Title: The Omen: Leaves of Fire, upon the Night {part 2}

Rating: PG-13 (for some graphic battle scenes, language, and sexual scenes).

Disclaimer: I do not own right to any of the characters in this story. All character rights belongs to Erin Hunter and her team for the Warrior series.

Author of this fanfic: CodyKit

Cast of Characters: Cate Blanchett as Bluestar, Paul Winfield as Whitestorm, Ossie Davis as Sunstar, Alfre Woodard as Swiftbreeze, Ian McKellen as Goosefeather, Anthony Hopkins as Featherwhisker, Roma Downey as Spottedleaf, John Dye as Lionheart, Maggie Smith as Yellowfang, James Remar as Firepaw/Fireheart/Firestar, Peter Siragusa as Darkstripe, Yvonne Strahovski as Mousefur, Della Reese as Dappletail, Jeremy Irons as Tigerclaw, Sam Shepard as Graypaw/Graystripe, Kate Walsh as Sandpaw/Sandstorm, Josh Holloway as Dustpaw/Dustpelt, Micheal Emerson as Longtail, Harold Perrineau as Ravenpaw, Kevin McKidd as Redtail, Jessica Capshaw as Willowpelt, l, Gerad Butler as Patchpelt, Ellen Pompeo as Frostfur, Kate Winlet as Speckletail, Elizabeth Mitchell as Brindleface, Kevin Spacy as Scorce, Sasha Alexander as Mistyfoot, Aaron Tveit as Stonefur, Haley Joel Osmen as Bramblepaw, Morgan York as Cinderpaw/Cinderpelt, Jake T. Austin as Cloudpaw/Cloudtail

Chapter 1: Where The River Flows

The sun had already broke through the camp as Fireheart and Spottedleaf return from Sunningrocks, saying their finale farewells to Graystripe as he journeys to live in his new found Clan, RiverClan….Later that morning Spottedleaf went up to her sister. Tears still linger in her eyes. Spottedleaf took several long breaths before approaching her sister, her brother in-law and Mousefur. They were eating their meal when she arrived back at camp with Fireheart that morning, after returning from Sunningrocks where she said her farewell to her nephew and his kits.

"Morning Spottedleaf care for some fresh kill?" Willowpelt asks.

Spottedleaf shook her head. Whitestorm looks at her, "Why the lone face there. You look like you witness a death."

Spottedleaf took a deep breath, "Whitestorm, Willowpelt, can I have a word with you…" Then she eyes Mousefur who looks up at her in that moment. Then Spottedleaf moves in closer to her sister and her mate, "In my den please…I need to tell you something privately."

Willowpelt cast a glance at her sister and then to her mate. Whitestorm nodded to Spottedleaf and then turns to Mousefur, "Tell Fireheart I will be out patrolling later."

Spottedleaf already informed Fireheart that both her sister and Whitestorm will not be doing anything. He knows that she will be telling them that their son left ThunderClan. Spottedleaf made her way inside her den. She waited until her sister is comfortable with her swollen belly of her unborn kits. "What is it Spottedleaf?" Willowpelt asks.

Spottedleaf took a moment not wanting to say the words. "I want you to hear this from me, instead of coming to terms from another cat of the Clan."

Willowpelt drew in a curious and worried glance, "Okay….Spottedleaf you are really freaking me out…what is going on?"

"It's about Graystripe." Spottedleaf stated.

"Yes….we, know he left to….drop off the kits at Sunningrocks to RiverClan…he should be coming back here soon…he is just out…probably hunt.." Willowpelt started to say but trails off when she saw her sister's face and tears formed in Spottedleaf's eyes.

Tears fell from Spottedleaf's sad amber eyes. Spottedleaf looks at her sister, and her sister's face fell. Spottedleaf was hesitant to say the words that she knows will break Willowpelt. "Willowpelt….Graystripe left to go with his kits. He….he left ThunderClan, and is now living in RiverClan."

Willowpelt stood up and eyes her sister, "No….no my son would never do that!"

