happy to.”

“I just, it’d be nice for all three of us if he could watch them sometimes and I could train more often and you aren’t stuck-” she paused, corrected herself. “If you aren’t responsible for them all the time.”

“That’s true.”

“And I know it’s my responsibility to organize the care of my kits, if not take care of them myself the whole time-”
“I already agreed to do it,” Marge purred in amusement.

“I know! But I feel bad asking it of you. I hate dumping more work on you, just because I don’t want to talk to him.”

“Don’t,” Marge licked the apprentice’s ear. “I agreed to help you. And I understand perfectly well why you don’t want to see him. I’m proud of you for looking into ways to give him time with the kits without hurting yourself.”

Chapter Text

Leafstar padded into Skywatcher’s den, paws heavy with dread. In the days since the rats invaded camp little had improved. Petalnose’s kits were stronger, and Patchfoot was recovering well, but days in the gorge were tense, and nights filled with fear. Cats were getting irritable, snapping at each other over the smallest things, arguing long into the night about how to defeat the rats. So many of the strategies they came up with would be worth trying, if they had three times as many cats or if there were one tenth as many rats. If they even knew how many rats there were beyond “way too many”.

Leafstar and Sharpclaw had scouted the nest a few times, disguising their scents and trying to learn as much as they could without going inside. It wasn’t much.

“Did something happen?” Skywatcher asked warily. “I’m guessing by your gait there isn’t any good news.”

“Nothing new,” Leafstar mewed tightly. “It’s just…” She sat down with a heavy sigh. “How am I supposed to fix this? How can I fix this? What if… What if Starclan made the wrong choice?”

“Oh Leafstar,” Skywatcher ran his tail over her back like she was a frightened kit. In many ways she felt like one. “I know you’re having a hard time, but anyone would have trouble in times like these. It doesn’t mean you’re any less fit to lead us.”

“I just can’t help feeling… Sharpclaw is so much more confident. So battle-ready. And he already does most of the daily work of organizing the clan anyway… What if he’s the leader we actually need? To beat these rats? Or Echosong, she’s the one who really pulled all of us together in the first place.”

Skywatcher touched his nose to her forehead. “That daily work is the deputy’s duty, you shouldn’t feel like less of a leader for not doing it. Echosong is wise, and skilled, but at the end of the day Starclan gave you nine lives, not Sharpclaw or Echosong. Sure, we probably need Sharpclaw’s confidence, his battle skills, but I believe what we need at the head of our clan is something only you can provide. After all, if Sharpclaw had final say we would have rushed into battle with the rats days ago. Do you think we would have survived that?”

Leafstar’s blood chilled just at the thought of it. “No.” She shook her head. “But if we can’t fight the rats, and we can’t abandon the gorge, what can we do?” She paused, an idea tugging at the edge of her mind. “What can we do? If we could… But surely that wouldn’t work, or the last Skyclan leader would have thought of it.”

Skywatcher leaned forward eagerly. “You sound like you have an idea.”

Leafstar’s ears pinned back. “It’s a very… unusual one. Certainly not in the code, maybe even against it?” At Skywatcher’s concerned look she added “But not like, murdering someone against it!”

“Tell me,” Skywatcher purred. “If you think it might work, don’t dismiss it just for being unusual. Unusual might be what we need.”

Still, Leafstar hesitated. Skywatcher ran his tail down her back again. “We can discuss it together. I want to hear it. Trust yourself, as I trust you. As our warrior ancestors trust you.”

Chapter Text

Sorrelpaw fizzed with excitement. She was in Thunderclan’s old territory again, which meant Ashpaw was visiting her once more.

She couldn’t wait to share her news.

“Ashpaw!” She bounded forward the moment she saw his gray form emerge. “The kits, their eyes-” The excited words died on her tongue at Ashpaw’s stormy expression. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” Ashpaw spat. “You’re letting that no-good, careless tom see your kits? Just like that? What’s next, will you let him back in your nest? Let him chase all the she-cats in your clan with no consequences at all?”

