Here's the beginning of my new story. This story is pretty much my take of what happened to certain characters during and after the battle that takes place in The Last Hope. Spoilers for all books. Hope you enjoy!

Thistleclaw tensed, glaring into the burning blue eyes of the warrior before him. Ivypool's words echoed through his mind and he hesitated before spinning around, retreating from battle. Blood roared in his ears as he crashed through ShadowClan territory, making no attempt to hide himself from enemies. His heart raced as he slowed to a stop, panting. The battle-torn tom did not recognize the territory, despite the almost endless patrols his former apprentice had sent them on.

He clawed at the ground in frustration. I had thought he would become a great leader, he thought. Perhaps Tigerstar had, but not in the way even Thistleclaw imagined. Even during his short time in StarClan, he had ignored the warning signs. Denied what he had turned that once enthusiastic young tom into.

"StarClan!" he spat. His place was once there, among his fellow Clan mates, until Bluestar joined the ranks. She had chased him out, screeching and snapping at his heels. She cast him away from his kin. From his Clan. She accused him of being a traitor, so he became one. A wave of what felt like exhaustion swept over the dead cat. Had he truly wanted domination over the cats he was not permitted to know? Or had every training partner taken on the appearance of her? Tabby, gray, mottled furs turned blue, her accusations echoing through his head.

"She is the only one I want gone," he snarled up at the stars that had abandoned him many moons ago. Except for one. Thistleclaw searched the black sky for a single star. If only he could-

"I'm down here, Thistleclaw."

Thistleclaw whipped around. There stood his mate, tall and proud, with fur as white as the snow she was named after. He legs grew weak as Snowfur approached, her eyes filled with love and grief. She smells of oak trees and starlight and simply her.

"Snowfur," the deep meow almost came out as a whimper. He pressed against his mate and they sat there, the screeches of battle moons away. The she-cat broke the silence with a sight.

"I was hoping I wouldn't see you here," she confessed.

"I would be on your side if it weren't for your sister."

She looked up at him. "Would you?"

"Of course!" his eyes widened. "I would turn against all allies for you."

"But you helped Tigerstar plan this."

"He would have killed me. Or worse, you."

Snowfur did not reply, but sighed again. However, Thistleclaw saw the betrayal in her eyes. Was it directed at him or some other cat? "I still love you," he murmured.

"And I love you," the she-cat's shoulders sagged, her head hung low. "I just.. I wish this never happened. I wish there had been something we could have done to change this."

Thistleclaw stared ahead, lost in thought. "What if there was some way to avoid this?" At her curious gaze, he sprang to his paws. "We don't have to take part in this! We don't have to go back."

Snowfur stared at him. "Yes we do!" she shot back. "We'll surely fade if we don't."

"We all fade eventually. You know that."

"I can't leave Mosskit and Whitestorm!" Thistleclaw flinched at his son's name. "He doesn't hate you, you know." Snowfur paused and suddenly lit up, surprising her mate. "Come to StarClan with me. I don't care what the others think!" she added when he opened his mouth to protest. "There are plenty of cats who belong in the Dark Forest if you do. Please, Thistleclaw! I've been without you for seasons."

The tom sighed. The starry cats would no doubt have to pass judgement on him. He would be with his family, though, if they agreed. Sweetpaw and Rosetail, he thought with a pang of grief. Swallowing, he looked at his mate. "Alright," he said. "I'll come. But if they say no-"

"I'll protect you," Snowfur growled, matching Thistleclaw's own usual fierceness.

Warmth spread through the warrior and he pressed against Snowfur with a gentleness only she knew. "I love you, Snowfur," he murmured as he stared upwards, imagining his star alongside hers.