"Sis.. that is where I just came from just now…" Spottedleaf looks at Willowpelt who was now in tears with her mate. Spottedleaf moved closer to her, "He told me he had to follow his hear…"

Hearing these words, Willowpelt lost it. In mid sentence as Spottedleaf spoke to her, Willowpelt slashes her sister across her face. Blood oozed out on Spottedleaf's right cheek. Willowpelt cries out, "To hell with you! My baby boy left his Clan! I tried to be a good mother to him, and now you tell me he left to be with his dead lover's Clan!" Willowpelt eyes her sister and then storms out of her den crying as tears fell heavily on the ground.

Spottedleaf stood there shaking as her own heart was smashed to the ground. She turns to Whitestorm who was sobbing just as hard was his mate. He looks to Spottedleaf. Then in defeated he bowed his head. In a low voice he spoke to her, "What was his reasoning to leave his Clan? I want to know Spottedleaf."

In that moment Whitestorm didn't judge or bash at his son. Spottedleaf chocked up on her words as she spoke to him, "He told me and Fireheart that no one in the Clan, wanted him anymore, because of him breaking the warrior code to be with Silverstream. I'm so sorry Whitestorm…"

Whitestorm nodded silently and looks at her tears staining the ground before him, "Don't be sorry…you have nothing to be sorry for…It's me who should be sorry."

Spottedleaf's voice cracked, "Why do you say…"

Whitestorm eyes her and interrupts her sentience, "I wasn't there for him when he needed me. I was more concern of being a warrior and following the code that I forgot to be father to my own son, who need my help. I turned my back on him. I shunned him…..I failed my own kit Speckles. We both failed him as parents."

Spottedleaf looks at the warrior who once held wisdom in his strong body. Now she is seeing the old warrior look so weak and broken. "I tried to tell him that you two still love him, and try to reason with him that you don't hate him…..but he already made him his mind, even before he said his goodbye to me." She looks at Whitestorm he lost his strength. And he cries out his broken heart. Spottedleaf embraced him and held her brother in- law. Spottedleaf mummers to him, "Tell your mate, this…I know she is not in a good place right now…but I got to let you two know this. He told me that he had to follow his own heart. He will always still love you and Willowpelt. He wants to give his kits the same amount of love to them as you gave to him. He didn't think you failed him Whitestorm….he still loves both of you. And you did everything you could to raise him and he knows that. You did not failed him as a parent."

Whitestorm looks at her and nods to her words. Then he turns to slowly leave her turn. Before he heads out of her den he looks to her, "Spottedleaf…thank you….for telling us…and.." Whitestorm chocked back on his words. "Just…thanks.."

Spottedleaf nodded to him, and watch as the old warrior left her den. Cinderpaw stayed in the back, she heard the whole commotion. She looks at her mentor as Spottedleaf came to find her.

"Spottedleaf…are you.." Cinderpaw started to say, but stopped her self as she can tell her mentor is not alright. "I can mange without you….you need to take an absence."

"You heard?" Spottedleaf asks, trying to keep a strong voice but was failing.

Cinderpaw nodded. "Go…I'll be fine."

Spottedleaf nodded as she slowly made her way to her own nest. She barely made it to her bedding when she broke down again and sobbed. The pain she had to endure of letting her sister's son go, and then telling her sister that Graystripe left her Clan. The little strength she had to left in her, broke away in that moment. Spottedleaf couldn't hold back her cries, as she morns the fact that Graystripe is now gone.

…..

Spottedleaf soon cried to sleep. Her sleep then lead to a dream. She was at the cave. The very same cave she took Fireheart to, where they had united their souls. In the cave stood a lone figure. His silver coat was outlined by a glow of light. It was a spirit from StarClan. The figure turns and eyes Spottedleaf with its glowing amber eyes. At first Spottedleaf thought it was Tigerclaw, but then as the figure steps out of the darkness, and into the light, she realized it was her former mentor.

The figure came to her and stopped. He didn't look directly at her when he stated his message to her. "At moonrise tonight you will give your apprentice her medicine cat name."

His voice was calm however his eyes tell a different story. His eyes held the look of disappointment, and anger towards her. Spottedleaf looks at her dear old friend. She knows why he is disappointed because of her choice of mating with Fireheart, when she is still bound by the medicine cat code. For the first time her mentor did not look at her but looked pasted her.