Sorrelpaw stared. “It’s not-I’m still not on speaking terms with him! This isn’t about punishing Tanglepaw, it’s about my kits.” Did he think her children were a prize for Tanglepaw to win or lose? That they had no needs of their own? She pinned her ears back. Surely not, how could she even suspect her friend of thinking such things?

“If it starts with the kits, where will it end? He’s clearly using them to try and get closer to you.”

Sorrelpaw laughed at this. “Oh man, you really don’t know Tanglepaw. Even if he wanted to do something like that he’d be way too dumb to think of it, let alone pulling it off without me noticing.”

“You trust so easily,” Ashpaw mewed sadly. “It’s what I love about you, but you’re gonna get hurt.”

Sorrelpaw let out an annoyed huff. She’d been unambiguously excited for the first time in moons, and Ashpaw had to go and spoil it with his random accusations. “Whatever. This isn’t what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to tell you that my kits’ eyes are starting to change color.”

“That’s nice,” Ashpaw mewed without enthusiasm.

Sorrelpaw swallowed. There’d been so many details she wanted to share. Speculations about what final colors the darker tints in Brindlekit’s eyes pointed to. Her merciless teasing of her littermates, whose eyes didn’t yet show any changes. But it was all stuck in her throat, cowering away from Ashpaw’s flat disinterest.

Chapter Text

Poke slithered through the undergrowth, keeping her body low like she was stalking prey.

In a way, she was.

Dog stomped through the forest, obviously not worried about however much noise he made. With Dusk missing and presumed dead, many of her duties had fallen to him. And Poke could tell from his bearing that he resented it.

On his other side, Poke saw the flick of a black tail.

It was time.

Green-blue burst from the underbrush, blocking Dog’s way. He snarled, bushing out and preparing to attack. Poke and Yellow-white leaped out on either side, angling around him to cut off his escape. Now clearly alarmed, he looked between the three cats. “What do you want?!”

Wordlessly Green-blue swiped at his nose. While he ducked, Yellow-white snaked down to bite his hind leg.

“Prey?! A recommendation to Scourge?” Dog’s voice took on a desperate, pleading edge as he fought back. “Just tell me!”

“We won’t take anything short of your life,” Green-blue growled. Dog whirled and swiped, but his moves were clumsy with panic. Outnumbered, he was receiving far more scratches than he gave.

“I won’t tell anyone! I promise!” His voice was now a pitiful whine. “Just let me go!”

Poke and Yellow-white pinned him with little effort. Green-blue stared down at him with undisguised contempt. “We all know what a cat’s word is worth in Bloodclan.”

Even knowing what he’d done, what he wouldn’t hesitate to do if ordered by Scourge,

The sickening crack of his spine slammed into Poke’s stomach.

Chapter Text

“Are you sure this will work?”

“No, I’m not,” Leafstar’s words were muffled around the plump squirrel she carried. “But I don’t think fighting them would either, and if this does work then no cats need to die.” She hoped she sounded more convinced than she felt. Although she’d been given nine lives she hardly felt like the leader of Skyclan. She didn’t have Sharpclaw’s level of tactical skill, Or Echosong's powers of persuasion. Neither of them liked her idea, but she tried to focus instead on Skywatcher’s words: Starclan gave you nine lives. Not Sharpclaw. And not Echosong. Trust yourself as our warrior ancestors trust you.

Leafstar’s fur prickled from ears to tail-tip as they approached the barn, but she forced it to lay flat and looked to make sure Rainfur was doing the same.

Her stomach churned at the roiling horde of rats that poured out of the barn. Every one of them had hate-filled eyes.

CATS. GO.

Leafstar deliberately placed the squirrel on the ground and backed up. “You learned to speak our language, so I came to talk.”

NO TALK. CATS DIE.

Leafstar flicked her tail. She felt some annoyance rising, and encouraged it to combat her fear. “You didn’t need to learn Cat just to tell us you’re going to kill us. Teeth and claws can spread that message just fine.”