Spottedleaf went ahead and broke the ice, "I'm sorry Featherwhisker…."

Featherwhisker looks at his former apprentice which he had grew very found of, "Sorry doesn't cut it. You broke your oath with us! You knew what you had to give up when you choose to take on the life of a medicine cat!"

Spottedleaf looks at her mentor, "I know…..but Featherwhisker, I didn't know back then that I would of fall in love."

"That is no excuse Spottedleaf, you broke your commitment to us!" Featherwhisker growls.

"I know it is no excuse. But I can't…..be ThunderClan's medicine cat with being in love with Fireheart. I've tried to push it away, but each time it grew stronger and stronger….and it makes me lose my focus. How can I be ThunderClan's medicine cat, if my heart is torn in two." Spottedleaf cries.

Featherwhisker looks at her, "If you truly love him, you will let him go."

"I can't do that Featherwhisker….if I let him go and I see him with another she-cat, it will kill me inside. That is why I am stepping down, and let Cinderpaw take my place. She is good with cats, and has my rare gift that Goosefeather saw in me when I was a young kit." Spottedleaf pointed out.

Featherwhisker eyes held his anger firm. But then he soften them, "My brother has spoke to me when he saved you from your untimely death. He sees the same path as Goosefeather sees. As much as I greatly disapprove of it, I have to let you follow that path. According to Goosefeather and Spottedpelt, it is your destiny." Featherwhisker looks at her and then tears fell from his eyes. The tears that fell from his face sparkled around him. He took a moment and then stood up, "At moonrise, you will give her name…Her name has already been chosen by the great leader of ThunderClan. Take care Spottedleaf, and may StarClan be with you."

…

Spottedleaf and Cinderpaw left that afternoon to travel to Mothermouth. The last of the dying rays light the sky as Spottedleaf and Cinderpelt waited until moonrise. When it was finally dark, the light of the moon rays shown in the Highstones caves, making it look like it is sparkling with StarClan's spirits. Spottedleaf was first to approach the glowing stones. She bows her head and places her nose to the stone. As soon as she did that light flashes out of the stone and soon many warrior spirits gather around Spottedleaf and Cinderpaw.

Spottedleaf looks at her apprentice and then looks onto her fellow warrior ancestors as she began the naming ceremony, "I Spottedleaf, medicine cat of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice, she has trained so hard to understand the way of a medicine cat and with your help she will serve her Clan for many moons."

Spottedleaf pauses as she looks into Cinderpaw's blue gaze, "Cinderpaw, do you uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan, and protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your own life?"

Cinderpaw held her gaze with confidence. Then with a bold voice she proudly spoke, "I do."

Spottedleaf smiles to her and then closes her eyes. She heard a whisper from a spirit from an ascent Clan. Then Spottedleaf gazes at her former teacher and he nodded for her to continue on, "Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. Cinderpaw, from this moment you will be known as Cinderpelt. StarClan honors your courage as well as your humble heart to care for those who need your help."

Cinderpelt eyes her fellow members of ThunderClan. In the mist of the crowd she sees her own father. He looks down on his daughter and smiles at her. So proud of her. Spottedleaf looks at her mentor. He nodded for that and then slowly descent in the night. Then there is another warrior that looked almost like Spottedleaf's mother but it wasn't. Spottedleaf was going to see who it was, but the light dimed as the StarClan warriors went back to the skies.

….

The following afternoon Spottedleaf and Cinderpelt return back from their journey to the Highstones, Cinderpelt dashes away to go see her mother and tell her about her new name. Spottedleaf sees her sister laying in the sunlight as well as Brindleface close by watching her kits rolling around in a scuff. Spottedleaf can tell her sister is still devastated about Graystripe leaving ThunderClan. Spottedleaf was going to turn and head to the elders den when Brindleface called her over.

Spottedleaf went and sat down beside Brindleface, "I overheard Cinderpaw talking that she is now a full medicine cat now."

"Yes...we just got back just now…and her name is Cinderpelt." Spottedleaf replies.

"Pardon me on that….just so used to her being an apprentice." Brindleface purrs.

Spottedleaf smiles to that, and looks over at her sister, "How is she?"

"I don't know…she wouldn't say. After yesterday morning she had slipped into a depress state. I tried to get her to eat, but she wouldn't. What did you say to her that made her upset?" Brindleface asks.

Spottedleaf didn't want to reveal the truth about Graystripe leaving, to anyone besides Whitestorm and her sister. Finally Spottedleaf responded to her question, "It's not my place to tell."

"But I am your sister in-law." Brindleface stated, "We are still a family."

Spottedleaf closes her eyes for a brief moment, then readjust them to gaze into Brindleface's eyes, "True…but again, not my place to share. If Willowpelt wants to share, then it is up to her. I am keeping the matter to myself."

Brindleface shrugs at that, then switches the topic, "Well since Cinderpelt is now a medicine cat, where will you be at?"

Spottedleaf smiles, "Where do all retired cats go after stepping down from their duties."

"Oh don't tell me you are going to retire to the elders den? You're still too young to go there." Brindleface stated.

"That is where I am going to be there soon. Besides, Cinderpelt will be a great medicine cat. But until I feel she is fully ready to take on the responsibly I will still remain in the medicine cat den." Spottedleaf smiles.

Just then she spots Fireheart returning from the gorse tunnel. He makes his way to the Highrock, passing the nursery just briefly. Brindleface whispers to her, "Fireheart has been keeping himself busy. If you ask me, he has his paws full."

Spottedleaf looks at to where her mate is. He seemed frustrated as he tries to take on the deputy duties. She can see his worries and his in confidence in himself. She looks back to Brindleface, "It takes time to adjust to the new position."

Brindleface looks at her, "Your bother didn't seem to have that bad of an issue when he was deputy…..Fireheart is a nice warrior, but I don't think he has what it takes to lead this Clan."

That stung Spottedleaf. Then she spat at her sister in-law, "Fireheart does have what it takes! You see what he did when he confronted Tigerclaw….Fireheart is a terrific warrior, and a good one too. And he has great potential to lead! Besides every cat adjust in their own way. Give him a chance will you…."

Brindleface looks at her, "Okay…sorry Spottedleaf…" Then she eyes her, "What is with you? You seem to be out of your character since….well since Bluestar exiled Tigerclaw."

Spottedleaf realize what she could have almost revealed. She then recovers her ground, "Sorry…just….had a long journey, and well…..you know how much Tigerclaw is rooted in me….it still hurts." Brindleface nodded to that and didn't comment back.

"We all know how much Tigerclaw was rooted in you Speckles." A familiar voice made both Brindleface and Spottedleaf turn to see who it was. Whitestorm approaches the two female she-cats. The old tom looks at Spottedleaf, "It's okay to be hurt. To be honest, everyone is still trying to recover. They might put on a show saying they are fine, when actually they are still torn up inside."

"Do you think Fireheart will be a good deputy?" Spottedleaf asks.

"Yes….I just reassured him just now...and it takes some getting used to being the deputy. Bluestar had to readjust herself when taking second in command. Don't fret to much about him. He is a fine warrior, and has great leadership skills." Whitestorm gave a wink to Spottedleaf and a kind smile. Then he turns to Brindleface, "So what was it that you need to talk to me about?"

"Oh right…will you excuse me Spottedleaf?" Brindleface asks.

Spottedleaf nodded, as she let her sister in-law and Whitestorm to talk. Spottedleaf passes her sister. She walks up to her and smiles to her, "How are you feeling?"

Willowpelt looks at her with sorrowful eyes, "What does it look like?"

Spottedleaf knows that was a stupid thing to say. She curls her tail on hers, "Is there anything you want me to do?"

They both know what Willowpelt really wanted, but that wasn't going to happen. Willowpelt closes her eyes and places her paw on her sisters. She soon begins to shed tears and in a low whisper she said, "Stay…"Spottedleaf nodded as she stayed there to comfort her sister for as long as she needed.

Spottedleaf watches as Goldenflower's kits, Bramblekit and Tawnykit. She then saw the same features in Bramblekit that made Spottedleaf's fur prickle. He was the exact same image as his father Tigerclaw.