The rats hissed in unison. Leafstar stood her ground.

“You gave us the option to leave. To scatter the way we were before. Why do that if you want to fight us?” She took a deep breath. Any hopes she had rested on her next assumption being in some way accurate. “It’s because you don’t want the risk, isn’t it? You know you could kill us all. But what you don’t know is how many of you might die in the process. How many of your friends you’d lose.”

NO RATS DIE. CATS DIE.

Leafstar settled down, nodding at the squirrel. “This fresh-kill is for you. To show we come in good faith.”

A small protrusion of rats crept forward, sniffing the squirrel cautiously before yanking it away, the gray fur disappearing into their dark mass.

“We came to ask if there is any chance we both could live here. Far away there is a forest, where four different groups of cats live together in peace. Because they have borders, and each group respects the borders that the others made. Could we do something like that?”

The rats rippled in thought.

FEED US.

Leafstar blinked. “...How much?” If that many rats expected the cats to hunt for all of them it was as good as being driven out directly.

Another ripple. Three fat rats separated from the group, huddling together to make a large pile.

THAT MUCH. EVERY SUN.

Leafstar stared. It wasn’t quite as bad as feeding the whole horde, but even at its fullest their fresh-kill pile couldn’t compete with that size.

“I want to have an agreement with you, but I don’t think we can catch that much prey…”

NOT PREY. The crowd chittered in annoyance. ANY FOOD.

Leafstar blinked. What was food besides prey?

WAIT.

Leafstar glanced to Rainfur, who seemed even more baffled than she was. The two cats settled down as a large party of rats split off from the back. Eventually they returned. A wave passed over the mass back to front, and the foremost rats began throwing nuts and bits of twoleg trash and ripe or overripe fruits at the cats. Leafstar even recognized a few pellets of kittypet food.

Rainfur recoiled in disgust, but Leafstar managed to keep her reaction down to a flinch.

LIKE THAT.

Leafstar looked around at the stinking mess that now surrounded her. It wasn’t pleasant, and probably wasn’t something real warriors did, but with such a broad definition of food it was worth trying to keep the clan safe.

Bowing her head she said “Very well. We will have formed a pile here by sunhigh tomorrow.”

Chapter Text

“Mom?”

“Yes?” Stoatfeather lifted her head, blinking sleepily where she lay dozing in the sun.

Gorsepaw kneaded the ground. There was a question that had been itching in her mind for a while. “I see Tanglepaw is around the kits a lot now, and he’s their dad?”

“Yes,” Stoatfeather mewed patiently.

“Is it normal for kits to have dads?”

“Uh, yes? Mollies can’t just become pregnant by themselves.”

“But Cloudpaw had two moms, and I didn’t have a dad…”

“What are you talking about? Ashfur is your father.”

Gorsepaw stared. “What?”

“You know this.”

“No, I didn’t! You never said!”

Stoatfeather looked at her skeptically. “He’d bring you freshkill and play with you and Cloudpaw in the nursery sometimes.”

“I thought he just liked kits…”

“Sure he didn’t insert himself into things as much as Tanglepaw does, but we had a lot of work to do when you were young and the two of us just aren’t that close as mates. You must have heard someone talking about it before now, it really wasn’t a secret.”

“No one said anything!” Gorsepaw was too embarrassed to admit that she’d never really listened to adults talking to each other when she was a kit, it was always about something painfully boring.

“Stoatfeather, Gorsepaw,” Brightstar dipped her head to the two of them, Cloudpaw trailing behind her. “Could you come with me please?”

As Gorsepaw followed the other cats to sit under a juniper bush, she felt wildly curious about where the talk was going. Was Brightstar speaking as their leader? Her mentor? Or were she and Stoatfeather planning to have a Talk with them as their mothers?

Taking a deep breath Brightstar mewed “I think it’s about time to start planning our attack on Blooclan.”

Stoatfeather bristled. “Don’t be mouse-brained, neither we nor the rebels have nearly enough numbers for that yet.”