Just then Spottedleaf sees Fireheart approaching. He did seemed to be lost in thought and very into his own thoughts. She notice as she stopped and glared at Bramblekit. Goldenflower moves in to protect her kits and looking up at Fireheart.

There was tension there for a moment, but Fireheart was the one to calm it, "Your…your kits look healthy."

"It's Tawnykit's first time out of the nursery." Goldenflower told him.

"They've grown quickly," Fireheart commented.

Then Spottedleaf notice that Goldenflower padded up to him and said to him something that she could not hear. Just then Whitestorm came out of the nursery and made his way to Fireheart. Goldenflower dismisses herself from Fireheart and turn her attention back onto her kits.

"Brindleface thinks her two remaining kits are ready to begin their training." Spottedleaf heard Whitestorm stated to Fireheart.

"Does Bluestar know?" Fireheart asks the old warrior.

Whitestorm shook his head in disappointment, "Brindleface wanted to share the news with Bluestar herself, but she hasn't visited the nursery in days."

Spottedleaf couldn't hear what Whitestorm is saying to Fireheart. Spottedleaf nuzzles her sister to comfort her. Willowpelt looks into her soft amber eyes, "I'm sorry sis.."

Spottedleaf pulls back, "For what?"

"For my behavior the other day….I shouldn't have taken out on you like that." Willowpelt meows.

Spottedleaf sighs, "You don't have to apologize. You lost someone who is close to you. You were heart broken. If I had a kit that was close to me too, I would have latched out at me. It is the mother instinct in you."

Willowpelt nodded, "Still it wasn't right. Especially since you tried to bring him back."

Spottedleaf licked her ear. Then Spottedleaf looks into the eyes of Fireheart as he passes by them. A sympathy look came on him, as he looks at Spottedleaf. Spottedleaf watches as he disappears into Bluestar's den.

Whitestorm's presence seem to distract Spottedleaf from watching Fireheart go into the leader's den. Willowpelt nuzzles her mate. Spottedleaf looks at Whitestorm and he nodded for her to go.

Spottedleaf moves away from her sister and her mate as she makes her way to the corner of the clearing near the Highrock. Spottedleaf warms herself in the bright sunlight as it shines beautifully on her silky dappled coat. Since Spottedleaf is getting soon to retire, she is letting Cinderpelt run the den.

"I thought you will be more in the medicine cat den, not out here…" meows a friendly voice.

Spottedleaf looks up from where she was laying and sees her brother standing above her. Spottedleaf let out a small chuckle. "Hey Patch."

"Hey yourself….." Patchpelt settles down beside her.

"To answer you, Cinderpelt is handling. I actually got kicked out of the den by her this morning." Spottedleaf stated.

"Wow…wait who is Cinderpelt?" Patchpelt asks.

"It's Cinderpaw. She got her medicine cat name last night." Spottedleaf stated.

"Ah…I see that is why Yellowfang was the 'filler' in the medicine cat den. Smallear was groaning about it yesterday evening…I just figure that you and Cinderpaw…er, I mean, Cinderpelt were out collecting herbs or something. Never occur to me that you were going to Highstones. How come you never told me, you where going on a trip?" Patchpelt looks at her.

"I can't tell you. You know that…it is only between medicine cats." Spottedleaf replies.

Patchpelt nods, "I know I was just teasing…." Then on a side note he added in, "So what is this whole thing of kicking you out of your den about?"

Spottedleaf smiles, "She wants to fly solo for today. Without my help. She wants to prove she can do it. Besides I can use a little vacation time."

Patchpelt smiles to his little sister. "I'm proud of you….my little sister…all grown up. Her apprentice has left to coop, and flying solo." When he did that he made little bird wings as a mockery.

That made Spottedleaf laugh. She had to admit that her older brother knew how to cheer her up and make her smile, and forget about her troubles. That is what she admires and loves that quality about him.

After she settles down from her laughter, Patchpelt asks her one final question, "So Speckles, after you feel that Cinderpelt is ready to take on the medicine cat role, where are you going to go."

Spottedleaf sighs, "I will retire and move into the elders den, once I feel she is ready to mange without me, and that she too feels confident."

"You seem a little too early for elderly life….." Patchpelt looks onto her. "Do you really want to share the same den as all of us cranky old fleabags?"

Spottedleaf gave Patchpelt a playful swat. Just then Halftail shouted, "Hey…Patch…while we are still young. Come on, Smallear's driving me insane.!"

Patchpelt sighs, "Well I got to go, see you around….Speckles."

Spottedleaf watches her brother as he joins Halftail to go do elderly things. Just then she notice that Fireheart is coming to her. She was happy to see him again. Although he had a look of frustration and worry all at once.

"Hey…" Fireheart sighs.

"Hey yourself…." Spottedleaf smiles as he plops in a heap in beside her. "You look like you are having a rough day."

"Rough…all around…" Fireheart mumbles.

Spottedleaf smiles even more when his tail touches hers briefly. Then she sighs, "Okay…let it all out. What is eating you?"

Fireheart knows he can't hide his troubles from his secrete mate. She knows him all too well, "Me being deputy. I feel like I am a constant screw up." Fireheart looks at her as she smiles brightly and then he stated, "It's not funny…"

"I not laughing at you,,…" Spottedleaf stops the smile, "Fireheart you are not a screw up…..you are managing quite well."

"No I'm not. I made a complete fool of myself sending out patrols this morning. And I can't even get Cloudpaw to even listen to me as I try and teach him." Fireheart eyes her.

Spottedleaf closes her eyes for a moment, then readjust them to his. In a soft tone she gave words of encouragement, "Fireheart, you only have been a deputy for a few days now. No one expects you to get it right away. Being deputy is a learning curve. You have the great skills to lead, I seen it in you. Look back on how you managed to organize an attack brigade when Brokentail invaded our camp, last leafbare. No one doubted you then, you have saved the Clan. You have the right tools to use in your leadership, you just don't know how to use them. It takes time and experience. You'll get there.."

Fireheart looks deep into her eyes just then. He can't help but to show his affection toward her. "Thank you…"

Spottedleaf let out a comfortable purr for him. "You're welcome."

Fireheart gets up and stretches, "How do you know the right words to say to make me feel better."

Spottedleaf smiles, "Because of one of my gifts from StarClan. And because…..well," Spottedleaf pauses briefly then in a soft voice, she stated her next words as a low whisper, "Well because I love you."

That made Fireheart smile even more. He mouth his the words back to her. Then Fireheart trotted off to the apprentice den. Spottedleaf went back to her cat nap, as the sun warmed her. Although after Fireheart left Spottedleaf's side he became aggregated again. Spottedleaf thought to herself, maybe tonight, I should share tongues with him. To sooth his frustrations.

As soon as she thought those words the returning warriors from the patrols came through the gorse tunnel. She saw as Fireheart dashes over to Darkstripe and Dustpelt. The rest of the afternoon she was worried for him.

As the sun began to sink below the tree tops, Spottedleaf ate with her older brother and some of the other elders. When they heard Bluestar's call for a Clan meeting Spottedleaf made her way to the Highrock. When she was walking over she bumps into Fireheart.

"Umpf…"

"Oh I'm sorry Fireheart are you okay?" Spottedleaf meows.

"I'm good." Fireheart stated. He looks at the crowed, "You want to sit with me."

Spottedleaf gave a kind smile, "I would love to…but you're deputy now. You have a special seat to sit for Clan meetings. But don't worry, I will sit where you can see me."

Fireheart nodded. He moves a head of her to go to the spot where Tigerclaw used to be. Spottedleaf settles herself in between Runningwind and Mousefur. A spot where Fireheart has a good view to see her. The sinking sun made Fireheart's fur glow of fire. In this moment he looks completely handsome, and it made Spottedleaf's heart thumped in her chest.

Dustpelt and Darkstripe both took their places at the front. Once the rest of the Clan was gathered, Bluestar began the meeting. "We are here today to give two Clan kits their apprentice names." Bluestar pause for a brief moment. A silent hush feel over the Clan as they were just as excited as the two kits that were beside Brindleface. Bluestar nodded to the two kits and softly order them, "Come forward." The two kits padded side by side to the center of the clearing. There little gray coasts bristle with anticipation.