“Just because we’re planning it doesn’t mean we’re about to do it. We’ll be starting at the rebels’ word, so we might not have a lot of warning that it’s time. Better to have a rough idea of what we’ll be doing ready before we need it.”

Gorsepaw’s pelt fizzed with excitement. “You want us to help you plan?!”

Brightstar looked at her in surprise. “What, no! I brought you two here to tell you what your part of the battle will be.”

“Oh…”

“Our most vulnerable members will need a safe place to hide in case things go wrong again. Our camp is too exposed, if someone knows where to look for it. I need you two to bring Mopsy and the kittens back to Barley’s farm.”

Stoatfeather growled. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Bloodclan might know where it is now, since Dusk followed Thistlepaw there.”

Brightstar hesitated. “You have a point, but it’s the easiest place to hide in or defend that I know of. Maybe that could be our backup option for now, while we send patrols to look-”

“The tunnels!” Cloudpaw burst out.

Brighstar stared at her daughter. “I may be your mother, but it’s still very rude to interrupt your leader you know.”

“But the tunnels, nobody but us knows about them, right? So it’d be hidden, there’d only be a couple directions enemies could come from even if they did know to look for us there, and there’s more than one way in or out so we couldn’t get trapped in there either.”

“That’s… Actually a pretty good idea,” Stoatfeather mewed.

“But I wanna fight with everyone else!” Gorsepaw exclaimed.

“You can’t. You’re too young,” Stoatfeather mewed unsympathetically.

“I know you want to help, and you will,” Brightstar stroked her tail down Gorsepaw’s back. “We’ll all fight much better knowing our kits are somewhere safe.”

“What about Bootpaw and Chaospaw? They’re young too, but you aren’t making them stay back.”

Stoatfeather’s whiskers twitched. “Those two are almost done with their training. You two have barely even started it.”

“We can revisit this in another three moons, if we haven’t launched our attack by then. You two will know more about fighting then.” Brightstar mewed. She stood, signaling the end of the discussion.

Chapter Text

The kits shrieked with laughter, running in circles around Thistlepaw. As far as Dusk could tell, the game they were playing consisted of that and dodging him when he tried to bat them with a paw. His expression was openly warm and playful, so he seemed to be in on the game too.

She tore into the small lizard at her paws, still floored that these idiots were feeding her at all. There clearly wasn’t quite enough to go around, yet they not only fed their useless kits and elders but also their prisoner. Her belly growled in dissatisfaction when she’d finished, the few quick bites barely enough to remind her how hungry she was. She firmly told it to shut up, this was far from the most hungry she’d been and she was lucky to even be alive at all.

She was starting to get a better feel for the rhythms of “Silverclan” life, and even knew most of the names around her. And every new tidbit she learned was more baffling than the last.

Like, for example, the rabbit peacefully sunning itself in the middle of the hollow. Surrounded by hungry cats, and so plump it made Dusk’s mouth water. Yet nobody was even trying to eat it.

She flinched as Brightstar leaped onto the boulders on the opposite side of camp. The leader seemed like one of the most soft-hearted cats in the group, but Scourge also seemed perfectly friendly until you angered him. So one would have to forgive Dusk if she couldn’t quite shake a feeling of dread every time Brightstar made an announcement.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

While everyone else ran to the center of the hollow, Dusks’s guards simply leaned forward to hear. “Sootfur, Rainwhisker, and Tanglepaw. Guard Dusk for a while please,” Dusk barely contained a snort of amusement. What kind of ineffective leader needed to say please? “All other warriors, medicine cats, and elders, come with me to Mothermouth.”

There was a chaotic scramble as all the cats hurried to follow Brightstar’s orders, then the camp was shockingly empty. Dusk watched the last cat settle down on the opposite side of the cave mouth, plenty far enough away to prevent her hearing anything unless some cat raised their voice. She burned with curiosity despite herself. What was Brightstar discussing with such a large group of cats?