"Dustpelt," meows Bluestar. "You will be mentor to Ashpaw."

Spottedleaf watched as Dustpelt walks up to stand beside his new apprentice. "Dustpelt," Bluestar continues on, "this will be your first apprentice. Share your courage and determination with him. I know you will train him well, but don't be afraid to turn to the senior warriors for advice." Dustpelt's eyes gleamed with pride as he looked at Bluestar. Then he bent down and touch noses with his new apprentice.

Spottedleaf watch as they both walk to the outer edge of the circle as Bluestar continues on with the next kit. "Darkstripe," there was a brief moment of pause when the leader said the warrior's name. Spottedleaf was unsure if Bluestar trusts Darkstripe or not, but whatever that Spottedleaf thought disappears as Bluestar went on, "You will be a mentor to Fernpaw." The dark tabby moves to stand beside the small she-cat.

"Darkstripe, you are intelligent and bold. Pass on all you can to this young apprentice." Bluestar concludes.

"Certainly," Darkstripe promises his leader. He then bent down and touch noses with his new apprentice. When Darkstripe and Fernpaw took their places with Dustpelt and Ashpaw, the Clan cheered for the two new apprentices.

Cats began to break the circle and went to congratulate the two new apprentices as well as the newly appointed mentors. Spottedleaf goes and congratulate her nephew. "Congrats Darkstripe….."

Darkstripe looks past her and doesn't respond to her. But when Longtail goes and congratulate him, he takes notice. Runningwind was beside her when he did that. He softly whispers to her, "Don't take it personally Spottedleaf. He does that to a lot of us."

Spottedleaf nodded to him and moves on to Dustpelt, "Congrats Dustpelt. You will make a fine mentor, just like your father."

Dustpelt beamed at her, "Thanks Spottedleaf. He trained your brother right?"

Patchpelt walks up, "Yes he did I was his apprentice."

Spottedleaf steps in, "Come on Patch….Dustpelt and Ashpaw, don't need to hear your long tales of your apprenticeship."

That seem to put a smile on Ashpaw, "I wouldn't mind. I want to hear all about it!"

Dustpelt eyes Spottedleaf and then to his apprentice, "Maybe some other time."

Spottedleaf dismisses herself from the small cluster of cats as she makes her way to her den. There Cinderpelt has organized everything and made the herbs for the next day. Spottedleaf came to her, "So did everything go smoothly?"

"Sort of…." Cinderpelt stated.

"What do you mean sort of?" Spottedleaf asks.

"One of the herbs I accidently dumped into the small pool of water, and then messed up one of the ointments for aching joints to put on Smallear this afternoon….and then forgot to add juniberries in with one of the paste." Cinderpelt confess. "Face it I am a disaster over here. I will be the worst clumsy Medicine Cat that ThunderClan brought up."

Spottedleaf sighs, "It happens."

Cinderpelt looks at her, "You're not mad?"

"No….Cinderpelt, it takes time to get everything right. You'll get there." Spottedleaf stated.

"No I won't. I'll never be as good as you." Cinderpelt grunted.

"Oh even I had issues during my apprenticeship when I started out. Did a lot of stupid things. But you know what I did to overcome this…" Spottedleaf stated.

Cinderpelt shook her head, as if she does not know the answer. Spottedleaf looks at her with soft eyes, "I learned from my errors, and try, and try and keep trying until I was confident. And another thing, when I was struggling I also asked for help." Spottedleaf stated the last one carefully. Dropping the hint to her apprentice.

Cinderpelt picked it up, "I'm sorry Spottedleaf…I should have come and get you when I need the help. I was stupid and reckless."

"No you weren't stupid, you wanted to prove yourself that you can do it….your pride is what got to you.." Spottedleaf stated. "Well I will be there with you tomorrow. So you will get things right, this time. And Cinderpelt, don't take this as a failure moment, but as a learning moment. You are not a failure, I didn't choose you because you are a disable cat. I choose you because you have the same spirit as I did when I was an apprentice. You reminded a lot of my through my youth."

Cinderpelt's frown slowly disappears to Spottedleaf's remark. She softly gave her thanks, "Thank you Spottedleaf."