Chapter Text

“Silverclan,” Brightstar took a deep breath. “The time to attack Bloodclan is still awhile out, but just to be safe I’d like to sketch out our plan now, and revisit it every few moons until the time comes.”

“Maybe it could be something for us to discuss on gathering nights?” Thistlepaw suggested hopefully.

“Good idea,” Brightstar’s pelt warmed with affection for the young tom. It would be good to have something to focus on during the full moon again, after so many moons of it being just another night. “We could also invite Ravenpaw and Barley to join us in future talks. When we get the word, I’d like warriors to lead the charge with me. Elders in the back to repel any enemies coming from behind, and apprentices in the middle.”

“Wait,” Stoatfeather mewed. “Brighstar, we’ve talked with Green-blue about Bloodclan. About how Scourge reacted to finding out our leaders could get up again after being killed. She told Heatherwhisker that at a guess, in future battles, he’d steer clear of anyone leading the group. To be safe. And his followers would target that leader. Kill them and keep watch over them to make sure they don’t get up again.” Taking a deep breath Stoatfeather stated. “So I think I should lead the charge. So that they target me instead.”

Brightstar bristled. “I’m not letting someone else take the biggest risk for me! There’s a reason I was given nine lives, and it’s not so I can hide behind my clanmates!”

“She does have a point,” One-eye spoke up, her frail frame pacing into the center of the clan. “We’re not suggesting you sit out the fight entirely. But if they think someone else is the leader, then they’ll waste time worrying over a corpse. And you’ll have a greater chance of finding and killing Scourge before too many more cats die.”

“I’m not going to send one of my clanmates to die,” Brightstar growled.

“There’s no sending about it,” Stoatfeather spat back. “I’m volunteering.”

“I don’t think you should lead the charge either, Stoatfeather.”

Both leader and deputy rounded on One-eye, eyes blazing. She mewed calmly “Do you think Gorsepaw will thank you? For throwing yourself into death, when other clanmates could do it just as well and just as willingly?” Speckletail looked about to say something, but One-eye glanced at her “I don’t think Chaospaw would like you doing it either. Especially when you’re one of the few clanmates who can already speak with her as easily as with anyone else.” Sweeping her gaze over the crowd One-eye stated “I want to be the one to do it. I have no kit, no apprentice, no mate to miss me especially.”

“What about me?!” Speckletail hissed, standing nose to nose with the she-cat. “After everything I’ve lost, you want me to lose my sister as well?”

One-eye stared back at Speckletail without sympathy. “You’re old. Losing cats is the cost of living a long life.” Glancing back at Brightstar she added “Now don’t get me wrong, I certainly wouldn’t mind sticking around for another season or two all things considered. But whatever else happens I know I’ll die soon. And I honestly can’t think of another way I’d rather go.”

Brightstar let out a long breath. “Let’s think about it, before we make a decision. I think we want the medicine cats in the tunnels, near as we can get to fourtrees. That way they would be nearby to treat injuries, but not visible to Bloodclan. However, Cloudpaw suggested hiding our kits in the tunnels for the fight, and that is also a good idea, but I don’t want to tip our hand there by letting Bloodclan see our wounded disappearing into the ground.

“Well, not all the tunnels connect,” Tawnypelt mewed. “We could put our kits in the one that connects our camp to Barley’s farm, and the medicine cats could come with us partway through Windclan territory. I know a tunnel in there that opens several fox-lengths from fourtrees.”

“We should have a backup plan though,” Speckletail mewed. “The tunnels flood and collapse when it rains, and we won’t be able to check on this one in Windclan before the battle.”

“The Moonstone?” Thistlepaw mewed.

“No,” Marge shook her head. “That’s a dead end, isn’t it? I don’t like the idea of our kits getting cornered in there. It’s too easily seen from our camp, and it sounds like it’s cold and dark as well. I wouldn’t want them to be frightened.”

Brightstar saw Princess making an odd gesture, lifting her paw into the air like she was about to strike but hunching in on herself at the same time as though embarrassed and holding the pose. “Is… something wrong Princess?”

“Oh, I had a thought, but it’s not related to the issue of where to hide our kits so I wasn’t sure if now was a good time to bring it up.”

“Go ahead,” Brightstar mewed. “We can take a moment to think about something else.”

“You know my friends in town? The ones who helped us with the rat raid?”

“Yes,” Brightstar had invited the tangent but hadn’t expected it to be something unrelated to battle planning entirely.

“I was thinking… what if we asked them to help with this too? I’m sure they won’t be as skilled as warriors, but they have at least a little battle training and a little time to practice. And there are a lot of them. Even if some can’t escape their houses when we attack, their help could double our numbers. Or even more.”

Brightstar blinked. “No.”

Princess bristled. “That’s it? No? You won’t even discuss it?”

“Helping us with the rats was one thing. That was never meant to be a life or death situation. I can’t ask kittypets to run into battle against the most ruthless rogues to ever be kitted.”

“They may live comfortable lives, but they’re not kits! We can tell them the risks and let them decide for themselves if they wish to help us.”

“That’s enough,” Brightstar’s tail lashed despite herself. “This business is between the clans and Scourge's rogues. I’m not letting cats who’ve never even seen a border skirmish get themselves killed for me.”

Chapter Text

Leafstar curled into a tight ball, burying her nose into her tail-tip. Trying to focus on falling asleep, rather than the voices of her clanmates ringing in her mind.

“You expect us to trust the word of rats?”

“Let them pick us off one patrol at a time?”

“Scrounge around the city for rotting scraps like kittypets?”

For someone who had been a loner just a few moons ago, Sharpclaw had quickly and vehemently adopted a clan cat’s hatred of housecats.

Leafstar stood up and settled down again and again, her pelt itching with anxiety. What if she was wrong? What if in trying to save her clan, to find a new path forward, she’d only made it easier for their enemies to wipe them out?

Finally she gave up on sleeping in her nest. She climbed to the top of the cliff, settling her chin on her paws and gazing up at Silverpelt. It wasn’t the cave of shining moss, she didn’t want to disturb Echosong, but at least here she felt a little closer to their warrior ancestors.

Maybe they would have some guidance for her.

She didn’t remember closing her eyes, but when she opened them Cloudstar stood before her.

His pelt was bristling.

“What have you done?”

Leafstar felt the fur along her spine lifting. “Those rats wiped you out, before they had generations to breed without any predators. Would you have me wipe your clan out again?”

“At least then they would die with honor,” Cloudstar spat.

“Honor is protecting the weak, not flinging yourself into hopeless fights.” Leafstar lifted her head, her temper rising. “You would judge me for trying to keep cats alive, just because it’s not what you would have done?”

“It’s not what any warrior would have done!”

“Well I’m not a warrior. Nobody in this clan is. We’re a bunch of kittypets and loners joining together because it was supposed to be better than fighting for survival on our own. We follow your guidance, take on your traditions, because they’re supposed to help us, our elders, our kits, stay alive.”

“How dare you speak to me like that?”

“Hey, let’s settle down,” Spottedleaf wove between the two of them. “Tension is high, but we don’t need to bite anyone’s head off.” Gazing at Leafstar sadly Spottedleaf mewed “Is there truly no other way? I believe with a good plan you could defeat these rats with the strength you have.”

Leafstar snorted. “That many of them?”

“Not many, but one.” Spottedleaf’s voice echoed strangely.

Leafstar woke with a start. It was still dark, but she could see the first traces of dawn. She stretched out her limbs, cold and aching from the bare rock. She still wasn’t convinced that a suicidal final stand was their best option. Even if the rats did go back on their word, it seemed like more cats would survive if they just picked up and looked for another home elsewhere. She shook her fur out, cold determination filling her. Her newly-adopted ancestors had given her that much, if not for the purpose they intended. If the leader’s word was law then no matter what her warriors or the dead cats she followed said, she would lead her clanmates in whichever ways would keep their most vulnerable members alive.