"Now get some sleep. You'll need every ounce of your energy tomorrow." Spottedleaf stated.

Cinderpelt nodded as she makes her way to her nest. Spottedleaf went to go to the place where she keeps all of her stored herbs and mixes. For Cinderpelt's first day alone, she wasn't too bad. Then she notice the messed up attempts of mixing herbs. Spottedleaf sighs as she gathers the shells and begins to clean up Cinderpelt's mistakes.

The moonlight lit up her small clearing. She managed to clean one of the tortoise shells when she heard paw steps coming up to her den. Fireheart soon appears in her clearing. Spottedleaf stops what she is doing and eyes him.

He moves to her and then embraces her in a long soothing kiss. Spottedleaf longed for this moment of kissing him since that night when they confine their love for each other, and mated for the first time. She got a sense he was yearning for the same thing too, now that Graystripe left to be with RiverClan. She was the only one who can center him right now.

After what feels like moons, they finally settle down from their make out session. Spottedleaf moves him in a small clearing where she treats sick cats. There they snuggle together in a soft nest as she gently sooths his worries and frustrations by sharing tongues with him, tenderly.

"Do you want to tell me what has really been bugging you lately?" Spottedleaf licks Fireheart's strong shoulder.

Fireheart looks at her with sorrowful eyes, "My apprentice Cloudpaw. Ever since…..well ever since I had been made deputy, he has been….careless of my orders. And has been very disobedient to the code. I don't know what to do Spottedleaf. I am just so lost right now."

Spottedleaf stops licking his shoulder and gazes into her mate's emerald eyes, "Well….training family members of your own blood is not an easy task. Redtail had the exact same problem with trying to but Tigerclaw in his place, when he was a young kit."

"How do you get them to listen?" Fireheart asks.

"You can't." Spottedleaf stated. A confused look came on Fireheart's face. "He has to learn on his own. He may seem impossible right now, but he will get there."

Fireheart sighs, "If he gets there….I don't think he wants to be a Clan cat."

Spottedleaf nuzzles him, "Oh Fireheart, he does. I see the way he is around Cinderpelt. He wants to be part of this Clan. Also he respects you….a lot. He looks up to you. He may seem impossible, and really stubborn right now, but if you look past that, he really admires you."

Fireheart looks into her soft amber eyes, "Maybe you are right…still why does he behave the way he does."

Spottedleaf let's out a chuckle, "Because you are his uncle, and in some ways, he thinks you kind of take up being his father. It is a family dynamitic thing. Graystripe was like that the longest time with Patchpelt."

Fireheart looks up at StarClan, then he looks back at her, "I miss him so much Spottedleaf. I feel so lonely without him."

Spottedleaf presses her nose to his check and tenderly nuzzles him. "I know….I'm sure he misses you too."

Fireheart looks at her and his eyes sparkle in the night, "But I am so glad that you are here. You center me when no one else does."

Spottedleaf closes the gap and kisses him so tenderly it made her own heart ache. They kiss for several heartbeats when Fireheart is the one to break the kiss leaving Spottedleaf feeling breathless. "I got to go. I'm leading the dawn patrol tomorrow. Thanks again for everything. I just wish…." Fireheart pauses as he looks at her. "I just wish I had more time to see you, and be with you, like the night where we, made love."

Spottedleaf sighs, "I know….."

"I want to make love to you again." Fireheart confess.

"You will….but not at this time. You need to first manage and get in routine of being deputy. It may seem tough at first, but you'll find your way through it. My brother did, when he was deputy, and managed to find time to be with his mate." Spottedleaf stated.

Fireheart nodded to her words, "How do you know what to say?"

Spottedleaf smiles and a giddy laugh came out. Fireheart couldn't help himself as he goes in and kisses her again. Spottedleaf melted in his embrace, as she kisses him deeply. Then he pulls back and stares into her loving eyes. "I love you Spottedleaf, you are so incredibly beautiful."

Spottedleaf's nuzzles her nose to his, "I love you to, my love. But you have to go to your den before someone finds out that you are missing." Fireheart nodded and he kissed her one last time. Then he turns to leave the small clearing in Spottedleaf's medicine den.